I’m cleaning up my Feedback bookshelf and trying to give reviews for past books I’ve read. I know I read this when it came out - I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads back in 2017. I RARELY give out 5 stars, so it must have been a good story. Thanks for the advanced reader copy!

Gabrielle Zevin's "Young Jane Young" is a beautifully crafted novel that weaves together the lives of four extraordinary women, bound by a common thread of empowerment and resilience. In this captivating tale of love, ambition, and the power of reinvention, Zevin takes us on a heartwarming and thought-provoking journey that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

At the heart of the story is Aviva Grossman, a young woman with political aspirations who falls prey to a scandalous affair with a prominent congressman. The novel unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, each revealing their unique relationship with Aviva and the aftermath of the affair. Her mother, Rachel, shines as a source of unconditional support, strength, and understanding. Jane Young, Aviva's alter ego after the scandal, emerges as a figure of self-discovery and empowerment, refusing to let her past define her future. Ruby, Aviva's daughter, represents a new generation seeking truth and understanding about her mother's past.

Zevin skillfully navigates through different narrative styles, incorporating emails, blogs, and letters, to create a multi-dimensional and engaging narrative that connects the reader with the characters' emotions and experiences. Each character possesses a distinctive voice, allowing readers to sympathize with their triumphs, struggles, and personal growth.

Beyond its engaging storytelling, "Young Jane Young" delves into the powerful themes of gender dynamics, public shaming, and the double standards that persist in our society. Zevin addresses the harsh reality faced by women in politics and other male-dominated fields, where mistakes are often deemed unforgivable while their male counterparts are readily forgiven.

What truly sets this novel apart is its ability to inspire readers through the unyielding spirit of its female protagonists. The story beautifully highlights the importance of solidarity among women, emphasizing the significance of building a supportive community in times of adversity.

Gabrielle Zevin masterfully captures the essence of human nature, showcasing the potential for growth, redemption, and strength within each individual. Her writing is both poignant and humorous, eliciting laughter and tears in equal measure. As readers, we are drawn into a world where mistakes are stepping stones and choices pave the way to newfound hope.

"Young Jane Young" is an unforgettable and empowering novel that resonates with its readers, urging them to embrace their past, learn from it, and forge a brighter future. Gabrielle Zevin has crafted a captivating story that serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women, leaving us inspired, enlightened, and yearning for more.

Enjoyable read. Interesting storytelling and characters. Definitely something I’d recommend readers!

This could be taken as an interesting spin on the Monkia Lewinsky/Bill Clinton scandal (and maybe even is intended to be). There are lots of characters and lots going on in this book. It would be a fun one to discuss in a book club.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Wow! I was a bit worried at the beginning that I would have trouble getting into this book, but then the story shifted to the "problem" with Aviva and the book took off. It really makes you think about the double standard with scandals and why the woman (or young girls) are often portrayed so horribly while the men often get a "pass." While not my favorite Zevin story, it was still enjoyable and thought-provoking with bits of humor and great characters.

This was way too long and I never got into the story. I kept waiting for this to make sense.I thought that the premise of a young woman in a n affair with a politician was stale.

I hate the belief that all characters/narrators need to be likeable, but it's really hard to get through a book where more than half is in the point of view 0f people you would run away from if they tried to talk to talk to you in real life. How many ways can different characters call a woman a slut, including her own mother and child. I understand it's supposed to be representative of things said in everyday life, and to juxtapose against when we hear her side of the story. But it's exhausting.

When we do finally get Aviva's side of the story, I enjoyed it greatly. It's complex and engaging, full of missteps and the acknowledgements of them that only come with hindsight. And I can appreciate how the rest of the point of views provide a landing for this section. I just would have appreciated something to hold onto as a reader earlier.

A novel about parents, family and achievement. It was a little different to Zevin's previous work in that it's less magical, but still worthy.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Gabrielle Zevin's other books and decided to give this one a try. It wasn't terrible, but also not a favorite. Probably because I'm not huge into politics.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

I gobbled this up in one sitting. It features great characters (I especially loved Ruby) and manages to be both smart in the issues it tackles and fun the way it plays with format. Highly recommended for anyone interested in gender issues or shaming culture.

As I loved both this and her last book, The Storied Life of AJ Fikry, Zevin is quickly rising to a favorite author of mine.

Woe is the Grossman family. Their only daughter, Aviva, has been caught in a scandal with a prominent local politician, who is a former neighbor and family friend. A young intern having an affair with a Congressman -- whether in literature, or film, it’s a story we’ve heard before, generally through the lens of drama or an intense political thriller.
Gabrielle Zevin comes at this plotline from a different angle: humor. Told across multiple perspectives, in turn we see
*the fretting, concerned mother who pulls Machiavalian strings to try to end the affair, but doesn’t want to implicate herself in the breach of her daughter’s trust
*a thirty-something Aviva (now Jane), reinvented with a new name, planning weddings and events for the prickly residents of a small town
*Jane’s pithy thirteen-year-old daughter, who morally rages to her email pen pal
*the dryly witty, martyred wife of the congressman, and
*twenty-something Aviva.

Relentlessly funny, this book is a great to devour in one sitting.

A unique exploration with sharp insights and plenty of humor and charm. I really enjoyed such a smart book all about women.

She is so hit or miss for me! This one wasn't a total miss, but it was definitely not my favorite. The Storied Life of AJ Fikery will always be my fave.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy. All opinions are my own.

I picked up Young Jane Young during a bit of a reading slump and read it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I thought this would be a light, contemporary book, the kind that doesn’t normally appeal to me, but it was so much more. It’s the story of an affair between a married congressman and one of his interns, and the fallout from that affair. I loved the characters and how the book was written from several perspectives. Worth the read!

Special thanks to Algonquin for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

I loved Zevin's The Storied Life of AJ Fikry. This one was on my TBR for so long. By the time I got around to reading it, I simply couldn't get into the story. Honestly, I blame our insane political climate. Likely, if I had read this around the release date I may have really loved it.

Thank you for the opportunity to be an early reader.

I LOVE The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and enjoyed the Birthright series, but Young Jane Young was a disappointment. Maybe it was starting with Aviva's mom, maybe it was the sex, maybe it was something else. In the end I felt like it was better and maybe if I were to reread this one I'd appreciate it more. It won't keep me from reading more by Gabrielle Zevin, but I won't be running out to recommend this book.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Young Jane Young is about a congressional intern, Aviva Grossman, who’s had an affair with a married congressman, her boss, and as the younger partner/less powerful partner/female partner, OF COURSE she takes the fall for the whole thing. The Monica Lewinsky parallels are obvious here, since Aviva finds herself publicly lampooned and privately broken-hearted, with a stalled career. Her name is synonymous with a particular sex act, while her affair partner continues his job and his marriage unscathed.

So, Aviva changes her distinctive name, moves away and basically starts over, but as her daughter matures, parts of her past come back. Family is not the stated focus of the story, but it’s a clear theme as we see the rippled effects through Aviva, her mother, and her daughter.

Really hated the choose your own adventure part. Found it took me out of the story. As for the story I felt it had potential but fell flat and I hated the sexual part of the relationship. Just felt creepy and cold.

I enjoyed how this book wasn’t about what I thought it would be about. I enjoyed hearing the author’s take on how a woman reinvents herself. The women in this book were fascinating. Young Jane Young is charming and definitely worth a read.

Young Jane Young is another winner by Zevin. Well-developed characters with a humor-filled plot with surprising depth make this a great read to take on your next vacation.