Big Names, Bold Ideas: March’s Must-Read Books

Big names, big expectations

Let’s start with the heavy hitters. Adichie’s Dream Count is an instant attention-grabber, and rightfully so. She hasn’t released fiction in years, so the hype is understandable. The premise—four women navigating life during the pandemic—sounds promising, but also risks feeling like a story we’ve read before. Then, there’s Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins’ dive back into the Hunger Games universe, focusing on Haymitch’s backstory. Sure, fans will eat it up, but is this nostalgia-driven storytelling or a necessary addition to the lore?

And let’s not forget Gregory Maguire’s Elphie: A Wicked Childhood. Do we really need yet another Wicked spinoff? Maybe. Or maybe we’re just addicted to revisiting familiar worlds rather than embracing something completely new.

Hidden gems worth the buzz?

Among the inevitable bestsellers, there are a few books that feel more like genuine surprises. Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton has an oddly charming premise—a workaholic rescuing a baby hare and rethinking life. It’s simple, quiet, and could be a refreshing departure from high-concept dystopias and intense dramas.

Then there’s The Trouble of Color by Martha S. Jones, which takes a deeply personal approach to American history, tracing her own family’s experience through race and identity. Unlike the big, dramatic memoirs that sometimes feel performative, this one promises nuance and lived experience.

And for those who love literary horror, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones is definitely intriguing. A vampire story centered on Indigenous history and revenge? That’s not something you see every day.

The wildcards

Every book list has its curveballs, the ones that could either be genius or completely miss the mark. Stag Dance by Torrey Peters, with its mix of gender-bending lumberjacks and pandemic-induced hormone disruptions, sounds chaotic but fascinating. Hypochondria by Will Rees blends philosophy, memoir, and history—potentially brilliant, but also possibly self-indulgent.

Meanwhile, Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson claims we already have everything we need for a utopian future. In theory, that’s a nice thought. In practice? Well, let’s just say that if solving economic inequality were that simple, we’d already be there.

So, what’s worth reading?

March’s book haul is an eclectic mix of old favorites, fresh voices, and experimental storytelling. Will they all be masterpieces? Definitely not. But if you’re looking for something to spark curiosity, Raising Hare, The Trouble of Color, and The Buffalo Hunter Hunter might be the real standouts.
Of course, if you’re just here for another round of Hunger Games nostalgia or a new Wicked prequel, who am I to judge? Happy reading!