March Reads (2020 edition)

penny on April 2, 2020

Everything has changed and March lasted at least a decade. As I always tend to do, I’ve been reading with a shift toward (post)-apocalyptic fiction and comfort reads as the month progressed and NYS went on PAUSE.

march 2020

March 2020’s Reading List

  1. The Mapmaker’s Apprentice (Glass and Steele #2) by C.J. Archer
  2. The Apothecary’s Poison (Glass and Steele #3) by C.J. Archer

The Glass and Steele series is quick and fun. The first three are set in a London so that was fun.

  1. Come Tumbling Down (Wayward Children #5) by Seanan McGuire

McGuire’s Wayward Children series is amazing and this fifth book is no exception.

  1. Karen Memory (Karen Memory #1) by Elizabeth Bear
  2. Stone Mad (Karen Memory #2) by Elizabeth Bear

Steampunk western isn’t a genre I normally read (I prefer my steampunk set in London). I don’t know exactly what about Karen Memory won me over but these two books were lots of fun.

  1. Showa, 1926-1939: A History of Japan by Shigeru Mizuki, Zack Davisson (Translator)

This was recommended by Lauren and I know I have gaps in my knowledge of this period of Japanese history. It was a fascinating read and I liked to contrast of history against Mizuki’s recollections of his childhood. I hope to read the rest of this history series.

  1. Diadem from the Stars (Diadem #1) by Jo Clayton
  2. Lamarchos (Diadem #2) by Jo Clayton
  3. Irsud (Diadem #3) by Jo Clayton

While reading the first three books in this series,it was often hard to remember that it was published in 1977-78. It often felt modern. I hope I can find the other books and follow more of Aleytys’ journey through the stars.

  1. The Power by Naomi Alderman

This is a fascinating (and devastating) exploration of power, society, and gender.

  1. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

I had a challenging time with Man Booker Prize winners until the 2019 books. It has unconventional structure—the narrative of the women and their experiences is cohesive and ties together connected stories, voices, and women. I want to purchase a copy (I borrowed an ebook from the library) so I can savour this book and reread it.

  1. Wastelands 3: The New Apocalypse (Wastelands #3) by John Joseph Adams (Editor)

As with any anothology, some stories were amazing, some not quite my style. Overall I find these short stories the perfect speed for my right now.

  1. Feed (Newsflesh Trilogy, #1) by Mira Grant
  2. Deadline (Newsflesh Trilogy, #2) by Mira Grant
  3. Blackout (Newsflesh Trilogy, #3) by Mira Grant

I’d started Feed over the summer and it wasn’t the right time. Mira Grant (aka Seanan McGuire) is brilliant. I’m now reading some of the books she recommended about yellow fever and have e-holds for others.

  1. Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis by Ada Calhoun

As Gen-X this book resonated strongly. You are not alone.

  1. Parasite (Parasitology #1) by Mira Grant

While I loved the Newsflesh triology, this one (I’m likely going to finish book 3 tonight) has given me nightmares, something I’m welcoming (mostly because it means I’ve actually fallen asleep).

  1. Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I needed to reread this. Je l’ai lu en français, parce que c’est le livre que je lis toujours. Apparently today is children’s book day, and Maria Popova reposted her article on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

  1. Twisted-Stitch Knitting: Traditional Patterns & Garments from the Styrian Enns Valley by Maria Erlbacher, Meg Swansen (Editor), Amy Detjen (Editor)

This was one of the last books I picked up from my public library before it shut. I’m not too upset to have it on extended loan, but I wish it was for less (everything) reasons. I hope to purchase my own copy.

  1. Sequence Knitting: Simple Methods for Creating Complex Reversible Fabrics by Cecelia Campochiaro

This was the last book I picked up from my public library before it shut. It’s a fascinating read, you can also pick up a lighter version in MDK’s Field Guide No. 5: Sequences.

Next reads

I’m almost finished with Mira Grant’s Parasitology series. I have several netgalley reads to finish and should make progress on some of the books that are sheltering in place here with me.

This is only part of one of the “to be read” bookcases.

Stay safe. Stay home. Wash your hands.