Rebecca Review (& New Book!)

Let's start with Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.

To be completely honest, I had a hard time getting into this book.

The first solid half of the book was dull, in my opinion. I got really annoyed with Maxim and his lack of communication with his new wife. The new Mrs. de Winter’s insecurity didn’t do much for me either.

I probably wouldn’t have been bothered by either one, but I felt this part of the story was really drawn out. That said, du Maurier had a way of writing that kept me curious enough to keep reading.

If you felt the same way I did, keep reading! It gets better!

The storyline really picks up in the second half of the book. I was in suspense the all the way to the end. Maxim has a secret that fuels the book until the end. Our lovely narrator (who doesn't seem to have a first name?) ends up getting all the answers she wanted, too.

Even after I finished, I went back to the beginning of the book and re-read the parts that seemed mysterious from the start. Everything really fell into place after reading the ending.

I take slight issue with how quickly/easily the narrator accepted and supported Maxim after his grand confession, but it made the storyline progress quicker at that point, so I can't complain too much.

If you really want to know what happens, you'll have to pick it up :-)

Now, onto next month. My pick for February is

Girls in White Dresses 
by Jennifer Close

I found this book on two websites with suggested reading for women my age: A Quarter Life Crisis Girl's Reading List and 10 Fun Books Every Woman Should Read in Her Twenties. I thought it would be worth a shot. 

From Goodreads: "Wickedly hilarious and utterly recognizable, Girls in White Dresses tells the story of three women grappling with heartbreak and career change, family pressure and new love—all while suffering through an endless round of weddings and bridal showers."

I can see why a book like this would be on lists for women in their 20s. This is definitely the life-stage I am experiencing. My adult years have been filled with friends' bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and ultimately, weddings. Except for my own, that is.

Ludlow & Company described Girls in White Dresses this way: "Friendship! Early adulthood! That feeling that everyone is getting married but us! A winning combination for this single lady." Sounds like something I can relate to.

lovetwenty.com calls it a "novel that captures every detail of life in a girl’s twenties and teaches you that you can get through anything with the right amount of heart and sarcasm." Heart and sarcasm have certainly gotten me through so far.

Since the books for January and February could both be considered girly, I'll try to pick something with wider appeal for March. Join me!