What to read in March 2025
Confession time! I have a strange habit—I tend to avoid bestsellers and award-winning authors. I know, I know, it’s ironic, especially since I’m an author who dreams of both! But there’s just something about a book being everywhere—on morning talk shows, hyped by celebrities, or dominating TikTok (which, for the record, I don’t use but definitely acknowledge)—that makes me skeptical. Will I actually love it? Or am I just being told that I should?
Well, sometimes, I get it completely wrong. Case in point: Anne Tyler.
Anne Tyler has been writing for decades, winning awards, and captivating readers, and somehow, I only just read two of her books this month. And you know what? She might just be my new literary hero.
March’s Stack Selection: The Accidental TouristThis novel first graced bookshelves in 1985 and was made into a movie in 1988 (which, confession #2, I haven’t seen). The film starred William Hurt, Geena Davis (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress!), Kathleen Turner, and Bill Pullman. It even vied for Best Picture at the Oscars, but Rain Man took the crown.
But back to the book—what really struck me was how Tyler writes about ordinary life. The highs, the lows, and all the beautifully mundane moments in between. Her characters—Macon, Sarah, and Muriel—are complex and flawed, each carrying invisible scars that I didn’t always understand. And yet, I was fascinated by them. Would I ever do laundry like Macon? Nope. Would I hint at a trip like Muriel? Definitely not. Would I show up out of the blue like Sarah? Hard pass. But watching them navigate life in their own unique ways was strangely mesmerizing. I have a feeling this book would reveal even more depth on a second or third read.
Older books (and movies!) hold so much value. They show how storytelling evolves over time, how characters change, and how authors like Anne Tyler refine their craft over the years. And speaking of evolving…
Audiobooks Are Back!Tyler’s newest novel, Three Days in June, just hit shelves last month—40 years after The Accidental Tourist! I managed to snag the audiobook from the library (a short and sweet four-hour listen), and I’m on the waitlist for the eBook. Stay tuned to see if my reading experience differs from the audio!
This time, Tyler takes on family dynamics with her signature wit and insight. The story revolves around Gail, her ex-husband Max, and their daughter Debbie, who is getting married. Gail, to be honest, isn’t the most likable character—there’s something just a little… off about her. But then Max arrives. With a cat. And no suit. He seems like the free-spirited, forgetful type, but plot twist—he’s actually the one who has his life together!
There’s a 40-year gap between these two books, but Tyler’s magic remains. Her storytelling is timeless, proving that some things really do get better with age—authors included!
So, that’s my March reading roundup! Do you have a favorite Anne Tyler novel? I’d love to hear your recommendations! And what books are you loving this month? Drop me a message—I’m always looking to add to my TBR pile!
