What We're Reading-Meg & Jo

This book was read by Susan Baker, a Reference Librarian at the Main Campus Library.

Title and Author: Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra

Genre: Contemporary romance, domestic fiction

Read Great Things Challenge 2020 category: Recommended by a Durham Tech librarian

Description: Meg March Brooke as a stay at home mom may not stretch the imagination too far, but Jo March as a prep cook and food blogger in New York City sure does! Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women is delightfully re-imagined by North Carolina RITA award winning author Virginia Kantra as a contemporary tale of adult sisters from a close knit family, following their very different paths, brought together again by a family crisis.This book is told through the eyes of the older sisters, Meg and Jo; a sequel, Beth & Amy, is scheduled to follow in December 2020.

Why did you choose to read this book?

I saw this book on NC Overdrive via my public library, but I ignored it for a long time. A modern re-telling of one of my very favorite childhood classics couldn't possibly be any good, right? Just derivative and silly. But I needed something to read, and it was there, and after all, I really had loved Little Women, so I finally gave in to its accessibility and my curiosity and checked it out.

What did you like about it?

I will tell you up front that if you are looking for great literature or profound philosophies, look elsewhere. But if you have a secret weakness for a little romance and lot of family drama, are looking for a charming and well written escape, read on. Imagine "Marmee" as a goat farmer in North Carolina, making a living selling cheese at farmer's markets. Mr. March as a distant father whose work with veterans suffering from PTSD wholly eclipses his family life. Jo falling in love with...wait, no more spoilers! If this genre is in any way for you, read on.

Did it remind you of any other books, movies, or media?

As an adaptation of Little Women, there is an obvious link to the existing stories of the March sisters, starting with the original by Louisa May Alcott and going through its many screen and stage adaptations (a list is here, if you're curious). I found the adaptation to be very different in style but very close in spirit to the original Alcott. And there was something about Jo that reminded me of a young NYC bound for glory Vivian Howard, who along with other real life chefs, got a shout out in this book. If you read it, let me know if you think so too!

Was there anything particularly noteworthy about this book?

All in all, I was truly surprised by how much I enjoyed how the rich characterizations in this book, all fleshed out in loving detail that made me fall in love with the March family all over again, but from a whole new perspective.

What feeling did it leave you with?

I left the book feeling that I'd had a very satisfying visit with a very old friend who had happened to win a spot on an extreme makeover show.

Who would you recommend this to?

If you loved Little Women and also enjoy contemporary romantic fiction, this is your book: run, do not walk, to the nearest Kindle to download your copy. If you have never met any previous version of the March family but enjoy a good story, you'll still have a terrific standalone read, by your own fireplace or on, for now, an imaginary beach. If you hated the original Little Women or can't bear anything remotely related to the contemporary romance, you should probably stay away.

What would you pair this book with?

I would pair Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra with goat cheese on crackers and a glass of homemade scuppernong wine, because in the end, it's what Jo would do, and for someone like me who prefers salt to sweet, cheese is never the wrong answer.

Are there any books, podcasts, or films you'd recommend to someone who liked this?

If you're looking for something similar, there's no better place to start than by reading or rereading the original Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. The 1994 film version of Little Women starring Winona Ryder as Jo March is a star studded, award winner available for streaming. And I am keeping the upcoming sequel, Beth & Amy, on my to-read list!