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The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.
Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star. . . .
Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined—and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will.
The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.
Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall—together and apart. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Luxe comes an epic new series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age.
Before anything else I need to say that while I read Godbersen's Luxe series, I was not a fan. I enjoyed it, but it simply wasn't a favorite of mine. Historical fiction is, however, a favorite of mine, so I had to check out this series too. I liked it. A lot more than I anticipated and a lot more than Godbersen's previous series.
The setting of the end of the 1920s decade allows, I suppose for a faster pacing. We follow Cordelia and Letty accustomed themselves to New York after leaving Union, Ohio and we get to know Astrid and her boyfriend Charlie.
Cordelia, for the most part I did not like Cordelia. I did like that she would sacrifice anything to get what she wanted. Throughout the book we see her get rid of John, sacrifice Letty's trust in her and Charlie's trust in her. Darius Grey even commends her on this character trait. Of course by the end of the book we see how this backfires. I was sad about how it happened, but Cordelia truly had it coming. How could she possibly chose Thom before the family she had wanted all her life? How? Also I think she is the only reason I'm giving this book four instead of five stars, but at the very, very end she was okay.
Letty is so naïve. She is talented and she can sing and hopes to make it and becomes a star. I think her innocence is endearing, but her crying sometimes is a bit too much. For being the most naïve and fragile of the three girls she certain has it the toughest throughout the book. Through her we learn more of the night life in the 1929s, after parting ways with Cordelia, she's the one that gets employed as a cigarette girl, struggles to make it as a singer only to have it blow up in her face.
Astrid, I must confess she is my favorite. Her character is probably shallow in many ways and she won't be the poster girl for feminism any time soon but for being a socialite I think her character traits are quite accurate. Astrid is the poor rich girl, yet she's a true friend once she decided to be. Her whole earring confusion with Charlie had me laughing so hard. Astrid and Charlie, I liked this couple, while Charlie is not always likeable I think Astrid is his soft spot. I do hope the next book in the series brings good things for this couple.
I'd recc'd this book for the Luxe series lovers, and those who enjoyed Vixen by Jillian Larkin. While the books are set on the same era and follow three different girls the similarities end there. Bright Young Things is an enjoyable YA historical novel, the pacing is just right and the characters are lovable just enough. Godbersen is great at painting the picture of the era around her characters and the pacing is great because she switched the focus on the three girls effortlessly. I do wish John would come back into Cordelia's life in the next book, but that's just me being a romantic.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Right after the wedding she never wanted, Cordelia and Letty decide to leave small-town life in Ohio for the dazzling city life of New York City. They've been best friends forever.
Once in the city, they find a boarding house and go out on the town. In a speakeasy, Cordelia meets a boy. They have a moment. In that moment, she tells him the truth about why she really came to New York. She wants to find her father. Unfortunately, Letty overhears. The two girls end up fighting and homeless.
Cordelia comes to find her father. He welcomes her with open arms. His lifestyle isn't what she's used to - as he runs an illicit business. He also lives in high glamor.
When he discovers the identity of the boy Cordelia dates, he forbids her to see him again. Cordelia doesn't want to go against her new family, but she can't stay away from Thom.
At one of her father's infamous parties, she meets Astrid. Astrid dates her brother Charlie. She's ultra glamorous, but her relationship with Charlie is on the rocks. Astrid isn't sure she can trust him, but she loves Cordelia.
Meanwhile, Letty tries to make it as a star. She's got an amazing voice and a new job at a speakeasy. There she meets a man who could propel her on the fast track to stardom.
Will the three girls find romance and the answer to their huge dreams within New York City?
I've been waiting to read this book since BEA. When it arrived in the library, there *might* have been squealing and a happy dance. The author of the Luxe series strikes again! I loved the fashion of the Twenties, the romance, the luxury, and seeing New York City from an architectural standpoint. I love how the three girls lives mingled together - even though they weren't always friends. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Savi
Posted December 30, 2010
This book is a great read! Its got a little mystery and a great Prologue into the book that keeps you thinking throughout the whole book! I would recommend this to anyone and everyone who likes a little mystery, a little romance, and true life all in one! The author did a great job in relating it to the readers and in portraying real life for these girls. An amazing read!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Gold Star Award Winner! Right after the wedding she never wanted, Cordelia and her friend, Letty, decide to leave small-town life in Ohio for the dazzling city life of New York City. They've been best friends forever. Once in the city, they find a boarding house and go out on the town. In a speakeasy, Cordelia meets a boy. They have a moment. In that moment, she tells him the truth about why she really came to New York. She wants to find her father. Unfortunately, Letty overhears. The two girls end up fighting and homeless. Cordelia comes to NYC to find her father. He welcomes her with open arms. His lifestyle isn't what she's used to, as he runs an illicit business. He also lives in high glamor. When he discovers the identity of the boy Cordelia is dating, he forbids her to see him again. Cordelia doesn't want to go against her new family, but she can't stay away from Thom. At one of her father's infamous parties, she meets Astrid. Astrid dates her brother, Charlie. She's ultra-glamorous, but her relationship with Charlie is on the rocks. Astrid isn't sure she can trust him, but she loves Cordelia. Meanwhile, Letty tries to make it as a star. She's got an amazing voice and a new job at a speakeasy. There, she meets a man who could propel her on the fast track to stardom. Will the three girls find romance and the answer to their huge dreams within New York City? I've been waiting to read this book since BEA. When it arrived in the library, there *might* have been squealing and a happy dance. The author of THE LUXE series strikes again! I loved the fashion of the Twenties, the romance, the luxury, and seeing New York City from an architectural standpoint. I also love how the three girls' lives mingled together, even though they weren't always friends. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 11, 2012
If u read the Luxe series and loved it, than buy this. Every drama loving history lover will need to read this book. Flappers r empowering woman who r intresting charecters. Read this and u feel andbecomea flapper during prohibition. Buy this book, read it, love it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 22, 2011
This book was young and fun and some of the time really drew you in. Hoping for a sequel because there were a lot of loose ends.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 21, 2011
I love all of the 1920s YA books lately. It's great that YA is branching out into different eras. This one was very well-written and enjoyable. Really liked it a lot.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 24, 2011
one of. the most amazing books i have ever read.you have to read it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 2, 2011
i kinda hoped it wouldnt end it was just so good. i was a HUGE fan of the luxe series and cant wait for another captivating book from this author. i feel like id read this over and over again
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 1, 2011
this is a fantastic book. never stop dreaming.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 24, 2011
only way you'll love this book is if you can relate to the characters and the only way to do that is to dream!!!!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 18, 2011
excited at first. takes awhile to get the point. struggled to finish. might not by second.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 12, 2011
I read The Luxe series and fell in love with it, and I was hoping to see more from Goberson. Now, I'm falling over myself with this new novel - it is INCREDIBLE! The storyline is amazing. You can feel what the characters feel, and I don't think you could find someone more interesting to read about than Astrid Donal. I cried at a few parts near the end - I won't ruin it - and I was feeling the characters' emotions the entire time. Amazing read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 7, 2011
this book was amazing. end of story!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 5, 2011
I loved it! The only thing that I was not a fan of was the abrupt ending but aparently it isa series so that made it better. but what i loved about it was that it brought light to the darkness of the 1920s rather than do what many other time period booksdo and create this happy, gay time people have partying about. it is an interesting read if you can handle the sudden cut off ending.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 30, 2011
With the beginning of the book predicting that of the three females - "one will be famous, one will be married, and one will be dead," how could one not be hooked to the bitter end? The unfortunate thing is this is the first in a series, so I am still unsure which of the leading ladies will end up in each category. Although through this book, I was trying to take a guess at which one would see her life end, hasn't happened yet.
I loved going back in time to an era where alcohol was forbidden and an underground operation. Times were hard but exciting. Making it big happened rarely because it took great talent to become a true star. Now don't get me wrong I am a reality tv viewer, but it seemed so earned and precious when few found themselves with their name in lights.
I am absolutely hooked and am quietly anticipating book 2 in this series. I would pass this book along to those who don't mind take a walk back in time and to those who love to read of women who are trying to find a place to call home.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 17, 2010
i liked it, it moved alot faster then the luxe series which i was really happy about. the characters are wonderful and the whole roaring 20's thing is awsome!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 1, 2010
I was so good!!! I really love musicals and Chicago is one of my favorites. This reminded me so much of it and I love the whole "anything goes" era. All in all, amazing. There's crime, murder, hot men, and the razzle dazzle of the city.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 29, 2013
It was a little hard to get interesred in at first vbut once i did i could not put it down :)
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Posted July 8, 2012
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Overview
Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star. . . .
Cordelia is ...