March 2019 Wrap-Up

I’ve got to say, even though I’m not reading as many books as I used to, 2019 has been a really good reading year for me so far. March is no exception. This month I read four novels and two graphic novels/memoirs. And I didn’t rate anything below three stars.

I also DNF-ed a book. However, I am going to be making a small change regarding DNFs this year. I usually wait until the middle or end of the year (depending on how many books I DNF) and talk about them all at once. Instead, I’ll be talking about them in my monthly wrap-ups. And, since this is my first DNF of the year, we’re starting in March.

And now it’s time to get all wrapped up!

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The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

This is a graphic memoir and it’s perhaps my favorite memoir I ever read. Split into two volumes, The Story of a Childhood chronicles Satrapi’s childhood growing up in revolutionary Iran. The Story of a Return follows Satrapi’s adolescent and young adult years in Europe. It’s an informative and poignant look into a life and world so different from the west and how Iran came to be what it is.

This was actually a partial reread for me. I read The Story of a Childhood a few years ago for a class and always meant to continue on. When I found the full collection at Barnes & Noble, I decided to read the whole thing. I think I prefer the first volume, mainly because it’s such a departure from the life I know. But it’s interesting to watch Satrapi grow up and her opinions solidify. As a kid, she is often swayed by what others are saying. As she grows older, she begins to form her own beliefs. It’s a powerful story and I gave it a full five stars.

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Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

According to a centuries-old prophecy by Agnes Nutter, the world is ending on Saturday. However, a hedonistic demon and a strait-laced angel have decided they like life on Earth and wish to thwart the Apocalypse. The problem? Someone seems to have misplaced the Antichrist.

This was a fun read! The middle was a little slow and tedious, but overall this was a fun book. Also, I love Crowley. I gave this one four stars.

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Shades of Magic, Vol. 1: The Steel Prince by V.E. Schwab & Andrea Olimpieri

A couple decades before the events of A Darker Shade of Magic, King Maxim was a young prince and soldier trying to prove himself. When his fascination with parallel Londons starts eating up too much of his focus, Maxim’s father sends him to the Blood Coast of Verose. But this rough and tumble town is about to get rougher and tumblier, because the Pirate Queen just docked at the port.

I really wanted to love this graphic novel, but alas. I don’t feel like I really got to know the characters. It all went by so fast. I understand Schwab and Co. were limited in regards to length and I think that really hindered the story. Schwab’s best feature has always been her characters and they really suffer here.

I’ll probably continue the series because I’m a slut for Schwab’s books and Shades of Magic is one of my all-time favorite series. I only hope the sequel is better. I’m probably being generous giving it three stars, but I can’t bear to give Schwab any less. I justify it because the artwork is so stunning.

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Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

Mia Corvere has had her family taken from her and her life destroyed. Now she is on a path for vengeance against the men who wronged her. Her road begins when she journeys to a school for assassins. Once she becomes a Blade, her quest for retribution can finally begin. But first, she has to make it through training.

I was hesitant to read this book because I despise his other series The Illuminae Files. But I kept hearing good things and it seemed right up my alley, so I took the plunge. And now I can’t believe there was a time I didn’t want to read this book. I would die for our lord and savior Mia Corvere. I cannot wait to start Godsgrave. I gave this book five stars.

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Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

An oral history of the most famous fictional band of the ‘70s, the story chronicles the rise and fall of Daisy Jones & The Six. From drugs to feuds to affairs, the members of the band and their associates are finally revealing what happened behind-the-scenes that caused their dramatic split.

This book did not live up to expectations. There was just something missing somehow. It was interesting, but I don’t love the characters the way I did in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I hated Billy and eventually couldn’t stand Daisy either. They’re self-centered assholes. And I got real How I Met Your Mother vibes from their story (not in a good way).

I liked how it was written in transcript format. I was picturing it like a documentary the whole time. I really don’t like the twist at the end, which threw everything for a loop. Nothing felt like it had emotional impact, not in the way it would’ve if this had been written like a regular book.

On the other hand, I could picture everything clearly in my mind and wish so badly I could hear the band’s music. I’m sure I would love it.

So… not exactly what I was hoping for. It’s decent, but nothing special. Check out my review for my more in-depth thoughts. I gave it three stars.

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We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

Since the death of her grandfather, Marin has run from her past. Trapped in a sea of grief and anxiety, she has shut out everyone she once loved— including her best friend Mabel. But now Mabel is coming to visit and Marin will be forced to face her feelings and her past.

What a beautiful and poignant story of grief, heartbreak, depression, and anxiety. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this moved by a book, and this one managed to do it in less than 300 pages. I genuinely cried. I love this book so much. I gave it five stars and fully expect to see it on my 2019 best list.

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Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan (DNF)

Nadya can speak to the gods and channel their magic. Now she is on the run from High Prince Serefin, a blood mage from the country hers has been at war with for years. En route to a hideout, Nadye meets Malachiasz, a dark and mysterious blood mage. In this villain romance story, it quickly becomes impossible to tell who is good and who is a monster.

I made it about sixty pages into this book before I had to quit. It’s thinly veiled Alarkling (Aline and the Darkling) fanfiction with Kylo Ren thrown in for good measure (and yes, the author is a fan of both). Moreover, the novel opens with Nadya’s home getting attacked and her best friend potentially dying. The problem is we don’t know any of these characters, so it has no emotional impact. As soon as I saw the sun goddess’ name is Alena, I was out. This book is not remotely for me and really could’ve used some objective beta readers. I only hope I can get my money back.

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What did you read in March? Did you DNF anything? Tell me about it in the comments!

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