10 New Books in March Offer Mental Vacations
NPR
If you're feeling the winter blues or just need a break from the constant stream of bad news, it's time to dive into some captivating reads. This March, the book shelves are brimming with diverse offerings that will transport you to different worlds and times, providing a much-needed mental vacation.
Riverhead Books
Now I Surrender by Álvaro Enrigue, translated from Spanish by Natasha Wimmer (March 3)
This memoir takes a page from Geronimo's book of surrender, where he famously said, 'Once I moved like the wind. Now I surrender to you and that is all.' Enrigue explores the final years of Apacheria, a harsh borderland between the US and Mexico, where Geronimo's people fought to preserve their sovereignty. His previous work, a novel about the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs, was praised for its vivid and psychedelic portrayal.
Simon & Schuster
Days of Love and Rage by Anand Gopal (March 3)
Gopal, a war correspondent, brings the Syrian conflict to life through the eyes of a few individuals. His previous book, No Good Men Among the Living, won acclaim for its portrayal of Afghanistan's war aftermath. This follow-up continues his unique approach, focusing on the personal struggles amidst broader political turmoil.
Scribner
A Far-Flung Life by M.L. Stedman (March 3)
Stedman's new novel is an epic tale of family, love, and loss, set in the rugged landscapes of Western Australia. It's a modern-day Tess of the d'Urbervilles, with a touch of Thomas Hardy's realism and a setting that becomes a character in itself.
Little, Brown and Company
You With the Sad Eyes: A Memoir by Christina Applegate (March 3)
Applegate, known for her roles in Married... with Children and Dead to Me, shares her journey living with multiple sclerosis. Her memoir offers a raw and honest account of her life, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of living in the public eye while battling a chronic illness.
Doubleday
In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man by Tom Junod (March 10)
Junod's memoir explores his relationship with his father, a complex and flawed man. It delves into the difficult conversations Junod always wanted to have but never could, offering a poignant reflection on family, love, and loss.
Ecco
Hooked: A Novel of Obsession by Asako Yuzuki, translated from Japanese by Polly Barton (March 17)
Yuzuki's novel is a gripping tale of friendship, obsession, and the unexpected twists of fate. It's her second novel to be translated into English, following the international success of Butter. Yuzuki's writing is known for its unique blend of everyday life and the extraordinary.
Riverhead Books
Under Water by Tara Menon (March 17)
Menon's debut novel tackles the complex emotions surrounding the death of a best friend. It explores the struggle of grieving a platonic love, set against the backdrop of two natural disasters, the 2004 tsunami and Hurricane Sandy.
Harper
Python's Kiss: Stories by Louise Erdrich (March 24)
Erdrich, a literary powerhouse with multiple awards, returns with a collection of short stories. Her unique characters and compelling plots are given new life in this shorter format, with a touch of speculative fiction that will keep readers enthralled.
Tordotcom
Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories by Amal El-Mohtar (March 24)
El-Mohtar's collection of sci-fi stories invites readers to explore the 'what ifs' of the universe. With a focus on wonder and the human condition, these stories have earned El-Mohtar critical acclaim and numerous awards.
W.W. Norton & Company
Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31)
Martel, the author of the Booker Prize-winning Life of Pi, draws inspiration from Homer's epics. His new novel imagines an alternative account of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of a commoner, with an added layer of complexity through the annotations of an academic.
