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A tear-jerking memoir, hilarious escapist fiction, and an inventive look at a historical disaster — see our picks for the best books of March, so far.
‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ by Suzanne Collins
Return to Panem, and the world of The Hunger Games, with Collins’ new series prequel. Centered on Katniss Everdeen’s mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, as he competes in the Quarter Quell, this book is as tear-jerking as it is thrilling.
‘Firstborn’ by Lauren Christensen
Sorrow moved in next to excitement when the author’s beloved grandfather died on the cusp of her first baby’s birth. But then, unimaginably, her low-risk pregnancy turned into a high-risk nightmare, and the lives of both mother and baby were on the line. Her daughter tragically died at 22 weeks, and Christensen found solace in writing, reading and leaning on loved ones. An achingly beautiful testament to fierce loss, fierce love and fierce resilience. — Caroline Leavitt
‘Hot Air’ by Marcy Dermansky
Joannie’s first post-pandemic kiss is interrupted when a billionaire couple crash-land a balloon in her date’s pool. As someone whose idea of luxury is sushi delivery, she’s about to have a wild weekend of wish fulfillment. Run, don’t walk, to get your mitts on this hilarious book. — Marion Winik
‘The Paris Express’ by Emma Donoghue
Inspired by a surreal 1895 photo of a steam engine dangling from the second floor of Paris’s Montparnasse station, Donoghue imagines the stories of the passengers and crew hurtling toward disaster. It’s a nail-biter — and you’ll learn some history too. — Kim Hubbard
‘Paper Doll’ by Dylan Mulvaney
The trailblazing content creator and actress shares her story documenting her transition, building an advocacy platform and dealing with the infamous “Beergate controversy” in this heartfelt and witty memoir.
“No matter who you are, what your identity is, if you are in a tough situation, there is a light at the end of the tunnel eventually,” the author tells PEOPLE.
‘I’m That Girl’ by Jordan Chiles
The world watched when Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles was stripped of her bronze medal during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. In her powerful memoir, she details her journey working through obstacles and adversity, and gives an insider’s perspective on the challenges of being a professional athlete.
‘Care and Feeding’ by Laurie Woolever
Woolever worked as Anthony Bourdain’s assistant from 2009 until his death in 2018, but her moving memoir is also a reflection on parenthood, marriage, addiction and, of course, food.
‘Broken Country’ by Clare Leslie Hall
In 1950s England, Beth and Gabriel fall in love, creating a bond that transcends their class differences. After Gabriel breaks her heart, Beth defers her dreams and marries a doting farmer instead. She’s content until years later when Gabriel moves back to his family’s estate nearby — and murder follows. Layered and lyrical, this stunning novel expertly builds suspense while revealing its secrets, and it conveys deep truths about love and loss. — Robin Micheli
‘The Antidote’ by Karen Russell
The town of Uz, Neb., is ravaged by a dust storm, but one farmer’s crops are mysteriously spared. Meanwhile, a photographer’s time-traveling images threaten to expose violent secrets, and a “prairie witch” who holds the town’s memories loses her precious cargo. A haunting novel that’s as speculative as it is timeless from the masterful author of Swamplandia!
‘Connecting Dots’ by Joshua A. Miele
Miele was 4 when a neighbor poured acid over his head, severely burning and blinding him. Here he recounts his journey from wounded boy to successful scientist and designer of accessible technologies. Told with humor, insight and not an ounce of self-pity, his story is an inspiration. — Kim Hubbard
‘One Good Thing’ by Georgia Hunter
When World War II reaches Italy, Lili is separated from her friend Esti and begins a harrowing journey with Esti’s young son Theo. A stunning story of survival from the author behind We Were the Lucky Ones.
‘Jane and Dan at the End of the World’ by Colleen Oakley
Terrorists take over a restaurant where Jane and Dan are celebrating their 19th anniversary — and Jane is about to ask for a divorce. Hilarious and unexpectedly moving. — Marion Winik
‘A Map to Paradise’ by Susan Meissner
Set in 1950s Malibu, this novel about a blacklisted actress, a war refugee and a neighbor with secrets feels all too current, with political witch hunts and deadly wildfires raging. — Robin Micheli
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