Time for another "Whatcha Reading?" Team OwlCrate Edition. If there’s one thing book lovers love more than actually reading books, it’s gushing about their favorite reads (and convincing you to read them!) 


Every month members of our team love to share their personal favorite books of the month! We are a diverse team of readers, so if you’re looking for your next five star book, read on dear readers and check back next month for another installment!

CHERYL

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

After hitting a string of disappointing sparkling new 2025 releases this month, I took a deep dive into the archives and listened to this 2012 novel—and it was such a delight! If you like cozy, emotionally compelling stories that examine simple life and slice-of-life moments, this one is for you.


This is a simple novel that follows the titular character as he walks the length of England to personally deliver a letter to his friend in hospice care. While sad, it's an ultimately uplifting novel and will resonate with fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. I highly recommend the audiobook, as it is narrated by the actor who plays Harold Fry in the film.

The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao by Martha Batalha (translated by Eric M. B. Becker)

I’ve always wanted to read books in translation, but they typically feel too highbrow and unapproachable. So when I stumbled across this 2016 novel that was dubbed “Lessons in Chemistry but set in 1940s Brazil,” I was intrigued. And I'm glad I read it because it was so rewarding!


The story is funny and insightful. It follows two sisters trying to shatter societal expectations and limitations placed upon women—both of the time and of our current moment. For fans of contemporary fiction with sharp, exacting prose and, of course, all the fans of Bonnie Garmus's Lesson in Chemistry!

SOPHIE

Wild Side by Elise Silver

One of my five-star reads this month was Wild Side by Elise Silver, a steamy small-town romance that's part of the Rose Hill series, which I can’t get enough of!


Tabitha has always dreamed of her wedding. Except, she never thought she’d be marrying the guy who betrayed her. But family comes first, and to keep her nephew’s guardianship and keep him in Rose Hill, she's got no choice but to marry Rhys Dupris.


Rhys is broody and secretive, with a job that always leaves him covered in bruises he doesn’t want to talk about after weeks of being gone. Although they barely even talk, when you live together, it can be hard to resist temptation, even when you’re drawn to the enemy who just happens to be protective and patient.

MAYRA

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I saw this book rec floating around and decided to listen to the preview of the audiobook. I rarely go for astronaut/space stories, but the preview hooked me in, and once I started, I couldn't stop listening.


The story is told from the POV of Ryland Grace, a science teacher turned astronaut on a last-chance mission to save the Earth, who wakes up in a spaceship and cannot remember how he got there.


I will keep this short to make sure I don't spoil anything, but what I will say is that  even though I already know the story, I can't wait to listen to it again!

cori

My Friends by Frederik Backman

In My Friends, we follow newly 18-year-old orphan Louisa, who is fascinated by a famous painting of the sea, and she's sure there's a story behind it—it's much more than just the sea, and she's determined to find out more about the figures in the painting.


When said painting unexpectedly ends up in her possession, it starts a journey of learning the history of the person who painted it and those who meant the very most to him.


It's beautifully written but also laugh-out-loud funny. My Friends explores grief, art, family, and the ability to survive while experiencing it all. Pass the tissues.


yeatasmin

The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem

The lost heir of the destroyed magical kingdom of Jasad is in hiding and trying to survive until the heir of the kingdom that burned hers to the ground discovers her magic. In order to keep her identity protected and save her life, she must make a deal with the heir in a deadly game.


I listened to this in audiobook form, which was fantastic, and I really understood the character’s desperation for survival over fighting for a kingdom, a responsibility she doesn’t want forced onto her. I finished this book thinking I could jump to the sequel before realizing it’s not out yet, and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for it now!

Amber

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

What if you were in line for a ramen shop, but when your turn comes, you end up in a pawnshop? Would you turn right around and walk out or listen to the shopkeeper tell you that you're meant to be there and why that is?


I loved this cozy portal fantasy, especially because it had dual points of view, and I loved getting to see Hana and Keishin's points of view. The story was so interesting with some cool twists, and I really enjoyed the writing style.

Deadstream by Mar Romasco-Moore

Teresa cannot leave her house after the accident that cost her her best friend. In fact, it keeps getting worse, and she feels like she cannot leave her room. One night while watching one of her favorite streamers, things get weird. From that moment, chaos ensues.


This book was such a wild ride… It was crazy, and I loved it. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story, and I cannot wait to read more by this author.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

Firstly, the cover for this book is just so cute—I love it, and when it comes to cute covers, I cannot help but be drawn to them, hence why I grabbed this one.


This YA contemporary romcom is full of banter, laughs, and a few serious moments. Some parts get a little deep and are so well written. Gemma is such a strong, determined character. So much so that she forgets to have a little fun. Xander, on the other hand, is fun and always laughing. Can he take anything seriously?


I enjoyed how the story unfolded and when all the twists were revealed. I will tell you there was one part that I was so shocked I had to stop reading for a minute. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

Want to find out what team OwlCrate read in March? Be sure to check out last month's article for even more book recommendations! 

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