You know what I’m in the mood for after this dreary January…a great love story! So this February, in a month dedicated to love, I’ve picked Modern Love: Revised and Updated, an anthology of the best of The New York Times essays from their column by the same name since its debut in 2004.
Some of the stories in this collection are unconventional, while others hit close to home. Some reveal the way technology has changed dating forever; others explore the timeless struggles experienced by anyone who has ever searched for love. But all of the stories are, above everything else, honest. Together, they tell the larger story of how relationships begin, often fail, and—when we’re lucky—endure.
Edited by longtime “Modern Love” editor Daniel Jones and featuring a diverse selection of contributors—including Mindy Hung, Trey Ellis, Ann Hood, Deborah Copaken, Terri Cheney, and more—this is the perfect book for anyone who’s loved, lost, stalked an ex on social media, or pined for true romance: In other words, anyone interested in the endlessly complicated workings of the human heart.
Before diving into February, let’s take a quick look back at our selection for December–Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory.
Royal Holiday is my first read from Guillory, and was the 4th installment in a series–although I thought this book stood alone just fine. I was thrilled that she decided to shine the spotlight on an older couple, 50-ish (not that 50 is old, but for protagonists in a love story–you know what I mean!), because this is not a common choice.
I thought the lead characters Vivian and Malcolm were endearing, although the way their dialog was written was a little hard to take at times. A little too sweet for my taste, but I am sure it would make the creators of Hallmark movies very proud.
What did you think? A good light read, but ready to jump into something meatier? I’m with you! I think Modern Love: Revised and Updated is just what the doctor ordered.
I can’t wait to regroup at the end of February and hear which love story from the anthology you enjoyed most.
Happy reading!
xo,
