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The Favorite Sister
When five hyper-successful women agree to appear on a reality series set in New York City called Goal Diggers, the producers never expect the season will end in murder…
Brett’s the fan favorite. Tattooed and only twenty-seven, the meteoric success of her spin studio—and her recent engagement to her girlfriend—has made her the object of jealousy and vitriol from her cast mates.
Kelly, Brett’s older sister and business partner, is the most recent recruit, dismissed as a hanger-on by veteran cast. The golden child growing up, she defers to Brett now—a role which requires her to protect their shocking secret.
Stephanie, the first black cast member and the oldest, is a successful bestselling author of erotic novels. There have long been whispers about her hot, non-working actor-husband and his wandering eye, but this season the focus is on the rift that has opened between her and Brett, former best friends—and resentment soon breeds contempt.
Lauren, the start-up world’s darling whose drinking has gotten out of control, is Goal Diggers’ recovery narrative—everyone loves a comeback story.
And Jen, made rich and famous through her cultishly popular vegan food line plays a holistic hippie for the cameras, but is perhaps the most ruthless of them all when the cameras are off.
Brett’s the fan favorite. Tattooed and only twenty-seven, the meteoric success of her spin studio—and her recent engagement to her girlfriend—has made her the object of jealousy and vitriol from her cast mates.
Kelly, Brett’s older sister and business partner, is the most recent recruit, dismissed as a hanger-on by veteran cast. The golden child growing up, she defers to Brett now—a role which requires her to protect their shocking secret.
Stephanie, the first black cast member and the oldest, is a successful bestselling author of erotic novels. There have long been whispers about her hot, non-working actor-husband and his wandering eye, but this season the focus is on the rift that has opened between her and Brett, former best friends—and resentment soon breeds contempt.
Lauren, the start-up world’s darling whose drinking has gotten out of control, is Goal Diggers’ recovery narrative—everyone loves a comeback story.
And Jen, made rich and famous through her cultishly popular vegan food line plays a holistic hippie for the cameras, but is perhaps the most ruthless of them all when the cameras are off.
375 pages, Hardcover
First published May 15, 2018
About the author
Jessica Knoll
6 books3,715 followersJessica Knoll is the New York Times Bestselling author of THE FAVORITE SISTER and LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE—now a major motion picture on Netflix starring Mila Kunis. She has been a senior editor at Cosmopolitan, and the articles editor at SELF. She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and graduated from The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and bulldog, Franklin. BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN, her third novel, publishes on September 19th.
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December 9, 2020
I have read my way through 315 books to bring you my Top 10 Books of the Year (video) .
Now you know that this one made the cut, check out my video review to see the others!
Brett, Stephenie, Lauren and Jen star in the hit reality TV show "Goal Diggers".
You have no idea what I've been through to get here. You don't want to know what I'll do to stay.
Allegedly, the focus is on young, millennial women breaking the glass ceiling with the support of each other...though the reality is something quite different.
The little do-gooding bitch extends her hand.Jen - is the ultra-hardcore health queen. Her diet company went global. She's never looked better. When in reality, her body is shutting down due to her "healthy" lifestyle. Her head is barely above water.
"Be nice girls...The whole world is watching."Lauren - is the fun-in-the-sun party-girl. When in reality , she just got voted out from CEO and is leaning dangerously towards alcoholism.
She's watching me. I can feel it.Stephanie - just published her latest book - a memoir detailing her abusive relationship and rape. When in reality , there's something wrong, very wrong at the core of her life. And she will do anything (anything) to keep it hidden.
"Real queens fix each other's crowns."Brett - is the crowd favorite. She has finally had success with her SPOKE charity-business. When in reality, she's struggling to keep the business. Everyone is turning against her and soon, everything she's built is at risk.
But touch my crown and you will lose a fucking finger.Every year there's a shakeup in the cast - and this year proves to be the biggest yet.
Kelly (Brett's older sister) was always the star of their family. Apple of their mother's eye.
Stunningly beautiful Kelly got new clothes, Brett got hand-me-downs and a lecture to lose weight. (You get the picture).
Brett was out-of-sight, out-of-mind...that is...until Kelly got knocked up by a Nigerian DJ and 9 months later Layla pops up into the world. Then (for once) Brett came out on top.
And she's been riding that golden wave for the past decade, while Kelly slipped further and further into the shadows. Until now.
Brett gave the idea, Kelly gave the brains and together they built SPOKE (a nonprofit that brings bicycles to third world countries).
The producers catch a whiff of Kelly's desperation and immediately invite her and her daughter to join the show.
But this may be one shakeup too many.
After hearing so many times that the girls would kill to stay on the show, why is anybody surprised when the body shows up?
It's starting. Her comeback. This will get ugly.Holy spit. Jessica Knoll knocked this one out of the park.
Though, as a heads up, the author plops the audience down in the middle of a wild and fully-fleshed out world, so book was a bit of an uphill run for the first few chapters.
The women are set to film their fourth season, everyone is feuding with everyone else and there is so much subtext and backstory that it was a bit much to catch on for the beginning.
But once you get there, man oh man! Wild. Ride.
I had so fun to puzzling out the drama that I think I'm going to have to watch more reality TV.
I absolutely loved the petty squabbles, the delightfully terrible digs and the plotting (oh the plotting!) against each other.
And the murder! Early on, you figure out which of the girls was killed but you do not know why or how...and Knoll keeps you guessing.
So many motives, so many unhinged women and yet I had no idea until the last few pages who did it.
Definitely a deliciously dangerous book!
With thanks to the author and the publisher for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
All quotes are from an uncorrected proof and are subject to change upon publication.
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Shelved as 'dnf-lost-interest'
April 2, 2018Sadly, I have tried reading this book on two separate occasions now, and during this second attempt have only managed to make it a measly 10% in over a period of almost one week. One of my goals this year was not to push through books I'm not enjoying (as it never seems to result in a productive review for the author or publisher), so I'd rather stop here and state that it just wasn't for me. I would, however, encourage you to check out the positive reviews on Goodreads, as these readers have highlighted aspects that you may find interesting and will help you decide if this book is right for YOU. I wish the author, publisher, and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers. <3
*Review copy furnished via NetGalley.
Buddy Read with Irina <3
*Review copy furnished via NetGalley.
Buddy Read with Irina <3
May 1, 2018
I did not enjoy reading The Favorite Sister, but I respect its message.
The Favorite Sister is about 5 women who continuously tear each other down on a reality TV show (a la The Real Housewives) that “espouses” feminism. These women do whatever it takes to stay relevant and remain in the spotlight. Filled with hideous characters who only care about themselves, this was not an easy book for me to read.
Stephanie, Brett, Kelly, Lauren, and Jen are the stars of Goal Diggers--a reality show that showcases millennial women in their attempts to build successful careers, while at the same time give back through philanthropic causes. All 5 women create TV persona’s built on lies--they have fake relationships, fake friendships, and support fake feminist causes. Fearful of losing their role on the show, these women stop at nothing in order to remain on the show even if it means destroying someone they care about.
Told through Stephanie, Brett, and Kelly’s POV’s, I found the pacing slow. I almost DNF’d it in the beginning because I couldn’t get into it and found that were too many characters to keep up with. I was curious to see how things were going to play out and wanted to know what secrets everyone was hiding, so I kept on reading. I can’t say it was worth it.
All of the characters are unlikable, but the fact that they do whatever it takes to remain on TV no matter the consequence makes for some thought-provoking moments. The main point The Favorite Sister seems explore is whether or not women can be successful without feeling threatened by other women. Why must women tear each other down instead of building each other up?
I didn’t enjoy reading this and would not read it again. It does have some good, unpredictable twists but in the end, it left me feeling icy cold and disgusted.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.
The Favorite Sister is about 5 women who continuously tear each other down on a reality TV show (a la The Real Housewives) that “espouses” feminism. These women do whatever it takes to stay relevant and remain in the spotlight. Filled with hideous characters who only care about themselves, this was not an easy book for me to read.
Stephanie, Brett, Kelly, Lauren, and Jen are the stars of Goal Diggers--a reality show that showcases millennial women in their attempts to build successful careers, while at the same time give back through philanthropic causes. All 5 women create TV persona’s built on lies--they have fake relationships, fake friendships, and support fake feminist causes. Fearful of losing their role on the show, these women stop at nothing in order to remain on the show even if it means destroying someone they care about.
Told through Stephanie, Brett, and Kelly’s POV’s, I found the pacing slow. I almost DNF’d it in the beginning because I couldn’t get into it and found that were too many characters to keep up with. I was curious to see how things were going to play out and wanted to know what secrets everyone was hiding, so I kept on reading. I can’t say it was worth it.
All of the characters are unlikable, but the fact that they do whatever it takes to remain on TV no matter the consequence makes for some thought-provoking moments. The main point The Favorite Sister seems explore is whether or not women can be successful without feeling threatened by other women. Why must women tear each other down instead of building each other up?
I didn’t enjoy reading this and would not read it again. It does have some good, unpredictable twists but in the end, it left me feeling icy cold and disgusted.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2018
Wicked and deliciously scandalous
I am the first to admit that I love to read and watch books and shows that contain catty drama, gossip, and backstabbing. This one did not disappoint. This book was in the same vein as the Real Housewives franchise (Carol and I did a buddy read together, and she made this astute observation). I couldn't agree with her more.
This book was about a reality show called, "The Goal Diggers." The show's aim was to showcase high-powered women carving out a name for themselves in the male-dominated world of business. The book follows two of the show's characters, Brett and Stephanie. There are many other characters in the book, other women in the reality show, however it is mainly Brett and Stephanie's story.
In the beginning of this book, I really didn't like it at all. There were too many characters being introduced and I had no idea what was going on. In addition, the plot didn't really takeoff until the halfway point. However, once it did, there was twists and turns and drama, galore! Also, I felt more comfortable with all of the different characters, too. Eventually, I had a firm grasp on who all the major players were in the story.
I did not like this book as much as Jessica Knoll's debut novel, Luckiest Girl Alive, but I enjoyed it, nevertheless. Knoll's sophomore book, had the same caustic humor and sarcastic bite that Knoll executed effortlessly in her debut. I could definitely hear her voice within the pages; trademark of an established and impressive author.
Carol and I read this together, as a buddy read. If you would like to view our thoughts and comments, please Click here Please note that we marked all spoilers.
Thank you to the publishers and Jessica Knoll for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review
I am the first to admit that I love to read and watch books and shows that contain catty drama, gossip, and backstabbing. This one did not disappoint. This book was in the same vein as the Real Housewives franchise (Carol and I did a buddy read together, and she made this astute observation). I couldn't agree with her more.
This book was about a reality show called, "The Goal Diggers." The show's aim was to showcase high-powered women carving out a name for themselves in the male-dominated world of business. The book follows two of the show's characters, Brett and Stephanie. There are many other characters in the book, other women in the reality show, however it is mainly Brett and Stephanie's story.
In the beginning of this book, I really didn't like it at all. There were too many characters being introduced and I had no idea what was going on. In addition, the plot didn't really takeoff until the halfway point. However, once it did, there was twists and turns and drama, galore! Also, I felt more comfortable with all of the different characters, too. Eventually, I had a firm grasp on who all the major players were in the story.
I did not like this book as much as Jessica Knoll's debut novel, Luckiest Girl Alive, but I enjoyed it, nevertheless. Knoll's sophomore book, had the same caustic humor and sarcastic bite that Knoll executed effortlessly in her debut. I could definitely hear her voice within the pages; trademark of an established and impressive author.
Carol and I read this together, as a buddy read. If you would like to view our thoughts and comments, please Click here Please note that we marked all spoilers.
Thank you to the publishers and Jessica Knoll for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review
May 20, 2019
*3.5 stars*
A quick perusal of The Favorite Sister reviews might make you think twice about picking it up. Jessica Knoll's sophomore offering has taken quite the beating in the ratings department. And now, having made it to the other side myself, I can understand why. The biggest determiner of enjoyment here comes down to the number of hours the reader sacrifices to reality TV. Those who don’t enjoy the cattiness or drama that often comes along with scripted “reality" are not going to connect with this storyline in any capacity. I might even go so far to say, don’t attempt it. On the other hand, devoted Bravo watchers—I guess I’m telling on myself now—this one is for us. Although, fair warning, the negativity becomes a bit stifling.
For those whose eyes have yet to meet a page written by Jessica Knoll, prepare yourself. The author strings words and thoughts together in a way that feels somewhat heavy-handed. Translation, in regards to the overall experience, words that command focus from the reader. You can certainly try to breeze through, but the density of the writing might not allow it. Or, better yet, you might miss out on something, like the author’s dark wit or clever wordplay.
Readers are given a behind the scenes tour of Goal Diggers, a reality show marketed as female empowerment. Setting out to prove a group of successful women—who strive for more than the housewife title—can bolster one another up, rather than succumbing to feelings of inadequacy or jealousy.
The story opens with Kelly, the newest member of the franchise and older sister to veteran cast member Brett, as she recounts her version of Brett’s demise. Because yes, that’s right, Brett is dead. This little revelation, along with the publisher’s genre categorization, might lead you to believe this is a suspense novel, but I’ll let you in on a secret, it’s not. Far from it, in fact. The Favorite Sister reads more like women’s fiction with a dark undertone than anything else. Something that didn't bother me in the least.
I think Knoll's biggest miss here was in her casting. The five-member Goal Diggers ensemble brings absolutely nothing, in regards to redeeming qualities, to the table. Zilch. Nada. Sure, there are characters we all love to hate, but for balance, there also has to be one we love. A character we can pin our hopes on or root for along the way. Instead, insecurity-driven hypocrites that offer little more than negativity and disillusion inhabit these pages. Readers are trapped in a cesspool of bad choices and staged scenes with a gaggle of wannabe activists. A little balance, in the form of solidarity or genuineness, would have gone a long way. It might have even inspired a bit of empathy. Something I failed to muster for any of them.
Still, despite my issues with this storyline, I find myself curious enough to consider picking up Luckiest Girl Alive. Likely once the dark clouds of negativity have drifted far, far away.
*Is there anything better than the library? Thanks to the FCPL for the fantastic selection and the reintroduction to books I might’ve passed on initially or overlooked around their release.
It is a dangerous thing to conflate feminism with liking all women. It limits women to being one thing, likable, when feminism is about allowing women to be all shades of all things, even if that thing is a snake oil saleswoman.
A quick perusal of The Favorite Sister reviews might make you think twice about picking it up. Jessica Knoll's sophomore offering has taken quite the beating in the ratings department. And now, having made it to the other side myself, I can understand why. The biggest determiner of enjoyment here comes down to the number of hours the reader sacrifices to reality TV. Those who don’t enjoy the cattiness or drama that often comes along with scripted “reality" are not going to connect with this storyline in any capacity. I might even go so far to say, don’t attempt it. On the other hand, devoted Bravo watchers—I guess I’m telling on myself now—this one is for us. Although, fair warning, the negativity becomes a bit stifling.
For those whose eyes have yet to meet a page written by Jessica Knoll, prepare yourself. The author strings words and thoughts together in a way that feels somewhat heavy-handed. Translation, in regards to the overall experience, words that command focus from the reader. You can certainly try to breeze through, but the density of the writing might not allow it. Or, better yet, you might miss out on something, like the author’s dark wit or clever wordplay.
Readers are given a behind the scenes tour of Goal Diggers, a reality show marketed as female empowerment. Setting out to prove a group of successful women—who strive for more than the housewife title—can bolster one another up, rather than succumbing to feelings of inadequacy or jealousy.
The story opens with Kelly, the newest member of the franchise and older sister to veteran cast member Brett, as she recounts her version of Brett’s demise. Because yes, that’s right, Brett is dead. This little revelation, along with the publisher’s genre categorization, might lead you to believe this is a suspense novel, but I’ll let you in on a secret, it’s not. Far from it, in fact. The Favorite Sister reads more like women’s fiction with a dark undertone than anything else. Something that didn't bother me in the least.
I think Knoll's biggest miss here was in her casting. The five-member Goal Diggers ensemble brings absolutely nothing, in regards to redeeming qualities, to the table. Zilch. Nada. Sure, there are characters we all love to hate, but for balance, there also has to be one we love. A character we can pin our hopes on or root for along the way. Instead, insecurity-driven hypocrites that offer little more than negativity and disillusion inhabit these pages. Readers are trapped in a cesspool of bad choices and staged scenes with a gaggle of wannabe activists. A little balance, in the form of solidarity or genuineness, would have gone a long way. It might have even inspired a bit of empathy. Something I failed to muster for any of them.
Still, despite my issues with this storyline, I find myself curious enough to consider picking up Luckiest Girl Alive. Likely once the dark clouds of negativity have drifted far, far away.
*Is there anything better than the library? Thanks to the FCPL for the fantastic selection and the reintroduction to books I might’ve passed on initially or overlooked around their release.
February 2, 2018
This is an entertaining and suspenseful novel.
The story revolves around five successful women that star in a reality TV show that showcases their businesses and lives. It is revealed in the first chapters that one of the stars, Brett, has been murdered and the novel describes the events leading up to that point.
The story is told in different points of view and alternates between the present and the past. The dynamic between the characters reminded me of the women in the Housewives reality TV shows, I generally don't watch them but still enjoyed this novel very much. If you're a fan of the Housewives series then you will likely enjoy this novel.
I had a bumpy ride at the beginning when I was introduced to many characters all at once and felt confused about the story but around 20% I had a good grip of the people and was able to follow it easily.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel and recommend it to readers of contemporary fiction and thrillers/mysteries.
ARC Provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
FINAL NOTE: I did a Buddy Read with Crumb and we posted our thoughts on this thread. (spoilers are hidden)
The story revolves around five successful women that star in a reality TV show that showcases their businesses and lives. It is revealed in the first chapters that one of the stars, Brett, has been murdered and the novel describes the events leading up to that point.
The story is told in different points of view and alternates between the present and the past. The dynamic between the characters reminded me of the women in the Housewives reality TV shows, I generally don't watch them but still enjoyed this novel very much. If you're a fan of the Housewives series then you will likely enjoy this novel.
I had a bumpy ride at the beginning when I was introduced to many characters all at once and felt confused about the story but around 20% I had a good grip of the people and was able to follow it easily.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel and recommend it to readers of contemporary fiction and thrillers/mysteries.
ARC Provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
FINAL NOTE: I did a Buddy Read with Crumb and we posted our thoughts on this thread. (spoilers are hidden)
May 3, 2018
My reviews can also be found at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
2.5 Stars
I was really intrigued after reading the description for this novel.
“a thriller starring competitive sisters whose dark secrets and lies result in murder when they sign onto a reality TV show.”
In the novel, five successful women are starring in Season 4 of Goal Diggers, a popular reality show. Goal Diggers purports that it’s different than other reality TV. This show is supposed to be about women who are doing some amazing things with their lives as well as supporting other women (at least that’s what they are trying to portray).
Brett Courtney is the fan favorite. Brett achieved success with her spin studio SPOKE that she runs with her sister, Kelly Courtney. Kelly is new to Goal Diggers and the veteran staff isn’t all that welcoming. The sisters have some deep-rooted issues stemming from childhood and have a difficult relationship, to say the least.
But Brett and Kelly are hiding a big secret…
Stephanie Simmons is the oldest cast member. Stephanie is married to Vince. Stephanie and Brett are former best friends. They had a falling out but no one really knows what happened. They would like to keep it that way.
Lauren Fun is a creator of some very successful apps. She had some personal issues in previous seasons but this is supposed to be her comeback season.
Lastly, we have Jen Greenberg who became successful through her very popular vegan food line. She’s also known to be the most ruthless of all the ladies.
Stephanie, Lauren, and Jen have secrets too…
The producers hope that the season will be drama filled and shocking. However, they have no idea just how shocking things will get.…
When I first saw the title I actually thought it said GOLD Diggers and wondered how that was supposed to empower women? Then I realized it actually said GOAL Diggers, which made much more sense. I was really interested in learning about the characters and reading about the ins and outs of the show itself. I know it’s a fiction book but I imagine a lot of what happens in the book really goes on in these reality shows. However, after a while, the personalities started to grate on me. Everyone was ruthless. I couldn’t decide who I was rooting for as almost everyone was unlikable.
“I don’t actually know who is pretending anymore and who isn’t. Who knows what really happened and who actually believes that what we are saying happened, happened”
However, I REALLY wanted to know how things were going to turn out. I figured out a few things but I was shocked by the ending. I honestly didn’t see it coming.
I really was excited about this book and while I’m glad that I finished it…I still felt let down. I’m not exactly sure why. The negativity didn't help. Definitely had to suspend disbelief at times, but that usually isn't an issue for me. Normally it doesn’t bother me whether or not there are likeable characters, but I had a harder time with this one. Although this wasn't my favorite read, I do feel the author told a decent story and I believe many readers will love it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 Stars
I was really intrigued after reading the description for this novel.
“a thriller starring competitive sisters whose dark secrets and lies result in murder when they sign onto a reality TV show.”
In the novel, five successful women are starring in Season 4 of Goal Diggers, a popular reality show. Goal Diggers purports that it’s different than other reality TV. This show is supposed to be about women who are doing some amazing things with their lives as well as supporting other women (at least that’s what they are trying to portray).
Brett Courtney is the fan favorite. Brett achieved success with her spin studio SPOKE that she runs with her sister, Kelly Courtney. Kelly is new to Goal Diggers and the veteran staff isn’t all that welcoming. The sisters have some deep-rooted issues stemming from childhood and have a difficult relationship, to say the least.
But Brett and Kelly are hiding a big secret…
Stephanie Simmons is the oldest cast member. Stephanie is married to Vince. Stephanie and Brett are former best friends. They had a falling out but no one really knows what happened. They would like to keep it that way.
Lauren Fun is a creator of some very successful apps. She had some personal issues in previous seasons but this is supposed to be her comeback season.
Lastly, we have Jen Greenberg who became successful through her very popular vegan food line. She’s also known to be the most ruthless of all the ladies.
Stephanie, Lauren, and Jen have secrets too…
The producers hope that the season will be drama filled and shocking. However, they have no idea just how shocking things will get.…
When I first saw the title I actually thought it said GOLD Diggers and wondered how that was supposed to empower women? Then I realized it actually said GOAL Diggers, which made much more sense. I was really interested in learning about the characters and reading about the ins and outs of the show itself. I know it’s a fiction book but I imagine a lot of what happens in the book really goes on in these reality shows. However, after a while, the personalities started to grate on me. Everyone was ruthless. I couldn’t decide who I was rooting for as almost everyone was unlikable.
“I don’t actually know who is pretending anymore and who isn’t. Who knows what really happened and who actually believes that what we are saying happened, happened”
However, I REALLY wanted to know how things were going to turn out. I figured out a few things but I was shocked by the ending. I honestly didn’t see it coming.
I really was excited about this book and while I’m glad that I finished it…I still felt let down. I’m not exactly sure why. The negativity didn't help. Definitely had to suspend disbelief at times, but that usually isn't an issue for me. Normally it doesn’t bother me whether or not there are likeable characters, but I had a harder time with this one. Although this wasn't my favorite read, I do feel the author told a decent story and I believe many readers will love it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2019
3.5 Stars* (rounded up)
Campy and purely entertaining
A book about a reality TV show involving women? You have to know going in that it is going to involve catty, powerful women who will do anything to get ahead. Imagine a “Real Housewives” scenario.
Five successful women are about to star in another season of “Goal Diggers.” Let the games begin! Brett, is the uber successful owner of a spin studio, who everyone on earth seems to love, except for her cast mates, that is. It kind of makes you wonder why. Stephanie is Brett’s former best friend, an author of several fiction novels and now, a fictional memoir. She is everyone’s hero and the first black cast member and boy is her story a doozy.
Kelly, Brett’s sister has been vying for a spot on the show for years. On paper, she has the “look.” Gorgeous, skinny and a mind for business. Brett never thought it possible - Kelly has always been in her shadow. And then it happens.
When the next season start shooting, all hell breaks loose. For Brett, Kelly, Stephanie and cast members Lauren and Jen, the cuffs come off. It is reality at it is best. Picture drama like: “Puck” in the “Real World: San Francisco.” If you like reality tv, then this is a novel you will find entertaining. While I haven’t watched it in years, I used to (yes, I admit it) thus for me, “The Favorite Sister” was tawdry and engaging.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Jessica Knoll for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley.
Campy and purely entertaining
A book about a reality TV show involving women? You have to know going in that it is going to involve catty, powerful women who will do anything to get ahead. Imagine a “Real Housewives” scenario.
Five successful women are about to star in another season of “Goal Diggers.” Let the games begin! Brett, is the uber successful owner of a spin studio, who everyone on earth seems to love, except for her cast mates, that is. It kind of makes you wonder why. Stephanie is Brett’s former best friend, an author of several fiction novels and now, a fictional memoir. She is everyone’s hero and the first black cast member and boy is her story a doozy.
Kelly, Brett’s sister has been vying for a spot on the show for years. On paper, she has the “look.” Gorgeous, skinny and a mind for business. Brett never thought it possible - Kelly has always been in her shadow. And then it happens.
When the next season start shooting, all hell breaks loose. For Brett, Kelly, Stephanie and cast members Lauren and Jen, the cuffs come off. It is reality at it is best. Picture drama like: “Puck” in the “Real World: San Francisco.” If you like reality tv, then this is a novel you will find entertaining. While I haven’t watched it in years, I used to (yes, I admit it) thus for me, “The Favorite Sister” was tawdry and engaging.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Jessica Knoll for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley.
June 1, 2018
OK, I have a secret to share. One of my guilty pleasures is watching reality T.V. Shocking right!?!😳 I’d like to think I’m a level-headed educated woman. But sometimes, for just an hour...I like to lose myself in the somewhat staged and probably scripted world of “reality T.V.”
Don’t you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes? How the characters interact when the camera is no longer rolling? Well here is your sneak peek...and let me warn you, it’s not pretty!
There are so many characters in this book that I just couldn’t keep up nor could I keep them apart.
Sadly, this one kind of missed the mark for me. I was never able to connect to the characters and had a hard time following along. Told in multiple POV’s Stephanie’s character was the only one I really cared about (maybe just a little).
There are so many mixed reviews for this one. Don’t let me sway you! If you enjoy your dose of reality TV, (our secret🤫) then you may really enjoy this one!
A fantastic Traveling Sister read!🤗💞
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Jessica Knoll for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes? How the characters interact when the camera is no longer rolling? Well here is your sneak peek...and let me warn you, it’s not pretty!
There are so many characters in this book that I just couldn’t keep up nor could I keep them apart.
Sadly, this one kind of missed the mark for me. I was never able to connect to the characters and had a hard time following along. Told in multiple POV’s Stephanie’s character was the only one I really cared about (maybe just a little).
There are so many mixed reviews for this one. Don’t let me sway you! If you enjoy your dose of reality TV, (our secret🤫) then you may really enjoy this one!
A fantastic Traveling Sister read!🤗💞
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and Jessica Knoll for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2018
I may be the only person in America to have never watched a reality show. No Survivor, no Big Brother, none of the Housewives series. They just never appealed to me. But I loved Jessica Knoll’s first book, so I wasn’t going to miss out on her sophomore effort.
It took me awhile to get into the book. I read another review where the reviewer gave up at the 10% mark and I totally understood that. In the beginning, the characters come across as so reality show fake I didn’t think I could stand it. Even when someone shared an opinion I agreed with, like
“no, I correct them, I’m showing young girls that you don’t have to be beautiful to matter. The thinking that women of all shapes and sizes can be beautiful is still hugely problematic, because it is predicated on the idea that the most important thing a woman has to offer the world is her appearance.”
Because at the heart of it, they are all mean girl nasty; snarky egotists. So, it took me awhile to realize that Knoll has perfectly nailed the whole concept of reality show contestant. And at that point, my view of the book changed and I could understand what she was trying to do.
As the book goes on, the pace really picks up and it’s just a totally wild ride. It is a book that definitely improves with each chapter.
This book is like junk food, you know you shouldn’t like it, but it is addictive. If you want something in the nasty fun category, than I say go for it. And do not miss the Q and A with Knoll at the end of the book. It’s fascinating to read where the inspiration for this book came from. Also, in the answers she indicates she’s writing the screenplay for her first novel. I think the traits for a good screenplay have been taken to heart, because this book reads like it’s been written totally with the idea of translating it into a movie or mini-series.
My thanks to netgalley and Simon and Schuster for an advance copy of this book.
May 27, 2018
TWO STARS
I know, I know. This is a very popular book with some off the charts reviews. It's just not for me. I tried so many times to read THE FAVORITE SISTER. I've had the galley for ages and that wasn't working for me. Then, I downloaded the audiobook and gave it another serious try. Nope. Not happening.
I think I may have aged out of the targeted demographic for Jessica Knoll books. My 20-year old daughter and I took a long road trip a couple of years ago and listened to Knoll's THE LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE and we went absolutely gaga over it! It was such an entertaining, dark and twisty book! We both loved it so much.
This book, however, is more chick-lit, with countless characters and POV's. It's about the women that star on a reality TV show and it reads like a script from a Lifetime movie. Hey, I love my reality TV, and I'm sure this book gets better if you stick with it--I just gotta throw in the towel early on this one.
I really think Knoll is an extremely talented writer and I will deff try any future books. But, THE FAVORITE SISTER is going to be passed down to my daughter- it might be perfect for her!
I know, I know. This is a very popular book with some off the charts reviews. It's just not for me. I tried so many times to read THE FAVORITE SISTER. I've had the galley for ages and that wasn't working for me. Then, I downloaded the audiobook and gave it another serious try. Nope. Not happening.
I think I may have aged out of the targeted demographic for Jessica Knoll books. My 20-year old daughter and I took a long road trip a couple of years ago and listened to Knoll's THE LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE and we went absolutely gaga over it! It was such an entertaining, dark and twisty book! We both loved it so much.
This book, however, is more chick-lit, with countless characters and POV's. It's about the women that star on a reality TV show and it reads like a script from a Lifetime movie. Hey, I love my reality TV, and I'm sure this book gets better if you stick with it--I just gotta throw in the towel early on this one.
I really think Knoll is an extremely talented writer and I will deff try any future books. But, THE FAVORITE SISTER is going to be passed down to my daughter- it might be perfect for her!
January 9, 2018
There are definitely things that I enjoyed in Jessica Knoll’s second novel, “The Favorite Sister”.... but my interest was not only in the plot: the mystery murder itself...as to what happened to Brett.....who murdered her and why?
I was interested enough to find out what happened of course....and there ‘are’ a couple of those famous twists....
......but I found Jessica’s writing entertaining- just for the sake of tidbit-funny - or tidbit powerful..... regardless of the story itself.
Jessica Knoll has some great quotes.....’throughout’. She has a great third eye into contemporary life.
Here’s one quote I think many women might appreciate.
“Society makes life miserable for women who are not thin. I am part of a growing minority determined to change that. SPOKE is the first fitness studio that mentions nothing about transforming your body, because study after study proves that your physical body has so little to do with health. Healthy people are people who feel connected to their communities, who are loved, and are supported by those around them, and who have a sense of purpose in their lives. Healthy people do not waste their precious energy trying to make themselves smaller”.
This ‘power-to-the-women’ novel has lots of drama - secrets - lies - betrayal- and enough unlikable characters to dig your teeth into.
Overall ....it was fun....great company while doing cardio at the gym.
Thank You Simon and Schuster, Netgalley, and Jessica Knoll
3.5
I was interested enough to find out what happened of course....and there ‘are’ a couple of those famous twists....
......but I found Jessica’s writing entertaining- just for the sake of tidbit-funny - or tidbit powerful..... regardless of the story itself.
Jessica Knoll has some great quotes.....’throughout’. She has a great third eye into contemporary life.
Here’s one quote I think many women might appreciate.
“Society makes life miserable for women who are not thin. I am part of a growing minority determined to change that. SPOKE is the first fitness studio that mentions nothing about transforming your body, because study after study proves that your physical body has so little to do with health. Healthy people are people who feel connected to their communities, who are loved, and are supported by those around them, and who have a sense of purpose in their lives. Healthy people do not waste their precious energy trying to make themselves smaller”.
This ‘power-to-the-women’ novel has lots of drama - secrets - lies - betrayal- and enough unlikable characters to dig your teeth into.
Overall ....it was fun....great company while doing cardio at the gym.
Thank You Simon and Schuster, Netgalley, and Jessica Knoll
3.5
May 27, 2018
Wow! The number of twists in this book had my head spinning!
Jessica Knoll brings us a wonderful but terrifying portrayal of the dark side of sisterhood, leaving the reader wondering if the drama we see on Reality TV is actually less twisted than the truth. I found this novel absolutely captivating! Jessica’s use of alternating narrators kept me on my toes—I didn’t know who to trust or believe. Once I thought I had the dynamics and characters figured out, the narrator would change and everything I thought I knew was turned over.
I have followed Jessica Knoll’s work since her days at Cosmopolitan Magazine, when she wrote her Josie stories. From there, I followed her blog as she kept Josie alive. Though I liked the Josie stories, it was really when she began writing about Elizabeth that I saw what is so special about Jessica as a writer. She writes damaged characters so well; I hate them, I love them, they break my heart, and then somehow they redeem themselves. Sometimes I want to cover my eyes as they are on paths to destruction. Other times I cheer as they show their human side. More than anything, she writes characters who are so dynamic, which makes them feel real.
She excels at writing the woman who seems so enviable on the outside, only to find out how damaged they are from events in their life. When I read The Favorite Sister, I had no clue who to side with. But that is the point, right? It’s ok to love all of the characters, or to hate all of them. It’s ok to side with one, and then two chapters later side with the other. At times I loved all of the characters, and at other times I hated them all. But ultimately, there wasn’t a moment reading this book where I didn’t feel something. That is so important.
Plot Teaser
The story is about two sisters. But the story is also about four sisters. There are two biological sisters—Brett and Kelly. And then there are the sisters formed through a shared experience—Brett, Lauren, Jen, and Stephanie. Brett, Lauren, Jen, and Stephanie are the only remaining cast members from the original cast of a reality show called Goal Diggers—a show about women in their late 20s/early 30s who own their own businesses and are doing incredible things.
As the novel opens, we are at the end of filming of Season 4, and someone has died during filming. One of the original 4 sisters. Then we move back in time to before Season 4 is filmed, and Brett’s sister and business partner Kelly is joining the cast. But Kelly can’t possibly be prepared for the toxic world these seasoned reality show veterans exist in. They know how to work the system, they know how to interpret how production is manipulating them, and they know when to go with it and when to work against it. They know how to hide the truth—from production, from the public, and most importantly, from themselves. But at what point does the person they are for the show, become who they actually are?
Reflections
One thing I loved about this story was the concept of sisterhood. As all women know, there are sisters you have from your family connections, but there are also the sisters you find in life. And really, these sisterhood connections aren’t so different. Sisters protect one another from outside forces, but despite the love between sisters, there are few dynamics more impacted by competition than sisterhood. We see this play out in the novel, both between biological sisters Brett and Kelly, and between the four original sisters of the show.
I also enjoyed the setting being in this reality television world. It’s so easy to see the contestants as dysfunctional, but when you really dig deeper, it makes you wonder how much of that is caused by these people making money off of their backs, while manipulating them into torpedoing their own lives. Who is to blame, then? The people who want to do it in the first place? The production company for treating people as pawns? Or the public, for making this a lucrative industry? In the novel, we see four women who have already sold their soul to reality television. But then we also have Kelly, who is at the beginning of her contract. Kelly’s progression through the book is fascinating to watch. Will she be able to resist the seductive pull of fame and power? Or will she become another casualty?
Stephanie was a truly magnificent character as well. Stephanie is a woman of color and a famous writer. But she grew up adopted in a white, wealthy neighborhood. Hearing Stephanie’s experience—how her skin color was almost more impactful on her life because of the privilege she grew up with and the absence of other people of color—was really a thought-provoking aspect of this book.
I think from reading some other early reviews, it is easy to see this book as shallow, because on the surface it is about murder and reality tv. But as you read it, and as you really put thought into the characters and what they are telling you—the lies, the truths, the vulnerabilities—this book really is the perfect mix of salacious and deep. It hooked me because of the drama, but it got into my head because of the love and the tragedy and the characters.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, to Jessica Knoll, and to Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jessica Knoll brings us a wonderful but terrifying portrayal of the dark side of sisterhood, leaving the reader wondering if the drama we see on Reality TV is actually less twisted than the truth. I found this novel absolutely captivating! Jessica’s use of alternating narrators kept me on my toes—I didn’t know who to trust or believe. Once I thought I had the dynamics and characters figured out, the narrator would change and everything I thought I knew was turned over.
I have followed Jessica Knoll’s work since her days at Cosmopolitan Magazine, when she wrote her Josie stories. From there, I followed her blog as she kept Josie alive. Though I liked the Josie stories, it was really when she began writing about Elizabeth that I saw what is so special about Jessica as a writer. She writes damaged characters so well; I hate them, I love them, they break my heart, and then somehow they redeem themselves. Sometimes I want to cover my eyes as they are on paths to destruction. Other times I cheer as they show their human side. More than anything, she writes characters who are so dynamic, which makes them feel real.
She excels at writing the woman who seems so enviable on the outside, only to find out how damaged they are from events in their life. When I read The Favorite Sister, I had no clue who to side with. But that is the point, right? It’s ok to love all of the characters, or to hate all of them. It’s ok to side with one, and then two chapters later side with the other. At times I loved all of the characters, and at other times I hated them all. But ultimately, there wasn’t a moment reading this book where I didn’t feel something. That is so important.
Plot Teaser
The story is about two sisters. But the story is also about four sisters. There are two biological sisters—Brett and Kelly. And then there are the sisters formed through a shared experience—Brett, Lauren, Jen, and Stephanie. Brett, Lauren, Jen, and Stephanie are the only remaining cast members from the original cast of a reality show called Goal Diggers—a show about women in their late 20s/early 30s who own their own businesses and are doing incredible things.
As the novel opens, we are at the end of filming of Season 4, and someone has died during filming. One of the original 4 sisters. Then we move back in time to before Season 4 is filmed, and Brett’s sister and business partner Kelly is joining the cast. But Kelly can’t possibly be prepared for the toxic world these seasoned reality show veterans exist in. They know how to work the system, they know how to interpret how production is manipulating them, and they know when to go with it and when to work against it. They know how to hide the truth—from production, from the public, and most importantly, from themselves. But at what point does the person they are for the show, become who they actually are?
Reflections
One thing I loved about this story was the concept of sisterhood. As all women know, there are sisters you have from your family connections, but there are also the sisters you find in life. And really, these sisterhood connections aren’t so different. Sisters protect one another from outside forces, but despite the love between sisters, there are few dynamics more impacted by competition than sisterhood. We see this play out in the novel, both between biological sisters Brett and Kelly, and between the four original sisters of the show.
I also enjoyed the setting being in this reality television world. It’s so easy to see the contestants as dysfunctional, but when you really dig deeper, it makes you wonder how much of that is caused by these people making money off of their backs, while manipulating them into torpedoing their own lives. Who is to blame, then? The people who want to do it in the first place? The production company for treating people as pawns? Or the public, for making this a lucrative industry? In the novel, we see four women who have already sold their soul to reality television. But then we also have Kelly, who is at the beginning of her contract. Kelly’s progression through the book is fascinating to watch. Will she be able to resist the seductive pull of fame and power? Or will she become another casualty?
Stephanie was a truly magnificent character as well. Stephanie is a woman of color and a famous writer. But she grew up adopted in a white, wealthy neighborhood. Hearing Stephanie’s experience—how her skin color was almost more impactful on her life because of the privilege she grew up with and the absence of other people of color—was really a thought-provoking aspect of this book.
I think from reading some other early reviews, it is easy to see this book as shallow, because on the surface it is about murder and reality tv. But as you read it, and as you really put thought into the characters and what they are telling you—the lies, the truths, the vulnerabilities—this book really is the perfect mix of salacious and deep. It hooked me because of the drama, but it got into my head because of the love and the tragedy and the characters.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, to Jessica Knoll, and to Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2018
4 WTH Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you like to keep up with the Kardashians or can’t wait to see who gets voted off the island next, then you will enjoy this book... I don’t watch much television, but when I do it is usually trashy reality television.... there is just something I find enticing about getting a look into other peoples lives... something I felt this book did really well....
Five women who appear to have everything on the outside... beauty, strength, confidence, and status... Brett, Stephanie, Kelly, Lauren, and Jen make up the cast of ”GoldDiggers”.... a cast of women who appear perfect on the outside and yet are all hot messes.... who love to do nothing more than stab each other in the back.... to add more complexity to the situation Brett and Kelly are sisters.... and this season one of the cast members is killed, but the show must go on....
None of these women were likable... with the exception of Kelly’s 12-year-old daughter Layla, but give her a few years.... and as the show and the book progressed they became even more unlikable.... The secrets, the lies, the plotting, it was all crazy, and none of it did I predict.... Half the time I was thinking to myself... oh no she didn’t? And the other half I was thinking... what? Seriously the last 20% of this book was quite the ride on the crazy train!
Quite a few of my book friends had a hard time getting into this and thought the start was very slow... and in discussing this book I realize it is not for everybody, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.... The only slight problem I had with it was it did get a little preachy at times when it came to feminism... I mean truthfully the entire book was about women tearing down other women, but perhaps that was the point.... now I’m feeling like a slight hypocrite, I really do absolutely love strong female friendships in books, and this book really was the complete opposite of that... yet still very entertaining🙃
Strongly recommend if you enjoy reality TV, hot messes, and the crazy train...
*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book***
PS: I am currently watching The Voice😉
If you like to keep up with the Kardashians or can’t wait to see who gets voted off the island next, then you will enjoy this book... I don’t watch much television, but when I do it is usually trashy reality television.... there is just something I find enticing about getting a look into other peoples lives... something I felt this book did really well....
Five women who appear to have everything on the outside... beauty, strength, confidence, and status... Brett, Stephanie, Kelly, Lauren, and Jen make up the cast of ”GoldDiggers”.... a cast of women who appear perfect on the outside and yet are all hot messes.... who love to do nothing more than stab each other in the back.... to add more complexity to the situation Brett and Kelly are sisters.... and this season one of the cast members is killed, but the show must go on....
None of these women were likable... with the exception of Kelly’s 12-year-old daughter Layla, but give her a few years.... and as the show and the book progressed they became even more unlikable.... The secrets, the lies, the plotting, it was all crazy, and none of it did I predict.... Half the time I was thinking to myself... oh no she didn’t? And the other half I was thinking... what? Seriously the last 20% of this book was quite the ride on the crazy train!
Quite a few of my book friends had a hard time getting into this and thought the start was very slow... and in discussing this book I realize it is not for everybody, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.... The only slight problem I had with it was it did get a little preachy at times when it came to feminism... I mean truthfully the entire book was about women tearing down other women, but perhaps that was the point.... now I’m feeling like a slight hypocrite, I really do absolutely love strong female friendships in books, and this book really was the complete opposite of that... yet still very entertaining🙃
Strongly recommend if you enjoy reality TV, hot messes, and the crazy train...
*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book***
PS: I am currently watching The Voice😉
October 7, 2019
The last thing the world needs is one more woman with principles. What we need is women with money. Women with money have flexibility, and nothing is more dangerous than a woman who can bend any way she wants.
this gets three stars because i didn’t like it as much as Luckiest Girl Alive, and i gave that one four stars, so ta-daa - computation. i always feel like i have to explain that three stars is not a negative rating. in fact, this book has quite a lot going for it - it’s a fast, twisty read, it’s very au courant with its intersectional feminism angle, and it makes some smart, and probably unpopular, points about oorah sisterhood and the state of modern feminism.
but it’s also a reality show murrrrderrr plot, featuring the cast of Goal Diggers - Season 4, a show where successful young female entrepreneurs middle-finger the expectations of the patriarchy, support each other in their endeavors and inspire their female viewers with their accomplishments achieved in the show’s empowering, pro-woman environment.
that’s the pitch. but what’s a reality show without conflict?
for all its lofty ideals, Goal Diggers is still a show that encourages and rewards self-promotion, which means staying in the spotlight, which means giving the camera something to film, which means drama. so the cast and their nearest-and-dearest; these sisters, besties, rivals, mothers/surrogate mothers, daughters, lovers are being handled, massaged, groomed, their behavior amplified for ratings, and they are incentivized to lean in to confrontations to keep their place on the show, strategically forming and reforming their alliances, always on guard, watching their backs, scheming, paranoid that others are scheming, fostering an environment of lies and betrayals escalating into increasingly desperate ploys and coverups building to murrrrrderrrrrrr.
the only reality shows i watch are the one where people make dresses and the one where people make food. and there’s plenty of posturing and competitiveness, but there’s also an actual game at the center. conflict for conflict’s sake has never much appealed to me, on teevee or in life, but this book is kind of fascinating, giving some insight into the behind-the-scenes of these “unscripted”, controlled reality programs, and all that goes into a show’s construction; the filming chronology, the politics behind who sits where, the shifting of alliances, the management of public v. private selves, and the power of who knows what about whom.
there’s also a nice nesting effect here, in how the book presents reality and Reality, and how the lines between the two get smudged. for example, in Reality:
On a show with four to five players, any more than one gay woman and it becomes a lesbian show, any more than one woman of color and it becomes an ethnic show, and then advertisers start to worry about alienating the audience.
and in reality:
Black women in a white milieu are notorious infighters. It’s a risk to align yourselves. One of you is a gentle breeze of difference. Two is a twister, everyone hiding in their basement.
even outside of the structures of the show, there are rules and codes for women, which only intensify as the circles narrow from gender into race, income, sexual orientation, age, weight, an endless vigilance directed towards navigating the expectations of others, an impulse that follows the cast whether on-camera or off, the inherent competition between women causing a beautiful, successful thirty-five year old woman to feel a sense of relieved delight in cataloging the physical imperfections of a twelve-year-old girl. there are so many poisonous moments where i personally felt a pang - jen and her rescue dogs, stephanie’s publicist's horrible advice, layla’s observed eyeslide/loss of innocence, much wincing in this one.
it's full to the bursting point with toxic rivalry and miscommunications and ways in which tragedy could have been avoided, and none of it feels like the "fun" kind of catfighting that reality TV seems to cultivate - so much of this is directed inward, women self-assessing, feeling like they're not measuring up in some way, ironically by having those feelings in the first place - a modern woman is not supposed to have doubts, have body issues, judge other women, etc...
the tone is reflective, but also often sharp and angry, particularly towards lip service sisterhood; the commodified, instagram feminism of easy slogans but no real follow-through because there's just not enough opportunity to go around; competition for those opportunities again collapsing the walls between reality and Reality.
it's a fast-paced, juicy thriller, but there's also plenty of message. like i said, this book has a lot going for it, but there are some weaknesses - the characters are somewhat flat, they don’t always feel like people so much as mouthpieces or outgrowths of a situation, and some of their choices seem to be more tied to serving the narrative than reflecting human behavior. but it does get its hooks in you - i started reading this on saturday night and i just...kept reading straight through the night without a wink of sleep until i finished, when everyone else was just waking up for their sunday brunchies and i regret nothing.
come to my blog!
this gets three stars because i didn’t like it as much as Luckiest Girl Alive, and i gave that one four stars, so ta-daa - computation. i always feel like i have to explain that three stars is not a negative rating. in fact, this book has quite a lot going for it - it’s a fast, twisty read, it’s very au courant with its intersectional feminism angle, and it makes some smart, and probably unpopular, points about oorah sisterhood and the state of modern feminism.
but it’s also a reality show murrrrderrr plot, featuring the cast of Goal Diggers - Season 4, a show where successful young female entrepreneurs middle-finger the expectations of the patriarchy, support each other in their endeavors and inspire their female viewers with their accomplishments achieved in the show’s empowering, pro-woman environment.
that’s the pitch. but what’s a reality show without conflict?
for all its lofty ideals, Goal Diggers is still a show that encourages and rewards self-promotion, which means staying in the spotlight, which means giving the camera something to film, which means drama. so the cast and their nearest-and-dearest; these sisters, besties, rivals, mothers/surrogate mothers, daughters, lovers are being handled, massaged, groomed, their behavior amplified for ratings, and they are incentivized to lean in to confrontations to keep their place on the show, strategically forming and reforming their alliances, always on guard, watching their backs, scheming, paranoid that others are scheming, fostering an environment of lies and betrayals escalating into increasingly desperate ploys and coverups building to murrrrrderrrrrrr.
the only reality shows i watch are the one where people make dresses and the one where people make food. and there’s plenty of posturing and competitiveness, but there’s also an actual game at the center. conflict for conflict’s sake has never much appealed to me, on teevee or in life, but this book is kind of fascinating, giving some insight into the behind-the-scenes of these “unscripted”, controlled reality programs, and all that goes into a show’s construction; the filming chronology, the politics behind who sits where, the shifting of alliances, the management of public v. private selves, and the power of who knows what about whom.
there’s also a nice nesting effect here, in how the book presents reality and Reality, and how the lines between the two get smudged. for example, in Reality:
On a show with four to five players, any more than one gay woman and it becomes a lesbian show, any more than one woman of color and it becomes an ethnic show, and then advertisers start to worry about alienating the audience.
and in reality:
Black women in a white milieu are notorious infighters. It’s a risk to align yourselves. One of you is a gentle breeze of difference. Two is a twister, everyone hiding in their basement.
even outside of the structures of the show, there are rules and codes for women, which only intensify as the circles narrow from gender into race, income, sexual orientation, age, weight, an endless vigilance directed towards navigating the expectations of others, an impulse that follows the cast whether on-camera or off, the inherent competition between women causing a beautiful, successful thirty-five year old woman to feel a sense of relieved delight in cataloging the physical imperfections of a twelve-year-old girl. there are so many poisonous moments where i personally felt a pang - jen and her rescue dogs, stephanie’s publicist's horrible advice, layla’s observed eyeslide/loss of innocence, much wincing in this one.
it's full to the bursting point with toxic rivalry and miscommunications and ways in which tragedy could have been avoided, and none of it feels like the "fun" kind of catfighting that reality TV seems to cultivate - so much of this is directed inward, women self-assessing, feeling like they're not measuring up in some way, ironically by having those feelings in the first place - a modern woman is not supposed to have doubts, have body issues, judge other women, etc...
the tone is reflective, but also often sharp and angry, particularly towards lip service sisterhood; the commodified, instagram feminism of easy slogans but no real follow-through because there's just not enough opportunity to go around; competition for those opportunities again collapsing the walls between reality and Reality.
”We can make this right, can’t we?” Brett pleads. “Come on. You know I always support you. Real queens fix each other’s crowns.”
My disdain takes my breath away. Real queens fix each other’s crowns? This is the equivocating claptrap that passes as feminism these days. Just another Instagram idiom that assigns responsibility to the less effective party. How about, Real kings promote women? Or, I don’t know, Real kings pay black women the same as they pay white women? Real kings pay all women the same as they pay men? That we task women with helping other women in a society that places us in systemic competition with one another is why feminism has failed. Do not recruit me to link arms with my sisters until more than 2 percent of positions at the top are occupied by women, until her success does not almost certainly guarantee my failure. Do not tell me I’m not a real queen when another woman catches a fish and I am too starved to cheer.
it's a fast-paced, juicy thriller, but there's also plenty of message. like i said, this book has a lot going for it, but there are some weaknesses - the characters are somewhat flat, they don’t always feel like people so much as mouthpieces or outgrowths of a situation, and some of their choices seem to be more tied to serving the narrative than reflecting human behavior. but it does get its hooks in you - i started reading this on saturday night and i just...kept reading straight through the night without a wink of sleep until i finished, when everyone else was just waking up for their sunday brunchies and i regret nothing.
come to my blog!
May 16, 2018
So, I feel like this book will be on a spectrum.... you really will love it or not at all. I have seen many positive reviews for this one on goodreads but I'm on the other side of the spectrum.
This was my first read by Jessica Knoll and was very excited to experience her writing! We can't all love the same books and unfortunately this one didn't work for me at all.
The plot sounded awesome... 5 women on a reality show called the Gold Diggers in New York City. What more can you ask for? A little bit of sas, gossip, lies, and murder. This had potential to be a a diamond in the rough... but man this diamond had issues with shining.
I had to put this book down 3-4 times over the week to see if I could get into it. Each time, I felt the book kept dragging and dragging. I could not connect at all and was very very bored. It lacked substance in this book sandwich for me.
Rating: 2 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Published to GR: 4/28/18
Publication date: 5/15/18
This was my first read by Jessica Knoll and was very excited to experience her writing! We can't all love the same books and unfortunately this one didn't work for me at all.
The plot sounded awesome... 5 women on a reality show called the Gold Diggers in New York City. What more can you ask for? A little bit of sas, gossip, lies, and murder. This had potential to be a a diamond in the rough... but man this diamond had issues with shining.
I had to put this book down 3-4 times over the week to see if I could get into it. Each time, I felt the book kept dragging and dragging. I could not connect at all and was very very bored. It lacked substance in this book sandwich for me.
Rating: 2 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Published to GR: 4/28/18
Publication date: 5/15/18
March 7, 2018
I enjoyed this novel, although not as much as her first book, which was The Luckiest Girl in the World. What was best about this story of five successful women on a reality TV show was the ending, which provided lots of fun unexpected twists and turns.
Getting to that ending was a little challenging because the story is told from the points of view of the five different women on the show. I read this in ebook format, and woe is me if I had to put the book down in the middle of a chapter—it would always take a couple pages to remember whose POV I was reading from. I always write down notes about the different characters, and thank goodness I did, because in addition to the five main women, there is a daughter and all the various female folks running the show. Trying to keep all the names straight was a challenge, especially because I had to put the book down for a week because life got in the way.
The “favorite sister” is about two of the sisters on the program this season. Brett, a lesbian entrepreneur who was one of the leading characters on season one, is joined this season by her older sister Kelly, who had been the golden child growing up, but now works for Brett. The tension between them is just one of many rivalries on the show—some of the controversies are contrived for television, but not this one.
All of the characters are necessarily cut-throat and looking out for their own business and success, hiding lots of secrets that are revealed over the course of the story.
I’m not a “reality” TV fan, but the way the true secrets versus the made-for-TV rivalries made for some enjoyable reading.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES MAY 15, 2018.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
Getting to that ending was a little challenging because the story is told from the points of view of the five different women on the show. I read this in ebook format, and woe is me if I had to put the book down in the middle of a chapter—it would always take a couple pages to remember whose POV I was reading from. I always write down notes about the different characters, and thank goodness I did, because in addition to the five main women, there is a daughter and all the various female folks running the show. Trying to keep all the names straight was a challenge, especially because I had to put the book down for a week because life got in the way.
The “favorite sister” is about two of the sisters on the program this season. Brett, a lesbian entrepreneur who was one of the leading characters on season one, is joined this season by her older sister Kelly, who had been the golden child growing up, but now works for Brett. The tension between them is just one of many rivalries on the show—some of the controversies are contrived for television, but not this one.
All of the characters are necessarily cut-throat and looking out for their own business and success, hiding lots of secrets that are revealed over the course of the story.
I’m not a “reality” TV fan, but the way the true secrets versus the made-for-TV rivalries made for some enjoyable reading.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES MAY 15, 2018.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
May 16, 2018
4 questioning reality stars to The Favorite Sister! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Five successful women are appearing on a reality show called Goal Diggers, and the season ends with the murder of one of the stars. The book covers the events leading up to the murder.
I don’t watch tv often, but when I do, my flavor of choice is reality tv. I think it’s partially because I’m part of the reality tv generation. Just as soon as I hit adulthood, Survivor, Big Brother, and The Bachelor, were on everyone’s watch list. I also watch because it’s a true escape from my own reality. Mind numbing? Sure. But it can also be thought-provoking, and I found some room for that in this book as well.
On the surface, this is a story about reality television where women are stabbing each other in the back and being paid. When I dug deeper, I thought about our reality culture and the thin line between truth and fiction. I also reflected on sisterhood, and the competition and drama that can ensue, even when cameras are not rolling, filming your every eye roll and blunder.
I found the author’s writing to be intelligent and provocative with a blush of feminism if you are in-tune to it. I would expect nothing less from Jessica Knoll.
I enjoyed reading and discussing this book with my Traveling Sisters!
Thank you to Jessica Knoll, Simon Schuster, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Favorite Sister is available now!
My reviews can also be found on my shiny new blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Five successful women are appearing on a reality show called Goal Diggers, and the season ends with the murder of one of the stars. The book covers the events leading up to the murder.
I don’t watch tv often, but when I do, my flavor of choice is reality tv. I think it’s partially because I’m part of the reality tv generation. Just as soon as I hit adulthood, Survivor, Big Brother, and The Bachelor, were on everyone’s watch list. I also watch because it’s a true escape from my own reality. Mind numbing? Sure. But it can also be thought-provoking, and I found some room for that in this book as well.
On the surface, this is a story about reality television where women are stabbing each other in the back and being paid. When I dug deeper, I thought about our reality culture and the thin line between truth and fiction. I also reflected on sisterhood, and the competition and drama that can ensue, even when cameras are not rolling, filming your every eye roll and blunder.
I found the author’s writing to be intelligent and provocative with a blush of feminism if you are in-tune to it. I would expect nothing less from Jessica Knoll.
I enjoyed reading and discussing this book with my Traveling Sisters!
Thank you to Jessica Knoll, Simon Schuster, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Favorite Sister is available now!
My reviews can also be found on my shiny new blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
June 12, 2019
**3.5-stars rounded up**
It wasn't what I expected and it is not really my type of book, but regardless, it was a blast to read.
Since finishing, I have been thinking about how best to classify this one. We know the world loves to categorize things -- as this book definitely points out. I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as a 'thriller', it's got more of a 'contemporary/women's fiction' vibe to it.
There is a dead character, you know that from the beginning and then the narrative fills in, taking you through the events leading up to that death; but I personally didn't feel it was psychologically suspenseful. It was a great character piece, they were full of ambition with snark galore!
In addition to the strong character development, I really connected with the overall writing style. It was very modern, full of pop culture references and slang. I had never read a book that follows a cast of reality television stars. In fact, I don't even watch reality television.
The author did a wonderful job of creating a fun and fast-paced novel that actually had a much deeper level of societal analysis: misogyny, feminism and female/female relationships. I ended up being pleasantly surprised by this. The way the author constructed the relationships of these women laid bare a common problem: we are raised, as women, in a society that forces us to view other females as a constant source of threat and competition.
Statistically, very few women succeed at the levels the characters in this story succeed, so if your friend is succeeding, does that mean there is no room for you too?
Maybe I am reading too much into it but I felt this was an excellent expose on the current state of the feminist movement/status of women in American society.
My only negative would be that I felt the pace dragged a bit through the middle. Other than that, this was a nice, solid story.
Thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to read this book early and to share my thoughts on it. I am really looking forward to this book being released and to reading other reader's opinions on it.
It wasn't what I expected and it is not really my type of book, but regardless, it was a blast to read.
Since finishing, I have been thinking about how best to classify this one. We know the world loves to categorize things -- as this book definitely points out. I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as a 'thriller', it's got more of a 'contemporary/women's fiction' vibe to it.
There is a dead character, you know that from the beginning and then the narrative fills in, taking you through the events leading up to that death; but I personally didn't feel it was psychologically suspenseful. It was a great character piece, they were full of ambition with snark galore!
In addition to the strong character development, I really connected with the overall writing style. It was very modern, full of pop culture references and slang. I had never read a book that follows a cast of reality television stars. In fact, I don't even watch reality television.
The author did a wonderful job of creating a fun and fast-paced novel that actually had a much deeper level of societal analysis: misogyny, feminism and female/female relationships. I ended up being pleasantly surprised by this. The way the author constructed the relationships of these women laid bare a common problem: we are raised, as women, in a society that forces us to view other females as a constant source of threat and competition.
Statistically, very few women succeed at the levels the characters in this story succeed, so if your friend is succeeding, does that mean there is no room for you too?
Maybe I am reading too much into it but I felt this was an excellent expose on the current state of the feminist movement/status of women in American society.
My only negative would be that I felt the pace dragged a bit through the middle. Other than that, this was a nice, solid story.
Thank you so much to the publisher for allowing me to read this book early and to share my thoughts on it. I am really looking forward to this book being released and to reading other reader's opinions on it.
April 4, 2018
It is safe to say that this was not my favorite book. The premise of this book sounded very interesting and I read a lot of positive reviews, so I thought this book must be better than Luckiest Girl Alive, also by this Author. I dnf LGA. I just could not get into that book but decided to throw caution to the wind and attempt to read this Author's work again due to the high reviews of The Favorite sister.
Well, we all can't like the same book. What works for some might not work for others. Was it me or was it the book? It was not a good fit either way. I really enjoy this genre of book, but I find that I am just not into Knoll's writing style.
The premise of this book sounded so intriguing, 5 successful women on a reality show called Gold Diggers. The show is set in New York City and ends in murder. The premise sounded as if this book would be high drama full of secrets, lies betrayal, jealously, and backstabbing with some mystery thrown in. My type of book - except it wasn't. I just could not get into this book. It was a real struggle for me.
The ending did pick up for me and that is why I gave it 2 stars. I almost did not finish this book and decided to stick it out.
I received an ARC of this book from Simon and Schuster and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Well, we all can't like the same book. What works for some might not work for others. Was it me or was it the book? It was not a good fit either way. I really enjoy this genre of book, but I find that I am just not into Knoll's writing style.
The premise of this book sounded so intriguing, 5 successful women on a reality show called Gold Diggers. The show is set in New York City and ends in murder. The premise sounded as if this book would be high drama full of secrets, lies betrayal, jealously, and backstabbing with some mystery thrown in. My type of book - except it wasn't. I just could not get into this book. It was a real struggle for me.
The ending did pick up for me and that is why I gave it 2 stars. I almost did not finish this book and decided to stick it out.
I received an ARC of this book from Simon and Schuster and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
April 25, 2018
The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll is a thriller that is set in what's become the new normal in America in the reality television circuit. The ladies in the story are cast mates in the show Goal Diggers. A bit of a take on a housewife drama type of show but opposite in the fact these women are young professionals.
The story begins by giving the reader a glimpse at present time in which it becomes apparent that Brett who had been the star of the show is dead and the question becomes what led to that event. So after that opening flash to gain interest the story jumps back to just before the taping of the latest season of Goal Diggers began.
Told by alternating between a few characters the book begins building the story of how Brett became the star and focusing on those around her. Brett's sister Kelly wants nothing more than to join Brett into the spotlight, Stephanie and Brett used to be friends but now enemies, Jen and Brett never got along and now Kelly is befriending her. Chalked full of drama the story takes readers through the layers to find out just what happened.
After seeing reviews all over the spectrum for The Favorite Sister I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book and after finishing I feel I can see both sides. To me this was one that suffered a bit from the overly telling in too many places but also had a compelling story going on so I ended up a bit on the fence myself and rated right down the middle.
Being the first book I've read by this author I'm not sure if this is a reflection of her style of writing or just a reflection of this particular story but to me it could feel scattered and unfocused quite often. In the middle of a conversation between characters is not the time to switch to a few pages of info dumping on a totally different topic so the plot felt buried within. The setting felt spot on though giving a glimpse into the behind the scenes of "reality" television and of course it was intriguing to find out just what happened to Brett. If rating separately the plot got the high marks and the style the lower.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The story begins by giving the reader a glimpse at present time in which it becomes apparent that Brett who had been the star of the show is dead and the question becomes what led to that event. So after that opening flash to gain interest the story jumps back to just before the taping of the latest season of Goal Diggers began.
Told by alternating between a few characters the book begins building the story of how Brett became the star and focusing on those around her. Brett's sister Kelly wants nothing more than to join Brett into the spotlight, Stephanie and Brett used to be friends but now enemies, Jen and Brett never got along and now Kelly is befriending her. Chalked full of drama the story takes readers through the layers to find out just what happened.
After seeing reviews all over the spectrum for The Favorite Sister I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book and after finishing I feel I can see both sides. To me this was one that suffered a bit from the overly telling in too many places but also had a compelling story going on so I ended up a bit on the fence myself and rated right down the middle.
Being the first book I've read by this author I'm not sure if this is a reflection of her style of writing or just a reflection of this particular story but to me it could feel scattered and unfocused quite often. In the middle of a conversation between characters is not the time to switch to a few pages of info dumping on a totally different topic so the plot felt buried within. The setting felt spot on though giving a glimpse into the behind the scenes of "reality" television and of course it was intriguing to find out just what happened to Brett. If rating separately the plot got the high marks and the style the lower.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 13, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Calling all fans of reality TV!! The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll is going to be for you if your guilty pleasure is binge watching reality TV because that's exactly what this book read like. Honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of this author's first novel, Luckiest Girl Alive, but after reading this book Knoll has a believer in me! This book also had a little bit of a Fitness Junkie vibe, but dealing with reality TV AND fitness, and not just fitness.
The Favorite Sister is about a cast of women on a New York City reality show called Goal Diggers. The dynamic between these women (even including the 2 that are sisters) is a messy and explosive one. This book is packed with alliances, backstabbing, and SO MUCH drama. Exactly what you would (and should) expect from a book about a reality show. The book jumps around from people quite a bit and there are quite the list of characters, but I found it fairly easy to follow along and keep who was who straight.
No way to get around it though, this book is a drama. It's definitely not a thriller or suspense, and I wouldn't really say it's too mysterious, even though there is a mystery aspect. You are basically reading this book for the delicious drama of a reality television show.
Final Thought: Besides the fact that I am more than a little obsessed with the beautiful cover of this book, I really enjoyed it in its entirety. If you love reality TV and drama I am almost certain you will love this book too! I cannot wait to see what Knoll comes up with next!
The Favorite Sister in 3-ish words: Sassy, Dramalicious & Symbolic
Calling all fans of reality TV!! The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll is going to be for you if your guilty pleasure is binge watching reality TV because that's exactly what this book read like. Honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of this author's first novel, Luckiest Girl Alive, but after reading this book Knoll has a believer in me! This book also had a little bit of a Fitness Junkie vibe, but dealing with reality TV AND fitness, and not just fitness.
The Favorite Sister is about a cast of women on a New York City reality show called Goal Diggers. The dynamic between these women (even including the 2 that are sisters) is a messy and explosive one. This book is packed with alliances, backstabbing, and SO MUCH drama. Exactly what you would (and should) expect from a book about a reality show. The book jumps around from people quite a bit and there are quite the list of characters, but I found it fairly easy to follow along and keep who was who straight.
No way to get around it though, this book is a drama. It's definitely not a thriller or suspense, and I wouldn't really say it's too mysterious, even though there is a mystery aspect. You are basically reading this book for the delicious drama of a reality television show.
Final Thought: Besides the fact that I am more than a little obsessed with the beautiful cover of this book, I really enjoyed it in its entirety. If you love reality TV and drama I am almost certain you will love this book too! I cannot wait to see what Knoll comes up with next!
The Favorite Sister in 3-ish words: Sassy, Dramalicious & Symbolic
Read
May 14, 2018DNF.
March 16, 2022
Reviewed in Canada on May 17, 2018
I wish to thank NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced copy of this book. From the description I thought I would enjoy it, so feel badly for my honest but negative review.
I read Luckiest Girl Alive and disliked it because of the unpleasant main character and found the constant mention of expensive name-brand accessories. designer fashions,expensive cars, etc strange!.
This time we have five unlikable women in New York City. They are young, diverse, strong, powerful and highly successful and have been chosen for an ongoing reality series. Their ambition includes putting down others by gossip, backstabbing and hints of scandal. They are wealthy, but also arrogant, shallow and selfish.
I got the impression that successful women are disagreeable and cannot support one another, putting forth effort into sabotaging others’ success. I am sure that is not what the author wished to convey.
I was unable to connect with the characters, storyline or writing style. I believe that the book will be widely read and liked because the previous one was a best-seller, and there will be an audience for it. I found the women all blended together in my mind while I plodded along trying to keep them straight, but finally ceased to care. Not feeling any suspense. We learned at the beginning that one of the women is dead, but was not invested enough in the character to wonder how or why. There was a lot of mention of expensive brands, designer clothing, costly restaurants with name-dropping of actual celebrities they knew or met. Their frequent use of Instagram I guess was to emphasize how contemporary the setting was.
I rarely give up on a book but did not finish.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced copy of this book. From the description I thought I would enjoy it, so feel badly for my honest but negative review.
I read Luckiest Girl Alive and disliked it because of the unpleasant main character and found the constant mention of expensive name-brand accessories. designer fashions,expensive cars, etc strange!.
This time we have five unlikable women in New York City. They are young, diverse, strong, powerful and highly successful and have been chosen for an ongoing reality series. Their ambition includes putting down others by gossip, backstabbing and hints of scandal. They are wealthy, but also arrogant, shallow and selfish.
I got the impression that successful women are disagreeable and cannot support one another, putting forth effort into sabotaging others’ success. I am sure that is not what the author wished to convey.
I was unable to connect with the characters, storyline or writing style. I believe that the book will be widely read and liked because the previous one was a best-seller, and there will be an audience for it. I found the women all blended together in my mind while I plodded along trying to keep them straight, but finally ceased to care. Not feeling any suspense. We learned at the beginning that one of the women is dead, but was not invested enough in the character to wonder how or why. There was a lot of mention of expensive brands, designer clothing, costly restaurants with name-dropping of actual celebrities they knew or met. Their frequent use of Instagram I guess was to emphasize how contemporary the setting was.
I rarely give up on a book but did not finish.
May 26, 2018
First off, I am SO glad I read this as a group. This one divided us a bit, but it made for some very interesting discussions. Some ladies love reality television and some do not, and it seemed to have some effect on how they felt about this book. I'm not a fan of reality TV. There were parts in this book that I found very gripping and some amazing quotes and thoughts from the author, but it took me quite awhile to get into it. There were just too many characters being introduced too quickly. The concept of the show the book features is basically supposed to be women doing it for themselves (I approve) but they constantly tear each other down. There's a reason for that. America doesn't tune in to watch women lovingly support each other with few fights and little drama. In their own way and for different reasons, each woman is addicted to the fame the show has given them. It doesn't pay well, but it opens doors. Each of them is desperate to stay on the show that tends to boot people who aren't interesting enough... or pass the age of 35.
I'm going to give this one a 2.5 but that doesn't mean I think it's a bad book. It's filled with twists, very unpredictable, and made some great points. I just wasn't into it because it's not my kind of book. If you're a reality TV fan, I think it may suit you better. The mystery fades into the background compared to the gossip and backstabbing, the desperation to remain what they consider relevant.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Simon & Schuster, thank you! My opinion is honest and unbiased.
I'm going to give this one a 2.5 but that doesn't mean I think it's a bad book. It's filled with twists, very unpredictable, and made some great points. I just wasn't into it because it's not my kind of book. If you're a reality TV fan, I think it may suit you better. The mystery fades into the background compared to the gossip and backstabbing, the desperation to remain what they consider relevant.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Simon & Schuster, thank you! My opinion is honest and unbiased.
December 3, 2018
2.5 stars
I didn't love this book and I'm not sure how much of that was me and how much was the way this book was promoted:
The cover looks like a thriller. The blurb says it's a thriller. The prologue sets you up to read a thriller. But this book was not a thriller. It was a soapy-drama-chick-lit-guilty-pleasure book. It would probably make a great beach read (if you're into soapy-drama-chick-lit-guilty-pleasure books).
I struggled to identify with any of the characters (they were all very cutthroat "mean girls") and this resulted in them not seeming quite three dimensional to me, which made it hard for me to get immersed into the story. I just didn't care about any of the characters enough. That said, I think I would completely enjoy watching this as a guilty-pleasure tv show à la UnReal -- with the right actresses I suspect these characters could really come to life.
Badass Female Character score: 4/5 -- All the female characters are tough cookies who know how to fight to get what they want. But they're also all bitches and so that knocks a point off.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a DRC of this novel.
I didn't love this book and I'm not sure how much of that was me and how much was the way this book was promoted:
The cover looks like a thriller. The blurb says it's a thriller. The prologue sets you up to read a thriller. But this book was not a thriller. It was a soapy-drama-chick-lit-guilty-pleasure book. It would probably make a great beach read (if you're into soapy-drama-chick-lit-guilty-pleasure books).
I struggled to identify with any of the characters (they were all very cutthroat "mean girls") and this resulted in them not seeming quite three dimensional to me, which made it hard for me to get immersed into the story. I just didn't care about any of the characters enough. That said, I think I would completely enjoy watching this as a guilty-pleasure tv show à la UnReal -- with the right actresses I suspect these characters could really come to life.
Badass Female Character score: 4/5 -- All the female characters are tough cookies who know how to fight to get what they want. But they're also all bitches and so that knocks a point off.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a DRC of this novel.
April 26, 2018
It took me about a week after finishing this book to get around to writing this review - partially because life is busy, but also because I wanted to give myself time to process what I had read. Let me start by saying that Jessica Knoll is a fantastic author and certainly is an expert story teller. Everything I've read by her (this + her previous book) has been crafted in such a way that leaves me impressed and wishing for more.
I have to give this book props for being unlike any other of the many thrillers hitting the market today. It's got a reality-tv setting that's unique and enjoyable (I had worried it'd be hard to follow, but was pleasantly surprised at how different it was) and a cast of characters that's just as catty and drama-filled as you might expect given the circumstances.
My one draw back? The jumping around of characters, while generally something that I'm an outspoken fan of, was actually pretty confusing to me. Perhaps it's because most of the characters had pretty ordinary names or maybe it was because I found myself attached to some characters more than others. I'm not sure, but if I have to point fingers somewhere, that's where it'd be.
That being said, I truly enjoyed this read. It came at a complicated time in my own life and was just the distraction I needed. Not to mention, that ending! I'll let you discover it's secrets for yourself.
Should you buy it?: Usually my 3-star reviews end up in the 'no' category here, but I'm actually going to recommend that you do give this one a go. I think if it sounds appealing to you or you enjoyed Knoll's "Luckiest Girl Alive," you'll find this one a lot of fun.
**Thank you to netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book to review. These circumstances did not influence my views or this review in any way.**
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I have to give this book props for being unlike any other of the many thrillers hitting the market today. It's got a reality-tv setting that's unique and enjoyable (I had worried it'd be hard to follow, but was pleasantly surprised at how different it was) and a cast of characters that's just as catty and drama-filled as you might expect given the circumstances.
My one draw back? The jumping around of characters, while generally something that I'm an outspoken fan of, was actually pretty confusing to me. Perhaps it's because most of the characters had pretty ordinary names or maybe it was because I found myself attached to some characters more than others. I'm not sure, but if I have to point fingers somewhere, that's where it'd be.
That being said, I truly enjoyed this read. It came at a complicated time in my own life and was just the distraction I needed. Not to mention, that ending! I'll let you discover it's secrets for yourself.
Should you buy it?: Usually my 3-star reviews end up in the 'no' category here, but I'm actually going to recommend that you do give this one a go. I think if it sounds appealing to you or you enjoyed Knoll's "Luckiest Girl Alive," you'll find this one a lot of fun.
**Thank you to netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book to review. These circumstances did not influence my views or this review in any way.**
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
May 1, 2018
Eek. This is no heartwarming Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, that's for darn sure. The Favorite Sister contains some of the bloodiest, mud-slinging, bitch slapping, backstabbing, and savage cast of female characters that aren't on your television(or Netflix)-yet! This book finds itself as a contender for most difficult to enjoy
The backdrop of the story swirls around the world of reality television and is narrated by three of the characters-Brett, her bestie Stephanie, and Brett's sister, Kelly. At times, it wasn't easy to be in these ladies heads and how they justified themselves repeatedly. But a small part of me really enjoyed it( even book loving me has dabbled in the past with reality t.v.)
Plain and simple, I feel like a yo-yo. I liked it. I didn't like it. I like that it pokes at the dark and twisty part of "sisterhood." Ouch, I didn't like it because it was just too raw. No redeeming characters! Author Q&A gives delicious insight-read it first. What a dilemma! Now in search for a good palate cleanser to wash away that icky feeling that lingers.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The backdrop of the story swirls around the world of reality television and is narrated by three of the characters-Brett, her bestie Stephanie, and Brett's sister, Kelly. At times, it wasn't easy to be in these ladies heads and how they justified themselves repeatedly. But a small part of me really enjoyed it( even book loving me has dabbled in the past with reality t.v.)
Plain and simple, I feel like a yo-yo. I liked it. I didn't like it. I like that it pokes at the dark and twisty part of "sisterhood." Ouch, I didn't like it because it was just too raw. No redeeming characters! Author Q&A gives delicious insight-read it first. What a dilemma! Now in search for a good palate cleanser to wash away that icky feeling that lingers.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 13, 2018DNF at 16%
May 14, 2018
Reality TV, the latest craze. We think we are getting a peephole view of the lives of strangers, but what happens when the cameras stop rolling for five successful, competitive women is nothing short of deadly. You think the players on those reality shows can be brutal?
THE FAVORITE SISTER by Jessica Knoll is a look at the rest of the story when egos, pride, jealousy and insecurity erupt and family rivalries boil over. Told from several points of view and alternating between past and present, this chaotic tale is filled with interpersonal conflicts, both real and contrived for the cameras as these powerfully intense personalities crash, clash and sometimes come together in the name of power and control. Is it the fault of these women that they can be so heartless or has society warped their sense of values in the name of success? Either way, prepare to enter the vipers' den...
Jessica Knoll has colored a world behind the cameras in the fractured shades of a tumultuous storm. Trust is a weakness, honor is easily dismissed and family ties are similar to being wrapped in barbed wire.
I found I could not relate or even actually like any of the five main characters. Points of view change abruptly and because their voices were so similar, it was jarring to play catch up. Too much vitriol, too many insecure egos and game-playing made this a difficult read to enjoy for me, perhaps because I am not a fan of the nastiness of reality shows and being part of the lives of these characters off screen was like an exercise in drowning in acid. That said, if you can dodge the daggers, the ending is worth the effort, because this author can write!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Simon & Schuster! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (May 15, 2018)
Publication Date: May 15, 2018
Genre: Women's Fiction
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
THE FAVORITE SISTER by Jessica Knoll is a look at the rest of the story when egos, pride, jealousy and insecurity erupt and family rivalries boil over. Told from several points of view and alternating between past and present, this chaotic tale is filled with interpersonal conflicts, both real and contrived for the cameras as these powerfully intense personalities crash, clash and sometimes come together in the name of power and control. Is it the fault of these women that they can be so heartless or has society warped their sense of values in the name of success? Either way, prepare to enter the vipers' den...
Jessica Knoll has colored a world behind the cameras in the fractured shades of a tumultuous storm. Trust is a weakness, honor is easily dismissed and family ties are similar to being wrapped in barbed wire.
I found I could not relate or even actually like any of the five main characters. Points of view change abruptly and because their voices were so similar, it was jarring to play catch up. Too much vitriol, too many insecure egos and game-playing made this a difficult read to enjoy for me, perhaps because I am not a fan of the nastiness of reality shows and being part of the lives of these characters off screen was like an exercise in drowning in acid. That said, if you can dodge the daggers, the ending is worth the effort, because this author can write!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Simon & Schuster! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (May 15, 2018)
Publication Date: May 15, 2018
Genre: Women's Fiction
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
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