March Books – What I read

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Reading wise March wasn’t such a bad month now looking back on it. I read more than I would have guessed. And I had a few good books in the mix but also probably the worst of this year already. But lets get right to it: here are my March books

A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab | ★★★★☆

What it is about: Kell and Lila set out on a journey to save the kingdom. But it is only possible if they work together with their enemy.
What I thought: I loved this book and the entire end of the series. I think it became better with each book. I really did like the character, their flaws, their emotions, their relationships. It feels real and I liked and disliked everyone at one time.
Original Language and Title: English hardcover, paperback, eBook
Publications: German paperback, eBook
Recommend to: Everyone loving a good fantasy tale, deep characters and the magic of pulling the impossible off.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig | ★★★★☆

What it is about: There is a library between life and death and Nora is trying to figure out how to move forward.
What I thought: It is a good maybe even great book and I can see why it is so well appreciated by a lot of people. I personally wasn’t much surprised with the gist of story as I have watched a show that attempted the same thing. However I believe it is a book that – at the right time – is a very powerful book if not even life changing. I personally found that opening ( I don’t want to give it away) was very unusually. Maybe for some people it can be triggering (if you need to know research it but I personally hate knowing things beforehand). Throughout the book mental illness is a main point and I found it especially interesting how the treatment of depression and the progression of the book mirror each other. Very well done.
Original Language: English hardcover, paperback, ebook
Publications: German hardcover, ebook and I have seen many other languages
Recommend to: Everyone wanting to learn about depression, likes to ponder the what-ifs of life and needs an uplifting story.

Marina by Carlos Ruíz Zafon | ★★★☆☆

What it is about: Oscar is wandering Barcelona, looking for adventure when one day he meets Marina. Together they discover dark secrets, stroll through Barcelona and discover what it means to be young. Until the end it all takes a unforeseen turn.
What I thought: I had no clue what I was getting into. I just wanted to read something by this author. Not sure I would have picked it up knowing. It is not the usual thing I read. I am not too into gothic and dark things (if not fantasy) so this was a surprising read. It was ok. Not a. bad book, good writing, kept me enticed but just not my cup of tea. I think I’ll read the title I originally planned reading by this author one day.
Original Language and Title: Spanish
Publications: German paperback, eBook || English hardcover, paperback, eBook and I have seen many other languages
Recommend to: Everyone loving a good fantasy tale, deep characters and the magic of pulling the impossible off.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang | ★★☆☆☆

What it is about: Yeong-Hye is a colorless woman in an ordinary and colorless marriage. Until she decides to live a vegetarian life. Then the absurdities change her and her families life.
What I thought: This was a truly strange read. It was interesting. At times very uncomfortable. Some artsy elements I could understand but not connect. It felt like a peek into another world, another culture and another persons (sick) mind. For that it was well done. I didn’t like it though. Maybe I am not smart enough to elevate to that meta level…
Original Language and Title: Korean
Publications: German hardcover, paperback, eBook || English hardcover, paperback, eBook
Recommend to: Everyone loving a good fantasy tale, deep characters and the magic of pulling the impossible off.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker | ★★☆☆☆

What it is about: Life in the Southern States of America from Celie’s – a young black woman – point of view. Her struggles growing up, her uneventful and sad life and how she starts standing up for herself and making peace with her past.
What I thought: Argh… I didn’t like it. I almost hate all characters, I felt they behaved stupid and at the same time arrogant. There was not one I felt connected too. Granted – I am not black, I don’t live in the south but than I am not a wizard and have magic either… I can see why this book is received well in the literary world but I couldn’t take much from it. I also wasn’t fond of the writing.
Original Language and Title: English paperback, eBook
Publications: German hardcover, paperback
Recommend to: If you like classic literature, award winning novels

Caravan by Marina Lewycka | ★☆☆☆☆

What it is about: We meet a group of strawberry pickers in England. Most of them came here with high ambitions – may it be to learn the language before college, to escape home or to earn some money. They embark on a journey together after fleeing the farm after an incident.
What I thought: I only finished this book because it was recommended to me. But believe me I have been eye rolling and disgusted throughout. I don’t believe I have ever read so many clichés and stereotypes packed into one book. Maybe it was supposed to be funny and comical but I found it only sad and depressing. Worst of all I felt like lots of issues where just take at face value and not challenged – role of woman, stereotypes of immigrants, etc. I wished I spent my time better.
Original Language and Title: English paperback, eBook
Publications: German paperback, eBook
Recommend to: If you like classic literature, award winning novels

So as you can see while I read quiet a few it wasn’t the best reading month quality wise. But then I was able to read books on my TBR and get rid of them. It feels freeing.

How was your March reading? Anything outstanding?

Happy reading

Tobia