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meldav4's review against another edition
4.0
This was an entertaining and fun read surrounding social class and the allure and mishaps that accompany each level. Enjoy vacation getaways for the snobby rich and famous intermingled with the everyday life for the unsatisfied natives struggling for more. Experience drama, jealousy, greed, devotion, friendship, and, of course, love. Each and every character were developed so well and held me captive throughout. There were so many layers and storylines, some believable and consistent with the real-life that happens around us every day, and some that maybe were embellished and exaggerated in a playful way. From love affairs to breakups, everlasting friendships to teenage bullying, and acceptance to rejection; the reader experiences a myriad of life milestones through the lives of the characters. I was enthralled by the sociology and psychology in this book and how they were presented through the actions of the colorful characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the advanced reader copy of The High Season.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the advanced reader copy of The High Season.
detrasystem's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bookapotamus's review against another edition
4.0
Summer Drama never felt so good! I really enjoyed The High Season - it was just what I needed to get me into a summer mood, and it made me love to loathe the rich and famous Hamptons crowds even more! (kidding... sorta.) This book kept me wicked entertained and I breezed through it in two days. The writing is so good, hilarious at times, and the story is masterfully crafted and really clever!
Ruthie is sort of losing it all. Her marriage is over, her 15 year old daughter is struggling and distant, her job is on the rocks, friendships are tested ... and it's shaping up to be one crazy summer. The Hamptons-ish house Ruthie lives in with her daughter Jem, is rented out during the summer to the rich, in order for her to pay for it the rest of the year (aka The Summer Bummer). Adeline Clay, a wealthy artist widow rents her house and in turn, unknowingly shakes up the entire summer, for just about the whole town of Orient.
The dynamic of these characters and how their lives intertwine is artfully crafted through exclusive parties, a small local museum group, a summer farm stand job, secret rendezvous, texts/emails, and typical small town gossip. There is art forgery, a $250,000 watch, past lives and secrecy and the unnerving balance of power and social statuses. It's all so cleverly written and flows together seamlessly. I was thoroughly impressed how Judy Blundell twisted it all together so skillfully.
As an artist I love the snippets of the artist scene and it's inner workings and social circles. I loved the references to various famous artists and painting descriptions. I hated the museum board members and the way some people tossed money around and waved it in the locals and year-rounders faces. The characters were well developed and you feel for each and every one of them, especially Ruthie, who loses so much, and starts to lose herself while making some seriously questionable decisions.
My decision to read this was NOT questionable though! I really enjoyed it and would give 4.5 stars!
Ruthie is sort of losing it all. Her marriage is over, her 15 year old daughter is struggling and distant, her job is on the rocks, friendships are tested ... and it's shaping up to be one crazy summer. The Hamptons-ish house Ruthie lives in with her daughter Jem, is rented out during the summer to the rich, in order for her to pay for it the rest of the year (aka The Summer Bummer). Adeline Clay, a wealthy artist widow rents her house and in turn, unknowingly shakes up the entire summer, for just about the whole town of Orient.
The dynamic of these characters and how their lives intertwine is artfully crafted through exclusive parties, a small local museum group, a summer farm stand job, secret rendezvous, texts/emails, and typical small town gossip. There is art forgery, a $250,000 watch, past lives and secrecy and the unnerving balance of power and social statuses. It's all so cleverly written and flows together seamlessly. I was thoroughly impressed how Judy Blundell twisted it all together so skillfully.
As an artist I love the snippets of the artist scene and it's inner workings and social circles. I loved the references to various famous artists and painting descriptions. I hated the museum board members and the way some people tossed money around and waved it in the locals and year-rounders faces. The characters were well developed and you feel for each and every one of them, especially Ruthie, who loses so much, and starts to lose herself while making some seriously questionable decisions.
My decision to read this was NOT questionable though! I really enjoyed it and would give 4.5 stars!
melissakuzma's review against another edition
5.0
I knew as soon as I saw the cover of this book that I’d love it and I wasn’t wrong. I thought it would be more of a J. Courtney Sullivan Maine knockoff (again, based on the cover) but it was totally its own thing. There were times that I thought the transitions between characters/storylines wasn’t as smooth as they could be, but I got over it. Great beach read (or fjord read, as in my case).
theraykay's review against another edition
4.0
Ruthie lives in an idyllic Long Beach Island town, barely making it while the rich around her flourish. Only when she seems to lose everything does Ruthie find herself and her voice again. Told in multiple points of view, this story gives a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous, as you root for Ruthie to find her place among them.
christinaelena's review against another edition
1.0
Absolute mindless drivel. If I didn't compulsively have to finish every book I start, I would not have wasted time on this want-to-be soap opera garbage.
elowgang's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
I usually like the idea of these kinds of books, but then ultimately end up bored and hating the characters. However, this was a pleasant surprise! A nice light, summer read full of small-town/rich people politics. Despite some one-dimensional characters, I enjoyed this quick story.
meghanheise's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A fun summer read for those who like to dream of the Hamptons. Can be a little lengthy, but the character development was good.