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These Girls
In her third novel, internationally bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen examines the lives of three women working and living together in New York City and shows that family secrets may shape us all, but it’s the rich, complicated layers of friendship that can save us.
Cate, Renee, and Abby have come to New York for very different reasons, and in a bustling city of millions, they are linked together through circumstance and chance.
Cate has just been named the features editor of Gloss, a high-end lifestyle magazine. It’s a professional coup, but her new job comes with more complications than Cate ever anticipated.
Cate’s roommate Renee will do anything to nab the plum job of beauty editor at Gloss. But snide comments about Renee’s weight send her into an emotional tailspin. Soon she is taking black market diet pills—despite the racing heartbeat and trembling hands that signal she's heading for real danger.
Then there’s Abby, whom they take in as a third roommate. Once a joyful graduate student working as a nanny part time, she abruptly fled a seemingly happy life in the D.C. suburbs. No one knows what shattered Abby—or why she left everything she once loved behind.
Pekkanen’s most compelling, true-to-life novel yet tells the story of three very different women as they navigate the complications of careers and love—and find the lifeline they need in each other.
Cate, Renee, and Abby have come to New York for very different reasons, and in a bustling city of millions, they are linked together through circumstance and chance.
Cate has just been named the features editor of Gloss, a high-end lifestyle magazine. It’s a professional coup, but her new job comes with more complications than Cate ever anticipated.
Cate’s roommate Renee will do anything to nab the plum job of beauty editor at Gloss. But snide comments about Renee’s weight send her into an emotional tailspin. Soon she is taking black market diet pills—despite the racing heartbeat and trembling hands that signal she's heading for real danger.
Then there’s Abby, whom they take in as a third roommate. Once a joyful graduate student working as a nanny part time, she abruptly fled a seemingly happy life in the D.C. suburbs. No one knows what shattered Abby—or why she left everything she once loved behind.
Pekkanen’s most compelling, true-to-life novel yet tells the story of three very different women as they navigate the complications of careers and love—and find the lifeline they need in each other.
325 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
374 people are currently reading
9155 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Pekkanen
29 books7,254 followersI'm a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 15 solo and coauthored books, including HOUSE OF GLASS, which is a Goodreads Choice award nominee and Amazon best book of the year.
My upcoming thriller, THE LOCKED WARD, is being hailed by Lee Child as "psychological suspense at its very best."
I'm also the coauthor of four bestselling thrillers: THE GOLDEN COUPLE, THE WIFE BETWEEN US, AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I've also written eight novels that are contemporary fiction, not thrillers: THE EVER AFTER, THE PERFECT NEIGHBORS, THINGS YOU WON'T SAY, CATCHING AIR, THE BEST OF US, THE OPPOSITE OF ME, SKIPPING A BEAT, and THESE GIRLS. My linked free short estories, published by Simon&Schuster exclusively for ereaders, are titled "All is Bright," and "Love, Accidentally."
When I'm not writing or spending time with my three kids, I'm a passionate advocate for rescue animals. I serve as Ambassador of RRSA India, a shelter and sanctuary for abused and injured street dogs and other animals in Anand, India. And I'm the founder of the nonprofit charity IndiaStreetPaws.com.
I also serve on the board of the International Thriller Writers. Readers and writers - come join us at Thrillerfest in NYC every spring!
Please find me on Insta and Facebook for more!
My website is www.sarahpekkanen.com
(Here on Goodreads, my policy is to only review books I really like. If I don't enjoy the book, I won't write about it - it's just my personal policy.)
My upcoming thriller, THE LOCKED WARD, is being hailed by Lee Child as "psychological suspense at its very best."
I'm also the coauthor of four bestselling thrillers: THE GOLDEN COUPLE, THE WIFE BETWEEN US, AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I've also written eight novels that are contemporary fiction, not thrillers: THE EVER AFTER, THE PERFECT NEIGHBORS, THINGS YOU WON'T SAY, CATCHING AIR, THE BEST OF US, THE OPPOSITE OF ME, SKIPPING A BEAT, and THESE GIRLS. My linked free short estories, published by Simon&Schuster exclusively for ereaders, are titled "All is Bright," and "Love, Accidentally."
When I'm not writing or spending time with my three kids, I'm a passionate advocate for rescue animals. I serve as Ambassador of RRSA India, a shelter and sanctuary for abused and injured street dogs and other animals in Anand, India. And I'm the founder of the nonprofit charity IndiaStreetPaws.com.
I also serve on the board of the International Thriller Writers. Readers and writers - come join us at Thrillerfest in NYC every spring!
Please find me on Insta and Facebook for more!
My website is www.sarahpekkanen.com
(Here on Goodreads, my policy is to only review books I really like. If I don't enjoy the book, I won't write about it - it's just my personal policy.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 607 reviews
November 18, 2021
This is a well-written, realistic and heartfelt portrayal of female friendships, workplace anxieties and societal expectations of women in regards to weight, beauty, and success.
I also appreciate that this book didn't succumb to the tropes so typical in stories of this nature. It was a breath if fresh air and made the story all the more realistic.
I also appreciate that this book didn't succumb to the tropes so typical in stories of this nature. It was a breath if fresh air and made the story all the more realistic.
April 21, 2012
I love books about people working at magazines. Initially the characters voices were too similar but I soon got wrapped up in their individual dramas. I related most to Cate, with her insecurities and workaholic-ness--but not her dedication to morning running and effortless beauty.
Digression: Why do so many women in novels not wear makeup? There are always descriptions of these naturally gorgeous women who "rarely wear makeup" dusting on "one coat of mascara and the barest hint of lip gloss." There are no women in my life who wear that little makeup. Is it supposed to make us regular folks feel less compelled to wear makeup? Really all it does is drive home the point of how much makeup I need to look like a human being.
I was happy that
Would like to see a sequel to this one.
Digression: Why do so many women in novels not wear makeup? There are always descriptions of these naturally gorgeous women who "rarely wear makeup" dusting on "one coat of mascara and the barest hint of lip gloss." There are no women in my life who wear that little makeup. Is it supposed to make us regular folks feel less compelled to wear makeup? Really all it does is drive home the point of how much makeup I need to look like a human being.
I was happy that
Would like to see a sequel to this one.
November 5, 2023
Three young women are navigating careers and life altering events as they struggle to figure out who they are, and what they want from life. All three are keeping secrets about their pasts, as well as having secrets, kept from them. All come for families that are dysfunctional in their own ways. And this impacts their individual lives in various ways.
Cate seemingly has her life together, having recently received a promotion. But she has played by self-doubt and puts too much importance on an incident in her past. Renee, who is struggling, professionally and financially, has an opportunity for a better job, but puts pressure on herself to lose weight and thereby jeopardizes her health. Abby runs from a bad mistake she made in Maryland to take refuge with her older brother Trey in New York City, where she meets Cate and Renee. Trey, figures in all their lives: as a colleague to Cate, an unrequited crush to Renee and a protective older brother to Abby.
Some of the drama in the women’s lives is a bit overblown. More like “when I was young and stupid, I was young and stupid.“ But the three women have problems forgiving themselves for prior mistakes, and let these mistakes unduly negatively influence their present lives. It is only when all the characters finally open up to each other about their pasts and their fears, that they truly can become successful in their lives. The story offers a glimpse into the world of magazine publishing, which is probably a lot harder than it appears from the outside. But the focus stays on the lives of the three main characters and is a very satisfying read.
Cate seemingly has her life together, having recently received a promotion. But she has played by self-doubt and puts too much importance on an incident in her past. Renee, who is struggling, professionally and financially, has an opportunity for a better job, but puts pressure on herself to lose weight and thereby jeopardizes her health. Abby runs from a bad mistake she made in Maryland to take refuge with her older brother Trey in New York City, where she meets Cate and Renee. Trey, figures in all their lives: as a colleague to Cate, an unrequited crush to Renee and a protective older brother to Abby.
Some of the drama in the women’s lives is a bit overblown. More like “when I was young and stupid, I was young and stupid.“ But the three women have problems forgiving themselves for prior mistakes, and let these mistakes unduly negatively influence their present lives. It is only when all the characters finally open up to each other about their pasts and their fears, that they truly can become successful in their lives. The story offers a glimpse into the world of magazine publishing, which is probably a lot harder than it appears from the outside. But the focus stays on the lives of the three main characters and is a very satisfying read.
April 4, 2012
Sarah Pekkanen is now three for three with amazing novels! You won't want to miss this one!!!
http://chicklitcentraltheblog.blogspo...
Amy Bromberg also reviewed it here.
http://chicklitcentraltheblog.blogspo...
Amy Bromberg also reviewed it here.
April 26, 2012
In a relatively short time, Sarah Pekkanen has developed quite a reputation for her smart, sassy and realistic examinations of women’s friendships. Though this is my first experience with her work, I can tell she’s earned it: These Girls is equal parts heartbreaking, surprising and moving. Just as I felt the story was veering into comfortable, well-worn territory, Pekkanen’s plot curved in a new direction. I loved not knowing what I was going to get — and that the obvious tropes didn’t apply.
Of all the characters, I really related to Renee in her pursuit to slim down. It’s funny the way weight can manifest itself in various parts of your life, and I thought her struggles — and what she ultimately sees as a “solution” — were well-drawn. The constant pushing of sweets in a workplace is something I can certainly understand . . . even when I’m the cupcake-pusher. I can’t imagine the tremendous pressure on those expected to look, think and dress a certain way just to maintain a certain “reputation” in their industry.
What really worked in These Girls was the scope of the interwoven plots. We’re not dealing with a trio of single girls taking on Manhattan; these women are smart, challenged and struggling to maintain their professional and personal roles. Cate, Renee and Abby’s individual family problems were detailed enough to invest me in the story, but not complicated enough to get frustrating. Though there were no easy solutions, this isn’t one over-the-top drama after another. Abby’s personal issues with her former job left me feeling a little cold towards her, especially as I felt she’d brought them on herself, but Pekkanen did a great job of creating sympathetic heroines I couldn’t actively dislike.
And Trey? He’s yummy. He’s savvy and paternal and suave and a total Chris Pine in my mind. I think Pekkanen’s overall moral — chicks over, um . . . guys — is a sound one, and I liked that we didn’t have a trio of otherwise intelligent women scratching each other’s eyes out over a man. I mean, really. We’re a little more evolved than that, right? I like my books to not be completely stereotypical and demeaning.
For fans of women’s fiction, novels centering on friendship and those looking for a good hook (each character’s back story is revealed over time, wrapping up only at the end), Pekkanen definitely knows what she’s doing. These Girls is a strong, well-paced book that dropped me off far from where I’d started. And I dug it.
Of all the characters, I really related to Renee in her pursuit to slim down. It’s funny the way weight can manifest itself in various parts of your life, and I thought her struggles — and what she ultimately sees as a “solution” — were well-drawn. The constant pushing of sweets in a workplace is something I can certainly understand . . . even when I’m the cupcake-pusher. I can’t imagine the tremendous pressure on those expected to look, think and dress a certain way just to maintain a certain “reputation” in their industry.
What really worked in These Girls was the scope of the interwoven plots. We’re not dealing with a trio of single girls taking on Manhattan; these women are smart, challenged and struggling to maintain their professional and personal roles. Cate, Renee and Abby’s individual family problems were detailed enough to invest me in the story, but not complicated enough to get frustrating. Though there were no easy solutions, this isn’t one over-the-top drama after another. Abby’s personal issues with her former job left me feeling a little cold towards her, especially as I felt she’d brought them on herself, but Pekkanen did a great job of creating sympathetic heroines I couldn’t actively dislike.
And Trey? He’s yummy. He’s savvy and paternal and suave and a total Chris Pine in my mind. I think Pekkanen’s overall moral — chicks over, um . . . guys — is a sound one, and I liked that we didn’t have a trio of otherwise intelligent women scratching each other’s eyes out over a man. I mean, really. We’re a little more evolved than that, right? I like my books to not be completely stereotypical and demeaning.
For fans of women’s fiction, novels centering on friendship and those looking for a good hook (each character’s back story is revealed over time, wrapping up only at the end), Pekkanen definitely knows what she’s doing. These Girls is a strong, well-paced book that dropped me off far from where I’d started. And I dug it.
June 16, 2019
This isn't my preferred genre, but "These Girls" was well-written and intelligent. On the surface, none of the characters was relatable for me, but beneath their glamorous New York City facades, they struggle with the same issues I deal with all the time: worries about weight, the fruitless search for male approval, corporate ladder woes, and the constant need to be popular and available, online and off. I'm not sure how memorable this book will be for me, but I'll hang on to its wonderful treatment of friendship and self-acceptance in women's lives. There is so little we can go through in life that can't be made easier in the company of friends who understand our troubles, and I thought "These Girls" did a great job of celebrating, rather than diminishing, that sentiment.
September 20, 2019
Nice light story of three women navigating New York City and their jobs, love lives, and personal lives. Of the three main characters, I was most attached to Abby’s story, as it seemed like it held the most secrets, but overall this read was a nice break from thrillers.
December 22, 2012
It wasn't horrible, but it was rather stale and unoriginal. The story wasn't developed enough; there was all of this build-up with the back stories and family drama, then it just tapered off and ended halfheartedly. When I approached the final 30 pages I was sure a sequel would be warranted, as none of the storylines had been dealt with well enough. But no, things were wrapped up neatly and lazily.
In terms of each of the characters and their stories, I had issues with all of them.
Cate had an affair with a professor in college, which she was really concerned about briefly but not much came of it. I almost forgot about it until she decides to try to look into finishing college at the very end - nobody ever finds out that she didn't finish college, or that anything scandalous happened to her. And then she was momentarily involved with Trey, and then not. What? I mean, I see that Pekkanen was trying to round out the character but it didn't feel natural or complete. There were multiple character angles and none resonated. Also, there was a lot of time spent focused on issues with Nigel and Sam - but neither story effectively concluded. What a waste.
I actually didn't mind Abby's character - I was more invested in what was happening to her than the other two. It just took too long to get to the reveal about Stevie (and really, the issues with her parents) that overall, it didn't have much of an impact. And morally, I definitely don't agree with the message that you can get involved with a married man (and employer) then just run away in the middle of the night, dropping out of school, with little consequence and everything will work out just peachy.
My biggest issue was with Renee's character. She's supposed to be likeable, but wait - a woman working for a magazine in NYC feels pressure to lose weight, so she goes overboard with diet pills? How original! I've never read anything like that before! And the end result was that she got the beauty editor job she nearly killed herself for and wrote a splashy article for which she was paid well, thus solving money concerns? She was rewarded with money and a new title, though she wasn't sure if she'd keep the job. Seriously? And we never saw her meet Becca?! Again, what a waste.
I didn't feel like these women were really "friends" - there was some prescribed friendship near the end but it was forced. Thankfully this was a quick read, but the more I think about it, the more I am unimpressed.
In terms of each of the characters and their stories, I had issues with all of them.
Cate had an affair with a professor in college, which she was really concerned about briefly but not much came of it. I almost forgot about it until she decides to try to look into finishing college at the very end - nobody ever finds out that she didn't finish college, or that anything scandalous happened to her. And then she was momentarily involved with Trey, and then not. What? I mean, I see that Pekkanen was trying to round out the character but it didn't feel natural or complete. There were multiple character angles and none resonated. Also, there was a lot of time spent focused on issues with Nigel and Sam - but neither story effectively concluded. What a waste.
I actually didn't mind Abby's character - I was more invested in what was happening to her than the other two. It just took too long to get to the reveal about Stevie (and really, the issues with her parents) that overall, it didn't have much of an impact. And morally, I definitely don't agree with the message that you can get involved with a married man (and employer) then just run away in the middle of the night, dropping out of school, with little consequence and everything will work out just peachy.
My biggest issue was with Renee's character. She's supposed to be likeable, but wait - a woman working for a magazine in NYC feels pressure to lose weight, so she goes overboard with diet pills? How original! I've never read anything like that before! And the end result was that she got the beauty editor job she nearly killed herself for and wrote a splashy article for which she was paid well, thus solving money concerns? She was rewarded with money and a new title, though she wasn't sure if she'd keep the job. Seriously? And we never saw her meet Becca?! Again, what a waste.
I didn't feel like these women were really "friends" - there was some prescribed friendship near the end but it was forced. Thankfully this was a quick read, but the more I think about it, the more I am unimpressed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2012
It has been a long time since i read a chic lit book but i have read great books involving loving friendships between women. This isnt one of them. I thought i would get a strong emotional bond between women going through some grown women issues like in Saving Graces, Brothers and Sisters and most books i have read by Lisa See but what i got was an adult book that read like a ya novel. The women were weak, naive and i never felt any strong connections between them even as they started to open up with each other. It was like reading Pretty Little Liars without Allison ten years later. The issues they go through in their daily lives is just so stereotypical that the writer would have to be a great talent to actually make one care. This writer in this book just did not do a great job in character development. Chic lit or whatever they call it is suppose to be fun,enjoyable, somewhere in the story bring a tear to the eye either from joy or a sad ending but this book evoke absolutely nothing but the feeling i just got robbed for ten dollars by the writer and kindle
April 22, 2012
As a gent reading was is clearly intended as Chic Lit, I began These Girls with a fair dose of trepidation. Nothing in the first quarter did much to relieve this - the main characters were obnoxiously normal woman, battling diets, relationships, and career trouble.
As the book progressed, I found myself warming to the ladies, or at least their melodramas. Even speck of dark humour emerged as Renee struggled to handle the trollish personal comments that emerged when her boss directed her to write a blog.
Unfortunately I had to drag my rating down to three stars, as the conclusion was somewhat of a let-down. Turns out a good talking about your problems solves them without any back-lash at all.
I also found myself gagging at the final credits when (the author?) poses some study questions. I normally ignore these, but I couldn't help notice this subtle number: "If These Girls was made into a movie who would you pick to play them?"
Bravo, even cockiness, can be a respectable quality. Desperation? Not so much.
As the book progressed, I found myself warming to the ladies, or at least their melodramas. Even speck of dark humour emerged as Renee struggled to handle the trollish personal comments that emerged when her boss directed her to write a blog.
Unfortunately I had to drag my rating down to three stars, as the conclusion was somewhat of a let-down. Turns out a good talking about your problems solves them without any back-lash at all.
I also found myself gagging at the final credits when (the author?) poses some study questions. I normally ignore these, but I couldn't help notice this subtle number: "If These Girls was made into a movie who would you pick to play them?"
Bravo, even cockiness, can be a respectable quality. Desperation? Not so much.
September 6, 2023
3.75ish stars. Another good read from Pekkanen (that I think I bought like 7 years ago so better late than never!)
I feel like I use the word enjoyable in my reviews a lot but it’s what this book was 😂. These Girls is about 3 women/friends in NYC all navigating life and their own problems. Pekkanen writes women well; I think that, and the fact that I usually read her books on vacation, makes her like her solo stuff so much.
I feel like I use the word enjoyable in my reviews a lot but it’s what this book was 😂. These Girls is about 3 women/friends in NYC all navigating life and their own problems. Pekkanen writes women well; I think that, and the fact that I usually read her books on vacation, makes her like her solo stuff so much.
April 29, 2017
3.75 stars - I liked the three main characters a lot. I enjoyed this book much more than the other one I've read by this author. I could relate to these characters.
May 6, 2012
It’s no secret that I adore Sarah's novels. She has a very real, very relatable, very resonant writing style, and along with it comes a plethora of characters you literally can’t help but love. In her new book, THESE GIRLS, we’re once again treated to a cast who makes us wonder, makes us reflect, makes us feel. It’s been a few days since I finished reading and yet I still find myself thinking about the characters – imagining what their lives will go on to be, considering how their journeys tie in to so many of our own, feeling hopeful and invigorated by the lessons they’ve taught. And – I’ve said this before – isn’t that the mark of an amazing book? When it resounds so far beyond the last page and stays with us awhile? Lingers in our minds and memories?
Because these characters, these girls – Cate, Renee, and Abby – absolutely linger. Their stories, both individual and together, linger. Their friendship lingers. And it inspires, too. It reminds us of the people we’re lucky to have in our own lives, the friends who truly become the family we choose. That’s what Cate, Renee, and Abby are to each other. In a way, they’re thrown together by chance. Cate and Renee both work for Gloss magazine, Cate as the newly-appointed features editor and Renee as an associate editor campaigning for a promotion, and share an apartment on the Upper West Side. When their other roommate moves out, Abby – reeling with pain after she flees her job, her life, her whole world down in Maryland – moves in. Abby’s wounds are open and raw, cutting deep into her soul. It’s obvious to anyone who meets her, and though Renee and Cate are battling some scars of their own, they welcome Abby into the fold with open arms.
It’s a delicate balance at first. Each woman has personal demons she’s trying valiantly to keep buried inside. Cate secretly wonders if she’s good enough for such a prestigious career – and if the dark spots of her past will come to light, ruining her chance at the future. Renee secretly wonders whether appearances are reality – and if changing how she looks on the outside will impact how she feels on the inside. Abby secretly wonders how her life could have taken such a downward spiral – and if she’ll ever be able to climb back up. At first, they’re hesitant to share these struggles. Even as they try to help one another, they build walls around their own hearts and their own insecurities. Both the beautiful thing about friendship is that it grows. It nurtures. It opens us up to possibilities and relationships we never expected. Slowly, but steadily and surely, the women open up. We learn that Cate never graduated college, that Renee has a half-sister she never knew about until nearly three decades after the fact, that Abby fell in love – and fell hard – with her married boss. We learn who each woman was, who each woman is, and, perhaps most importantly, who each woman wants to become. Add to that a flirtatious editor-in-chief, a dangerous diet pill, a charmingly sweet baby, and a man who has ties to all three friends, and you have an equation for intrigue and insatiable reading.
Watching friendship grow for Cate, Renee, and Abby, watching them help each other, watching them forge bonds that will forever be tied tight, is a treat. As each of them blossoms, we can feel ourselves doing the same. One of the things I love most about this book is that it reminds me of all the people I’m so blessed to know, the friends who have come into my life for a reason and changed it for the better. These are the people I can tell anything to – because, as Abby realizes, sometimes the hardest things to talk about are also the most important ones. Sometimes we need an ear to listen and a hand to hold. Like these characters, we all have our struggles. But keeping them buried inside? It only gives them power. When we talk them through, we understand that there’s always hope and always goodness. And, as Sarah so insightfully and eloquently shows, goodness is found in the people we hold most dear. These girls she writes about? They’re you, they’re me, they’re us. And that is why this novel’s a must-read.
Because these characters, these girls – Cate, Renee, and Abby – absolutely linger. Their stories, both individual and together, linger. Their friendship lingers. And it inspires, too. It reminds us of the people we’re lucky to have in our own lives, the friends who truly become the family we choose. That’s what Cate, Renee, and Abby are to each other. In a way, they’re thrown together by chance. Cate and Renee both work for Gloss magazine, Cate as the newly-appointed features editor and Renee as an associate editor campaigning for a promotion, and share an apartment on the Upper West Side. When their other roommate moves out, Abby – reeling with pain after she flees her job, her life, her whole world down in Maryland – moves in. Abby’s wounds are open and raw, cutting deep into her soul. It’s obvious to anyone who meets her, and though Renee and Cate are battling some scars of their own, they welcome Abby into the fold with open arms.
It’s a delicate balance at first. Each woman has personal demons she’s trying valiantly to keep buried inside. Cate secretly wonders if she’s good enough for such a prestigious career – and if the dark spots of her past will come to light, ruining her chance at the future. Renee secretly wonders whether appearances are reality – and if changing how she looks on the outside will impact how she feels on the inside. Abby secretly wonders how her life could have taken such a downward spiral – and if she’ll ever be able to climb back up. At first, they’re hesitant to share these struggles. Even as they try to help one another, they build walls around their own hearts and their own insecurities. Both the beautiful thing about friendship is that it grows. It nurtures. It opens us up to possibilities and relationships we never expected. Slowly, but steadily and surely, the women open up. We learn that Cate never graduated college, that Renee has a half-sister she never knew about until nearly three decades after the fact, that Abby fell in love – and fell hard – with her married boss. We learn who each woman was, who each woman is, and, perhaps most importantly, who each woman wants to become. Add to that a flirtatious editor-in-chief, a dangerous diet pill, a charmingly sweet baby, and a man who has ties to all three friends, and you have an equation for intrigue and insatiable reading.
Watching friendship grow for Cate, Renee, and Abby, watching them help each other, watching them forge bonds that will forever be tied tight, is a treat. As each of them blossoms, we can feel ourselves doing the same. One of the things I love most about this book is that it reminds me of all the people I’m so blessed to know, the friends who have come into my life for a reason and changed it for the better. These are the people I can tell anything to – because, as Abby realizes, sometimes the hardest things to talk about are also the most important ones. Sometimes we need an ear to listen and a hand to hold. Like these characters, we all have our struggles. But keeping them buried inside? It only gives them power. When we talk them through, we understand that there’s always hope and always goodness. And, as Sarah so insightfully and eloquently shows, goodness is found in the people we hold most dear. These girls she writes about? They’re you, they’re me, they’re us. And that is why this novel’s a must-read.
September 21, 2012
This is the story of three women in their late 20s in NYC. Of course two of them (Cate and Renee) work at a magazine, because it seems all chic lit that takes place in the Big Apple has to include at least one woman working at a Vogue-like magazine. It would have been lovely to have more creativity here.
The third woman has run away suddenly from her nanny job in Maryland (20 min from where I live, outside DC, and as I was a nanny here for 10 years this story line was a little more interesting) and is living w/ her brother but stays w/ Cate and Renee.
At one point, Renee realizes she's lived with Cate for six month and is just now figuring out that Cate is shy. Really? They work two cubicles from each other and live together and it took her six months to figure this out? That just seems poorly written/thought out by the author.
The details of Abby's live-in nanny job were well developed, and seeing that the author lives here in the DC area and has a nanny (and she thanked her nanny in the acknowledgements, which is huge!) shows that this is an area with which she is familiar. It can be difficult to maintain the line between friend and employee, and when there is obvious tension in the employers' marriage, it makes it awkward and uncomfortable for any household staff members. I also related well with the panic attacks Abby had and I think anyone who's experienced a panic attack will understand how she felt. I won't spoil the ending, but the way her story wraps up was done well.
Renee is struggling with her weight. I felt that while there are thousands of women who feel the same every day, the way she chose to deal with it, the aftermath, and the way it ended were not done in such a way as to encourage the reader to be healthy. It was more of a "it wasn't really all that bad in the end and I got the results I wanted" ending.
Cate's story was the weakest in my opinion. As I sit here, and I just finished the book last night, I can't even remember the main point of her storyline, so instead of going back and looking it up, I'll let that fact speak for itself.
The third woman has run away suddenly from her nanny job in Maryland (20 min from where I live, outside DC, and as I was a nanny here for 10 years this story line was a little more interesting) and is living w/ her brother but stays w/ Cate and Renee.
At one point, Renee realizes she's lived with Cate for six month and is just now figuring out that Cate is shy. Really? They work two cubicles from each other and live together and it took her six months to figure this out? That just seems poorly written/thought out by the author.
The details of Abby's live-in nanny job were well developed, and seeing that the author lives here in the DC area and has a nanny (and she thanked her nanny in the acknowledgements, which is huge!) shows that this is an area with which she is familiar. It can be difficult to maintain the line between friend and employee, and when there is obvious tension in the employers' marriage, it makes it awkward and uncomfortable for any household staff members. I also related well with the panic attacks Abby had and I think anyone who's experienced a panic attack will understand how she felt. I won't spoil the ending, but the way her story wraps up was done well.
Renee is struggling with her weight. I felt that while there are thousands of women who feel the same every day, the way she chose to deal with it, the aftermath, and the way it ended were not done in such a way as to encourage the reader to be healthy. It was more of a "it wasn't really all that bad in the end and I got the results I wanted" ending.
Cate's story was the weakest in my opinion. As I sit here, and I just finished the book last night, I can't even remember the main point of her storyline, so instead of going back and looking it up, I'll let that fact speak for itself.
April 5, 2012
Thank you to Book spark Pr and Washington Square Press for the copy of These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen. I have one copy to giveaway.
Synopsis:
Cate and Renee live in an apartment in New York and recently lost their roommate. They are in search of another roommate. Enter Trey the handsome writer who Renee still has a desire for a relationship. He has a little sister Abby who has suddenly come to New York looking for a safe place. She seeks solace in her brother but because of his job he is unable to care for her. Trey then turns to Renee and Cate to help with his sister and therefore solving their roommate issue as well. The solution looks great on paper but is there more to the story?
My Thoughts:
I thought this book was a great read! I like reading about the magazine world. I enjoyed the story from the beginning. I thought it was great how the author wove the conflict within these characters into the story. Sarah Pekkanen has created characters that you will want to root for. I would say that I liked this book better than her previous book Skipping a Beat.
This book focuses on the inner conflict within the three girls. The plot focused on the inner struggles that each girl had. Abby succumbs to anxiety over her nanny job. Renee struggles with the inner issue of her weight and how it affects her job and relationships. Cate has secrets of her own about her past. I felt they were woven together beautifully.
Sarah is delighted to hear from you on both facebook and twitter. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-P...
http://www.sarahpekkanen@twitter.com
Rating:
4/5
I have one copy of These Girls to giveaway. This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please make sure that you leave your e-mail address to qualify. The giveaway will end April 12 at midnight eastern standard time.
Have additional entries:
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2. Leave your e-mail address
3. Follow Writer’s Corner
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5. Follow on Twitter @jenceyg
6. Follow Sarah on Twitter @sarahpekkanen
7. Follow Sarah on Facebook
Synopsis:
Cate and Renee live in an apartment in New York and recently lost their roommate. They are in search of another roommate. Enter Trey the handsome writer who Renee still has a desire for a relationship. He has a little sister Abby who has suddenly come to New York looking for a safe place. She seeks solace in her brother but because of his job he is unable to care for her. Trey then turns to Renee and Cate to help with his sister and therefore solving their roommate issue as well. The solution looks great on paper but is there more to the story?
My Thoughts:
I thought this book was a great read! I like reading about the magazine world. I enjoyed the story from the beginning. I thought it was great how the author wove the conflict within these characters into the story. Sarah Pekkanen has created characters that you will want to root for. I would say that I liked this book better than her previous book Skipping a Beat.
This book focuses on the inner conflict within the three girls. The plot focused on the inner struggles that each girl had. Abby succumbs to anxiety over her nanny job. Renee struggles with the inner issue of her weight and how it affects her job and relationships. Cate has secrets of her own about her past. I felt they were woven together beautifully.
Sarah is delighted to hear from you on both facebook and twitter. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-P...
http://www.sarahpekkanen@twitter.com
Rating:
4/5
I have one copy of These Girls to giveaway. This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please make sure that you leave your e-mail address to qualify. The giveaway will end April 12 at midnight eastern standard time.
Have additional entries:
1. Leave a comment
2. Leave your e-mail address
3. Follow Writer’s Corner
4. Follow on Facebook
5. Follow on Twitter @jenceyg
6. Follow Sarah on Twitter @sarahpekkanen
7. Follow Sarah on Facebook
June 1, 2012
I've had this book on my to read list for quite some time now, and it's certainly lived up to its hype.
These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen follows the lives of three very different women: Abby, Cate, and Renee as they navigate life, love, and work. At first, I thought it was the typical "fluff" read and while a fun novel, one that wouldn't stay with me long. I couldn't have been more wrong.
This book does tread familiar ground-- dealing with broken marriages, infidelity, friends who both like the same guy, eating disorders. But the way Pekkanen handles her characters and her prose transcend this book into a totally different category.
I loved the development of all of these women, particularly Cate and Abby. There is a very poignant encounter with Abby and another character that I will not divulge-- but it was powerful, meaningful, and surprising. A two dimensional character became very three dimensional and human.
The turn of phrase is often beautiful and unexpected. And I thought this was a four star book until the very end where I was surprised and moved to tears by how Pekkanen deals with ending her story. It was done in a way that was perfect and ultimately satisfying without pandering to the stereotypical chick flick ending.
Overall, I was impressed with this novel-- beautifully written, wonderful characterization, and a must read.
These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen follows the lives of three very different women: Abby, Cate, and Renee as they navigate life, love, and work. At first, I thought it was the typical "fluff" read and while a fun novel, one that wouldn't stay with me long. I couldn't have been more wrong.
This book does tread familiar ground-- dealing with broken marriages, infidelity, friends who both like the same guy, eating disorders. But the way Pekkanen handles her characters and her prose transcend this book into a totally different category.
I loved the development of all of these women, particularly Cate and Abby. There is a very poignant encounter with Abby and another character that I will not divulge-- but it was powerful, meaningful, and surprising. A two dimensional character became very three dimensional and human.
The turn of phrase is often beautiful and unexpected. And I thought this was a four star book until the very end where I was surprised and moved to tears by how Pekkanen deals with ending her story. It was done in a way that was perfect and ultimately satisfying without pandering to the stereotypical chick flick ending.
Overall, I was impressed with this novel-- beautifully written, wonderful characterization, and a must read.
August 14, 2012
Sarah Pekkanen remains one of my favorite authors! I love the stories she puts together and tells. Her characters are deep and well developed, and always amazingly easy to relate to.
These Girls is a story of three young women living and working in New York (I love reading about New York because I know I could never hack actually living there). Each arrived under her own circumstances and each has a separate dream to chase.
Cate is a hard-working magazine editor. Abby is a young nanny who is going to school to become a teacher, and Renee is in hopes of becoming the next beauty editor at the same magazine for which Cate works.
The three girls' lives become intertwined throughout the story and their background, history and secrets are revealed as they get to know each other.
I was drawn into this story from the very first page and I was endeared to all three women immediately. Pekkanen writes characters that are so easy to like. Additionally, this story, like her others, will leave you in need of a tissue at times, but I love that about her stories - I always feel connected!
I cannot recommend These Girls or any of Pekkanen's other novels enough - she is amazing and I never feel like my reviews even remotely do her writing any justice!
These Girls is a story of three young women living and working in New York (I love reading about New York because I know I could never hack actually living there). Each arrived under her own circumstances and each has a separate dream to chase.
Cate is a hard-working magazine editor. Abby is a young nanny who is going to school to become a teacher, and Renee is in hopes of becoming the next beauty editor at the same magazine for which Cate works.
The three girls' lives become intertwined throughout the story and their background, history and secrets are revealed as they get to know each other.
I was drawn into this story from the very first page and I was endeared to all three women immediately. Pekkanen writes characters that are so easy to like. Additionally, this story, like her others, will leave you in need of a tissue at times, but I love that about her stories - I always feel connected!
I cannot recommend These Girls or any of Pekkanen's other novels enough - she is amazing and I never feel like my reviews even remotely do her writing any justice!
August 12, 2013
I LOVED this book! This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Pekkanen and it was amazing, and so well-written I felt that I was living vicariously through Cate, Renee and Abby the entire time, as if I was a fourth roommate! Pekkanen expertly describes that struggles that each of the women face in their lives, and they are not struggles that are unlike those faced by many women. I felt especially close to Renee in her struggles with trying to find her path, the agony she was facing over career advancement, and the pressures to be that ideal "size 4." These Girls was a quick read that I found very difficult to put down! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading Allison Winn Scotch, Jennifer Weiner, JoJo Moyes and other writers in this genre!
April 4, 2012
Can I just say I DEVOURED and LOVED These Girls? Great I just wanted to make sure.
Here's my review with Melissa Amster of Chick Lit Central:
http://chicklitcentraltheblog.blogspo...
Here's my review with Melissa Amster of Chick Lit Central:
http://chicklitcentraltheblog.blogspo...
November 27, 2024
some hard subject matter but written in an easy, breezy way. very light, very digestible! good commute read, easy to pick up and put down. i had a pleasant time all round. like im not necessarily going to be recommending it to people as a must-read but i enjoyed it, and i picked it up from a little free book exchange box on the street which is cute too! :)
May 29, 2017
I recently read "The Engagements" by J. Courtney Sullivan, and thought that the state of the American novel couldn't get much worse. Then I read "These Girls," and realized that "The Engagements" is practically "Moby Dick" in comparison.
Where to even begin? The writing in this book is terrible. It's high school level, at best, in terms of the actual writing style and the plot. The dialogue is clunky and unrealistic. The book is littered with clichés that make you cringe. There are inconsistencies that are annoying. One of the characters is named "Annabelle" and is referred to as such for over 2/3 of the book, before suddenly being referred to as "Bella." The first time it happened, I literally thought a new character had been introduced until I realized it was Annabelle. That's just sloppy editing. And there are things that happen that are, frankly, unrealistic. One character, despite working at a fashion magazine, constantly wears scarves tied around her neck, which hasn't been fashionable since flight attendants were forced to adopt it as part of their uniform. In my favorite "wtf" moment, one character actually mails in a physical check to pay her Visa bill. In the year 2012. I haven't physically written a check to pay my credit card since 2004. The internet exists, girl! Use it to pay your bills! Another time, a main character is at a busy intersection in NYC, and pushes the walk button. Sure. Because the walk sign doesn't automatically come on. I've been to NYC, but this book makes me think Sarah Pekkanen has not.
Also, have you seen the Saved By The Bell episode where Jessie Spano gets addicted to caffeine pills? Sarah Pekkanen sure has, because she basically rips that plot and shoves it into her book wholesale. Be prepared to sing "I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so...so...scared!" every time one of the main characters pops another pill.
More upsetting, the characters in this book are stereotypes at best. No one is rendered in any sort of complex manner. One of the characters is legitimately a carbon copy of Cathy, from the "Cathy" comic strip. She obsesses about men and her weight and loves chocolate. The fact that she didn't say "ack!" at some point during the novel was astounding. All the characters have singular motivations, and whatever obstacles they have to overcome are bland and unoriginal. It's hard to feel invested in any of their stories because they just seem so unreal as people. This cuts against the "friendship" that supposedly grows between the main characters as well. It's hard to believe they have some deep friendship when every interaction they experience is superficial and clichéd. "You're my best friend now because we painted a wall and ate Chinese food together!" Sure. I bet "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was playing in the background, too. Barf.
I also despised how gendered the book was. Men drink beer and women drink wine. The good men in the book all have deep voices, rugged looks, and do outdoorsy things, while the villainous men have high pitched whiny voices, work in traditionally feminine spaces, and possess other traditionally feminine qualities. The villainous woman in the book is objectionable because she chooses to work rather than quit her job to stay at home full time with her daughter. There's never any discussion that maybe she needs to work to support the family. Or that maybe, God forbid, she actually enjoys her work, that it brings her personal satisfaction, and that she wants to continue to do it while also experiencing motherhood. Instead, she's simply an unsympathetic bitch for choosing to work instead of finding ultimate personal fulfillment in motherhood. The heroic women in the book only care about men, their weight, having children, and being feminine. One of the characters goes on a date with a man and loves how he makes her feel so small and feminine. Are you fucking kidding me? This book was published in 2012, not 1955! If I had a daughter who read this book, I would be horrified to think that she might believe her adult life should bear any resemblance to those of the main characters. The book is even called "These Girls," despite the fact that its main characters are all grown ass women in or near their 30s. I mean, the fact that this book's publication didn't cause Betty Friedan to rise up out of her grave in horror is a miracle. Most despicable is that this book puts forth all this gendered ideology while also trying to claim that it's some depiction of a female empowered divine Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
This book even has the gall to have "Book Club Discussion" questions printed in the back, like it's some sort of serious piece of fiction that warrants intense thought and scrutiny. Just terrible. F minus. None for Gretchen Weiners.
Where to even begin? The writing in this book is terrible. It's high school level, at best, in terms of the actual writing style and the plot. The dialogue is clunky and unrealistic. The book is littered with clichés that make you cringe. There are inconsistencies that are annoying. One of the characters is named "Annabelle" and is referred to as such for over 2/3 of the book, before suddenly being referred to as "Bella." The first time it happened, I literally thought a new character had been introduced until I realized it was Annabelle. That's just sloppy editing. And there are things that happen that are, frankly, unrealistic. One character, despite working at a fashion magazine, constantly wears scarves tied around her neck, which hasn't been fashionable since flight attendants were forced to adopt it as part of their uniform. In my favorite "wtf" moment, one character actually mails in a physical check to pay her Visa bill. In the year 2012. I haven't physically written a check to pay my credit card since 2004. The internet exists, girl! Use it to pay your bills! Another time, a main character is at a busy intersection in NYC, and pushes the walk button. Sure. Because the walk sign doesn't automatically come on. I've been to NYC, but this book makes me think Sarah Pekkanen has not.
Also, have you seen the Saved By The Bell episode where Jessie Spano gets addicted to caffeine pills? Sarah Pekkanen sure has, because she basically rips that plot and shoves it into her book wholesale. Be prepared to sing "I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so...so...scared!" every time one of the main characters pops another pill.
More upsetting, the characters in this book are stereotypes at best. No one is rendered in any sort of complex manner. One of the characters is legitimately a carbon copy of Cathy, from the "Cathy" comic strip. She obsesses about men and her weight and loves chocolate. The fact that she didn't say "ack!" at some point during the novel was astounding. All the characters have singular motivations, and whatever obstacles they have to overcome are bland and unoriginal. It's hard to feel invested in any of their stories because they just seem so unreal as people. This cuts against the "friendship" that supposedly grows between the main characters as well. It's hard to believe they have some deep friendship when every interaction they experience is superficial and clichéd. "You're my best friend now because we painted a wall and ate Chinese food together!" Sure. I bet "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was playing in the background, too. Barf.
I also despised how gendered the book was. Men drink beer and women drink wine. The good men in the book all have deep voices, rugged looks, and do outdoorsy things, while the villainous men have high pitched whiny voices, work in traditionally feminine spaces, and possess other traditionally feminine qualities. The villainous woman in the book is objectionable because she chooses to work rather than quit her job to stay at home full time with her daughter. There's never any discussion that maybe she needs to work to support the family. Or that maybe, God forbid, she actually enjoys her work, that it brings her personal satisfaction, and that she wants to continue to do it while also experiencing motherhood. Instead, she's simply an unsympathetic bitch for choosing to work instead of finding ultimate personal fulfillment in motherhood. The heroic women in the book only care about men, their weight, having children, and being feminine. One of the characters goes on a date with a man and loves how he makes her feel so small and feminine. Are you fucking kidding me? This book was published in 2012, not 1955! If I had a daughter who read this book, I would be horrified to think that she might believe her adult life should bear any resemblance to those of the main characters. The book is even called "These Girls," despite the fact that its main characters are all grown ass women in or near their 30s. I mean, the fact that this book's publication didn't cause Betty Friedan to rise up out of her grave in horror is a miracle. Most despicable is that this book puts forth all this gendered ideology while also trying to claim that it's some depiction of a female empowered divine Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
This book even has the gall to have "Book Club Discussion" questions printed in the back, like it's some sort of serious piece of fiction that warrants intense thought and scrutiny. Just terrible. F minus. None for Gretchen Weiners.
April 24, 2012
3.5 stars
This is a story of three women (late twenties, early thirties) who are each struggling internally with personal issues; Renee is beautiful both inside and out but, as a size 12, she constantly compares herself to thinner women. When she competes for the position of beauty editor at a magazine, her body issues hit an all-time-low; Cate is holding back a secret that she feels threatens her new leadership position at the magazine; This secret also keeps her a bit emotionally unavailable for relationships both platonic and romantic; and Abby has run away from her life in the suburbs and is starting to see the influence her childhood has had on her present choices. Renee and Cate have been roommates in their small NYC apartment for a while but never true friends, but when Abby's brother Trey asks them to take in his sister, things change.
I have mixed feelings about this book. In truth, I had difficulty putting it down because I wanted to know what would happen to each of these girls (no pun intended). In that respect, it was a great book. At the same time, I was often not happy with the author's choices and, with the exception of Renee, did not sympathize with the girls as much as I think I was supposed to. Cate, in particular, got on my nerves more than once. Each time she made a bad choice, she would internally acknowledge that she might be doing the wrong thing but then she would justify it and do it anyway. I thought she was a bit selfish, although she redeemed herself somewhat at the end. And while I understood what provoked Abby to do what she did, I still found her actions hard to swallow. Renee, on the other hand, was extremely likeable and sympathetic. She was, by far, my favorite character and the only one in whose story I felt truly vested.
*SPOILER ALERT* I really did not like the love triangle aspect of the book and was very upset that the author choose to make Cate the object of Trey's interest when Renee was such a better match and, in my opinion, a much better catch! My heart broke and my blood boiled for Renee as I watched the building chemistry between Trey and Cate - did not like the idea of them together AT ALL.
Finally, there were issues in the book that I thought could have been resolved better - for instance, the cyber-bullying of Renee by her colleague was never really addressed - that could have added more tension.
I absolutely LOVED Skipping a Beat and will certainly continue to read books by this author but this one is not a favorite.
This is a story of three women (late twenties, early thirties) who are each struggling internally with personal issues; Renee is beautiful both inside and out but, as a size 12, she constantly compares herself to thinner women. When she competes for the position of beauty editor at a magazine, her body issues hit an all-time-low; Cate is holding back a secret that she feels threatens her new leadership position at the magazine; This secret also keeps her a bit emotionally unavailable for relationships both platonic and romantic; and Abby has run away from her life in the suburbs and is starting to see the influence her childhood has had on her present choices. Renee and Cate have been roommates in their small NYC apartment for a while but never true friends, but when Abby's brother Trey asks them to take in his sister, things change.
I have mixed feelings about this book. In truth, I had difficulty putting it down because I wanted to know what would happen to each of these girls (no pun intended). In that respect, it was a great book. At the same time, I was often not happy with the author's choices and, with the exception of Renee, did not sympathize with the girls as much as I think I was supposed to. Cate, in particular, got on my nerves more than once. Each time she made a bad choice, she would internally acknowledge that she might be doing the wrong thing but then she would justify it and do it anyway. I thought she was a bit selfish, although she redeemed herself somewhat at the end. And while I understood what provoked Abby to do what she did, I still found her actions hard to swallow. Renee, on the other hand, was extremely likeable and sympathetic. She was, by far, my favorite character and the only one in whose story I felt truly vested.
*SPOILER ALERT* I really did not like the love triangle aspect of the book and was very upset that the author choose to make Cate the object of Trey's interest when Renee was such a better match and, in my opinion, a much better catch! My heart broke and my blood boiled for Renee as I watched the building chemistry between Trey and Cate - did not like the idea of them together AT ALL.
Finally, there were issues in the book that I thought could have been resolved better - for instance, the cyber-bullying of Renee by her colleague was never really addressed - that could have added more tension.
I absolutely LOVED Skipping a Beat and will certainly continue to read books by this author but this one is not a favorite.
July 14, 2018
This isn't the most creative story I've ever read, but again, it made for a good summer read - written with a light touch, but tackling some important subjects. Cate & Renee both work for a fashion magazine in New York City; they take in a third roommate, Abby, whose older brother is a famous. journalist. All three women are struggling with serious personal issues, & all are afraid to reveal those issues more broadly - but when they do, of course, they learn the power of coming clean & relying on friendships, even new ones.
June 22, 2012
Welcome to New York. It's busy and fast paced and feels as though you are surrounded by a constant buzz of electricity that feels the air.
For Cate, New York has brought her the sought after title of feature editor for the magazine Gloss. It is everything that Cate had hoped for in a career, and everything she has dreaded as well.
Renee, is in the running for the coveted position of Beauty editor of Gloss. She suffers from low self-esteem to her constant battle with her weight and her two components for the position seem to have it far more together than she does. However, the diet pills she has started taking seem to be giving her energy and curbing her appetite and she is learning that if she takes more pills, she has more energy.... and maybe the weight will drop faster.
Abby, had her life together. She was happy and in a dream job where she was able to go to school in the evenings and by day live with a young family and take care of their darling little girl. But the man of the house, Bob, is pretty good-looking, and oh so kind, and the wife just works all the time late into the evenings.... leaving Abby alone with Bob...
As these three women connect and eventually become roommates, the secrets that can busy us... perhaps friendship can save us?
Women friendships. Why do they have to be so complicated? Cate has the job that she loves and is getting her feet wet into this new career with a flourish. Yet her friend and roommate Renee struggles through life with weight issues that seem to shadow over everything she does. If a date does not go well, it is due to her weight, if she doesn't get the position she wants.. no doubt it is contributed to her weight... and the mean comments that show up on her beauty tips blog just seal the deal that she has to do something about her weight. They Abby enters the picture and by the time Cate and Renee meet her she is a fragile broken girl with a story that they know nothing about. Abby's career as a nanny is now over - and as the pages turn we get a glimpse into what was true then....
(please see my foll review at:) http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2012...
For Cate, New York has brought her the sought after title of feature editor for the magazine Gloss. It is everything that Cate had hoped for in a career, and everything she has dreaded as well.
Renee, is in the running for the coveted position of Beauty editor of Gloss. She suffers from low self-esteem to her constant battle with her weight and her two components for the position seem to have it far more together than she does. However, the diet pills she has started taking seem to be giving her energy and curbing her appetite and she is learning that if she takes more pills, she has more energy.... and maybe the weight will drop faster.
Abby, had her life together. She was happy and in a dream job where she was able to go to school in the evenings and by day live with a young family and take care of their darling little girl. But the man of the house, Bob, is pretty good-looking, and oh so kind, and the wife just works all the time late into the evenings.... leaving Abby alone with Bob...
As these three women connect and eventually become roommates, the secrets that can busy us... perhaps friendship can save us?
Women friendships. Why do they have to be so complicated? Cate has the job that she loves and is getting her feet wet into this new career with a flourish. Yet her friend and roommate Renee struggles through life with weight issues that seem to shadow over everything she does. If a date does not go well, it is due to her weight, if she doesn't get the position she wants.. no doubt it is contributed to her weight... and the mean comments that show up on her beauty tips blog just seal the deal that she has to do something about her weight. They Abby enters the picture and by the time Cate and Renee meet her she is a fragile broken girl with a story that they know nothing about. Abby's career as a nanny is now over - and as the pages turn we get a glimpse into what was true then....
(please see my foll review at:) http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2012...
May 5, 2015
*A Few Spoilers*
If you’re looking for deep character development, this book is not for you.
If you’re looking to do some deep soul searching, this book is not for you.
If you’re looking for a light, enjoyable read, with some slightly under baked characters, this book might just be for you.
Please don’t get me wrong – this wasn’t a terrible book, but the characters just simply aren’t very developed and many of the issues presented only begin to skim the surface of what they are trying to cover. Of all the characters, I felt Abby could have been taken and run with to create a novel all of her own – of all the sub plots, I found hers to be the most well thought out and interesting. Renee could have been much better than she was – eating disorders and the pressure to be thin can be turned into quite a compelling novel. And Cate was… Well, Cate was there. Of all the three, she was the least engaging, and I couldn’t quite get into her plot line. Is she supposed to be finding love? Getting over a scandal that happened in college? I don’t feel like there was a clear ending for Cate, nor did I feel any attachment to her. She was just thrown in there.
The characters themselves were like slightly under baked cookies that could have been a lot better given more time and effort. “These girls” are so one dimensional – we have Cate, who is supposed to be a serious workaholic plagued by a college scandal; Renee, the loud “fat girl” who just wants to lose weight, and Abby, who is kind and caring (which is mentioned so many times you’d think she were Mother Teresa) but harboring a dark memory lodged back into her sub-conscious. Abby had the most promise of all three of the girls to be more than just a paper doll thin character. If only this had been achieved with at least one of the girls, the book would have been that much better.
Again, this is far from the worst thing I've read, but don't get your hopes up for a great literary achievement here.
If you’re looking for deep character development, this book is not for you.
If you’re looking to do some deep soul searching, this book is not for you.
If you’re looking for a light, enjoyable read, with some slightly under baked characters, this book might just be for you.
Please don’t get me wrong – this wasn’t a terrible book, but the characters just simply aren’t very developed and many of the issues presented only begin to skim the surface of what they are trying to cover. Of all the characters, I felt Abby could have been taken and run with to create a novel all of her own – of all the sub plots, I found hers to be the most well thought out and interesting. Renee could have been much better than she was – eating disorders and the pressure to be thin can be turned into quite a compelling novel. And Cate was… Well, Cate was there. Of all the three, she was the least engaging, and I couldn’t quite get into her plot line. Is she supposed to be finding love? Getting over a scandal that happened in college? I don’t feel like there was a clear ending for Cate, nor did I feel any attachment to her. She was just thrown in there.
The characters themselves were like slightly under baked cookies that could have been a lot better given more time and effort. “These girls” are so one dimensional – we have Cate, who is supposed to be a serious workaholic plagued by a college scandal; Renee, the loud “fat girl” who just wants to lose weight, and Abby, who is kind and caring (which is mentioned so many times you’d think she were Mother Teresa) but harboring a dark memory lodged back into her sub-conscious. Abby had the most promise of all three of the girls to be more than just a paper doll thin character. If only this had been achieved with at least one of the girls, the book would have been that much better.
Again, this is far from the worst thing I've read, but don't get your hopes up for a great literary achievement here.
May 31, 2013
I just finished reading this book today on the subway on the way home from work and found myself hoping I wouldn't get to my stop before getting to the last page. Why the three star rating then? I had to think about exactly why this book didn't quite make it to four stars for me (though I would have given it three and a half stars if I could).
This is the story of three unlikely roommates in a tiny apartment in New York City. Two of them, Cate and Renee, work at the same magazine, and the third, Abby, is foisted upon them by hot star reporter, Trey. Cate had just been promoted to editor and wants to make sure her first issue is perfect; Renee is broke and is desperately vying for the Beauty Editor's job - which she'd be a shoe-in for if she weren't a size 12 girl living in a size 4 world. Abby is taking refuge from a nanny job she abandoned when she fell in love her charge’s father, and struggling to understand the reason behind her sudden panic attacks.
The author set up a great premise. While the magazine backdrop in chick lit has been done A LOT, I never tire of it if it's done well. There’s a lot going on in terms of plot, squeezed into just over 300 pages, and that’s the trouble – while there’s plenty of conflict, and the deeper you get into the book, the more you want to find out what’s going to happen next, not enough room is given to setting or character development. The ending is satisfying, but there is no profound change in any of the characters. Some that should have been fleshed out more – like Trey (the love interest) and Becca (the long-lost sister) – never are. The author may have been better off with less plot lines and more texture.
That said, I’ve just ordered Skipping a Beat – with only two characters in that novel, I am hoping for the character development that was missing in These Girls.
This is the story of three unlikely roommates in a tiny apartment in New York City. Two of them, Cate and Renee, work at the same magazine, and the third, Abby, is foisted upon them by hot star reporter, Trey. Cate had just been promoted to editor and wants to make sure her first issue is perfect; Renee is broke and is desperately vying for the Beauty Editor's job - which she'd be a shoe-in for if she weren't a size 12 girl living in a size 4 world. Abby is taking refuge from a nanny job she abandoned when she fell in love her charge’s father, and struggling to understand the reason behind her sudden panic attacks.
The author set up a great premise. While the magazine backdrop in chick lit has been done A LOT, I never tire of it if it's done well. There’s a lot going on in terms of plot, squeezed into just over 300 pages, and that’s the trouble – while there’s plenty of conflict, and the deeper you get into the book, the more you want to find out what’s going to happen next, not enough room is given to setting or character development. The ending is satisfying, but there is no profound change in any of the characters. Some that should have been fleshed out more – like Trey (the love interest) and Becca (the long-lost sister) – never are. The author may have been better off with less plot lines and more texture.
That said, I’ve just ordered Skipping a Beat – with only two characters in that novel, I am hoping for the character development that was missing in These Girls.
April 10, 2012
I reviewed this book for luxuryreading.com and was so excited to get the chance to do so! I just love this author's writing style and try to pick up everything I can from her.
In a place like New York City it's possible to create a new life, be whoever you want to be. The vibrant city allows you to show whatever face you want to the world and keep whatever secrets you have buried as deep down as you wish. This is the case for three roommates - Cate, Renee and Abby. Each is presenting only part of themselves to the world, at least at first. But as these girls begin to let a little of their guard down and trust in the others, they soon discover that their happiness will only be found when they become true to themselves.
As these three women get closer and begin to open up about their families, their lives and what they have really been through, the weight of their secrets begins to lift. Each will have to tackle their problems on their own, but having the others for support will make it that much easier to handle.
Sarah Pekkanen has quickly become one of my favorite authors to follow. Her characters are so real and raw that it's not hard to place yourself in their situations. I could especially relate to Renee who is vivacious, funny and friends with just about everyone. Even as she lifts everyone else up and tells them how beautiful and special they are she just cannot seem to see that same beauty in herself. All the women are funny, dynamic and perfectly flawed so you can find yourself laughing at them one minute and crying along with them the next.
As women's fiction goes she is top caliber, and These Girls does not disappoint. If you love authors like Jennifer Weiner and Sophie Kinsella, or just want a great read to keep you entertained, These Girls is for you.
In a place like New York City it's possible to create a new life, be whoever you want to be. The vibrant city allows you to show whatever face you want to the world and keep whatever secrets you have buried as deep down as you wish. This is the case for three roommates - Cate, Renee and Abby. Each is presenting only part of themselves to the world, at least at first. But as these girls begin to let a little of their guard down and trust in the others, they soon discover that their happiness will only be found when they become true to themselves.
As these three women get closer and begin to open up about their families, their lives and what they have really been through, the weight of their secrets begins to lift. Each will have to tackle their problems on their own, but having the others for support will make it that much easier to handle.
Sarah Pekkanen has quickly become one of my favorite authors to follow. Her characters are so real and raw that it's not hard to place yourself in their situations. I could especially relate to Renee who is vivacious, funny and friends with just about everyone. Even as she lifts everyone else up and tells them how beautiful and special they are she just cannot seem to see that same beauty in herself. All the women are funny, dynamic and perfectly flawed so you can find yourself laughing at them one minute and crying along with them the next.
As women's fiction goes she is top caliber, and These Girls does not disappoint. If you love authors like Jennifer Weiner and Sophie Kinsella, or just want a great read to keep you entertained, These Girls is for you.
June 13, 2012
“These Girls”
By Sarah Pekkanen
“These Girls” is the story of three young women who have all come to New York for different reasons.
Cate is the features editor of Gloss which is a high end lifestyle magazine. It was a great promotion but comes with more complications than Cate ever imagined. Cate is beautiful and thin and career driven yet her friendships with the other two girls is high on the priority list. She actually feels insecure around other women, and needs to belong in this threesome for a sense of self-worth. She blames some of her inability to connect with other women on her mother, who can’t seem to move her life forward after a painful divorce.
Renee is Cate’s roommate and she is desperate for the job of beauty editor at Gloss. However comments about her weight cause an emotional breakdown. She spins out of control as she tries to lose the weight by taking black market diet pills. Renee has a wonderful sense of humor. She is kind and thoughtful.
Renee and Cate agree to take in the sister of a colleague, who has left her job in Washington DC. She has gone from a happy graduate student and nanny to a terrified young, projecting loneliness and so terribly thin. Something has happened to steal the life out of Abby, who also had issues with her mother. As the story concludes, Abby’s story is revealed, very sad and tragic, and understandable that she went through a difficult time.
This is the first one of Sarah Pekkanen’s books that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is about friendship and the bond of girlfriends. It is about overcoming your past and moving on to a better future. This story makes you appreciate the girlfriends in your life. Cassandra
May 29, 2012
Do you remember how you met your best friend?
Cate is a new features editor for Gloss magazine. She’s younger than the other editors and is working hard to prove herself to her peers and her boss. Cate has a secret that could jeopardize her career. Renee is a writer for the beauty section of Gloss. Although Renee is friendly, smart and pretty, she has body esteem issue. She is applying for the position of beauty editor and will go to extreme lengths to look the part. Abby was Annabelle’s nanny. When she becomes too involved with Annabelle’s family, she moves to New York for a fresh start.
These three women become roommates and eventually friends. I liked how Pekkanen showed the growth of friendship- how the women slowly got to know each other, were able to drop their barriers and share their secrets and their fears. Each chapter alternates between the three characters. This shared narrative allows readers to get to know the real story behind each character.
I’ve read Pekkanen’s previous novels and this story was also enjoyable. She creates characters that you care about and situations that will make you think and question what you would do in a similar situation. Book clubs will enjoy discussing the themes of friendship, family, love and success. If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry and want to call your best friend, you’ll want to read These Girls.
Cate is a new features editor for Gloss magazine. She’s younger than the other editors and is working hard to prove herself to her peers and her boss. Cate has a secret that could jeopardize her career. Renee is a writer for the beauty section of Gloss. Although Renee is friendly, smart and pretty, she has body esteem issue. She is applying for the position of beauty editor and will go to extreme lengths to look the part. Abby was Annabelle’s nanny. When she becomes too involved with Annabelle’s family, she moves to New York for a fresh start.
These three women become roommates and eventually friends. I liked how Pekkanen showed the growth of friendship- how the women slowly got to know each other, were able to drop their barriers and share their secrets and their fears. Each chapter alternates between the three characters. This shared narrative allows readers to get to know the real story behind each character.
I’ve read Pekkanen’s previous novels and this story was also enjoyable. She creates characters that you care about and situations that will make you think and question what you would do in a similar situation. Book clubs will enjoy discussing the themes of friendship, family, love and success. If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry and want to call your best friend, you’ll want to read These Girls.
April 19, 2018
In her third novel, internationally bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen examines the lives of three women working and living together in New York City and shows that family secrets may shape us all, but it’s the rich, complicated layers of friendship that can save us.
Cate, Renee, and Abby have come to New York for very different reasons, and in a bustling city of millions, they are linked together through circumstance and chance.
Cate has just been named the features editor of Gloss, a high-end lifestyle magazine. It’s a professional coup, but her new job comes with more complications than Cate ever anticipated.
Cate’s roommate Renee will do anything to nab the plum job of beauty editor at Gloss. But snide comments about Renee’s weight send her into an emotional tailspin. Soon she is taking black market diet pills—despite the racing heartbeat and trembling hands that signal she's heading for real danger.
Then there’s Abby, whom they take in as a third roommate. Once a joyful graduate student working as a nanny part time, she abruptly fled a seemingly happy life in the D.C. suburbs. No one knows what shattered Abby—or why she left everything she once loved behind.
Pekkanen’s most compelling, true-to-life novel yet tells the story of three very different women as they navigate the complications of careers and love—and find the lifeline they need in each other.
Cate, Renee, and Abby have come to New York for very different reasons, and in a bustling city of millions, they are linked together through circumstance and chance.
Cate has just been named the features editor of Gloss, a high-end lifestyle magazine. It’s a professional coup, but her new job comes with more complications than Cate ever anticipated.
Cate’s roommate Renee will do anything to nab the plum job of beauty editor at Gloss. But snide comments about Renee’s weight send her into an emotional tailspin. Soon she is taking black market diet pills—despite the racing heartbeat and trembling hands that signal she's heading for real danger.
Then there’s Abby, whom they take in as a third roommate. Once a joyful graduate student working as a nanny part time, she abruptly fled a seemingly happy life in the D.C. suburbs. No one knows what shattered Abby—or why she left everything she once loved behind.
Pekkanen’s most compelling, true-to-life novel yet tells the story of three very different women as they navigate the complications of careers and love—and find the lifeline they need in each other.
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