February Reading Report
Recent reads & other things I'm loving lately
What a weird month this has been. Here in the Midwest, we’re experiencing spring weather whiplash along with widespread viruses. Our household has definitely been affected, and I appreciate your patience with me as I struggle to get my newsletters out on schedule. I’m hoping for a fresh start and more motivation in March to help me stay healthy, well-rested, and creatively inspired.
Today I’m sharing what I read in the second half of February. You can find most of my early February reads in The 2024 February Romance Collection. I’m also eager to share a few items I’m loving, spring wardrobe pieces I’m eyeing, and shows I’m adding to my To Watch list for spring.
I always love hearing about your favorite things or standout moments from the month in the comments, so please do share!
February Reading Report
I didn’t read much after releasing the Romance Collection, and I’m totally fine with it! Taking a little break from reading helps me stay excited about new books and allows me to pursue other interests—like long winter naps. Seriously, in February I often chose napping over reading, and it helped me recover from illness, let my brain rest, and fill my energy tank for future projects. I am TEAM NAP. I did listen to a few audiobooks worth noting:
Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell. I originally placed a hold on this audiobook because the cover gave me Anne of Green Gables vibes, and it does make a great pairing for L.M. Montgomery’s classic, but it’s fantastical, magical, and cozy like the works of Gail Carson Levine or Tamora Pierce. Best described as cottage-core fantasy, this seemingly sweet story covers dark ground, exploring drug abuse, mental illness, and big questions around justice and power. I loved listening to Morag Sims narrate and highly recommend this as a spring read for fans of YA fantasy, cozy-but-complex novels, or witchy stories. If you loved Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, pick this one up!
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh. Our March pick for
features a classic country manor house, Oxfordian shenanigans, family drama, and deeply contemplated themes of faith, tradition, and nostalgia. I liked the audiobook version narrated by Jeremy Irons, but I know I would have gotten more out of reading on the page. enjoyed her reread more than I enjoyed my initial dive into Waugh’s best-known work, but we had a rich and thoughtful discussion on its contents and its legacy for the podcast. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, campus novels, or complicated family stories you might enjoy this classic, and you’ll definitely enjoy our March content in Patreon.
Always Be My Duchess by Amalie Howard. This was SO good. In a twist on Pretty Woman, a down-on-her-luck ballerina agrees to play fake fiancée to London’s most cold-hearted duke. Full of perfect banter, exciting drama, and characters to root for, this delicious historical rom com deserves more attention. Howard is quickly becoming a new favorite historical romance author, and I’m determined to make my way through her backlist. Mary Jane Wells provides impeccable narration—she’s one of the best.
Random February Favorites
I’ve been adding Grillo’s Pickle de Gallo to tuna salad. Incredible.
We tried a new Chinese restaurant near us, and it was fantastic. We’re eager to support their small business and try new-to-us dishes this spring.
Theo’s imagination is running wild, and his favorite games include slaying a dragon, playing the drums in a rock band, and fishing for sharks.
Abbott Elementary is back! And just as special as ever. I love it.
James by Percival Everett made its way onto the Libro.fm March ALCs list, and I can’t wait to listen!
Small purchases bringing big delight:
Eye masks for soothing sleepless nights and allergy-prone skin.
A new pack of mechanical pencils for annotating.
My favorite t-shirt in a pretty purple shade.
The best bike shorts on sale!
These $6 lip stains are way better than I imagined.
Spring To Do Lists
We’re hoping to watch Kate Winslet’s new show The Regime tonight.
Also on the To Watch list: Mr. and Mrs. Smith on Amazon Prime, One Day on Netflix, and Jenny Slate’s new stand-up special on Amazon Prime.
Since I wore the same white linen shirt nearly every day last summer, I’m adding some new shirts in bright colors to wear this year.
I finally found a swimsuit that fits my large chest! Available in plus size, too. Now my mission is to choose a cute cover up and new sandals for beach days with Theo.
I would love to make my way through some March journaling prompts from
.I have a stack of essay ideas and outlines waiting to be tackled, and I aim to channel every ounce of spring sunshine into them.
Thank you for subscribing to The Eclectic Reader. I’m wishing for a lovely spring season for us all, and I would love to hear about your February favorite or your March plans.
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To find out more about my current reads, favorite things, and life updates follow me on Instagram. If you’re interested in reading classic literature with accessible guidance and a cozy community, check out the Novel Pairings podcast and Patreon.