DURING MY MARCH HIATUS, I SPENT THE FIRST TWO WEEKS TAKING A BREATHER FROM BLOGGING… AND READING.

I landed myself in a major reading slump for half of the month, and it stunk. I simply couldn’t bring myself to read anything. After reading eight books in both January and February, this was a big bummer.

When I finally got the reading itch again, I had some catching up to do. And I read eight books in two weeks. Everybody give it up for Emily, who started pulling her hair out at the thought of catching up to her speed reading bookish bestie Brooke, who read waaay too many books in March. But I DID IT, and I am here today to tell the tale. I bring you a collection of March mini reviews, part one.

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys: oh. my. word. In March, I read two of three of Ruta Sepetys’ books (the second review coming next week), and adored them both. Between Shades of Gray felt like a cross between Code Name Verity and The Book Thief, which, I might add, are BEAUTIFUL books I could talk about forever. I loved the fact that this story (Miss Septetys’ debut novel) was based on her own Lithuanian ancestors and their experience in WWII. The true stories and eye-witness accounts that Ruta Sepetys researched and heard in preparation for the novel really came to life. This book was raw, realistic, and memorable. I know for sure that it’s a new favorite! five stars. ★★★★★

HOPE IS A FERRIS WHEEL by Robin Herrara: I feel like I may have enjoyed this book when I was younger, but… it was just a meh for me. It’s the first Middle Grade book I’ve read in a long time. In elementary school, I was apart of The Hellen Ruffin Reading Bowl. Many of the books on the lists each year are award-winning and great books, so when this one landed the list a year or two ago, I knew I should read it. The main character was ten and adorable, but frankly, she got on my nerves. I hated the ending. I get that it was a “left up to the reader” type thing, but it very much frustrated me. I did like the poetic-type feel to the book, but.. it all felt so mediocre. three stars. ★★★✩✩

WOLF BY WOLF by Ryan Graudin: {the following is an original review from Emily herself when she finished this book at 1:10 AM on a Sunday night. enjoy the fresh-off-the-last-page review.} For a good part of that book, I thought “this is great. Four stars probably.” But then THE ENDING! My heart was pounding and I was (am) wide awake at 1:10 AM in the morning. I’m so hyped up and amazed! Ryan Graudin writes beautiful, poetic writing with SO MUCH INCREDIBLE action and intrigue and mystery and super abilities and a dash of sci-fi mixed with historical fiction. (If that hasn’t convinced you, I don’t know what will.) I’m in awe. And maybe slightly delirious because it *is*, after all, now 1:11 AM. But all things considered. This. Was. Amazing. five stars. ★★★★★ (edit: one of the things I loved about this book was that it is a sci-fi and historical fiction cross-over! So if you’re new to either genres, or just love both like me, pleeeeaaase give it a try! TRUST me, it is worth every page – and it’s the first in a trilogy, published just last October!)

Keep a lookout for part two of my March mini reviews! Did you read any 3 or 5 star books in March? Which were your favorites?