Review: Book of the Month Jan 2021

Hello everyone!

For those just arriving, the Book of the Month for January was The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins. I was so excited about this book because it was described as being a modern version of Jane Eyre flipped on its head. Jane Eyre happens to be my all-time favorite classic novel. I could give a full discourse on why the Bronte sisters are supreme, but perhaps we’ll have a Classics month and have a discussion on that sometime.

So, knowing that this was a contemporary version of Jane Eyre, I’ll tell you, I had expectations! Because of this, it took me a little while to really get into the book. I struggled for a little while with the characterization. I think because I was so wrapped up in loving the original characters from Jane Eyre. I had a realization about a quarter of the way in though. I decided to let go of my expectations of this being the same Jane Eyre just set in modern times and let it be what it is. I have to tell you I enjoyed it so much more when I let go of my expectations.

Don’t get me wrong, this book is a modern retelling of Jane Eyre, but it is not the same as Jane Eyre. It is different in so many ways. If you compare the two, you will definitely see some core similarities, but there are a lot of differences. And some of the similarities are done in a really cool way that I didn’t even really see until I was almost done or done with the book.

I have to say, I really appreciate the way this book was written. I enjoyed the style. I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the inspiration. It had different twists and turns which always make for an interesting read.

I was also surprised to find that I liked this version of Jane. I wasn’t sure at the beginning if I could get behind this kind of Jane, but I think she’s pretty cool. I think I understand her.

So, did you like it? I want to know your thoughts! Comment below if you liked the book. Did you like this modern retelling or do you prefer the O.G. over all else? Who was your favorite character?

A Perfect Pairing for The Wife Upstairs is coming soon. Any guesses of what it might be?

Also, look out for the February Book of the Month: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.

In 1714, Addie LaRue makes a bargain to live forever but be cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. She goes across the world for 300 years when she stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

Read with me this February!

Review: Dark Matter

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

I'll be honest, this book is not in my usual genre wheelhouse, but my brother and I like to read books together and when his turn came up, this was his pick for our joint read. I have to tell you, it did not disappoint.

While this is certainly Sci-Fi, it wasn't what I initially expected. Maybe I'm just not as familiar with this genre as I could be, but when I hear Sci-Fi, I think aliens and ray guns. This was not that. But it was mysterious, adventurous, and even romantic. Not things I initially expected, but honestly I loved about this book.

One thing I really enjoyed was the way this book was laid out for the reader. While the chapters could be quite lengthy, the story was always propelled through, never stagnant, never boring. Each time I ended a chapter, I wanted to keep going because I just had to know what was going to happen next. And that was the thing: I never knew what was going to happen next. I always like books more when I don't know what's going to happen, and this book was anything but predictable.

I was given a very short and sweet introduction to this novel before reading it because I was told the less detail you know before reading it, the better. Having finished the book, I tend to agree. So here is my short and sweet intro for you to Dark Matter by Blake Crouch:

Jason is a college professor, married to an amazing woman, and together they have a son. On family night, Jason steps out for what should be forty-five minutes to congratulate an old friend on an award that he himself might have won in another life had he not chosen to focus on family, but he has no idea of the events that will take place and that he won't be making it home; Events that will make Jason ask that essential question: Are you happy with your life?

This book is deep, intense, thought-provoking, and quite a ride. Even if, like me, you don't usually read in the Sci-Fi genre, I absolutely recommend it!

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Recipe by Albany Aronow

Ingredients:

1 medium onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1 ½ cups Baby Bella mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

2 medium carrots, chopped

½ cup celery hearts, chopped

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup frozen corn

4 cups beef stock

4 sprigs thyme

3 bay leaves

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Saute onion, garlic, and tomatoes for about four minutes in olive oil until garlic is fragrant, onions are beginning to soften, and tomatoes and softening and spilling their juices. Add in the rest of the ingredients and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes and then manually release the rest of the pressure. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.