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Katwalk
Katrina Lynden selalu melangkah di jalan hidup yang lurus, sehingga kini dia memiliki karier yang stabil dan orangtua yang senang. Meski demikian, dalam lubuk hatinya dia merasa ada sisi dirinya yang tak terpuaskan. Seorang sahabat mengajaknya meninggalkan pekerjaan di Silicon Valley untuk bertualang selama dua bulan di New York City, dan awalnya Katrina menolak, tapi kemudian setuju. Walaupun khawatir dan tegang, dia bangga akan melakukan sesuatu yang mendebarkan.
Tiba-tiba, pada detik terakhir, sahabatnya mengundurkan diri. Katrina dihadapkan pada situasi sulit, tapi dia mengerahkan keberanian untuk bepergian sendiri. Hasilnya adalah suatu perjalanan yang mengubah dirinya secara fisik dan emosional. Dia menemukan serta kehilangan teman, belajar hal-hal yang penting dalam kehidupan, dan menemukan cara untuk menjadi dewasa tanpa meninggalkan jati dirinya.
Tiba-tiba, pada detik terakhir, sahabatnya mengundurkan diri. Katrina dihadapkan pada situasi sulit, tapi dia mengerahkan keberanian untuk bepergian sendiri. Hasilnya adalah suatu perjalanan yang mengubah dirinya secara fisik dan emosional. Dia menemukan serta kehilangan teman, belajar hal-hal yang penting dalam kehidupan, dan menemukan cara untuk menjadi dewasa tanpa meninggalkan jati dirinya.
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2014
240 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Maria Murnane
17 books325 followersThe way Maria became an author is a little crazy. She used to work in high-tech PR but hated it, so one day she quit and ended up playing semi-pro soccer in Argentina for a year. While she was down there she decided to write a novel, which was something she'd always dreamed of doing. Fast forward a few years and she's now the best-selling author of Perfect on Paper, It's a Waverly Life, Honey on Your Mind, Chocolate for Two, Cassidy Lane, Katwalk, Wait for the Rain, and Bridges. And yes, she still plays a lot of soccer!
Learn more and sign up for her mailing list at www.mariamurnane.com
Learn more and sign up for her mailing list at www.mariamurnane.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
September 20, 2017
This was a light "finding yourself" type of story, about a young woman named Kat who quits her boring accounting job and moved to New York City to figure out what makes her happy. She quickly makes friends and falls into her new life, and of course everything ends with a happily ever after. This is a short book, and a really light read, so if you need something fluffy, this is for you!
September 26, 2014
Excuse me. Can I have everyone's attention please? Hey guys - Katrina is SHY. Got it? It's okay if you don't because you'll be beaten over the head with this kind of stuff over and over throughout the book. Not only is she shy, but super reserved and meticulous. She never does anything impulsive and doesn't like to try new things. Until one day... (Dun dun dunnnn)
Katrina is an accountant at an advertising agency in California and always does everything expected of her, at work and otherwise. What drove me crazy was that, especially for the first chunk of the book, she apologizes for everything to everyone; basically she isn't happy with who she is...so she apologizes to everyone for who she is. While her confidence and self-respect did grow exponentially by the end of the book, it was very annoying for the first chunk of the book to have a lead character that didn't have ANY self-respect.
The book begins with Katrina quitting her job because she and her friend Deb have made a pact to go to New York for 2 months. Unfortunately, Kat quits her job and Deb fails to follow through. Even though it's extremely out of the ordinary for her (as we are explicitly and implicitly told over and over), Kat decides to go to New York on her own for the extended vay-kay.
This book was a fast read, but it wasn't my favorite. I've read every other book that Maria Murnane has written, so I was anxiously awaiting the release of this one. Ultimately, it wasn't my cup of tea. I enjoyed all of her other books because they're cute, fun, and fast reads. While this book was also a fast read, it was just too cheesy and unrealistic for me (and that's saying something, because I LOVE romcoms and chicklit, even when it's pretty far fetched). I didn't find the main character very likable, and I didn't think there was much of a plot. If there had been more action or SOMETHING had happened, I would have enjoyed it more, but to me, it seemed like most of the book just dictated what Kat did this day or the next day. Then there's one scene where she's basically a complete jerk to someone for absolutely no reason and I got my hopes up that SOMETHING would happen, but even that piddled out into nothing.
The book is definitely cheesy and a bit unrealistic, in my opinion. There's never any real drama or dilemma. I don't know how she pays for everything without a job, and that's never really addressed. She seems to have no issue going out for coffee every day, taking yoga classes, eating and drinking out, buying supplies to paint all sorts of pictures, plus doing all sorts of sightseeing and shopping. This frustrated me, along with the fact that she seemed to find super friendly and abnormally chatty people everywhere she went.
Also, it seemed to generalize her in a way that was unappealing to me. Just because she's shy and likes numbers and is dependable doesn't mean that she has to be boring and stuffy and overly practical. She doesn't even drink because she never goes out (because of the shyness) and she needs to apologize because she's so uncool, shy and awkward. Kat was just such a pushover and wet noodle for most of the book, and she was WAY too naive. She didn't even have a nickname and they made it SUCH a big deal out of the fact that she gets the nickname Kat. Old Katrina was boring and a loser and declined any invites to hang out but New Kat is fun and friendly and, GASP, goes out on weeknights!
I felt like this book was trying to be more profound and deep than it actually was, and that the moral of the story is that she learned she was strong all along and all that jazz. But let's call it like it is - she quits her job and avoids all responsibility to go on a vacation to New York for 2 months. It's not like she joined the Peace Corps or went to visit the Dalai Lama.
So this book, like my review is becoming, is long-winded. I don't mean to bash on it completely, because I've found Murnane's other books cute and likable. It's not like this book is poorly written or anything. I just didn't care for the character and thought the book was way too cheesy without much of a plot. However, it is a fast read, and if you're going to visit New York, it could be worth reading it to get some ideas of where to visit. Or if can relate to Katrina and look past the cheesiness, you could take away a message of empowerment. Otherwise, I would suggest trying a different Murnane book first.
Katrina is an accountant at an advertising agency in California and always does everything expected of her, at work and otherwise. What drove me crazy was that, especially for the first chunk of the book, she apologizes for everything to everyone; basically she isn't happy with who she is...so she apologizes to everyone for who she is. While her confidence and self-respect did grow exponentially by the end of the book, it was very annoying for the first chunk of the book to have a lead character that didn't have ANY self-respect.
The book begins with Katrina quitting her job because she and her friend Deb have made a pact to go to New York for 2 months. Unfortunately, Kat quits her job and Deb fails to follow through. Even though it's extremely out of the ordinary for her (as we are explicitly and implicitly told over and over), Kat decides to go to New York on her own for the extended vay-kay.
This book was a fast read, but it wasn't my favorite. I've read every other book that Maria Murnane has written, so I was anxiously awaiting the release of this one. Ultimately, it wasn't my cup of tea. I enjoyed all of her other books because they're cute, fun, and fast reads. While this book was also a fast read, it was just too cheesy and unrealistic for me (and that's saying something, because I LOVE romcoms and chicklit, even when it's pretty far fetched). I didn't find the main character very likable, and I didn't think there was much of a plot. If there had been more action or SOMETHING had happened, I would have enjoyed it more, but to me, it seemed like most of the book just dictated what Kat did this day or the next day. Then there's one scene where she's basically a complete jerk to someone for absolutely no reason and I got my hopes up that SOMETHING would happen, but even that piddled out into nothing.
The book is definitely cheesy and a bit unrealistic, in my opinion. There's never any real drama or dilemma. I don't know how she pays for everything without a job, and that's never really addressed. She seems to have no issue going out for coffee every day, taking yoga classes, eating and drinking out, buying supplies to paint all sorts of pictures, plus doing all sorts of sightseeing and shopping. This frustrated me, along with the fact that she seemed to find super friendly and abnormally chatty people everywhere she went.
Also, it seemed to generalize her in a way that was unappealing to me. Just because she's shy and likes numbers and is dependable doesn't mean that she has to be boring and stuffy and overly practical. She doesn't even drink because she never goes out (because of the shyness) and she needs to apologize because she's so uncool, shy and awkward. Kat was just such a pushover and wet noodle for most of the book, and she was WAY too naive. She didn't even have a nickname and they made it SUCH a big deal out of the fact that she gets the nickname Kat. Old Katrina was boring and a loser and declined any invites to hang out but New Kat is fun and friendly and, GASP, goes out on weeknights!
I felt like this book was trying to be more profound and deep than it actually was, and that the moral of the story is that she learned she was strong all along and all that jazz. But let's call it like it is - she quits her job and avoids all responsibility to go on a vacation to New York for 2 months. It's not like she joined the Peace Corps or went to visit the Dalai Lama.
So this book, like my review is becoming, is long-winded. I don't mean to bash on it completely, because I've found Murnane's other books cute and likable. It's not like this book is poorly written or anything. I just didn't care for the character and thought the book was way too cheesy without much of a plot. However, it is a fast read, and if you're going to visit New York, it could be worth reading it to get some ideas of where to visit. Or if can relate to Katrina and look past the cheesiness, you could take away a message of empowerment. Otherwise, I would suggest trying a different Murnane book first.
July 5, 2018
I was excited to read Maria Murnane’s Katwalk after reading Wait for the Rain and Bridges and identifying so much with the main character, Daphne White. And I was surprised, once again, to find myself identifying with the heroine in Katwalk, Katrina Lynden. Katrina is twenty-nine and has worked for nearly eight years as an accountant at an advertising agency. She doesn’t like change, and she is awkwardly shy. Her life feels stagnant since she put aside her love of painting at the insistence of her parents, who wanted her to find a practical career and a steady job. But Katrina and her best friend Deb have made a pact to quit their jobs on the same day and leave California to spend two months in New York City — an adventure before deciding what to do next.
However, things don’t go as planned, and Katrina finds herself unemployed and heading to NYC by herself — a move that is completely out of character for her, and frightens and excites her at the same time. She meets two women who live in the building where she is staying, Shana, a yoga instructor, and Grace, a jewelry designer, who immediately take Katrina under their wings. Murnane chronicles Katrina’s transformation to Kat, as she navigates the overwhelming city life solo and balances a flirtation with a charming but unavailable Wall Street banker and a friendship with a kind, observant, and attractive barista. As her time in NYC draws to a close, Katrina must determine whether to follow her heart or return home to the life she left behind.
Murnane has a knack for creating believable, relatable characters. There were times Katrina seemed overly naïve and innocent, but I could relate to her both wanting a change but not wanting to deal with change, and her excitement at the prospect of an adventure but feeling so overwhelmed by the big city. I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Shana and Grace, who seemed like the kind of people I would befriend if I were in Katrina’s position; they were more personable and genuine than the Wall Street crowd. Even though Katrina’s epiphany about her future came about and fell into place rather quickly, it felt true to her character, and I couldn’t help but root for her.
Katwalk was an enjoyable journey with Katrina as she learns to break out of her comfort zone, embrace change, and not shy away from new, though daunting, experiences. It’s a lesson that many of us should take to heart.
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
However, things don’t go as planned, and Katrina finds herself unemployed and heading to NYC by herself — a move that is completely out of character for her, and frightens and excites her at the same time. She meets two women who live in the building where she is staying, Shana, a yoga instructor, and Grace, a jewelry designer, who immediately take Katrina under their wings. Murnane chronicles Katrina’s transformation to Kat, as she navigates the overwhelming city life solo and balances a flirtation with a charming but unavailable Wall Street banker and a friendship with a kind, observant, and attractive barista. As her time in NYC draws to a close, Katrina must determine whether to follow her heart or return home to the life she left behind.
Murnane has a knack for creating believable, relatable characters. There were times Katrina seemed overly naïve and innocent, but I could relate to her both wanting a change but not wanting to deal with change, and her excitement at the prospect of an adventure but feeling so overwhelmed by the big city. I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Shana and Grace, who seemed like the kind of people I would befriend if I were in Katrina’s position; they were more personable and genuine than the Wall Street crowd. Even though Katrina’s epiphany about her future came about and fell into place rather quickly, it felt true to her character, and I couldn’t help but root for her.
Katwalk was an enjoyable journey with Katrina as she learns to break out of her comfort zone, embrace change, and not shy away from new, though daunting, experiences. It’s a lesson that many of us should take to heart.
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
August 15, 2014
Some books come about at the perfect time in your life and for me, this was the perfect time to read Katwalk. In this book we see how Katrina after much persuasion from her best friend takes the plunge to leave the job she hates in the finance department, to go on a 2 month holiday to New York. The plan was for both friends to leave their jobs the same day so they could travel together but Deb's plan changed after receiving an unexpected promotion. Katrina is terrified of going by herself but seeing as she has already left her job she decides to go on the adventure by herself.
The big apple is everything she had hoped for and so much more. Despite her introverted nature and lack of self confidence, Katrina makes new friends, enjoys the social scene and begins a new chapter in her life as Kat.
What I liked most about this book was seeing the transition from the girl with the rigid routine to the spontaneous adventurer she becomes. It made me feel like it's never too late to start fresh. Kat just needed to change her perspective and make small changes in the way she thought and saw the world, everything else just fell into place.
After reading Katwalk I'm thinking more about my own life and how it's the small things that matter. Kat needed to find herself and understand what she wanted in order to be happy. Everyone else saw the potential in her except herself and sometimes the hardest thing is having self belief.
Now I want to be more adventurous and step outside my comfort zone to see what awaits me. Most importantly, I need to try a blueberry scone!
Favourite Quotes:
Grace raised her eyebrows. "You paint?"
"I try to paint. I don't know if I actually paint. What are you up to?"
Grace patted the box. "Another meeting with a potential buyer. More getting my hopes up, more dreams dashed, the usual. I swear to God this is worse than online dating."
Shana tapped Grace on the arm. "How is two out of five a majority?"
Grace pushed her hand away. "I'm Asian. Don't question my math skills."
"...Then you could tell that bag of bones what to do with her scrawny ass."
Katrina laughed and gestured to Grace. "I still can't wrap my head around how such vulgar comments come out of someone who looks like a porcelain doll."
Grace shrugged. "You should hear my sister. I'm the nice one."
Perspective really is everything.
And everyone's perspective is different.
The big apple is everything she had hoped for and so much more. Despite her introverted nature and lack of self confidence, Katrina makes new friends, enjoys the social scene and begins a new chapter in her life as Kat.
What I liked most about this book was seeing the transition from the girl with the rigid routine to the spontaneous adventurer she becomes. It made me feel like it's never too late to start fresh. Kat just needed to change her perspective and make small changes in the way she thought and saw the world, everything else just fell into place.
After reading Katwalk I'm thinking more about my own life and how it's the small things that matter. Kat needed to find herself and understand what she wanted in order to be happy. Everyone else saw the potential in her except herself and sometimes the hardest thing is having self belief.
Now I want to be more adventurous and step outside my comfort zone to see what awaits me. Most importantly, I need to try a blueberry scone!
Favourite Quotes:
Grace raised her eyebrows. "You paint?"
"I try to paint. I don't know if I actually paint. What are you up to?"
Grace patted the box. "Another meeting with a potential buyer. More getting my hopes up, more dreams dashed, the usual. I swear to God this is worse than online dating."
Shana tapped Grace on the arm. "How is two out of five a majority?"
Grace pushed her hand away. "I'm Asian. Don't question my math skills."
"...Then you could tell that bag of bones what to do with her scrawny ass."
Katrina laughed and gestured to Grace. "I still can't wrap my head around how such vulgar comments come out of someone who looks like a porcelain doll."
Grace shrugged. "You should hear my sister. I'm the nice one."
Perspective really is everything.
And everyone's perspective is different.
November 28, 2014
Very inspiring & witty. Read more about it here www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com
July 31, 2014
Actual Stars: 4,1
Reminded me of:
"Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York!" - Alicia Keys - Empire state of mind.
3 words to describe it: Heartwarming, inspirational & adventurous!
Favorite part: Downward dog wisdom.
I have a weak spot for books and movies where people "find themselves" and I don't mean the cheesy gap year, get drunk and discover you really love Thai food kind of find yourself. Katwalk is a book about a woman who discovers that it's okay to have no destination when you remember to enjoy the journey and that's something everyone needs a bit of in life.
I've never been to New York yet Maria Murnane painted such a vivid portrait of the city that it felt like I was right there with Kat, smelling the damp grass in Central park and enjoying a delicious blueberry muffin.
There were certain parts I struggled with but they were very minor, such as being nearly 30 and never having had a shot. I understand Kat had led a very linear and sheltered life until then but with a friend like Debs not having had a shot seemed unlikely.
The cast of characters were crafted with equal skill, lively and laugh out loud funny at times you'd be mad if you didn't long for a group of friends just like them. I even considered taking up yoga thanks to the way Murnane brought it to life and I'm allergic to organized exercise!
I gobbled Katwalk up in one wonderful evening, I think it deserves a much more inspiring cover and I could easily see this novel being made into a movie.
August 11, 2014
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Katrina Lyndon has been living in a small town in Silicon Valley all her life, working for 8 years as an accountant, straight out of uni. Katrina and her friend Deb both decide to quit their jobs and move to New York for two months to have an adventure.
However when Deb goes to quit she ends up with a massive promotion, leaving Katrina, who rarely does anything brave to move to New York by herself.
Katrina is a creature of habit and is scared of such a big step but finds the courage to take it and is ultimately very glad she does.
On her first day in New York she meets her neighbours and makes new friends with Shana and Grace, and so starts her New York adventure.
This was an inspiring book for how to break out of a rut and to do something different with your life, if you are dissatisfied with your current situation.
I loved Katrina and Kat (as her reinvented New York persona), and how the two parts of her were described.
The descriptions of New York made me want to travel there and do the off the beaten track non touristy things too. I think I fell a bit in love with New York with this book.
Lovely story that I really did enjoy, and having read Naria Murnane's Waverly Bryson series, I'm glad I got a chance to enjoy a new set of characters just as much.
Katrina Lyndon has been living in a small town in Silicon Valley all her life, working for 8 years as an accountant, straight out of uni. Katrina and her friend Deb both decide to quit their jobs and move to New York for two months to have an adventure.
However when Deb goes to quit she ends up with a massive promotion, leaving Katrina, who rarely does anything brave to move to New York by herself.
Katrina is a creature of habit and is scared of such a big step but finds the courage to take it and is ultimately very glad she does.
On her first day in New York she meets her neighbours and makes new friends with Shana and Grace, and so starts her New York adventure.
This was an inspiring book for how to break out of a rut and to do something different with your life, if you are dissatisfied with your current situation.
I loved Katrina and Kat (as her reinvented New York persona), and how the two parts of her were described.
The descriptions of New York made me want to travel there and do the off the beaten track non touristy things too. I think I fell a bit in love with New York with this book.
Lovely story that I really did enjoy, and having read Naria Murnane's Waverly Bryson series, I'm glad I got a chance to enjoy a new set of characters just as much.
August 1, 2014
Katwalk is the kind of chicklit that brings to mind words such as sweet, heartwarming, quaint, and possibly kooky. To be honest, I found it a little bit too saccharine-sweet. Perhaps I've just been reading too much angsty New Adult recently, but Katwalk was a bit too 'inspirational rom-com'-esque for my taste. It's a nice little adventure, and if you need a lesson in being strong, going for it and finding yourself then it's a good book to read. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. It's well-written and everything, just a bit too sappy for my personal taste.
November 22, 2020
Terima kasih, mbak Maria Murnane.
Terima kasih sudah memberi awal pekan saya dengan kisah yang kuat, manis, dan "bersih". Juga untuk memberi saya harapan akan adanya awal yang baru setelah, seperti Katrina, delapan tahun di tempat kerja yang tidak membawa saya ke mana-mana. Semoga, saya akan segera siap untuk membuka "a place for yoga and coffee and light" saya sendiri.
Ngomong-ngomong, saya kok jadi tertarik ikut yoga, ahahaa. Nggak harus di New York, di Jakarta sini gak papa juga.
Walau tentunya saya pengin juga ke NY kalo ada yang bayarin :)
Terima kasih sudah memberi awal pekan saya dengan kisah yang kuat, manis, dan "bersih". Juga untuk memberi saya harapan akan adanya awal yang baru setelah, seperti Katrina, delapan tahun di tempat kerja yang tidak membawa saya ke mana-mana. Semoga, saya akan segera siap untuk membuka "a place for yoga and coffee and light" saya sendiri.
Ngomong-ngomong, saya kok jadi tertarik ikut yoga, ahahaa. Nggak harus di New York, di Jakarta sini gak papa juga.
Walau tentunya saya pengin juga ke NY kalo ada yang bayarin :)
August 19, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book. The characters were down to earth and very relatable. Though storylines similar to this have been done before, the authors unique voice adds to the charm of this one. Can't wait to read more from the author.
I liked this book. The characters were down to earth and very relatable. Though storylines similar to this have been done before, the authors unique voice adds to the charm of this one. Can't wait to read more from the author.
December 2, 2020
Katrina Lynden bekerja sebagai seorang akuntan di sebuah perusahaan periklanan di Silicon Valley. Ia memiliki karir yang stabil karena selalu menjalani hidup yang lurus. Suatu hari sahabatnya, Deb, mengajak Katrina untuk keluar dari pekerjaan mereka yang tidak membahagiakan, lantas terbang ke New York untuk bertualang di sana selama dua bulan. Menurut Deb, setiap orang wajib setidaknya tinggal di New York selama hidupnya.
Setelah membuat daftar pro dan kontra terkait rencana tersebut, Katrina harus mengakui bahwa ia memang sangat tidak bahagia dengan pilihan karirnya. Ia bahkan tidak ingat kapan terakhir kalinya terbangun dengan penuh semangat untuk berangkat ke kantor. Waalaupun cemas dan tegang, Katrina akhirnya mengambil keputusan untuk mengiyakan ajakan Deb. Di dalam hati, Katrina merasa cukup bangga karena akan melakukan sesuatu yang baru dan mendebarkan.
Pada detik terakhir, Deb batal berangkat ke New York. Katrina yang sudah terlanjur mengundurkan diri dari perusahaannya akhirnya memberanikan diri untuk berangkat sendirian. Dan siapa sangka perjalanan tersebut membawa perubahan begitu besar untuk Katrina. Di New York, Katrina bertemu teman-teman baru yang juga sedang berjuang menemukan karir yang membahagiakan. Ada Grace, si mantan pengacara pajak yang sedang berjuang menjual perhiasan desainnya sendiri ke toko retail. Shana, yang bercita-cita menjadi aktris namun akhirnya menemukan kebahagiaan dengan menjadi instruktur yoga. Dan Josh, pacar Shana yang dulunya mitra kerja Grace di firma hukum.
Berteman dengan Grace dan Shana membuat Katrina lebih mengenal kehidupan orang-orang New York. Berbeda dengan Silicon Valley, kehidupan di New York selalu riuh dan meriah. Semua orang terbiasa menghabiskan waktu sepulang kerja dengan minum-minum di bar. Katrina yang memiliki toleransi sangat rendah terhadap alkohol mendapati sisi New York yang satu inilah yang membuatnya kesulitan beradaptasi.
Namun di luar itu, Katrina sangat menyukai kehidupan barunya di New York. Ia yang jarang berolahraga mulai merasakan enaknya memiliki tubuh yang bugar dengan sering mengikuti kelas yoga Shana. Katrina juga menemukan kembali hobi lamanya yaitu melukis. Dan seperti orang-orang New York, Katrina mulai tergugah untuk mencoba gaya berpakaian yang lebih berani. Perubahan ini membuat Katrina menjadi orang yang berbeda. Ia bukan lagi Katrina si pemalu, melainkan Kat yang percaya diri.
Tidak ketinggalan kisah cinta kilat yang dialami Katrina selama di New York. Ia bertemu dengan Reid, si bankir tampan yang tampak sangat tergila-gila padanya. Sayangnya, Reid sudah menikah dan tidak menunjukkan tanda-tanda akan meninggalkan istrinya untuk Katrina. Katrina bertanya-tanya, apakah perselingkuhan sesuatu yang lazim di New York?
Di sisi lain ada Justin, si pemilik kedai kopi langganan Katrina. Dari Justin, Katrina mendapat banyak rekomendasi tempat-tempat bagus di New York yang layak dikunjungi. Namun hubungan baik keduanya sempat rusak ketika Katrina menuduh Justin sedang mendekatinya padahal pria itu pun sudah menikah, sama seperti Reid.
Lantas, setelah dua bulan berlalu dan mengalami begitu banyak pengalaman yang membantunya menemukan kembali dirinya sendiri, bagaimana Katrina akan melanjutkan hidupnya? Apakah ia akan kembali ke Silicon Valley dan memgambil tawaran kerja sebagai akuntan lagi seperti keinginan ibunya? Atau Katrina akan memilih jalan lain yang sesuai panggilan hatinya meski itu artinya ia akan mengecewakan orangtuanya?
*
Orang Amerika itu bebas. Semua bebas menentukan jalan hidupnya sendiri tanpa campur tangan orang lain, termasuk orang tua. Beda dengan kultur Asia di mana orang tua selalu terlibat di setiap aspek kehidupan anaknya.
Well, setidaknya begitulah stereotip yang mengemuka. Atau setidaknya, begitulah yang saya tangkap setiap baca buku rilisan negeri Paman Sam. Semua orang Amerika tampaknya bebas menentukan pilihan-pilihan hidup mereka sendiri. Termasuk soal pilihan jurusan kuliah dan karir. Tapi ternyata nggak sepenuhnya benar. Paling tidak begitulah yang diceritakan di buku ini.
Katrina sejak dulu hobi melukis dan memiliki minat besar terhadap dunia seni. Namun karena lahir di keluarga yang selalu mengambil konsentrasi pendidikan yang langsung bisa diterapkan di dunia kerja, memaksa Katrina memilih opsi aman. Ia bahkan langsung bekerja usai menyelesaikan kuliah. Hidupnya selalu lurus dan stabil, sesuai tekanan orangtuanya―terutama ibunya. Dan perjalanan ke New York inilah yang membawa Katrina untuk kembali pada dirinya sendiri.
Sejujurnya, untuk ukuran buku chicklit, buku ini tergolong aman dan lurus. Umumnya kan buku berlini chicklit terkesan nakal dan ceriwis. Dan sebetulnya, cerita penuh humor getir macam itu yang bikin saya nyantol sama genre ini. Tapi yaa, karakter utamanya sendiri memang cukup kolot sih. Jadi pembawaan ceritanya pun menyesuaikan. Ada sedikit keinginan sih kalau bukunya menyisipkan sedikit skandal. Misalnya karakter Grace dan Josh terlibat affair di belakang Shana. Soalnya kedua karakter ini kayak klop banget walau memang lebih banyak adu mulutnya. Cocok aja gitu. Tapi yaa, sekali lagi, buku ini cenderung aman dan lurus.
Plus perlu digarisbawahi pula, menemukan diri sendiri tuh nggak harus selalu diartikan kita merubah segala-segalanya di hidup kita. Terkadang mengakui bahwa kita memang nggak mampu ‘ngikut’ dengan kemauan dunia juga merupakan bagian proses menemukan diri sendiri. Dari karakter Katrina misalnya, mau kayak gimana pun kehidupan orang-orang New York, dia tetap nggak bisa mengubah toleransi alkoholnya yang memang rendah banget.
So, apakah buku ini recommended? Iya, kalau kamu lagi mood baca buku yang ringan. Nggak sulit kok memahami dan mengambil pesan moral di buku ini. Satu aja sih keluhan saya tentang buku ini, lem bukunya kurang oke. Lembarannya cepat lepas.
nb: tulisan ini dimuat juga dalam blog pribadi saya : https://jurnalnovia.blogspot.com/2019...
Setelah membuat daftar pro dan kontra terkait rencana tersebut, Katrina harus mengakui bahwa ia memang sangat tidak bahagia dengan pilihan karirnya. Ia bahkan tidak ingat kapan terakhir kalinya terbangun dengan penuh semangat untuk berangkat ke kantor. Waalaupun cemas dan tegang, Katrina akhirnya mengambil keputusan untuk mengiyakan ajakan Deb. Di dalam hati, Katrina merasa cukup bangga karena akan melakukan sesuatu yang baru dan mendebarkan.
Pada detik terakhir, Deb batal berangkat ke New York. Katrina yang sudah terlanjur mengundurkan diri dari perusahaannya akhirnya memberanikan diri untuk berangkat sendirian. Dan siapa sangka perjalanan tersebut membawa perubahan begitu besar untuk Katrina. Di New York, Katrina bertemu teman-teman baru yang juga sedang berjuang menemukan karir yang membahagiakan. Ada Grace, si mantan pengacara pajak yang sedang berjuang menjual perhiasan desainnya sendiri ke toko retail. Shana, yang bercita-cita menjadi aktris namun akhirnya menemukan kebahagiaan dengan menjadi instruktur yoga. Dan Josh, pacar Shana yang dulunya mitra kerja Grace di firma hukum.
Berteman dengan Grace dan Shana membuat Katrina lebih mengenal kehidupan orang-orang New York. Berbeda dengan Silicon Valley, kehidupan di New York selalu riuh dan meriah. Semua orang terbiasa menghabiskan waktu sepulang kerja dengan minum-minum di bar. Katrina yang memiliki toleransi sangat rendah terhadap alkohol mendapati sisi New York yang satu inilah yang membuatnya kesulitan beradaptasi.
Namun di luar itu, Katrina sangat menyukai kehidupan barunya di New York. Ia yang jarang berolahraga mulai merasakan enaknya memiliki tubuh yang bugar dengan sering mengikuti kelas yoga Shana. Katrina juga menemukan kembali hobi lamanya yaitu melukis. Dan seperti orang-orang New York, Katrina mulai tergugah untuk mencoba gaya berpakaian yang lebih berani. Perubahan ini membuat Katrina menjadi orang yang berbeda. Ia bukan lagi Katrina si pemalu, melainkan Kat yang percaya diri.
Tidak ketinggalan kisah cinta kilat yang dialami Katrina selama di New York. Ia bertemu dengan Reid, si bankir tampan yang tampak sangat tergila-gila padanya. Sayangnya, Reid sudah menikah dan tidak menunjukkan tanda-tanda akan meninggalkan istrinya untuk Katrina. Katrina bertanya-tanya, apakah perselingkuhan sesuatu yang lazim di New York?
Di sisi lain ada Justin, si pemilik kedai kopi langganan Katrina. Dari Justin, Katrina mendapat banyak rekomendasi tempat-tempat bagus di New York yang layak dikunjungi. Namun hubungan baik keduanya sempat rusak ketika Katrina menuduh Justin sedang mendekatinya padahal pria itu pun sudah menikah, sama seperti Reid.
Lantas, setelah dua bulan berlalu dan mengalami begitu banyak pengalaman yang membantunya menemukan kembali dirinya sendiri, bagaimana Katrina akan melanjutkan hidupnya? Apakah ia akan kembali ke Silicon Valley dan memgambil tawaran kerja sebagai akuntan lagi seperti keinginan ibunya? Atau Katrina akan memilih jalan lain yang sesuai panggilan hatinya meski itu artinya ia akan mengecewakan orangtuanya?
*
Orang Amerika itu bebas. Semua bebas menentukan jalan hidupnya sendiri tanpa campur tangan orang lain, termasuk orang tua. Beda dengan kultur Asia di mana orang tua selalu terlibat di setiap aspek kehidupan anaknya.
Well, setidaknya begitulah stereotip yang mengemuka. Atau setidaknya, begitulah yang saya tangkap setiap baca buku rilisan negeri Paman Sam. Semua orang Amerika tampaknya bebas menentukan pilihan-pilihan hidup mereka sendiri. Termasuk soal pilihan jurusan kuliah dan karir. Tapi ternyata nggak sepenuhnya benar. Paling tidak begitulah yang diceritakan di buku ini.
Katrina sejak dulu hobi melukis dan memiliki minat besar terhadap dunia seni. Namun karena lahir di keluarga yang selalu mengambil konsentrasi pendidikan yang langsung bisa diterapkan di dunia kerja, memaksa Katrina memilih opsi aman. Ia bahkan langsung bekerja usai menyelesaikan kuliah. Hidupnya selalu lurus dan stabil, sesuai tekanan orangtuanya―terutama ibunya. Dan perjalanan ke New York inilah yang membawa Katrina untuk kembali pada dirinya sendiri.
Sejujurnya, untuk ukuran buku chicklit, buku ini tergolong aman dan lurus. Umumnya kan buku berlini chicklit terkesan nakal dan ceriwis. Dan sebetulnya, cerita penuh humor getir macam itu yang bikin saya nyantol sama genre ini. Tapi yaa, karakter utamanya sendiri memang cukup kolot sih. Jadi pembawaan ceritanya pun menyesuaikan. Ada sedikit keinginan sih kalau bukunya menyisipkan sedikit skandal. Misalnya karakter Grace dan Josh terlibat affair di belakang Shana. Soalnya kedua karakter ini kayak klop banget walau memang lebih banyak adu mulutnya. Cocok aja gitu. Tapi yaa, sekali lagi, buku ini cenderung aman dan lurus.
Plus perlu digarisbawahi pula, menemukan diri sendiri tuh nggak harus selalu diartikan kita merubah segala-segalanya di hidup kita. Terkadang mengakui bahwa kita memang nggak mampu ‘ngikut’ dengan kemauan dunia juga merupakan bagian proses menemukan diri sendiri. Dari karakter Katrina misalnya, mau kayak gimana pun kehidupan orang-orang New York, dia tetap nggak bisa mengubah toleransi alkoholnya yang memang rendah banget.
So, apakah buku ini recommended? Iya, kalau kamu lagi mood baca buku yang ringan. Nggak sulit kok memahami dan mengambil pesan moral di buku ini. Satu aja sih keluhan saya tentang buku ini, lem bukunya kurang oke. Lembarannya cepat lepas.
nb: tulisan ini dimuat juga dalam blog pribadi saya : https://jurnalnovia.blogspot.com/2019...
June 26, 2019
This book is fantastic! It’s less a romance and more about a woman who decides it’s time for a change from her old life and starts a new adventure.
On her own, and in New York for the first time, Katrina discovers more about herself and the person she wants to become. With the help of some great friends she finds herself and her happiness.
On her own, and in New York for the first time, Katrina discovers more about herself and the person she wants to become. With the help of some great friends she finds herself and her happiness.
August 14, 2014
A special thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maria Murnane’s KATWALK, features Katrina, a single insecure, shy gal living a sheltered and boring life as an accountant. When she takes a risk and steps out of her comfort zone, she discovers an entire new world is waiting, which will change the course of her life.
A novel of self-discovery, where Katrina (Kat), learns to be true to herself for a life of fulfillment, versus always trying to make others happy.
Katrina has a nice job in Silicon Valley, California with controlling parents. They are all about financial security, careers, and the safe life. Katrina wants more in life and desires to explore her options. When her girlfriend Deb, talks her into quitting her job, and moving cross country to New York, for a few months—stepping out of her safe protected environment, she agrees.
At the last minute Deb backs out when she receives a promotion at work. Katrina decides to go alone, since the sublet is already paid for. Her parents think she is out of her mind and offering no support, harassing her about finding a job. However, from the time Katrina steps into the cab and arrives at the brownstone, life as she has known in the past, begins to change.
She meets two gal neighbors, and reconnects with her old roommate. She finds she loves the energy of the city, the coffee shops, the culture, nightlife, the social interaction, begins yoga, meeting men, and finds the new clothes offer her more confidence. As she begins to develop new friendships, and finds her creativity, she gets back into painting, which she has always loved.
For the first time she is excited about the future, whether success or fail, as she is passionate about her ideas. Even if her parents do not support her, she has a business plan, combining the talents of her friends; a yoga, coffee house, art gallery, and jewelry in a quaint location of Brooklyn Heights, NY. She finally takes a stand against her parents, and gives up trying to make others happy, choosing a life of fulfillment and in the process meets a love interest.
A light fun and inspiring chick-lit of reinvention; being true to one’s self as one young woman, matures and broadens her world with new and exciting adventures.
Would love to see a different front cover, as the current one is kind of cutesy; whereas think the content lends itself to a little more New York sophistication, with possibly a quaint storefront gallery, with outdoor bistro tables, coffee, art, wine, etc… to draw in the reader on an emotional level to coincide with the overall theme. I felt KATWALK was a little more grown up than the cover, depicted.
Maria Murnane’s KATWALK, features Katrina, a single insecure, shy gal living a sheltered and boring life as an accountant. When she takes a risk and steps out of her comfort zone, she discovers an entire new world is waiting, which will change the course of her life.
A novel of self-discovery, where Katrina (Kat), learns to be true to herself for a life of fulfillment, versus always trying to make others happy.
Katrina has a nice job in Silicon Valley, California with controlling parents. They are all about financial security, careers, and the safe life. Katrina wants more in life and desires to explore her options. When her girlfriend Deb, talks her into quitting her job, and moving cross country to New York, for a few months—stepping out of her safe protected environment, she agrees.
At the last minute Deb backs out when she receives a promotion at work. Katrina decides to go alone, since the sublet is already paid for. Her parents think she is out of her mind and offering no support, harassing her about finding a job. However, from the time Katrina steps into the cab and arrives at the brownstone, life as she has known in the past, begins to change.
She meets two gal neighbors, and reconnects with her old roommate. She finds she loves the energy of the city, the coffee shops, the culture, nightlife, the social interaction, begins yoga, meeting men, and finds the new clothes offer her more confidence. As she begins to develop new friendships, and finds her creativity, she gets back into painting, which she has always loved.
For the first time she is excited about the future, whether success or fail, as she is passionate about her ideas. Even if her parents do not support her, she has a business plan, combining the talents of her friends; a yoga, coffee house, art gallery, and jewelry in a quaint location of Brooklyn Heights, NY. She finally takes a stand against her parents, and gives up trying to make others happy, choosing a life of fulfillment and in the process meets a love interest.
A light fun and inspiring chick-lit of reinvention; being true to one’s self as one young woman, matures and broadens her world with new and exciting adventures.
Would love to see a different front cover, as the current one is kind of cutesy; whereas think the content lends itself to a little more New York sophistication, with possibly a quaint storefront gallery, with outdoor bistro tables, coffee, art, wine, etc… to draw in the reader on an emotional level to coincide with the overall theme. I felt KATWALK was a little more grown up than the cover, depicted.
February 9, 2022
Actual rate: 4.2
Oke, sekali lagi, untuk ukuran iseng nyari dan baca, buku ini keren banget! Isinya tentang Katrina dan semua keragu-raguannya. Ya, memang semua hal di buku ini diawali dengan kalimat yang kira-kira seperti ini, "Apa aku beneran bisa?"
Keraguan Katrina sampai Deb, sahabatnya, mengajaknya agar keluar dari pekerjaan superboring dan bisa dibilang nggak memberikan mereka kebahagiaan, memilih menjelajah New York selama dua bulan. Katrina, yang dari awal sudah mengikuti jalan dari orang tua, sekaligus nggak diberi kesempatan menentukan pilihan hidupnya, awalnya ragu. Gimana kalau orang tuanya nggak senang? Gimana kalau dia ternyata nggak bisa bertahan dengan gaya hidup yang baru? Gimana kalau kehidupan yang ini sudah sangat pas buatnya? Seakan belum cukup, ketika Katrina mengiyakan dan akhirnya memilih resign, Deb datang membawa kabar buruk sekaligus nightmare untuk Katrina. Dia nggak jadi resign karena bosnya "nyaris" memohon dan menawarkan kenaikan gaji yang selama ini memang sudah diimpikan Deb. Kesal? Yah, sebagai pembaca pun aku juga ikutan kesal dan jengkel. Kesan salute pertama untuk Katrina dimulai dari sini: Ketika ia memilih meneruskan rencana petualang ke NY, meski tanpa Deb.
Judul buku ini memang secara harfiah menggambarkan apa saja yang dilakukan Katrina saat di NY. Kesan ragu, takut, dan tidak percaya diri tergambar jelas di bab-bab awal. Lalu pertemuannya dengan para tetangga apartemen, Shana dan Grace, menjadi titik awal keberaniannya tumbuh. Rasa salute-salute yang lain mulai muncul seiring cerita dan banyak sekali bagian yang aku bookmark, haha. Kelas yoga Shana lah yang paling banyak membantu Katrina menyadari potensi dan apa yang dia mau.
Serunya, banyak penjelajahan Katrina selama di NY, jadi pembaca seperti merasakan sendiri serunya acara jalan kaki Kat. Pokoknya, ini novel menghibur banget! Terjemahannya juga nggak bikin sulit, malah membuat kesan ringan, sih, haha. Sempilan hubungan Justin dan Kat bikin gemes, sayang kurang panjang, ahahaha. Bagi kalian yang akan membaca buku ini, bakal disuguhi kepolosan Katrina, mulai dari kehidupan, pilihan, juga laki-laki. Best chicklit, deh, jempolan 👍🏻
Ps: Iya, bintangnya emang cuma empat karena gedeg abis sama ortu Katrina, apalagi emaknya. Macam mertua yang nggak terima mantunya cuma punya bisnis kafe doang 🤧
Oke, sekali lagi, untuk ukuran iseng nyari dan baca, buku ini keren banget! Isinya tentang Katrina dan semua keragu-raguannya. Ya, memang semua hal di buku ini diawali dengan kalimat yang kira-kira seperti ini, "Apa aku beneran bisa?"
Keraguan Katrina sampai Deb, sahabatnya, mengajaknya agar keluar dari pekerjaan superboring dan bisa dibilang nggak memberikan mereka kebahagiaan, memilih menjelajah New York selama dua bulan. Katrina, yang dari awal sudah mengikuti jalan dari orang tua, sekaligus nggak diberi kesempatan menentukan pilihan hidupnya, awalnya ragu. Gimana kalau orang tuanya nggak senang? Gimana kalau dia ternyata nggak bisa bertahan dengan gaya hidup yang baru? Gimana kalau kehidupan yang ini sudah sangat pas buatnya? Seakan belum cukup, ketika Katrina mengiyakan dan akhirnya memilih resign, Deb datang membawa kabar buruk sekaligus nightmare untuk Katrina. Dia nggak jadi resign karena bosnya "nyaris" memohon dan menawarkan kenaikan gaji yang selama ini memang sudah diimpikan Deb. Kesal? Yah, sebagai pembaca pun aku juga ikutan kesal dan jengkel. Kesan salute pertama untuk Katrina dimulai dari sini: Ketika ia memilih meneruskan rencana petualang ke NY, meski tanpa Deb.
Judul buku ini memang secara harfiah menggambarkan apa saja yang dilakukan Katrina saat di NY. Kesan ragu, takut, dan tidak percaya diri tergambar jelas di bab-bab awal. Lalu pertemuannya dengan para tetangga apartemen, Shana dan Grace, menjadi titik awal keberaniannya tumbuh. Rasa salute-salute yang lain mulai muncul seiring cerita dan banyak sekali bagian yang aku bookmark, haha. Kelas yoga Shana lah yang paling banyak membantu Katrina menyadari potensi dan apa yang dia mau.
Serunya, banyak penjelajahan Katrina selama di NY, jadi pembaca seperti merasakan sendiri serunya acara jalan kaki Kat. Pokoknya, ini novel menghibur banget! Terjemahannya juga nggak bikin sulit, malah membuat kesan ringan, sih, haha. Sempilan hubungan Justin dan Kat bikin gemes, sayang kurang panjang, ahahaha. Bagi kalian yang akan membaca buku ini, bakal disuguhi kepolosan Katrina, mulai dari kehidupan, pilihan, juga laki-laki. Best chicklit, deh, jempolan 👍🏻
Ps: Iya, bintangnya emang cuma empat karena gedeg abis sama ortu Katrina, apalagi emaknya. Macam mertua yang nggak terima mantunya cuma punya bisnis kafe doang 🤧
July 23, 2014
Katrina Lynden's staid and stable life in Mountain View, CA, has left her feeling miserable. As an accountant at an advertising firm, she is doing what was expected of her by her parents. Utilizing the skills she learned in college.
But something is missing from her life, and the structure that guides her each day is starting to feel like a noose.
So when Kat's best friend Deb suggests that they quit their jobs and go to New York for a couple of months, for an adventure, she agrees. Even though her parents are horrified and advise against it.
Everything is all set, from giving notice to subletting an apartment in the East Village.
So when Deb cancels at the last minute because her company offered an astonishing promotion if she doesn't leave, Katrina is forced to make a new plan.
Can she go it alone in New York? How will the shy, retiring persona she has inhabited for so many years take on such a challenge? And will she learn how to transform her life, even as she delights in her new experiences?
"Katwalk" is a fun venture outside the comfort zone, and I loved how the author took the reader along for the ride. Through Katrina's eyes (dubbed Kat by her New York friends and neighbors), we see her new world as she experiences it, from the coffee house in the neighborhood to the yoga studio nearby. Rediscovering a long buried desire to paint, Kat is truly expressing a new incarnation as she evolves from the frightened young woman she once was.
Just as I suspected how things might unfold, it was still fun to watch it happen. A delightful character, Kat could be someone we all know and love. 4.0 stars.
But something is missing from her life, and the structure that guides her each day is starting to feel like a noose.
So when Kat's best friend Deb suggests that they quit their jobs and go to New York for a couple of months, for an adventure, she agrees. Even though her parents are horrified and advise against it.
Everything is all set, from giving notice to subletting an apartment in the East Village.
So when Deb cancels at the last minute because her company offered an astonishing promotion if she doesn't leave, Katrina is forced to make a new plan.
Can she go it alone in New York? How will the shy, retiring persona she has inhabited for so many years take on such a challenge? And will she learn how to transform her life, even as she delights in her new experiences?
"Katwalk" is a fun venture outside the comfort zone, and I loved how the author took the reader along for the ride. Through Katrina's eyes (dubbed Kat by her New York friends and neighbors), we see her new world as she experiences it, from the coffee house in the neighborhood to the yoga studio nearby. Rediscovering a long buried desire to paint, Kat is truly expressing a new incarnation as she evolves from the frightened young woman she once was.
Just as I suspected how things might unfold, it was still fun to watch it happen. A delightful character, Kat could be someone we all know and love. 4.0 stars.
October 18, 2016
Maria Murnane has yet another great book under her belt! This is one of those stories that you cannot help but to sit back smile over!
So we have Katrina. Katrina has always done what is expected of her. She got the college degree that made her parents content. She got the job that suited that degree. And she is miserable.
When her best friend suggests that they both quit their jobs and move to New York City for a few months, she is hesitant. She knows her family will not approve. She isn’t used to doing things to make her happy. And she most definitely is not the type to just up and move to a new city without a plan. Well, she bites the bullet. She quits her job. However, now she is embarking on this journey alone.
Right away, Katrina is making new friends. Which is not like her. In the course of finding her way through the city, she has made new connections that are quickly leaving lasting imprints on her. She has decided she likes the new her…
To say she is inexperienced in the love department is an understatement. She is clueless. She is naïve. So, as any clueless, naïve female, she falls into the trap of going out on dates with the wrong man, meanwhile the right one is right under her nose. However, you don’t learn unless you live, right?
In the end, this book is more about self-discovery and hard choices. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I don’t foresee anyone being disappointed with this book.
So we have Katrina. Katrina has always done what is expected of her. She got the college degree that made her parents content. She got the job that suited that degree. And she is miserable.
When her best friend suggests that they both quit their jobs and move to New York City for a few months, she is hesitant. She knows her family will not approve. She isn’t used to doing things to make her happy. And she most definitely is not the type to just up and move to a new city without a plan. Well, she bites the bullet. She quits her job. However, now she is embarking on this journey alone.
Right away, Katrina is making new friends. Which is not like her. In the course of finding her way through the city, she has made new connections that are quickly leaving lasting imprints on her. She has decided she likes the new her…
To say she is inexperienced in the love department is an understatement. She is clueless. She is naïve. So, as any clueless, naïve female, she falls into the trap of going out on dates with the wrong man, meanwhile the right one is right under her nose. However, you don’t learn unless you live, right?
In the end, this book is more about self-discovery and hard choices. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I don’t foresee anyone being disappointed with this book.
December 27, 2020
Katrina sudah memiliki pekerjaan yang stabil sebagai seorang akuntan, tapi dia tidak bahagia karena Kat melakukan semua itu hanya untuk menyenangkan orang tuanya. Kat akhirnya memutuskan untuk keluar dari 'cangkang'nya, ia keluar dari pekerjaannya dan berlibur ke New York bersama Deb, sahabatnya. Tapi kemudian ada kejadian yang membuat Kat harus berlibur sendiri ke New York.
Di New York, Kat mempunyai sahabat baru, Shana, Grace, Justin. Mereka lah yang membantu Kat untuk menjadi seseorang yang baru. Kat banyak mengalami perubahan yang bahkan tidak ia sangka seiring dengan kejadian-kejadian yang dialami di New York. Perkembangan karakter Kat, dari seorang yang pemalu dan tidak suka berinteraksi dengan orang-orang menjadi seorang yang berani mencoba sesuatu yang baru dan hal-hal positif lainnya. Selain Kat, karakter sahabat-sahabatnya juga sangat likeable. Deb yang selalu men-support semua yang dilakukan Kat, Shana yang selalu bisa menenangkan, Grace yang blak-blakan, dan Justin yang sering memberikan saran pada Kat. Konflik di novel ini tidak terlalu berat dan rumit, khas metropop atau genre slice of life.
Di New York, Kat mempunyai sahabat baru, Shana, Grace, Justin. Mereka lah yang membantu Kat untuk menjadi seseorang yang baru. Kat banyak mengalami perubahan yang bahkan tidak ia sangka seiring dengan kejadian-kejadian yang dialami di New York. Perkembangan karakter Kat, dari seorang yang pemalu dan tidak suka berinteraksi dengan orang-orang menjadi seorang yang berani mencoba sesuatu yang baru dan hal-hal positif lainnya. Selain Kat, karakter sahabat-sahabatnya juga sangat likeable. Deb yang selalu men-support semua yang dilakukan Kat, Shana yang selalu bisa menenangkan, Grace yang blak-blakan, dan Justin yang sering memberikan saran pada Kat. Konflik di novel ini tidak terlalu berat dan rumit, khas metropop atau genre slice of life.
January 24, 2015
It has been a little bit since I have read a book by this author. So when I saw the latest offering I thought now is a good time to check this author out again. This was a charming read. I liked Kat. In fact, I kind of liked the way that her naïve ways came into play. She made me think of myself. I could totally picture myself as her if I just quit my job and moved to another state with no plans and no friends. Although, the romance storylines that played out in the story were predictable. Hated the one with Reid. I knew he was no good for Kat and did not like that time was spent on it but I understood the point as Kat learned and grew from the experience.
Loved her new neighbors, Shana and Grace. Also can't forget Josh. Then there is Justin. What a sweetheart. Oh and I have one word to say "pickleback". I had never heard of this word until this book. Now I am going to have to try it out.
Loved her new neighbors, Shana and Grace. Also can't forget Josh. Then there is Justin. What a sweetheart. Oh and I have one word to say "pickleback". I had never heard of this word until this book. Now I am going to have to try it out.
July 29, 2014
Katrina is a shy accountant from Silicon Valley. Her life was safe, predictable, unfulfilling and boring. But after being convinced by her best friend into taking charge and making a change, instead of complaining all the time, Katrina makes the bold move of moving to New York. There she decides to reinvent herself and find a new passion for life. Along the way she will find new friends, love and finally something that truly makes her happy.
Katwalk by Maria Murnane is a lighthearted and entertaining book about having an early "midlife crisis". As you read a long you might find a little romance, angst, laughs and an oddly friendly group of newyorkers. Personally I found the character of Katrina very approachable: shy, people pleasing and to top that she comes with an overbearing mother. As I followed her journey I couldn't stop cheering her on.
I got this book via NetGalley.
Katwalk by Maria Murnane is a lighthearted and entertaining book about having an early "midlife crisis". As you read a long you might find a little romance, angst, laughs and an oddly friendly group of newyorkers. Personally I found the character of Katrina very approachable: shy, people pleasing and to top that she comes with an overbearing mother. As I followed her journey I couldn't stop cheering her on.
I got this book via NetGalley.
September 5, 2014
I received this book free through goodreads first reads....
Holy crap! Such a good book! For starters, it was well written and the storyline was very interesting. Now to the fun stuff, I was living vicariously through Kat. All of her adventures and new friends... I was envious. In her 2 month span she did more things than I've heard of any local doing. I had a feeling it would end the way it did (not going to spoil it for you guys....) but it was the perfect ending. There is a touch of infidelity in the book that I could have survived without but I also feel like it was necessary for the story and character building. Overall it was a good read and so excited I got the chance to receive this book :-)
Holy crap! Such a good book! For starters, it was well written and the storyline was very interesting. Now to the fun stuff, I was living vicariously through Kat. All of her adventures and new friends... I was envious. In her 2 month span she did more things than I've heard of any local doing. I had a feeling it would end the way it did (not going to spoil it for you guys....) but it was the perfect ending. There is a touch of infidelity in the book that I could have survived without but I also feel like it was necessary for the story and character building. Overall it was a good read and so excited I got the chance to receive this book :-)
June 21, 2017
A book about a change, a huge one. Have you ever given up on something just because you thought you can't do it? When you want to change something, you have to make the first move. I started reading this book but I wasn't convinced it might be interesting. But, after reading the first chapter, I knew I must read it as soon as possible. I wanted to know what will happen next. I was proud of Kat when I saw how she is changing inside, how she is eager for the next adventures. Shana's (Kat's friend) thoughts are precious. I felt she was talking to me. She encouraged me to change some of my thoughts.
A simple story about a shy girl who is changing her life. But, I feel it's a story about many of us. I don't regret reading it.
A simple story about a shy girl who is changing her life. But, I feel it's a story about many of us. I don't regret reading it.
October 10, 2023
Chicklit yang bikin saya kaget karena minim adegan romantis apalagi adegan panas. Kisah Katrina ini manis, bisa menjadi pelajaran bagi diri kita sendiri, atau terutama bagi saya yang masih merasa diri sebagai people pleaser meski nggak separah Katrina.
Katrina yang merasa kurang bahagia, memutuskan untuk mengikuti tantangan Deb, sahabatnya untuk mengundurkan diri dari perusahaan dan pergi ke New York dua bulan. Sayangnya, pada detik terakhir Deb membatalkan rencananya sehingga Katrina terpaksa pergi sendiri. Di New York inilah Katrina, alias Kat bertemu dengan banyak orang baru, menemukan dirinya sendiri, dan melihat segala sesuatu dari sudut pandang baru.
Akhirnya manis, saya puas, meski buat saya keputusan Kat memang agak nekat. Semoga Kat berhasil di New York sana😌
Katrina yang merasa kurang bahagia, memutuskan untuk mengikuti tantangan Deb, sahabatnya untuk mengundurkan diri dari perusahaan dan pergi ke New York dua bulan. Sayangnya, pada detik terakhir Deb membatalkan rencananya sehingga Katrina terpaksa pergi sendiri. Di New York inilah Katrina, alias Kat bertemu dengan banyak orang baru, menemukan dirinya sendiri, dan melihat segala sesuatu dari sudut pandang baru.
Akhirnya manis, saya puas, meski buat saya keputusan Kat memang agak nekat. Semoga Kat berhasil di New York sana😌
July 4, 2021
Aku baca versi alih bahasa.
Novel yang alurnya ringan tapi bermakna, meskipun berbeda budaya tapi ceritanya begitu menginspirasi terutama buat yang sedang mencari kebahagiaan sejati ataupun yang sedang mengalami quarter life crisis.
Ada unsur komedinya, ada romance namun tidak terlalu vulgar, dan banyak ucapan² di dalamnya yang menginspirasi.
Penggambaran tokoh utama yang [terlihat] benar-benar berhasil memulai untuk menemukan dirinya. Melakukan perubahan besar dalam hidupnya, sungguh itu tidak mudah. Aku juga ingin mencoba hal itu.
Novel yang alurnya ringan tapi bermakna, meskipun berbeda budaya tapi ceritanya begitu menginspirasi terutama buat yang sedang mencari kebahagiaan sejati ataupun yang sedang mengalami quarter life crisis.
Ada unsur komedinya, ada romance namun tidak terlalu vulgar, dan banyak ucapan² di dalamnya yang menginspirasi.
Penggambaran tokoh utama yang [terlihat] benar-benar berhasil memulai untuk menemukan dirinya. Melakukan perubahan besar dalam hidupnya, sungguh itu tidak mudah. Aku juga ingin mencoba hal itu.
April 14, 2015
Cute enough, but sometimes read like a brochure from an advertising agency looking to attract newcomers and convince them to settle down in New York City. That could be off-putting at times, as was the slightly-too-perfect-for-absolutely-every-character ending. But you definitely could do worse if looking for escapey chick-lit.
August 13, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was exactly what I needed. I am a point in my life where I need to make a big change. I could totally relate to Kat and look forward to my new adventure in my life.
November 24, 2015
It was free on Amazon unlimited. I had a long flight. It was like reading a Hallmark channel movie.
August 2, 2018
Kita hanya perlu memberanikan diri untuk keluar dari zona nyaman, untuk menemukan sisi lain diri kita.
January 8, 2015
Another wonderful book by Ms. Murnane. Katrina is a great character and easy to root for.
February 8, 2022
Cara berceritanya lurus-lurus saja, membosankan. Seri Shopaholic sekalipun yang sama-sama terjemahan masih terasa excitement-nya. Yah, mungkin itu karena bergantung pada karakterisasi tokoh utamanya. Becky Brandon (dahulu) Bloomwood sepertinya ESFP, sedang Katrina Lynden tampaknya ISTJ. Pantas jika narasi Becky bergairah sedang Kat kaku.
Saya juga kurang mengapresiasi New York sebagaimana semestinya yang disarankan buku ini. Sepertinya sudah ada begitu banyak karya fiksi yang berlatar di atau mengenai New York. Contohnya novel yang belum lama ini saya tamatkan, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Clear --yang pembacaannya kebetulan sama-sama tidak enak bagi saya. Selain itu, ada tontonan seperti 30 Rock, Flight of the Conchords, Joe's Apartment, Louie, dan seterusnya, yang lebih saya nikmati tapi tidak serta-merta membuat saya menganggap tempat tersebut sebegitu istimewa. Ambil kota besar lainnya yang ada di muka bumi ini--untuk Indonesia, entahkah Jakarta atau Bandung misalnya--dan siapa pun bisa membuat cerita yang sama. Penjelajahan Kat di belantara New York sempat mengingatkan saya kepada Eat, Pray, Love; paling tidak, yang belakangan itu membawa ke lebih banyak tempat.
Hal lainnya yang saya tidak sukai adalah karena ini jenis buku yang sarat "kata-kata bijak". Sebelum ini, saya sempat mencoba baca The Noticer dan The Little Paris Bookshop yang saya hentikan sebelum jauh karena merasa arahnya bakal memuakkan dengan "kata-kata bijak". Buku ini pun--kalau saya tidak telanjur membacanya sampai agak jauh--sebetulnya agak tidak tertahankan. Masalah saya dengan "kata-kata bijak" adalah karena itu tidak bisa diterapkan kepada setiap orang dalam segala situasi, tapi penulisnya (bukan hanya untuk karya ini saja melainkan karya mana pun yang semacamnya) seperti menganggap perlu mencekokkan kebenaran yang mungkin hanya berlaku bagi dirinya kepada sebanyak-banyaknya orang.
Sedikitnya, buku ini memberikan saya sebuah perspektif akan jenis kehidupan yang boleh jadi dambaan bagi sebagian orang tapi dapat memuakkan bagi sebagian yang lain. Hidup Kat sebelum ke New York sebetulnya sudah "enak" toh: punya pekerjaan (yang berarti penghasilan) yang stabil tanpa sampai mengalami uncontrollable emotional outbursts a.k.a. mental breakdown. Namun find-what-feels-good dan entrepreneurship lagi hip. Pesan moral: Kerja kantoran dulu beberapa tahun sampai rasanya ingin gantung diri--atau setidaknya ada teman yang menjebakmu untuk mengundurkan diri--baru coba-coba bikin usaha, tapi itu pun mesti disambi pekerjaan lain yang penghasilannya pasti.
(Saya membaca edisi digital yang ada di Ipusnas. Kovernya sama dengan yang bukan digital, dan saya malas menambahkan ISBN baru.)
Saya juga kurang mengapresiasi New York sebagaimana semestinya yang disarankan buku ini. Sepertinya sudah ada begitu banyak karya fiksi yang berlatar di atau mengenai New York. Contohnya novel yang belum lama ini saya tamatkan, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Clear --yang pembacaannya kebetulan sama-sama tidak enak bagi saya. Selain itu, ada tontonan seperti 30 Rock, Flight of the Conchords, Joe's Apartment, Louie, dan seterusnya, yang lebih saya nikmati tapi tidak serta-merta membuat saya menganggap tempat tersebut sebegitu istimewa. Ambil kota besar lainnya yang ada di muka bumi ini--untuk Indonesia, entahkah Jakarta atau Bandung misalnya--dan siapa pun bisa membuat cerita yang sama. Penjelajahan Kat di belantara New York sempat mengingatkan saya kepada Eat, Pray, Love; paling tidak, yang belakangan itu membawa ke lebih banyak tempat.
Hal lainnya yang saya tidak sukai adalah karena ini jenis buku yang sarat "kata-kata bijak". Sebelum ini, saya sempat mencoba baca The Noticer dan The Little Paris Bookshop yang saya hentikan sebelum jauh karena merasa arahnya bakal memuakkan dengan "kata-kata bijak". Buku ini pun--kalau saya tidak telanjur membacanya sampai agak jauh--sebetulnya agak tidak tertahankan. Masalah saya dengan "kata-kata bijak" adalah karena itu tidak bisa diterapkan kepada setiap orang dalam segala situasi, tapi penulisnya (bukan hanya untuk karya ini saja melainkan karya mana pun yang semacamnya) seperti menganggap perlu mencekokkan kebenaran yang mungkin hanya berlaku bagi dirinya kepada sebanyak-banyaknya orang.
Sedikitnya, buku ini memberikan saya sebuah perspektif akan jenis kehidupan yang boleh jadi dambaan bagi sebagian orang tapi dapat memuakkan bagi sebagian yang lain. Hidup Kat sebelum ke New York sebetulnya sudah "enak" toh: punya pekerjaan (yang berarti penghasilan) yang stabil tanpa sampai mengalami uncontrollable emotional outbursts a.k.a. mental breakdown. Namun find-what-feels-good dan entrepreneurship lagi hip. Pesan moral: Kerja kantoran dulu beberapa tahun sampai rasanya ingin gantung diri--atau setidaknya ada teman yang menjebakmu untuk mengundurkan diri--baru coba-coba bikin usaha, tapi itu pun mesti disambi pekerjaan lain yang penghasilannya pasti.
".... Itu caranya membangun bisnis .... Menawarkan sesuatu yang orang inginkan bahkan sebelum mereka sadar bahwa mereka menginginkannya." (halaman 302)
(Saya membaca edisi digital yang ada di Ipusnas. Kovernya sama dengan yang bukan digital, dan saya malas menambahkan ISBN baru.)
August 13, 2017
I loved the plot of this novel that was fast-paced with the perfect amount of subplots on the side, however, the main focus was Kat and her new adventures. Specifically, I admired the way the author brought her out of her shell at a realistic pace and didn’t base Kat’s happiness on just one thing. She had attention from men that she had never experienced, wild and crazy friends that wanted to hit the bars all of the time, she started exercising and getting healthy, and she started following her heart about what she wanted out of life. All of these things combined were a part of Kat’s changes, rather than just a guy or a new job.
As typical in Maria Murnane’s novels, I fell in love with all of the characters. They each brought their own unique contributions to the novel and were special in their own ways, even when they were being bad, such as Reid. Shana and Grace were fantastic, hilarious, and genuinely wonderful people – as was Grace’s boyfriend Josh. Brittany seemed genuinely nice in her friendship with Kat, yet she was so completely different from Kat she almost seemed like a mother. The only character I truly disliked from beginning to end was Kat’s mother. She was snooty, bossy, controlling, and drove me insane.
Katwalk will definitely instill some wanderlust and inspiration into your soul, as well as, leave a smile on your face after you’ve finished reading. I have yet to read anything by author Maria Murnane that I didn’t find absolutely wonderful, and Katwalk is no exception.
As typical in Maria Murnane’s novels, I fell in love with all of the characters. They each brought their own unique contributions to the novel and were special in their own ways, even when they were being bad, such as Reid. Shana and Grace were fantastic, hilarious, and genuinely wonderful people – as was Grace’s boyfriend Josh. Brittany seemed genuinely nice in her friendship with Kat, yet she was so completely different from Kat she almost seemed like a mother. The only character I truly disliked from beginning to end was Kat’s mother. She was snooty, bossy, controlling, and drove me insane.
Katwalk will definitely instill some wanderlust and inspiration into your soul, as well as, leave a smile on your face after you’ve finished reading. I have yet to read anything by author Maria Murnane that I didn’t find absolutely wonderful, and Katwalk is no exception.
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