This year, I turn thirty. That means I’ve lived in four decades: the 1990s, the 2000s, the 2010s, and now the 2020s. (Technically five if you count the month or so I spent in the womb in 1989.) The longest decade of my life so far very well may have been the 2020s so far. March alone seemed to last for years. I am so over the stress of this virus, but am lucky to have work, food, and my health.
But March was productive despite this, so let’s check out what I got up to.
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Books I Read
I’m a children’s librarian, so I read books for kids and for grown-ups. This month, I read 4 picture/early reader books and 7 “big” books, including audiobooks, adult novels, and chapter books for children.
The books I read were:
I Say, You Say Animal Sounds! by Tad Carpenter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a cute read for the little ones with adorable, big-eyed illustrations. Kids will enjoy making the animal noises!
I love to use animal stories when I share books with nonverbal kids. Every child, regardless of ability, likes animals and making animal sounds!
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a fun, campy read with lots of twists and turns. Sometimes the narrator frustrated me, but other than that I adored it and all of the characters.
View all my reviews
You can read my full review here.
Poop by Poppy Champignon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is funny with whimsical illustrations. Fabulous for beginning readers!!
Poop or Get Off the Potty! by Margaret McNamara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m not sure there is a potty training book that will be more “lesson-teaching” for kids and HILARIOUS for grown-ups. (The toddlers probably will be amused too.) This really describes all the woes of diapers, and then jumps into how toddlers use the potty and, tbh, the experience of pooping in a cute and funny way.
If you couldn’t tell, I was on a kick of books with titles that made me chuckle… Poop books.
Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of YOU by Rachel Brian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this! As an adult, it took me about 15 minutes to read. It really hits all the major points of consent in a way that kids will understand. And it’s funny, too!
You can read my full review here.
Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Simple lovely illustrations, simple lovely story. I don’t think this one is meant for all children, but could be helpful for someone who just lost a loved one. Brought a tear to my eye.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A lovely read for children and adults alike. My favorite poems were:
lullaby
bible times
the reader
the beginning
how to listen #2
as a child, i smelled the air
how to listen #3
herzl street
on paper
how to listen #4
stevie and me
a writer
every wish, one dream
what i believe
Look out for my full review on April 14.
Seven Years to Sin by Sylvia Day
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book isn’t unproblematic, but the romance and erotica is gorgeous and the character development is amazing. I’m so glad I’ve reread this and want to read more by this author.
Look out for my full review on April 16.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
While I didn’t always like Cheryl at times and even found her annoying on occasion, this is an honest and compelling story with a lot of heart. I listened to the audiobook and I just have to say I hated the narrator! She pronounces some words so absurdly and her voice just didn’t go with the story, IMO.
Look out for my full review on April 21.
Social Leads: Your Social Media Playbook To Generating More Leads In The Next 90 Days by Shay Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An excellent, quick read. Look for my full review on April 9 at bitchbookshelf.com.
Look out for my full review on April 9.
A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel, Volume Two by Daniel Abraham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series is done excellently. I love the comics style illustrations, and there is such rich detail to the story missed in the show. It translates well from the book.
Look out for my full review on April 23.
A Peek Into My Planner
I’ve been trying to fill out my planner each day to keep myself organized and to use the plethora of planner supplies and stickers I possess. (I use The Happy Planner.) Here are my weekly spreads for March.
I’ve been keeping track of my moods to keep an eye on my depression and anxiety. Understandably, with the state of the world and everything that brought on, this was not my best month. I’m still paying rent in NYC, but came back down to PA to stay with my folks, outside of the hot zone for the virus. In March, I felt:
- Okay – 7 days
- Anxious – 5 days
- Creative – 3 days
- Frustrated – 3 days
- Happy – 3 days
- Bored – 2 days
- Great – 2 days
- Tired – 2 days
- Depressed – 1 day
- Moody – 1 day
- Reflective – 1 day
- Restless – 1 day
Those are way more negative days (anxious, frustrated, bored, tired, depressed, moody, restless) than I have been experiencing lately, but it’s understandable.
More Stuff I Did
I also participated in a blog hop, the Spring Bookish Blog Hop. This was an absolute joy, and I definitely will participate in more blog hops in the future. Visit Jo Linsdell’s website – she’s a master at what she does and created this hop!
Also, if you like crazy stories, check out Fvckin Fresh Podcast. The March 30 episode features some dating horror stories, including one from yours truly.
I started Love Is Blind on Netflix, which I need to continue. I also watched some movies: Dear John, After, Frozen, and Frozen II.
Looking Ahead: April
Not much is going to happen, as the US will still be in isolation… So I’m trying to keep positive and help out at my old job while working from home, too. Throughout the month, I plan to share excellent reads that you distract yourself with here and on Twitter.
Beyond that, I am trying to expand my passion project outside of this blog. I really love talking about books and erasing the stigma surrounding the sexuality of women and queer folks. My interest in both topics combines, believe it or not. Romance and erotic novels are often not taken seriously, and this is something I want to change. The content of these genres is often created by women for women, and we are seeing more content created by and for queer folks as well as more diversity in the genre. I love speaking about this, so hit me up of you need sources, a guest blogger, etc. Or if you want to guest blog with me, let me know!
I hope April leads to the flattening of the curve and a healthier world!
TtlyAdd2Reading
I too am hoping that the virus will die. Its taking a toll on everyone , especially those on the front line.
Alyssa Cohen
This blog post was SO fun to read! Like you, this virus is stressing me out immensely, but I hope that we will all get out of this healthy and safe. I, too, have been watching quite a few things, and watched Frozen II and Love Is Blind just like you!
Kate
I’m so glad you enjoyed. 💕 Thanks for reading!
Empress DJ
I always get a kick out of your planner – so colorful!
Kate
Aww, thank you!
Whispering Stories
You managed to have a really good month by the look of it. I’ve lived in the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s – that’s scary.
Kate
Nahh, it’s impressive! 🙂
The Coloring Book Nook
You had a great reading month and I also love the happy planner and have a couple of planners and lots of stickers.
Kati's Bookaholic Rambling Reviews 💛 🧚♀️🏰 🖤 (@KatisBRR15)
Amazing post it looks like you had a great reading month in March, I absolutely love the book The Last Time I Lied it was the first book that I read by Riley Sager and can’t wait to read his newest one that came out last summer. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
Kate
Yes, I will be reading more by Riley Sager! Thanks for stopping by!!
Robin Loves Reading
Great wrap up. I love your job too.
bookswithkathy
Looks like you had a really good month.