March brought a compelling selection of fiction that spans a wide range of genres and emotions, offering readers everything from heartfelt coming-of-age tales to thought-provoking social commentary. This month’s releases dive deep into the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and the intricate dynamics of friendship and love. Whether exploring the resilience of women navigating difficult choices in Just Want You Here or unraveling the secrets and struggles of lifelong friendships in We Pretty Pieces of Flesh, these novels offer emotional depth and powerful character journeys. For those craving an immersive historical exploration, Counting Backwards weaves together personal and societal struggles with remarkable depth. If you’re in the mood for a suspenseful, heartfelt story about second chances and personal growth, Kate & Frida delivers just that, while Jane and Dan at the End of the World mixes humor and tension to create a unique and gripping experience. March’s fiction reads promise unforgettable stories that resonate long after the final page.
Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley
Berkley, $29.00, 368 pages
Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a sharp, witty, and unexpectedly heartfelt exploration of marriage, identity, and second chances. After nineteen years of marriage, Jane plans to ask for a divorce during a celebratory dinner, but when a group of climate activists takes over the restaurant, she’s thrust into a chaotic situation straight out of her failed novel. The clever, fast-paced plot blends suspense with humor, and the characters’ journey toward self-discovery is both poignant and relatable. A delightful read that proves that sometimes the end of the world is just the beginning of something new.
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Kate and Frida by Kim Fay
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, $28.00, 288 pages
Kate & Frida is a beautifully written, heartwarming tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of books. Set in the early ’90s, the novel follows Frida Rodriguez, a young woman who moves to Paris to pursue her dream of becoming a war correspondent, and Kate Fair, a Seattle bookseller who forms an unexpected bond with her. Their deep, transformative friendship guides them through personal challenges and global upheaval, encouraging them to embrace joy even in dark times. A love letter to bookshops and the spirit of youth, this novel is a poignant celebration of the connections that shape our lives.
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Counting Backwards by Jacqueline Friedland
Harper Muse $ 18.99 336 pages
Counting Backwards is a gripping, thought-provoking novel that weaves together the stories of two women across different eras. In 2022, Jessa Gidney, a lawyer at a crossroads, uncovers medical malpractice at an ICE detention center, leading her to a shocking connection with the past. Meanwhile, in 1927, Carrie Buck becomes an unwitting figure in the American eugenics movement. The novel masterfully alternates between past and present, tackling timely issues like reproductive rights, incarceration, and society’s treatment of women. With compelling characters and a deeply emotional storyline, Counting Backwards is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
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Just Want You Here by Meredith Turits
Little A, $16.99, 320 pages
Just Want You Here is a deeply moving and introspective coming-of-age story about love, second chances, and self-discovery. After a sudden breakup with her long-term fiancé, Ari moves to Boston for a fresh start, where she becomes entangled in a passionate affair with Wells, a married tech CEO. As the affair grows more complicated, Ari must navigate the emotional turmoil of love, betrayal, and identity. The novel deftly explores the complexities of relationships and the difficult choices we face when starting over. With its rich emotional depth and relatable characters, Just Want You Here is a compelling, unforgettable read.
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We Pretty Pieces of Flesh by Colwill Brown
Henry Holt and Co., $27.99, 336 pages
We Pretty Pieces of Flesh is a stunning debut that powerfully captures the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and growing up in Doncaster. Following Rach, Shaz, and Kel—three inseparable childhood friends—the novel explores the challenges they face as they grow apart, each struggling with class, ambition, and a long-buried secret that threatens to tear them apart. Written in a vibrant Yorkshire dialect, Colwill Brown brings the gritty, raw reality of girlhood to life with unflinching honesty. Like Trainspotting and Shuggie Bain, this novel weaves hard-edged lives into a poignant and unforgettable narrative, turning an overlooked town into the heart of a powerful story.
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This page was created by an City Book Review staff member.