Book of the Month Review: March 2017 Selections

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Of all the book subscription boxes available, Book of the Month is definitely the best option for any literature lover. If you’re looking for a trashy romance novel or YA fantasy, you probably won’t find that here — instead, you’ll find heart-wrenching memoirs, dark and twisty novels, or gritty nonfiction. BOTM’s book selections aren’t always an easy read, but they are always 100% worth it.

Each month, BOTM gives you five books to choose from based on the recommendations of their judges (ranging from librarians to professors to celebrity bookworms). For as low as $11.99 per month (depending on the length of your subscription), you get to choose one book each month to be delivered to you — but you can add up to two more books to your box for only $10 each (and for hardcover books, that’s a steal!).

If you know me at all, you know how much I LOVE Book of the Month — I have been a religious subscriber for over a year now, and they have dutifully stocked my bookshelves with unique, interesting books one by one. Actually, even though it’s been only twelve months, I have accumulated over 20 books! (I can never pick just one.)

March’s selections are no exception — I want to read every single one of these books (and maybe I will!). Here is our Book of the Month review for the month of March.

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel

This book is the true story about Christopher Knight, who survived for 27 years alone deep in the woods of Maine. Pieced together by interviews with Knight himself, The Stranger in the Woods attempts to answer the more obvious questions (Why did he do it? What did he gain?), as well as the more difficult ones (What is the meaning of a life well lived?).

I’m probably the most anxious to read this book out of all the selections — nonfiction is my JAM, so this is right up my alley. If you’re a fan of Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer (one my faves), then this might be the perfect March selection for you.

Judge Liberty Hardy endorsed this book, saying that as a Maine Native, she had to know how someone could spend 27 Winters alone in the brutal New England cold — and now it has become her new favorite nonfiction book.

All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg

This novel is about one woman’s life, examined from all angles — the good, the bad, and the ugly. But surprisingly, it’s the ugly parts that make her the most real and relatable. Judge Laia Garcia sums it up in the note she leaves for the readers who choose this book: “A book for the women who are warned, but persist. Not unscathed, but undeterred.”

In a world where women are constantly being examined, questioned, and criticized, All Grown Up seems like a timely — and unique — addition to our current political climate.

Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach

If you’re in the mood for a good thriller, then this book might be the perfect choice for you this month. Dead Letters has got it all: estranged twins, family drama, and people who are supposed to be dead mysteriously hanging around. I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly intrigued!

Judge Sarah Weinman calls this debut novel a “wonderfully clever, emotionally resonant story.” Let’s see if she’s right.

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

Okay so if trashy romance novels and/or fantasy fiction do happen to be your guilty pleasure (no judgment!), then Exit West is the perfect choice for you — because it combines the best of both worlds. Judge Leigh Haber even suggests that Hamid has launched a new sub-genre of fiction with this novel. War-torn worlds, doomed lovers, doors leading to alternate realities — it’s got a little bit of everything packed inside! If you enjoyed one of Hamid’s other novels, How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, then this definitely needs to be next on your reading list.

Marlena by Julie Buntin

Marlena is about an adolescent female friendship — one ends up dead and the other is affected by the death for years to come. The story is told in snippets both present and past, which adds to the suspense of what exactly happened that caused Marlena’s death. Though I prefer nonfiction to fiction, this is a novel I am extremely interested in checking out.

P.S. This book is an exclusive for BOTM this month, so check it out before the rest of the world while you have the chance. Happy reading!