Happy Wednesday and a happy March, my friends! We are approaching the spring equinox and the days are already feeling a bit longer. 

As I’ve mentioned approximately 1,000 times, March is my birthday month. As a result, it may be my very favorite month, even though it’s never quite so warm and springy as I imagine it will be. The over the top shamrock decor in the windows here in the States helps make it feel bright, at least. That reminds me, I need to dig out my decorations from the basement. 

Snow in the forecast for Saturday or not, Pittsburgh did deliver a couple of lovely warm days last week to usher in the month, so I’ll take it. I even sat on the porch reading for a bit, a rare thing this time of year.

In other news, Andy had the trees removed in our front yard, which means I’ve begun the next stages of prep for setting up our Little Free Library — paint! Even though I know I’ve got a lot to learn about being a LFL steward, I’m really excited to have things up and running. 

But enough of the life updates. Since we had a wonderful guest post last week, it’s been a bit since I’ve checked in and I’m excited to get to the bookishness!

(Full disclosure: This post uses Bookshop.org affiliate links, which earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. Books indicated with an asterisks are advanced reader copies gifted by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)

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Recent Reads

I finished my first two books of March last week.

I tore through the wonderful, funny, inspiring The Bright Side Running Club. Short chapters, a robust cast of characters, and women supporting women while on the run. What’s not to love? 

Even if it was hard to read at times with the big scariness that is a diagnosis like cancer, I very much enjoyed this book. My full review went up earlier this week if you’d like to hear more: I Raced Right Through “The Bright Side Running Club”

On audio, I wrapped up Amanda Montell’s Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language. If that name looks familiar it’s probably because her more recent book, Cultish, has been making the rounds. And for good reason — it’s an excellent read. 

Though it didn’t have quite the same fascination factor, I adored Wordslut. In this book, she explores the ways in which language, gender, and sex interact and impact one another. Montell has a delightful voice and makes learning new things incredibly fun. I can’t wait to see what topic she tackles in her next book. I’m just assuming there will be a next one because that’s the universe in which I’d like to live.

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Current Reads

Upon realizing I had a Libro FM credit in waiting, I snatched up Beth O’Leary’s The Road Trip. Since I don’t love a second chance romance, I thought audio might be a good way to finish my journey through O’Leary’s published works before her newest book, The No-Show, comes out next month. 

So far, I’m enjoying it more than expected given my dislike of the foundational trope. I have thoughts but I’ll be reserving them for once I’ve finished and have a full view of things. 

Ebook wise, I’m about halfway through India Holton’s The League of Gentlewomen Witches*. It is, as expected, a fully ridiculous, laugh out loud adventure that makes my laugh out loud, causing Andy to look at me quizically. Apparently the sorts of books he reads, about sustainable gardening and the history of the world, don’t quite have the same laugh factor. 

In my ongoing quest to read more self-care/self-help books this year, I’m continuing my way through Heal From Within. It’s a workbook-style read and has a lot of reflection and journaling components, so I’m taking my time. 

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Up Next & On to You

I’m not positive where I’m heading next, reading wise. I have Ali Hazelwood’s next STEMinist novella, Stuck with You, on audio, so that’ll be my next listen. But will I go to my next NetGalley read or pick up something in print? 

Only time will tell, as I’m feeling a bit resistant to plans at the moment. I blame the wedding planning, which is full speed ahead at this point. 

What about you, book friends? What have you been reading lately? 

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