The march books aren’t all officially out yet. Oprah announced her most recent pick mid-february, so that one will roll over until next month. Diverse spines announced the first three months in the beginning of januar (bless them!) so we have some things to get us started.
Also reports are in the GMA and Read with Jenna has chosen – these are not confirmed, but come with a spoiler alert tag. But March is looking pretty good so far!
I’ll be back with updates as soon as they come in, so check back to see the updates!
Diverse spines: Take my hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
This historical fiction is inspired by real events in post-segregation Alabama. A black nurse blows the whistle on forced sterilization and tries to trigger change in her community.
This sounds like a very important story about a shameful and not too distant past, set in the 70’s, it feels like it should be set much earlier, but the truth is this happened to the Relf sisters in 1973.
Good Morning America: Pineapple street by Jenny Jackson
Expected publication date: March 7.
Rife with the indulgent pleasures of life among New York’s one-percenters, Pineapple Street is a smart escapist novel that sparkles with wit. It’s about the peculiar unknowability of someone else’s family, the miles between the haves and have-nots and everything in between, and the insanity of first love.
Read with Jenna: Black candle women by Diane Marie Brown
Expected publication date: february 28.
Ooooh child! Here we have a family curse (I know this from experience!) some paranormal things going on and messing up a love story! I love it! Can’t wait to read it!
Oprah’s bookclub: Bittersweet by Susan Cain
This is a rollover from last month since Oprah came in mid month with what looks like is going to be my favorite non-ficiton of the year! (or maybe even the decade?)
The undertitle being “How sorrow and longong make us whole” and man, how I’m feeling that title right now. Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Even if the love is unrequited? I’m sure Susan can help me figure it out.
The following books announced their pick on march 7th, which to me, is a week late for a monthly book pick. But here they finally are!
Amerie’s book club: An Autobiography of Skin by Lakiesha Carr
Described as a portrait of interconnected generations in the South, offering a view into the interior lives of Black women. It is a look at how experiences are carried inside the body, inside the flesh and skin.
This is the type of book I was expecting Amerie to pick in February! But, better late than never. Looking forward to it.
Belletrist: What happened to Ruth’s Ramirez by Claire Jiménez
A debut novel about a Puerto Rican family in Staten Island who discovers their long-missing sister is potentially alive and seek to find her and bring her home.
A family portrait that explores cycles of generational violence, colonialism, race and silence. I have to say, Belletrist picks the most interesting and different stories, (even though I don’t always like them) and I can’t wait to read this one.
Reese’s book club: The nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I just found out that Reese’s book club announces their pick on the first Tuesday of the month. Which is disappointing when the month begins on Wednesday. So seven days in, we finally get the book.
This is an unusual pick for this book club, since it’s not a new release, but a 2015 book about two sisters in war torn France. Loosely based on a real person. This book has a large following, and if I’m not mistaken, it will be made into a movie coming out soon.
HAPPY MARCH READING!
Marie III 