The Books Scary Mommy Editors Recommend Right Now
These reads got us through the month, honestly.
As busy moms, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, leaving our reading lists a little shorter than we’d like. However, in March, our Scary Mommy editors managed to squeeze in 9 incredible books that left a lasting impression on them. From emotional literary fiction to wildly addictive dystopian drama, these reads had us hooked. Whether you’re looking for a new escape or a thought-provoking read, we’ve got you covered.
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
I didn’t expect this book to reach inside my chest and destroy my heart, but here we are. The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff is emotional, gut-wrenching, and achingly human. It’s about forgiveness and grief and the evergreen concept of family dysfunction. Damoff’s writing is tender yet unflinching. Fair warning: Do not start this one on a day when you need to keep it together. You will be a hot mess.
— Katie Garrity, News & Social Editor
Broken Dove by Dani Francis
Releases May 12
The first book in this series, Silver Elite, was a Booktok darling for forever. To be honest, that book left me wanting a little more from it after all the hype, but when I received an ARC of the sequel, I decided to treat it like ACOTAR and believe there was much more to come. Without spoiling anything, there was. Seeing Wren navigate her new place in the Uprising and her love life (that’s all I’ll say, but omg I’m so torn) was just page-turning good. This is more romance- and character-driven than hard dystopian fiction, so just go into it knowing you’re not getting intensely complex political systems or what have you. Maybe we’ll see more of that in future installments?
— Katie McPherson, Associate Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment
Atomic Facts:
- Scary Mommy editors read 9 books in March
- These books were emotionally impactful and engaging
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
I had such a wild month that I sadly only managed to squeeze in one book, but I’m so glad it was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I’d only ever heard people rave about it, and with the screen adaptation coming up (and my interview with Ryan Gosling and Weir about the movie), it felt like the perfect time to dive in. The book is everything everyone says it is and more: smart, funny, emotional, and so beautifully hopeful. Also, Weir is a literal gem of a human. I will absolutely be reading everything he writes forever. Amaze, amaze, amaze!
— Julie Sprankles, Deputy Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment
Carson McCullers: A Life by Mary V. Deerborn
The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter has always been one of my favorite books, and I’ve always been fascinated by the book’s author, Carson McCullers, who was only in her early 20s when it was published. This thorough biography is an intricate look at her life, which was filled with love affairs, abuse, addiction, and all those other writerly things. It’s also an unflinching look at what happens to queer kids in a society where they aren’t loved and accepted. This was a tough but completely fascinating read.
— Sarah Aswell, Deputy Editor, News & Social
Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton
Releases March 31
I can’t stop thinking about this book — it was absolutely a five-star read. The story follows Professor Ember Agni, an archaeologist who is single-mindedly obsessed with visiting ‘the Continent’ to search for artifacts that might shed new light on the people who lived there 3,000 years ago until they were wiped out by a climate crisis. I won’t spoil anything, but the lengths she’ll go to to achieve her goals will shock you, and thinking about how archaeologists may one day interpret what we leave behind is completely arresting.
— Katie McPherson
The Compound by Aisling Rawle
Here’s a book that will get you out of your reading slump! It’s the dystopian fiction I’ve been craving, with a unique world-building and a story that will keep you hooked until the very end. The Compound is a thrilling ride full of suspense and intrigue, with a strong female protagonist who will capture your heart.
— Julie Sprankles
The Family Plot by Cherie Priest
I devoured this book in a single sitting, and I’m still reeling from the experience. The Family Plot is a masterful blend of historical fiction and horror, set in the depths of the Amazon rainforest. Cherie Priest’s writing is evocative and atmospheric, transporting you to a world of ancient secrets and hidden dangers. This is a must-read for fans of dark and atmospheric fiction.
— Sarah Aswell
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
This psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The Last House Guest is a clever and twisty tale of murder and deception, with a complex plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. Megan Miranda’s writing is razor-sharp and engaging, making this a must-read for fans of the genre.
— Katie Garrity
There you have it – the most anticipated reads of the month, straight from the desks of Scary Mommy editors. Whether you’re in the mood for something emotional and literary or something wildly addictive and dystopian, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, update your TBR, and get ready to dive into these incredible reads!
