A Wonderful and Magical Read | Review: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Have you ever described a book as wonderful? Because that was the first thought that came to mind as soon as I finished reading Sangu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

This absolutely delightful book follows Mika Moon, a witch who has spent the majority of her life alone, having grown up an orphan under the care but distance of a fellow witch. She has always never stayed in one place for long periods of time or formed any close relationships, though she desperately longs to. All of that changes however, when she is hired to help three young witches harness and control their magical abilities.

From the first page alone, I immediately fell in love with the writing. It is so warm and welcomes you into this world that once the story takes off, you are excited to go on this journey. The magical elements as well are what makes this book a cozy read and perfect for fans of Practical Magic with a touch of Mary Poppins, Nanny McPhee, and The Worst Witch. There is nothing too complex about the rules of magic, and the backstory about how witches are always orphans is explained and all connect back to Mika’s own story and growth as she trains these three young girls.

I love the cast of the characters in this book, each and every one of them. The girls are adorable with curious and vibrant personalities. Terracotta especially is a fun character. I really like how Mika’s relationship with them grows over time as they warm up to her and how in the same way Mika begins to feel at home as she befriends the people who invited her. There is a romance that simmers between her and curmudgeon librarian, Jamie, but it is just one part of an all encompassing story. How it’s handled alongside Mika and the girls, and Mika opening herself up to this newfound family she never had but always wanted, all together make up a beautiful novel. 

I saw recently Sangu Mandanna has a new book coming out and after reading The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, I honestly cannot wait to read more from her. 

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An Era of Change | Reread: Cruel Beautiful World by Caroline Leavitt

I actually read this book a few years ago when it was first released, but I sometimes still go back and listen to it via audiobook.

Set in 1969, Cruel Beautiful World by Caroline Leavitt follows sisters Charlotte and Lucy and their guardian, Iris, whose lives are forever changed when Lucy runs away with an older man. From that point forward, we see Lucy struggle with the isolation to what she initially believed was a fantasy, while Charlotte gets adjusted to young adulthood coping with the absence of her younger sister, and as Iris tends to her life, looking to the past and at the present and its family secrets.

I love a book with characters that make you reflect on life and the period their stories are set in. When I first read Cruel Beautiful World I was in my “1960s phase” when I was watching CNN’s docuseries The Sixties, still thinking about Mad Men a year after it aired its final season and while I was tearing through Jacqueline Susann’s books. It’s such an interesting period in time that was essentially our loss of innocence pivoting away from the decades before to an era of change. And I felt all of that with this book. It’s understated but poignant between the lines.

What is a book you often reread?

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Sofia Coppola: Forever Young

I bought Sofia Coppola: Forever Young by Hannah Strong last year and I’ve been perusing it again recently since the trailer dropped for Sofia Coppola’s next film, Priscilla (I’m also reading the memoir it’s adapted from). 

I love movies directed by Sofia Coppola, with Somewhere being my favorite, and this is a great book to dive into to appreciate the artistry behind her work. There’s some behind the scenes details on how she conceived some of her projects while exploring the stylistic approaches and thematic elements of each film. I also like how this can be a coffee table book so you can look at and admire all the film stills while leaving it for friends to look through as well.

Do you like Sofia Coppola movies? Which one is your favorite? 

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