The fabulous life of the rich and richer seems grand… until we look a bit deeper. The Right Address by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman will make you thankful for your run-of-the-mill address and your easy-going friends.
From the first to last page, we’re allowed access to the elitist world of the top one-percenters. And y’all, rich chicks are as mean as poor chicks.
The authors of this book wanted to reveal the cruelty they’ve experienced along Park Avenue. And, YEE-YIKES, they do a good job of it. From an incredibly bitchy gossip scene to illegal fur clothing to high-maintenance mistresses we all feel rather uncomfortable peering into these folks’ lives. Mostly because their issues are no different from ours (except for the illegal fur deal-unless, of course, you’re a top one-percenter).
I fully believe women can either be our biggest friends or foes. The authors interweave various characters’ stories into the novel and frankly, we only cheer for one character, Melanie, and we cheer for her AFTER she falls flat on her face and has a come to Jesus meeting with herself.
Melanie has her epiphany when she leaves her narrow world of Park Avenue and travels to… Central Park. Okay, it sounds a bit cliché but I’ve had quite a few “aha” moments in Central Park; an incredible peace can be found in spots throughout a park surrounded by the bustling city that never sleeps.
With any of us, doesn’t it take leaving our narrow world to see what else is out there? Don’t we often gain perspective, and confidence in ourselves, when we get outside ourselves?
I didn’t love this book. I didn’t hate it either. If you’re looking for an easy read and mostly one-dimensional characters, you’ll be okay with this book. Since I committed to finishing it, I figured I’d find a positive spin in it.
(And remember, I’ve read about some incredible women this summer. Dealing with crappy ones in this book made the others look that much better. See? Perspective!)
arden's book club 