March 2022 Book Reviews
This month included a few titles I’ve wanted to read for a white: The Silent Patient and The Song of Achilles. I’d heard great things about both and finally got around to giving them a go!
Other than that, I read 4 books that I randomly picked up with no former knowledge about them or the storylines. They were all 3 stars and below — not my best random choices!
Below are my reads for March and my candid reviews about what I liked, didn’t like, and more.
Order listed below is the order in which I read them. Note: I don’t summarize all of the books (more so give my takes), as the summaries can be easily found online!
2022 Goal progress: 21/52
Overall favorite of the month:
The Silent Patient
March 2022 reads at a glance
One Day in December
3/5
Payback’s a Witch
2/5
The Lady Upstairs
3/5
The Silent Patient
5/5
Just Haven’t Met You Yet
3/5
The Song of Achilles
4/5
Book #1: One Day in December
Author: Josie Silver
Rating: 3/5
One Day in December is a story that takes place over a series of years — I believe 7? — with each chapter being anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months apart. It follows the timeline of a Lu and her roommate as they navigate life in London and beyond. Overall, I didn’t love it! It felt predictable to me — sort of like a romcom in book form. You know what’s going to happen at the end, sort of thing. The dialogue read unnaturally and the characters were irritating.
You’ll like this if:
You love Hallmark movies and predictable, happy endings!
Book #2: Payback’s a Witch
Author: Lana Harper
Rating: 2/5
This story was like a magic-meets-Stars Hollow vibe. There was a witch competition that felt eerily similar to the Tri Wizard Tournament, but the style of magic was much different. However, I found the story shockingly disappointing! It had good reviews, and based on the cover I was very excited to read it. I know, the cover cliche. But can’t help it — it’s a cute cover!
you’ll like this if:
You’re into small town Stars Hollow vibes with a (lot of) magic sprinkled in.
Book #3: The Lady Upstairs
Author: Halley Sutton
Rating: 3/5
This story started slow. Though I didn’t love it — there was not one likable character in the bunch! — I was able to easily get through it and found myself wanting to know what would happen next. The story follows an “office” of people who work to take down corrupt figures. The “marks,” as they refer to them, are typically prominent and wealthy figures who they essentially black mail to bring in thousands of dollars a piece. I had a brief inkling toward a plot twist that ended up taking shape, so that was cool.
you’ll like this if:
You enjoy noirs with corrupt characters and blackmail.
Book #4: The Silent Patient
Author: Alex Michaelides
Rating: 5/5
This story was incredible! It follows the story of a man who starts a job at a psychiatric hospital to work with a patient of interest - Alicia-who-killed-her-husband.
I went into the book not knowing if I’d love it, but knowing it had great reviews. They were accurate. I was hooked and wanted to know what would happen next. I ended up finishing it over a single weekend. I loved the giant plot twist at the end, and I thought Alicia was a boss despite the obvious. I was excited to love this story after so many “eh” books in a row!
you’ll like this if:
You love a good mystery and even greater plot twists.
Book #5: Just Haven’t Met You Yet
Author: Sophie Cousens
Rating: 3/5
Eh. Let’s just say this: The main character was incredibly irritating. So was her friend whose entire involvement in the story felt forced and unnecessary. In this story, the main character travels to Jersey to write a story about the summer her parents met on the island. All the while, she’s tracking down a man whose suitcase she mistook for her own at baggage claim.
you’ll like this if:
You love a good who-will-she-choose love story and don’t mind annoying main characters.
Book #6: The Song of Achilles
Author: Madeline Miller
Rating: 4/5
This story pleasantly surprised me. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get into it, but I did! Based on Greek mythology, the story follows the battle at Troy. Unlike the 2004 movie, Patroclus is the main character, and the story is told from his perspective. The characters were very easy to follow and distinguish apart (despite there being many), and the story was so emotional. The ending had me tearing up, as anyone who has read it will understand!
you’ll like this if:
You enjoy Greek mythology and a good love story.
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