September 1, 2019
Released ahead of the related Amazon original series adaptation, this collection of essays from the New York Times's long-running "Modern Love" column is a "revised and updated" edition of 2007's Modern Love: 50 True and Extraordinary Tales of Desire, Deceit and Devotion. However, it is perhaps not quite as updated as some might hope, as close to half of the entries are repeats from the earlier book. Also, somewhat disappointingly, given column editor Jones's (Love Illuminated) introductory comments on the multiple forms of love, nearly three-quarters of the material centers on dating or romantic/sexual partnerships, with pieces on familial love and friendships filling out the remainder. Still, the new material contains enough gems (a daughter's clear-eyed account of the disintegration of her parents' marriage owing to Alzheimer's; a wife's meditative thoughts on her partner transitioning from male to female; a dying woman composing a letter about her husband's sterling qualities to his potential future dates) to make this new work one to consider. VERDICT Certainly worthwhile for holdings without the earlier edition, but readers already familiar with that text might wish to compare the contents here to decide if this would be a suitable addition (or replacement).--Kathleen McCallister, William & Mary Libs., Williamsburg, VA
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