book reviews: march 2012 recap

My Top Read of the Month for March: Suzanne Collins'
The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay

Another good month of reading has come and gone. I had the opportunity to read and review several solid books ranging from chick lit to mystery to women's lit to dystopian young adult.

Having more variety on my bookshelf this month was a nice change of pace and an eye-opener. I discovered and enjoyed or loved books that might not have made it into my "read" pile. Trying something new is always a good thing. When you do it with books, you get new ideas, think differently and become an overall better-rounded reader, I think.

I also caught up with the rest of the world and read (or rather inhaled) the Hunger Games trilogy. If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or have had lunch/drink/dinner with me in the past few weeks, you are probably sick of hearing me talk about these books. I offer no apology and have no regrets -- these books moved me even more than they entertained me. Who knows how long my gushing will last?

With that, let's take a look back at the books I read and featured on the blog this month.

Chasing China by Kay Bratt
Rating: 4 of 5

A young woman learns about the the roots she does not remember and what it means to who she is now in Kay Bratt's Chasing China. Using the author's personal knowledge an insight about adoption and orphanages in China, the story is an informative and intriguing portrait of of the topic.

Favorable Conditions by Kathleen Kole
Rating: 4.5 of 5

When a devoted mom finds her nest empty and her life dull, she decides to take direction of her life and finds a few unexpected surprises along the way in Kathleen Kole's Favorable Conditions.

Write from the Heart by Heather Hummel
Rating: 4 of 5

In Heather Hummel's Write from the Heart, a woman takes a hard look at her life and what she wants from it after undergoing a break-up from her boyfriend and career.

Death on Heels by Ellen Byerrum
Rating: 4 of 5

Death on Heels, Ellen Byerrum's latest installment in the Crime of Fashion series, forces the main character to reconnect with her past as she attempts to find the truth about a string of murders after her ex-love is charged with the crimes.

Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Top Read of the Month)
Rating: 5 of 5
(I'd give it a 6 if that wouldn't negate my whole rating system. The trilogy is that good.)

Collins built a captivating story about hunger, violence, war and above all else the potential for good in life no matter how bleak circumstances might seem. The books show that people are not always who they seem. That hate can destroy more than your enemies, and love will not not always protect your friends. That human life is precious and fragile. But no matter the outcomes, you have to hope life can be better and good to survive. Bonus: I started a three-week Hunger Games Reading in the Kitchen series yesterday with Peeta's Bread.

Death by Chocolate by Julie Anne Lindsey
Rating: 4 of 5

Julie Anne Lindsey's Death by Chocolate is a quirky story about what happens when a woman is pushed to far. Unexpectedly and unintentionally turned into a murder, the main character Ruby must rely on the help of her best friend Charlotte and son Michael to cover her tracks. Bonus: This one comes with a recipe.

Memoirs of a Mom on the Edge, Part One: Martinis & Menopause by Elizabeth Loan
Rating: 4 of 5

Elizabeth Loan gives a hilarious and relatable glimpse into her life as a mom of five in Memoirs of a Mom on the Edge, Part One: Martinis & Menopause.

Liars Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen
Rating: 4 of 5

Wendy Chen's debut novel Liar's Guide to True Love offers a funny and enjoyable read for wedding and romance addicts alike.

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