Reads for March

By Julie Carlson

THE ROYAL WE

By Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan make their adult fiction debut with the delightfully charming The Royal We. The two authors are also well known for their super popular fashion blog, Go Fug Yourself. Fans of the British monarchy and British aristocracy will get a kick out the friendship and romance between Rebecca Porter and Prince Nicholas, a fictional version of Catherine Middleton and Prince William’s relationship. Just like with their real counterparts, Rebecca and Nick meet in college. However, Rebecca is an American from Iowa. The Royal We recounts the duo’s budding friendship, their secret affair, engagement, and wedding. If you’re a fan of soapy dramas like The Royals on E! then this book is a must-read. The crisp dialogue and hilarious one-liners, including the novels fast pace, make for quick reading. The Royal We is filled with glamour, scandal, and heartbreak. Break out the Kleenex for this one.

4 Stars

THE RESIDENCE: INSIDE THE PRIVATE WORLD OF THE WHITE HOUSE

By Kate Anderson Brower

Former Bloomberg reporter Kate Anderson Brower offers readers a rarely seen look into the White House and the employees who work there. This intimate reveal into the people behind the White House is a fascinating read. While reading The Residence, one can imagine that the White House is run with the efficiency of a modern day American Downton Abbey. There’s protocol, rules, etiquette, and everyone has a job they are devoted to, from the ushers, chefs, florists, maids, valets, butlers, doormen, painters, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, engineers, and calligraphers. The inside scoop from the employees who’ve worked at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue are as intriguing as they are heartwarming. Readers also get a glimpse of the architectural details of the White House. Brower clearly did her research. The Residence is perfect for American history buffs, who will feel like they are on a private tour.

5 Stars

ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES

By Jennifer Niven

All the Bright Places, has spot-on dialogue and engaging characters. Theodore Finch and Violet Markey may have clever zingers, directed at the world and the people in their lives that they’re trying to cope with, but they also have touching stories. All the Bright Places opens with Theodore questioning, “Is today a good day to die?” Theodore wants to die and has tried to figure out different ways to do it. But each time he ends up ditching his plans. When he meets Violet, a fellow classmate, up on the ledge of the bell tower above their high school, it’s not exactly clear who actually does the saving. But as readers journey through the book with both characters, they will find out that Theodore and Violet save each other. Niven does a fantastic job showcasing mental illness and how love and friendship can get people through the tough times in life.

5 Stars

3 MORE BOOKS TO TRY

Boys in the Trees: A Memoir

By Carly Simon

Rock star. Composer and lyricist. Feminist icon. Survivor. Carly Simon’s memoir offers readers an intimate look at her remarkable life.

A Little Life

By Hanya Yanagihara

Follow four classmates from a small Massachusetts college as they set out on a journey marked with success, addiction, and pride.

The Guest Room

By Chris Bohjalian

A mesmerizing story of a bachelor party gone horribly wrong. This chilling story about shame and scandal captivates.