Book Talk: What I Read in March

As I mentioned in my February reading list blog, I’m currently reading a book every week in 2025. So, this blog is about what I read in March. If you want to follow my journey, I’ve also gone ahead and finally created a Goodreads account. I’m still figuring out how to use it. I might’ve reviewed some books I haven’t read yet but I’ll update it as I go along.

The plan was to only rate books I’ve read this year but Goodreads wanted me to rate a few before I got started. So naturally, I might have gotten carried away with my obsession with Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes.

Fun fact: I have been to the Pera Palace multiple times to do some writing here in Istanbul. 

I really want to channel some of Christie’s awesome writing skills. Not sure how effective it’s been though.

What I Read in March: The Reading List

For the month of March, I read a staggering (considering what I’ve been up to lately) seven books. Now, I know. Someone’s going to be like, “I read fifteen books.“ And I completely agree with you. I have been that person for most of my childhood and young adult life. BUT I just started working at a new place. And yes, I might work from home but life happens, alright?

I’m super busy.

But I’m going off topic again.

Let me know if this is entertaining. I have no idea how to write these blogs. I usually watch book recommendations on YouTube. The book review blogs I do follow tend to be more polished and well-thought out.

Which I KNOW says more about me than anyone else but hey, first time not researching stuff. I’m trying to be a more go-with-the-flow kind of gal, and I’m struggling. That’s something my therapist and I need to work on. ANYWAY, here’s a list of the books I read in March:

• Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood 
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones
• Air Awakens by Elise Kova
• Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini
• Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
• The Winner Stands Alone by Paulo Coelho

Book 1: Alias Grace

• Author: Margaret Atwood
• Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Why I Picked It Up

This was a re-read. I first Alias Grace waaay back in my freshman year in college, shortly before watching the series on Netflix. It was a good read back then, and is still a very good read today.

Margaret Atwood was introduced to me in high school when someone in my literature class recommended The Handmaid’s Tale. I’ve never been a diehard fan of hers even though she’s a great writer. Unfortunately, I’ve always been more into another female writer who’s become a symbol of bigotry in the past few years.

Naturally, I’ve completely stopped interacting with that person and her books. I know if I met her, she’d probably accuse me of being a man because my genes decided to mess with me, and I don’t have the same features as my three Persian grandparents. But that is life and ignorance.

I can’t believe I’ve resisted reading Margaret Atwood for such a long time even though Alias Grace is one of my favourite books of all time.

I haven’t been fair to Margaret and I’m fixing that this year. So, I’ve started discovering her work, and I’m re-reading Alias Grace. I re-read The Handmaid’s Tale in January. I expect you’ll see one or two of her books every other month or so in this series.

So yeah, this was my motivation behind reading Alias Grace this month. You really need to check it out.

Summary

Based on true events, Alias Grace follows Grace Marks, a young Irish maid convicted of murder in 19th-century Canada. Years later, a psychiatrist, Dr. Simon Jordan, interviews her in hopes of uncovering the truth—was she a cunning killer or an innocent victim of circumstance? As Grace recounts her life, the line between memory, truth, and deception begins to blur.

What I Liked

As I’ve said before, I’ve been unfair to Margaret Atwood. Her writing is rich and immersive; it makes you feel as though you’re living in her stories. This is not something many authors can do. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to do that.

I’m also a huge fan of the unreliable narrator trope. I actively use that in my writings because let’s be honest, it’s a third-person POV. But Margaret Atwood takes it to another level in this book. I’ve never read a story where I can’t figure out if the character is correct or not until the end. I’m super particular about clues and stuff, and when I’m reading a mystery or thriller, by the time the book concludes, one of three main theories of mine are usually correct.

I couldn’t do that with Alias Grace when I first read it. Re-reading it actually made me further scrutinize certain hints and boy, is Atwood good at what she does. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

Downsides

While I want to say that there was nothing wrong with this story, I will admit that the pacing is quite slow, and Margaret’s writing can be very heavy. The dense prose might not appeal to readers looking for a fast-paced thriller. But I would argue that it’s the way she writes that makes her books so, so good. 

Final Thoughts & Who Should Read It

If you enjoy thought-provoking historical fiction with psychological intrigue like The Silence of the Girls or Fingersmith, Alias Grace is a must-read. Fans of true crime and complex female characters will especially appreciate this book.

Book 2: The Hunger Games

• Author: Suzanne Collins
• Genre: Dystopian Fiction

Why I Picked It Up

I’ve actually never read the Hunger Games series, which I know is weird because I’ve read Twilight and Divergent. And then the movie came out and I just never felt the need to read it. This has changed because my own manuscript heavily relies on certain tropes from the Hunger Games series so, to do it right, I finally decided to read it. I’ve started Catching Fire today, so it’ll definitely be in April’s reading list.

I’m also not a major fan of the first-person POV. I think it takes a really, really skilled writer to pull it off. While Suzanne Collins has definitely avoided the shortcomings of certain authors, the POV was kind of a dealbreaker for me in my teen years. As an adult, I can stand it; still not a fan of it though.

Summary

In the nation of Panem, the Capitol forces twelve districts to send two tributes each year to compete in the Hunger Games—a brutal fight to the death broadcasted as entertainment. When 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in place of her younger sister, she must use her survival skills, intelligence, and instincts to navigate the deadly arena while grappling with political manipulation and unexpected alliances.

What I Liked

Katniss is a really strong character. Not going to lie, I don’t think Jennifer Lawrence did her justice. Also, the worldbuilding is very, very good. This is one of the few first-person POVs I kind of got into from the very first chapter; Katniss’ relationship with Primrose, her sister, was kind of sweet and low-key reminds me of my dynamic with my youngest two siblings.

And don’t get me started on the build up to the games themselves. Compared to Divergent, the Hunger Games is actually better in terms of pacing, with just enough information and lore to keep you intrigued. The stakes are high, and there were multiple scenes in the book that had clearly been copied over scene-by-scene in the movie. I don’t think I ever appreciated how true to the book the movie was, and I have a new appreciation for that.

Suzzanne Collins did a good job at putting her foot down, or whoever it was really; this is a good book. Of course, I gave it a 4-stars on Goodreads but that has to do with my lack of interest in first-person POVs. But if you like that, this is a solid book.

Downsides

As you can probably tell by my constant rants about the first-person POV, I did not like that. I’ve heard that the new books are in third-person so, I’ll definitely be reading those. Also, the love triangle. I did not like it, but I understand why Collins added that; I’m sort of adding one into my manuscript as well. Don’t agree with it; but I get it.

Final Thoughts & Who Should Read It

If you love action-packed dystopian stories with strong characters and themes like The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of survival stories and political intrigue.

Book 3: Castle in the Air

• Author: Diana Wynne Jones
• Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Why I Picked It Up

After reading Howl’s Moving Castle, I was eager to explore more of Diana Wynne Jones’ magical world. While Castle in the Air isn’t a direct sequel, its premise and connection to the first book intrigued me.

Summary

Abdullah, a humble carpet merchant, dreams of a grand destiny—until one day, a magic carpet whisks him away on an unexpected journey. When a mysterious princess is kidnapped by a djinn, Abdullah must navigate enchanted lands, outwit dangerous foes, and seek help from familiar faces to rescue her.

What I Liked

As I’ve come to expect from Diana, the rich, magical world felt fresh and immersive, transporting me to a land full of wonder and danger. Abdullah, the protagonist, is endearing and relatable, making his journey of self-discovery all the more captivating. His witty and often humorous internal monologues add a charm to the story, making it lighthearted and fun despite the serious stakes.

Downsides

I’ll be frank: I don’t like it when western writers repurpose eastern stories. Especially when it’s straight out of The Arabian Nights. Now, I know this is extremely hypocritical of me because my characters are decidedly western-inclined (is that a word?). But given the way the world is right now, I just don’t like it. And I know, it’s hypocritical of me. 

But it does rub me the wrong way. Like, I won’t argue with anyone about it. It just makes me roll my eyes and not read the book. THAT SAID, this book came out in the 80’s before our lovely world leaders’ shenanigans so I’ll give Diana a pass here. And I really liked Howl’s Moving Castle, and I try to be as open-minded as possible, so yeah. 

I read this book even though it made me roll my eyes. And I will say that Dianne Wynne Jones has done a great job at not treating the characters in this book as part of the ‘strange, exotic, eastern land of the middle east and the orient’ like some writers tend to do.

Actually, scratch that. I don’t have a problem with western writers writing stories like these as long as they’re not trying to be overly aware of the setting and characters. Yeah, that’s what it is. 

As long as no one is fetishizes anything, I’m good. A certain sci-fi writer should’ve read this before he decided to make a mockery out of a thousand years of history. That’s what I’m really mad about.

Final Thoughts & Who Should Read It

Don’t be like me. Give it a chance. It was nice, light-hearted and fun(and made me feel stupid for putting it down in the first place because of my own biases). There aren’t many fantasy books like these anymore. Diana Wynne Jones is an AMAZING writer. I’m so tired of romance novels being marketed as a fantasy because people have magic and/or pointy ears, so this was much welcomed. If you’re looking for something that’s fantastical but not too high fantasy, this is for you.

Book 4: Air Awakens

• Author: Elise Kova
• Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Why I Picked It Up

I finished watching Avatar: The Last Airbender earlier this month, after maybe eight years, I guess. It was a complete and uninterrupted re-watch. Of course, I’ve read the Avatar comics and stuff, and I would consider myself part of the fandom but I hadn’t watched it properly in a long time. So, naturally, when I was watching the show from start to finish, I couldn’t help but remember how much I adored a certain firebender.

Say what you want, ten-year-old me knew what she was doing when she had a crush on Zuko. Besides, I’ve always been more fixated on the way Avatar’s written, the story and stuff like that, rather than focusing on individual characters. 

Side note: I’ve added a romantic subplot in my manuscript and I am not happy with it even though my friends are salivating over it for some reason. I believe I need to read more romances to get a hang on what’s going on in that genre in this decade. 

So, naturally, for my next book, I was looking for something Avatar-like, with a character like Zuko. I literally typed “books where the main love interest is like prince zuko” on Google and Air Awakens was HIGHLY recommended on Reddit.

That’s it. That’s how I found it.

Summary

Vhalla Yarl, a library apprentice, unknowingly possesses rare wind magic—an ability that ties her to the powerful and mysterious Crown Prince Aldrik. As she is thrust into a world of war, politics, and magic, Vhalla must decide whether to embrace her newfound power or remain in the shadows.

What I Liked

I was kind of worried that this might be a cliche which a lot of romance novels are, but this one was alright. Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t an epic, high-stakes fantasy, forbidden love kind of a romance. I knew exactly what was going to happen, but I kept reading. Which was weird because I wasn’t impressed by the first chapter.

Yeah. I’m probably part of the broader demographic this book was going for because I just ate it up. I try not to use Gen Z slang here often but that’s what it was.  Seriously, I don’t know why I just kept reading this book. I finished Air Awakens in a few hours. And trust me, you will too. You will ignore all the tropes in this book that have been laid out in front of you and keep reading. It’s not spicy; it’s not too angsty or a slow burn. But you will read it because it’s just enough. I will be reading the sequel only to see if Vhala and a certain someone have more on-page chemistry because even though I’m not a big romance fan anyway, it was just barely enough. This is a classic case of me being curious enough to read the sequel.

Downsides

There were certain parts of the book, in my opinion, even though I’m not a literary god by any means, that seemed a bit stilted, a bit too modern.

Again, diclaimer: I’m not a literary genius. But I did find myself rolling my eyes at the fact that:

1. The main character’s name is Vhala. What’s wrong with Hala? Or Val? Like, just call her Valerie and call it a day.
2. There are several other examples of try hard, high fantasy-style names in this book. I just started calling Sarmeen ‘Sam’ because I could not take him seriously. 
3. There’s the “I’m just  a nerdy girl who loves books and why are all these men into me?” trope which I loathe, because when you are a bookworm in college, men either use you to get better grades, bully you, or dare each other to date you for the fun of it (I went to engineering school, OK? Plenty of guys have tried to do that to me. I have strong words with their mothers whenever I run into them these days. One of those boys is my best friend now, but we don’t tell him that because he stopped talking to me for two years because his friends were morons who BULLIED me and now keep bothering me to help them find a job. I’m not petty; I just don’t forget. There is a special place in hell for people like them). 

But then again, for stories like these, I’m comparing them to high fantasy series like A Song of Ice and Fire and Lord of the Rings. And I think the book was marketed incorrectly. 

I alluded to this when reviewing the previous book, A Castle in the Air. This book should’ve been marketed as a romantasy or even just romance. It’s trying to be a fantasy novel, by giving us a lot of worldbuilding and context; but we didn’t need it. This was a romance, and I need to know what happens next.

Final Thoughts & Who Should Read It

If you love fantasy with a unique magic system, and a slow-burn romance, Air Awakens is worth reading.

Book 5: Sea Prayer

• Author: Khaled Hosseini
• Genre: Illustrated Novella

Why I Picked It Up

I’ve been looking for writers from my part of the world to add to this list, and while there are many great writers, I didn’t want to pick up a book for the sake of it. At least for now; I’m interested in reading bbooks because I want to; and not because I have to. To be very honest, the only South Asian author I do read these days is Awais Khan, and since he’s editing my manuscript (going to start today or tomorrow if I can finish proofreading the last three chapters), I think it might be a conflict of interest, especially since I’m pretty sure I’ll be telling him about this blog at some point over the next couple of weeks.

And also, I have physical copies of all the books I’m reading. That’s like one of the rules of this new year’s resolution. I know, it’s a bit restrictive, but book hunting gives me an excuse to go outside and meet people. My therapist has been urging me to do so, and so here we are. 

My grandfather really liked Khaled Hosseini. We had this local newspaper that had a section on books back home, and he would have me go through it, decide which book I’d personally like to read, and then grandpa would give me a little book allowance to buy that book from this local bookshop in my city. Or we’d go to this place called Sunday Market, and buy second-hand books for pennies on the dollar.

Honestly, it’s one of my favourite childhood memories. Might be TMI but my therapist has been urging me to talk about my grandfather so just following orders here, folks.

So, anyway, as I looked for authors from my part of the world, I remembered Khalid Hosseini, and lo and behold, he’d written Sea Prayer. And the bookshop-cafe I work from on Tuesdays had a copy in English. You can imagine what happened next.

Summary

Written as a letter from a father to his young son, Sea Prayer captures the hopes, fears, and love of a family fleeing war-torn Syria. As they prepare for a dangerous sea crossing, the father reminisces about the beauty of their homeland before war, contrasting it with their current reality. The book is beautifully illustrated, adding to its haunting impact.

What I Liked

One of the most striking aspects of Sea Prayer is its poetic, almost lyrical prose. In just a few pages, Hosseini captures the profound emotions of love, loss, and longing, making the story feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. The father’s reflections on the beauty of his homeland before war contrast powerfully with the bleakness of their current situation, emphasizing the devastating impact of conflict. 

The illustrations elevate the storytelling even more. The soft, watercolor-like art shifts in tone—starting with warm, golden hues that depict a peaceful past before fading into darker, more somber shades as war takes over. This visual journey enhances the emotional depth of the story, making it even more immersive. The combination of heartfelt words and evocative imagery makes Sea Prayer a haunting yet beautiful reading experience that lingers long after the final page.

Khalid Hosseini’s stories have always had this quality of making me feel lucky—incredibly lucky, that is, because given my own background; any one of the characters he mentions could’ve easily been me, had my grandparents made different decisions. He’s one of those authors, on par with Paulo Coelho, who humbles me. And I really appreciate that.

Downsides

The story is short, more of an illustrated poem than a full narrative, which might leave some readers wanting more.

Final Thoughts & Who Should Read It

If you appreciate lyrical storytelling and emotionally powerful books like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas or The Kite Runner, Sea Prayer is a must-read. It’s perfect for those looking for a meaningful, thought-provoking book that lingers long after reading.

Book 6: Down and Out in Paris and London

• Author: George Orwell
• Genre: Memoir, Social Commentary

Why I Picked It Up

This was another second-hand bookstore find, and since I had 1984 and Animal Farm in my collection, I had to get Down and Out in Paris and London. It helps that both of these cities have always fascinated me. London probably is my favourite city in the world, and that has a lot to do with its literary prominence, while Paris is a close second, though the fashion history is what propels me towards it. My younger sister dreams of living in Paris, so I know quite a lot about it.

Fun fact: All three of us have been drawn to different cities all our lives. For me, it’s always been London; my younger one likes Paris, and the youngest has loved Istanbul. 

And since my sisters are graduating, and the older one is thinking about Paris, I’ve been thinking about moving to London. A lot. And then this book showed up, and I decided to take the hint and read it. Orwell’s the kind of literary genius I aspire to be one day, and it felt right to read this book at this point in my life.

Summary

This semi-autobiographical work follows Orwell’s experiences living in extreme poverty—first as a struggling writer in Paris, working grueling jobs in restaurant kitchens, and then as a drifter in London, navigating the harsh realities of homelessness. Through vivid storytelling and keen observation, Orwell exposes the struggles of the working poor and the societal structures that keep them trapped in hardship.

What I Liked

Orwell’s writing is brutally honest, yet full of the kind of dry humor and sharp wit that I appreciate. His descriptions of life as a dishwasher in Parisian kitchens are so vivid that you can almost feel the heat, smell the stale grease, and hear the constant shouting of overworked cooks. His portrayal of poverty isn’t just about suffering—it’s about endurance, the camaraderie among the struggling, and the absurdities of a system that keeps people trapped in hardship. As someone who hates victim narratives and would much prefer to read stories of survival, this was an especially compelling read for me.

The London half of the book shines in its unflinching depiction of homelessness. Orwell doesn’t just observe—he experiences life in shelters, and on the streets, bringing attention to the dehumanizing treatment of the poor. His critique of bureaucratic indifference and the cycle of poverty feels eerily relevant even today. What makes this book so powerful is Orwell’s refusal to romanticize or sensationalize poverty; instead, he presents it as it is—humiliating, exhausting, and often invisible to those in power.

Downsides

The London section, which focuses more on Orwell’s observations of homelessness rather than personal experiences, can feel slower and less immersive than the Parisian half.

Final Thoughts & Who Should Read It

If you enjoy thought-provoking nonfiction that blends personal experience with social critique like Nickel and Dimed or The Road to Wigan Pier, Down and Out in Paris and London is a must-read. 

Book 7: The Winner Stands Alone

• Author: Paulo Coelho
• Genre: Thriller, Psychological Fiction

Why I Picked It Up

I feel like I don’t need to explain why I read any of Paulo Coelho’s books at this point. Seriously, if I had to only read books by one author for the rest of my life, I would choose Coelho. The Winner Stands Alone, in particular, might actually be the story of my life. Aside from murder. At least, at this point in the timeline. Just kidding; I like this book, and I had to re-read this after February. 

Februaries are hard and everything bad in my life has always happened in February. I don’t know what this says about me, that this is the book I turn to. But yeah, it is what it is.

Summary

Set over 24 hours at the Cannes Film Festival, the novel follows Igor, a wealthy Russian businessman who is willing to commit murder to win back his ex-wife. As the story unfolds, we see the lives of multiple characters—actors, models, and filmmakers—all chasing success, unaware of the danger lurking among them. Through their perspectives, Coelho explores the dark side of ambition, materialism, and the illusion of happiness in the elite world of fashion and film.

What I Liked

Much like Down and Out in Paris and London, The Winner Stands Alone is unfiltered; but it focuses on wealth, fame, and the illusion of success. Coelho peels back the glamorous façade of the Cannes Film Festival to reveal a world driven by ego, power, and desperation. The novel doesn’t just focus on the elite but also highlights the sacrifices and moral compromises people make in their pursuit of recognition. This book paints a cynical yet realistic picture of an industry where happiness is fleeting and status is everything.

Another strength of the book is its psychological depth, particularly in the character of Igor. As the central figure, he is both terrifying and fascinating—a man who believes his violent actions are justified by love. His cold, methodical approach to murder contrasts with his philosophical reflections, making him a uniquely unsettling antagonist. Coelho’s signature introspective style adds a layer of complexity to the thriller, elevating it beyond a conventional crime novel. Rather than relying solely on action, the story delves into the mindsets of its characters, making it a thought-provoking exploration of human obsession and self-destruction.

Downsides

Some parts might feel repetitive, and Igor’s philosophical musings, while interesting, can slow down the pacing of the suspense.

Final Thoughts & Who Should Read It

If you enjoy thrillers with psychological depth and social commentary like American Psycho or The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Winner Stands Alone is worth reading. It’s a dark, reflective novel that questions the price of success and the illusion of power.

What I Read in March: Summary & Favourite (and Least Favorite) Book

This month’s reading list took me through a mix of genres—dystopian struggles, psychological thrillers, historical hardships, and magical adventures. Each book had something unique to offer—from Orwell’s sharp political satire to Coelho’s deep philosophical musings, to Diana Wynne Jones’ whimsical storytelling.

If I had to pick a favorite, Down and Out in Paris and London would probably take the top spot. And yes, I know, I just spoke about how much I like The Winner Stands Alone, but it was a re-read, and I’m making it a point to choose from books that aren’t re-reads. Unless it’s like The Alchemist or something, then it will make the list regardless of how many times I’ve read it.

Air Awakens is probably the least liked book on this list; I feel like there was so much potential there, and nothing makes me sadder than lost potential. I feel like an in-depth critique should be coming for that book, but I want to read the majority of the series before I do that.

And that’s it! What did you read in March? Have you read any of these books? I’d love to hear your thoughts!