Limelight

A Novel

By: Amy Poeppel

Narrated by: Carly Robins

In a smart and funny novel by the award-winning author of the critically acclaimed “big-hearted, charming” (The Washington Post) Small Admissions, a family’s move to New York City brings surprises and humor.

Allison Brinkley—wife, mother, and former unflappable optimist—discovers that her decision to pack up and move her family from suburban Dallas to the glittery chaos of Manhattan may have been more complicated than she and her husband initially thought. New York is more unruly and bewildering than she expected, defying the notions she developed from romantic movies and a memorable childhood visit. After a humiliating call from the principal’s office and the loss of the job she was counting on, Allison begins to accept that New York may not suit her after all.

When she has a fender-bender, witnessed by a flock of mothers at her son’s new school, she is led to the penthouse apartment of a luxurious Central Park West building and encounters a spoiled, hungover, unsupervised teenager who looks familiar. It doesn’t take long to recognize him as Carter Reid—a famous pop star who has been cast in a new Broadway musical. Through this brush with stardom, Allison embraces a unique and unexpected opportunity that helps her find her way in the heart of Manhattan.

“A tribute to Broadway, teen celebrity life, and a mother who has now seen it all, this work is tough love at its finest and a great read for those wanting a ride on the wild side” (Booklist, starred review).

Fun but unreasonable plot

The plot is ridiculous, that said, the book is enjoyable. The performance is okay, not as good as some other performers.

A fun enjoyable read

This story was cleverly written with highly likable characters. Brilliantly narrated, I listened straight through on a weekend. I was able to suspend disbelief, because I enjoyed the unfolding of the characters so much.

Charming story

As some other reviewer’s have noted, there is quite a bit of “language.” Some listeners may be put off by that, but I don’t think this in anyway detracts from the delightful storyline, it only helps to round out the characters. I enjoyed it very much, laughed out loud several times, and thought the reader was excellent.

New York City here I come!

I loved this book for a few reasons. One I love New York and everything about New York. It was a funny light read. This is the exact type of book I prefer to read. No graphic sex scenes and no stupid outlandish fake romance crap. This was about learning to find yourself in New York while dealing with an obnoxious child like person. I don't want to give away any spoilers. The obnoxious person did kind of make me mad at times but isn't that the whole point of the book? To evoke feelings, good or bad? This was definitely a win for me and I will be looking to read more books by this author.

Lastly, the narrator was fantastic! She was great at the different voices. I will definitely look out for books that she has narrated.

Just Barely OK

This was an okay novel, not super bad but not great. Too much useless foul language and story is hard to believe. The narration was difficult in spots, could be my earbuds but think it would have been bad whole way through if that was the reason.