Going into March, I planned to finish one book per week. I thought it would be a manageable pace, a simple way to keep my reading habit on track. But sometimes plans change—and by the end of the month, I had actually finished eight books.
Not all of them made it into my top five, but each one added something to the experience. Here are my picks, along with a few quick mentions of the others, so you get the full picture of my reading month.
Before diving into my top five, I also read Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson, a reread of Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert, and Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke, MD. While they didn’t make my top picks, they added variety and perspective, making March feel like a truly full reading month.
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
This philosophy book is written as a dialogue between a philosopher and a young man, exploring concepts rooted in Adlerian psychology. It challenges conventional thinking about happiness, relationships, trauma, and personal responsibility.
This was one of the most thought-provoking books I read this month. It didn’t just present ideas—it challenged me to confront my own beliefs. There were moments when I felt inspired, and others where I found myself resisting what I was reading. Some concepts felt empowering, especially around taking control of your own life, while others were harder to fully accept. It’s not necessarily a comforting read, but it’s one that pushes you to reflect deeply on how you see yourself and the world around you.
Circe by Madeline Miller
This novel reimagines the life of Circe, a lesser-known figure in Greek mythology, following her journey from exile to self-discovery. Through lyrical storytelling, it explores themes of power, isolation, and transformation.
I have mixed feelings about this one. While I appreciated the writing and the depth of Circe’s character, it didn’t fully pull me in the way I expected. What stayed with me, though, was her role as a mother. The way she protected her son, the choices she made out of love, and the quiet strength she showed—it made me understand her on a much deeper level. Even if it wasn’t a favorite overall, that emotional connection really stuck with me.
Rebel of the Regency by Ann Foster
This biography tells the story of Caroline of Brunswick, a controversial and often misunderstood figure in British royal history. Written in a conversational tone, the book brings her story to life in a way that feels engaging and accessible.
I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. It reads less like a traditional biography and more like someone telling you a dramatic story. What really stood out to me was how much Caroline’s life reminded me of Princess Diana—both women were constantly judged, misunderstood, and scrutinized in ways that felt deeply unfair. Reading this during Women’s Month made it even more meaningful. It highlights how, even across different time periods, women in the public eye are often reduced to narratives that don’t fully capture who they are.
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
This novel follows Ricki Wilde as she steps away from her family’s expectations and starts fresh in Harlem, where she begins to discover who she really is. Blending romance with a touch of magic, the story explores identity, love, and taking risks.
I was actually supposed to read this back in February for Black History Month, but didn’t get around to it until March—and I’m really glad I finally did. This was such a refreshing read. I loved the mix of romance and magical elements, and how it balanced lightness with meaningful themes. At its core, it’s about choosing yourself and building a life that feels true to who you are, which made it even more enjoyable.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Written as a letter from a son to his mother who cannot read, this novel explores family, identity, trauma, and love through poetic and deeply intimate prose. As the narrator reflects on his life, he revisits memories of childhood, cultural displacement, and the complexities of his relationship with his mother.
This was the heaviest book I read this month. The writing is beautiful—almost lyrical—but the emotions it carries are intense. It’s not something you can rush through. I found myself pausing often, sitting with certain lines, and sometimes even rereading them just to fully take them in. Some parts were difficult, but they felt honest in a way that stays with you. It’s not an easy read, but it’s definitely one that lingers long after you’ve finished it.
March didn’t go according to my reading plan—but in the best way. Instead of sticking to just one book a week, I ended up exploring more stories, more voices, and more perspectives than I expected. Some books challenged me, some comforted me, and some pushed me to sit with ideas a little longer than I’m used to.
And maybe that’s what a good reading month really looks like—not perfectly planned, but full of books that meet you where you are and leave something behind. The kind you carry with you, even after you’ve moved on to the next read.
If you’ve read any of these books—or have recommendations for what I should pick up next—I’d love to hear from you. Email me at ihorton@whatsupmag.com and let’s keep the conversation going.
