What I Read in March
As the first quarter of the year comes to a close, I’ve definitely gotten into a rhythm with reading that feels good. I’m balancing a mix of non-fiction with thrillers (my favorite) and dabbling into some contemporary fiction every now and then, too, since I don’t want to focus too much on crime and heavier topics. My goal for the year is to read 180 books, an average of 15 per month. Right now, I’m on track with 45 read - make sure to add me on GoodReads to keep up with my progress, and that way I can see what you’re reading, too.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting a few new releases that finally came out this month, and found a new Kindle Unlimited series to obsess over. Here’s everything I read and loved this month.
what i read in march
famous last words by gillian mcallister
3/5 stars
I’ve seen so many people rave about Gillian McAllister, and decided to pick up her newest release after seeing great ARC reviews. The premise of this book is intriguing, as it’s about a new mother who finds out her husband is holding people hostage in London. It starts off intense, but loses steam as the story unfolds. While strong characterization keeps the book from faltering too much, some of the subplots were unnecessary and felt like filler.
The twists are clever, but you do have to suspend belief as you read this one.
I’d consider this a casual read; it’s not the most captivating thriller and I had to fight to keep interest, but the writing is beautiful so I’ll definitely try something else by this author in the future.
Read it here.
paris: the memoir by paris hilton
5/5 stars
This is genuinely one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. It’s compelling from the start, horrifying at times, but also deeply empowering. As someone who grew up during the time of Paris Hilton’s peak fame, it was interesting to read her side of the story now that I’m an adult. There have been pretty major cultural shifts from the early 2000s, and I found her memoir painted a very vivid “before and after” picture of how things have changed.
Paris’ story is a true reminder to never judge a book by its cover. There are so many misconceptions about her, yet aspects of this story were shocking. This memoir exemplifies the strength of owning your past, creating your future, and living out your personal values, and goes much deeper than some would expect.
People have clearly underestimated Paris and her intelligence for years, and as someone who lacks confidence at times, I also enjoyed seeing how she used that to her advantage to truly build a lifestyle empire and reach her goals.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:
“True sophistication is the ability to fit in anywhere because you have a broad understanding of and respect for all kinds of people.” (p. 16)
“Your reality is totally up for grabs; if you don't create your own life, someone else will create something based on their own agenda and project that on you… Don't let them tell you that their something is bigger than your everything.” (p. 172)
“Accept the necessity of endless re-invention. Staying the same is (a) boring and (b) impossible.” (p. 326)
“The people who hurt you don't get the last word. You get to tell the story of you, and your story has more power than you can imagine.” (p. 328)
Read it here.
count my lies by sophie stava
4/5 stars
This was super twisty and kept me guessing until the end. I loved how the author played with the morally grey and utilized an unreliable narrator to build suspense and keep you hooked: I couldn’t put this down and finished it in a couple hours.
At first I was thrown off by the lack of table of contents, but I think it was done on purpose so that certain twists weren’t spoiled.
This was definitely entertaining, but after sitting with it for a little, I do think it’s a little too reminiscent of a couple of other popular thrillers. I’m not naming them here to avoid spoiling anything, but I do think it’s noticeable in retrospect. However, my main critique is that there were way too many Taylor Swift references. Not even being a hater, but it was definitely overkill and started to pull me out of the story as time went on.
Read it here.
mean baby: a memoir of growing up by selma blair
4/5 stars
This is a candid, lively, soul-stirring memoir by actress Selma Blair. It’s raw, unfiltered, which also makes it puzzling at times, but I admire how open Blair was throughout the book.
The book is divided into three parts, but the storytelling is nonlinear. Some things are left unresolved, which mirrors real life, where not everything has a clear-cut beginning, middle, and end.
Some of the main themes of the book include an acute, raw look chronic illness, alcoholism, and the effects of toxic parenting. Blair’s mom was abusive (to say the least), and it was heartbreaking to see how that affected Blair throughout her life. I do think Blair captured the tail end of their relationship beautifully, and that was probably the most impactful part of this memoir to me.
The lasting legacy of this memoir is the importance of feeling safe with yourself, self-acceptance, and the power of advocacy.
Favorite quotes:
“I still find myself looking for the safety of the ground. I still think small… I’m just now learning that the ceiling is imaginary.” (p. 59)
“We play the parts we are given. We become the stories that are told about us.” (p. 62)
“There is great power in words. In an answer. In a diagnosis. To make sense of a plot you could hardly keep up with any longer.” (p. 251)
Read it here.
anatomy of a breakthrough: how to get unstuck when it matters most by adam alter
4/5 stars
I first heard about this book through an episode of Mel Robbins’ podcast, where the author was a guest. I loved the episode and learned a lot, so I decided to pick up the book. Surprisingly, I think you can get the best points from the episode, not the book. While the book supplements the ideas with examples and research in a variety of topics and disciplines, the podcast episode is more direct, concise, and easier to follow.
The best part of the book is (also surprisingly) the conclusion, which is a quick list of 100 ways to get unstuck.
I do appreciate how the author looks at the idea of “being stuck” in multiple ways, not just in the “existential crisis” sense. There’s also plenty of insight into quick mindset shifts, pivots, and the emotional side of failure that can make you feel stuck (plus how to work through it), so anyone could benefit from the teachings.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:
“The golden rule is that getting unstuck almost always takes longer than we expect - and too often we surrender just a few steps short of the finish line.” (p. 19)
When stuck, do a friction audit: (1) locate the friction point, (2) figure out a solution, (3) check back in to confirm resolution. (p. 122-123)
Subtraction is better than addition (ex: eliminate a source of stress instead of scheduling more fun): “People tend to solve problems by adding complexity rather than subtracting and simplifying.” (p. 129)
“To avoid plateaus, make the majority of your decisions for the long term. Occasionally you can prioritize the short term, but across time you'll get stuck less often, and move more smoothly, if you aren't greedy about short-term gains.” (p. 236)
“The more driven you are, the more likely you are to be hard on yourself. Many of the greatest success stories are from people who were surprisingly lenient on themselves when they made mistakes.” (p. 241)
Read it here.
i kill killers by s.t. ashman
4.5/5 stars
This is one of the better Kindle Unlimited thrillers I’ve read. With a Dexter meets Criminal Minds plot, the author is a clever writer and I loved getting lost in this story. Definitely check the TWs first, as it’s grisly, violent, and gory at times.
The characterization is rich and vivid. The dialogue is believable, and I loved the author’s spin on multiple POV writing (mixing first and third person).
What stood out the most for me is how the author explored psychopathy. Sometimes the psychopath/ sociopath angle can get thrown in, but this was properly researched and written about in a believable, realistic way. I also loved the classical music element, which felt unique and fresh.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
I also read the other two books in this series, We Kill Killers and Final Kill, and thought the whole series was great.
Some Kindle Unlimited series can drag on, but this was well-thought-out; three books just enough to tell the story and leave readers feeling satisfied without losing their attention.
I love how the characterization grew throughout the series, and the plot definitely makes you think about right, wrong, and the grey area in the middle.
This would make a great TV series or movie, and I hear it’s in development, so definitely keep an eye out.
the let them theory: a life-changing tool that millions of people can't stop talking about by mel and sawyer robbins
4.5/5 stars
I tend to get overexcited about books the books everyone is raving about, thinking they’re going to be incredible only to be let down by my (unrealistic) expectations. That was not the case with this book - it really is that good, and I think everyone could benefit from it, especially in today’s age where we’re all much more intertwined with each other’s lives (and as a result, more opinionated).
You may have heard about the phrase “let them,” but the real power lies in the second half of the formula, “let me.” This is where I learned the most, and while it requires more practice than “let them,” it’s much more life-changing and worth the effort.
Mel Robbins wrote this with her daughter and I loved the range of perspectives; you can tell the authors are in different life stages and that really enriched the book.
While I’ve seen people say that the book is too long, my main critique is that some of the examples used were too simple (ex: wanting someone to lose weight, being overly invested in a corsage). The theory itself is fantastic; I just wish the examples had more substance to them, especially with multiple writers working on the book.
Favorite quotes and takeaways:
“When you say Let Them, you are recognizing what's in your control and what isn't. Instead of spiraling, you're choosing to steady yourself and detach. As I said earlier, other people hold no real power over you, unless you give them that power. And every time you say Let Them, you choose to take it back… When you say Let Me, you're tapping into that power by taking responsibility for what you do, think, or say next. Let Me makes you realize that you are in control of what happens next and that life is more fun and fulfilling when you're not sitting alone in your superiority.” (p. 41; 45)
“Instead of expecting other people to change, demand the change of yourself. Hold yourself to a higher standard and stop allowing this type of emotionally immature behavior to be your responsibility to manage.” (p. 117)
“The more you try to rescue someone from their problems, the more likely they will continue to drown in them. The more you judge someone for their behavior, the better they will get at lying to you about it. (p. 227)
Read it here.
moving beyond broke: the power of perseverance in personal finance by dasha kennedy
5/5 stars
I’ve read a few finance books over the years, but this is the only one that actually meets you at the very beginning of your financial journey with steps you can start on right away. Some books might talk about mountains of debt, but this goes beyond that to explore how life circumstances out of our control may be the cause of our debt. The finances of a traditionally employed couple spending too much on random Amazon purchases is very different from that of a young mother struggling to pay bills on a minimum wage job - and this book explains why that is while also providing curated strategies to tackle financial hurdles and get to a place of stability (and abundance).
The book mixes financial education with personal experience; Kennedy’s stories are raw and real, and her resilience is empowering and aspirational. There’s no shame, just a deep sense of grace, and I felt a deeper connection to this book than any other financial book I’ve read in the past. Topics include debt, budgeting, divorce, and generational wealth. The book also addresses the emotional and psychosocial undercurrents of money, and each chapter ends with a checklists for readers to complete.
If you feel financially set, this book probably isn’t for you, but I recommend it to anyone who feels constrained by their bills or intimidated by their finances. The generational wealth chapter is gold, and serves as a reminder that resources look different for everyone (so stop comparing your money journey to someone else’s).
Favorite quotes and takeaways:
Create 4 budgets instead of 1 to anticipate changes in life and relieve any “what if” anxieties before a crisis occurs. (p. 16)
“The key to saving is making sure you’re capable of sustaining your plan, that’s challenging on some level, and that you get creative with how you save.” (p. 37)
Just because something is equitable doesn’t mean it’s fair, so remember to look at things from different perspectives. (p. 186)
“Generational wealth is not just an accumulation of assets but also the transmission of knowledge, support, skills, and the spirit of perseverance and resilience. Honestly, that's worth more than anything else when it's the only option you have.” (p. 226)
Read it here.
almost surely dead by amina akhtar
4/5 stars
This was an incredible thriller - not because it was the most suspenseful, but because it was truly unique and unexpected. The plot itself is intriguing, but I really appreciated how the author infused the story with South Asian culture, folklore, and diversity that is typically lacking in the thriller genre.
I loved the mix of suspense, complicated relationships, and mythology. I learned a lot as I read this, but it didn’t feel like assigned reading because the plot was much more engaging.
While the book started strong, I found it easy to guess one of the twists and the ending fell a little flat. It was still a worthwhile read, though. It left me a little unsettled and unsure of what I just read, and I hope to read more from this author in the future.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
catch you later by jessica strawzer
3.75/5 stars
The premise of this book immediately caught my attention, but I’d say it’s more of a mystery than a thriller. There’s also a little bit of a “meet cute” storyline, which isn’t too cheesy.
The book was more emotional than expected, with heartfelt writing and themes of friendship, motherhood, and self-discovery.
While most mysteries are page-turners, this is a steady, slow burn that felt longer than 331 pages at times. I found the plot became a little familiar as things progress, and I was able to predict a few twists and turns, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Compared to the pacing of most of the book, the ending felt slightly rushed and I wish we had more closure with some of the characters, but it was a really good book.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
this book will bury me by ashley winstead
3/5 stars
What a conflicting book.. this is one of this month’s most anticipated new releases. It starts with a note from the author saying that she wrote the book in the midst of grieving the loss of her father. She also mentions that aspects of the book are drawn from real-life cases.
The story centers around a young woman who, also grieving for her father, finds an escape within the online world of amateur crime solvers. I’m glad that the author led with a note to readers, because the crime that the book is centered on is basically a copycat of the 2023 University of Idaho murders, all the way down to the details. This has caused lots of controversy with readers, and I can see why. This felt like cheap, lazy writing, and seemed so disrespectful to the victims and their families.
On a positive note, the grief plot was realistic and raw. You can tell it was cathartic for the author to write this, and I really felt a connection to these scenes.
Overall, this book provides an interesting take on the public’s fascination with true crime and social media crime-solvers. It feels eerie, intrusive, and unsettling. I found the subject matter and copy-cat crime to be conflicting, and I’m still not sure what to make of it.
Read it here.
follow me by elizabeth rose quinn
2/5 stars
This is a satirical thriller out tomorrow (April 1). Reminiscent of Stepford Wives, this takes on the mom influencer world. It’s over-the-top and campy, but also has some legit commentary on pressures of motherhood, and all of the time and money spent keeping up with influencers. Topics and personalities are obviously exaggerated, but there were a few hot takes that I appreciated, especially since this book is meant to be lighthearted and unserious.
Go into this with low expectations knowing it’s ridiculous, and it’ll be a fun ride. Most of the book is fluffy and exaggerated, so you almost have to “earn’ the good moments, even though it’s a quick read (271 pages).
“The product wasn't what they were ‘Linking In Bio’; the product was the moms in this room, the moms in their follower count who dedicated their lives and their dollars to emulating the perfect Instagrammable moment. The Squad was selling these moms to the corporations and keeping every penny for themselves. These regular moms not being able to make a dime wasn't a bug-it was a feature of their own unwitting self-exploitation.” (p. 199)
“Insanity is the only sane reaction to motherhood. You make these tiny precious people, and you love them so much you could die from happiness. You would eat poison to keep them from knowing how hard the world is. So you protect them. Like a good mother. But not too much. You also have to push them into the world. Into the hard. Otherwise, you're a bad mother. It doesn't matter what you do, you're doing it wrong. Women are demonized for caring for their children. And they are demonized for not caring for their children. It's torture. You just have to pick the judgment and the failure that is the most acceptable to you.” (p. 216)
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
This month I also read…
Missing in Flight by Audrey J. Cole - 4/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
This was better than I thought it would be, and genuinely stressed me out. The author added more to the plot than I anticipated, and while I don’t know how practical or realistic some of the aviation aspects were, the story was extra suspenseful and wild. Give this book a try if you love thrillers but want a break from domestic plots.
The Guests by Adriane Leigh - 1/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
Too many characters and too many time jumps, this book just tried to do way too much. The multi-POV left a lot to be desired; I’m surprised I finished this.
We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power by Rachel Rodgers - 4.5/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
This is THE money book for people pleasers; it was much better than I expected! Not too woo-woo and provides lots of mindset shifts you can implement to grow personally and professionally. My only complaint is that the author has a background in law, so parts of this book will feel unreachable or impractical for those just starting out, but this is a book I’ll definitely go back to.
