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realgilmoregirl's review against another edition
2.0
I read this on a long train ride or I probably would have had a harder time keeping up with it. The whole time I read this I was thinking, "Is this how Candace Bushnell feels about Carrie Bradshaw?" Is this a thinly veiled attempt for her to let us know she is sick of SATC?
The story had potential, but there was just not enough character development of some and too much of others. I kept reading because I wanted it to get better, but it was just meh for me.
The story had potential, but there was just not enough character development of some and too much of others. I kept reading because I wanted it to get better, but it was just meh for me.
mbkarapcik's review against another edition
1.0
I wish I could have given this a higher rating because I was highly anticipating this book and even put myself on my library's waiting list for it and also included it on my Amazon Wish List. Even though I was hoping Bushnell would continue writing about Carrie Bradshaw's early years in The Carrie Diaries and the sequel that followed, especially since the TV series was cancelled, I was wondering if maybe she was feeling pigeonholed by the character of Carrie and needed a break. I couldn't imagine that to be true from the articles I've read about the author and both TV series until I began reading her latest book. The undercurrent of the whole book reflected this although that could be me reading too much into it.
Unfortunately, halfway through the book I started laboriously waiting for it to end. Maybe I should have quit reading it (my current MO is to stop if I really don't like reading something), but I seriously thought it would improve and was curious how it would end. I've enjoyed some of her novels -- ones beyond Carrie Bradshaw, too.
Here are my issues with the novel:
1) The main plot doesn't get started quickly enough, so that you're reading too much of the origin of Monica, the history of the main character, and her subsequent romance, so that the actual story takes too long to tell.
2)The Monica story is not that interesting and what happens to the characters before the main story is not very interesting or engaging.
3)The characters are boring, somewhat predictable and then contradictory in some spots that felt disingenuous. I really didn't like or relate to any of the characters.
4)The last 100 pages started getting extremely ridiculous and far-fetched. There's action, crazy scenarios, revenge and secrets revealed that you don't see coming but don't work, either.
5)I'm tired of reading about all men appearing as the enemy of women. I get it -- really -- but it's too easy. Even in so-called Chick Lit, I prefer the characters to be more complicated than plain abhorrent with no other layers.
Here's what I liked about the book:
1)Fairly original plot and not what I expected.
2)The author's style of writing and descriptions are engaging and spare yet lush. She knows this world and the people in it inside out.
3)I like this writer's other works, would recommend them and anticipate she will write further novels that I will enjoy.
4)She doesn't fall into the usual "guy meets girl" tropes found in many novels like this one.
5)As superficial as this is, I really liked the cover art -- the color and the drawings. Sophisticated and not too bubble gum despite the pink color used which I love.
I hate not liking a book by an author I normally like (I feel like I'm betraying a good friend) and one who basically inspired incredible amounts of women and created an iconic character like Carrie Bradshaw, but it is what is.
Unfortunately, halfway through the book I started laboriously waiting for it to end. Maybe I should have quit reading it (my current MO is to stop if I really don't like reading something), but I seriously thought it would improve and was curious how it would end. I've enjoyed some of her novels -- ones beyond Carrie Bradshaw, too.
Here are my issues with the novel:
1) The main plot doesn't get started quickly enough, so that you're reading too much of the origin of Monica, the history of the main character, and her subsequent romance, so that the actual story takes too long to tell.
2)The Monica story is not that interesting and what happens to the characters before the main story is not very interesting or engaging.
3)The characters are boring, somewhat predictable and then contradictory in some spots that felt disingenuous. I really didn't like or relate to any of the characters.
4)The last 100 pages started getting extremely ridiculous and far-fetched. There's action, crazy scenarios, revenge and secrets revealed that you don't see coming but don't work, either.
5)I'm tired of reading about all men appearing as the enemy of women. I get it -- really -- but it's too easy. Even in so-called Chick Lit, I prefer the characters to be more complicated than plain abhorrent with no other layers.
Here's what I liked about the book:
1)Fairly original plot and not what I expected.
2)The author's style of writing and descriptions are engaging and spare yet lush. She knows this world and the people in it inside out.
3)I like this writer's other works, would recommend them and anticipate she will write further novels that I will enjoy.
4)She doesn't fall into the usual "guy meets girl" tropes found in many novels like this one.
5)As superficial as this is, I really liked the cover art -- the color and the drawings. Sophisticated and not too bubble gum despite the pink color used which I love.
I hate not liking a book by an author I normally like (I feel like I'm betraying a good friend) and one who basically inspired incredible amounts of women and created an iconic character like Carrie Bradshaw, but it is what is.
minielk's review against another edition
1.0
Absolutely awful. I have no idea what I just read, but I’m glad I found this in the sale section for only $6.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
2.0
A special thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased the audiobook.
Candace Bushnell creator of the much loved New York Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sarah Jessica Parker') Sex and the City, a series featuring female friendship, single life, hot Manhattan spots, fashion, drinking, sex, shoes, and Mr. Big-- A self-proclaimed shoe fetishist, Carrie focused most of her attention and finances on designer footwear, primarily Manolo Blahniks, Louboutin and Jimmy Choo.
Bushnell returns with KILLING MONICA an attempt at portraying another character, a Manhattan writer, desiring to kill off her main character in order to reinvent herself-- and switch to historical fiction.
Pandemonia J. Wallis, a best-selling author of a series about a successful woman in New York surrounded by female friends – The Monica books. The series has been a hit, bringing PJ wealth, fame, and recognition. However, her audience wants more Monica. She wants her character to go away. To die. She wants to kill her. So she can be free to reinvent herself. Now 40-something author wants a do over.
However, the actress playing Monica (Sondra Beth Schnowzer), former best friend--with stunning looks and millions of viewer fans is a pain. Monica has grown to despise her. She has taken over her character and acts as though she owns it. A lot of bad friction here, since she slept with her boyfriend, and now cheating ex-husband has taken all her money in a divorce.
The two friends/enemies, and characters, cannot even compare to Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City gals; where the focus was on the sex lives of four female best friends, three in their mid-to-late thirties, and one of whom is in her forties. (Samantha Jones-my favorite, Miranda Hobbes, and Charlotte York). They actually had deep conversations. They were realistic. Nothing like these self-absorbed, champagne-drinking, air heads, fake, and non-interesting characters.
In addition, PJs publisher has rejected her new historical fiction book, and she hates men - miserable all the way around. Then there is Henry, PJs agent, and the sister-- which will leave you shaking your head with a twist at the end.
Unfortunately, not able to recommend this one. Do not expect another Sex and the City. Nowhere even close. No nice heroine. The book will most likely leave readers with a lingering negative thought: how does the author really feel about Sarah Jessica Parker, who ran away with her character, Carrie? Carrie took on the character, leaving Bushnell in the background—same as character in Killing Monica?
JDCMustReadBooks
Candace Bushnell creator of the much loved New York Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sarah Jessica Parker') Sex and the City, a series featuring female friendship, single life, hot Manhattan spots, fashion, drinking, sex, shoes, and Mr. Big-- A self-proclaimed shoe fetishist, Carrie focused most of her attention and finances on designer footwear, primarily Manolo Blahniks, Louboutin and Jimmy Choo.
Bushnell returns with KILLING MONICA an attempt at portraying another character, a Manhattan writer, desiring to kill off her main character in order to reinvent herself-- and switch to historical fiction.
Pandemonia J. Wallis, a best-selling author of a series about a successful woman in New York surrounded by female friends – The Monica books. The series has been a hit, bringing PJ wealth, fame, and recognition. However, her audience wants more Monica. She wants her character to go away. To die. She wants to kill her. So she can be free to reinvent herself. Now 40-something author wants a do over.
However, the actress playing Monica (Sondra Beth Schnowzer), former best friend--with stunning looks and millions of viewer fans is a pain. Monica has grown to despise her. She has taken over her character and acts as though she owns it. A lot of bad friction here, since she slept with her boyfriend, and now cheating ex-husband has taken all her money in a divorce.
The two friends/enemies, and characters, cannot even compare to Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City gals; where the focus was on the sex lives of four female best friends, three in their mid-to-late thirties, and one of whom is in her forties. (Samantha Jones-my favorite, Miranda Hobbes, and Charlotte York). They actually had deep conversations. They were realistic. Nothing like these self-absorbed, champagne-drinking, air heads, fake, and non-interesting characters.
In addition, PJs publisher has rejected her new historical fiction book, and she hates men - miserable all the way around. Then there is Henry, PJs agent, and the sister-- which will leave you shaking your head with a twist at the end.
Unfortunately, not able to recommend this one. Do not expect another Sex and the City. Nowhere even close. No nice heroine. The book will most likely leave readers with a lingering negative thought: how does the author really feel about Sarah Jessica Parker, who ran away with her character, Carrie? Carrie took on the character, leaving Bushnell in the background—same as character in Killing Monica?
JDCMustReadBooks
triciamc1238's review against another edition
2.0
Pretty terrible, glad it didn't take more than a few hours to finish.
machadofam8's review against another edition
3.0
A fun, quick read - the ending did feel tacked on but all in all I enjoyed it.
megancm's review against another edition
1.0
This sounded like it might be fun to read, but UGH I could barely read past the first couple chapters. Poorly written and the main character was super annoying. No thanks!
janellegrassi's review against another edition
1.0
From the beginning I had no clue what was happening, and the author did not remedy this with likable characters, believable plot, or well-written prose. Just lazy from the author of Sex And The City.
gilmoreguide's review against another edition
2.0
Killing Monica is Candace Bushnell’s newest novel and in it Pandy Wallis is a struggling writer who hits it big with a female protagonist (Monica) who takes on Manhattan. Soon the book is on its way to becoming a movie and Pandy discovers an unknown actress to play Monica. Both the movie and SondraBeth, the actress, are a success and Pandy finds herself with money and a new best friend in SondraBeth. What follows is non-stop partying fueled by drugs and alcohol paid for by the money streaming into both their pockets. More books and movies follow but as Monica’s life ascends Pandy’s descends. After SondraBeth helps herself to Pandy’s boyfriend the friendship dies and as Pandy finds herself shuttled to the sidelines of the Monica franchise she begins to wonder how much fame is worth.
Killing Monica is at once a departure for Bushnell and more of the same. Unfortunately, the departure part is not a positive one. In previous works her protagonists, while somewhat frivolous were all self-sufficient career women pitted against the younger, voracious social climbers who want their spot at the top. Pandy is the former but Bushnell chooses to surround her with twits who, as she approaches forty, badger her about marriage as the only life worth having, so she ignores her own intuition and beliefs and marries a bad-boy chef who promptly starts using her hard-earned money to fund his restaurants. Bushnell may be writing a parody of celebrity life but unlike her previous books, Killing Monica lacks the killer instinct and knife sharp prose that makes such a novel work. Instead, by the final third of the novel the plot is moving at a pace that is frantic and careens into a crescendo of costume, gangsters, threats, and vaudeville theatrics as Pandy tries to kill off the character that made her famous. It’s the Keystone Cops in high heels—only not funny.
The rest of this review can be read at The Gilmore Guide to Books: http://wp.me/p2B7gG-15M
Killing Monica is at once a departure for Bushnell and more of the same. Unfortunately, the departure part is not a positive one. In previous works her protagonists, while somewhat frivolous were all self-sufficient career women pitted against the younger, voracious social climbers who want their spot at the top. Pandy is the former but Bushnell chooses to surround her with twits who, as she approaches forty, badger her about marriage as the only life worth having, so she ignores her own intuition and beliefs and marries a bad-boy chef who promptly starts using her hard-earned money to fund his restaurants. Bushnell may be writing a parody of celebrity life but unlike her previous books, Killing Monica lacks the killer instinct and knife sharp prose that makes such a novel work. Instead, by the final third of the novel the plot is moving at a pace that is frantic and careens into a crescendo of costume, gangsters, threats, and vaudeville theatrics as Pandy tries to kill off the character that made her famous. It’s the Keystone Cops in high heels—only not funny.
The rest of this review can be read at The Gilmore Guide to Books: http://wp.me/p2B7gG-15M