Review: These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen

Publisher: Washington Square Press
Released: 2012
Pages: 340
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4/5



Synopsis:

These Girls focuses on three young women living in New York City. Cate and Renee are roommates who work at the same magazine. When their third roommate moves out, Abby’s brother asks Cate and Renee if his troubled sister could move in with them. Cate has just received a promotion but she is always questioning herself. She never finished her degree, and constantly feels inadequate and inexperienced. Renee desperately needs to make more money, and Cate suggests that she try out for her old position and beauty editor. Renee loves the thought but when mean comments about her weight are posted on her blog, she is mortified and afraid she’ll be passed up. Abby clearly had trouble in her last position as a nanny; apparently she was involved with the husband. She’s very quiet, depressed and clearly needs friendship. The three girls begin to bond, and open up to one another.



Review:

These Girls was my first Sarah Pekkanen book. I wasn’t immediately drawn to the characters, but Abbey’s story really caught my attention. Once I started getting wrapped up in her story, Renee and Cate’s story began to further interest me. I kept getting Renee and Cate mixed up and it took me awhile to remember who was who. I thought the book was a little slow in the beginning, but I’m really happy I stuck with it. In the end, all three girls had a great story to tell. The character development was great, as was the development of the character’s friendship. Once I was half-way through the book, I didn’t want to put it down. I would say Abbey’s story was the most interesting, and the most developed.

Many readers would be able to relate to these characters. They’re young, and trying to figure out who they are and what they want in life. Their family situations aren’t ideal which causes more confusion. They need to focus on themselves, and don’t want to bother each other with their problems. This is a great read for those who want to read about friendships, and struggles. New York life can be glamorous, but also fast-paced and confusing. Even when others think you have everything, you may not be as happy as you appear. Putting on a happy smile, and actually feeling happy are two very separate things.