March Book Blanket Update

March was a much slower month for me when it came to reading but I did read what is now one of my favourite books of all time!

I think I've been in a bit of a reading slump. I found myself picking up and putting down so many books this month because I just could not get into them. I couldn't decide what genre I wanted to read, I struggled to focus on new audiobooks and honestly I was just so tired from solo parenting whilst my husband was in Italy for a few weeks that starting a new book felt like a lot of effort.

It happens and I tried not to force myself to read or feel bad for putting a book down after barely reading a page. Things did pick up towards the end of the month and that's when I had the pleasure of reading my latest 5 star read!

Books Read This Month

     (Title, Author, Format, Rating)

1. Her Last Move by John Marrs. Audiobook. 3.5 Stars

2. Eyeshot by Taylor Adams. Kindle. 3 Stars.

3. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. Audiobook. 5 stars (Re-read)

4. You Killed Me First by John Marrs. Audiobook. 3.75 Stars

5. Gravewater Lake by A.M Strong. Kindle/Audiobook. 4.25 Stars

6. The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson. Physical/Audiobook. 4 Stars

7. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E Schwab. Audiobook. 5 Stars

8. What's Your Dream? By Simon Squibb. Physical. 4 Stars

   
   

This makes a total of 42/75 books read this year so far!

You can follow my progress on Fable App!

Best Book of the Month:

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E Schwab

Synopsis from Amazon:

"When Addie La Rue makes a pact with the devil, she trades her soul for immortality. But there's always a price - the devil takes away her place in the world, cursing her to be forgotten by everyone.

Addie flees her tiny home town in 18th-Century France, beginning a journey that takes her across the world, learning to live a life where no one remembers her and everything she owns is lost and broken. Existing only as a muse for artists throughout history, she learns to fall in love anew every single day.

Her only companion on this journey is her dark devil with hypnotic green eyes, who visits her each year on the anniversary of their deal. Alone in the world, Addie has no choice but to confront him, to understand him, maybe to beat him.

Until one day, in a second hand bookshop in Manhattan, Addie meets someone who remembers her. Suddenly thrust back into a real, normal life, Addie realises she can't escape her fate forever."

This book was utter perfection and is now one of my most favourite books of all time! Schwab's writing is lyrical and mesmerising, her character building flawless. My heart broke for Addie as her very long life unfolded and you feel her longing to be remebered, to leave a mark on the world in some way. The relationship between Henry and Addie adds joy, heartbreak and suspense. He's such a lost soul.

My favourite book for the longest time has been The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and this book has a similar vibe, especially with the switching to various points in time. There's not lots of on-the-edge-of-your-seat action or really any of the popular BookTok tropes but it is a beautifully written book that will leave a lasting imprint upon my heart for sure.

I do acknowledge that it's unlikely to be a 5 star read for everyone but I would suggest giving it a try. The audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan, who is fast becoming my favourite narrator for audiobooks, she delivers them perfectly and this one is no exception!

Worst Book of the Month:

Eyeshot by Taylor Adams

Having read Adams' No Exit last year in one sitting I was expecting similar this time. It started so well, I was hooked into the story quickly and loved the setting - stranded in the desert - I was expecting a 4/4.5 star read for sure but sadly it lost its way. Around the halfway mark it began to feel like things were being dragged out and the pace slowed considerably. I almost DNF'd because I wasn't feeling any connection to the characters. I did continue on and the ending was okay, not great but okay.

I hate when you read a book by an author and it's incredible and try another but it's a let down. Will I go in for a third? I'm not sure, possibly.

Blanket Progress

My blanket is becoming pretty sizeable now and I am really loving how all of the colours look together. Now I'm over halfway on my reading goal I can picture the finished size of the blanket and I think it's going to make the perfect reading blanket once it's finished.

I'm glad that I've kept on top of joining all of the squares together because it makes for easy storage, I'm not misplacing any squares or having to go through my reading journal to check the order the squares should be in.

I do need to try and get back in the habit of making the square as soon as I've finished the book though as once again this month I had to sit down and make them all over a few days because I hadn't done any during the month. It wasn't too bad as there were only 8 to make and add to the blanket but really I should be doing it as I go. It would definitely make it easier to share updates on social media!

If you would like a tutorial for how I am joining my granny squares for my book blanket you can find that here.

I have had quite a few people DM me to say that they have started book blankets too which is absolutely amazing. It's not too late if you want to start your 2025 book blanket. Just choose how you would like to make your blanket - squares for each rating like me, squares related to the book cover, a row for each rating or even the genre of the book. The options are endless.

There is a group on Facebook for Book Blankets that I highly recommend joining if you are looking for some inspiration!

If you want to do decide to join me in making a book blanket then be sure to tag me in your content @brambles.and.hart and use #BookBlanket2025 and #Booksandcrochet. I'm loving connecting with people who love both books and crochet like me!

I will be sharing updates of my book blanket on my Instagram/TikTok and my monthly wrap ups here on the blog so do follow along.

I'll be back with another update on my book blanket next month so be sure to keep an eye out for that. I'm hoping I'll manage a few more books in April but so far it has been a slow start.

Happy reading and crocheting!

Shelley ♡