

Unlike the beginning of 2020, I started off 2021 with an actual plan to read more books this year than I did last year. (Yes, I made it to my 2020 reading goal…but I didn’t originally plan to read 30 books last year.) While I didn’t read as many as you might see on other monthly reading lists…I did read nine books! I’m good with that. It put me ahead to complete my reading goal for this year. Oh, and I set my reading goal to 33 books this year, since I’ll be turning 33. I know, how very creative of me!
I realize we’re now over halfway through March, and I’ll be honest: I meant to get this post up at least a week and a half ago. But, here we are. I’ll do better with March’s reading recap. Or, at least I will try very hard.
Every Book I Read in January & February

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
This book came highly recommended as an audiobook, and it was read by Tom Hanks…so I was in. I really enjoyed it, even though it’s not typically a type of book that I read often. I’m pretty sure I’ve never read anything by Ann Patchett until now (or at least, not that I can remember). It did take me a few chapters to get invested in the story, but I enjoyed it in the end.
4/5 stars
Trains, Jesus, and Murder by Richard Beck
This is another type of book that I don’t generally read, but as a Johnny Cash fan, I was really interested in this one. Trains, Jesus, and Murder is an exploration of Johnny Cash’s life through a theology lens, and I very much enjoyed it.
4/5 stars


The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
I had The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle on my reading list for so. long. It happened to be on sale in paperback when I was grabbing groceries one day, so I grabbed it…and I wanted so badly to really enjoy this book. This one has received lots of good ratings and everyone seems to enjoy it. Sadly, I was a bit disappointed in this one (but don’t let that stop you from reading it, because I’m certainly the odd one out with that opinion).
2/5 stars
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
This is another one that I listened to as an audiobook (I had about 12 audiobook credits to use & I don’t enjoy listening to novels vs. reading the physical books). Born a Crime was recommended multiple times to me as an audiobook and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Trevor Noah is a great storyteller and an excellent narrator, and I enjoyed laughing along with him, while also learning from the stories from his life pre- and post-Apartheid South Africa.
4.5/5 stars


The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Last year when I was looking for more *spooky* books to ready, a friend recommended Ruth Ware’s novels to me.I really, really enjoy her books (or at least the three that I’ve read). I will preface this by saying that I do not like boats, and the idea of being on a cruise ship gives me horrible anxiety. That being said, I did not process that the “Cabin 10” this book was about would be a cabin on a cruise ship before I started it. Aside from that, the actual story of this one was my least favorite of her books that I’ve read. Still creepy with a twist, so if you like spooky books and aren’t afraid of boats…you’ll probably like this one.
3/5 stars
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I started reading Daisy Jones & The Six as a physical book (I mean…as an ebook on my Kindle), but I had a really hard time reading it. When I downloaded it, I hadn’t realized that the book is written in an interview-style, but luckily a friend sent me the audiobook and I switched over to listed. I much preferred the audiobook, and I probably wouldn’t given up on reading it if I hadn’t switched over. This was a great novel as an audiobook and I definitely recommend listening to it!
3.5-4/5 stars


One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I’ve read a good number of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books, and they’re generally a nice easy read for me. This one wasn’t my favorite, but it was still en enjoyable novel. It was a sweet story, and an easy read—pretty much what I’d expect from this type of novel, though it’s not one I’d read again.
3/5 stars
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
I fully expected to love this book, especially since it’s been described as Breakfast Club meet’s Gossip Girl (I know). And it wasn’t a bad story! But, I found myself feeling very “meh” about it throughout the story. It’s entertaining enough that I didn’t stop reading, but I doubt I’ll read the rest of the series anytime soon.
2.5-3/5 stars


Pretty Things by Janelle Brown
For the last of the books I read in February, I picked up this one. I can’t even remember how I found it, but I tend to scroll through reading lists and Goodreads when I can’t sleep and pick out books I might want to read. It was such a current thriller, but that could just be me. The social media talk and influencer talk…it was a little jarring for me, because sometimes that can take me out of a story. But I really enjoyed it with this story, and it certainly was a big part of it. There was one chapter ending that I remember getting an actual chill. It wasn’t as intense as a lot of thrillers, so if you’re unsure about reading one, this might be a good one to dip your toes in with.
4/5 stars
Looking for more bookish content? You can find my reading lists right here.