Amber
The second half of this duology did not disappoint! It ended in a very satisfying way. Obviously if you read book one you know this is very dark and book two definitely stuck with that theme. I loved getting to know Elm and Ione more, I didn't really care for either of them in book one but grew to love them in book two.
Me Reading this at 17 years old: This is a Romance
Me Reading this in my 30s: This is a social critique of class, sexuality, racism, feminism, and above all critique of religion in particular a critical view of Calvanism which was popular at the time. I was cheering Jane on every time she spoke up for herself! This was a novel about taking and finding power and control in your life. During a time which women had power and control over almost nothing, especially women without relations and/or wealth. Love Jane! Love MMC less and less as I get older and wiser. But 17 year old me was sure into it.
I love a self help book delivered with a bit of humor. That being said I didn't really like the disparaging comments about being a "slob." Just because you are not good/don't naturally gravitate to being a neat freak doesn't make you a slob. Even though she was calling herself a slob in a self deprecating manner it could still be inferred that if you the reader also struggle with these things then you are also a slob. That being said there was some good advice here especially when it comes to cleaning and organizing your home is bite size chunks instead of trying to do everything all at once.
My biggest takeaway was - do the dishes. everyday. no exceptions.
