softclquds's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
akshaya07's review against another edition
4.0
"New York isn't going anywhere, she said.
She was mistaken: New York is always charging forward and threatening to leave you behind. It is going somewhere, always".
One thing to know about me is that if there is a book and the story takes place in New York, I am sold. I will read it, nevertheless, despite knowing the story. Adding to that 80s or 90s New York vibes? Okay, no more questions. Just give the book, that's all. And that is exactly the reason why this book was added to my TBR.
Astrid Sees All follows the typical glamorous lives in New York City, juggling to earn money to keep up with the luxury side that the city demands amidst the sex, drugs, politics, culture and celebrities. The story follows Phoebe and Carmen, two friends in their early twenties, one from Baltimore and the other from a rich, well-known family of celebrities. Even though the story revolves around many things that life in New York offers, it is more of this recollection of Phoebe about Carmen, whom she loves and admires and wants to be like. And due to this notion, Phoebe often leads a life being a shadow to Carmen, so there is this exploration of complicated female friendships and how sometimes people cope with grief differently. Phoebe has lost her dad recently and is still mourning his death without coming to terms with it. She copes with this through an unhealthy lifestyle trying to be someone else. Therefore, the main character is unreliable and unlikeable.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. The writing kept me hooked, and I was thrilled to pick it up and continue with the book whenever possible. There was also a mystery involved towards the end, which I never expected, and it went in a different direction than I anticipated, but I didn't hate it. This book reminded me of Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados due to the mention of clubs and glamorous parties and Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney because of the complex female friendship that the main lead has with her friend.
Overall I really enjoyed it. I know this is this author's first adult novel (if I am not wrong), but if she comes with more in the future, I want to check them out for sure. This one is not for everyone, but it is super underrated, and I wish more people who will love this kind of book gets to read it.
She was mistaken: New York is always charging forward and threatening to leave you behind. It is going somewhere, always".
One thing to know about me is that if there is a book and the story takes place in New York, I am sold. I will read it, nevertheless, despite knowing the story. Adding to that 80s or 90s New York vibes? Okay, no more questions. Just give the book, that's all. And that is exactly the reason why this book was added to my TBR.
Astrid Sees All follows the typical glamorous lives in New York City, juggling to earn money to keep up with the luxury side that the city demands amidst the sex, drugs, politics, culture and celebrities. The story follows Phoebe and Carmen, two friends in their early twenties, one from Baltimore and the other from a rich, well-known family of celebrities. Even though the story revolves around many things that life in New York offers, it is more of this recollection of Phoebe about Carmen, whom she loves and admires and wants to be like. And due to this notion, Phoebe often leads a life being a shadow to Carmen, so there is this exploration of complicated female friendships and how sometimes people cope with grief differently. Phoebe has lost her dad recently and is still mourning his death without coming to terms with it. She copes with this through an unhealthy lifestyle trying to be someone else. Therefore, the main character is unreliable and unlikeable.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. The writing kept me hooked, and I was thrilled to pick it up and continue with the book whenever possible. There was also a mystery involved towards the end, which I never expected, and it went in a different direction than I anticipated, but I didn't hate it. This book reminded me of Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados due to the mention of clubs and glamorous parties and Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney because of the complex female friendship that the main lead has with her friend.
Overall I really enjoyed it. I know this is this author's first adult novel (if I am not wrong), but if she comes with more in the future, I want to check them out for sure. This one is not for everyone, but it is super underrated, and I wish more people who will love this kind of book gets to read it.
barkylee15's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. This moved along at a pretty good clip, and I was mostly interested in it, but ultimately I finished the book feeling unsatisfied. The lives of Phoebe and Carmen were pretty tired and repetitive and what felt interesting in the beginning of the novel, I just didn't care about by the end. I did feel like the whole ending was crazy fast, and again just not satisfying.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
morganashton35's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sheenah684's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review.
In 1984 Phoebe dreamt of being a true New Yorker, cool and blasé, like her friend Carmen when they were in college. After moving to the city and suffering multiple emotional blows, she finally gets her chance to live with and emulate her idol and best friend. She becomes Astrid the Star Girl, telling fortunes at a club every night until darkness and betrayal take over.
This gritty view of the New York club scene in the 80's was a peek at the time when you are just starting to find yourself and who you want to be. The atmospheric tale was more than just a story about Phoebe,; it was a love letter to a New York in the past.
In 1984 Phoebe dreamt of being a true New Yorker, cool and blasé, like her friend Carmen when they were in college. After moving to the city and suffering multiple emotional blows, she finally gets her chance to live with and emulate her idol and best friend. She becomes Astrid the Star Girl, telling fortunes at a club every night until darkness and betrayal take over.
This gritty view of the New York club scene in the 80's was a peek at the time when you are just starting to find yourself and who you want to be. The atmospheric tale was more than just a story about Phoebe,; it was a love letter to a New York in the past.
lola425's review against another edition
3.0
If you are a fan of gritty 1980's New York, you will enjoy taking a harmless trip back there. There's a glossy sheen over everything, antithetical to the subject matter, but a good read nonetheless.
jmadden's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was not what I signed up for and although the twist at the end was jaw dropping it was so disturbing that it wasn’t worth it. I wasn’t rooting for any of the characters especially not phoebe or carmen. I guess I don’t support women’s wrongs as much as I thought.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cannibalism
lexa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
3.75
Set in 1980s NYC, this book was fun and sad and even a little mysterious (with the inclusion of missing girls, and also ghosts). It’s one of those books where nothing happens but also everything happens. It kept me captivated but I don’t think it’s a book that will stay with me for long.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Drug abuse, Addiction, Death, and Drug use
Moderate: Abortion, Grief, Infidelity, Blood, Alcohol, Cancer, and Stalking
Minor: Sexual content, Cannibalism, and Vomit
valerylh's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 well-written...their lives provoked some anxiety in me