Writing: 4/5 Plot: 4.5/5 Characters: 4/5
Four somewhat innocent (at the time) stars of a wildly popular teen show in the early 2000s had their dreams of stardom snuffed quickly after a disastrous live finale at the end of season two. Going their separate ways — one a Washington lawyer, one the wife of a famous athlete, one a star in his own right, and one a complete disaster in and out of rehab — they somehow end up agreeing to a reunion … and then things really fly.
Good writing, a convoluted plot full of surprises (where I wasn’t expecting surprises) that unwound at a good pace. The machinations of the entertainment machine, with its inherent bias toward men and white girls and its double standards for men and women was well portrayed without overplaying the drama (I am so over drama these days). Good interactions and self assessment with real depth and a somewhat unusual but gratifying ending. Quite enjoyable!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on May 2nd, 2023
Books to look forward to ... 