News and Updates
It’s the week of Saint Patrick’s Day, so our world is all things green. We have Irish roots, so we take this opportunity to teach our kids a bit about Irish traditions and heritage – and I’m taking you with us this year through the reading challenge! Remember – if you’re out celebrating this week, make sure you have a sober ride home. Buzzed driving is drunk driving and has the opportunity to have lifelong impacts.
This Week
Irish folktales span much more than leprechauns and fairies – what’s your favorite element of this genre?
Monthly Reading Challenge: Fairytales and Folklore
Weekly Reading Challenge: Irish Folklore
William Butler Yeats is best known for his poetry and plays, but he was also a gifted storyteller who helped introduce Irish folklore to readers around the world. His collection Irish Fairy and Folk Tales is a wonderful entry point for anyone curious about Ireland’s rich mythic tradition.
The book gathers an array of legends, creatures, and timeless fireside tales. I listened to the audiobook, and the experience felt like sitting with my grandfather as he told stories—warm, familiar, and deeply nostalgic. If you’re looking for an inviting way into Irish myths, this collection is a perfect place to start.
If you’re looking for other great books for this prompt, try one of these reads recommended by our StoryGraph community:
- Girls Who Slay Monsters, Ellen Ryan
- The Gods Time Forgot, Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez
- The Heir of Atargatis, AG Whitt
- Ireland, Frank Delaney
New This week
None of our early review books are releasing this week, but I do have one book on order at my local bookstore!
The author of Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone is back with a new book! I can’t wait to read this one – I loved the first one.
All the narrator wanted to do was make a trip to the bank today. Same for the nine other people trapped inside. It turns out, every single one of them came here with a plan to take something they shouldn’t. The question is who wants what…and why. Will he be able to figure it out quick enough or will this heist turn deadly before they can be rescued?
In Case You Missed It
Last Week’s Prompt
As the Argonauts set sail on their legendary quest for the Golden Fleece, a stranger steps forward and demands passage. She is Atalanta, a master archer whose skill should make her indispensable—yet her presence is immediately contested simply because she is a woman. After proving her worth, Atalanta earns her place among the crew and forms connections that range from camaraderie to romance. Still, every relationship is constrained by a looming truth: Atalanta is sworn to the goddess Artemis, and marriage would invite divine punishment.
I gave Atalanta by Jennifer Saint 3 out of 5 stars. As someone who loves mythology but was unfamiliar with Atalanta’s story, I was eager to see this legendary figure brought to life. Unfortunately, the novel struggled to hold my attention. Given Atalanta’s reputation as one of myth’s most formidable heroines—often described as the equal of any male hero—I expected a story that foregrounded her strength, independence, and interior life. Instead, the narrative frequently centers the men around her, diluting her agency and leaving Atalanta feeling surprisingly sidelined in her own story.
Last Week’s Articles
Last week, we dove deep into our mythology theme with a guide that brings together 11 approachable, story‑first mythology retellings perfect for readers who are new to the genre—or who simply want an immersive, straightforward reading experience. We started with some buzzy Greek favorites, then explored Norse myths, and finished with a mix of Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Mayan, and Russian‑inspired stories.
You can grab the full list here. Some of these are long time favorites, but many of these are on my TBR list. Have you read any of these?
Last Week’s Extra Read
Millard Fillmore belongs to a small and often overlooked group of American presidents—men who were never elected to the office, yet assumed it out of necessity. When President Zachary Taylor died unexpectedly, Fillmore stepped into the role, inheriting both the office and the immense challenge of holding the Union together amid growing sectional discord. Though circumstance carried him from humble beginnings to the nation’s highest office, Fillmore left his mark through decisive leadership and a series of compromises that proved deeply controversial on both sides of the political divide.
I rated Millard Fillmore: A Life from Beginning to End by Hourly History 4.3 out of 5 stars. I selected this title as my nonfiction read for March, continuing our ongoing exploration of presidential biographies. This series consistently delivers some of the most digestible presidential histories I’ve read—concise, accessible, and focused on lesser‑known motivations and moments. Despite its brevity, this volume offers a well‑rounded portrait of Fillmore as both a public figure and a private man, making it a strong introduction to a presidency that is too often reduced to footnotes in history books. Both history lovers and those just starting to read about our presidents will love this series and will find this a great way to learn more about our 13th president.
Last Week’s Preview
4★ — Mermaid in Manhattan is a magical, funny, and unexpectedly heartfelt romcom set in a whimsical version of New York City. Finn, a mayoral candidate desperate for the support of magical voters, is pushed into an arranged marriage with Iris—the trouble‑prone mer‑princess who’s as endearing as she is chaotic. Their forced‑proximity dynamic delivers great tension, charming innocence, and plenty of laugh‑out‑loud shenanigans.
I loved the blend of magical creatures, political chaos, and the gentle theme of looking beyond first impressions. While the opening felt a bit slow and some campaign‑manager scenes were tough to follow, the romance and supporting cast completely won me over. Fans of TJ Klune or cozy fantasy‑romcoms will find a lot to love here.
You can read the full review here.
Reading Challenge Prompts
I’m especially excited about this month’s prompts. Folklore has long been a personal fascination of mine—I even wrote a term paper on Appalachian folklore and superstitions years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner and all the rich folklore tied to it, this feels like the perfect moment to dive in. Whether you’re drawn to old legends, modern retellings, or a bit of magic in between, these recommendations are a great place to start—and yes, I’ll absolutely be wearing green.
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: Revenge Prey, John Sandford
- Current audio book: Franklin Pierce: A life from beginning to end, Hourly History
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Pretty Dead Things, Kelsey Cox
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