Publisher: Atria / Emily Bestler Books / Simon & Schuster Audio
Published: May 14, 2019 (Paperback Release) / May 1, 2018 (Original Pub Date)
Source: Print: Paperback via Author / Audio via library
Summary:
In a smart and funny novel by the author of the critically acclaimed “big-hearted, charming” (The Washington Post) Small Admissions, a family’s move to New York City brings surprises and humor.
Allison Brinkley—wife, mother, and former unflappable optimist—discovers that her decision to pack up and move her family from suburban Dallas to the glittery chaos of Manhattan may have been more complicated than she and her husband initially thought. New York is more unruly and bewildering than she expected, defying the notions she developed from romantic movies and a memorable childhood visit. After a humiliating call from the principal’s office and the loss of the job she was counting on, Allison begins to accept that New York may not suit her after all.
When she has a fender-bender, witnessed by a flock of mothers at her son’s new school, she is led to the penthouse apartment of a luxurious Central Park West building and encounters a spoiled, hungover, unsupervised teenager who looks familiar. It doesn’t take long to recognize him as Carter Reid—a famous pop star who has been cast in a new Broadway musical. Through this brush with stardom, Allison embraces a unique and unexpected opportunity that helps her find her way in the heart of Manhattan.
“A tribute to Broadway, teen celebrity life, and a mother who has now seen it all, this work is tough love at its finest and a great read for those wanting a ride on the wild side” (Booklist, starred review).
My thoughts:
I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for a while and was so glad when a friend suggested it as a buddy read. It’s the second book I’ve read by Amy Poeppel and I just love her writing style – it’s so engaging and entertaining.
New York City is one of my favorite cities, so of course that was a big draw to me with this book. I loved seeing how a family navigates adjusting to the city life from suburbia. And while I am not a mom, I could totally relate to the way that Allison found life wasn’t all that she expected it to be, but yet she found her calling when she had a chance encounter with a pop teen star. I think we all set expectations of things and find that life has a way of turning out just a little bit differently most times.
The characters for the most part were really likeable, with a few that grated on my nerves. But, I still found myself completely engaged in this story and unable to stop thinking about it when I wasn’t reading, which is always a good sign.
I definitely recommend picking this one up if you haven’t already – it’s the perfect beach read that is sure to make you laugh out loud quite a few times!
Audio thoughts:
This was a fun book to listen to and I thought Carly Robins did a great job bringing the story to life. Her pacing and intonation were spot on and she infused just the right amount of emotion and tension into her voice as needed.
