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ntk_basis's review against another edition
4.0
Laura and Emma lived in my head regardless of where I was for the week I was reading this. How does a story about a NY wasp become so completely relatable. Beautiful writing.
vll295's review against another edition
4.0
When this book was first pitched to me it was for those who love Gilmore Girls. Being that is my favorite show and all, I had to say yes. I am glad that I did. The story of a mother and daughter, this book will break your heart and build it all at the same time. This book had me reading past my bedtime and I really appreciated the story.
I think the part that captures my attention the most in this book is way the author sets up the plot. The times are changing and for each character they have to rethink what they knew about themselves and the world around them.
I enjoyed this book and was glad for the chance to read it. Thank you for the opportunity!
I think the part that captures my attention the most in this book is way the author sets up the plot. The times are changing and for each character they have to rethink what they knew about themselves and the world around them.
I enjoyed this book and was glad for the chance to read it. Thank you for the opportunity!
bridget_h's review against another edition
3.0
This 3-star is a good 3-star, not an "eh, 3-star". I enjoyed that this book had a unique take what could have been a very conventional mother-daughter story.
joonswifey's review against another edition
2.0
what in the vague ending was this? ugh. 2.5 because it was well written but everything about it annoyed me.
pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
“Laura felt like they were characters in a play about WASPs—a satirical production that yielded no new insights, just desiccated clichés. She imagined an Upper West Side Jewish audience getting bored and leaving before intermission.”
Laura lives in a world that I can barely imagine. Recently on Twitter, John Scalzi said that “the grandkids can be something other than professional descendants.” He was talking about copyright, but the statement made me think of this novel. Laura and her family are professional descendants. Her great-grandfather was a robber baron and made enough money that the family is still living off his financial successes.
So, when I started reading Greathead’s first novel, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to stick with it. I like learning about new worlds, but would I be able to relate to a young woman brought up in this rarified place. Greathead is a good writer and she didn’t let me go until the end of the story.
Laura has some unusual experiences, including the conception of her daughter, Emma. At first, I questioned the storyline. Then, I suspended my disbelief about a few things and went along for the ride. It was worth it.
Once again the Tournament of Books (ToB) introduced me to a fascinating story, an excellent storyteller and a place that was fun to visit. The only fly in the ointment was the ending of the novel. I am still trying to understand why Greathead ended Laura’s story where she did. I won’t tell you what happened because that is unfair, but I was surprised.
Laura lives in a world that I can barely imagine. Recently on Twitter, John Scalzi said that “the grandkids can be something other than professional descendants.” He was talking about copyright, but the statement made me think of this novel. Laura and her family are professional descendants. Her great-grandfather was a robber baron and made enough money that the family is still living off his financial successes.
So, when I started reading Greathead’s first novel, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to stick with it. I like learning about new worlds, but would I be able to relate to a young woman brought up in this rarified place. Greathead is a good writer and she didn’t let me go until the end of the story.
Laura has some unusual experiences, including the conception of her daughter, Emma. At first, I questioned the storyline. Then, I suspended my disbelief about a few things and went along for the ride. It was worth it.
Once again the Tournament of Books (ToB) introduced me to a fascinating story, an excellent storyteller and a place that was fun to visit. The only fly in the ointment was the ending of the novel. I am still trying to understand why Greathead ended Laura’s story where she did. I won’t tell you what happened because that is unfair, but I was surprised.
rachelmay1's review against another edition
3.0
First, let me say, a 3 star book is still a good book in my opinion. I’m still glad I read it. I enjoyed the story line and I took a lot away from it. The ending was abrupt as I’ve also read in other reviews. But other than that, I enjoyed the story, the character development, and I related a lot to the character at different points. I saw my sister and my mom even more in the characters and it was an interesting look at what they might have felt.
I also enjoyed the exploration of motherhood as a daughter, being the in between. So many relationships, alongside loneliness as well. A great debut novel.
I also enjoyed the exploration of motherhood as a daughter, being the in between. So many relationships, alongside loneliness as well. A great debut novel.
miareneecole's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful coming-of-age tale that leaves you both reminiscing and excited for the future. Told in vignettes, it’s perfect to listen to as an audiobook.
kathleenww's review against another edition
5.0
I got this on Netgalley (not that I need anything new to read) and was so utterly charmed by Laura that I read it very quickly. I’m thinking of this as an antidote to The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe, another book set in the rarified Manhattan era of the 1980s (and that I love!)—but Laura and Emma are so honest and adorable and NOT precious or spoiled. Excellent and compelling writing. Slightly unnerving, but a joy to read.
brennadonahue's review against another edition
3.0
A nice, easy read. I usually enjoy books set in NYC, even when the protagonists are privileged Upper East Siders, but I had a harder time connecting to Emma than I would have liked. Some moments really hit - others were a bit mundane, others forced. Still I appreciated the complicated mother/daughter relationship. Glad to have read.
alananewport's review
2.0
Charming vignettes from the life of a single Mother raising her daughter, but the narrative doesn't develop or seemingly become more complex.