Scan barcode
jocelynbold's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
gingerjenreads's review against another edition
5.0
Historical Fiction is not normally a go to for me, but I really enjoyed The Spectacular! Davis did a great job of transporting readers back to 1950's New York as we accompany Marion on her journey of self discovery which takes her to all kinds of new places physically, mentally, and emotionally. All the while, a serial bomber is on the loose in New York, putting Marion and those she cares about in danger. Will she be able to stop him before she loses everything?
Pick up this quick read if you like Historical Fiction, a little bit of mystery, and a strong female lead that is determined to live life her way, no matter the cost.
Pick up this quick read if you like Historical Fiction, a little bit of mystery, and a strong female lead that is determined to live life her way, no matter the cost.
emmylamptey's review against another edition
5.0
The Spectacular by Fiona Davis centers around Marion Brooks in two different eras of her life: in 1956 as a 19-year-old Rockette and in 1992 as she heads to a Rockette alumni reunion.
In the 1950s, Marion lives with her father, Simon (an executive at an NYC Power company) and sister, Judy (her fathers secretary). Marion is a children’s dance teacher and gets fired for not being strict enough with the children.
Against her father’s wishes, Marion auditions for the Rockettes the day after she’s fired and gains a spot. Her father, furious with her decision to pursue arts and leave security behind, disowns her and so Marion moves to a boarding house for young women in the arts. Her roommate and fellow Rockette, Bunny, introduces her to a young psychiatrist named Peter while on a double date.
Peter, able to analyze the personality of anyone he comes into contact with, becomes an integral part of the story when there is a bombing at Radio City during one of Marion’s Christmas performances, killing an audience member close to her heart. Peter aids the police in criminal profiling to help find the bomber who has been terrorizing NYC for 16 years.
This story sweeps you away - the setting, imagery, and mood of the novel are transportive and I really felt like I was at Radio City Music Hall watching rehearsals and shows of the girls dancing in beautiful, mesmerizing unison.
This novel featured a good mystery, a budding romance, and deep character development from the main cast of characters. I felt like I got to know the characters as friends and really understand them.
Overall, I loved the book and am so sad it’s over. For an extra treat, listen to the audiobook: the two narrators are fantastic and truly bring the story to life.
Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Group Dutton for an e-ARC of The Spectacular in exchange for an honest review.
In the 1950s, Marion lives with her father, Simon (an executive at an NYC Power company) and sister, Judy (her fathers secretary). Marion is a children’s dance teacher and gets fired for not being strict enough with the children.
Against her father’s wishes, Marion auditions for the Rockettes the day after she’s fired and gains a spot. Her father, furious with her decision to pursue arts and leave security behind, disowns her and so Marion moves to a boarding house for young women in the arts. Her roommate and fellow Rockette, Bunny, introduces her to a young psychiatrist named Peter while on a double date.
Peter, able to analyze the personality of anyone he comes into contact with, becomes an integral part of the story when there is a bombing at Radio City during one of Marion’s Christmas performances, killing an audience member close to her heart. Peter aids the police in criminal profiling to help find the bomber who has been terrorizing NYC for 16 years.
This story sweeps you away - the setting, imagery, and mood of the novel are transportive and I really felt like I was at Radio City Music Hall watching rehearsals and shows of the girls dancing in beautiful, mesmerizing unison.
This novel featured a good mystery, a budding romance, and deep character development from the main cast of characters. I felt like I got to know the characters as friends and really understand them.
Overall, I loved the book and am so sad it’s over. For an extra treat, listen to the audiobook: the two narrators are fantastic and truly bring the story to life.
Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Group Dutton for an e-ARC of The Spectacular in exchange for an honest review.
bookmarkedbybritt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
katierussell798's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lahrizzle's review against another edition
5.0
The Spectacular was spectacular! 4.5 stars rounded up. I just got swept away in this read. A little mystery, some history, and a bit of a love story.
Marion has always loved the arts and has loved dancing. She ends up becoming a Rockette despite her fathers disapproval. She ends up moving away from her family and to New York. Radio City ends up being targeted by the “Big Apple Bomber” and Marion insists on helping out with the case.
Great character growth and loved the mystery mixed with nostalgia in this one ♥️
Marion has always loved the arts and has loved dancing. She ends up becoming a Rockette despite her fathers disapproval. She ends up moving away from her family and to New York. Radio City ends up being targeted by the “Big Apple Bomber” and Marion insists on helping out with the case.
Great character growth and loved the mystery mixed with nostalgia in this one ♥️
mzindrick's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
cgunzenhauser45's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wrightashleyg's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0