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Limelight
In a smart and funny new novel by the author of Small Admissions, a family’s move to New York City brings surprises and humor as their lives merge with the captivating world of Broadway.
Allison Brinkley -- wife, mother, and former unflappable optimist -- discovers that a carefully weighed decision to pack up and move her family from suburban Dallas to the glittery chaos of Manhattan may have been more complicated than she and her husband initially thought.
Allison learns that New York is unruly and bewildering, defying the notions she developed from romantic movies and a memorable childhood visit. After a humiliating call from the principal’s office and the loss of the job she was counting on, Allison begins to accept that New York may not suit her after all.
When Allison has a fender-bender, witnessed by a flock of mothers at her son’s new school, she is led to the penthouse apartment of a luxurious Central Park West building and encounters a spoiled, hungover, unsupervised teenager who looks familiar. It doesn’t take long to recognize him as Carter Reid -- a famous pop star who has been cast in a new Broadway musical. Through this brush with stardom, Allison embraces a unique and unexpected opportunity that helps her find her way in the heart of Manhattan.
In a book that delivers laughs, warmth, and delightful wish fulfillment, Poeppel dives into celebrity culture and modern motherhood with her trademark style.
Allison Brinkley -- wife, mother, and former unflappable optimist -- discovers that a carefully weighed decision to pack up and move her family from suburban Dallas to the glittery chaos of Manhattan may have been more complicated than she and her husband initially thought.
Allison learns that New York is unruly and bewildering, defying the notions she developed from romantic movies and a memorable childhood visit. After a humiliating call from the principal’s office and the loss of the job she was counting on, Allison begins to accept that New York may not suit her after all.
When Allison has a fender-bender, witnessed by a flock of mothers at her son’s new school, she is led to the penthouse apartment of a luxurious Central Park West building and encounters a spoiled, hungover, unsupervised teenager who looks familiar. It doesn’t take long to recognize him as Carter Reid -- a famous pop star who has been cast in a new Broadway musical. Through this brush with stardom, Allison embraces a unique and unexpected opportunity that helps her find her way in the heart of Manhattan.
In a book that delivers laughs, warmth, and delightful wish fulfillment, Poeppel dives into celebrity culture and modern motherhood with her trademark style.
406 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2018
483 people are currently reading
6842 people want to read
About the author
Amy Poeppel
5 books1,301 followersAmy Poeppel is the author of the novels The SWEET SPOT, MUSICAL CHAIRS, LIMELIGHT, and SMALL ADMISSIONS. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she and her husband live in New York City, Litchfield County, CT, and Frankfurt, Germany. Her writing has appeared on The Rumpus, LitHub, The New York Times, Belladonna Comedy, Mock Mom, and Working Mother.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 711 reviews
June 18, 2018
I'm between 4 and 4.5 stars.
If you're looking for an enjoyable read with a lot of heart, Amy Poeppel's Limelight may be the book for you.
Allison Brinkley has her hands full. She's been the most vocal proponent of moving her family from their suburban Dallas home to the wilds of New York City when her husband is offered a new position within his company.
She can't wait to live in a brownstone, enjoy the beauty of Central Park, and spend time with one of her best friends, who has been trying to get her to come to New York for years. She already has a teaching job lined up, too, so she's completely set.
But then reality sets in. She discovers they can't afford a brownstone (more like an apartment in a high-rise building), her friend is escaping to the New Jersey suburbs, and her job has fallen through. All that, and her older daughter is barely speaking to her, her younger daughter is doing poorly in school, and she's already been called into school by her son's principal because of inappropriate behavior. Was moving the right decision?
Ever the optimist, Allison still tries to rally her family—not to mention herself—around the excitement of New York. But when another career opportunity falls through, she starts to despair. Then opportunity comes her way in the most inauspicious of circumstances, when she has a fender-bender with a BMW in front of her son's school—while the "popular mom crowd" watches.
Her accident leads her to a luxury penthouse on Central Park West, where she encounters a foul-mouthed, hungover, spoiled teenager—who happens to be Carter Reid, a famous pop singer and teen heartthrob who seems to be taking a turn down the path of rebellion, spewing curses (and vomit), throwing punches, and causing trouble wherever he goes.
Carter is in New York City, abandoned by those who were working for him, in order to star in Limelight , a Broadway musical adaptation of the famous Charlie Chaplin film. The thing is, though, Carter doesn't want to do the musical and wants to fly home to Los Angeles. He doesn't care that he signed a contract, or what the implications are for his career or his fortune.
Amidst the wreck that Carter is making of his life and his career, Allison finds an opportunity to regain her self-worth, find a purpose, and perhaps finally fall in love with the city that never sleeps—plus she might even get her kids to talk to her again. But it's going to require a lot of patience, marshaling her teaching skills, and buying a lot of cell phones!
This was a really fun read. Even if the story is utterly improbable, it charms you from start to finish. It's a bit of a love note to New York City, a paean of sorts to the power of positive thinking and encouragement, and a look at how if you take the bull by the horns, you can achieve success in the strangest of ways.
I enjoyed Poeppel's last book, Small Admissions (see my review), and I felt the same way about this book as well. Allison is a sweet yet persistent character who is determined not to give up, and although many of the other characters have their faults, I still found myself utterly engaged by the story. (It's probably about 50-75 pages longer than it needs to be, though—Carter's shtick grew thin fairly quickly.)
Poeppel threw in lots of nuggets about Broadway, celebrity gossip, and New York City living along with the plot. This is definitely one of those books that are perfect to relax with on a rainy day, and enjoy the lighthearted story. I'll definitely read whatever Poeppel writes next—and I'm even thinking about checking out the Charlie Chaplin movie, too!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
If you're looking for an enjoyable read with a lot of heart, Amy Poeppel's Limelight may be the book for you.
Allison Brinkley has her hands full. She's been the most vocal proponent of moving her family from their suburban Dallas home to the wilds of New York City when her husband is offered a new position within his company.
She can't wait to live in a brownstone, enjoy the beauty of Central Park, and spend time with one of her best friends, who has been trying to get her to come to New York for years. She already has a teaching job lined up, too, so she's completely set.
But then reality sets in. She discovers they can't afford a brownstone (more like an apartment in a high-rise building), her friend is escaping to the New Jersey suburbs, and her job has fallen through. All that, and her older daughter is barely speaking to her, her younger daughter is doing poorly in school, and she's already been called into school by her son's principal because of inappropriate behavior. Was moving the right decision?
Ever the optimist, Allison still tries to rally her family—not to mention herself—around the excitement of New York. But when another career opportunity falls through, she starts to despair. Then opportunity comes her way in the most inauspicious of circumstances, when she has a fender-bender with a BMW in front of her son's school—while the "popular mom crowd" watches.
Her accident leads her to a luxury penthouse on Central Park West, where she encounters a foul-mouthed, hungover, spoiled teenager—who happens to be Carter Reid, a famous pop singer and teen heartthrob who seems to be taking a turn down the path of rebellion, spewing curses (and vomit), throwing punches, and causing trouble wherever he goes.
Carter is in New York City, abandoned by those who were working for him, in order to star in Limelight , a Broadway musical adaptation of the famous Charlie Chaplin film. The thing is, though, Carter doesn't want to do the musical and wants to fly home to Los Angeles. He doesn't care that he signed a contract, or what the implications are for his career or his fortune.
Amidst the wreck that Carter is making of his life and his career, Allison finds an opportunity to regain her self-worth, find a purpose, and perhaps finally fall in love with the city that never sleeps—plus she might even get her kids to talk to her again. But it's going to require a lot of patience, marshaling her teaching skills, and buying a lot of cell phones!
This was a really fun read. Even if the story is utterly improbable, it charms you from start to finish. It's a bit of a love note to New York City, a paean of sorts to the power of positive thinking and encouragement, and a look at how if you take the bull by the horns, you can achieve success in the strangest of ways.
I enjoyed Poeppel's last book, Small Admissions (see my review), and I felt the same way about this book as well. Allison is a sweet yet persistent character who is determined not to give up, and although many of the other characters have their faults, I still found myself utterly engaged by the story. (It's probably about 50-75 pages longer than it needs to be, though—Carter's shtick grew thin fairly quickly.)
Poeppel threw in lots of nuggets about Broadway, celebrity gossip, and New York City living along with the plot. This is definitely one of those books that are perfect to relax with on a rainy day, and enjoy the lighthearted story. I'll definitely read whatever Poeppel writes next—and I'm even thinking about checking out the Charlie Chaplin movie, too!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.
May 6, 2018
The Brinkley family of five has just relocated to New York City from Dallas, Texas. Allison’s husband was offered a promotion and the whole family was excited to try something new. Their new home in a small cramped apartment seems a small sacrifice for this golden opportunity. Collectively, they anticipate a few stumbles after leaving behind lifelong friends and a comfortable home.
Things do not go as planned for Allison when her teaching job falls through. Her children begin to have problems adjusting socially leaving her two daughters unhappy and her son getting disciplined at school. Her optimistic view of city life wanes further when she hits a parked car in front of school moms. Her attempt to pass on insurance details becomes the start of better times. She meets a foul-mouthed, hungover, teenager and realizes he is a famous pop star. He is living alone and Allison becomes concerned for his well being. She becomes the parent he never had while providing the managerial talent to get his career back on track.
This is the second novel written by Amy Poeppel and I am a fan of both of her books. Limelight provides a view of life through the lens of a mom juggling the demands of a family in the diverse and chaotic city of New York.
Things do not go as planned for Allison when her teaching job falls through. Her children begin to have problems adjusting socially leaving her two daughters unhappy and her son getting disciplined at school. Her optimistic view of city life wanes further when she hits a parked car in front of school moms. Her attempt to pass on insurance details becomes the start of better times. She meets a foul-mouthed, hungover, teenager and realizes he is a famous pop star. He is living alone and Allison becomes concerned for his well being. She becomes the parent he never had while providing the managerial talent to get his career back on track.
This is the second novel written by Amy Poeppel and I am a fan of both of her books. Limelight provides a view of life through the lens of a mom juggling the demands of a family in the diverse and chaotic city of New York.
August 1, 2020
Limelight is a joy to read from start to finish. Poeppel’s writing is smart and fresh, and as a supreme fan of all things Broadway related, I love the subject matter. As the story opens, Allison Brinkley is grappling with moving from Dallas to New York City with a husband and three children and struggling to find her place in her family and the world at large. She stumbles into a new job serving as the personal assistant for a spoiled young pop star (Carter Reid) who is cast in a Broadway musical.
My favorite parts of the book relate to the production of the musical Limelight (Limelight is both the title of the book and the title of the musical Carter stars in). Poeppel follows the show from the first rehearsal read of the script through the various events that are required to open a Broadway show. Her inclusion of the various characters that contribute to the show such as the director, the producers, and the fellow actors starring with Carter, Kevin Kline and Melissa McCarthy, adds authenticity and depth to the story. I also love the song lyrics Poeppel uses at the beginning of each section; each choice is relevant to that portion of the book, and several provide a glimpse into the world in which Carter exists and induce empathy in the reader for Carter and his situation.
While I was reading the book, I wondered how it would end and hoped it would be realistic. Thankfully, Limelight’s conclusion is perfect; Poeppel writes an ending to her story that is both highly satisfying and completely believable. I highly recommend Limelight; it is an absolutely delightful tale.
Listen to my podcast at https://www.thoughtsfromapage.com for fun author interviews including one with Amy. For more book reviews, check out my Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
My favorite parts of the book relate to the production of the musical Limelight (Limelight is both the title of the book and the title of the musical Carter stars in). Poeppel follows the show from the first rehearsal read of the script through the various events that are required to open a Broadway show. Her inclusion of the various characters that contribute to the show such as the director, the producers, and the fellow actors starring with Carter, Kevin Kline and Melissa McCarthy, adds authenticity and depth to the story. I also love the song lyrics Poeppel uses at the beginning of each section; each choice is relevant to that portion of the book, and several provide a glimpse into the world in which Carter exists and induce empathy in the reader for Carter and his situation.
While I was reading the book, I wondered how it would end and hoped it would be realistic. Thankfully, Limelight’s conclusion is perfect; Poeppel writes an ending to her story that is both highly satisfying and completely believable. I highly recommend Limelight; it is an absolutely delightful tale.
Listen to my podcast at https://www.thoughtsfromapage.com for fun author interviews including one with Amy. For more book reviews, check out my Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
July 10, 2018
What a fun book! I really enjoyed Amy Poeppel’s first book, “Small Admissions,” so I was excited to get my hands on “Limelight.” Carter Reid needs a mother, or some sort of adult intervention...and Allison (a middle aged mom of three) needs a project. This book was highly entertaining, a fun quick read! I love when a author humanizes her characters so well, you start to root for them, and love them, despite all their narcissistic behaviors. I highly recommend this book for a fun, delightful read!
**4.5 stars rounded up!** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**4.5 stars rounded up!** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 5, 2021
[3+] A light and quick read that left me smiling.
July 21, 2018
This was so bad I couldn’t finish it, and I read more than 150 pages hoping it would get better.
Couldn’t connect to the main character or those around her. Her friend Sara was maybe supposed to be funny but she was so obnoxious it was a big turn-off. As was one character several times using the word faggot and no one called him on it. Also not ok was the protagonist needling her husband at length in several occasions with accusations that he was sleeping with his pretty coworker. If my spouse had so little trust in me I would be thoroughly disgusted and not put up with it. Definitely not funny.
It was not believable that the main character would have the mental energy to be obsessed with a stranger when she has three children at home, a move to adjust to, a career to resurrect. Especially that she’d take belligerent behavior from him that she wouldn’t take from her students, while cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc for him without asking for pay for far too long. WTH? People in this book don’t act or talk their age, especially her friend Sara or the main character’s youngest and eldest children. Skimmed the end and saw it was the predictable one and it would have bored me to spend the book waiting for it.
Couldn’t connect to the main character or those around her. Her friend Sara was maybe supposed to be funny but she was so obnoxious it was a big turn-off. As was one character several times using the word faggot and no one called him on it. Also not ok was the protagonist needling her husband at length in several occasions with accusations that he was sleeping with his pretty coworker. If my spouse had so little trust in me I would be thoroughly disgusted and not put up with it. Definitely not funny.
It was not believable that the main character would have the mental energy to be obsessed with a stranger when she has three children at home, a move to adjust to, a career to resurrect. Especially that she’d take belligerent behavior from him that she wouldn’t take from her students, while cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc for him without asking for pay for far too long. WTH? People in this book don’t act or talk their age, especially her friend Sara or the main character’s youngest and eldest children. Skimmed the end and saw it was the predictable one and it would have bored me to spend the book waiting for it.
April 27, 2018
Allison and her family move to New York City from Dallas for her husband, Michael's, job. At first, Allison is excited--ready for the glitz and glamour of the city. Instead, she finds herself and her family (including her three children) living in a cramped small apartment within a high-rise building. She has no friends and no one to confide in and shortly after moving, she loses her job. Things go from bad to worse when she hits an empty parked car outside her son Jack's school--right in front of the judgemental eyes of all the other mothers. The note Allison leaves leads her to a fancy penthouse, which she finds occupied by young pop star, Carter Reid. Allison doesn't see Carter as a pop star, however: she sees an abandoned kid, friendless, without parents, and about to ruin his career by backing out of the Broadway musical in which he agreed to star. Somehow, Allison becomes involved in Carter's life and as she does, she finally finds a reason to embrace New York.
This was such a fun book and such an engaging read. Now, at first, Allison is adrift in New York and in the beginning of the book, I was so frustrated with the abuse she took from Carter that I was a bit annoyed with the story. But Poeppel gets you past that pretty quick. The entire book is humorous, as it's filled with funny moments with Allison, her family, and the cast of supporting characters. Howard, a security guard Allison helps tutor, particularly shines, as does Owen, Carter's butler. Poeppel is very adept at capturing the individual voice of each of her characters. I loved Allison's kids, too. I fell for her eldest daughter, Charlotte, because I could have been her 20 years ago (geez I'm old), but teenage Megan and funny, quirky Jack were awesome too. The characters truly become like family.
Even if Allison frustrated me at times, with her coddling of Carter, I certainly found her relatable. The fact that she wasn't a morning person, her love for her children yet inability to always know what was happening in their lives, and her closeness with her own mom. She comes across as a real person, and I was incredibly impressed at how well she handled Carter and the celebrity world. The theme of family runs across the book--not just Allison's family, but how the disparate characters in the novel become their own family, and you really find yourself rooting for Carter because of it.
And, indeed, the magic of the book is how it transforms Carter. In the beginning, I couldn't believe anyone would like this kid, but as you read on... well, let's just say you will be rooting for Carter Reid. Poeppel captures Carter so precisely--his mannerisms, his dialect, his voice--it's amazing. It's easy to picture him, and he grows on you, for sure. By the end of the novel, you may feel a little misty. Sure, it's sometimes easy to see where things may be going, but that's OK, because it is such a rather enjoyable ride to be on. Plus, you never know exactly what wrench Carter is going to throw in Allison's carefully laid plans.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It started off a little slow, and I was initially frustrated with Carter's behavior (and Allison's acceptance of it). However, the book then takes off, and I was quickly immersed in the well-written characters and the arc of the story. It's such a fun book in so many ways--and touching too--plus there's a celebrity aspect that gives it an enjoyable twist, and you often feel like you're in NYC on a Broadway set. Definitely an enjoyable read. 4 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 05/01/2018.
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This was such a fun book and such an engaging read. Now, at first, Allison is adrift in New York and in the beginning of the book, I was so frustrated with the abuse she took from Carter that I was a bit annoyed with the story. But Poeppel gets you past that pretty quick. The entire book is humorous, as it's filled with funny moments with Allison, her family, and the cast of supporting characters. Howard, a security guard Allison helps tutor, particularly shines, as does Owen, Carter's butler. Poeppel is very adept at capturing the individual voice of each of her characters. I loved Allison's kids, too. I fell for her eldest daughter, Charlotte, because I could have been her 20 years ago (geez I'm old), but teenage Megan and funny, quirky Jack were awesome too. The characters truly become like family.
Even if Allison frustrated me at times, with her coddling of Carter, I certainly found her relatable. The fact that she wasn't a morning person, her love for her children yet inability to always know what was happening in their lives, and her closeness with her own mom. She comes across as a real person, and I was incredibly impressed at how well she handled Carter and the celebrity world. The theme of family runs across the book--not just Allison's family, but how the disparate characters in the novel become their own family, and you really find yourself rooting for Carter because of it.
And, indeed, the magic of the book is how it transforms Carter. In the beginning, I couldn't believe anyone would like this kid, but as you read on... well, let's just say you will be rooting for Carter Reid. Poeppel captures Carter so precisely--his mannerisms, his dialect, his voice--it's amazing. It's easy to picture him, and he grows on you, for sure. By the end of the novel, you may feel a little misty. Sure, it's sometimes easy to see where things may be going, but that's OK, because it is such a rather enjoyable ride to be on. Plus, you never know exactly what wrench Carter is going to throw in Allison's carefully laid plans.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It started off a little slow, and I was initially frustrated with Carter's behavior (and Allison's acceptance of it). However, the book then takes off, and I was quickly immersed in the well-written characters and the arc of the story. It's such a fun book in so many ways--and touching too--plus there's a celebrity aspect that gives it an enjoyable twist, and you often feel like you're in NYC on a Broadway set. Definitely an enjoyable read. 4 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 05/01/2018.
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September 2, 2019
I quite enjoyed this book. Its entertaining, flows quickly – and importantly you want to follow all the different character confrontations.
It revolves around a family, in particular the mother, Allison, who move to New York City. She is raising their three school age children – and inadvertently becomes involved with an enfant terrible (modelled on Justin Bieber?) who is a super-pop-star and for some reason which I can’t fathom, has been selected for a role in a Broadway play. Allison takes on the job of being his “personal assistant” – but she is really a surrogate mother to this super-punk. His mother died several years ago and he has had little guidance in life. It is Allison’s role and supreme challenge to straighten him out and get him ready for his Broadway performance. We are given a rollicking ride with these two very different personas.
Its fun – but somehow this book doesn’t stay with me. Maybe its’ too trendy. The ending, for me, was too tidy and neat. I was expecting a downfall – Tom Wolfe style.
It revolves around a family, in particular the mother, Allison, who move to New York City. She is raising their three school age children – and inadvertently becomes involved with an enfant terrible (modelled on Justin Bieber?) who is a super-pop-star and for some reason which I can’t fathom, has been selected for a role in a Broadway play. Allison takes on the job of being his “personal assistant” – but she is really a surrogate mother to this super-punk. His mother died several years ago and he has had little guidance in life. It is Allison’s role and supreme challenge to straighten him out and get him ready for his Broadway performance. We are given a rollicking ride with these two very different personas.
Its fun – but somehow this book doesn’t stay with me. Maybe its’ too trendy. The ending, for me, was too tidy and neat. I was expecting a downfall – Tom Wolfe style.
May 15, 2019
I can’t believe how much I liked this book. Review to come
May 1, 2018
Ahhh I loved this book SO much, it seriously surprised me by just how much I enjoyed it and I don’t even know why. I’ve had Small Admissions sitting on my bookshelf for over a year and now I’m so frustrated with myself for not reading it sooner. Amy Poeppel nailed every single aspect of this book, and I wholeheartedly did not want it to end!
Allison is my new fictional BFF, I could not get enough of her from the moment I read the first chapter. She’s gutsy, witty, caring and a little crazy but she’s real. She has three kids and they were so honestly depicted as well, I mean what teenager today doesn’t curse inappropriately at the worst possible time? Or what young boy doesn’t develop a fascination with the female anatomy at some point? #Truth Carter is the mega pop star that Allison finds herself working for and though they’re an unlikely duo, I loved Allison’s tactics in dealing with him. He’s a pompous, self absorbed jerk, a womanizing party animal, (Think Justin Bieber, maybe even worse) and she treated him no differently than one of her own kids, and this made for some hilarious moments and fantastic scenes.
I love reading books about celebrities (real or fictional) and Poeppel gave me the best of both worlds by including both. The behind the scenes look at Broadway was everything, admittedly I know absolutely nothing about the backstage life of a play but everything she created rang true, it was super authentic and believable to me. So much so in fact that I had to stop myself from checking to see how much tickets are to see Limelight.
I can’t say enough good things about this book, it really had it all for me. I wondered if I would be disappointed by the ending but Poeppel kept things real and there wasn’t some unrealistic, happy ever after conclusion, which was awesome because that wouldn’t have worked well here and the way she handled things was perfection.
Limelight in three words: Savvy,
Modern and Sparkling.
Allison is my new fictional BFF, I could not get enough of her from the moment I read the first chapter. She’s gutsy, witty, caring and a little crazy but she’s real. She has three kids and they were so honestly depicted as well, I mean what teenager today doesn’t curse inappropriately at the worst possible time? Or what young boy doesn’t develop a fascination with the female anatomy at some point? #Truth Carter is the mega pop star that Allison finds herself working for and though they’re an unlikely duo, I loved Allison’s tactics in dealing with him. He’s a pompous, self absorbed jerk, a womanizing party animal, (Think Justin Bieber, maybe even worse) and she treated him no differently than one of her own kids, and this made for some hilarious moments and fantastic scenes.
I love reading books about celebrities (real or fictional) and Poeppel gave me the best of both worlds by including both. The behind the scenes look at Broadway was everything, admittedly I know absolutely nothing about the backstage life of a play but everything she created rang true, it was super authentic and believable to me. So much so in fact that I had to stop myself from checking to see how much tickets are to see Limelight.
I can’t say enough good things about this book, it really had it all for me. I wondered if I would be disappointed by the ending but Poeppel kept things real and there wasn’t some unrealistic, happy ever after conclusion, which was awesome because that wouldn’t have worked well here and the way she handled things was perfection.
Limelight in three words: Savvy,
Modern and Sparkling.
November 24, 2018
Tried to enjoy the book; the premise was interesting (family loves to nyc and mom somehow becomes manager to a spoiled rock star migrating to broadway); the writing was unique. But I just couldn’t enjoy it - mom felt underdeveloped, situation felt contrived, and the rock star was such a jerk - such a horrible, swearing, unlikeable jerk. I finished it but would not recommend it.
April 29, 2018
Thanks to the author for this review copy!
Motherhood + New York City + Broadway + celebrity drama = so much fun! I adored Poeppel's previous book SMALL ADMISSIONS, and this title was just as good or better. As a teacher and mother myself, I am drawn to her spot on portrayals of the education world and mothering, and in LIMELIGHT, we get all of that PLUS a celebrity diva and an insider's look at a splashy new musical production. Highly recommended for fans of domestic fiction, NYC and musical theater - what a fun read!
Motherhood + New York City + Broadway + celebrity drama = so much fun! I adored Poeppel's previous book SMALL ADMISSIONS, and this title was just as good or better. As a teacher and mother myself, I am drawn to her spot on portrayals of the education world and mothering, and in LIMELIGHT, we get all of that PLUS a celebrity diva and an insider's look at a splashy new musical production. Highly recommended for fans of domestic fiction, NYC and musical theater - what a fun read!
May 7, 2018
After enjoying Small Admissions I was looking forward to this book. Unfortunately it fell short to me. The pop star character was awful and I did not like how we were supposed to have sympathy for him like the main character wanted us to. And overall I felt the book needed some significant editing.
June 5, 2018
This is another book with a brilliant cover. Publishing companies are certainly hiring inspired artists these days. I really liked the first half of the book, but the second half dragged on and they lost me when Carter chose the country's most despicable charity as his supposed image changer. If you are trying to recreate your persona, the last thing you would openly want to support would be something controversial to alienate half your fan base. SPOILER ALERT. ...Is there anything grosser than a man who openly supports abortion because he wants to get laid as much as possible? That is as mysogynistic as it gets. I would have liked this book much better with the politics removed. The story was kind of an adult fantasy and should have stayed on a lighter level.
May 1, 2018
By far and away, the funniest book I've read all year. With Limelight, Amy Poeppel brings wit and heart to a real New York story. It is a love letter to the city and to moms of teenagers everywhere. No-one captures teen dialogue as brilliantly. I highly recommend.
November 16, 2018
One of the worst books I've read in a long time- ended up skimming the last 100 pages. I don't understand the high reviews that this book got.
March 22, 2018
Limelight was recommended to me by Andrea Peskind Katz from Great Thoughts. She really knows what I'll enjoy reading because she totally nailed it with this book! It has become one of my 2018 favorites.
I could definitely relate to Allison, as I moved from the Midwest to the east coast about 11 years ago. The experience was overwhelming at first and it took a lot of adjusting. While my family and I didn't move to NYC, we lived pretty close for a couple of years before relocating once again (with a much easier adjustment the second time around). Once I didn't live as close to NYC, I liked it so much more. I recently went there with my kids to see a Broadway musical and reading Limelight shortly after that trip brought back all the feelings of being in the city.
Amy Poeppel first had me at the part where Allison's eight year-old son draws an anatomically correct version of himself at school. I couldn't get enough of the story from that point on, whether it was about Allison getting adjusted to city life and new routines, her kids' many moods and quirks, and, of course, working for Carter Reid. Carter's teenage "tantrums" could be made into a movie montage, as he had so many. There were a lot of funny moments and lines where I was thinking "I can't believe they said that!" There were also some poignant moments where I really felt invested in the outcome for both Carter and Allison.
I had no idea which direction this story would go in, so I was constantly surprised and entertained. I loved the Broadway aspect, as well as the celebrity name dropping. Any musical theater fan needs to read this novel! Just a fair warning that there are spoilers for the movie Limelight, of which the musical is based.
I couldn't get enough of this novel and I'm sad that it's over. I wanted to live in it for one more day and was jealous of Allison at times. Perhaps there will be a sequel? (She'll be back...time will tell.)
In case Hollywood (or Broadway) comes calling:
Allison: Susan Egan
Michael: Jon Hamm
Carter: K.J. Apa
Howard: Michael Rapaport
Charlotte: Emily Hahn
Sara: Rachel Weisz
Annabella: Bella Thorne
Megan: Oona Laurence
Owen: Martin Freeman
I could definitely relate to Allison, as I moved from the Midwest to the east coast about 11 years ago. The experience was overwhelming at first and it took a lot of adjusting. While my family and I didn't move to NYC, we lived pretty close for a couple of years before relocating once again (with a much easier adjustment the second time around). Once I didn't live as close to NYC, I liked it so much more. I recently went there with my kids to see a Broadway musical and reading Limelight shortly after that trip brought back all the feelings of being in the city.
Amy Poeppel first had me at the part where Allison's eight year-old son draws an anatomically correct version of himself at school. I couldn't get enough of the story from that point on, whether it was about Allison getting adjusted to city life and new routines, her kids' many moods and quirks, and, of course, working for Carter Reid. Carter's teenage "tantrums" could be made into a movie montage, as he had so many. There were a lot of funny moments and lines where I was thinking "I can't believe they said that!" There were also some poignant moments where I really felt invested in the outcome for both Carter and Allison.
I had no idea which direction this story would go in, so I was constantly surprised and entertained. I loved the Broadway aspect, as well as the celebrity name dropping. Any musical theater fan needs to read this novel! Just a fair warning that there are spoilers for the movie Limelight, of which the musical is based.
I couldn't get enough of this novel and I'm sad that it's over. I wanted to live in it for one more day and was jealous of Allison at times. Perhaps there will be a sequel? (She'll be back...time will tell.)
In case Hollywood (or Broadway) comes calling:
Allison: Susan Egan
Michael: Jon Hamm
Carter: K.J. Apa
Howard: Michael Rapaport
Charlotte: Emily Hahn
Sara: Rachel Weisz
Annabella: Bella Thorne
Megan: Oona Laurence
Owen: Martin Freeman
May 7, 2018
I have to start by saying that I am drawn to books about NYC. Mix in other elements such as parenting, a behind the scenes look at a Broadway production, and a surly, rude, bratty teenage pop star and I’m even more interested. This book has all that and so much more. I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Allison and her husband, Michael, have relocated their three children and themselves from a Dallas suburb to a small Manhattan apartment. Let’s just say this adjustment hasn’t gone as planned. While Michael thrives with his new job and the lure and vitality of NYC the rest of the family flounders. The children adjust poorly to school and their new surroundings. Allison’s teaching job gets cancelled and to make her life even more stressful she has a minor traffic accident picking her son up from school. While trying to make amends to the other driver she finds herself meeting Carter Reid, a famous teenage pop star. To say that Carter is lacking in social graces as well as any idea of how the real world works is an understatement. Allison ends up taking a job as his personal assistant and is tasked to getting him cleaned up, sober, out of the tabloids, and ready for his debut on Broadway. This is definitely not a simple job as he fights her the whole way. Allison is committed to getting Carter to see his own self worth and potential and to have him feel loved. The characters in this book are interesting - from Allison’s children to the Broadway movers and shakers. I enjoyed everything about this book. It is well written and well paced and had me entertained from the first page.
April 19, 2018
As a lifelong New Yorker, there is something about Broadway and this city that will always have a special place in my heart. Those factors may be what drew me to Limelight in the first place but the heart and spirit found in the pages is what kept me eagerly devouring every page. When Allison transplants herself and her family to New York from Texas for her husband's job, she doesn't expect to find that she is the one struggling the most of all, while her husband is on top of the world. I was happy to see that this story didn't take the route of the cheating husband and the wife getting revenge, but rather, a couple who discusses their feelings and overcomes together (how refreshing). However, without this sadness, Allison may not have ended up becoming a sort of "paid mom" to bratty pop star Carter Reid (SERIOUS Bieber vibes, people!) - the story that follows is one you are definitely going to want to read - trust me!
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2018
I loved Amy Poeppel's first novel, SMALL ADMISSIONS, but I really loved this gem of a book about a Texas mother newly moved to Manhattan, who ends up unwittingly becoming a secondary mother of a sort to a crazy famous, self-absorbed pop star. It's a charming, fun and hilariously funny story that had me staying up late to find out how Allison manages the ridiculous antics of Carter Reid, who stars opposite Kevin Kline in a Broadway play. LIMELIGHT is a happy diversion from the cares of the rest of the world and a must read for the top of your book pile. I can't wait for Poeppel's next book!
October 3, 2018
So much promise and so little delivered. The premise of this story intrigued me but the characters were absolutely flat and unlikeable. The protagonist Allison was boring and brought very little to the story. I found it incredibly difficult to connect to her, her actions and her thought process. Halfway through this story I was desperately hoping it would pick up and endear the characters somehow, but a big fat nope. It’s a pretty bad book with unrealistic relationships and conversations.
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December 23, 2018This book was not only extremely unrealistic but really stupid for lack of a better word. The fact that the mother kept just showing up at this celebrity's home and doing things for him despite his terrible behavior just got ridiculous. Just couldn't read anymore ....
November 12, 2018
Limelight was an absolute joy to read! When the Brinkley family relocates to NYC from Texas, the whole family struggles to adjust to the change. By chance, Allison Brinkley has a run in with the famous bad-boy Carter Reid. Allison, lost and adrift, unofficially becomes Carter's personal assistant as he prepares to star in the Broadway show, Limelight. I loved everything about this book - the setting, the musical references, and the dialogue was absolutely laugh out loud funny!
Such a fun book!
Such a fun book!
November 15, 2018
More light and easy-going reading material to fit my rather attention deficit style these days. However, Limelight does have a more complicated plot than the usual batch of chick lit, and it isn’t primarily a romance novel, which is kind of refreshing. A bratty teenage rock star, a newly unemployed mom, New York City as a character in itself, a family undergoing transformation after a household moves to a big city with apprehension - CHANGE! How everyone finds their way is actually a riveting read - because - don’t we all wonder how we would do under similar, or even dissimilar circumstances?
A strong, enjoyable four stars. No trauma, tears or upsets, which is my lane these days. Grin.
A strong, enjoyable four stars. No trauma, tears or upsets, which is my lane these days. Grin.
February 14, 2018
LIMELIGHT accomplishes that hard-to-achieve, magical dance of balancing hilarity with a compelling story. I laughed. I related. I cared about the characters. A great read.
September 4, 2019
You have to be in the mood for this type of book - well, at least I have to be. I read these in between the psycho, thriller, serial killer type books! xx
April 5, 2018
My Review of “Limelight” by Amy Poeppel
“Limelight” by Amy Poeppel is such an enjoyable, amusing, delightful and entertaining novel!! I had such fun reading this and had difficulty putting the book down. The genres for this Novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction.
Can you imagine uprooting your family from Dallas Texas to New York City? If that isn’t a shock, how about accidentally bumping your car into a BMW that you find out belongs to a young celebrity?
I love the way Amy Poeppel describes her colorful cast of characters. I found that the characters, even while doing inappropriate things are likable. Allison Brinkley and her family move to New York City. Her husband has a terrific job opportunity, and Allison has a wonderful teaching job, for the moment. Allison’s daughter is a senior in high school, and her other two children have adjustments to make as well. Allison loses her teaching job, when the person she is replacing wants her job back. Allison finds another position to tutor, for the moment. That doesn’t work out either. Oh, don’t worry about Allison.
It seems that the young celebrity demands that Allison come to his apartment after he finds the note she left when she hit his car. The Celebrity reminds me little of Justin Bieber. Carter Reid, the celebrity is supposed to be in a Broadway show. Notice I mention supposed to be. Somehow, Allison finds herself in charge of a stubborn, unpredictable juvenile celebrity. How is Allison going to get Carter Reid to act like a professional?
Allison is going to Broadway, and her family may never be the same again. I highly recommend this charming, delicious and witty novel for those readers who appreciate Women’ s Fiction. I received an ARC for my honest review.
“Limelight” by Amy Poeppel is such an enjoyable, amusing, delightful and entertaining novel!! I had such fun reading this and had difficulty putting the book down. The genres for this Novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction.
Can you imagine uprooting your family from Dallas Texas to New York City? If that isn’t a shock, how about accidentally bumping your car into a BMW that you find out belongs to a young celebrity?
I love the way Amy Poeppel describes her colorful cast of characters. I found that the characters, even while doing inappropriate things are likable. Allison Brinkley and her family move to New York City. Her husband has a terrific job opportunity, and Allison has a wonderful teaching job, for the moment. Allison’s daughter is a senior in high school, and her other two children have adjustments to make as well. Allison loses her teaching job, when the person she is replacing wants her job back. Allison finds another position to tutor, for the moment. That doesn’t work out either. Oh, don’t worry about Allison.
It seems that the young celebrity demands that Allison come to his apartment after he finds the note she left when she hit his car. The Celebrity reminds me little of Justin Bieber. Carter Reid, the celebrity is supposed to be in a Broadway show. Notice I mention supposed to be. Somehow, Allison finds herself in charge of a stubborn, unpredictable juvenile celebrity. How is Allison going to get Carter Reid to act like a professional?
Allison is going to Broadway, and her family may never be the same again. I highly recommend this charming, delicious and witty novel for those readers who appreciate Women’ s Fiction. I received an ARC for my honest review.
June 3, 2018
This was such a fun and light-hearted read about a Texas family putting down roots in New York City after a job-related move.
Allison Brinkley, a mom of 3, stumbles upon a job handling superstar Carter Reid, a teenager with a bad boy persona and image. He’s agreed to star in Broadway’s soon-to-be biggest hit, Limelight, based on the classic movie. I found his character completely endearing even though he was rough around the edges.
I really was eager to get back to reading every night. If you love anything involving pop culture, celebrities, Broadway, or New York City, this is the book for you.
Allison Brinkley, a mom of 3, stumbles upon a job handling superstar Carter Reid, a teenager with a bad boy persona and image. He’s agreed to star in Broadway’s soon-to-be biggest hit, Limelight, based on the classic movie. I found his character completely endearing even though he was rough around the edges.
I really was eager to get back to reading every night. If you love anything involving pop culture, celebrities, Broadway, or New York City, this is the book for you.
June 14, 2018
3.5* rounded down.
I persuaded my local library to acquire this book because I loved "Small Admissions" so much. Unfortunately, I was less keen on this one. The first few chapters were excellent as Allison adjusted to living in New York and wrangled her family and was excellent at her teaching job, only to have it withdrawn after one day. I also appreciated the fact that she had a happy marriage and was a good enough mother. It was very funny and warm hearted with a bit of an edge, for example in the scene where Allison is sacked from her writing coach job.
However, once it focussed on Carter and on Allison's overwhelming urge to help and mentor and mother him, despite the fact that he was ungrateful and rude and generally unpleasant, I lost interest a bit. This section went on and on and on. Allison's poor family only really existed in so far as they enabled her to devote herself to Carter. What was so compelling about him? I would have taken the turtle and left.
I persuaded my local library to acquire this book because I loved "Small Admissions" so much. Unfortunately, I was less keen on this one. The first few chapters were excellent as Allison adjusted to living in New York and wrangled her family and was excellent at her teaching job, only to have it withdrawn after one day. I also appreciated the fact that she had a happy marriage and was a good enough mother. It was very funny and warm hearted with a bit of an edge, for example in the scene where Allison is sacked from her writing coach job.
However, once it focussed on Carter and on Allison's overwhelming urge to help and mentor and mother him, despite the fact that he was ungrateful and rude and generally unpleasant, I lost interest a bit. This section went on and on and on. Allison's poor family only really existed in so far as they enabled her to devote herself to Carter. What was so compelling about him? I would have taken the turtle and left.
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