I can’t believe it but I kept up my two books per week average yet again during March.  I did not, however, read every day and that is something I’m really trying to do this year.  Below is my March reading list – it’s got some good ones, some great ones, and some that aren’t worth your time.

Eight Twenty Eight: When Love Didn’t Give Up (Ian and Larissa Murphy): I admire this couple, especially Larissa, quite a bit.  I first heard their story through a video Desiring God promoted and they have a hard but inspiring story.  I was eager to read this, but it wasn’t what I expected.  I am hesitant to say anything critical because this book is written by two people telling their life story, but they would have benefited from a ghost writer.  That’s all.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (Eric Metaxas) – an extremely well-researched and well-written biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  It took me several months to read but it was worth the time.

Small Great Things (Jodi Picoult) – just when I was ready to give up on this author, she surprises me with this!  SGT is definitely my new favorite of her books and one of my favorites that I’ve read this year.  It does not follow her typical formula and for that I am thankful.  I don’t want to give away the plot, but it is a fast-paced story with well-developed characters….and takes a look at race relations in America.

The Wonder (Emma Donoghue) – this is the second of Donoghue’s books that I’ve read (the first was Room).  I read this one in a day – it drew me in from the beginning and the story went in a direction I did not expect.  I think Geraldine Brooks fans would like this book.  I enjoyed it.

We Were Liars (e. lockhart) – I picked up this YA novel as part of my 2017 Reading Challenge – I needed one with an unreliable narrator and this did not disappoint.  Just when I thought I understood what was happening it became very clear I was way off.  Other people have said they figured out the plot twist early in the novel – I almost want to read it again to see if I can find the clues.

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo (Amy Schumer) – this book was not for me.  Schumer starts the book talking about her sexual escapades, tells the reader the book isn’t about sex, and then talks about it on just about every page. I skipped through a lot of it and never found any redeeming qualities.  If you want a funny book written by a female comedian, read Tina Fey’s book or either one of Mindy Kaling’s.  So much better.

English Lessons (Andrea Lucado) – I recently received an ARC of this book after being selected to be part of its launch team.  It comes out May 2 and I highly recommend it.  It’s a memoir of faith and I found it relatable on so many levels.

Emails from Jennifer Cooper  (Robert Scott) – you get the plot through the emails in this one and I appreciated the unique device.  It’s got action but it is also a great character study.  As a counselor and naturally curious person, I really enjoyed this part.  (Disclaimer: I have a friend who played a big role in the development of this book.)

I’ve got a huge “to-read” stack ready for April. Hopefully with spring break coming up I’ll be able to get to a lot of them.  Happy Reading!