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desichelle's review against another edition
4.0
For me, this book was a slow start. I listened via audible. I honestly liked some of the twists and turns in the plots. Many aspects of the book, I was able to make self connections.
The back and forth between different characters can be confusing. Most definitely need to pause to process and think of the timeline/time frame. When reading some articles, the comparison of characters made certain aspects of the plot, easier to understand.
I do understand the comparison to The Devil Wears Prada & Get Out, that many other reviewers have said.
The back and forth between different characters can be confusing. Most definitely need to pause to process and think of the timeline/time frame. When reading some articles, the comparison of characters made certain aspects of the plot, easier to understand.
I do understand the comparison to The Devil Wears Prada & Get Out, that many other reviewers have said.
spatterson12's review against another edition
4.0
This was more suspenseful than the last “thriller” I read. I couldn’t put this down — finishing it within 48 hours.
I would’ve gone with a 5⭐️ but I needed more context for Shani. There were some details or more world building with the notes that could’ve supported the epilogue more.
I did like how the epilogue closed with Nella and I’m excited to see how this plays in the Hulu series.
Nella has been working in publishing for two years. She’s in a serious relationship and has a best friend who she meets regularly to discuss work and life events.
She is excited when she realized another Black woman is hired to work in the office. Hazel had just left Boston and was quickly climbing the ranks at the publishing house.
Nella originally thought Hazel would be a confidant, but she quickly learns that Hazel plays the game to the white company leaders and is winning them over.
Nella becomes consumed with proving her worth at the office, losing track of the real world and her real relationships. She challenges an author’s character and a designer’s book cover, but the executive editor waves a promotion in her face so she stays focused as not to lose out to Hazel.
Meanwhile, Nella starts to receive threatening notes to leave. There are flashbacks to the ‘80s between a former editor and author and how the executive was tied to them. I could’ve used additional context for these characters and how they sustained or hid from the OBG operation.
I would’ve gone with a 5⭐️ but I needed more context for Shani. There were some details or more world building with the notes that could’ve supported the epilogue more.
I did like how the epilogue closed with Nella and I’m excited to see how this plays in the Hulu series.
Nella has been working in publishing for two years. She’s in a serious relationship and has a best friend who she meets regularly to discuss work and life events.
She is excited when she realized another Black woman is hired to work in the office. Hazel had just left Boston and was quickly climbing the ranks at the publishing house.
Nella originally thought Hazel would be a confidant, but she quickly learns that Hazel plays the game to the white company leaders and is winning them over.
Nella becomes consumed with proving her worth at the office, losing track of the real world and her real relationships. She challenges an author’s character and a designer’s book cover, but the executive editor waves a promotion in her face so she stays focused as not to lose out to Hazel.
Meanwhile, Nella starts to receive threatening notes to leave. There are flashbacks to the ‘80s between a former editor and author and how the executive was tied to them. I could’ve used additional context for these characters and how they sustained or hid from the OBG operation.
autumnrain's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
c_rabbit's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Read and listened simultaneously.
aleena_33's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
shanhautman's review against another edition
3.0
I’m fascinated by the premise. Got a little lost sometimes in the plot.
lizzym126's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, and Police brutality
beth_zovko's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this one more than I did. I loved the insight on workplace politics/lack of diversity/microaggressions from an #OwnVoices perspective, and the Stepford Wives plot twist was blindsiding and disturbing (I'm still thinking about it). However, I really didn't feel much for M.C. Nella, and while multiple narratives/timelines made for an interesting read, I wished some of them (Diana, Kendra) were given more chapters. There was writing overly-descriptive to the point of distraction at times (opening envelops, describing a smell, etc) so the beginning felt rather slow, but the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying.