A review by mischievous_monkey
Simply the Best by Karin Kallmaker

hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I found this novel to be a commentary on the callousness of people who put profit before humanity and who project a false image to rake in cash and I enjoyed it as such. It also explored some themes about allowing oneself to become jaded and judgemental in the character of Alice as well as about letting others take advantage of you and thinking the best of something/someone while evidence points to the contrary in the character of Pepper. 

I read some reviews that complained about the pace of the romance versus the development of Pepper's story arc but I definitely don't agree. I think showing us in detail how Pepper was star-struck by her boss and workplace to the point where she let it damage her personally was a necessary part of the story. If fact, I would have enjoyed it just as much if Alice and she had just struck up a meaningful friendship instead of a romantic relationship. 

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Abby Craden and enjoyed her intrepretation of the story, as usual.