If You Only Read One: March 2020

We know that we read — and review — a lot of books. It definitely helps that there are three of us, in that regard. So with this feature, we want to tell you our favorite read of the month - if we only recommend one book to pick up, what would it be?

Moira

Like many, I’m struggling in a big way to focus on reading at the moment. However, I know that once I dig in a bit, it truly gives me peace and comfort, so I look forward to reading mindfully in April and strategizing about how best to remove my hand from my phone and keep turning pages. I love love loved “Red at the Bone” by Jacqueline Woodson (my review here), a coming-of-age narrative about a young black woman in Brooklyn at the turn of the 21st century. The interwoven stories of family trauma, tragedy, and triumph layer beautifully, with a hopeful ending. It’s also a brief read, so a good one to try for those of you who are also struggling to concentrate at the moment.

Shannon

I’m really hoping I can focus more on reading in April, as I’m a bit behind my reading goal for the year already. Nevertheless, I adored “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Mhairi McFarlane (read my review here), which introduced us to Georgina, a nearly 30-year-old woman working as a waitress and bartender who randomly becomes reacquainted with her high school boyfriend. What at first glance is fairly lighthearted chick lit (as always, I use that term lovingly) is actually quite an interesting look at how we process grief and trauma, and how it’s never too late to create a life you’re proud of.

Elizabeth

I know I’m not the only one that had a weird month of reading (…and of life), but when I scrolled back through my Goodreads, I realized I had read a few great things this month, pre-self isolation life. The one I would recommend today is not only one I genuinely adored, but also one that seems appropriate for this bizarre historical moment we’re all living in: “Oona Out of Order” by Margarita Montifore. I reviewed it in full (also took maybe my best bookstagram photo ever), so I won’t rehash that fully here, other to say that it was a clever and charming diversion with one of my favorite characters I’ve read recently.

If you click on one of the links in this article and make a purchase, She’s Full of Lit may receive a small commission. It doesn’t add anything to your price — we promise! Thanks so much for your support.