Charming, alluring, and lighthearted!

The Subway Girls is set in New York City during the late 1940s, as well as present day, and is told from two different perspectives, Charlotte, a young woman who yearns to have a career and be more than just a wife and mother, and Olivia a marketing executive who's determined to prove she deserves the same recognition and success as her male counterparts.

The prose is precise and effortless. The characters are ambitious, independent, creative, and strong. And the plot, alternating between past and present, is a nostalgic, fascinating tale of life, love, deception, betrayal, heartbreak, perseverance, friendship, family, romance, and the world of marketing.

The Subway Girls is a well-written, exceptionally researched novel that highlights Susie Orman Schnall’s incredible knowledge into the Miss Subway advertising campaign that graced the inside of NY Subway cars from 1941 to 1976 and reminds us that even though we've come so far the work-life balance is still a very real struggle for professional women today.

I liked the concept and dual timelines, but I found both female leads to be a bit trying and annoying, especially Olivia. Parts of the past storyline felt a bit unrealistic and for me, the story dragged a bit. Olivia did finally get her act together at the end so that did redeem her story a somewhat for me. The execution of this lacked for me. This was an ARC that I read, so I do hope the editor does fix some of the problems. :)


**Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.**

Oh, I did not want this one to end!! The story went from past to present and told the story of two women, Charlotte and Olivia, who are both independent and trying to make a way for themselves with their careers. Charlotte's path is told in the late 1940s, and she wants to work in advertising, but is being told by her father that she has to help out with the family store that is going under, and she is struggling with duty vs. the path she wants for her life. Charlotte entered a contest to become one of the "Subway Girls" to try and help her father's store, thinking the publicity would draw customers. These were girls that won a contest each month to be featured on the NYC Subway with their picture and a writeup about themselves. Oftentimes, their ultimate goal was to become a model or to use it as a launchpad for their own careers. I had NO IDEA this was real and I was so fascinated by this piece of history!

Olivia's path is told during the present day, and she currently is working in the advertising industry, has made a name for herself and is good at what she does, but still wants to do more. She has helped (or enabled) her mother to stay in an abusive relationship with her father, and as a result has medical debt (along with student loans) that she is struggling to pay.

The paths of these two woman cross in a wonderful way, as Olivia needs to come up with an outstanding ad campaign for the MTA and comes across the Subway Girls. I loved how the author had the paths of the two women cross and the love interests were so well done. (Where can I find a Ben, btw? Ha!) I read this in two sittings because I could not put it down, and thoroughly enjoyed the entire book. This comes out July 10th, and I cannot recommend it enough! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book totally enchanted me, I was swept away to NYC, both past and present, and to me, that’s the hallmark of well written historical fiction. Since I’m fairly new to the genre I’ve been dabbling and trying to see what I like the most and I think I can firmly say that anything with a dual, alternating timeline seems to engross me the most and Orman Schnall charmed me the whole way through.

Charlotte is the protagonist in the 1940’s section and Olivia is for the 2018 sections and I equally enjoyed both of these woman for their tenacity and strength alone, but they both had several other wonderful qualities as well. Charlotte was a sweet young lady trying to start her career in an extremely sexist era, but man was her determination inspiring. Olivia clearly had many more opportunities than Charlotte, but she was also an inspiring woman, firm in her convictions and fun to boot. Their storylines merged in mostly surprising ways even though I did piece a few things together, nothing big and definitely nothing that detracted from my enjoyment whatsoever.

The historical piece of the Miss Subways contest was fascinating to me, I’ve never heard of this before and found it to be so interesting. It seems like a concept that was ahead of the times in some ways and so sexist in others. I can definitely understand why it was so popular and also why so many young New York women competed for the opportunity to be a Miss Subways girl, especially as any opportunities for young women were few and far between during that time period. This is one of those carefree, easy reads that make for a perfect summer choice, you can’t go wrong grabbing this if you want a light, fun and engaging read.

The Subway Girls in three words: Charming, Sweet and Inspiring.

'Subway Girls' was especially interesting to me because it is based on true events. Miss Subway was a beauty contest run by John Robert Powers Modeling Agency starting in the 1940s. Each month a poster of a new beautiful hometown girl was posted in subway cars. Susie Orman Schnall author of 'The Subway Girls' chose to tell the Miss Subway story by using two women living parallel lives in different time periods. Both women are ambitious and want to be successful in advertising. The present day character, Olivia was asked to do a campaign for NYC Transit Authority. While researching old campaigns, she becomes interested in the The Miss Subway campaign and models. The life of Charlotte, a Miss Subway winner in 1949 is compared with Olivia of present day. I thoroughly enjoyed this insightful book about women of today and yesteryear. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this lively and light-hearted book! It tells the story of two women, Charlotte in the 1940s and Olivia in 2018, who each have the determination to forge her own way in life. Both overcome odds and both are determined about pursuing the life she wants to lead. I am surprised by how similar the underlying issues for women are, even after almost 70 years. Whether confronting a father who believes a college education is a waste and a career an impossibility for a daughter, a family that relies heavily on the support of a daughter, or a male coworker that proves dishonest, fighting for equality and for the fulfillment of your dreams is a real challenge. In this story, it is told with both humor and heart-touching moments. I found learning about the history of the Subways Girls to be very interesting. I loved how the program, which was essentially a type of beauty pageant, helped the fictional Charlotte but also actual women who participated in it to pursue their goals and dreams. I also liked getting a glimpse in Olivia’s story into the world of advertising. The story of these two women meeting and what happens afterwards makes for a lovely story that I think any woman who likes to read will enjoy!

his book just tickled me and I loved it! The story bounces back and forth between Charlotte’s story in 1949 and Olivia’s story in the present day.

Olivia is in advertising and is hoping to be able to deliver the winning proposal to the Metro Subway system. In her research she and her assistant come up a bit of history that gives them some great ideas.

In the 1940’s there was a sort of beauty pageant called Miss Subways. Every month, a new girl would be chosen and her poster would grace the walls of the entire subway system. Many of the girls went on to fame and fortune from their Miss Subways exposure.

Completely by accident, Olivia discovers that her next door neighbor is a former Miss Subways and she is Charlotte. Charlotte always wanted to be in advertising and, when she couldn’t find a job in advertising, she let her friends submit her as a candidate for Miss Subways. She eventually wins and, because the family hardware store is going out of business, she gives up her dream of a career in advertising and applies her advertising goals to the hardware store.

This is just such a great book. It made me smile so much. I highly recommend it! 🙂

This book was such a joy to read and will most certainly be in many a beach bag this summer. Olivia (2018) and Charlotte (1949) are in dual storylines that are destined to instersect at some point. The story pivots on the Subway Girls contests that took place in NYC for many years. I had never heard of them and now I really need to visit the New York Transit Museum when am in NYC for a visit.

In addition to highlighting this unusual piece of history, we also realize that the more things change the more they stay the same. Women in 1949 had many of the same challenges in their lives that we have in 2018. What a great reminder to get to know the older women in our lives and learn from them.

This would make a delightful book group read. At a recent meeting of a book group I attend, there was a fellow member asking for a new historical fiction book that did not take place during WW II. At that time I could not recommend one. Now I can!

I received a digital ARC of this book from St. Martins and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I completely devoured this book! This was such a compelling book, telling the stories of Charlotte, a young, independent young woman in 1949, fighting both her family and the values of that time period to achieve her dreams, and Olivia, our modern-day heroine whose struggles aren’t that different from Charlotte’s. It was fun to read about The Subway Girls, something I didn’t know anything about before reading this book. Both Olivia and Charlotte seemed so real...they represent so many women from 60 years ago and today, women trying to reach that balance of career, love, and family, while remaining true to their own hearts. Some romance, some history, some secrets...all adding up to this captivating novel!

This was a sweet book. It was slightly predictable, but still nice to read. It's not a story to take too seriously. It's a light, fluffy historical fiction. The characters were well developed and interesting. I enjoyed how the author juxtaposed a character from 2018 with a character from 1949. Their careers, choices, and relationships were clearly defined by the time in which they lived.

The Subway Girls is based on a real advertising campaign by the NY MTC which featured a different "Subway Girl" spokesmodel each month. The basis of the book is a fascinating, relatively unknown piece of American cultural history. I found this plot line interesting and would have loved if this story went a bit deeper. The parallel storyline was a bit weaker and felt a bit contrived. A bit too coincidental that the two main characters would be neighbors, both in the advertising profession and have the whole Subway connection. Often she a book is constructed with these parallel storylines, they end up shallow and predictable because there isn't enough time to develop a more meaty story.
While the book did not live up to my expectations, it was nonetheless a nice, quick read, perfect for the beach.

Continuing through my summer reading list, I truly enjoyed The Subway Girls: A Novel.
This charming book is partly historical fiction about two ambitious women in New York City. It is a perfect summer (or anytime) read.

The 1949 character is Charlotte who longs to work in advertising but is constrained by society’s and her family’s expectations for a women’s place in society. When the glamourous opportunity of the Miss Subways beauty contest (a real historical advertising campaign) presents itself, she has tough decisions to make.

The present day character is Olivia who has achieved success in advertising but still faces some misogyny and discrimination in the workforce. While pitching a new strategy to the NYC subway account, she uncovers the Miss Subways campaign and finds that she has a personal connection to a former Miss Subways.

While ultimately a light-hearted read (though some tough decisions are addressed), this book effectively addresses the eternal struggles of women as they balance personal lives, careers, and the expectations of others.

I did not want to put this book down and looked forward to it every evening, which is always a standard I want to meet for the books I recommend.

One of those books that has two storylines, one in the present and one in the past. I have to admit these are my favorite types of books, I get the historical fiction aspect, but also get to see something current and now. Also, usually there is a little mystery as to how these two stories are connected, it is all of the genres I love rolled into one!

To focus on this book. In 1949 there is Charlotte and she has huge dreams for a woman of this time to work in advertising and be an independent career woman before she settles down and does the wife and kid thing. The current storyline revolves around Olivia and she works in advertising and is still feeling the effects of working in a "man's world."

There was less of a mystery about how the stories were connected, it was just more obvious than most, but I didn't mind that at all. Instead it was interesting to see the similarities between women in the workforce then and now and a few differences, wish that wasn't the case!

I loved this book even more when I found out that the Subway girls was based on fact and that this was a real campaign. I love when an author chooses something that could be obscure and unknown from history and can create a whole world and story from this one little bit. It makes me look things up and see the truth and I feel more engaged when there is fact behind the fiction.

I have read all of Susie Orman Schnall's books and I will continue she writes fantastic female stories with substance and depth. After three books with two four star ratings and one three, I can give myself the fan status!

Releasing July 10th-this is a must read of 2018!

A fan of historical fiction and past resident of NYC, this book really spoke to me. Each chapter alternates between the two main characters-one in 1949 and the other in 2018. It flows perfectly and the story that unfolds is both heart-wrenching and compelling. I couldn’t put it down!

Olivia is making a last ditch effort to land a new client at her advertising company and unbeknownst to her, her across-the-hall neighbor, Charlotte, turns out to be a perfect connection. And her son, Ben, could he be the man she’s been waiting for?

Love, heart break, a baby out of wedlock, women standing up for themselves...this book has it all!

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review

I love historical fiction, and The Subway Girls is a fabulous reflection of the genre, as well as a mix of women’s and contemporary fiction! It definitely has something that fans of all those genres will just love: history, love, romance, friendship, family drama, hints of unfolding secrets, ambition, heartbreak, and successes. It is the first book that I’ve read by Susie Orman Schnall, but she has a new fan in me and I plan on reading her other books!

The Subway Girls is the story told in dual timelines of two very strong, amazing, and determined female characters: Charlotte in 1949 and Olivia in the present. Schnall’s newest novel uses the real-life history of the Miss Subways beauty competitions that ran from 1941 to 1976 to intersect the stories of these two women from entirely different generations to compare and contrast the roles of these omen, the societal expectations towards them, and each of the women’s dreams about their careers: both women aspiring to have a career in advertising.

Charlotte’s career opportunities were of course much more limited in 1949 compared to Olivia’s in the present, but Schnall addresses male attitudes toward women in both decades. Sadly, we see that at times nothing much has changed in Olivia’s day as she deals with her male co-workers than when Charlotte was searching for her independence and employment in the late 1940s. Nor has anything really changed as both women try to balance careers, love, and relationships. I understood their turmoil all too well based on my own experiences, as I’ve struggled with the age-old battle of trying to balance career, family, relationship, and I’m sure it’s one that most women of all generations are all too familiar with!

The chapters take place in alternating timelines until the character’s lives intersect and they begin to interact in the present day, and it is a fast-paced, vivid, entertaining read! I absolutely loved Schnall’s flowing writing style and how effortlessly the stories came together. I had never heard of the Miss Subways contests, so it was very interesting to learn that such a contest existed, especially since the contest did open doors to many of the winners that otherwise would not have been available to the women. The characters in the book, all of them, not just Olivia and Charlotte were just fantastic, even the ones that I didn’t quite like! Schnall has so much talent as a writer in bringing her characters to life and making you feel like you are part of the story!

This is a fun read that will keep you up late at night, turning the pages well past your bedtime! I definitely recommend you pick up The Subway Girls for one of your summer must reads, especially for any lover of excellent historical, contemporary and women’s fiction! You definitely don't want to miss it!

**Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for my review copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.**

Wow! The history in this novel was enlightening and I fell down a rabbit hole looking up Subway Girls. I even got a co-worker Googling. I loved the dual time line with Olivia and Charlotte. Both of them were formidable in their own way and for their time.

I highly recommend picking it up.

Kudos to Susie Orman Schnall, Author of “The Subway Girls” for such an enthralling, informative, entertaining, enjoyable, and captivating read. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction and Fiction. I appreciate the thoughtful and thorough historical research that the author has done to bring this novel to light. This story has two timelines, narrated through two different characters. I love how the two-story lines connect.

The author describes her characters as complex, complicated, courageous, and conflicted possibly due to circumstances and events. There are secrets, and betrayals. Women are not treated equally as men, as shown in both timelines. In 1949, male employers think that employed women will get married and have babies, leaving the job.

In 1949, Charlotte is determined to finish school and find a job in advertising. Unfortunately the times are such, that jobs are not that available. Charlotte has a loving boyfriend, and a very strict father. Charlotte’s father wants her to work in his financially failing hardware store. An opportunity arises for Charlotte to enter the “Miss Subways Beauty contest”. The winning contestants are hoping for a modeling job, an acting job, or fame. Charlotte is convinced if she wins, she can help her father’s hardware store by the publicity. Charlotte is also ambitious and hope that if she wins “Miss Subways Beauty Contest”, that will help her in her career in advertising.

Almost 70 years later, Olivia, an ambitious, hardworking advertising executive is hoping to win the NYC Subway account. Olivia’s boss has her competing against a male colleague that tends to act in an in-appropriate way towards her. Often this colleague’s comments are sexist, and in-appropriate. Olivia finds herself looking at the history of Miss Subway, and hopes that she can use that to make her pitch.

I love the way the author discusses the importance of sisterhood, friendship, loyalty, and ambition. Quoting from the blurb” The Subway Girls is the charming story of two strong women, a generation apart, who find themselves up against the impossible balance between love, happiness and ambition.” I highly recommend this amazing novel for those readers that enjoy Historical Fiction and strong-willed characters. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

This book fascinated me. I love the idea of Miss Subways, and learning more about the women of the time period. Dual perspectives and timelines are always a favorite of mine, and The Subway Girls is no exception. The writing is impeccable, the characters are all fantastic, and the story feels very realistic. This is another winner by Susie Orman Schnall.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Subways Girls is the delightful story of two strong women a generation apart, who both struggle to find a balance between love, happiness and ambition.

SUMMARY
Charlotte’s dream of a career in advertising is shattered when her father demands that she help out with the failing family paint business. In the meantime, Charlotte, who just graduated from college, is swept into the glamorous world of the Miss Subway contest, which promises irresistible opportunities. But when her new friend—the intriguing and gorgeous fellow-participant Rose—does something unforgivable, Charlotte must make a heart-wrenching decision that will change the lives of those around her forever.

Nearly 70 years later, outspoken advertising executive Olivia is pitching the NYC subway account in a last ditch effort to save her job at an advertising agency. Olivia‘s search for a winning strategy leads her to the historic Miss Subway campaign. As the pitch date closes in, Olivia find herself dealing with a broken heart, and an unlikely new love interest. An unexpected personal connection to Miss Subways arises that could save her job—and her future.

REVIEW
THE SUBWAY GIRLS is a charming fictional account of a historical contest that took place in NYC from 1941 to 1976 to promote the subway system. Two hundred women have held the title of Miss Subway. The story which is built around the contest is engaging and entertaining. It effortlessly weaves a tale of two career-oriented women a generation apart, and blends multiple plot lines. Both women struggle with the balance between career and personal life.

It’s a touching chronicle with two well-developed characters and some engaging writing. Both Charlotte and Olivia’s stories are gripping. I devoured this book in a day. I particularly loved the scene when Olivia makes her final pitch for the MTA account. Don’t want to spoil it, so I won’t describe it, but it had me cheering. Learning about the Subway Girls was enlightening and I appreciate the research that went into the book. It was delightful to read about the way Miss Subways contest memorabilia lives on today in a coffee table book as well as in the decor of Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Times Square. Next time I’m in NYC I’ll have to check it out!

Author SUSIE ORMAN SCHNALL is also the author of The Balance Project and On Grace. She grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. She is the founder of the Balance Project interview series and has spoken extensively on work-life balance. Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Griffin and Schnall for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication July 10, 2018

The Subway Girls is a lovely dual storyline historical novel. It was well written with compelling characters. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to reread it again at some point. Recommended!