I never read fiction. Like, ever. My bookshelf (to be honest my books are kind of scattered on different shelves) is basically a lineup of entrepreneurial guides, self-help, and books that promise to better my life and mind in some way. I’ve always felt like I should be learning something from books….otherwise whats the point? Saying that, I’ve actually wanted to read fiction for a while…but just never knew what would be good, and I didn’t want to disappoint myself by picking something that completely bored me.
I decided to ask you what you recommend. I asked the question on my Instagram stories and so many of you recommended ‘The Housemaid’. If so many of you mentioned the same book, then it must be good? So, I ordered myself the book and here we are. I finally understood what people meant when they said a book sucked them in. I wasn’t just reading; I felt like I was watching a movie play out in my head. And I love movies.
If you haven’t read it…a young woman, Millie, is desperate for a fresh start, she gets a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy family. It’s exactly what she dreamt of, (she hasn’t got the cleanest past) but something doesn’t feel right. The wife starts acting bit unhinged. The attractive (and nice) husband, Andrew, seems…off. And then there’s the attic - the locked attic, where Millie is forced to stay, with no way out except for a tiny window…that’s painted shut.
You can probably see where I’m going with this, but trust me, it’s so much more than just a creepy house story. It’s a little unsettling, but not so much it scares you. It’s basically a book that keeps you guessing, and definitely a page turner!
I can’t explain how strange it felt to be so engrossed in a book that wasn’t teaching me about business strategies, mindset shifts, or personal growth. In all honesty, I had this weird guilt, like what am I actually gaining from this? But then I realized that was the lesson. I don’t always have to be learning something tangible. I don’t always have to be productive. Sometimes, the most valuable thing I can do for myself is disconnect from reality for a bit and just enjoy a really good story. It felt so good to read without an agenda. To escape, just for a little while.
The Housemaid opened up a whole new door for me (hopefully not a locked attic situation 😂). It was the kind of book you want to discuss immediately after finishing, just to make sure you’re not the only one who’s still thinking about it…thank god I started this ‘book of the month’ newsletter!
I really want to know who read this book this month? I know a few of you mentioned you’d be reading it too so we can discuss it in the comments of this post. Also, did I mention theres a follow on book? I’ve already ordered mine. Who’s joining me?
So, if you want a book that will completely hook you…this is it.
This book is on my list!
Looking forward to reading this