Che-Michelle Tales

Title: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Year Published: August 23, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/ Fantasy Fiction

Wine Choice/ Drink Choice:  2022 La Belle Angele Pinot Gris or Lavender Lemonade (spiked)

Wine Score:  🍷🍷🍷🍷😊

You are cordially invited to the enigmatic Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. We convene every third Thursday of every third month. In a twist of fate, this book post will be shared on the third Thursday of June 2024, a day of great significance-the summer solstice of 2024.

Another book from my wishlist/to-read list was completed and worth waiting for. This book, ‘The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches ‘, introduces us to Mika Moon and the Secret Society of Witches.  It’s a secret organization that allows witches to meet and discuss if they have found or seen new witches to induct into the society.  The mission of the society is complicated. One is to teach these new witches the rules and warn them of the dangers of being a Witch.  In the Society is Mika Moon, an early 30s who feels like the Society is being run with antiquated rules and needs to be updated.  She bucks at hiding witchcraft and challenges the leader, Primrose, who believes in the safety of all witches. They should hide in the shadows, hide their magic, and live as quietly as possible. As the book progresses, Mika’s philosophy on witchcraft is challenged when Mika is invited to a unique Job opportunity to tutor three special girls.

I know what you may ask about what makes these girls unique… well, the book title is “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.” The books are not just about incredible magic and using magic to make life easier.  We are introduced to the Girl’s Caretakers, fiercely protective of their secret and quaint home.  The adults are skeptical of Mika, but for good reason: they have three small children they want to protect. They need Mika to tutor the girls on how to use and manage their magic.  At this point, you may say, “Che, you gave us the story!” NOT!   As you read the book, you are invited into the rich backstory of all the characters seen and unseen.  As a reader, you are brought into Mika’s memories and past experiences and can empathize with Mika. Mika is both cautious and a risk taker, shaped by her past and determination to live on her terms. The side characters understand Mika except for one or two. Those two characters grow to appreciate Mika and will do anything to keep her in their “Family.” It’s evident why Mika Moon is cautious and craves connection but keeps a safe distance from establishing what her heart desires: close connections.

It would be easy to say this book has Harry Porter Elements, but that is lazy. Mandanna creates a safe world where non-magic people fiercely protect people; they love those who are magically inclined. She makes a world where families are found center stage, showing that most loving people are not blood relatives. The book has several plots, all addressed and tied up without rushing the story. I would love to say this is the perfect summer read, but it gives me fall/winter vibes due to the time of year in which the story takes place.  If you do read the book, it’s a cozy read! It gives you all the warm feeling; you find yourself rooting for all the characters and the big reveal! (Yes, there is a big reveal. You must read the book to find out!)  I would love to see this book made into a Netflix series or Prime Series.  It would fit in the category of “The Good Witch” or “The Bureau of Magical Things,” wholesome and whimsical but with a hint of mystery.  I already know who I want to play Primrose, either Clarie Higgins from The Worst Witch or the two leads from Absolutely Fabulous; I think either woman would pull off Primrose.  Sameera Reddy would be a good fit for Mika Moon, or Alia Bhatt could portray Mika nicely. I believe Ritu Arya, from Polite Society, would have the perfect facial expression and the amount of disconnected anxiety to fit how Mandanna wrote Mika in the books.

Now, the best part is what to drink with this lovely book. This is a winter book and deserves a red wine, which can be made in mulled wine. But drinking this in summer, I would suggest La Belle Angele, a French Pinot Gris.  The wine reminds me of summer with notes of lemon, a young rose, and a hint of something peppery. The wine complements the caregivers in the book, sweet but cautious. I found the wine highlighted the whimsical nature of Ian, the concern of Lucy, and the bite of Jamie.

Suppose you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage and enjoy the taste of Lavender. I would suggest making lavender lemonade. It’s simple, easy and delicious.   It’s easy to make into a cocktail but a classic lemonade with a twist. I used the recipe from https://www.thecookierookie.com/lavender-lemonade/, and the creator offers options to add champagne or vodka. I would check her site out and use this recipe.  I loved this book and will put Sangu Mandanna in my rotation of authors to read.  She crafted a wonderful world of witchcraft, found a family, and found a place to call home.

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle