4 Powerful Books I read recently in March 2024
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Hey there, bookworms! Today, I'm super excited to share with you four amazing fiction books I recently read in March 2024. These stories took me on thrilling adventures, made me laugh, and even shed a tear or two. But before we dive into the books, let's talk about why reading is so important once again.
Reading is like a superpower that can take you anywhere in the world and beyond, all from the comfort of your favorite reading spot. It helps us learn new things, understand different perspectives, and spark our imagination. So, grab your favorite reading buddy (or furry friend), and let's explore these fantastic stories together!
Sign Up for amazing book recommendations
Recent Reads March 2024
My Rating: 4 stars
Published in 2019
Genre: Literary Fiction (India)
Publisher: Grove Press
Pages: 423
The Far Field by Madhuri Vijay
The Far Field is an unusual book with a hard-hitting end. The thought-provoking narrative is a realistic example of how the world works.
Shalini is a girl attached to her mother. But she unexpectedly loses her to an accident. Now, she is on a quest to find the one person whom her mother is most connected with. This quest takes her from Bangalore to Kashmir. And Kashmir is not what she expected. The unexpected family she finds there is about to receive a rude shock.
It is hard to believe this novel is a debut novel by Madhuri Vijay. The elaborate plot, the slow reveal of the family secrets, and the narrative that seamlessly flows between the past, and the present all seem like, the writing of a veteran. Hard-hitting issues like Indian politics and the social gap between city people and village people have been dealt with in a very realistic way. Shalini's grief and guilt for her mother shine through the writing.
Overall, I recommend this to fans of literary fiction or readers interested in reading the relationship dynamics of a mother-daughter duo.
JCB award winner for 2019 and Pushcart Prize Winner.
My Rating: 4 stars
Published in 2015
Genre: Sci-Fi / YA
Published by Knopf Books
Pages: 608 pages
Illuminae by Jay Kristoff, Amie Kaufman
(The Illuminae Files #1)
"Illuminae" is a thrilling sci-fi novel told through a series of emails, interviews, and documents. It follows Kady and Ezra, two teenagers who escape an attack on their planet and find themselves on a spaceship fleeing for safety. As they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the entire universe, they must fight for survival and uncover the truth.
I don't venture much into the sci-fi genre. But I'm glad I read this book. It was recommended by BookTube. The format of the book is incredibly unique and engaging, keeping you hooked from start to finish. It's not in regular chapters. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
You may find the format a little challenging to follow at first, but once you get into it, it adds to the story's intrigue.
"Illuminae" is perfect for anyone who loves fast-paced sci-fi adventures with a unique storytelling style.
Fans of "The Hunger Games" will especially enjoy this book.
My Rating: 3 stars
First Published in 1892
Genre: Short Stories
Listened to the audiobook on Audible.in
Pages: 64 pages
The Yellow Wallpaper" is a classic short story about a woman who is confined to a room by her husband. He believes she is suffering from a "temporary nervous depression" after giving birth to their baby. As she spends more time in a room, in a house where they have recently moved, she becomes obsessed with the wallpaper. She believes there is a woman trapped behind it. The story explores themes of mental health, gender roles, and the treatment of women in the 19th century.
The story is haunting and thought-provoking, offering a powerful analysis of the experiences of women during the period. Gilman's writing is suggestive and draws you into the narrator's declining mental state.
Some readers may find the story slow-paced or hard to relate to, given its historical relation. I listened to it on audio, in about half an hour, so it was a quick read.
If you enjoy thought-provoking literature that explores complex themes, "The Yellow Wallpaper" is worth a read. It's a great choice for fans of classic literature or anyone interested in feminist literature.
26 More Short Books to Read in A Day
My Rating: 3 stars
Published in 2024
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Published by Crooked Lane Books
Pages: 352pages
The Hungry Dark by Jen Williams
The book starts with a bang. We have a kid or a person trapped in a cave, in the dark, and he/she is hungry. They find a pomegranate, but when they are about to eat it, they are attacked.
Then we have Ashley, who is a psychic, and helps people who have lost someone communicate with them. But she believes she is living a lie. Because she is conjuring stories with the help of her brother. But murders are happening in her community, and her father and brother think it would be good for their business if Ashley decides to help the police with her "powers". They want to fool the police for some cheap publicity. Only Ashley's "fake powers" lead her straight to the dead body.
The story takes place in two timelines. One is current, and the other is from 2004 when an incident in childhood led Ashely to believe she had special powers. The characters keep referring to this incident from the past, and it creates a sense of mystery for the readers.
I loved the creepy haunted vibe the whole story had. The dementor-like Heedful Ones added a paranormal element to the story. But it was a slow-paced narrative for a horror/thriller novella. I took an obvious guess as to who might be behind the killings, but of course, the author always had someone else in mind.
Overall I'd say I enjoyed the book, but a shorter book with some omissions could have served the purpose equally well. I recommend this to readers who love thrillers with a spooky vibe and are okay with some gore.
This post contains affiliate links. Read my Disclosure Policy.