What I Read in March & April

I didn't post book reviews at the end of March because by the end of March, I'd only read two books. Figured I'd wait & bundle them... & then I forgot to share them altogether. Whoops. 

Now I'm on a roll, barreling through May, & though the month is nearly over, I'm going to save those for the next post. In the meantime, I'm posting reviews over on my bookstagram account on an ongoing basis, as I finish each book. 

So anyway. Here's what I've been up to, reading-wise, as of late. How about you?

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica

I've rated my last few Mary Kubica books pretty low, to be honest, because I'm always let down by her dramatic, cheesy reveals/twists. Still, I love the process of getting there... so I was drawn to this one. Sadie, a doctor who moves to a Maine island, only to fall under suspicion when a neighbor is murdered. The police chief thinks Sadie did it; Sadie is sure she didn't. Could they somehow both be right? The ending is cheesy as ever, but it was still an exhilarating read. ★★★✰✰

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

A cozy weekend at a Vermont lodge is supposed to be a relaxing getaway, but when a snowstorm hits, the visitors are trapped... & then they start turning up dead. I always enjoy a locked-door mystery, & I had no idea whodunit until close to the end. The end also included a bonus twist that I didn't see coming that made it feel extra-satisfying. While this isn't a book whose plot will stick with me, it was an enjoyable read while it was happening. ★★★★✰

How to Win the Bachelor by Chad Kultgen & Lizzy Pace

If you've ever listened to the Bachelor recap podcast Game of Roses, you know all about this long-awaited book written by its hosts. While it's technically geared toward future contestants on the show, it's a fun, absurd read (or, in my case, listen) for anyone who's interested in the inner workings of the show & how it turns out star content creators even (& especially) among those who don't win "the ring" or "the crown." ★★★✰✰

Unfollow by Megan Phelps-Roper

I never expected to read a memoir by a member of Westboro Baptist Church’s infamous Phelps family, but this is an agonizing, powerful, deeply uncomfortable look at the family’s beliefs & way of life. I always assumed Westboro was intentionally trolling us all, so it was unsettling to learn how firmly they believe(d) in their goodness, righteousness, & piety. Isn’t it scary how we can all feel so strongly about the rightness of our own very, very differing values? ★★★★★

Admission by Julie Buxbaum

This YA fiction novel is modeled on the college admissions scandal & the way that Full House star Lori Laughlin & her family, in particular, made headlines. Chloe, a mediocre study at a fancy LA school, is stunned when FBI agents show up to arrest her mom, a B-list TV star who is charged in connection with a college admissions bribery scandal. Flipping back & forth between then & now (& eventually melding into one timeline), ★★★★★

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

During Jessie's first week at her intimidating new prep school, where everyone seems to be a bully, she gets an anonymous email. Someone says he can teach her the ropes, as long as he never has to reveal his identity. But as he & Jessie start a friendship by email & eventually via text, she tries to convince him to reveal himself.  Will she still like who she discovers on the other side? A little predictable but highly delightful. ★★★★★

Hope and Other Punchlines by Julie Buxbaum

On her first birthday, the Towers fell, & Abbi Hope Goldstein escaped in the arms of a childcare provider. The photo captured of them in the aftermath catapulted her into a worldwide icon of resilience known as Baby Hope, but now she's just Abbi, a teen trying to hide her tragic fame. When a classmate blackmails her into helping him track down the other survivors in the same infamous photo, they both learn more than they bargained for. ★★★★★

What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

David is a neurodivergent loner. Kit is social, popular, & neurotypical. After dad's death, she befriends quiet, insightful David, whose blunt honesty confounds most people. When she asks for David's help figuring out the details of the car accident that killed her father, their friendship grows into something more... but is it sustainable? This book relied on some autism tropes, but it's also a poignant look at how we try to overcome very different communications styles. ★★★★★

Chloe Cates Is Missing by Mandy McHugh

Chloe Cates is actually Abby Scarborough, a YouTube star whose mom, Jen, is obsessed with maintaining her daughter's online persona. When Abby disappears, Jen has to face the investigator who was her childhood BFF — keeper of her worst secret. Everyone in this book is an enormous asshole, which makes it hard to root for anyone, but it's entertaining & shares thoughtful insight about the ways we present ourselves online. ★★★★✰

Tell me what you're reading, then add me on Goodreads to keep in touch & see what I've read in months past. You can also follow my bookstagram account. 

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