Reviews - Shopgirls: A Novel

208 reviews for:

Shopgirls: A Novel

Jessica Anya Blau

3.69 AVERAGE

why913's review against another edition

3.5

lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

bertharochestergraduates_8's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A young woman's coming of age in the 1980s? Sign me up. This story is pretty good, and it pulls you into the time without being clichéd or marking every milestone that occurred in the decade. I was a bit nervous about Blau's debut, Mary Jane, as it left me less satisfied than I had desired, but there's no sophomore slump here.

Just an honest story about a young woman trying to figure out who she is at a time when you can be anyone you want, if you didn't.

blueburyme's review against another edition

5.0

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I love Jessica Anya Blau books. Her heroines are so likeable and I love them so much, like you just can't help but root for them. Zippy is someone who's a little bit naive but kind and always tries to be a better person. She's optimistic and so likeable and she's just like me fr 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ I love how she gets her happy ending. She definitely deserves it. I wish she got more face to face time with her dad though. But I like how for most of the book it's just Zippy figuring out adulthood, womanhood, and what she wants. I also really like how she's surrounded by and being guided by other women! Her inner monologue is so realistic and easy to read. It really did feel like I was in the mind of a 19 year old. Definitely a 5/5 read for me!

jasminegalsreadinglog's review against another edition

4.0

Shopgirls is a coming-of-age historical fiction novel set in the 1980s, centered around 19-year-old Zippy as she learns to navigate the complexities of adulthood. Working at a luxury department store surrounded by designer makeup and clothes, Zippy is the daughter of a single mom and has never known her father. As she grows, she discovers friendship, both biological and found family, and a deeper understanding of herself.

This novel was such a fun read. Zippy and her coworkers are each unique in their own way, and some parts of the story were delightfully quirky. While the book touches on some difficult topics, the author handles them with both compassion and insight.

A story of self-discovery, growing up, and embracing the unexpected, Shopgirls is a charming and slightly quirky read that’s both engaging and heartfelt.

Thank you to Mariner Books, Morrow Group, and HarperCollins Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.