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networklvrs's review against another edition
2.0
this book was cute! it’s not something that was mind blowing or life changing but it was something light and fluffy to set my mind straight :)
rsuray's review against another edition
4.0
For the most part, I found "Meg & Jo" to be a very well-done, modern adaptation of "Little Women." It's definitely more of a light, beach read. However, it's obvious that Kantra not only has ample knowledge of "Little Women" itself but also Alcott and her personal life, the latter of which was a very welcome and creative addition. For example, Kantra's focus on Abby March's marital issues is not something found in "Little Women," but those familiar with Alcott's childhood will understand the reference. I actually thought Meg's story was stronger than Jo's--I was super impressed with Kantra's ability to pull Meg's traditional storyline from "Little Women" into a modern light with a modern struggle. I will say, I'm knocking this down to 4 stars because I was NOT impressed with the ending. The "surprise" didn't make any sense in regard to the plot and theming... does anyone disagree? And I didn't love the marriage proposal...it didn't seem to fit with the way the modern characters were being interpreted. Regardless, I will definitely be reading "Beth & Amy" when it releases in the future...part of Amy's storyline was included as an epilogue, and I'm already intrigued!
marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
What if the March sisters’ story took place now instead of then? This was a very satisfying contemporary retelling.
Meg and Jo are [obviously] featured in this book, with alternating points of view. The sisters are older and the book covers less time than in the original, but it does not disappoint. Their personalities and situations are familiar and well captured, even with a few adjustments to complete the transformation into modern day.
Don’t worry: Beth, Amy, Marmee, and their father show up too! Not to mention Laurie (called Trey), Mr. Lawrence, plus some of the friends, like Sally Gardiner and Ned Moffat.
Meg and Jo are [obviously] featured in this book, with alternating points of view. The sisters are older and the book covers less time than in the original, but it does not disappoint. Their personalities and situations are familiar and well captured, even with a few adjustments to complete the transformation into modern day.
Don’t worry: Beth, Amy, Marmee, and their father show up too! Not to mention Laurie (called Trey), Mr. Lawrence, plus some of the friends, like Sally Gardiner and Ned Moffat.
katreads100's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
sydneynicole's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kristenlovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
speculativeshelves's review against another edition
2.0
Started off really enjoying this contemporary retelling but then a little halfway through there were multiple plot points and character decisions that I was not a fan of. Many of the characterizations (and how the characters developed as the book went on) felt so off to me and not how I would envision these characters in a modern setting. By the last half of the book I felt I wasn't as invested as I should have been and there were two plot twists in the end I personally couldn't stand.
All that being said I do think other people (particularly people who are very into contemporary romance and certain tropes) may enjoy this more than I did especially because it did have some good moments.
All that being said I do think other people (particularly people who are very into contemporary romance and certain tropes) may enjoy this more than I did especially because it did have some good moments.
melanie_books's review against another edition
4.0
Meg, mother of two beautiful children & wife to a hard-working husband, can't help feeling like she's missing something, despite having everything she ever wanted. Jo, an aspiring writer with a food blog, is working at a restaurant to make end's meet for a chef who hates food bloggers. As the sisters navigate their mother's sudden medical crisis, their worlds begin to change in very unexpected ways.
Having just read [and adored!!] Little Women, I was excited to see what a modern-day retelling would be like and I was not disappointed! I felt like the author kept the integrity of the story the whole way through (which seems hard to do, if other retellings I've read are anything to indicate), even in little details from the original, while still making it modern and fresh. She starts the retelling about half-way through the original story (which I thought was a great choice) and utilizes a few flash-backs to tell the classic stories from the girls' childhood & teenage years.
I loved how this version honored family, just like the original did. It showed what a beautiful partnership marriage can be. She also addresses how important fathers & husbands are to a family by juxtaposing two fathers - one who is detatched and one who is very engaged. I loved Meg's journey to freedom from being the perfect, "do it all" mom/wife/sister/daughter to being someone who could be okay with asking for help or not having to all together. Jo is always a little lost - until she finds her niche and discovers what she really wants and what she can bring to the world. Both sisters' stories felt authentic and relatable, making it not only a fantastic retelling, but a great read in its own right!
All that to say, I loved it, and I can't wait for the sequel!
Having just read [and adored!!] Little Women, I was excited to see what a modern-day retelling would be like and I was not disappointed! I felt like the author kept the integrity of the story the whole way through (which seems hard to do, if other retellings I've read are anything to indicate), even in little details from the original, while still making it modern and fresh. She starts the retelling about half-way through the original story (which I thought was a great choice) and utilizes a few flash-backs to tell the classic stories from the girls' childhood & teenage years.
I loved how this version honored family, just like the original did. It showed what a beautiful partnership marriage can be. She also addresses how important fathers & husbands are to a family by juxtaposing two fathers - one who is detatched and one who is very engaged. I loved Meg's journey to freedom from being the perfect, "do it all" mom/wife/sister/daughter to being someone who could be okay with asking for help or not having to all together. Jo is always a little lost - until she finds her niche and discovers what she really wants and what she can bring to the world. Both sisters' stories felt authentic and relatable, making it not only a fantastic retelling, but a great read in its own right!
All that to say, I loved it, and I can't wait for the sequel!
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
After several sad books, I was in the mood for some lighter fare, and this modernized version of Little Women fit the bill. All is not sweetness and light in Meg and Jo's lives, nor their parent's, but their family bonds remain strong despite geographical distance and lifestyle choices. Jo has gone off to NYC to try and make it as a writer. That's not going so well so she is barely making it as a blogger and prep-cook for a restaurant owned by a famous German chef. Complications ensue. Meg has the life she thought she wanted - rock-solid husband, children, opportunity to run a household. But that turns out to be more complicated than she imagined also. Beth and Amy are side characters here - their own book is coming later. This was a fun novel with the requisite 'happy' ending albeit with a modern twist.
knordy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0