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Garbage Town
“Gupta evokes the time and place with sharp details and plenty of wit. . . An immersive teen adventure as big and eclectic as a Staten Island landfill.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Garbage Town abounds with sharp dialogue, strong pacing, and heaps of heart . . . Period references will ping millennial nostalgia radars, but they never feel belabored. This work pulses with charm, suspense, and strong local color.” — Publishers Weekly BookLife Review (EDITOR’S PICK)
"Garbage Town is a coming-of-age tale flavored with mystery, adventure, and thrills. This is a story about growing up, friendships, and the hardships that many teenagers have to overcome when unwittingly thrust into the world of crime, childhood abuse, and violence. If you love coming-of-age stories, this one's a must-read!" —Readers’ Favorite (FIVE STARS)
The secrets of Fresh Kills were meant to stay buried.
Raj Patel grew up in the shadow of Fresh Kills, the largest landfill the world has ever seen. At sixteen, he’s watched the Staten Island crime family tighten its grip on his town’s lucrative trash business, but he’s kept his distance from their dirty trade—until now.
When Raj and his friends make a chilling discovery deep within the dump, they embark on a search for answers. But they aren’t the only ones looking for the truth, and their pursuers will stop at nothing to guard their secrets. Faced with an impossible choice—protect themselves or expose what they’ve found—Raj and his friends quickly realize there’s no one left to trust. And the deeper they dig, the higher the stakes. Soon, they’re in way over their heads, and the only way out might be through.
In Garbage Town, Ravi Gupta weaves a heart-pounding mystery with the raw intimacy of a coming-of-age tale. Follow Raj and his friends in this late ’90s adventure as they learn that some secrets can’t be unearthed without a price. This might just be the moment that strips them of their innocence—if they can survive.
“Garbage Town abounds with sharp dialogue, strong pacing, and heaps of heart . . . Period references will ping millennial nostalgia radars, but they never feel belabored. This work pulses with charm, suspense, and strong local color.” — Publishers Weekly BookLife Review (EDITOR’S PICK)
"Garbage Town is a coming-of-age tale flavored with mystery, adventure, and thrills. This is a story about growing up, friendships, and the hardships that many teenagers have to overcome when unwittingly thrust into the world of crime, childhood abuse, and violence. If you love coming-of-age stories, this one's a must-read!" —Readers’ Favorite (FIVE STARS)
The secrets of Fresh Kills were meant to stay buried.
Raj Patel grew up in the shadow of Fresh Kills, the largest landfill the world has ever seen. At sixteen, he’s watched the Staten Island crime family tighten its grip on his town’s lucrative trash business, but he’s kept his distance from their dirty trade—until now.
When Raj and his friends make a chilling discovery deep within the dump, they embark on a search for answers. But they aren’t the only ones looking for the truth, and their pursuers will stop at nothing to guard their secrets. Faced with an impossible choice—protect themselves or expose what they’ve found—Raj and his friends quickly realize there’s no one left to trust. And the deeper they dig, the higher the stakes. Soon, they’re in way over their heads, and the only way out might be through.
In Garbage Town, Ravi Gupta weaves a heart-pounding mystery with the raw intimacy of a coming-of-age tale. Follow Raj and his friends in this late ’90s adventure as they learn that some secrets can’t be unearthed without a price. This might just be the moment that strips them of their innocence—if they can survive.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
27 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
March 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Blurb: “A group of 90s teens unearth buried truths and embark on a fight for their lives
Raj Patel grew up in the shadows of Fresh Kills, the largest landfill the world has ever seen. At sixteen, he's watched the Staten Island crime family extend its tentacles to all aspects of his town’s lucrative trash business, but he's always kept his distance from their dirty trade.
That is until Raj and his friends unearth a dark secret at Fresh Kills. Now they must choose between self-preservation and the pull of justice. With the burden of caring for his family and the determination to protect those around him, Raj plunges headfirst into the dark secrets that lie just beneath the surface of the dump. The more Raj and his friends dig, the more they risk. Soon, they’re in way too deep, and the line between hero and fool starts to blur.
In Garbage Town, Ravi Gupta spins a tale that blends the heart-pounding adventures of a mystery novel with the intimacy of a coming-of-age story. Follow Raj and his friends as they decide who to trust and whether to risk everything.”
The Plot: A group of teens trying to solve a mystery in the ‘90s? Yes, please! 🙋♀️ From the beginning, I knew I was going to like this book. What seemed like an ordinary day in the life of Raj and his friends turned out to be the beginning of a long, dramatic year that changed his life forever and shocked me to the point that I was stunned when I finished reading. Like was the ending even satisfying? I mean, it tied up loose ends concerning the plot and the characters, but I can’t say with certainty that it was a good ending. Gosh, I laughed and smiled at the friendship and humor shared between Raj, Val, Georgia, and their other pals as they navigated through the drama concerning Fresh Kills (fitting name, by the way, 🫣) and the mob plaguing the streets of Travis. And when the group started to confront the crime concerning that landfill, I was fearing for their lives! 😱 I really liked how Gupta didn’t leave a stone unturned or a plotline unfinished. This story is so interesting and mysterious and even beautiful because Raj had to learn what was important to him in this life: money that comes with respect or friendships that bring laughter, trust, and peace. ♥️
The Characters: The characters had to be my favorite part of the story. You can leave out Fresh Kills, the crime family, and the surprises that came along the way (and they made my jaw drop to the floor!) and I’d still be happy with a book with Raj and his friends. They grew and learned the lessons life taught them, trying to do what is right no matter the consequences or what wrong was done in the past. 🫶 Raj is business-minded and cares very much about those he holds near and dear to his heart, wanting to get out of the financial situation he and his mom are in which leads him to do things that he wouldn’t normally do. Val is the charming, handsome, and ever-loyal friend that I adored. He is the teenage equivalent of Siegfried in James Herriot’s books and I am all here for it! 🙌 Georgia is a firecracker who fights for what she believes in and slips a little something-something from your place in her pocket (she can’t help it 🤷♀️). There are other great characters and if you want to find out who they are, then you should definitely read this book. 😉
The Writing: Ravi Gupta. I need more books ASAP! 😂 What an incredible author! The dialogue was funny, engaging, and easy to read. The story itself wasn’t overcomplicated, boring, or slow. It flowed so well and everything was structured to perfection. 🤌
Overall Thoughts: Okay, I think I’ve said enough and I think you get the gist that I enjoyed this book so much. If Ravi Gupta writes more books, I am definitely going to be reading them! 😁
Content Warnings: murder, violence, death
I received a free digital arc from the publishers via NetGalley. All opinions and statements are my own.
#GarbageTown #NetGalley
Blurb: “A group of 90s teens unearth buried truths and embark on a fight for their lives
Raj Patel grew up in the shadows of Fresh Kills, the largest landfill the world has ever seen. At sixteen, he's watched the Staten Island crime family extend its tentacles to all aspects of his town’s lucrative trash business, but he's always kept his distance from their dirty trade.
That is until Raj and his friends unearth a dark secret at Fresh Kills. Now they must choose between self-preservation and the pull of justice. With the burden of caring for his family and the determination to protect those around him, Raj plunges headfirst into the dark secrets that lie just beneath the surface of the dump. The more Raj and his friends dig, the more they risk. Soon, they’re in way too deep, and the line between hero and fool starts to blur.
In Garbage Town, Ravi Gupta spins a tale that blends the heart-pounding adventures of a mystery novel with the intimacy of a coming-of-age story. Follow Raj and his friends as they decide who to trust and whether to risk everything.”
The Plot: A group of teens trying to solve a mystery in the ‘90s? Yes, please! 🙋♀️ From the beginning, I knew I was going to like this book. What seemed like an ordinary day in the life of Raj and his friends turned out to be the beginning of a long, dramatic year that changed his life forever and shocked me to the point that I was stunned when I finished reading. Like was the ending even satisfying? I mean, it tied up loose ends concerning the plot and the characters, but I can’t say with certainty that it was a good ending. Gosh, I laughed and smiled at the friendship and humor shared between Raj, Val, Georgia, and their other pals as they navigated through the drama concerning Fresh Kills (fitting name, by the way, 🫣) and the mob plaguing the streets of Travis. And when the group started to confront the crime concerning that landfill, I was fearing for their lives! 😱 I really liked how Gupta didn’t leave a stone unturned or a plotline unfinished. This story is so interesting and mysterious and even beautiful because Raj had to learn what was important to him in this life: money that comes with respect or friendships that bring laughter, trust, and peace. ♥️
The Characters: The characters had to be my favorite part of the story. You can leave out Fresh Kills, the crime family, and the surprises that came along the way (and they made my jaw drop to the floor!) and I’d still be happy with a book with Raj and his friends. They grew and learned the lessons life taught them, trying to do what is right no matter the consequences or what wrong was done in the past. 🫶 Raj is business-minded and cares very much about those he holds near and dear to his heart, wanting to get out of the financial situation he and his mom are in which leads him to do things that he wouldn’t normally do. Val is the charming, handsome, and ever-loyal friend that I adored. He is the teenage equivalent of Siegfried in James Herriot’s books and I am all here for it! 🙌 Georgia is a firecracker who fights for what she believes in and slips a little something-something from your place in her pocket (she can’t help it 🤷♀️). There are other great characters and if you want to find out who they are, then you should definitely read this book. 😉
The Writing: Ravi Gupta. I need more books ASAP! 😂 What an incredible author! The dialogue was funny, engaging, and easy to read. The story itself wasn’t overcomplicated, boring, or slow. It flowed so well and everything was structured to perfection. 🤌
Overall Thoughts: Okay, I think I’ve said enough and I think you get the gist that I enjoyed this book so much. If Ravi Gupta writes more books, I am definitely going to be reading them! 😁
Content Warnings: murder, violence, death
I received a free digital arc from the publishers via NetGalley. All opinions and statements are my own.
#GarbageTown #NetGalley
March 22, 2025
GARBAGE TOWN by Ravi Gupta
Who can they trust in a hall of mirrors?
Taking place on Staten Island during late 90s is a group of teens who unearth buried secrets in Staten Island’s Fresh Kills landfill — the largest landfill in the world. This is a coming-of-age thriller debut that is full of adventure and intrigue. We meet sixteen-year-old, Raj Patel, along with his group of friends, called the Victory Boys, who find themselves entangled in the web of the Staten Island crime family. Genre is YA but I recommend for adults as well. The story is gripping and full of wit, the characters are compelling and believable, and some will pull at your heartstrings. I throughly enjoyed this debut by Ravi Gupta and look forward to more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for the ebook
Who can they trust in a hall of mirrors?
Taking place on Staten Island during late 90s is a group of teens who unearth buried secrets in Staten Island’s Fresh Kills landfill — the largest landfill in the world. This is a coming-of-age thriller debut that is full of adventure and intrigue. We meet sixteen-year-old, Raj Patel, along with his group of friends, called the Victory Boys, who find themselves entangled in the web of the Staten Island crime family. Genre is YA but I recommend for adults as well. The story is gripping and full of wit, the characters are compelling and believable, and some will pull at your heartstrings. I throughly enjoyed this debut by Ravi Gupta and look forward to more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for the ebook
April 26, 2025
GARBAGE TOWN
Set in the late 1990s on Staten Island, a group of local teens “Victory Boys” and a special new outsider experience some unusual activity in the Fresh Kills Landfill, the largest landfill in the world. Waste management is big business, and City of Travis Mob is very much into the action. Local politicians wield their influence to use the landfill to its greatest advantage. Teens Rajiv Patel and Valery Ivanicki, along with Georgia Bazemore from the Mississippi Delta, discover some extremely upsetting information associated with the landfill and struggle with how to try to make things better.
Just a really good story about teenagers growing up, loyalty, family, making tough decisions. Lots of good 1990s references - music, movies, clothes, and a terrific feel for the locale. Very enjoyable, fresh and original.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Ravi Gupta, and Greenleaf Book Group Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Set in the late 1990s on Staten Island, a group of local teens “Victory Boys” and a special new outsider experience some unusual activity in the Fresh Kills Landfill, the largest landfill in the world. Waste management is big business, and City of Travis Mob is very much into the action. Local politicians wield their influence to use the landfill to its greatest advantage. Teens Rajiv Patel and Valery Ivanicki, along with Georgia Bazemore from the Mississippi Delta, discover some extremely upsetting information associated with the landfill and struggle with how to try to make things better.
Just a really good story about teenagers growing up, loyalty, family, making tough decisions. Lots of good 1990s references - music, movies, clothes, and a terrific feel for the locale. Very enjoyable, fresh and original.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Ravi Gupta, and Greenleaf Book Group Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 21, 2025
I loved this book so much, I can’t say enough good things. Sadly, I had commitments (eat, sleep, work), which prevented me from reading in one sitting, but if I’d had that luxury I would have done it. While being totally 100% original, it also has wonderful nods to beloved genres - mafia madness (Staten Island gangsters!), slapstick comedy (Staten Island gangsters!), humor (nothing like a sharp, ironic teen), rom com (first love) and even, for me at least, the highest praise I can think of - a distinct homage to To Kill A Mockingbird (anyone else see sparks of Dill in Georgia? And the theme of how kids’ diving into dangerous adult worlds can have tragic consequences, but life goes on?). Lastly, Gupta paints such wonderful visuals, it’s made for the movies. Hollywood, you paying attention??
Great debut novel, and, I want more, I’m not ready to say good-bye to Raj and Booch. Can we get them to team up for future adventures?
Great debut novel, and, I want more, I’m not ready to say good-bye to Raj and Booch. Can we get them to team up for future adventures?
October 30, 2025
Overall a fascinating read - I will say the beginning draws you in kind of under false pretenses and I had to recalibrate myself. And it’s also written a little like a screenplay. I did find myself rooting for the characters and I loved the found family vibes. I would have loved an author’s note at the end to explain more about Fresh Kills because I feel like this book only scratched the surface!
January 28, 2025
3.75⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was solid and kept me hooked—I ended up reading it in one sitting. The friendships between the characters stood out, giving it a great found family vibe.
That being said, I wish there had been more backstory for each character. It would’ve added more depth and made the story even better. Overall, it was engaging read/story
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was solid and kept me hooked—I ended up reading it in one sitting. The friendships between the characters stood out, giving it a great found family vibe.
That being said, I wish there had been more backstory for each character. It would’ve added more depth and made the story even better. Overall, it was engaging read/story
May 12, 2025
This book had my attention from beginning to end. It’s a great coming of age story with a good twist. I wish some of the other characters were more involved instead of being left behind part of the way through. I also wanted to read more about Georgia and her background. Maybe a chapter or two from her POV. Regardless, it’s a great read!
July 30, 2025
Aggressively mid.
I’m talking forget-as-you’re-reading type mid.
The plot itself was average and ultimately predictable, but just enough to keep you involved. I could’ve put the book down at any point and been able to continue to live my life knowing that I wouldn’t know the ending. The characters are forced and don’t attribute to the immersion at all, really. The dialogue and mannerisms surrounding them made my eyes gloss over, only to be outdone in poor taste by what I would assume the surge of popular, padded romance and smut novels bring to the table these days.
The author began with this really annoying prose that had a reliance on unnecessary similes, but he did away with that after a while; he just eased into an even more boring way of telling the story.
On the back of the book, there was a review that said it’s like a mix of Goodfellas and The Goonies, which is a disservice to both of those films.
If bookstores had a bargain bin (not just clearance) akin to Wal-Mart, this would be in the middle/near the bottom. It’s not worth the dig either.
I’m talking forget-as-you’re-reading type mid.
The plot itself was average and ultimately predictable, but just enough to keep you involved. I could’ve put the book down at any point and been able to continue to live my life knowing that I wouldn’t know the ending. The characters are forced and don’t attribute to the immersion at all, really. The dialogue and mannerisms surrounding them made my eyes gloss over, only to be outdone in poor taste by what I would assume the surge of popular, padded romance and smut novels bring to the table these days.
The author began with this really annoying prose that had a reliance on unnecessary similes, but he did away with that after a while; he just eased into an even more boring way of telling the story.
On the back of the book, there was a review that said it’s like a mix of Goodfellas and The Goonies, which is a disservice to both of those films.
If bookstores had a bargain bin (not just clearance) akin to Wal-Mart, this would be in the middle/near the bottom. It’s not worth the dig either.
February 8, 2025
Ravi Gupta’s Garbage Town is an absolute gem—part coming-of-age story, part chaotic adventure, and entirely unputdownable. At the heart of it is Raj, a lovable teenager navigating life on Staten Island, a place I’ve never been but now feel strangely acquainted with thanks to Gupta’s vivid storytelling.
What sets Garbage Town apart is its unpredictability. Just when I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the plot would take a sharp left turn, keeping me hooked the entire way. The twists and turns aren’t just for shock value—they make the story richer, more engaging, and, at times, completely wild. It’s rare to find a book that feels this fresh and unique, but Garbage Town delivers on every level.
If you love stories that defy expectations, characters that feel real (the best kinds of friends), and settings that come alive on the page, don’t sleep on this one. Highly recommend!
What sets Garbage Town apart is its unpredictability. Just when I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the plot would take a sharp left turn, keeping me hooked the entire way. The twists and turns aren’t just for shock value—they make the story richer, more engaging, and, at times, completely wild. It’s rare to find a book that feels this fresh and unique, but Garbage Town delivers on every level.
If you love stories that defy expectations, characters that feel real (the best kinds of friends), and settings that come alive on the page, don’t sleep on this one. Highly recommend!
March 10, 2025
8/10. Advance reader copy review.
Garbage Town is a captivating mystery wrapped inside a coming-of-age story, and for the most part, this book absolutely delivers. In many ways, Ravi Gupta's debut novel shares a lot of DNA with Chris Whitaker's 2024 bestseller, All The Colors of Dark - only Garbage Town is much better!
Garbage Town's fast-paced plot, compelling protagonist and roster of characters, and rich recreation of 1990s Staten Island are almost flawless. I loved spending time with Raj and getting to know his inner thoughts and insecurities as a mixed-race awkward teenage boy. Val and Ugo were also standout characters. Without giving away any spoilers, the mystery at the core of the plot kept me engaged from beginning to end and managed to convey an important social message without being heavy-handed or preachy.
My biggest critique of Garbage Town is that I wanted more. The early chapters are so full of rich character development and world-building, but as the novel picks up pace (particularly in Part 2), a few of the side-plots and characters (the Victory Boys, the rivalry with Sal and his gang, the romantic subplot with Antonella, Raj's parents, even the dynamic between Raj and Booth set up in the prologue) seemed to fizzle out. As great as the plot was, I would have loved to spend a bit more time just hanging out with the residents of Travis.
Overall, Garbage Town is a quick, entertaining read that is definitely a step above many similar novels on the contemporary fiction shelf these days. Delightfully readable and charming, I think this novel will appeal to many different types of readers.
Garbage Town is a captivating mystery wrapped inside a coming-of-age story, and for the most part, this book absolutely delivers. In many ways, Ravi Gupta's debut novel shares a lot of DNA with Chris Whitaker's 2024 bestseller, All The Colors of Dark - only Garbage Town is much better!
Garbage Town's fast-paced plot, compelling protagonist and roster of characters, and rich recreation of 1990s Staten Island are almost flawless. I loved spending time with Raj and getting to know his inner thoughts and insecurities as a mixed-race awkward teenage boy. Val and Ugo were also standout characters. Without giving away any spoilers, the mystery at the core of the plot kept me engaged from beginning to end and managed to convey an important social message without being heavy-handed or preachy.
My biggest critique of Garbage Town is that I wanted more. The early chapters are so full of rich character development and world-building, but as the novel picks up pace (particularly in Part 2), a few of the side-plots and characters (the Victory Boys, the rivalry with Sal and his gang, the romantic subplot with Antonella, Raj's parents, even the dynamic between Raj and Booth set up in the prologue) seemed to fizzle out. As great as the plot was, I would have loved to spend a bit more time just hanging out with the residents of Travis.
Overall, Garbage Town is a quick, entertaining read that is definitely a step above many similar novels on the contemporary fiction shelf these days. Delightfully readable and charming, I think this novel will appeal to many different types of readers.
March 17, 2025
Definitely 3.75 stars.
Absolutely loved the plot and setting. It was tense at the right moments, and yet still had a coming of age charm when appropriate. I honestly could not stop reading. I also like how it grapples with the main characters conflict, and real world issues the connection between the environment and illness.
Didn’t super like chapter one after the prologue. It was unnecessary and I would rather just get straight to the story after the prologue. Seemed like it was just there to show how intense later parts were going to be, but I think the prologue does that job well enough. I also think one issue is some of the references to the 90s. Some of them are strong and really help the setting, but this book is YA and I can’t imagine modern day teens will understand all the references and there’s just so many.
However like I said I honestly could not put it down. 10/10 plot.
Absolutely loved the plot and setting. It was tense at the right moments, and yet still had a coming of age charm when appropriate. I honestly could not stop reading. I also like how it grapples with the main characters conflict, and real world issues the connection between the environment and illness.
Didn’t super like chapter one after the prologue. It was unnecessary and I would rather just get straight to the story after the prologue. Seemed like it was just there to show how intense later parts were going to be, but I think the prologue does that job well enough. I also think one issue is some of the references to the 90s. Some of them are strong and really help the setting, but this book is YA and I can’t imagine modern day teens will understand all the references and there’s just so many.
However like I said I honestly could not put it down. 10/10 plot.
January 27, 2025
LOVED this book. Truly exciting, nostalgic and gave such an insight into a place often looked over, Staten Island.
The description and story of the eccentric individuals that are dotted around this place catapults you into the world of Staten Island that becomes a character in itself.
It takes you on a rollercoaster of a mysterious thriller, but where it really hit me, is how invested I became in the vulnerability of these teenagers, the friendships between Raj and his crew feel raw and authentic, with moments of humour and warmth that make their plight all the more poignant. Their journey is as much about survival as it is about self-discovery, and the emotional resonance of their struggle lingers long after the final page.
The description and story of the eccentric individuals that are dotted around this place catapults you into the world of Staten Island that becomes a character in itself.
It takes you on a rollercoaster of a mysterious thriller, but where it really hit me, is how invested I became in the vulnerability of these teenagers, the friendships between Raj and his crew feel raw and authentic, with moments of humour and warmth that make their plight all the more poignant. Their journey is as much about survival as it is about self-discovery, and the emotional resonance of their struggle lingers long after the final page.
February 27, 2025
As a lover of HBO's "The Sopranos", I figured I was due reading a novel that revolves around a crime family. And I am so glad this was my first read of this subgenre.
In Gupta's "Garbage Town", a perfectly mismatched group of Staten Island teens encounter a dark truth and face impossible circumstances that will put their lives at risk, but is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The stakes only keep getting higher and higher, which made this book unputdownable and I lost sleep over it.... Definitely recommend it!
Although, I do wish the novel took a little bit more time to develop our characters, and wish we spent more time with the Victory Boys as well.
A thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the earc.
3.75*
In Gupta's "Garbage Town", a perfectly mismatched group of Staten Island teens encounter a dark truth and face impossible circumstances that will put their lives at risk, but is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The stakes only keep getting higher and higher, which made this book unputdownable and I lost sleep over it.... Definitely recommend it!
Although, I do wish the novel took a little bit more time to develop our characters, and wish we spent more time with the Victory Boys as well.
A thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the earc.
3.75*
May 16, 2025
There’s plenty of fantasy reads, realistic fiction, and romance for YA readers, but not really mystery or thrillers sadly. Garbage Town by Ravi Gupta fills that void quite neatly. It’s hard to talk about it without spoiling too much and that made me very happy. Until I realized I now need a friend to read this delightful book so I can properly talk about it. What I can say is that Raj lives with his overworked single mom, has a couple of close friends that he may or may not run money making opportunities with to help at home, and meets a mysterious girl. But stuff stuff stuff happens and it’s hard to know who to trust and what the right move is. Someone read this so I can talk about this, please!
March 31, 2025
This book was super interesting. Reading about a group of teens who witness a crime that changes the course of their lives was very captivating. It has a group of characters that were forced to grow up too soon. They are strong characters that fought against the injustice that was happening around them. When the true identity of a specific character was revealed towards the end it was truly shocking and surprising! The ending was bittersweet but was nicely wrapped up.
Raj and Georgia were my favorite characters.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Raj and Georgia were my favorite characters.
Thank you BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
LOVED this book. I felt transported to both that era (the 90s) and one of the most fascinating and often ignored parts of New York City, Staten Island. To me, it was a chance to learn about a part of New York I've always been curious about, wrapped in a really fun and gripping mystery.
It's like eating your vegetables, but in a format you love, like if spinach dip or broccoli cheddar soup were a book.
It's like eating your vegetables, but in a format you love, like if spinach dip or broccoli cheddar soup were a book.
February 8, 2025
I really like this book! In Garbage Town the author writes a coming-of-age. Raj (main character) and friends goes to high school in Staten Island and there is a mystery to be solved.
I’m similar age as the author - fond memory of this age (mentions Jenga pants, Walkmans, CDs, AOL).
Forgive me about typos. I have stroke and aphasia.
I’m similar age as the author - fond memory of this age (mentions Jenga pants, Walkmans, CDs, AOL).
Forgive me about typos. I have stroke and aphasia.
March 15, 2025
Sixteen year old Raj Patel and his buddies clash with mobsters in Garbage Town, a coming-of-age tale with the backdrop of the Fresh Kill landfill in Staten Island, NY. The world’s largest dump plays a prominent part in this highly entertaining, if implausible story of a group of friends who become entangled with a Staten Island crime family after being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The plot is straightforward, as the Victory Boys, as Raj’s gang is called, try to stay one step ahead of the mafia, as well as the cops and other various hazards. The colorful cast of characters propels this novel, which is basically a “Goonies meets Goodfellas” meld, is a quick read, and was unexpectedly better than anticipated, with sharp writing and witty dialogue. Overall, definitely enjoyed this one. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2025
Garbage Town by Ravi Gupta was a fast-paced story about a place in NY called Garbage Town. Teenagers by sheer accident stumble into a dangerous, deadly event that will change their lives forever. Who can they trust? And what will it take to stay alive?
I was engaged and liked the flow and plot. I thought it was written well.
Thanks, Greenleaf Book Group Press via NetGalley.
I was engaged and liked the flow and plot. I thought it was written well.
Thanks, Greenleaf Book Group Press via NetGalley.
January 28, 2025
Garbage Town pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Think The Goonies meets Goodfellas—this gritty, gripping novel brings 1990s Staten Island to life, where a bunch of kids stumble into secrets way bigger than they can handle. Hands down, the best novel I’ve read in years.
February 6, 2025
A great book can transport you to a time and place - and that’s exactly what Gupta’s “Garbage Town” does. The characters and Staten Island all come alive in this charming debut novel. The talented Gupta has woven a tapestry of intriguing characters from the 90s that you’ll truly enjoy.
February 7, 2025
Started this book knowing nothing about it or what I was getting into and couldn’t put it down for the few days it took to get through it. It has serious movie/TV potential and is a fun, nostalgic story. Outstanding first novel from Ravi Gupta who seems to just be good at everything he tries.
March 3, 2025
This was my first read of 25’ and I couldn’t put it down! It was a “kids on bikes” coming of age style story with grit and heart. Every character felt like a real person I could go talk to in the neighborhood in Jersey. Even the setting of the landfill felt like a character at times.
Want to read
January 28, 2025I’ve been listening to the author’s political podcast for years, and I’m looking forward to hearing his fiction “voice.”
February 24, 2025
Super fun read! It's action packed from start to finish. The characters are really interesting. It's also a bit of a love letter to Staten Island/NYC too, which is right up my alley!
July 27, 2025
I’ll give this book a 3 1/5 🌟 🌟 🌟
Especially since this takes place in my hometown, where I was born and raised.
It definitely had a couple of twists.
Especially since this takes place in my hometown, where I was born and raised.
It definitely had a couple of twists.
February 3, 2025
Garbage Town captures an era—pure Goonies vibes with all the warm-hearted awkwardness of a coming-of-age story meets a nostalgic crime drama. It brings ’90s Staten Island to life, you can practically hear the Stranger Things-style mixtape playing. This needs to be a movie—Gupta, please make this into a screenplay!! It’s that damn good.
March 8, 2025
Garbage Town by Ravi Gupta takes us to the Fresh Kills landfill and in the middle of a murder by the mob. Raj, a sixteen year old, and his friends are struggling to discover the truth while staying alive. The story takes place in the 90s and is reminiscent of Stand By Me and The Outsiders.
I recommend this book for mystery and new adult readers. It’s a captivating story full of grit, courage, and insurmountable odds. The characters feel so real and the situations so dire that you will be fighting for the underdog all the way.
Thank you Greenleaf Book Group and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I recommend this book for mystery and new adult readers. It’s a captivating story full of grit, courage, and insurmountable odds. The characters feel so real and the situations so dire that you will be fighting for the underdog all the way.
Thank you Greenleaf Book Group and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2025
There was a lot to like about this debut novel. First, I enjoyed the frenetic pace and voice of its teenaged heroes. For all their flaws and dumb mistakes, I was rooting for them. Even the “bad” characters had redeeming qualities. Second, it was not over-written; the writing shines on its own and doesn’t get in the way of the story. Third, it’s a great story on multiple levels- coming of age, police procedural, politics. Gupta balances it all beautifully. It was described as “Goonies meets Goodfellas” and I can see the parallels, but especially because it is reminiscent of Spielberg’s type of storytelling.
Full disclosure- I am a listener of Gupta’s Majority 54 podcast, I so wanted this to be a good read. It delivered. I submitted a materials request from my local library to get it, and I am thrilled that I did because now other residents can enjoy it, too.
Full disclosure- I am a listener of Gupta’s Majority 54 podcast, I so wanted this to be a good read. It delivered. I submitted a materials request from my local library to get it, and I am thrilled that I did because now other residents can enjoy it, too.
April 10, 2025
Excellent
It was totally captivating, very interesting and hard to put down. A must read , characters are well put together.
It was totally captivating, very interesting and hard to put down. A must read , characters are well put together.
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