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Bright Young Things #2
Beautiful Days
For the bright young things of 1929, the beautiful days seem endless, filled with romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, friendship and rivalry. After a month in New York, Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are small-town girls no longer. They spend their afternoons with Astrid Donal at the Greys’ lush Long Island estate and their nights in Manhattan’s bustling metropolis. But Letty’s not content to be a mere socialite. She is ready at last to chase her Broadway dreams—no matter the cost. Cordelia is still reeling from the death of her father at the hands of Thom Hale, the man she thought she loved. Now she is set to honor Darius Grey’s legacy . . . and take her revenge. Promised to Cordelia’s half brother, Astrid is caught up in a world of dazzling jewels and glittering nights—and the sparkle is blinding. Charlie Grey is a gangster playing a dangerous game; and for Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty, the stakes could be deadly. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Luxe comes the second book in an epic series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age.
358 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
84 people are currently reading
5770 people want to read
About the author
Anna Godbersen
36 books3,192 followersAnna Godbersen was born in Berkeley, California, and educated at Barnard College. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
March 20, 2013
So far, this trilogy is turning out to be more of a whimper than a roar. Book 1 seemed to have much more oomph than book 2 did. I miss the scandal, the sneaking around, and the nightlife!
I was looking forward to more of this...
...and instead I sat around waiting for things to happen.
Now, don't get me wrong. Anna Godbersen can write the heck out of coming-of-age stories. I love how her passion for the style and feeling of an era shines through in every single thing she writes. But I was missing the heart-stopping drama and turmoil which normally leaves me reeling every time I put down a Godbersen book. It seemed like I was on an emotional roller-coaster while I made my way though her Luxe series. At the end of Bright Young Things, I was very curious to see what would come next. I can't say that I had the same intense feeling this time around. Granted, there were a couple of twists thrown in near the end of the read which had me thankful that the intrigue wasn't completely over, but I had been hoping for more.
Our three leading ladies still have miles to travel.
We have the budding starlet, the debutante, and the bootlegger's daughter. Each girl has her own dream, but who will get what she wants? As of right now, I have no clue. Basing this series on my previous experience with this author, I'm guessing maybe 1 or 2 of the girls will get a happy ending. It wouldn't surprise me if I ended up getting something completely different from what I want.
Max...frustrating Max...
It's the 1920's - the age of illegal booze, seedy clubs, and scandalous happenings. Max is the mysterious "flyboy" (pilot) and his character had so much potential. Unfortunately, it took forever to see any. For most of the book, he was just DULL. We finally got some intrigue near the very end, but I think the same "twist" was handled better with a relationship in the book Vixen.
I'd been hoping for him to be more like this...
...and instead got a stick-in-the-mud who didn't know how to have fun...
The boy was one step away from being in the Women's Temperance Movement. Although, his scene with Cordelia up in the air was my favorite scene of the book. I could almost picture being right there, flying with them.
There was something ruthless about the way that he brought them up and up; but it was almost unmistakably the way a person went about doing something they loved.
To the book's credit, there was an intense bit of something going on at the end but I thought it took too long for us to get some good action.
Maybe I've been spoiled with one too many seasons of Boardwalk Empire.
Even though I didn't enjoy Beautiful Days quite as much as the previous book, I was still happy to be back in Godbersen's world. I'm pretty sure that I'll have to pick up book 3 soon to see how everything turns out. And I'm sure I'll follow her on to whatever endeavors she decides to take on in the future.
April 8, 2012
I almost feel guilty putting this book on the 'historical fiction' shelf. It's hardly historical fiction, despite the fact that it's set in the 20s. The most historical things in it are the clothes, some slang and, of course, the Prohibition and bootlegging. Otherwise, it's watered-down Gossip Girl with era envy.
I didn't much enjoy the first book in the series, and read this one out of a weird sense of obligation. Whereas Bright Young Things was simply unimpressive, Beautiful Days was borderline offensive. Let's look at our heroines: three skinny white girls, one of them wealthy and the other two perfect examples of rags-to-riches wish fulfillment. Anyone in their world who's overweight is instantly mocked, and there's not a person of color to be seen until the last twenty pages. Everyone is perfectly straight, with the exception of Billie, who's a cardboard cutout of the lesbian stereotype. There is a scene between Billie and Astrid that turned my stomach - if you're wondering why that's offensive, look up why Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" is offensive. And there's the extremely unhealthy, abusive relationship between Astrid and Charlie that's glorified in the same way that the abusive relationship between Bella and Edward is glorified.
All this aside, the book was simply boring. Nothing happened until the last fifty pages, and the other two hundred pages were wasted on descriptions of clothing, the girls whining and repeated failures to communicate. If any of the girls would just say what they mean at any given time, so much of the conflict in the book wouldn't have happened - but, of course, in a successful story there must be conflict and instead of creating something clever Godbersen seemed to go the lazy way of lobotomizing her heroines. Essentially every single struggle stems from the girls' expectancy to have their mind read and their wishes preemptively fulfilled. Communication is key, darlings!
Well! I didn't expect to have that many feelings on the book. From the other dissatisfied reviews, it seems that I should give Godbersen's Luxe series a try. I really hope it fills the many gaps that Bright Young Things has left behind.
I didn't much enjoy the first book in the series, and read this one out of a weird sense of obligation. Whereas Bright Young Things was simply unimpressive, Beautiful Days was borderline offensive. Let's look at our heroines: three skinny white girls, one of them wealthy and the other two perfect examples of rags-to-riches wish fulfillment. Anyone in their world who's overweight is instantly mocked, and there's not a person of color to be seen until the last twenty pages. Everyone is perfectly straight, with the exception of Billie, who's a cardboard cutout of the lesbian stereotype. There is a scene between Billie and Astrid that turned my stomach - if you're wondering why that's offensive, look up why Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" is offensive. And there's the extremely unhealthy, abusive relationship between Astrid and Charlie that's glorified in the same way that the abusive relationship between Bella and Edward is glorified.
All this aside, the book was simply boring. Nothing happened until the last fifty pages, and the other two hundred pages were wasted on descriptions of clothing, the girls whining and repeated failures to communicate. If any of the girls would just say what they mean at any given time, so much of the conflict in the book wouldn't have happened - but, of course, in a successful story there must be conflict and instead of creating something clever Godbersen seemed to go the lazy way of lobotomizing her heroines. Essentially every single struggle stems from the girls' expectancy to have their mind read and their wishes preemptively fulfilled. Communication is key, darlings!
Well! I didn't expect to have that many feelings on the book. From the other dissatisfied reviews, it seems that I should give Godbersen's Luxe series a try. I really hope it fills the many gaps that Bright Young Things has left behind.
November 1, 2011
GrowingUpYA
Anna Godbersen is officially Queen of period novels and my book loving heart! That's all thanks to Beautiful Days, the second novel in the Bright Young Things series.
Now, I am usually a pretty fast reader, but I really enjoyed taking my time with this book. I completely immersed myself in the world of speakeasies, bootleggers and flappers. Side note: I may or may not have started addressing people with "Yes, darling."
Don't judge me. It's not my fault Godbersen does a fantastic job of taking readers to these far away places and making them feel like they're actually there. Not to mention the twists and turns throughout the book that will leave you thrilled, breathless, and anxious all at once.
It's interesting, after what seemed to be a never ending set of trials and tribulations, these girls managed to grow up right before my eyes, which I loved. By the end of the novel, I also came to the realization that I have a deep admiration for Cordelia Grey. Her flaws, bravery, and unapologetic nature make her my absolute favorite character in the series.
If it wasn't obvious, I absolutely ADORED this book! I can't wait to see what's next for these gorgeous ladies and the guys after their hearts in The Lucky Ones (2012).
Anna Godbersen is officially Queen of period novels and my book loving heart! That's all thanks to Beautiful Days, the second novel in the Bright Young Things series.
Now, I am usually a pretty fast reader, but I really enjoyed taking my time with this book. I completely immersed myself in the world of speakeasies, bootleggers and flappers. Side note: I may or may not have started addressing people with "Yes, darling."
Don't judge me. It's not my fault Godbersen does a fantastic job of taking readers to these far away places and making them feel like they're actually there. Not to mention the twists and turns throughout the book that will leave you thrilled, breathless, and anxious all at once.
It's interesting, after what seemed to be a never ending set of trials and tribulations, these girls managed to grow up right before my eyes, which I loved. By the end of the novel, I also came to the realization that I have a deep admiration for Cordelia Grey. Her flaws, bravery, and unapologetic nature make her my absolute favorite character in the series.
If it wasn't obvious, I absolutely ADORED this book! I can't wait to see what's next for these gorgeous ladies and the guys after their hearts in The Lucky Ones (2012).
Want to read
December 18, 2010Bring it on!!
...As soon as possible...
...As soon as possible...
August 14, 2013
Bullet Review:
This won't win awards for historical accuracy or award-winning writing, but it is a lot of damn fun to read about these girls and their ridiculous (at times) exploits.
For a fluffy, soap opera read, it excels. If you want something more accurate or nuanced, look elsewhere.
Full Review:
NOTE: I will do my absolute best to keep the spoilers out of this review.
Much has happened in the aftermath of the last book, but Cordelia Grey, Letty Larkspur, and Astrid Donal are the best of friends. They spend their days lazily sunning themselves and their nights out on the town.
But things quickly change. Charlie, Cordelia's half-brother, formally proposes to Astrid. Cordelia is going to start up a nightclub. And Letty - well, she feels kinda left out, the third wheel. She wants to be a singer, but hasn't really DONE anything to get there.
Is this the most intelligent series out there? No. Is this the most historically accurate? Heavens no. Is the writing ground-breaking? It's serviceable and quite pretty in areas (particularly when it backs to a third person omniscient of sorts to assess the surroundings and era), but it won't win awards for its prose.
Is this series fun and entertaining?
I would venture to say that this book is even stronger than its predecessor, Bright Young Things, if only because the characters, Cordelia, Letty, and Astrid, really get a chance to shine. The last time around, I really didn't have a favorite character; this time around, I'm starting to sort out my feelings towards these ladies and can give you a better idea of who my favorites are.
I really love how resourceful Cordelia is becoming. She is blossoming into a fine, resourceful young business owner. I really love some of the issues that Godbersen is exploring with Cordelia's love interest, Max, though I do wish that Cordelia would go back with Thom. I think it would be more interesting to have Cordelia playing footsie with her brother's competitor.
In a shocking move, I also like Astrid and her selfishness. If Astrid were around in modern times, she'd be the one in those reality TV shows acting high and mighty as if nothing could bug her - the one you saw EVERYWHERE you went. But even Astrid's character is pushed when it comes to her erstwhile romance with Charlie. It's obvious that they have a bad romance, a somewhat abusive relationship. A part of me cringes when she apologizes for leaving Charlie and not doing EXACTLY what he says - but then I realize that this is set in the 1920's and just because the character acts in a certain way, it doesn't mean it's right. And I most definitely don't get the impression that Godbersen is putting her stamp of approval on Astrid and Charlie's messed up relationship.
Of the major players, we are left with Letty. I should like her - she's quite and meek, a listener rather than someone to put her foot in her mouth (most unlike Anita Blake, one of my least favorite characters).
Letty drove me nuts. What an over-emotional, weak, simpering wimp! The girl has absolutely no backbone. She quivers at the drop of a hat. She bemoans about being a third wheel while not once trying to find a job and pursue her dreams. And the way she moons over Grady makes me want to chew on some leather. (I seriously hope that Letty gets another love interest.) That said, even Letty gets some serious character development in this book and while I don't like her as a character, I like where Godbersen is taking her.
As with "Bright Young Things", I liked the setting. Godbersen paints her surroundings with a mood, a feeling, a nostalgia for a time past. At times, I felt I was in a 1920's club, smoke masking the bustling crowd, jazz music filling the air, drinks clinking, flappers dancing the night away.
The writing is still a bit jarring. At times, it seems to be in a third person omniscient, but then it will zoom in on Cordelia - then bop into Astrid's head with no warning. There were a couple of sentences (oh, how I wish I could remember where they were!) that were badly worded, with poor grammar. And then Godbersen had this frustrating thing where she would skip days or weeks into the future with no warning and not let the reader know until halfway through the next chapter.
"Beautiful Days" won't be for everyone. If you are a history junkie, you probably won't care for it. It's not horribly scandalous - it's for a young adult audience after all (oh, how I wanted more scandal in this!!). But for what it is - a fluffy, soap opera read about three girls in the thick of the Roaring Twenties - it was great. I had a lot of fun reading it, and I can't wait to finish the series out with The Lucky Ones
This won't win awards for historical accuracy or award-winning writing, but it is a lot of damn fun to read about these girls and their ridiculous (at times) exploits.
For a fluffy, soap opera read, it excels. If you want something more accurate or nuanced, look elsewhere.
Full Review:
NOTE: I will do my absolute best to keep the spoilers out of this review.
Much has happened in the aftermath of the last book, but Cordelia Grey, Letty Larkspur, and Astrid Donal are the best of friends. They spend their days lazily sunning themselves and their nights out on the town.
But things quickly change. Charlie, Cordelia's half-brother, formally proposes to Astrid. Cordelia is going to start up a nightclub. And Letty - well, she feels kinda left out, the third wheel. She wants to be a singer, but hasn't really DONE anything to get there.
Is this the most intelligent series out there? No. Is this the most historically accurate? Heavens no. Is the writing ground-breaking? It's serviceable and quite pretty in areas (particularly when it backs to a third person omniscient of sorts to assess the surroundings and era), but it won't win awards for its prose.
Is this series fun and entertaining?
I would venture to say that this book is even stronger than its predecessor, Bright Young Things, if only because the characters, Cordelia, Letty, and Astrid, really get a chance to shine. The last time around, I really didn't have a favorite character; this time around, I'm starting to sort out my feelings towards these ladies and can give you a better idea of who my favorites are.
I really love how resourceful Cordelia is becoming. She is blossoming into a fine, resourceful young business owner. I really love some of the issues that Godbersen is exploring with Cordelia's love interest, Max, though I do wish that Cordelia would go back with Thom. I think it would be more interesting to have Cordelia playing footsie with her brother's competitor.
In a shocking move, I also like Astrid and her selfishness. If Astrid were around in modern times, she'd be the one in those reality TV shows acting high and mighty as if nothing could bug her - the one you saw EVERYWHERE you went. But even Astrid's character is pushed when it comes to her erstwhile romance with Charlie. It's obvious that they have a bad romance, a somewhat abusive relationship. A part of me cringes when she apologizes for leaving Charlie and not doing EXACTLY what he says - but then I realize that this is set in the 1920's and just because the character acts in a certain way, it doesn't mean it's right. And I most definitely don't get the impression that Godbersen is putting her stamp of approval on Astrid and Charlie's messed up relationship.
Of the major players, we are left with Letty. I should like her - she's quite and meek, a listener rather than someone to put her foot in her mouth (most unlike Anita Blake, one of my least favorite characters).
Letty drove me nuts. What an over-emotional, weak, simpering wimp! The girl has absolutely no backbone. She quivers at the drop of a hat. She bemoans about being a third wheel while not once trying to find a job and pursue her dreams. And the way she moons over Grady makes me want to chew on some leather. (I seriously hope that Letty gets another love interest.) That said, even Letty gets some serious character development in this book and while I don't like her as a character, I like where Godbersen is taking her.
As with "Bright Young Things", I liked the setting. Godbersen paints her surroundings with a mood, a feeling, a nostalgia for a time past. At times, I felt I was in a 1920's club, smoke masking the bustling crowd, jazz music filling the air, drinks clinking, flappers dancing the night away.
The writing is still a bit jarring. At times, it seems to be in a third person omniscient, but then it will zoom in on Cordelia - then bop into Astrid's head with no warning. There were a couple of sentences (oh, how I wish I could remember where they were!) that were badly worded, with poor grammar. And then Godbersen had this frustrating thing where she would skip days or weeks into the future with no warning and not let the reader know until halfway through the next chapter.
"Beautiful Days" won't be for everyone. If you are a history junkie, you probably won't care for it. It's not horribly scandalous - it's for a young adult audience after all (oh, how I wanted more scandal in this!!). But for what it is - a fluffy, soap opera read about three girls in the thick of the Roaring Twenties - it was great. I had a lot of fun reading it, and I can't wait to finish the series out with The Lucky Ones
September 9, 2012
Beautiful Days picks up where Bright Young Things left off. Cordelia assumes a larger role in Charlie's bootlegging schemes by taking the reins of the Grey family speakeasy, but that doesn't sit well with her sorta-beau Max, who disapproves of booze in general. Astrid tries to adjust to life as Charlie's fiancee, but their personalities clash to the point that she ends up in a dangerous situation with their dreaded rivals, the Hale family. Letty, meanwhile, is torn between Cordelia's promises & her instinct that the Greys' influence isn't enough to kickstart her career, regardless of whether she has the support of Fitzgerald-wannabe Grady Lodge.
I thought this book was better than #1. The characters are more developed & their relationships are entwined in ways that make it impossible to sever themselves completely, even if they want (or need) to separate. Those complications have extended beyond the central trio of Cordelia, Astrid, & Letty, now reaching out to snare Charlie, Max, & Billie (Astrid's step-sister) in the drama -- not to mention several minor characters. Watching Letty struggle with a souring childhood friendship is particularly interesting to yours truly, second only to Astrid & Charlie's volatile interaction. It really is a soap opera on paper. :D
At the close of the first book, I wondered why there was no straightforward antagonist (because everyone who read & enjoyed The Luxe was fascinated by that viper Penelope :P). But now I think I understand. The villain in this series isn't so much one particular person as the era itself. It's an era that doesn't pander to innocence or genteel moral codes. Truly, the Hale family has done some awful things...but so has Charlie's crew. The times have driven Cordelia to take a role in a dangerous business; the times have ruined Astrid's oddly romantic views of intimacy; the times have lured Letty to glittery stardom that plays rough with her sensibilities. Quite honestly, I'm not sure which characters will make it & which will be eaten alive -- but it won't be rainbows & bunnies for everyone.
That uncertainty is one reason why I love A.G.'s books. And if you're a fan of her style, you'll love this one too.
I thought this book was better than #1. The characters are more developed & their relationships are entwined in ways that make it impossible to sever themselves completely, even if they want (or need) to separate. Those complications have extended beyond the central trio of Cordelia, Astrid, & Letty, now reaching out to snare Charlie, Max, & Billie (Astrid's step-sister) in the drama -- not to mention several minor characters. Watching Letty struggle with a souring childhood friendship is particularly interesting to yours truly, second only to Astrid & Charlie's volatile interaction. It really is a soap opera on paper. :D
At the close of the first book, I wondered why there was no straightforward antagonist (because everyone who read & enjoyed The Luxe was fascinated by that viper Penelope :P). But now I think I understand. The villain in this series isn't so much one particular person as the era itself. It's an era that doesn't pander to innocence or genteel moral codes. Truly, the Hale family has done some awful things...but so has Charlie's crew. The times have driven Cordelia to take a role in a dangerous business; the times have ruined Astrid's oddly romantic views of intimacy; the times have lured Letty to glittery stardom that plays rough with her sensibilities. Quite honestly, I'm not sure which characters will make it & which will be eaten alive -- but it won't be rainbows & bunnies for everyone.
That uncertainty is one reason why I love A.G.'s books. And if you're a fan of her style, you'll love this one too.
September 30, 2015
Loved it, of course. I'm an unapologetic geek for both of Anna Godbersen's series.
December 22, 2019
I’m knocking off a star because Astrid started pissing me off. She made dumb decisions and acted like a brat in the last third. The other girls were maturing somewhat but she is so forgettable.
September 29, 2011
!!!WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS!!!
4.5/5
I'd be lying if I said I was utterly blown away by BEAUTIFUL DAYS. However, with that said, this eagerly awaited sequel really brought me back to the Jazz Era - along with the lives of Cordelia Grey, Astrid Donal and 'Letty Larkspur'. There's mystery, romance, intrigue, fun, tragedy and beautiful days and roaring nights among it all.
The girls are back! Cordelia (on cover this time) is dealing with her father's recent murder, and with the confusing circumstances surrounding that elusive and cold pilotman Max Darby. Astrid is about to be wed with Charlie Grey but yearns for the constant excitement that only a night out in the town can provide. And little miss Letty is going to go after her dreams of making it big - no matter what.
Once again, in this review I'd like to say that I have not read the THE LUXE series, so I can't draw any comparisons between the two series. If you're looking for a great summer read - this will be among the top of the list. BEAUTIFUL DAYS takes place during the LAST SUMMER of the Jazz Era, which can only mean one thing for the next instalment to the series. ;) I for one can't wait for the drastic changes!
Godbersen continues to utilise the third person multiple perspectives style that she has used in all her past novels. Anyone who has read any of Godbersen's novels will know exactly what to expect, writing-wise. What Godbersen continues to do well is switch between these girls with such ease that you're barely even aware of it. I love how she does go over the appearances of each scene and notable character, so that you're actually able to visualise every scene precisely how Godbersen has imagined it.
The girls are even more glamorous in this book. I rekindled my love for both Letty and Cordelia, but I just couldn't stand Astrid most of the time. She's pretty whiney and in her naivety gets into so many stupid situations. I don't even want to talk about her that much. I applaud Charlie for his patience, no matter how slight they were. He was going through so much crap throughout this book, what with his bootlegging business, that he didn't need his silly fiance to ruin things for him. Anyway, Letty really matures during the course of this book, and it shows. I think she's always been my favourite of the three, just because she has that unmasked sincerity and girlish charm to her that never goes away. Cordelia revels in her luxury, and although she does have a few hiccups here and there, she's self-assured and confident and a glittering picture of the Jazz Era.
There is so much romance/flirting in this book! Nothing that really swept me off my feet or had me swooning, mind you, but you can't review this book without mentioning the voluptuous amount of suitors for each girl. Okay, maybe it wasn't a whole hoard or anything, but still. The pairs that matter are Cordelia x Max, Letty x Grady (he's back!) and Astrid x Charlie. My favourite is definitely the first - I just soaked up the events that follow their relationship.
One thing that did bother me (other than Astrid) was the almost lack of direction in this installment. There isn't one really undercurrent storyline running throughout the book, more like a bundle of stories that are intertwined together. I guess it is hard for that to happen in this kind of era, but I don't know. Anyone else feel that way?
What I really love is that Charlie Grey takes on such a large role during this book, compared to BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS. I didn't like how he kept secrets from his fiance - which gave her even more the reason to oppose him and go do stupid things - but...I liked his character.
For fans of a delectable read, BEAUTIFUL DAYS picks up where BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS left off. This time, the summer is hotter, and the romances and betrayals even stronger. Godbersen hits the nail on the head with maintaining a solid storyline for each girl, and intertwining these stories to form a coherent plot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
QUOTES:
"My father has been dead barely a month." Her voice trembled a little, but her words fell with violent precision. "He wasn't a bad man, and he did all he could for himself and his family. He didn't begrudge other people their choices, and he left a life grander than the one he was born into. So you'll not say 'bootlegger' to me in that righteous tone again." She took another sip of the drink, and then thrust both the glass and the pitcher forward with sudden force, so that Max had no choice but to take them. Then, learning forward, holding his gaze, and almost hissing, she concluded: "Don't expect me to act like some ashamed nothing just because you talk so high and mighty. I know who I am."
(p. 51, Cordelia - kicking ass as always)
"I've eaten some bad meals in my time." He paused for effect, and more or less subdued the smile he'd been wearing since she'd begun to act carefree again. "This may possibly be the most inedible plate of food I have even been served in my long years of eating."
"You bastaard!" she hooted. "The worst? You're in trouble now, my friend--earlier I was going easy on you when it came to our little game, but now I shall show you no mercy."
"Ah, it's on then?" he replied with a wise smile.
"Indeed it is, mister." She sat up straight in her chair and focused on her hand.
(pp. 168-169, Astrid and Victor - Charlie's man ~ Astrid cooked dinner for Charlie, and burnt the roast and oversalted the potatoes in the process. In the end, Charlie had 'things to do' and so she was left with a babysitter. Victor. Astrid and Victor just had dinner and now they're playing gin rummy.)
"
Letty's feet were heavy and her chest felt like one big days-old bruise that keeps getting kicked. She wished ... Gracy had any girl but Peachy at his side. For the sight of her long legs had always made Letty seem short, as her rich dress made Letty feel poor, and the length of her neck and the way she carried her head perched on top of it could reduce Letty to nothing. The bruised sensation spread outward from her heart to the pit of her stomach and up to her temples, and she began to take in the full scope of her loss.
(p. 295, Letty on Grady)
"
In a black dress, with her face framed by a gold headress, Letty was a vision of a much more experienced performer. Her eyes danced across the audience and she raised her arms, slow and sure, as her voice swelled. Cordelia thought of her when they first became friends, when they were still girls and Letty blushed when anyone said even the most casual thing to her. It was incredible that this was the same girl. If Cordelia had told any of the men along the bar watching Letty, rapt, that she was just seventeen and had only arrived from Ohio in May, she knew they would have fallen off their stools in surprise.
(p. 313, Cordelia on Letty as she performs)
Sorry for the long quotes. Godbersen writes really long passages and they're only effective when they are quoted in their entirety.
THANKS TO PENGUIN AUSTRALIA FOR THE REVIEW COPY.
4.5/5
I'd be lying if I said I was utterly blown away by BEAUTIFUL DAYS. However, with that said, this eagerly awaited sequel really brought me back to the Jazz Era - along with the lives of Cordelia Grey, Astrid Donal and 'Letty Larkspur'. There's mystery, romance, intrigue, fun, tragedy and beautiful days and roaring nights among it all.
The girls are back! Cordelia (on cover this time) is dealing with her father's recent murder, and with the confusing circumstances surrounding that elusive and cold pilotman Max Darby. Astrid is about to be wed with Charlie Grey but yearns for the constant excitement that only a night out in the town can provide. And little miss Letty is going to go after her dreams of making it big - no matter what.
Once again, in this review I'd like to say that I have not read the THE LUXE series, so I can't draw any comparisons between the two series. If you're looking for a great summer read - this will be among the top of the list. BEAUTIFUL DAYS takes place during the LAST SUMMER of the Jazz Era, which can only mean one thing for the next instalment to the series. ;) I for one can't wait for the drastic changes!
Godbersen continues to utilise the third person multiple perspectives style that she has used in all her past novels. Anyone who has read any of Godbersen's novels will know exactly what to expect, writing-wise. What Godbersen continues to do well is switch between these girls with such ease that you're barely even aware of it. I love how she does go over the appearances of each scene and notable character, so that you're actually able to visualise every scene precisely how Godbersen has imagined it.
The girls are even more glamorous in this book. I rekindled my love for both Letty and Cordelia, but I just couldn't stand Astrid most of the time. She's pretty whiney and in her naivety gets into so many stupid situations. I don't even want to talk about her that much. I applaud Charlie for his patience, no matter how slight they were. He was going through so much crap throughout this book, what with his bootlegging business, that he didn't need his silly fiance to ruin things for him. Anyway, Letty really matures during the course of this book, and it shows. I think she's always been my favourite of the three, just because she has that unmasked sincerity and girlish charm to her that never goes away. Cordelia revels in her luxury, and although she does have a few hiccups here and there, she's self-assured and confident and a glittering picture of the Jazz Era.
There is so much romance/flirting in this book! Nothing that really swept me off my feet or had me swooning, mind you, but you can't review this book without mentioning the voluptuous amount of suitors for each girl. Okay, maybe it wasn't a whole hoard or anything, but still. The pairs that matter are Cordelia x Max, Letty x Grady (he's back!) and Astrid x Charlie. My favourite is definitely the first - I just soaked up the events that follow their relationship.
One thing that did bother me (other than Astrid) was the almost lack of direction in this installment. There isn't one really undercurrent storyline running throughout the book, more like a bundle of stories that are intertwined together. I guess it is hard for that to happen in this kind of era, but I don't know. Anyone else feel that way?
What I really love is that Charlie Grey takes on such a large role during this book, compared to BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS. I didn't like how he kept secrets from his fiance - which gave her even more the reason to oppose him and go do stupid things - but...I liked his character.
For fans of a delectable read, BEAUTIFUL DAYS picks up where BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS left off. This time, the summer is hotter, and the romances and betrayals even stronger. Godbersen hits the nail on the head with maintaining a solid storyline for each girl, and intertwining these stories to form a coherent plot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
QUOTES:
"My father has been dead barely a month." Her voice trembled a little, but her words fell with violent precision. "He wasn't a bad man, and he did all he could for himself and his family. He didn't begrudge other people their choices, and he left a life grander than the one he was born into. So you'll not say 'bootlegger' to me in that righteous tone again." She took another sip of the drink, and then thrust both the glass and the pitcher forward with sudden force, so that Max had no choice but to take them. Then, learning forward, holding his gaze, and almost hissing, she concluded: "Don't expect me to act like some ashamed nothing just because you talk so high and mighty. I know who I am."
(p. 51, Cordelia - kicking ass as always)
"I've eaten some bad meals in my time." He paused for effect, and more or less subdued the smile he'd been wearing since she'd begun to act carefree again. "This may possibly be the most inedible plate of food I have even been served in my long years of eating."
"You bastaard!" she hooted. "The worst? You're in trouble now, my friend--earlier I was going easy on you when it came to our little game, but now I shall show you no mercy."
"Ah, it's on then?" he replied with a wise smile.
"Indeed it is, mister." She sat up straight in her chair and focused on her hand.
(pp. 168-169, Astrid and Victor - Charlie's man ~ Astrid cooked dinner for Charlie, and burnt the roast and oversalted the potatoes in the process. In the end, Charlie had 'things to do' and so she was left with a babysitter. Victor. Astrid and Victor just had dinner and now they're playing gin rummy.)
"
Letty's feet were heavy and her chest felt like one big days-old bruise that keeps getting kicked. She wished ... Gracy had any girl but Peachy at his side. For the sight of her long legs had always made Letty seem short, as her rich dress made Letty feel poor, and the length of her neck and the way she carried her head perched on top of it could reduce Letty to nothing. The bruised sensation spread outward from her heart to the pit of her stomach and up to her temples, and she began to take in the full scope of her loss.
(p. 295, Letty on Grady)
"
In a black dress, with her face framed by a gold headress, Letty was a vision of a much more experienced performer. Her eyes danced across the audience and she raised her arms, slow and sure, as her voice swelled. Cordelia thought of her when they first became friends, when they were still girls and Letty blushed when anyone said even the most casual thing to her. It was incredible that this was the same girl. If Cordelia had told any of the men along the bar watching Letty, rapt, that she was just seventeen and had only arrived from Ohio in May, she knew they would have fallen off their stools in surprise.
(p. 313, Cordelia on Letty as she performs)
Sorry for the long quotes. Godbersen writes really long passages and they're only effective when they are quoted in their entirety.
THANKS TO PENGUIN AUSTRALIA FOR THE REVIEW COPY.
April 7, 2022
Good. That’s about it. I wasn’t obsessed with it like I was the first one, but it was still a wonderful read. Definitely found myself in a reading slump but that had to do with the story and my ability to not sleep.
September 28, 2011
First off, I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. However, that will not affect my review.
Although I haven't read the first book yet (I will buy it asap) I really, really liked this book.
I loved how Anna Godbersen told the story from three people's point of view, and that they each had their story line, like a story within a story. Although this was confusing in the beginning, I think it worked perfectly in the long run.
It was glamarous, eloquent, and had an amazing story line. It had a perfect story line, and perfect writing. I loved it.
Although I haven't read the first book yet (I will buy it asap) I really, really liked this book.
I loved how Anna Godbersen told the story from three people's point of view, and that they each had their story line, like a story within a story. Although this was confusing in the beginning, I think it worked perfectly in the long run.
It was glamarous, eloquent, and had an amazing story line. It had a perfect story line, and perfect writing. I loved it.
November 8, 2019
My main issue with this series is it lacks drama. I would love for the over the top dramatics of shows like pretty little liars or Riverdale.
Nevertheless I do like this series enough to buy the next book to see how it ends.
I just wish the characters had more depth and underwent some sort of character development. Except from Lettys confidence growing, there seems to be nothing different from the start of book 1 to the end of this sequel. Astrid comes across as very spoilt at times (although I don't dislike her) so itd be nice to see her grow and become more humble.
Nevertheless I do like this series enough to buy the next book to see how it ends.
I just wish the characters had more depth and underwent some sort of character development. Except from Lettys confidence growing, there seems to be nothing different from the start of book 1 to the end of this sequel. Astrid comes across as very spoilt at times (although I don't dislike her) so itd be nice to see her grow and become more humble.
September 4, 2011
And how!
The year is 1929 and small-time Ohio girls, Letty and Cordelia, have turned into society darlings and found their place in the Big Apple. But the girls want more, not content to spend their days lounging by the pool and their nights filled with hot music and lovely men.
Letty intends to pursue her Broadway dream, and she’ll do just about anything to see her name up in lights.
Cordelia has already lost so much that she won’t turn down the opportunity of a lifetime – running her very own speakeasy.
Meanwhile, socialite-born Astrid Donal has always been discontent with her life of luxury. When a different class of man catches her eye, she’ll find herself playing a dangerous game.
‘Beautiful Days’ is the second book in Anna Godbersen’s 1920’s historical YA series, ‘Bright Young Things’.
Baby grand
I loved the first book in Godbersen’s series, ‘Bright Young Things’. So I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of her second book in the mail. . . and I was over-the-moon to read that this second instalment is more glitzy gorgeousness! But where ‘Bright Young Things’ was all about introducing the girls to the wonders of New York, ‘Beautiful Days’ has an underlying thread of sin and decaying decadence that makes this second novel even better.
‘Beautiful Days’ is still set in 1929, but it’s a book at the brink of the Jazz Age. Prohibition is enforced in the States which is the national ban on the sale, manufacturing and distribution of alcohol. The government tried to curtail the dangerous medical, political, economic and social ramifications of drinking by banning it completely. Medical discoveries were warning people to the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, the US government wanted to curtail money flow from Germany (where most beer was imported from) and American families were seen to be hurting from the ramifications of alcohol abuse.
The novel picks up from where ‘BYT’ left off. Cordelia is nursing heartbreak, and intent on becoming career-focused. So when she is given the opportunity to run her very own speakeasy, she jumps at the daunting task. A speakeasy was an establishment that illegally distributed alcohol during the time of prohibition – a dangerous undertaking when Federal Prohibition agents were dedicated to the task of eliminating bootleggers. And double dangerous when the entire bootlegging economy was owned and operated by gangsters – such as Al Capone.
Meanwhile, Astrid is becoming equally embroiled in the sinister Manhattan underbelly of gangsters when she enters into a relationship with Cordelia’s half-brother, Charlie.
I loved how the three girl’s lives have becoming infinitely more complicated since they stepped out in ‘BYT’. Their destinies are becoming irrevocably entwined in the Jazz Age history, and I can’t wait to see where their dangerous decisions take them. . .
My one small complaint was that, when compared to Cordelia and Astrid’s interesting lives, Letty comes across with the less-thrilling storyline. She’s living the up’s and down’s of a struggling Broadway star – and while she has the most relatable storyline (complete with pitfalls in love), as a history-buff I found myself more invested in Cordelia and Astrid’s stories.
Hoary-eyed
One thing I love about the ‘Bright Young Things’ series is Godbersen’s incredible hark-back storytelling. Manhattan in 1929 is living a glamorous, jazzed life of decadent partying and dangerous double-dealing. But right around the corner is the stock market crash and Great Depression that will see American’s live the next decade in an abysmal antithesis to the current Jazz Age decadence.
Godbersen does a fabulous job at foreboding the Depression. It’s in the little thing like setting and metaphor that Godbersen lets the creep of disaster set into the partying lifestyles of her protagonist’s . . . the perfect example is when Cordelia visits the future setting of her speakeasy; a run-down old bank. How brilliant and foretelling that the scene of her raucous bootlegging business will be the husk of an abandoned bank – a most sinister and telling glimpse of the future to come at the end of the Jazz Age.
Their destination was in the middle of a block in the West Fifties, the floors of which were mosaic swirls of turquoise and gold, far below an arching ceiling that had once been covered with murals of cherub and clouds. That the paint on the ceiling had begun to chip and fall away and expose the stone and plaster beneath only added to the mystery and beauty of the vast room. Either wall was flanked with windows covered by iron grates that opened onto other darkened rooms, and at the end were elaborate double copper doors.
“What was this?” Cordelia gasped.
“A bank, of course.” Charlie’s footsteps echoed as he moved across the floor.
Choice bit of Calico
Anna Godbersen’s ‘Bright Young Things’ young adult historical series is Gatsby meets Gossip Girl and utterly brilliant. Having devoured the new HBO ‘Boardwalk Empire’ TV show, this series holds even more fascination for me. It’s especially interesting as Godbersen gears her series up for the end of the Jazz Age – there’s a feeling throughout ‘Beautiful Days’ of foreboding and imminent disaster. I wonder what will happen when the champagne stops flowing, the gangsters lose their bluster and these three girls find themselves in the aftermath of gluttony? I can’t wait!
The year is 1929 and small-time Ohio girls, Letty and Cordelia, have turned into society darlings and found their place in the Big Apple. But the girls want more, not content to spend their days lounging by the pool and their nights filled with hot music and lovely men.
Letty intends to pursue her Broadway dream, and she’ll do just about anything to see her name up in lights.
Cordelia has already lost so much that she won’t turn down the opportunity of a lifetime – running her very own speakeasy.
Meanwhile, socialite-born Astrid Donal has always been discontent with her life of luxury. When a different class of man catches her eye, she’ll find herself playing a dangerous game.
‘Beautiful Days’ is the second book in Anna Godbersen’s 1920’s historical YA series, ‘Bright Young Things’.
Baby grand
I loved the first book in Godbersen’s series, ‘Bright Young Things’. So I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of her second book in the mail. . . and I was over-the-moon to read that this second instalment is more glitzy gorgeousness! But where ‘Bright Young Things’ was all about introducing the girls to the wonders of New York, ‘Beautiful Days’ has an underlying thread of sin and decaying decadence that makes this second novel even better.
‘Beautiful Days’ is still set in 1929, but it’s a book at the brink of the Jazz Age. Prohibition is enforced in the States which is the national ban on the sale, manufacturing and distribution of alcohol. The government tried to curtail the dangerous medical, political, economic and social ramifications of drinking by banning it completely. Medical discoveries were warning people to the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, the US government wanted to curtail money flow from Germany (where most beer was imported from) and American families were seen to be hurting from the ramifications of alcohol abuse.
The novel picks up from where ‘BYT’ left off. Cordelia is nursing heartbreak, and intent on becoming career-focused. So when she is given the opportunity to run her very own speakeasy, she jumps at the daunting task. A speakeasy was an establishment that illegally distributed alcohol during the time of prohibition – a dangerous undertaking when Federal Prohibition agents were dedicated to the task of eliminating bootleggers. And double dangerous when the entire bootlegging economy was owned and operated by gangsters – such as Al Capone.
Meanwhile, Astrid is becoming equally embroiled in the sinister Manhattan underbelly of gangsters when she enters into a relationship with Cordelia’s half-brother, Charlie.
I loved how the three girl’s lives have becoming infinitely more complicated since they stepped out in ‘BYT’. Their destinies are becoming irrevocably entwined in the Jazz Age history, and I can’t wait to see where their dangerous decisions take them. . .
My one small complaint was that, when compared to Cordelia and Astrid’s interesting lives, Letty comes across with the less-thrilling storyline. She’s living the up’s and down’s of a struggling Broadway star – and while she has the most relatable storyline (complete with pitfalls in love), as a history-buff I found myself more invested in Cordelia and Astrid’s stories.
Hoary-eyed
One thing I love about the ‘Bright Young Things’ series is Godbersen’s incredible hark-back storytelling. Manhattan in 1929 is living a glamorous, jazzed life of decadent partying and dangerous double-dealing. But right around the corner is the stock market crash and Great Depression that will see American’s live the next decade in an abysmal antithesis to the current Jazz Age decadence.
Godbersen does a fabulous job at foreboding the Depression. It’s in the little thing like setting and metaphor that Godbersen lets the creep of disaster set into the partying lifestyles of her protagonist’s . . . the perfect example is when Cordelia visits the future setting of her speakeasy; a run-down old bank. How brilliant and foretelling that the scene of her raucous bootlegging business will be the husk of an abandoned bank – a most sinister and telling glimpse of the future to come at the end of the Jazz Age.
Their destination was in the middle of a block in the West Fifties, the floors of which were mosaic swirls of turquoise and gold, far below an arching ceiling that had once been covered with murals of cherub and clouds. That the paint on the ceiling had begun to chip and fall away and expose the stone and plaster beneath only added to the mystery and beauty of the vast room. Either wall was flanked with windows covered by iron grates that opened onto other darkened rooms, and at the end were elaborate double copper doors.
“What was this?” Cordelia gasped.
“A bank, of course.” Charlie’s footsteps echoed as he moved across the floor.
Choice bit of Calico
Anna Godbersen’s ‘Bright Young Things’ young adult historical series is Gatsby meets Gossip Girl and utterly brilliant. Having devoured the new HBO ‘Boardwalk Empire’ TV show, this series holds even more fascination for me. It’s especially interesting as Godbersen gears her series up for the end of the Jazz Age – there’s a feeling throughout ‘Beautiful Days’ of foreboding and imminent disaster. I wonder what will happen when the champagne stops flowing, the gangsters lose their bluster and these three girls find themselves in the aftermath of gluttony? I can’t wait!
March 24, 2020
I fully admit this is an inflated rating, and I'm not sorry. Beautiful Days totally delivered as keep-my-mind-off-pandemics bubble gum. Set in 1929 in New York, this has oodles of Gatsby-esque glamour, glitz, and energy and is incredibly easy reading. Basically a shiny bauble of a book, pretty and distracting. What the hell, recommended.
January 6, 2021
This series would be way better if Godberson’s three main characters weren’t so predictable! All three girls follow their whims and never listen to advice, which is literally the only way plot develops. Bad things happen whenever anyone, and I mean anyone, tells the girls to not do something. I don’t know why I read this book. I also don’t know why I’m probably going to start the next one.
December 8, 2017
REVIEW WILL BE ON MY BLOG. ILL POST THE LINK BELOW.
KEEP AN EYE OUT
http://glamiturewithalexx.blogspot.co...
KEEP AN EYE OUT
http://glamiturewithalexx.blogspot.co...
March 20, 2021
Nothing exciting really happened here, but it was still an enjoyable read.
Let's just appreciate how far Letty Larkspur has come on her own.
Let's just appreciate how far Letty Larkspur has come on her own.
April 9, 2020
Frothy, light, and consistent with the spirit and tone of its prequel
Read
May 16, 2022DNF. Super boring. I got about halfway through, and I feel like nothing happened. I really liked the first book, so this one was disappointing.
January 30, 2015
Well, this series certainly isn't winning any literary genius awards, I'll just preface my review with that. The whole premise is that it's the reflection (of some yet unknown first person narrator from the prologue of the first book) on three "remarkable" "flappers" (yes, both in separate scare quotes) in the summer of 1929. At least, I think it's only over the summer, and I'm rather disappointed, since things really get good and bleak in October of that year, as we all know. Astrid Donal is a socialite, engaged to the bootlegging/gangster heir (now operator) Charlie Gray. Charlie's long-lost sister Cordelia grew up in Ohio but now helps run the bootlegging empire. Cordelia came to New York with her friend Letty, who is convinced she's a star.
God that's annoying.
As I said in my review of the first book, the prologue touts the byline that by the end of the series, one girl will be married, another famous, another dead. I still hope Letty dies. She annoys the dickens out of me. For example, she keeps telling people she's a grand star, but two thirds of the way into the [i]second[/i] book of the trilogy, she hasn't gone on one single audition. Cordelia finally tells her she can sing at the nightclub she and Charlie are opening, and her entire life revolves around that. Then when Cordelia says they need a more famous name for opening weekend, Letty completely falls apart and has the biggest, most melodramatic self-pitying shiiiieetfest that you can ever imagine.
Is the club closing after opening weekend for good?? No. Will they still need a singer for weekends other than opening night???? Probably. I really did not understand how not singing [i]just for the opening of a club[/i] ruins your life and all your dreams about being a singer. Honestly.
Now to the male love interests of the story, since a major part of the story is the romance aspect. Charlie and Astrid continue to confuse the poop out of me, blowing hot and cold extremely rapidly. Astrid makes negative sense if possible, and she must have some death wish, because she obviously doesn't understand the severity of the bootlegging business her fiance is in. (Charlie's business is considerably more ruthless and "gangster-ish" than Darius' was in the last book, when the business seemed pretty sophisticated.) Besides that, their relationship is borderline abusive, my goodness. Who would put up with that???
Letty continues to ignore Grady at every possible turn (because she's so consumed and distraught and convinced over her impending ~~~stardom~~~, and he finally ditches her sorry butt. Thank ya Jesus. He's probably too good for that delusional idiot.
Cordelia's new love interest, as we predicted from the end of last book, is the trick flyboy Max Darby. I say "romance" but I'm not sure if it's the right word most of the time, as Max is beyond distant and understated, as a rule. I actually sort of like how he doesn't pull any crap or flattery or fancy words on Cordelia like so many other people do. He breaks the "type" you'd come to expect in this book, especially from something daring and exotic like a flyboy, and since the book caters to cliche and expectation most of the time, I like him for it. However, I don't see how he and Cordelia could ever end up together realistically at the end. He condemns almost everything she is and does, and seems to enjoy. The twist about Max's family at the end was really welcome, and i hope that its pursued more in the next book. This time period was not without its prejudice and injustice, and so far we've seen none of that.
Overall, I think this book exceeded the first. It moved faster, and the characters (barring stupid Letty) got more interesting. I like the direction Charlie's gangster activity is taking, and how Cordelia really ends up embodying a feminist spirit, unlike Astrid and stupid Letty, who just want to sparkle and be pretty.
God that's annoying.
As I said in my review of the first book, the prologue touts the byline that by the end of the series, one girl will be married, another famous, another dead. I still hope Letty dies. She annoys the dickens out of me. For example, she keeps telling people she's a grand star, but two thirds of the way into the [i]second[/i] book of the trilogy, she hasn't gone on one single audition. Cordelia finally tells her she can sing at the nightclub she and Charlie are opening, and her entire life revolves around that. Then when Cordelia says they need a more famous name for opening weekend, Letty completely falls apart and has the biggest, most melodramatic self-pitying shiiiieetfest that you can ever imagine.
Is the club closing after opening weekend for good?? No. Will they still need a singer for weekends other than opening night???? Probably. I really did not understand how not singing [i]just for the opening of a club[/i] ruins your life and all your dreams about being a singer. Honestly.
Now to the male love interests of the story, since a major part of the story is the romance aspect. Charlie and Astrid continue to confuse the poop out of me, blowing hot and cold extremely rapidly. Astrid makes negative sense if possible, and she must have some death wish, because she obviously doesn't understand the severity of the bootlegging business her fiance is in. (Charlie's business is considerably more ruthless and "gangster-ish" than Darius' was in the last book, when the business seemed pretty sophisticated.) Besides that, their relationship is borderline abusive, my goodness. Who would put up with that???
Letty continues to ignore Grady at every possible turn (because she's so consumed and distraught and convinced over her impending ~~~stardom~~~, and he finally ditches her sorry butt. Thank ya Jesus. He's probably too good for that delusional idiot.
Cordelia's new love interest, as we predicted from the end of last book, is the trick flyboy Max Darby. I say "romance" but I'm not sure if it's the right word most of the time, as Max is beyond distant and understated, as a rule. I actually sort of like how he doesn't pull any crap or flattery or fancy words on Cordelia like so many other people do. He breaks the "type" you'd come to expect in this book, especially from something daring and exotic like a flyboy, and since the book caters to cliche and expectation most of the time, I like him for it. However, I don't see how he and Cordelia could ever end up together realistically at the end. He condemns almost everything she is and does, and seems to enjoy. The twist about Max's family at the end was really welcome, and i hope that its pursued more in the next book. This time period was not without its prejudice and injustice, and so far we've seen none of that.
Overall, I think this book exceeded the first. It moved faster, and the characters (barring stupid Letty) got more interesting. I like the direction Charlie's gangster activity is taking, and how Cordelia really ends up embodying a feminist spirit, unlike Astrid and stupid Letty, who just want to sparkle and be pretty.
February 27, 2017
This series is entertaining as light reading, but it just felt like fluff. Gossipy, fluffy girls.
Astrid gets engaged to Charlie, and then ends up breaking up with him after he gets mad at her for not obeying his order to stay home one night. Problems between Charlie and the Hale family heat up with the destruction of a warehouse, attack on a night club, and then Astrid getting kidnapped.
Cordelia is put in charge of a new night club that Charlie is opening. She has an interest in Max Derby, the pilot, but he despises drinking and dancing and most of what the popular set gets up to for fun, his father having come back from the Great War a violent drunk.
Letty still dreams of being a singer and Cordelia promises to let her sing opening night - only to then tell her someone else will sing instead. Letty ends up going to an audition and getting a chorus role. She enjoys performing, and goes to Cordelia's show after her show. There, she ends up taking the stage after the scheduled singer gets drunk. Her debut is to great accolades, with a heartthrob actor deciding to take her under his wing in mentoring her, along with his wife.
Charlie and Astrid get married, Cordelia meets Max’s mother. Etc.
Astrid gets engaged to Charlie, and then ends up breaking up with him after he gets mad at her for not obeying his order to stay home one night. Problems between Charlie and the Hale family heat up with the destruction of a warehouse, attack on a night club, and then Astrid getting kidnapped.
Cordelia is put in charge of a new night club that Charlie is opening. She has an interest in Max Derby, the pilot, but he despises drinking and dancing and most of what the popular set gets up to for fun, his father having come back from the Great War a violent drunk.
Letty still dreams of being a singer and Cordelia promises to let her sing opening night - only to then tell her someone else will sing instead. Letty ends up going to an audition and getting a chorus role. She enjoys performing, and goes to Cordelia's show after her show. There, she ends up taking the stage after the scheduled singer gets drunk. Her debut is to great accolades, with a heartthrob actor deciding to take her under his wing in mentoring her, along with his wife.
Charlie and Astrid get married, Cordelia meets Max’s mother. Etc.
August 21, 2011
This is the second book in the Bright Young Things series by Anna Godbersen which is set in the jazz age of the 1920s. This is a decade which I love! Flappers, bootleggers, fringed dresses and jazz music all feature to help set the scene for this particular period in time and Godbersen's wonderful prose and gorgeous descriptions combine to transport the reader back to 1929.
The roaring twenties are often seen as a glamorous decade with gorgeous fashions, decadence in abundance and where decisions are no more important than where to be seen and what to wear. However, one of the things I love about this series is that although we are shown the glamour, wealth and privilege of many of the families in the book, the emptiness and shallowness of the lives that characters such as Astrid in particular are living is also depicted. This is particularly echoed by Letty who has spent an idle and empty summer with Cordelia. Gradually she begins to realise that she has begun to let her dreams slip away and that if she truly wants to become a star then she must create her own luck and work her way up to the top.
Although Cordelia was my favourite character in the first novel, I really warmed to Letty in 'Beautiful Days'. Her story is full of ups and downs as she tries to fulfil her dreams to star on Broadway. She also has the chance at a real romance but even with this things don't go smoothy for her. I found that I could identify with her the most out of the three girls and I enjoyed seeing her personality develop further and see her struggle to become something and make a name for herself.
All three of the main characters have numerous romantic entanglements. I must admit that I've always found something slightly sinister about the relationship between Astrid and Cordelia's half-brother Charlie. Their relationship has progressed a step further by the end of the book but I feel like there's a continual threat of something going terribly wrong between them. Their romance is incredibly tempestuous so it will be interesting to see whether they're still together by the end of the series. Cordelia is still recovering from her betrayal in the first book so she starts to put business first and pleasure second although she too forms a romantic attachment in the form of a handsome pilot.
One of the things I love about this series is that it may be set in the past, during a period of history which I find absolutely fascinating, but all the girls are dealing with situations which are still relevant today. They get their hearts broken and their dreams dashed just like modern girls. Anna Godbersen is currently working on the next book in the series and I can't wait to see what's going to happen to all the characters next.
The roaring twenties are often seen as a glamorous decade with gorgeous fashions, decadence in abundance and where decisions are no more important than where to be seen and what to wear. However, one of the things I love about this series is that although we are shown the glamour, wealth and privilege of many of the families in the book, the emptiness and shallowness of the lives that characters such as Astrid in particular are living is also depicted. This is particularly echoed by Letty who has spent an idle and empty summer with Cordelia. Gradually she begins to realise that she has begun to let her dreams slip away and that if she truly wants to become a star then she must create her own luck and work her way up to the top.
Although Cordelia was my favourite character in the first novel, I really warmed to Letty in 'Beautiful Days'. Her story is full of ups and downs as she tries to fulfil her dreams to star on Broadway. She also has the chance at a real romance but even with this things don't go smoothy for her. I found that I could identify with her the most out of the three girls and I enjoyed seeing her personality develop further and see her struggle to become something and make a name for herself.
All three of the main characters have numerous romantic entanglements. I must admit that I've always found something slightly sinister about the relationship between Astrid and Cordelia's half-brother Charlie. Their relationship has progressed a step further by the end of the book but I feel like there's a continual threat of something going terribly wrong between them. Their romance is incredibly tempestuous so it will be interesting to see whether they're still together by the end of the series. Cordelia is still recovering from her betrayal in the first book so she starts to put business first and pleasure second although she too forms a romantic attachment in the form of a handsome pilot.
One of the things I love about this series is that it may be set in the past, during a period of history which I find absolutely fascinating, but all the girls are dealing with situations which are still relevant today. They get their hearts broken and their dreams dashed just like modern girls. Anna Godbersen is currently working on the next book in the series and I can't wait to see what's going to happen to all the characters next.
April 16, 2012
Anna Godbersen is an incredible writer! Seriously, she has an incredible gift of making everything in her books so visceral, so real, so visual that I'm always stunned at how I feel like I'm actually in the scene. And each page just drips with historical accuracy, almost like you're reading a super interesting text book.
But the best part of Godbersen's books are the characters, for sure! I love how she can weave so many different storylines into one incredible plot that will have your heart racing at the end of each chapter.
Beautiful Days, just like its predecessor Bright Young Things, feels a lot like an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. There are so many times when it reminded me of The Great Gatsby, with the lavish parties and free-flowing alcohol and flapper dialogue. It's all so luxurious and romantic.
The drama in this book is still high. Cordelia is angry about Thom's betrayal and she swears she'll get revenge for her father's death, Letty has all but given up on her dream of becoming a singer until Cordelia opens a new speakeasy, and Astrid and Charlie's relationship is on the verge of crumbling because he's too busy for her. As per usual for Godbersen novels, there's lots of pretty boys with lots of pretty money and plenty of relationship issues.
I found Letty a lot more interesting in this book, though Cordelia seemed to take a bit of a back seat to the story. The tension was amped up when Charlie's bootlegging got dangerous. The end especially was really exciting. I was afraid that with them living on Long Island that there wouldn't be as much action as if they had been living in Manhattan, but they still made it to the city a few times. I really liked the scenes at the speakeasies.
But even with the good parts, I was a little disappointed. This definitely felt like a middle-in-a-trilogy book, like it was a sort of transition. I wanted there to be more of a self-contained plot instead of being a segway between the first and third book. I just wanted a little more.
But the very last chapter was amazing! I won't give much away, but I'll say this: they go to Harlem! I'm really interested in the Harlem Renaissance, so I'm hoping that Godbersen will delve into that a little - maybe we can meet Carl Van Vechter or something!
So, overall, this was a good book. But I would have liked to see a little more character development and action. The story lagged a bit in the middle. This was my least favorite Anna Godbersen book to date, but her worst is still better than most people's! I'm still looking forward to the next book, and I'm hoping to see more of a confrontation between Thom and Cordelia, Astrid and Charlie finally working things out, and more Harlem!
But the best part of Godbersen's books are the characters, for sure! I love how she can weave so many different storylines into one incredible plot that will have your heart racing at the end of each chapter.
Beautiful Days, just like its predecessor Bright Young Things, feels a lot like an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. There are so many times when it reminded me of The Great Gatsby, with the lavish parties and free-flowing alcohol and flapper dialogue. It's all so luxurious and romantic.
The drama in this book is still high. Cordelia is angry about Thom's betrayal and she swears she'll get revenge for her father's death, Letty has all but given up on her dream of becoming a singer until Cordelia opens a new speakeasy, and Astrid and Charlie's relationship is on the verge of crumbling because he's too busy for her. As per usual for Godbersen novels, there's lots of pretty boys with lots of pretty money and plenty of relationship issues.
I found Letty a lot more interesting in this book, though Cordelia seemed to take a bit of a back seat to the story. The tension was amped up when Charlie's bootlegging got dangerous. The end especially was really exciting. I was afraid that with them living on Long Island that there wouldn't be as much action as if they had been living in Manhattan, but they still made it to the city a few times. I really liked the scenes at the speakeasies.
But even with the good parts, I was a little disappointed. This definitely felt like a middle-in-a-trilogy book, like it was a sort of transition. I wanted there to be more of a self-contained plot instead of being a segway between the first and third book. I just wanted a little more.
But the very last chapter was amazing! I won't give much away, but I'll say this: they go to Harlem! I'm really interested in the Harlem Renaissance, so I'm hoping that Godbersen will delve into that a little - maybe we can meet Carl Van Vechter or something!
So, overall, this was a good book. But I would have liked to see a little more character development and action. The story lagged a bit in the middle. This was my least favorite Anna Godbersen book to date, but her worst is still better than most people's! I'm still looking forward to the next book, and I'm hoping to see more of a confrontation between Thom and Cordelia, Astrid and Charlie finally working things out, and more Harlem!
October 7, 2011
3.5 stars- First off I have to say that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. I had a certain expectation that wasn't met. It had nothing to do with the writing, more to do with where the storyline went and where I thought It was going to go.
What this book brought to the series ...
Yeahs::
* The girls are back. Cordelia- we get to watch her grow into a strong woman. A little naive, especially when it comes to her new love interest (which I don't like!). Astrid- where did her wild side go? Charlie is changing her into a home body and I started to get bored with her story line. Letty- She starts off boring and annoying. Instead of being a go getter she sits back and rides the coat tails of others. When things don't go her way she blames them instead of taking her future in her own hands. By the end she finally starts to become an independent young lady.
Nays::
*
* Cordelia has a new love interest. And he doesn't seem to care for her at all. Yet she still is trying to make it work. I do not like this quality about her. Or the new love interest. Or that fact that there is a new love interest.
Plot 3 stars
Cover 4 stars
Writing 3 stars
Setting 4 stars
Originality 4 stars
Characters 4 stars
Romance / Chemistry 3 stars
Drama : Romance Ratio 80:20
Ending 3 stars
Good enough to pick up again 3 stars
What this book brought to the series ...
Yeahs::
* The girls are back. Cordelia- we get to watch her grow into a strong woman. A little naive, especially when it comes to her new love interest (which I don't like!). Astrid- where did her wild side go? Charlie is changing her into a home body and I started to get bored with her story line. Letty- She starts off boring and annoying. Instead of being a go getter she sits back and rides the coat tails of others. When things don't go her way she blames them instead of taking her future in her own hands. By the end she finally starts to become an independent young lady.
Nays::
*
* Cordelia has a new love interest. And he doesn't seem to care for her at all. Yet she still is trying to make it work. I do not like this quality about her. Or the new love interest. Or that fact that there is a new love interest.
Plot 3 stars
Cover 4 stars
Writing 3 stars
Setting 4 stars
Originality 4 stars
Characters 4 stars
Romance / Chemistry 3 stars
Drama : Romance Ratio 80:20
Ending 3 stars
Good enough to pick up again 3 stars
November 12, 2012
Beautiful Days kept my interest, but I wouldn't say it was riveting. This may be a classic case of "second book syndrome" (however you define that...)
The first book, Bright Young Things, introduced the characters and set up some tension for the next book.
Letty, Cordelia, and Astrid all end up, at least for a while, living at Dogwood, Charlie and Cordelia's father's house. We spend much of the book experiencing their attempts to connect with their various male interests. They do go to parties, and go out on the town, and Godbersen's descriptions of their hair and dress is once again, the best part of the book.
Cordelia is opening her own speakeasy. Letty wants to continue to pursue her singing career, and Astrid is trying to figure out if she's going to marry Charlie or not.
I didn't really feel much tension or excitement or suspense in Beautiful Days. There was a bit of a scare for one of our characters, but I never really felt like she was in any real danger -- and I don't thing Godbersen intended the reader to feel that way. I really couldn't stand some stupid decisions that were made. If someone tells you that you should stay home and not go out because you are in danger -- there are people that want to harm you -- would you turn around and get ready for a night on the town? Then, go to a run-down, sleazy bar in a bad part of town instead of going to a place where people know who you are? She behaved like a petulant child.
I also thought the ending of Beautiful Days was really abrupt! I wanted to revel a bit in the relatively happy situations, but everything happened so fast, and then -- bam -- "the end!"
Let me say once again that The Luxe is one of my absolute favorite series EVER. So, I guess it's no surprise that the Bright Young Things series can't live up to it. I actually enjoy Larkin's Vixen, Diva, and Ingenue books about the Roaring 20s better than Bright Young Things.
But, I still plan on picking up The Lucky Ones, the next in the series that will be released November 27.
The first book, Bright Young Things, introduced the characters and set up some tension for the next book.
Letty, Cordelia, and Astrid all end up, at least for a while, living at Dogwood, Charlie and Cordelia's father's house. We spend much of the book experiencing their attempts to connect with their various male interests. They do go to parties, and go out on the town, and Godbersen's descriptions of their hair and dress is once again, the best part of the book.
Cordelia is opening her own speakeasy. Letty wants to continue to pursue her singing career, and Astrid is trying to figure out if she's going to marry Charlie or not.
I didn't really feel much tension or excitement or suspense in Beautiful Days. There was a bit of a scare for one of our characters, but I never really felt like she was in any real danger -- and I don't thing Godbersen intended the reader to feel that way. I really couldn't stand some stupid decisions that were made. If someone tells you that you should stay home and not go out because you are in danger -- there are people that want to harm you -- would you turn around and get ready for a night on the town? Then, go to a run-down, sleazy bar in a bad part of town instead of going to a place where people know who you are? She behaved like a petulant child.
I also thought the ending of Beautiful Days was really abrupt! I wanted to revel a bit in the relatively happy situations, but everything happened so fast, and then -- bam -- "the end!"
Let me say once again that The Luxe is one of my absolute favorite series EVER. So, I guess it's no surprise that the Bright Young Things series can't live up to it. I actually enjoy Larkin's Vixen, Diva, and Ingenue books about the Roaring 20s better than Bright Young Things.
But, I still plan on picking up The Lucky Ones, the next in the series that will be released November 27.
April 7, 2013
Don't get me wrong. This was a lovely second installment. As far as sequels go, this book didn't fall as short from the first as others. Most of the reason should be credited to Ms. Godbersen vivid language, the kind that compels me to wear an shiny thing of a dress and an elaborate updo to school, or wish for a time machine back to the Twenties. She does a fabulous job using era-appropriate vocabulary, and I love her for it. She also can understand her characters in their entirety, which I always appreciate.
Where it fell short for me...well, there's a couple things. I'll be vague- no spoilers here, I hope. But mostly, the coincidental happenings occurred too often, (I lied. There will be semi-spoilers.) like Grady's attendance at the club's opening when Letty happened to get her chance. And then, the kidnapping. (I won't say who.) So underplayed- it was over, I felt, in minutes. In the actual book, I think it was a day. One whole day. *insert sarcasm. Finally, I will admit to favoring Thom Hale. I mean, hot, witty, and interested? Cordelia still didn't let him explain himself. I understand this piques curiosity, but I'm not sure this issue will ever be resolved. If Cordelia's going to swear off Thom, I want closure. The scenes he was in, or lack thereof, left me dissatisfied. He barely said anything. No character development and a sudden detachment from the bootlegger's daughter. I felt cheated. The ending, finally, was less cliffhanger-y as the first book. I have less enthusiasm to get to the final book. Except that I'm hanging onto a sliver of hope that Thom's development does him justice.
My hope for The Lucky Ones is that everything is tied up. Not nicely, as I know the author is not in the habit of doing (dying to use that phrase) but I want the details. Not just that Cordelia moves on, still convincing herself that her lover killed her father, or that Letty (who, frankly, annoys me with all her whining and dependance) becomes a star.
3 STARS- for slowness of pace and lack of development, despite the inevitable plot twists.
Where it fell short for me...well, there's a couple things. I'll be vague- no spoilers here, I hope. But mostly, the coincidental happenings occurred too often, (I lied. There will be semi-spoilers.) like Grady's attendance at the club's opening when Letty happened to get her chance. And then, the kidnapping. (I won't say who.) So underplayed- it was over, I felt, in minutes. In the actual book, I think it was a day. One whole day. *insert sarcasm. Finally, I will admit to favoring Thom Hale. I mean, hot, witty, and interested? Cordelia still didn't let him explain himself. I understand this piques curiosity, but I'm not sure this issue will ever be resolved. If Cordelia's going to swear off Thom, I want closure. The scenes he was in, or lack thereof, left me dissatisfied. He barely said anything. No character development and a sudden detachment from the bootlegger's daughter. I felt cheated. The ending, finally, was less cliffhanger-y as the first book. I have less enthusiasm to get to the final book. Except that I'm hanging onto a sliver of hope that Thom's development does him justice.
My hope for The Lucky Ones is that everything is tied up. Not nicely, as I know the author is not in the habit of doing (dying to use that phrase) but I want the details. Not just that Cordelia moves on, still convincing herself that her lover killed her father, or that Letty (who, frankly, annoys me with all her whining and dependance) becomes a star.
3 STARS- for slowness of pace and lack of development, despite the inevitable plot twists.
August 26, 2011
It's hard to go wrong when it comes to a good historical fiction novel, especially one by the amazing Anna Godbersen. After thoroughly enjoying her Luxe series, it was only natural that Bright Young Things would be just as wonderful. Set in the 1920s, Bright Young Things captured the wild underground world of jazz, speakeasys, bootlegging and flappers in the glitz and glamor of New York City. Beautiful Days picks up not long after the end of Bright Young Things and continues the story of Cordelia, Letty and the other young ladies of New York society during the final summer of the Jazz Age.
After only a month in New York, Cordelia and Letty have transformed from small-town girls from Ohio with big dreams to somewhat spoiled socialites. Having befriended young girls from the New York elite, the two girls now find myself spending their days lounging next to exotic pools and their nights in the New York clubs. Letty, though, isn't content to just be a socialite, she's willing to do just about anything for her dream of becoming a singer. Meanwhile Cordelia, who is still reeling from the death of her father, finds herself the head of a speakeasy, complete with bootleggers and other gangsters -including the dangerous, yet attractive Charlie Grey.
Godbersen delivers another incredibly vivid and compelling historical novel, with excellent characters and a riveting plot that'll keep readers going up until the very end. Though Beautiful Days isn't as good as Bright Young Things, but its a satisfying follow-up that continues the stories of these compelling characters who are trying to find their way in the wild, yet somewhat dark world of the New York Jazz scene.
And I can't wait for the sequel.
After only a month in New York, Cordelia and Letty have transformed from small-town girls from Ohio with big dreams to somewhat spoiled socialites. Having befriended young girls from the New York elite, the two girls now find myself spending their days lounging next to exotic pools and their nights in the New York clubs. Letty, though, isn't content to just be a socialite, she's willing to do just about anything for her dream of becoming a singer. Meanwhile Cordelia, who is still reeling from the death of her father, finds herself the head of a speakeasy, complete with bootleggers and other gangsters -including the dangerous, yet attractive Charlie Grey.
Godbersen delivers another incredibly vivid and compelling historical novel, with excellent characters and a riveting plot that'll keep readers going up until the very end. Though Beautiful Days isn't as good as Bright Young Things, but its a satisfying follow-up that continues the stories of these compelling characters who are trying to find their way in the wild, yet somewhat dark world of the New York Jazz scene.
And I can't wait for the sequel.
October 22, 2011
Originally posted at Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me
After the luxurious first novel of the series, things begin to heat up and become deadly serious in Beautiful Days. With family wars, speakeasy openings and relationship problems, there is never a dull moment and this novel will definitely impress, whether or not you liked the first!
I hardly want to spoil anything for you because so many intriguing things happen that will send you into a tailspin. As always, Godbersen transports us into the wonderful 20th century and shows us the real world of that time. If you've read Bright Young Things, you know that the different relationships are plentiful. Each and every one develops more in this book and provides that extra little bit of mystery. How exactly will things end for our three starlets? Will they get everything they wanted? Less? More? Something they never expected? Oh, at times I felt like crying and at others, squealing, but what did you expect? These characters grow greatly and will have affected you by the end! I can't pick a favourite.
While the first book concentrated more on the friendships and growth of the girls, Beautiful Days is action-packed and much more exciting. If you love deception, high-speed car chases and kidnappings mixed amongst your romance, this is the book for you! I absolutely loved the conclusion of this series. It was perfect and made me feel like reading the last few chapters over and over. A sense of contentment and complete fulfilment will wash over you as you bathe in the happiness of Letty, Cordelia and Astrid. Three girls with wild dreams have finally grabbed onto their desires and have no plans to let go. A sensational novel!
After the luxurious first novel of the series, things begin to heat up and become deadly serious in Beautiful Days. With family wars, speakeasy openings and relationship problems, there is never a dull moment and this novel will definitely impress, whether or not you liked the first!
I hardly want to spoil anything for you because so many intriguing things happen that will send you into a tailspin. As always, Godbersen transports us into the wonderful 20th century and shows us the real world of that time. If you've read Bright Young Things, you know that the different relationships are plentiful. Each and every one develops more in this book and provides that extra little bit of mystery. How exactly will things end for our three starlets? Will they get everything they wanted? Less? More? Something they never expected? Oh, at times I felt like crying and at others, squealing, but what did you expect? These characters grow greatly and will have affected you by the end! I can't pick a favourite.
While the first book concentrated more on the friendships and growth of the girls, Beautiful Days is action-packed and much more exciting. If you love deception, high-speed car chases and kidnappings mixed amongst your romance, this is the book for you! I absolutely loved the conclusion of this series. It was perfect and made me feel like reading the last few chapters over and over. A sense of contentment and complete fulfilment will wash over you as you bathe in the happiness of Letty, Cordelia and Astrid. Three girls with wild dreams have finally grabbed onto their desires and have no plans to let go. A sensational novel!
January 7, 2012
In this sequel to Bright Young Things, author Anna Godbersen (author of the Luxe books) continues the adventures of BFFs Astrid, Cordelia, and Letty amid the glamour and sparkle of the Roaring Twenties.
I really enjoyed this book (I do so adore books like this). The plot continues to be more intriguing than the Luxe books (more happens), and I find the characters immensely more likeable. They do angst about boys an awful lot (as straight teenage girls are wont to do), but unlike how much of the Luxe books plots were driven around the consequences of rather anachronistic widespread premarital sex, these (thus far) are not. (Despite how it might be more believable for, say, a highborn society girl like Astrid in the 1920s to consider premarital sex than the equally highborn girls in the Luxe books in the 1890s.) Also, there are some queer characters lurking around the edges: Astrid's stepsister Billie (a college girl -- she goes to Barnard, like the author, apparently -- who enjoys wearing men's trousers and kissing girls), the manager of a club named (IIRC) Roger. I do so love when otherwise het novels remember that not everyone is straight, even if Our Heroines mostly are.
And besides, what these books are really all about, surely, is clothes! Pretty clothes! And there are lots and lots of pretty clothes! And do the girls ever look pretty in them! I think half the space of the book is dedicated to descriptions of what the girls look like, in eroticized, lingering language. Now, to me, there's something queer about that, too, but I suppose the straight girls reading these books want to *be* the heroines, not sleep with them? But man, are they pretty. :)
I really enjoyed this book (I do so adore books like this). The plot continues to be more intriguing than the Luxe books (more happens), and I find the characters immensely more likeable. They do angst about boys an awful lot (as straight teenage girls are wont to do), but unlike how much of the Luxe books plots were driven around the consequences of rather anachronistic widespread premarital sex, these (thus far) are not. (Despite how it might be more believable for, say, a highborn society girl like Astrid in the 1920s to consider premarital sex than the equally highborn girls in the Luxe books in the 1890s.) Also, there are some queer characters lurking around the edges: Astrid's stepsister Billie (a college girl -- she goes to Barnard, like the author, apparently -- who enjoys wearing men's trousers and kissing girls), the manager of a club named (IIRC) Roger. I do so love when otherwise het novels remember that not everyone is straight, even if Our Heroines mostly are.
And besides, what these books are really all about, surely, is clothes! Pretty clothes! And there are lots and lots of pretty clothes! And do the girls ever look pretty in them! I think half the space of the book is dedicated to descriptions of what the girls look like, in eroticized, lingering language. Now, to me, there's something queer about that, too, but I suppose the straight girls reading these books want to *be* the heroines, not sleep with them? But man, are they pretty. :)
October 7, 2011
REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED http://hobbitsies.net/wordpress/2011/09/beautiful-days-by-anna-godbersen/
Beautiful Days is an absolutely dazzling book – page after page of glamour and drama. I felt transported to the 1920s whilst reading it. I was Letty, I was Cordelia, I was Astrid – I was wearing sequined dresses and going out to night clubs every night and flying in planes with strange men and getting my heart broken and my hopes crushed and then having them built back up again. Anna Godbersen’s writing took me through all these events as if I were experiencing them myself.
Once again, I find myself reluctantly closing one of Anna Godbersen’s books, eagerly anticipating the next book.
GUYS how freaking eloquent was that? It took me so long to write because all I could think was OH MY GODDD I LOVE THE 1920S I LOVE MUSIC I LOVE SPEAKEASIES AND BOOZE AND FLAPPERS AND CIGARETTE WOMEN AND CORDELIA AND CHARLIE AND ASTRID and etc, you get the point.
Beautiful Days freaking rocked. Like, better-than-Beautiful-Young-Things type of rocked. Because while I loved Beautiful Young Things, I had trouble remembering what happened several months after reading it(except at the end holy crap). With Beautiful Days? Uh-huh, no chance of that!
Seriously. Beautiful Days is an amazing follow-up to Bright Young Things and I am on my toes waiting for the next book in this series. Gorgeous writing, gorgeous cover, fantastic characters, badass time period, confusing and realistic (for the time) romance – this book has something for everyone. Go read this series ASAP.
Beautiful Days is an absolutely dazzling book – page after page of glamour and drama. I felt transported to the 1920s whilst reading it. I was Letty, I was Cordelia, I was Astrid – I was wearing sequined dresses and going out to night clubs every night and flying in planes with strange men and getting my heart broken and my hopes crushed and then having them built back up again. Anna Godbersen’s writing took me through all these events as if I were experiencing them myself.
Once again, I find myself reluctantly closing one of Anna Godbersen’s books, eagerly anticipating the next book.
GUYS how freaking eloquent was that? It took me so long to write because all I could think was OH MY GODDD I LOVE THE 1920S I LOVE MUSIC I LOVE SPEAKEASIES AND BOOZE AND FLAPPERS AND CIGARETTE WOMEN AND CORDELIA AND CHARLIE AND ASTRID and etc, you get the point.
Beautiful Days freaking rocked. Like, better-than-Beautiful-Young-Things type of rocked. Because while I loved Beautiful Young Things, I had trouble remembering what happened several months after reading it(except at the end holy crap). With Beautiful Days? Uh-huh, no chance of that!
Seriously. Beautiful Days is an amazing follow-up to Bright Young Things and I am on my toes waiting for the next book in this series. Gorgeous writing, gorgeous cover, fantastic characters, badass time period, confusing and realistic (for the time) romance – this book has something for everyone. Go read this series ASAP.
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