Everything I read in March
passed down like folk songs
Since folks here [in March] to an absurd degree, seem fixated on [all things] verdigris… I’ve added a Wicked twist to this month’s reading recap!
Something has changed within me
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Some may say “brain chemistry altering,” I’m going to go with “brain chemistry illuminating.” This is my new obsession.
Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn by Sarah J Maas
Switching from eyeball-reading to headphone-reading was a game changer with the Throne of Glass tandem read. (Using the check list note-method and “end of chapter” timer setting on Audible make it really simple.)
While these were not necessarily “life changing” for me, they are fundamental to the Throne of Glass series which has already become an fundamental text in my personal canon.
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Who knows why I’m continually surprised by how much I adore Ali Hazelwood’s romance novels, because we all know she does nothing but deliver. Her writing is so sharp, witty, and hilarious every time!
This kinky, college romance will not be forgotten, and will be continuously recommended.
Popular!
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
Going straight into this audiobook, masterfully narrated by White Michelle Williams, from The Bell Jar was a masterclass in feminine ennui. Then Lady Gaga gifted us with the bop “Perfect Celebrity” and the recipe was set perfection for my reception of this memoir.
Then I was primed to fall for this immaculate April Fools post:
(it really is in development for a biopic adaptation from Jon Chu)
Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven
This was a one-and-done YA romantasy. I scooped the audio from Book of the Month, and was pleasantly surprised! It was the ultimate fated-mates, right person but not enough time romance! Centuries of yearning. As it follows two souls across a millennia, it has the vibes of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, but with actual exploration of cultures and places beyond Europe and the United States.
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl… but I’m not that girl
Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
I finally read the iconic young adult fantasy duology. I think this series handled the separation (and amnesia) of the main characters really well. I couldn’t help but compare to Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series. While a very different story, I think these books created intricate political and mythological systems I found myself invested in without getting bored.
I understand why people love these books, but I fear they were a bit forgettable for me.
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
I devoured this audiobook and was so excited to have a new romantasy series to obsess over. CUT TO: book 2 [see unadulterated loathing section below] it sucks. I hate it. The writing is atrocious. Think Disney Chanel Dialogue with CW level angst. Interesting world but horrible central character. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! SAVE YOURSELF!
Unusually and exceedingly peculiar and all together quite impossible to describe
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
Jen’s writing is fun and quirky in a way that just appeals to my constant stream of consciousness. However, the plot and characters didn't particularly do it for me. Like I didn't dislike them, but they weren't obsession-worthy.
Great audiobook production! Shoutout to full sentence named girls! (And it was the beginning of my imperative era!)
Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth
A great book club pick and a total departure from my comfort zone. (a short little domestic horror that nearly made me yack at my desk, and again at the meeting) Some of the writing was delightful and right up my alley, but ultimately the genre and central themes are just not my vibes so it was an overall miss for me.
Woes are fleeting, blows are glancing
The Make-Up Test by Jenny L Howe
The best grand gesture ever written! Academia rivals-to-lovers, second chance romance, plus size rep, and miscommunication galore?!
I enjoyed this book, but unfortunately I didn't like the protagonist at all. She's the most unfunny FMC I've read in a long time.
Unadulterated Loathing
Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole
The second book in this series. IT IS SOOOOOO BAD. I actually hated it. The FMC is the worst heroine ever written. Luther (the “love interest”) held me hostage through this book, but don’t worry I’m not falling for it again! I have DNF’d the sereies!
Some others on GoodReads who say it better than I could:
Hyper-fixation du jour: Las Culturistas
Shoutout to friend of the stack Will$ for getting me back on my Las Culturistas grind. Another friend of the stack, Alica also gets it! If you want to have fun and keep up to date on relevant culture, I 10/10 recommend this podcast.
If you want to purchase any of the books mentioned in this article, please consider using my affiliate link with my favorite independent book store, The Ripped Bodice, or using my referral link to libro.fm for an audiobook!
I am such a Kayteigh it hurts