March was a month of exploratory reading, traveling to Ancient Greece, the Irish countryside, and outer space. I hope you enjoy my reads and reviews for March!
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Due to my love of Greek mythology, I have been recommended this book countless times and I finally took the plunge. Miller’s raw storytelling crafts a beautiful romance which left my heart shattered on the floor (and will I pick this book up again? Absolutely). The Song of Achilles is told from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled prince who forms a passionate relationship with Achilles, one of Greece’s mightiest heroes. Their tentative childhood friendship grows into a beautiful and passionate love which overcomes societal obstacles, selfish struggles, and warfare. When the men are recruited to fight against Troy and Achilles’ skills are put to the test, will their relationship withstand the test of loyalty, or will the harsh realities of war force them to confront their differences?
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
I heard about this book on the NYT Book Review podcast, as it was their book club pick for February. Their stimulating discussion prompted me to pick up a copy, and it definitely lived up to expectations. Told over the course of 24 hours, the book follows six astronauts as they make their orbit around Earth aboard the international space station. Each chapter is linked to an orbit around the planet as the individuals reflect upon their time in space and how it has altered their perception of life on Earth: the beauty of the planet from afar, their helplessness as a natural disaster rages towards land below, the physical impact living in space takes on the human body. A meditation on humanity and exploration, Harvey’s descriptive and immersive prose transports readers into the depths of space, gazing through the port at our beautiful, distant world. This novel can be read in one sitting or digested one chapter at a time.
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) by Rick Riordan
Did I read The Heroes of Olympus series first? Yes. Am I having the best time reading this series? Absolutely. Percy Jackson is headstrong, sarcastic, and has a penchant for finding trouble. He has always struggled to fit in, which comes to a point when he is chased by a Minotaur while traveling to summer camp. And not just any summer camp, Camp Half-Blood: a safe place for demigods (sons and daughters of Greek gods and goddesses) to train to be Earth’s heroes. When a god’s prized possession is stolen and Percy is framed for the crime, it is up to him and his friends to set the story straight and save the world in the process. While the series begins with Percy and his companions in middle school, it’s perfect for readers of all ages with its enchanting world building, ambitious adventure, and comic relief. I would recommend enjoying this read while catching some sun in the park or on vacation. My goal is to finish the second book before the new season of the show releases!
Atalanta by Jennifer Saint
I first encountered Jennifer Saint on the tables of Blackwell’s during my time in Oxford, and her books have been on my mind ever since. Atalanta was abandoned by her parents on a mountainside as a baby, as she was not the heir her father wanted. But, she was found by a mother bear and raised by Artemis as she grew into a confident warrior. As a test of Atalanta’s strength, Artemis sends her to join the Argonauts on the quest to find the Golden Fleece. The journey will not only test Atalanta’s skills as a warrior, but also the fortitude of her heart. I felt this was a great story for Women’s History Month, as it celebrates a heroine of Greek mythology who is often overlooked, but who is celebrated beautifully in this book. Saint brings a modern sensibility to the myth, and if you appreciate mythology, a strong heroine, and romance then this is the book for you.
The Alternatives by Caoilinn Hughes
I came across The Alternatives on the What Should I Read Next? podcast, where it was described as a book that made one’s “brain fizz.” Intrigued, I chose it as my pick for our March book club theme, soul sisters. The story follows the Flattery sisters, united by a family tragedy in their youth, who have grown into independent women—each single and holding a PhD. When Olwen disappears into the Irish countryside following an existential crisis, her sisters—Rhona, Maeve, and Nell—rally together to bring her back to reality. Hughes’ writing is immersive and distinct, capturing each sister’s unique personality through their individual perspectives. One of my favorite elements is the shift from prose to script when all the sisters are together, an intriguing stylistic choice which emphasizes the theatrical nature of their relationship. Ultimately, The Alternatives offers a candid portrayal of adult sisterhood—capturing the love, challenges, and personal growth that arise when sisters face obstacles together, despite their differing beliefs and perspectives.
And that concludes the books I shelved in March! Thank you for reading and keep an eye out for the April newsletter for our next book club announcement, book events to attend next month, and more!