A review by kdhanda
Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin

4.0

Quite entertaining and illuminating. The author moves to the East side and then desperately tries to fit in with the other mommies. Given her knowledge of anthropology, she is aware of "going native." However, the author goes all out native! Each chapter starts with a scathing glimpse of what the upper east side mommies wear, how they behave, what bags they carry, what charities they go to, how they socialize, etc. Then the author describes what she does, from attaining the Birkin bag to chatting with an alpha male, to fit in the clique. One is either on the outside looking in or one is on the inside, oblivious. Here is where the memoir fails: the author pretends to "study" the East Side mommies but she is so involved in the hype that she loses all objectivity! Overall, an interesting look at power, money, female vindictiveness and the uber-rich lifestyle of Manhattanites.