Navigating the Chaos: Scary Mommy Editors Share Their Must-Read Books
March flew by in a whirlwind of school drop-offs, soccer practices, and attempting to maintain some semblance of order amidst the beautiful, messy chaos of family life. Between the busyness of early spring and the typical chaos of motherhood, our reading lists may have been a little shorter this month… but, wow, were they mighty. We covered a lot of ground, from deeply emotional literary fiction to wildly addictive dystopian drama and buzzy new releases (we can’t wait for y’all to get your hands on these!). As the pressure to get clicks only grows, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple joy of getting lost in a good book – a small refuge, a quiet moment to breathe. So, if you’re looking for an excuse to update your TBR — not that you need one — here are the books Scary Mommy editors haven’t been able to stop thinking (and talking about) all month. These aren’t just books; they’re experiences, companions, and a welcome escape for those of us perpetually juggling a million things.
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff: A Gut-Wrenching Exploration of Family
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 a novel that stays with you long after you turn the final page, prompting reflection on the complexities of family relationships and the enduring power of forgiveness. Damoff’s writing is tender, yet unflinching, drawing you into the lives of the Shepherd family and their struggles with addiction, mental health, and the secrets that bind them together. The book revolves around the story of a mother struggling to hold her family together while battling her own demons. While the subject matter is undeniably heavy, Damoff’s prose is beautiful and the characters are incredibly relatable – even when their choices are difficult to understand.
What makes this book particularly impactful is its focus on the ripple effects of trauma across generations. Damoff masterfully illustrates how past hurts can shape present relationships, creating cycles of pain and misunderstanding. It’s a story about the difficulty of truly knowing your loved ones, and the courage it takes to confront the uncomfortable truths about your own family history. The setting, a small, isolated town in rural Maine, adds to the book’s sense of claustrophobia and unease, mirroring the emotional turmoil of the characters. It’s a reminder that family isn’t always sunshine and rainbows; sometimes, it’s a tangled mess of difficult emotions and unspoken wounds. Damoff doesn’t shy away from portraying the raw, messy reality of family dysfunction, offering a poignant and unforgettable reading experience. Do not start this one on a day when you need to keep it together. You will be a hot mess.
Broken Dove by Dani Francis: A Booktok Sensation Worth the Hype
The first book in this series, Silver Elite, was a Booktok darling for forever. To be honest, when I received an ARC of the sequel, Broken Dove, 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? Broken Dove leans heavily into the romantic elements, offering a captivating love story amidst the backdrop of a rebellion. The world-building is vibrant and detailed, creating a believable and immersive dystopian society. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. It’s a fantastic read for those who enjoy a blend of action, adventure, and romance, and it’s easy to see why it’s garnered so much attention on BookTok.
Francis’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making it a perfect choice for readers new to the dystopian genre. She excels at creating compelling characters that you’ll root for, even when they make questionable decisions. Wren’s journey of self-discovery and her fight for freedom is both inspiring and heartbreaking. The book tackles themes of oppression, resistance, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in, but it does so with a lightness and optimism that prevents it from becoming overly bleak. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can still prevail. The sequel also thoughtfully explores the consequences of Wren’s actions, adding layers of complexity to her character and the overall narrative.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: A Seriously Hopeful Sci-Fi Adventure
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. Amaze, amaze, amaze! Weir is a literal gem of a human. I will absolutely be reading everything he writes forever. Project Hail Mary hooked me from the very first page, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s a science fiction adventure that blends scientific accuracy with humor and heart. The story follows an amnesiac astronaut, Ryland Grace, who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of his mission. As he slowly pieces together his past, he discovers that he’s humanity’s last hope for survival.
What makes this book so special is Weir’s ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that’s both accessible and engaging. He seamlessly weaves scientific details into the narrative, making the story feel both believable and thrilling. The relationship between Grace and his alien companion, Rocky, is the heart of the book, and it’s a truly heartwarming and unforgettable friendship. Rocky, a silicon-based lifeform, is brilliantly conceived and incredibly endearing. The book is filled with clever problem-solving, unexpected twists, and genuinely funny moments. It’s a story about teamwork, sacrifice, and the power of human ingenuity. Despite the high stakes, Project Hail Mary is ultimately an optimistic and uplifting read – a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, there’s always hope for a brighter future. The book also highlights the importance of international collaboration and the value of diverse perspectives.
Carson McCullers: A Life by Mary V. Deerborn: Unpacking a Complex Legacy
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. Carson McCullers: A Life by Mary V. Deerborn is a deeply moving and insightful biography that sheds new light on the life and work of one of America’s most important 20th-century writers. Deerborn meticulously traces McCullers’s journey from her troubled childhood in Columbus, Georgia, to her rise as a celebrated novelist and playwright. The book delves into McCullers’s complex relationships, her struggles with mental health, and her unconventional life. It’s a story of a brilliant and fiercely independent woman who defied societal expectations and carved her own path in a male-dominated literary world.
Deerborn expertly portrays McCullers’s passionate and often turbulent personal life, revealing the impact of her early experiences with loss, loneliness, and rejection. She explores McCullers’s unconventional relationships with men and women, her struggles with addiction, and her persistent feelings of isolation. The book also examines McCullers’s artistic development, tracing the evolution of her style and themes. Deerborn highlights the influence of McCullers’s experiences on her writing, demonstrating how her personal struggles informed her exploration of themes such as loneliness, alienation, and the search for connection. Carson McCullers: A Life is a poignant and thought-provoking biography that offers a deeper understanding of this remarkable writer and her enduring legacy. It’s a reminder that even the most celebrated artists often grapple with personal demons, and that vulnerability and authenticity are essential to creative expression. The book also provides valuable context for understanding McCullers’s work, particularly The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, a novel that explores themes of isolation, empathy, and the search for human connection.
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Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton: An Archaeological Obsession and a Captivating Mystery
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. Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton is a haunting and atmospheric novel that blends archaeology, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The story follows Professor Ember Agni, an archaeologist who has spent her entire life obsessed with a remote archaeological site known as ‘the Continent.’ She believes that the site holds the key to understanding the fate of a lost civilization, and she’s determined to uncover its secrets, even if it means risking her life.
Brooks-Dalton’s writing is lyrical and evocative, creating a vivid sense of place and atmosphere. The novel is set in a desolate, windswept landscape, where the ruins of a lost civilization stand as a testament to the power of nature and the fragility of human existence. The story unfolds through a series of diary entries, which provide a glimpse into Ember’s mind and her increasingly obsessive quest. As Ember delves deeper into the mysteries of the Continent, she begins to experience strange and unsettling phenomena, blurring the line between reality and illusion. Ruins is a slow-burn mystery that gradually builds suspense and intrigue. It’s a story about obsession, grief, and the search for meaning in a world that’s rapidly changing. The novel also explores themes of climate change, environmental destruction, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The ending is both satisfying and bittersweet, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of wonder and melancholy. The book also cleverly uses the archaeological setting as a metaphor for the human psyche, suggesting that we all carry within us the ruins of our past experiences.
The Compound by Aisling Rawle: A Dystopian Reality Show Nightmare
Here’s a book that will get you out of your reading slump! 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. As the pressure to get clicks only grows, this dystopian future is filled with reality shows – and the stakes are higher than you can imagine. The Compound by Aisling Rawle is a gripping and unsettling dystopian novel that combines the elements of a reality show with a terrifying totalitarian regime. The story is set in a fortified compound, where citizens are constantly monitored and judged by a powerful corporation. The citizens’ lives are documented and broadcast to the outside world, creating a perverse form of entertainment for the ruling elite. We follow Francesca, a night editor at a tabloid, whose job is to sift through the endless stream of surveillance footage and write sensationalized stories about the compound’s residents.
Rawle’s writing is sharp and satirical, exposing the dark side of media manipulation and corporate control. The novel is filled with suspenseful plot twists and shocking revelations. As Francesca delves deeper into her work, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the very foundations of the compound. The story explores themes of surveillance, propaganda, and the loss of individual freedom. While the book is firmly rooted in dystopian fiction, it also offers a commentary on contemporary issues such as social media addiction and the erosion of privacy. The Compound is a fast-paced and thought-provoking read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a reminder that even in the most seemingly controlled environments, resistance and rebellion can still flourish. The characters are well-developed and complex, and their struggles are both relatable and heartbreaking. The ending is satisfying and leaves the reader questioning the nature of truth and reality. It’s a nail-biter, but the ending is so satisfying.
The Scoop by Erin Van Der Meer: Journalism, Stress, and the Pursuit of the Truth
I was warned this is a stressful read for journalists, and omg that was absolutely correct. As the pressure to get clicks only grows, this book is a compelling and often harrowing look at the world of tabloid journalism. The Scoop by Erin Van Der Meer follows Francesca, a night editor at a tabloid newspaper, who is constantly battling deadlines, demanding bosses, and the pressure to produce sensational stories. The story is told through Francesca’s diary entries, which provide a raw and unfiltered glimpse into her life and her work. Francesca navigates the chaotic and often morally ambiguous world of tabloid journalism, dealing with demanding editors, unreliable sources, and the constant pressure to generate clicks. The book explores the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, the challenges of maintaining integrity in a competitive industry, and the toll that the job can take on one’s mental health. As Francesca investigates a particularly shocking story, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of the tabloid world.
Van Der Meer’s writing is gritty and realistic, capturing the frenetic pace and the emotional toll of working in the newspaper industry. The novel is filled with suspenseful moments and unexpected twists, keeping the reader engaged until the very end. The Scoop is a cautionary tale about the dangers of sensationalism and the importance of ethical journalism. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of the truth can be a difficult and often lonely path. Despite the challenges, Francesca remains committed to her work, driven by a desire to expose injustice and hold those in power accountable. The book offers a fascinating and unflinching look at the world of tabloid journalism, exposing the pressures, the compromises, and the consequences of pursuing the “scoop.” It’s a story about resilience, integrity, and the enduring power of the press.
