Today’s post covers the second half of the books I read in March 2022. I shared the first half of the books I read here. My top books of the month can be found here (although I do have one more 5 star read to share today). I will be linking up this post with the Show Us Your Books Link Up, and the Amazon links to the books I’ve read are affiliate links and if you use them and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. If you’ve read any of these books or are interested in them, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Title: Right Where I Left You
Author: Julian Winters
Genre: YA Rom Com
Publisher: Viking Books For Young Readers, 3/15/22
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 3.5 Stars (Rounded up to 4)
Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters is the story of a group of queer teens who enjoy comics and video games. It is about crushes, family, and pride.
“Isaac Martin is ready to kick off summer. His last before heading off to college in the fall where he won’t have his best friend, Diego. Where—despite his social anxiety—he’ll be left to make friends on his own. Knowing his time with Diego is limited, Isaac enacts a foolproof plan: snatch up a pair of badges for the epic comic convention, Legends Con, and attend his first ever Teen Pride. Just him and Diego. But when an unexpected run-in with Davi—Isaac’s old crush—distracts him the day tickets go on sale, suddenly he’s two badges short of a perfect summer. Even worse, now he’s left making it up to Diego by hanging with him and his gamer buddies. Decidedly NOT part of the original plan. It’s not all bad, though. Some of Diego’s friends turn out to be pretty cool, and when things with Davi start heating up, Isaac is almost able to forget about his Legends Con blunder. Almost. Because then Diego finds out what really happened that day with Davi, and their friendship lands on thin ice. Isaac assumes he’s upset about missing the convention, but could Diego have other reasons for avoiding Isaac?”
Isaac is scared to leave his best friend Diego when he goes to college and you can tell he has social anxiety. You can also tell he’s crushing on the wrong guy when Diego is right there! This was a sweet read overall, although maybe a bit long.
Title: Black Love Matters
Author: Jessica P Pryde (ed)
Genre: Non Fiction – Essays
Publisher: Berkley, 2/1/22
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 4 Stars
I’m not sure why I thought Black Love Matters was an anthology of romance stories by Black writers – it wasn’t! Instead, it is an essay collection about writing and reading romance for and by Black writers and readers. I found myself accidentally reading non fiction and even so, I was immersed and interested throughout.
“Romantic love has been one of the most essential elements of storytelling for centuries. But for Black people in the United States and across the diaspora, it hasn’t often been easy to find Black romance joyfully showcased in entertainment media. In this collection, revered authors and sparkling newcomers, librarians and academicians, and avid readers and reviewers consider the mirrors and windows into Black love as it is depicted in the novels, television shows, and films that have shaped their own stories. Whether personal reflection or cultural commentary, these essays delve into Black love now and in the past, including topics from the history of Black romance to social justice and the Black community to the meaning of desire and desirability. Exploring the multifaceted ways love is seen—and the ways it isn’t—this diverse array of Black voices collectively shines a light on the power of crafting happy endings for Black lovers. Jessica Pryde is joined by Carole V. Bell, Sarah Hannah Gomez, Jasmine Guillory, Da’Shaun Harrison, Margo Hendricks, Adriana Herrera, Piper Huguley, Kosoko Jackson, Nicole M. Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Christina C. Jones, Julie Moody-Freeman, and Allie Parker in this collection.”
Many of the essays mentioned how hard it was for Black readers to find books in the romance genre featuring people who looked like them, and when Black characters were included, they rarely had happy endings. Some of the essays address how it is hard for Black writers to be published and supported even now. There were those who addressed intersectionality and how it’s even more difficult to find Black Latinx or Black Queer representation. I noticed that the same authors were cited again and again, because there are so few of them. Even in the romances by Black writers I have on my shelves, it is more likely to find interracial couples than to have them both be Black. This book is important for every reader and especially for romance readers, as it should make us think harder about the books we read and what it is like not to see yourself reflected on the page. Representation matters!
Title: The Fear
Author: Natasha Preston
Genre: YA Thriller
Publisher: Delacorte, 3/1/22
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 3.5 Stars (Rounded down to 3)
The Fear is about a meme that asks the worst way to die. Soon it becomes apparent that someone is killing people in the way they describe when replying to the meme!
“It’s just a stupid meme that’s going around their small fishing town in the dead of winter—people reposting and sharing their biggest fear. But when her classmates start turning up dead—dying in the way that they said scared them the most—Izzy knows it’s no joke. With each death hitting closer to home, Izzy sets out to try to stop the killer. Could her older sister’s friend Tristan have something to do with the deaths? He’s given her some strange vibes. Or what about his brooding cousin, Axel? But he’s in her classes at school. He’s not a murderer . . . is he? Izzy’s soon on a path that will lead her right to the killer . . . and her own worst nightmare.”
Izzy is the main character, and after she finds the first victim, she stumbles onto clues, followed by more of the victims. Even though she wasn’t really even friends with the victims, she starts investigating and getting involved. This was atmospheric, set in winter, and has a twist ending.
Title: Death on the Nile
Author: Agatha Christie
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: William Morrow, 9/29/20 (this cover – originally published in 1937)
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Mystery March – wanted to try Christie
My Rating: 4 Stars
Having never read Agatha Christie before, I was skeptical as to whether I would enjoy her writing. Many times with older books I find the writing a slog to get through. Luckily this was not the case with Death On The Nile and hopefully will not be the case when I read more by her.
“The tranquility of a luxury cruise along the Nile was shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway had been shot through the head. She was young, stylish, and beautiful. A girl who had everything . . . until she lost her life. Hercule Poirot recalled an earlier outburst by a fellow passenger: ‘I’d like to put my dear little pistol against her head and just press the trigger.’ Yet under the searing heat of the Egyptian sun, nothing is ever quite what it seems.”
While Hercule Poirot is on a Nile cruise, there happens to be a murder. It seems to follow him around as he is a well known detective and in fact, he seemed to be investigating the passengers even before anything happened. The detective easily determines what happened and I wondered if the clues were all there from the start and I’m just not as smart as he is! I guess when I watch the movie I will see if the mystery is more obvious than it seemed. I wonder if it is true to the book!
Title: Horror Hotel
Author: Victoria Fulton and Faith McClaren
Genre: YA Thriller
Publisher: Underlined, 2/1/22
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 4 Stars
Horror Hotel is about a group of teen ghost hunters who set out to investigate a disappearance at a haunted hotel. Chrissy is psychic and can see the ghosts that haunt the hotel. She and her friends Chase, Emma, and Kiki make up the group and run a popular YouTube channel.
“When the YouTube-famous Ghost Gang—Chrissy, Chase, Emma, and Kiki—visit a haunted LA hotel notorious for tragedy to secretly film after dark, they expect it to be just like their previous paranormal huntings. Spooky enough to attract subscribers—and ultimately harmless. But when they stumble upon something unexpected in the former room of a gruesome serial killer, they quickly realize that they’re in over their heads.”
I read this whole book in a few hours and really liked the way girl power was a part of this story. Yes, you have to suspend disbelief, but I thought it was a fun read.
Title: The (Un)Popular Vote
Author: Jasper Sanchez
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Harper Audio, 6/1/21
Source: Library Audio App
Why I Read It: Buddy Read
My Rating: 4 Stars
Mark is a trans boy who is the son of a congressman. His father isn’t cool with having a trans kid and denies Mark’s identity, as well as forces him to remain closeted. When Mark decides to run for class president, he has to decide whether he should continue to go along with his father or pursue his own political goals.
“Optics can make or break an election. Everything Mark knows about politics, he learned from his father, the Congressman who still pretends he has a daughter and not a son. Mark has promised to keep his past hidden and pretend to be the cis guy everyone assumes he is. But when he sees a manipulatively charming candidate for student body president inflame dangerous rhetoric, Mark risks his low profile to become a political challenger. The problem? No one really knows Mark. He didn’t grow up in this town, and his few friends are all nerds. Still, thanks to Scandal and The West Wing, they know where to start: from campaign stops to voter polling to a fashion makeover. Soon Mark feels emboldened to engage with voters—and even start a new romance. But with an investigative journalist digging into his past, a father trying to silence him, and the bully frontrunner standing in his way, Mark will have to decide which matters most: perception or truth, when both are just as dangerous.”
Mark has a great friend group and his mother is supportive. I liked some of the Scandal references and the representation in this book. Mark’s father is awful and consistently misgenders and dead names Mark, and the interactions Mark had with his father were hard to read.
Title: Dating Dr. Dil
Author: Nisha Sharma
Genre: Rom Com
Publisher: Avon, 3/15/22
Source: Book Sparks
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 4 Stars
In Dating Dr Dil, we meet Kareena, who is looking for a love match, and Prem, who doesn’t believe in love – or at least he won’t admit when he loves someone. Because both are being pressured towards marriage, they decide to do a bit of fake dating. And while Kareena admits she falls for Prem, it takes him much longer to come to the same conclusion. (He’d rather just tell her what to do and “rescue” her from her other dates…)
“Kareena dreams of having a perfect love story like her parents did. That’s why on the morning of her thirtieth birthday, she’s decided to suit up and enter the dating arena. When her widowed father announces he’s retiring and selling their home after her sister’s engagement party, Kareena makes a deal with him. If she can find her soulmate by the date of the party, he’ll gift her the house, and she’ll be able to keep her mother’s legacy alive. Prem doesn’t have time for romance, which is why it’s no surprise when his first meeting with Kareena goes awry. Their second encounter is worse when their on-air debate about love goes viral. Now Prem’s largest community center donor is backing out because Prem’s reputation as a heart-health expert is at risk. To get back in his donor’s good graces, he needs to fix his image fast, and dating Kareena is his only option. Even though they have warring interests, the more time Prem spends with Kareena, the more he thinks she’s might actually be the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. In this Taming of the Shrew re-imagination, for Prem and Kareena to find their happily ever after, they must admit that hate has turned into fate.”
Overall I liked this book, especially the South Asian representation and Kareena’s aunties. I thought the steamy scenes were a bit cringey, especially the references to “Charlie.” And I was getting very annoyed at Prem for refusing to admit he loved her, and at Kareena for not realizing that he did even if he wouldn’t say it!
Title: The Younger Wife
Author: Sally Hepworth
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: St Martin’s Press, 4/5/22
Source: Publisher
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 4 Stars
The Younger Wife was a quick, domestic thriller told from the points of view of Stephen’s daughters – Tully and Rachel – and his new girlfriend Heather, who he begins dating while Tully and Rachel’s mom Pam is still his wife but has dementia. The book begins with the viewpoint of an unknown character who is at Stephen and Heather’s wedding. Someone is killed but we don’t know who or why.
“THE HUSBAND
A heart surgeon at the top of his field, Stephen Aston is getting married again. But first he must divorce his current wife, even though she can no longer speak for herself.
THE DAUGHTERS
Tully and Rachel Aston look upon their father’s fiancée, Heather, as nothing but an interloper. Heather is younger than both of them. Clearly, she’s after their father’s money.
THE FORMER WIFE
With their mother in a precarious position, Tully and Rachel are determined to get to the
truth about their family’s secrets, the new wife closing in, and who their father really is.
THE YOUNGER WIFE
Heather has secrets of her own. Will getting to the truth unleash the most dangerous impulses
in all of them?”
The characters in this book all have various mental health concerns including kleptomania, disordered eating, and alcoholism. There is also a good deal of gaslighting going on. This may be a spoiler but it’s important to know that the story is about domestic abuse and how powerful men can convince their victims that they are the ones in the wrong / nothing bad is actually happening to them. The ending of the book has caused many to be angry and feel almost gaslighted themselves. I just thought it was sad.
Title: Miserable Mom
Author: Sharon Brecher
Genre: Humor
Publisher: Self-Published, 2/13/22
Source: Book Tour
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review
My Rating: 4 Stars
This book is for the mom who is sending their kid to college and needs some humorous advice. I’m not quite up to this stage yet, but this book will be great to have on hand when I am!
“Written by a mom for parents of young adults, this book is a collection of Influencer Sharon Brecher’s humorous comic strips that portray the do’s and don’ts of sending your kid to college. Sharon shares her most popular and funny comedic musings in this new gift book to which every parent can relate. It’s the fun and candid ‘best friend’s take’ on your kid leaving home. Through illustrations and transparent slice-of-life narrative, Miserable Mom: The Do’s and Don’ts of Sending Your Kid to College will give you an authentic connection to others who are also navigating this emotional time. Delivering an unapologetic perspective of motherhood, Sharon shines a light on the stream of consciousness we all internalize and helps us laugh at ourselves.”
Partly told in text and partly told in illustrated comics, Sharon Brecher shared her advice on how to help your kid leave home while stepping back and letting your kid grow. Just don’t embarrass her, okay mom? Ok. This would make a great gift for a parent with a graduating senior!
Title: See You Yesterday
Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
Genre: YA / NA Rom Com
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books For Young Readers, 5/17/22
Source: Author via Net Galley
Why I Read It: Sent to me for my review / Love her books
My Rating: 5 Stars
I love the Jewish representation in Rachel Lynn Solomon’s books! In this one, Barrett and Miles are both Jewish and Miles is also half Japanese American. There is also LGBTQ rep in the book. When Barrett has a pretty awful first day on her new college campus, including her high school nemesis arriving as her roommate, a botched newspaper staff interview, and a fiery end to a frat party, she is pretty confused when she wakes up on that same first day – September 21 – again. When she discovers that Miles is caught in the same Groundhog Day-esque time loop and he has been living this same day over and over for awhile now, they decide to team up to try to find a way out. As they spend time together, Barrett opens up about the high school bullying she went through, Miles shares some family issues, and they begin to fall for each other.
“Barrett Bloom is hoping college will be a fresh start after a messy high school experience. But when school begins on September 21st, everything goes wrong. She’s humiliated by the know-it-all in her physics class, she botches her interview for the college paper, and at a party that night, she accidentally sets a frat on fire. She panics and flees, and when she realizes her roommate locked her out of their dorm, she falls asleep in the common room. The next morning, Barrett’s perplexed to find herself back in her dorm room bed, no longer smelling of ashes and crushed dreams. It’s September 21st. Again. And after a confrontation with Miles, the guy from Physics 101, she learns she’s not alone—he’s been trapped for months. When her attempts to fix her timeline fail, she agrees to work with Miles to find a way out. Soon they’re exploring the mysterious underbelly of the university and going on wild, romantic adventures. As they start falling for each other, they face the universe’s biggest unanswered question yet: what happens to their relationship if they finally make it to tomorrow?”
This is likely my favorite Groundhog Day inspired book yet. I loved Barrett and I loved the fun things she and Miles did together – especially when they adopted lots of dogs to play with! The college setting was fun and the story (and cover) gave me Today Tonight Tomorrow vibes. I recommend grabbing this one as soon as you can!
Title: Tell Me Everything
Author: Erika Krause
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Flatiron Books, 3/15/22
Source: Book of the Month
Why I Read It: Book of the Month choice
My Rating: 4 Stars
Tell Me Everything by Erika Krause is the story of the private investigator on a college football recruitment sexual assault case. She doesn’t state the name of the college or the case, but it is not hard to determine the details because nothing is changed besides the names of those involved. At the same time, this is also the story of the writer’s own experience with childhood abuse and her current relationship with her family due to what she went through.
“Erika Krouse has one of those faces. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this,” people say, spilling confessions. In fall 2002, Erika accepts a new contract job investigating lawsuits as a private investigator. The role seems perfect for her, but she quickly realizes she has no idea what she’s doing. Then a lawyer named Grayson assigns her to investigate a sexual assault, a college student who was attacked by football players and recruits at a party a year earlier. Erika knows she should turn the assignment down. Her own history with sexual violence makes it all too personal. But she takes the job anyway, inspired by Grayson’s conviction that he could help change things forever. And maybe she could, too. Over the next five years, Erika learns everything she can about P. I. technique, tracking down witnesses and investigating a culture of sexual assault and harassment ingrained in the university’s football program. But as the investigation grows into a national scandal and a historic civil rights case, Erika finds herself increasingly consumed. When the case and her life both implode at the same time, Erika must figure out how to help win the case without losing herself.”
I think that the two pieces of the story could have been tied together better and I kept thinking that the writer should have been getting therapy. She does mention therapy eventually but states that it didn’t really help. I think this book could have been more impactful if the writer’s was already in a better place and could view her experiences from a place of healing. She is still (at the time of writing) learning to not only be a listener but to share her truths as well.
Title: I Must Betray You
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Publisher: Listening Library, 2/1/22
Source: Publisher Audio
Why I Read It: Facebook Book Club
My Rating: 4 Stars
It’s kind of hard for me to call a book historical fiction when it takes place during my own life time, but that’s what this is! It takes place in 1989 in Communist Romania and features 17 year old Cristian during the revolution against the regime.
“Romania, 1989. Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren’t free to dream; they are bound by rules and force. Amidst the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu in a country governed by isolation and fear, Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. He’s left with only two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves—or use his position to creatively undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe. Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom?”
This book continuously points out that the world ignored Romania at this time, while having knowledge of other difficulties taking place under Communist rule. I never realized myself that this occurred. I kept wanting to hear the author’s note to understand what really happened. I believe that the vast spy network described in the book was quite real, as was the fact that the people lived awfully while the leaders were wealthy. I also appreciated that the author talked about the Jewish experience in Romania in her author’s note.
There you have it, the rest of my March reading! This post included 12 of the books I read this month – 1 of which was a 5 star read and could have been in my March Favorites post! Of these books, 9 were print, 2 were audio books, and 1 was an ebook. Genres included rom com, non fiction, thriller, mystery, and historical fiction.
Have you read any of these books or do you want to? What have you been reading lately?