I blinked for a second, and now it’s another month that has gone by! In March, I went back to Spain for a minor nose surgery, and I stayed with my parents for a week while I recovered. I returned to rainy England in time to see the Spring blooming.
We’re already three months into this new year, so it’s the perfect time to review my Reading Goals. How am I doing? Am I already failing? The answer is yes.
I had aimed to reread a loved book each month, and so far, I only managed to do that in January. I’ve been so eager to read the new shiny books on my TBR that I haven’t had time to revisit old favourites.
I have managed to stick to my aim of not buying physical books, and so far, I’ve been good. I’m a regular visitor to my local library and an avid Kindle reader.
Let’s take a look at my Storygraph for the first three months of 2024:
I’m not doing so well in the reading non-fiction department or in exploring the world of audiobooks, so to remedy that, I’m currently listening to the audiobook of Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell.
I didn’t expect to read so much romance, but that has been the main theme so far. I’ve been reading more fantasy than usual, but I want to focus on expanding my thrillers and mystery books.
Books read in March 2024
I read five books this month, most of which were instant favourites. I’ve made the mistake of starting two new series, and now I’m desperately waiting for their second parts.
Adult fiction
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
How I read it: physical copy from the library
Genre: romance, contemporary, mental health
My rating: 3/5
I saw this book in the library, and the title caught my eye because I’ve felt burnout so many times. I liked how this book was written, it was funny and relatable.
A woman has a mental breakdown because she’s overworked and takes a break from her life to stay at a crumpling hotel in the beach town she visited when she was younger. The characters in the book reminded me of a Beth O’Leary novel, but it felt tiring towards the end.
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
How I read it: on my Kindle
Genre: romance, contemporary
My rating: 5/5
I always avoid books about pregnancy and people having babies. But I heard this book was like a Nora Ephron movie, so I wanted to give it a go. And it turns out I actually liked it! Eve, who hasn’t decided yet if she wants to become a mum, gets pregnant after a one-night stand and is suddenly faced with the challenge of having a baby on her own.
The main character reminded me of Lorelai Gilmore. I think they had a very similar, funny personality and reading the book felt like watching a cosy movie. It starts in autumn and ends in late spring.
YA reads
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli
How I read it: on my Kindle
Genre: fantasy, romance, witches
My rating: 5/5
I loved this book, and it might be the best one of the month for me. I won’t say much about it, just that it has secret witches and witch hunters, which was all I had to know before I bought this book. It will be a duology, and the second part won’t come out until February 2025! I can’t wait this long!
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
How I read it: eBook from the library
Genre: fantasy, romance, YA
My rating: 5/5
Another excellent read for the month. It has similar vibes to The Hunger Games, with its own Purging Trials, where young people from different parts of the kingdom compete against each other. The difference, though, is everyone has a magic power except for Paeydn, who is completely powerless.
Slayer by Kiersten White
How I read it: physical copy from the library
Genre: fantasy, YA, vampires
My rating: 3/5
I thought I would love this book. It’s a Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin-off that follows two twin girls who are studying to become Watchers, but one of them is the Chosen One, the new Slayer.
While I liked the book, I don’t think I’ll read the second part, I was expecting more.
March has been a light reading month for me. I hope to read more books in April, and I can’t wait for better weather when I can go read in the park, lounging on a picnic blanket and drinking boba tea.
Willow in Winter 