Books read in March 2014. in A suitcase of books.

So, here's the spiel:

*I am stealing this from my friend Moo, amongst others. I always read a bunch of books throughout the year and then by the end of the year, I've forgotten what they were about. Let's see if month-by-month helps!

I rate based on pure enjoyment, and I typically read for enjoyment as well, not education or major literary prowess, so there.

Also, I am trying to keep track of how much I'm spending on books this year. So excuse my geeky math.*

The Accidental Tourist - Anne Tyler (4 stars). This book was different than I usually read. At first, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it (the protagonists are splitting up after the death of their son). The novel focuses on the husband, where I thought I wanted it to focus on the wife. But it turned out to be very enjoyable, though I cannot pinpoint why. Macon goes on his own little journey of self-discovery and you go right along with him. He's a quirky guy and it's a quirky book, but also deep, if that makes any sense. [Read via book from the library; Cost: $0]

Someone Like You - Sarah Dessen (4 stars). This was a very engrossing YA novel about Halley, whose best friend Scarlett's boyfriend passes away. Lots of rather outlandish things seem to happen, but Halley is a very lovable character and you find yourself rooting for her. Somehow it all seems believable nonetheless. [Read via book from the library; Cost: $0]

The Principles of Love (Principles of Love #1) - Emily Franklin (3 stars). This was kind of a silly book, but fun to read. The protagonist, Love, moves to a boarding school near Boston after her father gets a new job there (as principal). The book is a little oddly written and perhaps it was just my Oyster copy, but there were a lot of typos and cultural mistakes (for instance, Gwen Stephanie versus Gwen Stefani) that were very distracting. Also, the author uses a lot of parentheses and asides, usually something I enjoy, but she took it a bit too far. But, it was an engaging read, and I will probably read the second novel in the series. [Read via Oyster app on iPad mini; Cost: $9.99 monthly Oyster subscription]

Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen (4 stars). As you can see, Sarah Dessen is my new "read all her books like a crazy person" obsession. I really enjoyed this book. Ruby, at 17, winds up living with her estranged sister after her mother disappears. Her sister and her husband have money and Ruby has to start her life basically over. Ruby was a very realistic character, and for some reason, I really liked her brother-in-law, too. I couldn't put the book down. I was completely immersed in Ruby's coming of age tale. [Read via book from the library; Cost: $0]

Along for the Ride - Sarah Dessen (3.5 stars). Another enjoyable YA book centering on studious Auden, who escapes her mother's clutches for the summer and goes to stay with her father and stepmother by the beach. There she meets a cast of characters who help her come out of her shell. While the subject matter could seem trite, Dessen did a good job with it. Her books are a bit formulaic, but perfect for my brain after a busy day of work and kids. [Read via book from the library; Cost: $0]

See Jane Run - Hannah Jayne (2.5 stars). This book was just eh. The plot seemed rather preposterous (and that's saying a lot, considering what I read). Jane finds a birth certificate, which isn't hers, in her baby book and she tries to figure out her story. Was she kidnapped? Adopted? Her parents have always been overprotective, so she finds herself isolated and afraid. The whole thing seemed a bit contrived and Jane was rather annoying at times. I feel like the author could have done more with the plot and made Jane a more believable character. The whole plot was probably perfectly suited for a hour-long drama on TV. Or a Lifetime movie! [Read via Overdrive library app on iPad mini; Cost: $0]

Josie & Jack - Kelly Braffet (4 stars). This book was mesmerizing and weird. It sucked you into the story of the two siblings, basically living alone in a creepy old house with their abusive father, who leaves them to their own devices. It's not for the faint of heart, for sure. Josie is a not an easy character to like (her brother even less so), but the story is rather spellbinding. I'd compare it to another book, but I feel like that would be too much of a spoiler to anyone interested in reading it. I give the whole book minus the epilogue 4 stars. The epilogue didn't seem necessary. Still, a worthy read. [Read via Oyster app on iPad mini]

Overall Cost: $9.99, or $1.43/book.