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The Right Address
The Right Address sears through the upper crust of New York’s glittering Park Avenue scene to dish the dirt on the ladies who lunch, the gents who club, and the desperate climbers who will stop at nothing to join the backstabbing, champagne-sipping, socialite-eat-socialite stratosphere.
When Melanie Sartomsky, wily Floridian flight attendant, snares billionaire divorcée Arthur “the coffin king” Korn, she is catapulted into the crème de la crème of Park Avenue society, where hiring the wrong decorator is tantamount to social suicide, and where, if you’re anyone, your personal assistant has a personal assistant. But Melanie quickly discovers that in the world of the rich and idle, malicious gossip is as de rigeur as owning twenty pairs of Manolo Blahniks. And despite her frenzied plunge into the charity circuit and the right dinner reservations, her neighbors are Givenchy-clad vultures who see her as nothing more than a reinvented trailer trollop. To make matters worse, when a snide society-rag journalist rakes her over the coals, Melanie’s reputation is toast.
Meanwhile, Melanie is not the only billionaire in the neighborhood coming unhinged. Kleptomania, adultery, plagiarism, and a grisly Harlem sex murder are just a few of the secrets swirling under the pedigreed patina of furs and emeralds on Park Avenue.
Authors Jill Kargman and Carrie Karasyov know a thing or two about their subject matter. They met at the Upper East Side’s chic Spence School and claim that The Right Address is inspired by “the insane socialites we’ve eavesdropped on our entire lives.” Meow.
So kick off your Jimmy Choos, crack open the Veuve Clicquot, and get ready for a rollicking, unforgettable tour of the richer-and-bitchier-than-thou set.
When Melanie Sartomsky, wily Floridian flight attendant, snares billionaire divorcée Arthur “the coffin king” Korn, she is catapulted into the crème de la crème of Park Avenue society, where hiring the wrong decorator is tantamount to social suicide, and where, if you’re anyone, your personal assistant has a personal assistant. But Melanie quickly discovers that in the world of the rich and idle, malicious gossip is as de rigeur as owning twenty pairs of Manolo Blahniks. And despite her frenzied plunge into the charity circuit and the right dinner reservations, her neighbors are Givenchy-clad vultures who see her as nothing more than a reinvented trailer trollop. To make matters worse, when a snide society-rag journalist rakes her over the coals, Melanie’s reputation is toast.
Meanwhile, Melanie is not the only billionaire in the neighborhood coming unhinged. Kleptomania, adultery, plagiarism, and a grisly Harlem sex murder are just a few of the secrets swirling under the pedigreed patina of furs and emeralds on Park Avenue.
Authors Jill Kargman and Carrie Karasyov know a thing or two about their subject matter. They met at the Upper East Side’s chic Spence School and claim that The Right Address is inspired by “the insane socialites we’ve eavesdropped on our entire lives.” Meow.
So kick off your Jimmy Choos, crack open the Veuve Clicquot, and get ready for a rollicking, unforgettable tour of the richer-and-bitchier-than-thou set.
293 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
58 people are currently reading
1654 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Doyle Karasyov
6 books122 followersBest-selling author Carrie Doyle (Karasyov) is also the author of The Hamptons Murder Mystery Series (as Carrie Doyle.) Her Young Adult mystery, The Murder Game was nominated as the best YA book of 2021 by Suspense Magazine.
Please follow her at Carrie Doyle on Goodreads.
Her latest series is Trouble In Paradise and book two, Something's Guava Give, comes out January 25, 2022!!
Please follow her at Carrie Doyle on Goodreads.
Her latest series is Trouble In Paradise and book two, Something's Guava Give, comes out January 25, 2022!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
November 4, 2024
Magnificent!
What do I think of this book? I think this book is a great piece of gossip. Sounds like the people in this book are real people who have their names changed to protect the innocent, if there are any.
The book is a tribute to Melanie, who is married to a very rich man whom she meets on an airplane in which she is a steward. It is love at first sight. Before you know it, she is married to Arthur Korn. A multimillionaire. Maybe he is a billionaire.
But with all that wealth comes a huge amount of shopping. She can now afford to shop till she drops. But Melanie should be happy and she isn’t. What can the matter be?
It seems despite all her access to money and power, and a very likable husband, she has no friends. Because she, herself, is not likable to the people in her social circle.
They just don’t like her. Will she be able to change their minds about her? Or will she continue to disgrace herself?
Five stars. ✨✨✨✨✨
What do I think of this book? I think this book is a great piece of gossip. Sounds like the people in this book are real people who have their names changed to protect the innocent, if there are any.
The book is a tribute to Melanie, who is married to a very rich man whom she meets on an airplane in which she is a steward. It is love at first sight. Before you know it, she is married to Arthur Korn. A multimillionaire. Maybe he is a billionaire.
But with all that wealth comes a huge amount of shopping. She can now afford to shop till she drops. But Melanie should be happy and she isn’t. What can the matter be?
It seems despite all her access to money and power, and a very likable husband, she has no friends. Because she, herself, is not likable to the people in her social circle.
They just don’t like her. Will she be able to change their minds about her? Or will she continue to disgrace herself?
Five stars. ✨✨✨✨✨
March 23, 2017
I love this crap. I don't watch porn, get high, drink, or engage in therapeutic shopping. This kind of book is my shallow decadent pleasure and you will respect it!
July 22, 2011
Ahh, classic, NY chick-lit. It doesn't get any trashier then this. This book had way too many charecters and the only thing that really connected them all was the building they lived in. It was really about two different families with like an assortment of other characters thrown in. Family #1 contained this simi-newly married couple and the Girl came from no where and wanted so much to fit in to high society that she did what everyone considered really stupid things and then just talked behind her back. She tried to live up to the first wives reputation so much that it ended up screwing her horribly and then she realized that she shouldn't be trying to live up to the reputation and when she was just herself, everything was fine and dandy. Also, the first wife wasn't as great as everyone made her to be. Family #2 contained a women who had horrible depression and a husband who cheated on her and had a "second family" whom he hated anyway and tried to get rid of, the women at least, not the kid. And then between both of these family there were two gossips who just talked shit about everyone.
This book took some getting used to to get into the flow as there were so many characters and you had no idea how they connected at the beginning. But by the end, you kind of hated no one, which was kind of nice.
Grade: C
This book took some getting used to to get into the flow as there were so many characters and you had no idea how they connected at the beginning. But by the end, you kind of hated no one, which was kind of nice.
Grade: C
June 20, 2013
This was one of the worst books I've ever read! It was pointless, superficial and degrading. I honestly don't know what the point of this book was and I why I even bothered to finish this. I guess I was just hoping the ending would make things better- but far from.
None of the characters were likable not Melanie, Arthur or Cordelia who were supposed to be the only good people in the book. There was no soul or character to anybody making it impossible to connect to anyone.
I would give this book 0/5 stars if I could!
None of the characters were likable not Melanie, Arthur or Cordelia who were supposed to be the only good people in the book. There was no soul or character to anybody making it impossible to connect to anyone.
I would give this book 0/5 stars if I could!
November 30, 2020
This was a fun popcorn read. It was especially fun to read because of the fact that it was written in 2004 and a lot of the references are to the late 1990s. Yes, it reads like one huge advertisement, but most of these types of books do so it was expected.
I loved the twists at the end; some are well deserved and some, well, if not deserved then appropriate.
You may have trouble liking the 'heroine' but stick with it.
I recommend this book, especially if the price comes down!
I loved the twists at the end; some are well deserved and some, well, if not deserved then appropriate.
You may have trouble liking the 'heroine' but stick with it.
I recommend this book, especially if the price comes down!
June 25, 2013
Enjoyed & am finally donating as I need to cull bookshelves before moving.
May 8, 2022
Delightful read!
Lighthearted look at the lives of those living at the "right address" in NYC's Upper East Side. It was gratifying to see some really terrible, gossiping snobs and a few other odious characters finally have Karma
soil their reputations.
This was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Lighthearted look at the lives of those living at the "right address" in NYC's Upper East Side. It was gratifying to see some really terrible, gossiping snobs and a few other odious characters finally have Karma
soil their reputations.
This was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 31, 2018
An ultra-easy read, perfect for when my head is stuffed with my daily routine of work.
April 8, 2017
I enjoyed this book far more than I anticipated. I wasn't expecting to hate it, obviously, but I'd expected a lively bit of froth to pass an evening or two of reading, and was surprised when I actively began to care about the crass, impetuous, good-hearted Melanie. Her voyage of self-discovery isn't earth-shattering in its depths -- there aren't much in the way of depths in the shallow world she tries so hard to inhabit, anyway -- but it's true and compelling. I was rooting for her all the way.
A fun read, and yes, I'd recommend it.
A fun read, and yes, I'd recommend it.
June 20, 2019
Park Avenue houses the wealthy elite of New York City. Combining both inherited and earned incomes, the men and women of the 10021 zip code spend their days and nights with each other at various functions. The important thing is being seen, having your picture taken, and making sure you cut the other person down before they get you.
Melanie Korn is the new wife of 'coffin king' Arthur Korn. They met on an airplane where she was a flight attendant. Reeling from his divorce from society maven Diandra, Arthur was flattered by the attention. This led Arthur and Melanie to quickly fall in love and marry. Melanie finds it difficult to insinuate herself into New York society. Her loud, brash ways, coupled with an ostentatious sense of taste make her prime pickings for the gossip hounds. But other residents of Park Avenue have their own secrets to hide, and when some of these come to light, more than one member of the upper crust is ducking for cover.
This novel takes a scathing look at New York society in all its catty glory. From descriptions of the 'right' designers (always Valentino, never Prada) to the proper way to purchase jewelry (only from an estate sale), this is an insider's look at a lifestyle that few get to experience (and after reading this book, I'm not sure why anyone would want to!) Melanie's character is supposed to draw the reader's sympathy. And though after a while, I did start to like her, she's still too much a caricature of a nouveau riche type to endear herself to readers.
Though The Right Address has been compared to The Nanny Diaries, I found that it fell short in humor and in providing characters to care about. Partway through the book I started feeling sorry for these women who felt the need to continually backbite. Yet I did enjoy peeking into a world that I will never enter - which is most of the fun of The Right Address, and worth the time for that alone.
Melanie Korn is the new wife of 'coffin king' Arthur Korn. They met on an airplane where she was a flight attendant. Reeling from his divorce from society maven Diandra, Arthur was flattered by the attention. This led Arthur and Melanie to quickly fall in love and marry. Melanie finds it difficult to insinuate herself into New York society. Her loud, brash ways, coupled with an ostentatious sense of taste make her prime pickings for the gossip hounds. But other residents of Park Avenue have their own secrets to hide, and when some of these come to light, more than one member of the upper crust is ducking for cover.
This novel takes a scathing look at New York society in all its catty glory. From descriptions of the 'right' designers (always Valentino, never Prada) to the proper way to purchase jewelry (only from an estate sale), this is an insider's look at a lifestyle that few get to experience (and after reading this book, I'm not sure why anyone would want to!) Melanie's character is supposed to draw the reader's sympathy. And though after a while, I did start to like her, she's still too much a caricature of a nouveau riche type to endear herself to readers.
Though The Right Address has been compared to The Nanny Diaries, I found that it fell short in humor and in providing characters to care about. Partway through the book I started feeling sorry for these women who felt the need to continually backbite. Yet I did enjoy peeking into a world that I will never enter - which is most of the fun of The Right Address, and worth the time for that alone.
October 24, 2018
Ya gotta be in the right place to enjoy a book with this subject matter. Like when you’re getting away for a weekend! Typical story,but the quality of the writing was a pleasant surprise.
April 18, 2018
“The Right Address” by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman is chick lit set in my favourite city in the whole world, NYC. The book could also be alternatively titled, the rise, fall and ascent of Melanie Korn. Melanie Korn is a youngish, ex airline stewardess, social climbing, new moneyed, socialite-philanthropist second wife of funeral homes billionaire King, Arthur Korn, and is obsessed with his supposedly sophisticated and tasteful first wife Diandra. Melanie and Arthur live at 741 Park Avenue, the most coveted address in NYC. Melanie is however, kind hearted and her love for her husband is genuine. She tries and tries and tries to be the socialite Queen of NYC but is thwarted by old-money gossipy and malicious ladies who lunch. It doesn’t help that Melanie is surrounded and looked down by old money ice queens who we soon discover have fatal flaws in character, talent and intent. Meanwhile, Melanie discovers the socialite life is not all that it seems to be, and soon finds herself at peace. Her bete noires get their just desserts and the book ends on a happy note. This book was fluff but extremely entertaining. The characters were well developed (unlike the last Chick Lit book I read) and far easier to like and identify, even the flawed, bitchy society lunching matrons. As a person who shamelessly eavesdrops on people, especially in the various clubs I frequented earlier, I found this book hilarious and rib tickling because the entire premise was so believable and apt. High society dames are the same world over.
I will read anything by this intrepid duo and I just discovered on googling, Carrie Karasyov, is the screenwriter of the movie “the Intern” (which I liked).
I will read anything by this intrepid duo and I just discovered on googling, Carrie Karasyov, is the screenwriter of the movie “the Intern” (which I liked).
June 20, 2021
Loved it
October 8, 2012
It was a bit like listening to Gossip Girl the later years, once they've aged and toned down some, but are still shallow, petty, and obsessed with scandal. No one was manipulating them with next messages and gossip girl blasts, but they tear each other up with vicious whispers and "lost" invitations.
It's a very character driven book. Each chapter hops around and follows a different pair or family. With one notable exception, there's very little plot to the novel, it's more just listening to people's lives as they struggle through society. If there's one thing the novel teaches, it's that money doesn't buy happiness. Rich couples struggle to fit in despite giving money to the "right" charities, trying to sit on the "right" boards, and studying all of the trends. Others have settled in loveless marriages or trying to survive being an older divorced woman in a world of couples.
"You know who" refers not to Lord Voldermort, but the different people involved in the most memorable scandals. "You know who married the maid." "You know who was seen with an exotic floozie."
You might like this book if...
you like character driven novels about life events.
you like Gossip Girl, but think it's a little over the top.
You might not like this book if...
you prefer plot driven novels with fast paced chapters.
It didn't blow me away, but I liked it. Therefore, I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
-Eliabeth Hawthorne
It's a very character driven book. Each chapter hops around and follows a different pair or family. With one notable exception, there's very little plot to the novel, it's more just listening to people's lives as they struggle through society. If there's one thing the novel teaches, it's that money doesn't buy happiness. Rich couples struggle to fit in despite giving money to the "right" charities, trying to sit on the "right" boards, and studying all of the trends. Others have settled in loveless marriages or trying to survive being an older divorced woman in a world of couples.
"You know who" refers not to Lord Voldermort, but the different people involved in the most memorable scandals. "You know who married the maid." "You know who was seen with an exotic floozie."
You might like this book if...
you like character driven novels about life events.
you like Gossip Girl, but think it's a little over the top.
You might not like this book if...
you prefer plot driven novels with fast paced chapters.
It didn't blow me away, but I liked it. Therefore, I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
-Eliabeth Hawthorne
July 18, 2014
This is chick lit in it's most catty, upper crust form! I enjoyed reading it - a lot. I don't really know why, as it was so full of BS, and a life style that I would never want or could ever have. Maybe that, in itself, is why. If you enjoy name dropping on every high end flamboyant purchase possible from furniture and clothes to jewelry and motor vehicles, you will identify. Actually, I found this book to be a case of - What goes around, comes around. In the end, the worse of the bitches get theirs. And there is a method to the madness. And-madness abounds. It's also a case of nothing and no one are what they seem to be, and never judge a book by it's cover. Full of every societal trapping you can imagine-from Bentleys, and Cartier's, furs, luncheons in the top dollar restaurants where none of the stick thin women even eat their 500.00 plates of salmon, to affairs, cotillions, penthouse apartments, rich kids, doormen, mistresses, philanthropy and Botox. Fluffy, quick, engaging, and easy, I give it a strong 3.
May 10, 2015
This was a fun, guilty pleasure read. A lighthearted glimpse into the lives of a half dozen NYC socialites and the insecurities they grapple with while being members of their social scene. This was enjoyable to read during finals week; a good poolside book that you don't have to concentrate or invest too much effort into in order to enjoy.
September 20, 2015
Didn't realize till after I had started reading that this was cowritten by the same genius who is responsible for "Odd Mom Out" on Bravo. LOVE that show. And this book is just as good! Also set in Upper East Side New York, this is told mainly from perspective of a lady who married into the society. Its a crazy world, and entertaining to read
March 8, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It is one of "naughty" indulgences. It has the drama, everyone says they do not like, but secretly enjoy reading. The Right Address is hilarious and makes you wonder, is New York Society really like this?
August 7, 2012
Bitchy, trashy and fun.
March 31, 2020
Most of the characters were so awful. (But in a juicy over the top way) I like to read a story where there is at least one character i can root for. I thought it would be Melanie and Arthur. It eventually happened in the last part of the book. Overall, I am just hoping this was a funny take on what the upper "crust" is like in Manhattan and not true to life.
February 26, 2022
A fun read
This book is a quick, fun read about New York society. I would even go so far as calling it a satire of the wealthy 5th avenue residents. There is not much depth to the characters and the plot is pretty predictable. I would consider this a good airport or beach read; quick, funny, and predictable.
This book is a quick, fun read about New York society. I would even go so far as calling it a satire of the wealthy 5th avenue residents. There is not much depth to the characters and the plot is pretty predictable. I would consider this a good airport or beach read; quick, funny, and predictable.
August 10, 2022
At first I couldn''t stand this book and almost quit, but I
did carry on and was pleased with the development of the main character. Of course the whole thing was a bit of fluff and the resolutions of various situations rather simplistic, but rather satisfying nevertheless. Melanie did a good job of figuring out who she was and what she cared about.
did carry on and was pleased with the development of the main character. Of course the whole thing was a bit of fluff and the resolutions of various situations rather simplistic, but rather satisfying nevertheless. Melanie did a good job of figuring out who she was and what she cared about.
October 17, 2025
Not Jane Austen but Worth the Time
My guilty pleasure is reading about rich people behaving badly as long as there's no abuse, violence, gratuitous sex scenes etc. I also like the bad guys-or girls- to get their comeuppance. If you feel the same, pour yourself a cocktail or a cup of coffee and enjoy.
My guilty pleasure is reading about rich people behaving badly as long as there's no abuse, violence, gratuitous sex scenes etc. I also like the bad guys-or girls- to get their comeuppance. If you feel the same, pour yourself a cocktail or a cup of coffee and enjoy.
November 11, 2024
my favorite type of easy read- a gossipy, detailed tale of life on the upper east side that only felt appropriate given this weekend's adventures. had a few silly turns and made me laugh. a nice lighthearted departure from some of my recent books.
July 14, 2017
poorly written trash that i would have stopped reading if it took more than 20 minutes to read
October 5, 2017
It was okay. At times I was a little bored, but things picked up. Satisfying conclusion.
April 22, 2019
3.3 stars. This was a perfectly enjoyable, mindless beach read. Loved every minute.
October 28, 2020
Fun, easy read.
February 23, 2021
A little bit silly, but came out alright in the end
August 8, 2021
Je ne m'attendais à rien de ce type de livre, seulement une lecture frivole d'été. C'est probablement pourquoi j'ai été agréablement surprise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews