Books are small universes; affordable and easily carried, filled with mind-expanding possibilities. Through their pages, I explore new experiences and worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and deepen my understanding of…everything.
These are the books I read in March 2026, listed chronologically, and graded by recommendation (highly recommend, recommend, and do not recommend).
Daughters of Decadence
I always thought of the late nineteenth century as boring and very proper; Victorian and such. But every age has its counter-culture.
That’s why Elaine Showalter grouped these provocative stories under the fancy French phrase for “end-of-century.” Cuz these works are more chic and timeless than you’d think; highly recommend.
The Way We Never Were
Nostalgia for mid-twentieth century America is a DISEASE, dang it. And this book is the cure.
To romanticize the past is human nature (what up fading affect bias), but this specific case (casting a rosy recollection on the 1950’s in the USA) is propped up by specific propaganda.
The world we (Millennials and older) were born into doesn’t exist. Mostly, that’s because it never existed. Let this book relate the particulars; highly recommend.
It’s Up To The Women
Was…was Eleanor Roosevelt the wisest person, ever? Maybe (and that means a lot coming from me, liking neither politicians nor noting the wisdom of others).
This book is interesting and timeless. Come for the practical and compassionate advice, stay for the strange Depression-era recipes; recommend.
Half His Age
Does that cover make you uncomfortable? Good. Get used to it. Nothing about this novel is comfortable. (Unless super well-written prose and deft characterization is your kind of cozy.)
Age follows seventeen-year-old senior Waldo, bored, witty, and hungry. She’s ready to blow this popsicle stand (her hometown), but maybe she’ll settle for Mr. Korgy, her creative writing teacher, first.
The fall-out is classic, Waldo’s recovery is not; highly recommend.
A Jury Of Her Peers
Elaine Showalter is a joy, and I can’t thank her enough for anthologizing these women writers. This collection was so good that I put almost every author she mentioned on hold.
I wish she were my English teacher, devouring her work will have to do; highly recommend.
All The Single Ladies
I love the Beyonce reference, however: “coverture” should be mentioned, at least in the subtitle.
But Traister argues that it was the rise of female singledom, not the abolishment of that legal system, that led to the “rise of an independent nation.”
She is wrong and only a so-so writer, do not recommend.
The Mountain Is You
Don’t get me wrong, I think ACE scores are really important, and I know that the body keeps the score. But can we chalk up all our psychological foibles to trauma?
I’m putting it too simply, but she also doesn’t explain it that well; do not recommend.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck
I swear on everything that this was my first time reading this book, but (especially if you’re familiar with my writing) you’re forgiven for not believing that.
I can hardly believe it myself.
The zeitgeist is the zeitgeist for a reason, I guess. Similar to Non-Reactive Parenting, Manson advocates lowering expectations, internalizing a loci of control, and understanding your own heuristics; do not recommend (just keep reading my stuff).
Vigil
In yet another novel about death and the afterlife, Vigil describes the work of Jill Blaine, a heavenly hospice worker. Like, literally from Heaven, sent to comfort the dying.
Her latest charge, an oil tycoon, won’t be comforted. How can you comfort someone who refuses to feel, let alone recognize, regret? Even though he should, due to everything from being a bully to destroying the world.
Perhaps Dickensian spirit guides can force a change of heart? Read it to find out; highly recommend.
Postcards From The Edge
I loved Fisher’s memoirs, but it’s not… terribly difficult to discuss oneself. PFTE proved Carrie was a helluva writer. I wish she wrote more fiction.
The novel opens with Suzanne in rehab after an overdose (suicide attempt?). Despite the hilarious travails of treatment, the real test is staying sober in 1990’s Tinseltown.
This is a good story, told well; highly recommend.
Night Watch
One in a trio of war novels, Watch concerns the American Civil War (Lark and Termite, the Korean War; Machine Dreams, WWII and Vietnam).
In 1874, the dead were the lucky ones. Those left to navigate Reconstruction (especially marginalized groups) faced rampant poverty, disease, corruption, and violence.
But Eliza and her 12-year-old daughter’s tale of suffering may soon be over, if only they can gain admittance to a progressive insane asylum, posing as a lady of means and her maid. The onus of the story falls on ConaLee, though, as her mother hasn’t spoken (or moved, barely) in a year.
This book deserved the Pulitzer Prize it won; highly recommend.
Daddy-Long-Legs and Dear Enemy
What a well-meaning book about girlhood, featuring an engaging, independent heroine! What an example of how everything is tainted by its time (a huge power imbalance and many eugenics references)!
Both novels are told in letters, but the premise of Daddy-Long-Legs is creepier than Enemy (an orphan writing to her mysterious male patron versus an adult professional woman writing to her friend, paramour, and colleagues).
Read it for the introduction (written by the previously mentioned Showalter) and a deeper understanding of America right before WWI; recommend.
Sisters of the Revolution
A collection of science/speculative fiction by women writers, all well-written and interesting; highly recommend.
Trilby
Does “Svengali” ring a bell? It did for me, though I didn’t know why. It’s from this book (and the movies inspired by it)!
It’s the name of a specific character in this 1894 novel, but over the years, it’s come to mean any sinister type (man, vaguely ethnic) who holds an innocent, virginal heroine (in this case, Triby) in thrall.
Will Trilby escape the sinister Svengali? Only through death, suckers, it’s the Victorian era; do not recommend.
The Bad Seed
Child sociopaths, refrigerator mothers, and larveated homosexuals, oh my!!! The Bad Seed is a weird book, one reflecting a more realistic 1950’s America (The Way We Never Were would approve!).
Rhoda’s a good kid, if the metric is quiet and orderliness. If it’s compassion and non-violence, well…Rhoda is lacking.
Our friend Elaine makes a good argument as to why this novel shouldn’t be forgotten (any more than it already has) in the introduction, check it out; recommend.
Conclusion
In the quiet company of these March 2026 reads, I found stories and echoes of the human experience: resilience in the face of despair, the enduring power of connection, and timeless wisdom woven into words.
I hope this bite size book reviews open up new literary adventures for you. What books are you reading? I’d love to hear!
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Happy reading!
Love,
