March brought so many positive changes for me, most importantly getting my first COVID-19 vaccine. I can’t wait to have my second dose in April so that I will be fully protected by early May. I am so thankful that things are finally looking up in my country and other parts of the world.
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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 13 picture/early reader books and 14 “big” books, including audiobooks, adult novels, and chapter books for children. My average rating this month was 4.6 stars.
Before we get into the full list, in December, I started keeping track of ten books on my TBR list for each month that I planned to read. I kept up with doing this the past three months, but I’m going to stop now. It was a fun idea but just isn’t feasible for me at the moment. I’m not even going to share what my March 2021 results were. They were good, but I’m over this method of planning what to read next. 😆
Now, onto the full list!
One Step Further: My Story of Math, the Moon, and a Lifelong Mission by Katherine G. Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A well-delivered story with nice illustrations and first-person sources (like Johnson’s photographs and report card). I love that she and her daughters collaborated on this one.
Mad and Bad: Real Heroines of the Regency by Bea Koch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a book of mini-bios of Regency women from various backgrounds and specialties, with thoughtful notes on how women are represented in Regency romances (historically and in the modern publishing industry). I see some negative reviews complaining that this is just a book of the basics – but that’s pretty evident just from reading the summary. I listened to the audiobook which flowed smoothly, though there were times I found the writing a little scatter-brained as the author jumped from one woman to a highlight of another relevant figure before going back to the “original” story. I learned a lot about women I didn’t know anything about, and enjoyed hearing about women I was already familiar with.
Root Magic by Eden Royce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
While the first half of this one was slow for me, the second half kept me rooted to my Kindle. 😉 This magical realism historical fiction novel includes elements of horror and deals with some heavy topics in a thoughtful way. I love the relationship between Jez and Jay and that the author based this off of the experiences of loved ones.
The Singer and the Scientist by Lisa Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Love the colors in this one, and this was a story I did not know. I had no idea these two figures crossed paths or that Einstein hosted Anderson. I do feel like there is more nuance to this story and the lives of these individuals than this short book lets on, but I greatly enjoyed reading it.
A Little Bit of Dinosaur by Elleen Hutcheson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Fun and cute concept, but the illustrations (rather, the text in the illustrations) just didn’t do it for me.
Song in a Rainstorm: The Story of Musical Prodigy Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins by Glenda Armand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow, what an interesting story! I knew nothing about Tom Wiggins and I was so happy to learn about him. The art is gorgeous but it is a little Disney-ish which might make this one less memorable for some readers.
Swing Time by Zadie Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Swing Time is one of those books that for the first half, I genuinely felt I may not be smart enough for it. Scenes and times change between chapters, and often I had trouble focusing and realizing where we were. But by the final 40%, I was in the groove and able to devour the rest of the novel. The messages I took away from this one were about friendship and connection in their many forms, genuine and fake, and how and why these relationships last or don’t last. This is also a great examination of how only those in power can truly achieve every whim and desire.
Look out for my full review on May 12.
Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars by Laurie Wallmark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very interesting story with kid appeal! I loved the backmatter. I wanted a little more detail and context. I loved the use of quotations on the pages (excellent vocabulary) but they didn’t always match what was going on in the story on that page.
My Spring Robin by Anne Rockwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute simple book about looking for signs of spring, including a robin.
Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a powerful read. Though this is for children, adults will get just as much from it. Some of the poems might be less accessible for younger readers stylistically, and one or two involve graphic violence, but I think with a sensitive adult facilitating, this is a must-read. Grimes introduces the golden shovel style of poem in her works, which is both interesting and fun – and bonus: makes this one great for classroom use.
Look out for my full review on January 4, 2022.
Powerful Women Who Ruled the Ancient World by Kara Cooney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
These 12 lectures were quick and engaging. While they left me wanting more information, that was sort of the goal – to inspire more thought on women in power and power dynamics.
Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter by Shani King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book says some powerful things, but unfortunately the formatting made it difficult for me to read those things.
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle by J Dillard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The best young reader chapter book I have read in a while! I was laughing by the second page. I love how this book incorporates math into the storyline. With so many pop culture references, it might not be timeless, but it has big kid appeal for today.
Look out for my full review on January 5, 2022.
The Year I Flew Away by Marie Arnold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a fun, fast-paced read with a smart, funny, and independent heroine. I did find some of the conversations to be stilted and wanted more detail in some areas, but what was good about this story – the message and fun magical realism – outshone its flaws.
The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest by Heather Lang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Awesome rainforest illustrations and good figurative language. I liked the backmatter. I needed more context though.
The Earl’s Lady Geologist by Alissa Baxter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a sweet proper romance with just the right amount of tension! I think I especially liked it because I recently learned about women geologists in the Regency era. The Philpot sisters and Mary Anning play roles in this one. My thanks to HFVBT, the author, and the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review. Look out for my full review at https://bitchbookshelf.com on March 25.
10 Women Who Ruled the Renaissance by Joyce E. Salisbury
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed these ten lectures on women who ruled the Renaissance from all over the globe. The narration was alright and I could tell she was passionate and knowledgeable about the subject. I didn’t really like the final lecture as I wasn’t sure the author had a modern grasp on gender identity. Some of the language used to describe Catalina de Erauso wasn’t how I would interpret her story.
Baseball’s Leading Lady: Effa Manley and the Rise and Fall of the Negro Leagues by Andrea Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an excellent nonfiction title with plenty of rich detail. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, with lots of Negro League history, but Effa Manley is the common threat tying it all together. I expected this to be a middle grade read but I do think it might be better for YA, or a child with lots of baseball (and perhaps historical) knowledge. As an adult who is a baseball fan and history geek, I had the context and loved this one.
Look out for my full review on January 14, 2022.
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Powerful, great illustrations, and approachable text for older children.
Infinity by Pablo Bernasconi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A whimsical (if a little depressing, but in a good way) poem with matching illustrations.
Cougar Crossing: How Hollywood’s Celebrity Cougar Helped Build a Bridge for City Wildlife by Meeg Pincus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an interesting story with great kid appeal! I didn’t think I would like the experts narrating at the bottom but they grew on me within a few pages. Loved the backmatter.
Forever Home by Jenna Ayoub
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was an adorable book, but I think it would serve better as a weekly comic strip. The ghosts are all so loveable and interesting. The plot was anticlimactic, though.
View all my reviews
Look out for my full review on January 24, 2022.
Kingston and the Magician’s Lost and Found by Rucker Moses
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fun read, full of magic facts and a wonderfully described setting – both Brooklyn and the magical realm. All of the characters are memorable, and this could easily be the first in a series.
Look out for my full review on August 11.
Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A funny and heartfelt book. Emotionally satisfying. Plot is centered around Marisol’s development as a character.
Look out for my full review on January 21, 2022.
Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers by Juliet Menendez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun and educational read! The artwork is gorgeous.
Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call: The Heroic Story of WWI Telephone Operators by Claudia Friddell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very interesting story – and it was told in a gripping and exciting manner. Wasn’t thrilled with the art.
Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This one was first published in 1993 and though it was definitely progressive for its time, it hasn’t aged well. That being said, Lily is such a great heroine (and shares my last name) and Alex is her perfect match. I could feel the sexual tension radiating off my Kindle. On the downside, there are times when neither of them honor the other’s right to consent, a fan favorite uses the g-slur to describe his whimsical best friend, and Kleypas wrote out some accents in this one in a way that, IMO, detracts from the story. I loved reading it and am excited to read Derek’s book, but I can’t help but be critical.
Additionally, I DNF’ed two books. For the first book, I didn’t make it far enough to warrant its own post. How to Date Better: Finding, Friending, Hooking Up, Breaking Up, and Falling in Love in the 21st Century is free with an Audible membership, and there’s a reason it’s free. It’s crap, or at least the first essay was and so they should have started off with one of the others. I tuned out listening to some man tell me how to treat your partner better with platitudes like “don’t fight in public” and “forgive and forget” and “spooning is great.” I believe this is simply a collection of Thought Catalog essays which makes sense; it sounded like a Thought Catalog essay written by a 22-year-old. The narration was also joyfully emotionless. Everything had a happy, playful tone even when it should not have. I stopped before the first essay was over. I’ve edited and even written better essays on dating in my time with Slutty Girl Problems. (Review also shared on my Goodreads profile.)
For the second book, I genuinely believe this is likely an exceptional book, so I don’t want to write a DNF post about it. I might revisit it in the future. Queenie by Candace Carty-Williams has been on my TBR for ages, and my book blogger friends all have exceptional things to say about it. Most indicate that it picks up around 40-50%. It took me such a long time just to get to the 37% mark, and I spent those days just wanting to shake some sense into Queenie. As a former master of self-sabotage who has way outgrown that and struggles enough watching friends do it, I didn’t want to spend my free time reading about someone else doing the same. I am sure this is a lovely book, but it’s not for me at this time. (Review also shared on my Goodreads profile.) Unfortunately, this was “Q” for my AtoZ Reading Challenge. I’ll either choose another book or just let that letter go.
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.) In July 2020, I started a brand new planner, which I hope to use through 2021. Here are my weekly spreads for February.
[insert all]
I’ve been keeping track of my moods to keep an eye on my depression and anxiety. In March, I felt:
- Good – 7 days
- Okay – 7 days
- Tired – 4 days
- Happy – 3 days
- Productive – 3 days
- Bored – 2 days
- Busy – 2 days
- Great – 2 days
- Lazy – 1 day
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More Stuff I Did
On TikTok, I’ve been posting myself making every Animal Crossing: New Horizons villager on The Sims 4.
@btchbkshlfI am back! Who should I make next? ##acnh ##animalcrossing ##ts4 ##sims ##sims4 ##thesims4 ##newhorizons♬ bubblegum k.k. ~ animal crossing lofi – Closed on Sunday
I don’t know how I managed to read so much while also watching a decent amount of films and television. I rewatched Crazy Stupid Love for the first time since I saw it in theaters. I also watched Promising Young Woman and Oprah with Meghan and Harry. I finished Season 4 of BoJack Horseman and Season 1 of Sex and the City.
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Because I’ve been blogging about more than just book reviews, I wanted to share some of our “other” posts from this month:
Other Bookish Posts
- Bookish Advice: How to Read More
- My NetGalley Shelf
- Authors Who Turned Me Into a Bookworm
- Authors Who Inspire Me
- 18 Romance Tropes I Never Want to Read Again
- #BookishAstrology – Books We Chose for #Pisces Season
Blog Hops, Memes, and Challenges
- How Your Reading Has Changed This Year – Spring 2021 Bookish Blog Hop
- Top Ten Tuesday: Spring Cleaning Freebie
- Top Ten Tuesday: Places In Books I’d Love to Live
Blogging
Writing
Lifestyle
Looking Ahead: April
April promises to be a month of getting back on track. I am so excited to get my second dose of the Moderna vaccine on April 20th!
