20 August 2019

Today's Read: Carnegie Hill by Jonathan Vatner

review of Carnegie Hill by Jonathan VatnerWhat would you do if you finally realized that just because you didn't have to work or be productive, you actually needed some direction in life? That's one reason 33-year-old Pepper decided to join the co-op board of her new building, after she and her fiance move into together.

Here's how Pepper's story begins:

Unsure of the proper attire for a co-op board meeting, Pepper decided to err on the side of stuffiness. She settled on a heather-gray skirt-suit with matching cloche, a raw-silk blouse, nude hose and heels, and a three-carat diamond choker that Rick at given her the past Valentine's Day, two months after they met. He was possibly the most successful asset manager under forty in New York, and he loved to spend money on her. She didn't need it, but she also didn't mind it.
Carnegie Hill by Jonathan Vatner (Thomas Dunne, Aug. 20, p. 3, advanced reader copy)

Quick Facts
  • Setting: New York's Upper East Side
  • Circumstances: Pepper Bradford hasn't wanted for anything, except maybe a life path. When she moves into an Upper East Side apartment with her hot-shot financier boyfriend, Rick, she soon discovers they're by far the youngest residents. With nothing better to do, Pepper decides to join the co-op board, thinking of it as a way to meet her neighbors and get a step up on adulting before her wedding. She sees the older couples as possible role models for her life with Rick, until she discovers that outward appearances aren't always a mirror of the truth. In this coming-of-age story, Pepper finds a surprising (to her) example of a good relationship and must face the hard facts and possibilities (or not) of her own new marriage.
  • Genre & themes: contemporary fiction, women's fiction; relationships, marriage, life inside a hoity-toity apartment building, generation gap, LBGTQ+
  • Why I want to read it: Sounds like an easy summer read that hits on a few deeper themes. Reviewers have mentioned the fun and charm of this debut novel.
  • Extra things to know: Vatner is an award-winning journalist. Booklist gave Carnegie Hill a starred review. Town & Country says it's a must-read. Goodreads gives the book a 3.5 rating.
  • Acknowledgments: Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the review copy of Jonathan Vatner's Carnegie Hill.

12 comments:

bermudaonion 8/20/19, 8:15 AM  

I think I'd like that!

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea 8/20/19, 8:16 AM  

Not sure about this one. I think she has the potential to get on my nerves (LOL) not sure why.

sherry fundin 8/20/19, 10:08 AM  

it's like retirement. ya gotta have a hobby or some reason to get up every morning
sherry @ fundinmental

Daryl 8/20/19, 11:48 AM  

sounds like a nice relaxing summer read

Vicki 8/20/19, 2:19 PM  

I'm not sure about this book.I'll be looking for your review.

Yvonne 8/20/19, 2:35 PM  

I like the sound of this one. I'm going to add it to my wishlist.

Laurel-Rain Snow 8/20/19, 5:01 PM  

I like the sound of this one. Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.

Girl Who Reads 8/20/19, 7:47 PM  

Sounds like it could be an interesting coming of age story.

Nise' 8/20/19, 8:07 PM  

I am intrigued enough to keep reading.

Greg 8/20/19, 9:06 PM  

For some reason moving into a hoity- toity East Side apt seems like it would be perfect for all kinds of angst and wry observations about life! I can see this being quite good. :)

Sue Jackson 8/23/19, 4:18 PM  

This does sound like a fun summer read! Sounds light but also seems to have some emotional depth to it.

Thanks for telling me about it!

Sue

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gluten Free A_Z Blog 8/24/19, 7:15 AM  

Sounds like a book I would enjoy reading , especially since I am finding that I really need to find things that make me feel productive during retirement.

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