What I Read in March 📖

8 books that made it a *chef's kiss* reading month!

March! It came, and it went! And now it’s April!? I’m feeling the pull toward classics, books with flowers on the cover, and stories filled with fairies, hobbits, and anything that evokes the scent of damp earth and blooming florals. My March reads reflected that very mood and it was such a delightful month of books!

Oh and yes, I said classics—something I’ve deliberately avoided since high school. Recently I stumbled across a YouTube video, which led me down a rabbit hole of classics-focused content. With each video, the idea of reading them felt less intimidating. Since then, I’ve been diving into reviews, commentary, and all the ways to simply enjoy the world of classic literature. Chalk it up to spring energy, but for the first time in my life, I’m excited to start adding them to my reading diet.

Alright, let’s chat about the (amazing!) books I read in March and what I’m currently reading as we head into April.

P.S.— There’s a conversation happening in the subscriber chat about spring reads—pop in with a recommendation or share what’s on your own blossoming TBR.

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson | lend out immediately

After falling in love with Wilkerson’s debut novel, Black Cake, I couldn’t wait to dive into her latest release. Good Dirt is a beautifully layered story about the power of family legacies, grief, and love. Much like Black Cake, there’s a lot happening, but I listened to the audiobook and found it easy to follow along with the various elements and how they converged. Wilkerson has a remarkable ability to weave multiple pieces into a rich, flavorful narrative that expands my worldview.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, translated by Eric Ozawa | lend out immediately

This novel was lean but packed a punch. A 25-year-old woman, at a low point in her life, ends up moving into the second floor of her uncle’s bookshop and what unfolds from there is a tender story of life’s twists and turns, the power of relationships and the comfort of books. I loved the bookshop and could easily imagine the towering stacks of pre-loved books and the charming upstairs residence, also brimming with books, of course.

The Orange by Wendy Cope | displayed front & center

While stuck in the middle of my current book I picked up this slim book of poetry and was quickly compelled to read more of Cope’s witty and clever words. I read and pondered a few poems every night in bed and shared several with my children and husband. My only compliant about this book was that it wasn’t long enough!

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett | displayed front & center

I genuinely did not know what to expect when I started this book— the reviews were mixed and I too have mixed feelings about fantasy— but I was looking for something to bridge winter into spring, and this seemed to fit the bill. And it delivered! This is definitely the kind of fantasy that works for me. I found the faerie lore intriguing, loved the dynamic between Emily and Wendell, and thought the fictional Nordic town was cozy (though also a bit harsh, too). I’m more surprised than anyone by how much I enjoyed this book!

The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu with Douglas Carlton Abrams | displayed front & center

New most favorite book ever? Quite possibly. I mean— it’s a book of joy! I wrote about it extensively in the latest Lovin’ Lately. This book has left a lasting impression on me and I’m still referencing back to the joy practices regularly.

The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai, translated by Jesse Kirkwood | displayed front & center

I devoured this book in one weekend, what a delight! I loved this story of a father-daughter duo who run a very unique restaurant-slash-detective agency. Their detective work involves helping clients reconnect with nostalgic meals, and it’s such a beautiful, heartwarming book about the power of food and human connection. I especially appreciated that Kashiwai didn’t shy away from topics like grief, highlighting that comfort is not the absence of hardship but something that coexists with it. I’m eager to pick up the next book in the series.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler | lend out immediately

I started this book in January and took my time with it, dipping in and out while mixing in lighter reads. I read the first half and listened to the second and thought the audiobook was so well done. What blows my mind is that this novel, written in the early ’90s, is set in 2025-2027 and feels eerily prescient. Butler’s exploration of community, faith, diversity, and resilience is powerful food for thought.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone | displayed front & center

Eve navigates an unplanned pregnancy after a one-night stand, forcing her to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about her aspirations and relationships. Along the way, the older brother of her childhood best friend steps in to support her, and what unfolds is an emotional journey of love, growth, and unexpected connections. Never have I ever been so quick to give a book 5 stars—the way I bawled my eyes out at the end!! I loved that this story was more than just a romance… and yet, I also loved the romance so much.

audio: Ultra-Processed People by Chris Van Tulleken— this has been in my audiobook queue for a while now and after catching up on all the back episodes of my favorite podcast, The Wellness Scoop, I was craving a deep dive so I opened it up and hit play. I find books like this utterly fascinating, informative, and empowering.

physical book: I’ve had The Morningside by Téa Obreht since last year and after discovering it had been shortlisted for the Climate Fiction Prize I decided to finally pick it up. The first 75ish pages weren’t grabbing me, and I was about to DNF buuuut I like where things are going now and I’m eager to keep reading.

e-book: I have not started it but I have Never let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro queue’d up and ready.

Next week, for paid subscribers, I’m sharing how I prioritize reading throughout my day as a mom of four. I’ve had several requests to cover this topic, so I’m excited to dive in.

If there’s something you’d love for me to discuss—whether it’s about books, reading habits, or anything in between—send me a message or drop a comment.

In the comments let me know— what have you read and loved lately?