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barkylee15's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. This moved along at a pretty good clip, and I was mostly interested in it, but ultimately I finished the book feeling unsatisfied. The lives of Phoebe and Carmen were pretty tired and repetitive and what felt interesting in the beginning of the novel, I just didn't care about by the end. I did feel like the whole ending was crazy fast, and again just not satisfying.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
morganashton35's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sheenah684's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review.
In 1984 Phoebe dreamt of being a true New Yorker, cool and blasé, like her friend Carmen when they were in college. After moving to the city and suffering multiple emotional blows, she finally gets her chance to live with and emulate her idol and best friend. She becomes Astrid the Star Girl, telling fortunes at a club every night until darkness and betrayal take over.
This gritty view of the New York club scene in the 80's was a peek at the time when you are just starting to find yourself and who you want to be. The atmospheric tale was more than just a story about Phoebe,; it was a love letter to a New York in the past.
In 1984 Phoebe dreamt of being a true New Yorker, cool and blasé, like her friend Carmen when they were in college. After moving to the city and suffering multiple emotional blows, she finally gets her chance to live with and emulate her idol and best friend. She becomes Astrid the Star Girl, telling fortunes at a club every night until darkness and betrayal take over.
This gritty view of the New York club scene in the 80's was a peek at the time when you are just starting to find yourself and who you want to be. The atmospheric tale was more than just a story about Phoebe,; it was a love letter to a New York in the past.
lola425's review against another edition
3.0
If you are a fan of gritty 1980's New York, you will enjoy taking a harmless trip back there. There's a glossy sheen over everything, antithetical to the subject matter, but a good read nonetheless.
jmadden's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was not what I signed up for and although the twist at the end was jaw dropping it was so disturbing that it wasn’t worth it. I wasn’t rooting for any of the characters especially not phoebe or carmen. I guess I don’t support women’s wrongs as much as I thought.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cannibalism
lexa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
3.75
Set in 1980s NYC, this book was fun and sad and even a little mysterious (with the inclusion of missing girls, and also ghosts). It’s one of those books where nothing happens but also everything happens. It kept me captivated but I don’t think it’s a book that will stay with me for long.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Drug abuse, Addiction, Death, and Drug use
Moderate: Abortion, Grief, Infidelity, Blood, Alcohol, Cancer, and Stalking
Minor: Sexual content, Cannibalism, and Vomit
valerylh's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 well-written...their lives provoked some anxiety in me
laraperezcurran's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars bc everything around the main character was rly captivating but I felt like the main character herself didn't have much of a personality. She almost felt like part of the background
meghancalderone's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved this pseudo-coming of age novel, especially to the backdrop of a New York past. The characters were relatable and often just terrible in only the way we can understand ourselves to be - so it was endearingly frustrating to watch them make mistakes page and page again. I loved the exploration of relationships and personal growth through experiences. Overall a good, quick read.