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Semi-Charmed Life
In Nora Zelevansky’s hilarious debut, Semi-Charmed Life, an Upper West Side naïf, Beatrice Bernstein, gets swept up in the seemingly magical life of socialite Veruca Pfeffernoose, while ghost writing her blog. Veruca’s glitteringly opulent world soon seduces Beatrice away from her own insular, arty family with a promise of fancy parties, travel outside Manhattan (for once) and one desperately cute guy. But when her new glitzy lifestyle starts to take on dark undertones, Beatrice has to decide who she is—once and for all. With her own magical touch, Zelevansky deftly explores the world of rarified Manhattan in this sparkling modern fairy tale of first love, finding one’s voice and growing up.
330 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2012
5 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Nora Zelevansky
4 books136 followersNORA ZELEVANSKY is the author of Will You Won't You Want Me?, Semi-Charmed Life and Competitive Grieving (out in paperback on May 10th, 2022!). Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, ELLE, Town & Country, the Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal and Vanity Fair, among others. She lives with her husband, two kids and enormous cat, Waldo, in Brooklyn, New York.
*BOOK CLUBS should reach out via IG or norazelevansky.com to have the author Skype or call in!
*BOOK CLUBS should reach out via IG or norazelevansky.com to have the author Skype or call in!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 25, 2012
Happy fourth you wonderful people! What better way than to bring in the day with a little New York socialite fun, right? Semi-Charmed Life was such a fun read! Though it took a bit of time to get properly started for me, I loved being thrown into the New York posh life while still being an outsider. I will always be a hardcore West coast/California lover, but after hearing so much about New York life it's like you're walking the streets with Beatrice as she tries to figure out life.
I was actually surprised to end up really liking Beatrice. At the beginning I really thought I wouldn't, but her personality is so likable that I loved being in her head. Though I do think her tangents at times were a little long to the point I kind of skimmed through them, I enjoyed being able to see her train of thought to events. I really liked that she was just as lost in life even if at first glance it would seem she has everything together. Zelevansky also writes a nice group of side characters throughout the story that definitely kept me reading. Veruca was kind for the most part, but always had that somewhat controlling undercurrent that kept me wary of her. Ben is so adorable that I really couldn't wait to see his shirtless bod with Beatrice in non-shirtless situations. (Get that head out of the gutter, gosh.) I also continually imagined him with a stake like Buffy...Yeah, I know you're intrigued.
My only real issue with the book was the slight magical touch in the story. It kind of threw the story off for me at times because I'd start contemplating what was behind events instead of the story. It isn't anything that ruins the book, but I don't really think it added much for me so I could've lived without it.
Not only is Nora Zelevansky's Semi-Charmed Life that perfect summer read to whisk you away to trips you've only dreamed about, but it's also about finding and being true to who you are. I look forward to seeing more by Zelevansky in the future because she's definitely made me a fan. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me a copy for review.
Soundtrack:
Runaway - Mat Kearny
When Did Your Heart Go Missing - Rooney
Beat of My Own Song - Meme
Where You're Coming From - Matt and Kim
I was actually surprised to end up really liking Beatrice. At the beginning I really thought I wouldn't, but her personality is so likable that I loved being in her head. Though I do think her tangents at times were a little long to the point I kind of skimmed through them, I enjoyed being able to see her train of thought to events. I really liked that she was just as lost in life even if at first glance it would seem she has everything together. Zelevansky also writes a nice group of side characters throughout the story that definitely kept me reading. Veruca was kind for the most part, but always had that somewhat controlling undercurrent that kept me wary of her. Ben is so adorable that I really couldn't wait to see his shirtless bod with Beatrice in non-shirtless situations. (Get that head out of the gutter, gosh.) I also continually imagined him with a stake like Buffy...Yeah, I know you're intrigued.
My only real issue with the book was the slight magical touch in the story. It kind of threw the story off for me at times because I'd start contemplating what was behind events instead of the story. It isn't anything that ruins the book, but I don't really think it added much for me so I could've lived without it.
Not only is Nora Zelevansky's Semi-Charmed Life that perfect summer read to whisk you away to trips you've only dreamed about, but it's also about finding and being true to who you are. I look forward to seeing more by Zelevansky in the future because she's definitely made me a fan. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me a copy for review.
Soundtrack:
Runaway - Mat Kearny
When Did Your Heart Go Missing - Rooney
Beat of My Own Song - Meme
Where You're Coming From - Matt and Kim
August 16, 2012
What started out as adventurous and New York chic, this quickly turned into a bizarre magical contemporary. When you include an overwhelming quantity of references that went way over my head, Semi-Charmed Life ended up being an exceptionally tedious and confusing read.
I absolutely adore New York City. I visited a year ago and I was dazzled by the lifestyle and how it seems to be in its own world. Since, I've come to love books set in the Big Apple. I can revive the energy I felt walking the streets, hear the strangely refreshing noise of people living lives like no other, re-experience the city that never sleeps. It's what compelled me to initially pick this book up, and I was especially pleased with how much the NYC setting came alive. Hence, at the beginning I was actually quite enchanted by it all, staying convinced that I was truly going to enjoy it.
Then... strange writing in her notebook starts to appear and disappear. (What is this book supposed to be? O_O). Then, constant parties with extreme detailing keeps putting me to sleep. Then, talk of tatamis, and beef negimaki, and rogan gosh, and ryokan, and Mark Rothko, and caipirinhas, and remarks that go like: "[...] preach-to-the-choir debates about neo-postmodernism in a postmodern age or the revival of modernism in an antimodernist millenium or ever Fairway belly lox versus Zabar's nova" …*blinks*… Dude! What am I reading here? I so did not go to Harvard! Name dropping after name dropping, reference after reference; nothing from my generation, and definitely not things a simple small-town Canadian girl in her 20s would know of. Since they would come in bursts I kept hoping it was just to give a feel of NYC, where people can be more elite and talk about fried sopaipillas and Proust studies, unfortunately it never let up and halted my enjoyment of this novel exponentially.
Another big factor in my displeasure of this novel is the writing style the author adopted. Written in a third person omniscient point of view, it's extremely hard to get a feel of who the characters truly are. It's not a perspective I have ever really enjoyed as it keeps the characters' thoughts and the emotions of the story at arm's length, detached. Think of it like someone who is telling someone else's story, not letting it be an experience. This is purely a factor of individual taste, some readers may really like this type of telling, but I, for one, am unable to get captured by a story told in this manner.
What starts as a contemporary read suddenly turns on the strange side when mysterious messages start to appear, and simple lofts suddenly become luxurious first class accommodations. I was not expecting anything supernatural from this novel. It caught me off guard and I'm not convinced it really fits in the story. It may give it a magical flair, but it remains off-putting. It's like Gossip Girl meets the Encyclopedia, meets cameos of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
There is one positive thing I can mention about this book: The characters are fabulous. Regardless of being kept at arm's length, I enjoyed the personalities that run through these pages with their exotic natures. There are a lot of names to keep track of, but the ones that are prominent have made this enjoyable enough that, despite having so much trouble getting through the story, I never quit, though at times I really wanted to.
With that said, I think this book calls for a certain readership. An older generation who loves perpetual references and an over the top lavish lifestyle (and vocabulary) may just be the perfect audience for this novel.
--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
I absolutely adore New York City. I visited a year ago and I was dazzled by the lifestyle and how it seems to be in its own world. Since, I've come to love books set in the Big Apple. I can revive the energy I felt walking the streets, hear the strangely refreshing noise of people living lives like no other, re-experience the city that never sleeps. It's what compelled me to initially pick this book up, and I was especially pleased with how much the NYC setting came alive. Hence, at the beginning I was actually quite enchanted by it all, staying convinced that I was truly going to enjoy it.
Then... strange writing in her notebook starts to appear and disappear. (What is this book supposed to be? O_O). Then, constant parties with extreme detailing keeps putting me to sleep. Then, talk of tatamis, and beef negimaki, and rogan gosh, and ryokan, and Mark Rothko, and caipirinhas, and remarks that go like: "[...] preach-to-the-choir debates about neo-postmodernism in a postmodern age or the revival of modernism in an antimodernist millenium or ever Fairway belly lox versus Zabar's nova" …*blinks*… Dude! What am I reading here? I so did not go to Harvard! Name dropping after name dropping, reference after reference; nothing from my generation, and definitely not things a simple small-town Canadian girl in her 20s would know of. Since they would come in bursts I kept hoping it was just to give a feel of NYC, where people can be more elite and talk about fried sopaipillas and Proust studies, unfortunately it never let up and halted my enjoyment of this novel exponentially.
Another big factor in my displeasure of this novel is the writing style the author adopted. Written in a third person omniscient point of view, it's extremely hard to get a feel of who the characters truly are. It's not a perspective I have ever really enjoyed as it keeps the characters' thoughts and the emotions of the story at arm's length, detached. Think of it like someone who is telling someone else's story, not letting it be an experience. This is purely a factor of individual taste, some readers may really like this type of telling, but I, for one, am unable to get captured by a story told in this manner.
What starts as a contemporary read suddenly turns on the strange side when mysterious messages start to appear, and simple lofts suddenly become luxurious first class accommodations. I was not expecting anything supernatural from this novel. It caught me off guard and I'm not convinced it really fits in the story. It may give it a magical flair, but it remains off-putting. It's like Gossip Girl meets the Encyclopedia, meets cameos of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
There is one positive thing I can mention about this book: The characters are fabulous. Regardless of being kept at arm's length, I enjoyed the personalities that run through these pages with their exotic natures. There are a lot of names to keep track of, but the ones that are prominent have made this enjoyable enough that, despite having so much trouble getting through the story, I never quit, though at times I really wanted to.
With that said, I think this book calls for a certain readership. An older generation who loves perpetual references and an over the top lavish lifestyle (and vocabulary) may just be the perfect audience for this novel.
--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
May 30, 2012
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
I absolutely loved this book! I didn't want to put it down. It was just so fun and hilarious!
Beatrice is so excited to start her senior year of college and live in off campus housing. She has a great family - an older sister and very loving parents - but they can be a bit smothering at times. They've never been anywhere outside of New York (even though they are internationally recognized art dealers) and Beatrice is ready for some independence.
The housing situation isn't what she expected at all. Instead of a loft apartment, her digs seem to be in the smelly, moldy basement. Enter Veruca Pffeffernoose. She is the socialite who has decided to attend Beatrice's school (who knows why and really who cares? She's Veruca Pffeffernoose!) Beatrice meets her at a party and suddenly Veruca is willing to open her large and decadent apartment to her. All Beatrice has to do is ghost write her blog. She's in to art this season and she needs Beatrice to chronicle her foray into the art scene in New York. Beatrice is skeptical at first but realizes that she's good at this and the parties and friends and travel etc. are lots of fun. She's getting to do more than she ever dreamed. And of course, there's this guy....
This book was so fun! I loved Beatrice and all her adventures with Veruca and company. There was a bit of a mystery through out the book which kept me wondering and interested. The ending was neatly wrapped but not cliche. The descriptions of Veruca and her clothes and surroundings etc. kept me chuckling. It was all just too much (in a good way!)
This is a really great summer read. Highly recommended!
I absolutely loved this book! I didn't want to put it down. It was just so fun and hilarious!
Beatrice is so excited to start her senior year of college and live in off campus housing. She has a great family - an older sister and very loving parents - but they can be a bit smothering at times. They've never been anywhere outside of New York (even though they are internationally recognized art dealers) and Beatrice is ready for some independence.
The housing situation isn't what she expected at all. Instead of a loft apartment, her digs seem to be in the smelly, moldy basement. Enter Veruca Pffeffernoose. She is the socialite who has decided to attend Beatrice's school (who knows why and really who cares? She's Veruca Pffeffernoose!) Beatrice meets her at a party and suddenly Veruca is willing to open her large and decadent apartment to her. All Beatrice has to do is ghost write her blog. She's in to art this season and she needs Beatrice to chronicle her foray into the art scene in New York. Beatrice is skeptical at first but realizes that she's good at this and the parties and friends and travel etc. are lots of fun. She's getting to do more than she ever dreamed. And of course, there's this guy....
This book was so fun! I loved Beatrice and all her adventures with Veruca and company. There was a bit of a mystery through out the book which kept me wondering and interested. The ending was neatly wrapped but not cliche. The descriptions of Veruca and her clothes and surroundings etc. kept me chuckling. It was all just too much (in a good way!)
This is a really great summer read. Highly recommended!
August 9, 2012
This book was fun, quirky and placed you into the misunderstood and mysterious world of an NYC socialite. It was smartly written and clever in its revelation of the cult of celebrity. A must read! Bravo to Zelevansky as her debut novel. Looking forward to what the author writes next...
August 1, 2012
Very impressive first novel. I very much enjoyed her quick-witted writing style and the magical elements of the story. Looking forward to the next one!
June 13, 2012
A delightful, magical romp. Those who loved Eloise as a child will fall in love with this story. Head over heels in love!
October 10, 2012
I won this book through the first-reads program.
Semi-Charmed Life is Nora Zelevansky's authorial debut, and also a novel that she wrote during NaNoWriMo if I'm not mistaken. The book is a well-done satire on how obsessed we are as a culture with the concepts and trappings on fame, and how hollow a pursuit it truly can be. Wrapped up in all of this commentary is a dash of magical realism, well placed humor, and an air of mystery. That's quite a lot for a first novel to contain.
Personally, I found the book a bit difficult. Primarily, I think that's more my problem than it is a reflection on the book. Not being too engaged in the TMZ culture the book is talking about, some of the references were lost on me and I think a fair bit of that humor missed me. I felt a bit late to the party, but I can think of a few friends of mine who would be caught right in the middle of it all.
The jokes that I did get were unanimously hilarious. In particular the line about Jackson Pollock was great, and some of the jabs at both the Goth culture and poetry culture were great. I think if the book had been more focused on literary figures and the like I would have had an easier time of it. Actually, Fifty Shades of Louisa May comes to mind, though these books are leagues apart.
The writing was solid, though bit too reference heavy for my taste. The actual story was well done, and once I passed the 73 page mark the book really began to flow for me as a reader. I enjoyed the fact that she took a magical realism approach to the book, and would actual push to emphasise that aspect of it next time around. The no-holds barred approach to the fantastic element reminded me of Jonathan Carroll's sheer weirdness, though as a first novel, the writing lacked some of the confidence needed to truly pull off something of Carroll's stature.
All in all, I did enjoy the book and am curious to see what happens next. Nora Zelevanksy is an author that I'm hoping to see more of, and I'm hoping will keep up the irreverent air shown in this first novel. Now, if only I could conjure up a Veruca for my own life!
Semi-Charmed Life is Nora Zelevansky's authorial debut, and also a novel that she wrote during NaNoWriMo if I'm not mistaken. The book is a well-done satire on how obsessed we are as a culture with the concepts and trappings on fame, and how hollow a pursuit it truly can be. Wrapped up in all of this commentary is a dash of magical realism, well placed humor, and an air of mystery. That's quite a lot for a first novel to contain.
Personally, I found the book a bit difficult. Primarily, I think that's more my problem than it is a reflection on the book. Not being too engaged in the TMZ culture the book is talking about, some of the references were lost on me and I think a fair bit of that humor missed me. I felt a bit late to the party, but I can think of a few friends of mine who would be caught right in the middle of it all.
The jokes that I did get were unanimously hilarious. In particular the line about Jackson Pollock was great, and some of the jabs at both the Goth culture and poetry culture were great. I think if the book had been more focused on literary figures and the like I would have had an easier time of it. Actually, Fifty Shades of Louisa May comes to mind, though these books are leagues apart.
The writing was solid, though bit too reference heavy for my taste. The actual story was well done, and once I passed the 73 page mark the book really began to flow for me as a reader. I enjoyed the fact that she took a magical realism approach to the book, and would actual push to emphasise that aspect of it next time around. The no-holds barred approach to the fantastic element reminded me of Jonathan Carroll's sheer weirdness, though as a first novel, the writing lacked some of the confidence needed to truly pull off something of Carroll's stature.
All in all, I did enjoy the book and am curious to see what happens next. Nora Zelevanksy is an author that I'm hoping to see more of, and I'm hoping will keep up the irreverent air shown in this first novel. Now, if only I could conjure up a Veruca for my own life!
July 6, 2015
You know that scene in The Sweetest Thing when their apartment is full of all of their neighbors, firemen, cops, and they all break into song? That's what Semi-Charmed Life reminded me of. Not that anything like that happens. It just had that same kind of random humor. It also felt like a State Farm insurance commercial, since things just appear out of nowhere! Needless to say, this book was super weird. And it works!
Semi-Charmed Life starts with Beatrice finally getting her own place. Unfortunately, it's not the loft apartment she was expecting. Instead, she's in the basement, in a janitor's closet turned tiny, bug ridden apartment. It's a nightmare. But soon, she gets an offer that she can't refuse. A socialite wants Beatrice to shadow her and write her blog! Living accommodations, wardrobe, and travel included! Bea gets swept up in this wild life, alienates her friends and family, and ultimately realizes that some things are too good to be true.
So, under all of the bizarre happenings, and weird humor, there's a really good New Adult story buried here. Semi-Charmed Life is all about Bea trying to figure out who she is, who she wants to be, and what she wants to do. She just knows that she doesn't want to live with her parents anymore and maybe be a substitute teacher. But her ghostwriter gig opens up a whole new world for her. This middle part of the book was my favorite, since the humor gets dampened down a bit and really focuses on Bea's discoveries about herself and those around her.
Then there was a twist! It was so random and out of nowhere, but I found that I liked it! Normally, this kind of thing would turn me off, but it fit the oddness of the overall story. It's a kind of mystery, investigative journalism type thing and Bea has to put all of the pieces together with help from unexpected sources. It was just really weird, but wrapped up well.
I wound up liking Semi-Charmed Lifee a lot more than I thought I was based on those opening chapters. The beginning is super ridiculous and felt like a parody of Manhattan high society, but super over-the-top. It levels out as it goes along, with just a few jokes scattered throughout. The humor didn't always work for me, but I can't deny that this was a fun and unique read.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Semi-Charmed Life starts with Beatrice finally getting her own place. Unfortunately, it's not the loft apartment she was expecting. Instead, she's in the basement, in a janitor's closet turned tiny, bug ridden apartment. It's a nightmare. But soon, she gets an offer that she can't refuse. A socialite wants Beatrice to shadow her and write her blog! Living accommodations, wardrobe, and travel included! Bea gets swept up in this wild life, alienates her friends and family, and ultimately realizes that some things are too good to be true.
So, under all of the bizarre happenings, and weird humor, there's a really good New Adult story buried here. Semi-Charmed Life is all about Bea trying to figure out who she is, who she wants to be, and what she wants to do. She just knows that she doesn't want to live with her parents anymore and maybe be a substitute teacher. But her ghostwriter gig opens up a whole new world for her. This middle part of the book was my favorite, since the humor gets dampened down a bit and really focuses on Bea's discoveries about herself and those around her.
Then there was a twist! It was so random and out of nowhere, but I found that I liked it! Normally, this kind of thing would turn me off, but it fit the oddness of the overall story. It's a kind of mystery, investigative journalism type thing and Bea has to put all of the pieces together with help from unexpected sources. It was just really weird, but wrapped up well.
I wound up liking Semi-Charmed Lifee a lot more than I thought I was based on those opening chapters. The beginning is super ridiculous and felt like a parody of Manhattan high society, but super over-the-top. It levels out as it goes along, with just a few jokes scattered throughout. The humor didn't always work for me, but I can't deny that this was a fun and unique read.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
August 16, 2012
Great fun. Quick read. Couldn't put the book down. Loved the way the author was able to create a satirical tone without being sardonic. It was light and fun and adorable. A great read for any age. Can't wait to read Zelevansky's next one!
August 12, 2012
Supremely entertaining and imaginative... I loved it! You can't help but get wrapped up in Beatrice's world, and it's a place I didn't want to leave. Highly recommend!
Read
July 28, 2021DNF early on. Way too cutesy.
July 11, 2012
Beatrice Bernstein is sick of her sheltered life and wants a change. She wants to make her own choices like an adult. Her senior year of college because she would be living in off campus housing with her best friend Dolly. Her new places turned out to be below her expectations, she is forced to take Veruca Pfeffernoose's offer. She would be ghost writing for the socialite's blog and in exchange she would be living in Veruca's extravagant loft. Writing Veruca's blog also means Beatrice has to follow Veruca - to parties, the spa, art exhibits, to London, Paris, then Rio, etc. It seems like an awesome deal, but when Beatrice discovers that she'd been duped by someone she trusted, she learns to stand up for herself.
I loved this book. I won’t lie it did take me a while to get into it, but when I did I loved it. Beatrice is interesting character because of her silly thoughts but the other characters also drew me in because of their unusual personalities. Beatrice's artsy and naive family, her very helpful best friend Dolly, strange dorm mates like Goth Girl and Hormone Guy, Veruca and her posse, and dreamy boy toy, Ben. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. If you really read it, then you’ll love it like I did!
I loved this book. I won’t lie it did take me a while to get into it, but when I did I loved it. Beatrice is interesting character because of her silly thoughts but the other characters also drew me in because of their unusual personalities. Beatrice's artsy and naive family, her very helpful best friend Dolly, strange dorm mates like Goth Girl and Hormone Guy, Veruca and her posse, and dreamy boy toy, Ben. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. If you really read it, then you’ll love it like I did!
January 15, 2013
Initially, I thought it was a cute read, almost like "Clueless" meets the "Devil Wears Prada" but on a more juvenile level.
The protagonist, Beatrice, was a poor little rich girl who felt she was overshadowed by the fame of her family members. And like most sheltered individuals, she would like to "experience the world" and "find herself" rather than being a "Bernstein." Fair enough.
Her trials and tribulations were unrealistically amusing, but then three quarters way through the novel, things turned weird....all of a sudden, the vapid socialite was really an earthbound angel with a sidekick moonlighting as a chauffeur and a maid. It was like a really bad "Touched by an Angel" episode.
The "evil entourage" were really *gasp* people from working class families who wanted to make a name for themselves in high society, so they *gasp* schemed and manipulated their way to the top of the It-list. Oh my! *face palm*
Alas! As for Beatrice, who I had first thought was so adorable in her klutzy role, turned out to be indeed clueless; but did not have the charming naivete of Elle via Alicia Silverstone's "Clueless" to break her awkward fall.
Good try for a first novel though.
The protagonist, Beatrice, was a poor little rich girl who felt she was overshadowed by the fame of her family members. And like most sheltered individuals, she would like to "experience the world" and "find herself" rather than being a "Bernstein." Fair enough.
Her trials and tribulations were unrealistically amusing, but then three quarters way through the novel, things turned weird....all of a sudden, the vapid socialite was really an earthbound angel with a sidekick moonlighting as a chauffeur and a maid. It was like a really bad "Touched by an Angel" episode.
The "evil entourage" were really *gasp* people from working class families who wanted to make a name for themselves in high society, so they *gasp* schemed and manipulated their way to the top of the It-list. Oh my! *face palm*
Alas! As for Beatrice, who I had first thought was so adorable in her klutzy role, turned out to be indeed clueless; but did not have the charming naivete of Elle via Alicia Silverstone's "Clueless" to break her awkward fall.
Good try for a first novel though.
August 16, 2012
I hadn't imagined I would love this book as much as I did--I feared it would be one of those oh-another-spoiled New York chick (ala HBO's Girls which, um, I know means I'm not hip, but really, why should I care?). But Zelevansky's Beatrice is in all of us, and watching her face down the lure of the sheen inspires.
July 5, 2012
Couldn't decide if I loved this or hated it -- especially the parts that seemed a little too magical and weird. But by the end, I really liked it and thought Beatrice was a fun character and her experiences were "just beyond" as she would say to Veruca!
October 12, 2012
I'm on a streak of picking bad books lately. This was twee and irritating. I probably shouldn't bother reviewing/rating since I didn't finish, but I'm going to go ahead and do it anyway because I really didn't like what I did read.
July 3, 2012
Really enjoying this, highly recommend!
July 7, 2012
This book made me happy. It's a quick, fun, light read with funny, interesting characters. Perfect for summer.
August 27, 2012
Nonsensical and terrible.
July 30, 2012
Read the review on my blog:
http://thaliasbooks.tumblr.com/post/2...
http://thaliasbooks.tumblr.com/post/2...
November 30, 2017
While reading this book, I would have given it a solid 4 Stars. However, the main thing that distracted me from the story - the nonspecific hint of "magic?" - was also what drove the ending and, ultimately, brought the book down to 3-3.5 Stars. The story was engaging and enjoyable, but, in the end, it felt as if the author didn't know how to end it. She had wrapped up 95% of the story and that must have been good enough. I was left with several unanswered questions and felt that even some that were answered were done in such a hurry that they were barely remembered. Seemed as if the author enjoyed writing the middle of the book, but was annoyed to have to include plot items.
I would recommend this book, especially if you're in the mood for a light-hearted read. No big emotional or mental investment is needed. Others will probably be less bothered by the things I considered annoying plot holes.
I would recommend this book, especially if you're in the mood for a light-hearted read. No big emotional or mental investment is needed. Others will probably be less bothered by the things I considered annoying plot holes.
February 20, 2019
Great read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 24, 2023
Wow, a waste of paper, tried several times to read, could not finish.
April 15, 2022
Cute, light read! Love the way the characters are written. Fun, whimsical setting.
July 2, 2012
My Thoughts: First, Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for letting me review an early e-arc of Nora Zelevansky's debut novel. Second, I just want to point out the gorgeous cover. I love the water color effect of it. If for nothing else, get the book just for the cover.
This book grew on me while reading. It was a little hard to get into, but the middle part really hooked me in and I became engaged in the story.
I really liked the character of Beatrice. She really illustrated that feeling of fear of the future. Of not really knowing what to do next in life, which really connected with me.
The writing style kind of reminded me of Candace Bushnell (Sex and the City, Four Blondes) The never ending rich people parties were also fun to read about.
Another thing I liked about the book was the love interest of Ben. He just seemed like such a dreamy guy and I was fervently wishing that there would be a happily ever after for the two of them.
Sometimes the writing and Beatrice's thoughts went on a bit of a tangent, which I didn't like quite so much. This was really prevalent in the beginning of the book.
The ending was a little iffy for me. I didn't like it, but I didn't hate it. I just thought that it was a little too bizarre and let some characters off the hook when I would have liked to see them punished. Let's just say I didn't buy the angelic innocence of one particular character.
I liked this book. The setting and characterization is enjoyable to read and being able to experience that rich, socialite lifestyle is a lot of fun. This is a book to live vicariously through. Nora Zelevansky delivered a fun, light romp in her debut novel.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5
In this book, the party never stops!
This book grew on me while reading. It was a little hard to get into, but the middle part really hooked me in and I became engaged in the story.
I really liked the character of Beatrice. She really illustrated that feeling of fear of the future. Of not really knowing what to do next in life, which really connected with me.
The writing style kind of reminded me of Candace Bushnell (Sex and the City, Four Blondes) The never ending rich people parties were also fun to read about.
Another thing I liked about the book was the love interest of Ben. He just seemed like such a dreamy guy and I was fervently wishing that there would be a happily ever after for the two of them.
Sometimes the writing and Beatrice's thoughts went on a bit of a tangent, which I didn't like quite so much. This was really prevalent in the beginning of the book.
The ending was a little iffy for me. I didn't like it, but I didn't hate it. I just thought that it was a little too bizarre and let some characters off the hook when I would have liked to see them punished. Let's just say I didn't buy the angelic innocence of one particular character.
I liked this book. The setting and characterization is enjoyable to read and being able to experience that rich, socialite lifestyle is a lot of fun. This is a book to live vicariously through. Nora Zelevansky delivered a fun, light romp in her debut novel.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5
In this book, the party never stops!
November 15, 2012
Beatrice Bernstein has a problem. Housing has goofed up and placed her in the basement of her University’s off-campus housing apartment complex. Luckily for her, hest best friend Dolly pulls her into the fabulous apartment of socialite celebrity Veruca Pfeffernoose. In an attempt to escape killer cockroaches and an overbearing intellectual family, Beatrice accepts an offer to ghost write Veruca’s blog. In order to do so, Beatrice must live in Veruca’s shoes and become a member of her inner circle. Could this be a dream come true for Beatrice or will it turn her life into a living nightmare?
The story line is intriguing and I had high hopes for this debut novel from Nora Zelevansky. Unfortunately, several things keep this novel on the just okay level. The novel mentions several novels known for magical realism and I think it does so in order to introduce that literary device into the novel. But it just didn’t work for me in this novel. A bird poops on a book and it disappears? Notes just show up in her moleskin notebook for no reason? It really made me question the sanity of the main character. In addition, the descriptions are just too…well…descriptive. I found myself bogged down in lists that interrupted the flow of my reading and half the time I just skipped to the next sentence. Other descriptions are just over the top, such as the description of Veruca’s apartment and the shape shifter lip gloss. Although Nora provides some explanation at the end of the novel, it was almost a little too late for me.
The story line is intriguing and I had high hopes for this debut novel from Nora Zelevansky. Unfortunately, several things keep this novel on the just okay level. The novel mentions several novels known for magical realism and I think it does so in order to introduce that literary device into the novel. But it just didn’t work for me in this novel. A bird poops on a book and it disappears? Notes just show up in her moleskin notebook for no reason? It really made me question the sanity of the main character. In addition, the descriptions are just too…well…descriptive. I found myself bogged down in lists that interrupted the flow of my reading and half the time I just skipped to the next sentence. Other descriptions are just over the top, such as the description of Veruca’s apartment and the shape shifter lip gloss. Although Nora provides some explanation at the end of the novel, it was almost a little too late for me.
July 31, 2012
Beatrice Bernstein, of the art world Bernsteins, is faced with a difficult decision: spend her senior year living in a roach and mold infested basement apartment or ghost-write a blog for the chic and mysterious socialite, Veruca Pfeffernoose. Balancing her ethics against sleepless nights fully clothed to avoid any contact with anything in her closet-apartment and Beatrice’s ethics beat a hasty retreat. She cheerfully embraces Veruca’s world where whatever is desired will appear and at a moment’s notice. Reality is no longer college classes and writing papers but a new designer wardrobe, A-list parties, limos, 24 hour spa services, and a paycheck for writing about the world of art. All of this beneficence is distributed by Veruca who shimmers with the same gentle, shining presence as Glinda the Good Witch. She flits and flirts and asks very little in return.
The same cannot be said of her entourage and as time gallops and Beatrice is pulled more firmly out of her world and into theirs, she begins to question her choice. Veruca may be the personification of generosity but who is she- really? And is there something else going on behind the uber-fabulous art show openings, the globe-trotting and the glitterati sightings?
Rest of review available at The Gilmore Guide to Books: http://gilmoreguidetobooks.com/2012/0...
The same cannot be said of her entourage and as time gallops and Beatrice is pulled more firmly out of her world and into theirs, she begins to question her choice. Veruca may be the personification of generosity but who is she- really? And is there something else going on behind the uber-fabulous art show openings, the globe-trotting and the glitterati sightings?
Rest of review available at The Gilmore Guide to Books: http://gilmoreguidetobooks.com/2012/0...
September 19, 2012
I received this book as part of a Goodreads First reads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
Beatrice is the main character and like most college age kids, she has no idea where she is going with her life and feels like she isn't as cool or important as her sister. She meets a celebrity and immediately becomes one of her entourage via being the blog writer of said person. She is whisked into this other world where it shows money can get you what you want when you want it. But alas, it all comes crashing down in the end.
I think the best part of the book was the last 50-100 pages when it all starts to unravel. I won't give away any spoilers but it did have me going back and looking through previously read material to see if there were any "signs" that both myself (as the reader) and the main character missed.
This book was okay. Not stellar or spectacular but I think it would be a good book for a beach read. I wouldn't classify it as YA unless you are on the upper end of the YA and closer to an adult level because of the sex/drugs/party aspect. Maybe good for early college.
Beatrice is the main character and like most college age kids, she has no idea where she is going with her life and feels like she isn't as cool or important as her sister. She meets a celebrity and immediately becomes one of her entourage via being the blog writer of said person. She is whisked into this other world where it shows money can get you what you want when you want it. But alas, it all comes crashing down in the end.
I think the best part of the book was the last 50-100 pages when it all starts to unravel. I won't give away any spoilers but it did have me going back and looking through previously read material to see if there were any "signs" that both myself (as the reader) and the main character missed.
This book was okay. Not stellar or spectacular but I think it would be a good book for a beach read. I wouldn't classify it as YA unless you are on the upper end of the YA and closer to an adult level because of the sex/drugs/party aspect. Maybe good for early college.
January 14, 2013
If you're looking for a new DEVIL WEARS PRADA, this is for you. I pits you into situations that Bea and the reader long to have: the glamorous life of designer clothing, the cream of the crop phone book contacts, and the notion that anything and everything is completely possible. The one thing I enjoyed the most about the book was a sense of mystery and paranormal activities that surrounded our heroine, though when things were revealed, I felt Zelevansky could have kept that unique tension going. I felt it ended randomly, things not completely wrapped-up (not for Bea, but for other characters that are important to the plot, the HOS, for example), but all the current fashion and pop culture references had me laughing.
Somewhere when Bea and Veruca are lounging in 333, there's a line that they were like restless women in wait, half-expecting Mr. Darcy to come down the stairs. I'm still laughing thinking about it.
And Bea and Ben's interactions are incredibly cheesy and adorable, ones that any reader (woman, gay man, and everything in between would hope they could muster coherent and amicability cute chit-chat with anyone reminiscent of the (Slayer").
Somewhere when Bea and Veruca are lounging in 333, there's a line that they were like restless women in wait, half-expecting Mr. Darcy to come down the stairs. I'm still laughing thinking about it.
And Bea and Ben's interactions are incredibly cheesy and adorable, ones that any reader (woman, gay man, and everything in between would hope they could muster coherent and amicability cute chit-chat with anyone reminiscent of the (Slayer").
October 8, 2012
Young Beatrice was discouraged with her life. Although she was entering her Senior year of college, she felt unsettled and not certain what her true career would be. After suffering a bout of the flu, she arrived at her new university apartment only to experience a nightmare from the 'twilight zone'. This opens a 'universe' of bizarre situations and an opportunity or a new and enticing career move. This could lead to exciting adventures and fulfill dreams she didn't realize she had.
This is a story how what enticements which seem surreal usually are.
This is also a story of individuals who find it hard to accept who they are as anyone of worth just they way they are.
The story was a little excessive and repetitive but was quite well written. The ending lacked substance,
This would be great for Young Adult literature except for the profanity and crude sexual references.
I won this and appreciate to the author and publisher for the donation/ However, I would find it more appealing without the language and crudeness.
This is a story how what enticements which seem surreal usually are.
This is also a story of individuals who find it hard to accept who they are as anyone of worth just they way they are.
The story was a little excessive and repetitive but was quite well written. The ending lacked substance,
This would be great for Young Adult literature except for the profanity and crude sexual references.
I won this and appreciate to the author and publisher for the donation/ However, I would find it more appealing without the language and crudeness.
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