This book was not for me, unfortunately. The writing style did not mesh with my tastes and the messages that the author was trying to drive home were not fully realized. Willing to try another from this author in the future though! Thank you to NetGalley for an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Many are Invited is a book that had high ambitions, but in the end, the writing and the characters both fall short. What is meant to be a retelling of The Great Gatsby set in the 90s, ends up feeling just like a rambling political statement full of irritating, unlikable, mostly male characters that I could not relate to, and ultimately didn't care about finding out more about them.

Perhaps I was just not the audience for this book, but I do give the author credit for trying to create something different from a classic story.

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with the e-arc of this book in exchange of my honest review.


This one caught my eye because of the blurb and it was the most misleading thing ever. It turned out to be a story dominated by male characters who engage in relentless objectification of women and reducing them to mere stereotypes. The house party mentioned in the blurb doesn't even happen until like 50% of the book! The characters (who are mostly males) just agree with eachother on every topic like atheism, abortion, poverty etc and it's like there are no other viewpoints or conflicts that the readers can engage with. The big injury at the party mentioned in the blurb doesn't even connect to the plot leading up to it.

If you're looking for something meaningful, I'd recommend passing on this one.

Many Are Invited" by Dennis Cuesta is one of those novels that is more art than entertainment. Though I enjoyed reading it, and loved the parallels to my favorite classic, "The Great Gatsby," it's a very character driven book and not much happens until the end. All of the characters are simply awful people. This is a short, though smart, read and I finished it in just one afternoon.

Dennis Cuesta's "Many Are Invited" is a compelling exploration of themes such as belonging, identity, and the complexities of community. Cuesta deftly weaves a narrative that is both personal and universal, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of connection in their own lives.

From the very first page, Cuesta's prose captivates with its lyrical quality and vivid imagery. The author has a unique ability to evoke emotions, allowing readers to feel the weight of the characters' experiences. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, bringing the diverse cast of characters to life. Each character is intricately crafted, infused with their own dreams, fears, and aspirations, which adds layers of depth to the story.

One of the standout aspects of "Many Are Invited" is Cuesta's exploration of the idea of invitation itself—not only in the literal sense but also in the metaphorical sense of inclusion and participation in the fabric of society. The author tackles the nuances of what it means to belong, questioning who gets to be part of the inner circle and who remains on the periphery. This theme resonates deeply, especially in today's world where issues of identity and community are more relevant than ever.

I am sorry to say I did not enjoy this book. Perhaps my expectations were too high when I saw it was a retelling of Gatsby.

Title: Exploring the Tapestry of Humanity: A Review of "Many Are Invited" by Dennis Cuesta

"Many Are Invited" by Dennis Cuesta is a captivating and introspective journey that explores the interconnected lives of diverse characters brought together by fate, chance, and the universal quest for meaning and belonging. Through a series of intricately woven narratives, Cuesta invites readers to delve into the complexities of human relationships, identity, and the pursuit of purpose.

At the heart of the book is Cuesta's skillful portrayal of the human experience in all its depth and diversity. From the bustling streets of a cosmopolitan city to the quiet corners of rural towns, Cuesta's narrative traverses the globe, offering glimpses into the lives of individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Through their joys and sorrows, triumphs and struggles, Cuesta captures the essence of what it means to be human in a world marked by both beauty and turmoil.

What sets "Many Are Invited" apart is Cuesta's ability to create characters that feel vivid, authentic, and deeply relatable. Whether it's a struggling artist searching for inspiration, a disillusioned activist fighting for justice, or an immigrant family striving to build a better future, each character is imbued with a sense of complexity and humanity that resonates with readers on a profound level.

Beyond its rich character development, "Many Are Invited" is also a meditation on the power of connection and the ways in which our lives intersect with those of others. Through chance encounters, serendipitous moments, and unexpected twists of fate, Cuesta illustrates how seemingly disparate lives are bound together by a shared thread of humanity, reminding us of the inherent interconnectedness of our stories.

At its core, "Many Are Invited" is a celebration of the diversity and resilience of the human spirit. Through its exploration of love, loss, hope, and redemption, Cuesta invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and consider the ways in which our individual journeys are shaped by the communities we inhabit and the relationships we cultivate.

In conclusion, "Many Are Invited" is a poignant and thought-provoking work that offers readers a glimpse into the tapestry of humanity. With its rich storytelling, compelling characters, and universal themes, Cuesta's book is a testament to the power of empathy, compassion, and the enduring bonds that unite us all. It is a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same intricate web of life, each playing a unique role in shaping the world we share.

I couldn’t get more than 15% into this one. The way the males spoke about women was really not it for me.

Set against the backdrop of Northern California's tech boom in the 1990s, this novel delves into a riveting tale of rivalry and friendship reaching a dramatic climax. Initially at odds, colleagues Steve Galanos and John Goertz find themselves bonding over the looming Y2K crisis, leading to a close friendship despite underlying envy and resentment. As John ascends the corporate ladder, Steve grapples with feelings of inadequacy and mounting discontent, culminating in a sinister turn during a housewarming party that exposes the darker side of their relationship.

Cuesta skillfully portrays the frenetic optimism and overheated fearmongering of the tech industry, alongside the complexities of envy and corporate striving. While the plot occasionally drags, and the characters' flat lives verge on tedium, the unpredictable ending offers a thrilling conclusion to this insightful exploration of a hollow culture.

The book wasn’t what I was expecting. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and story. It’s a dnf for me. I will not be posting my review on any of my public sites. Thank you NetGalley for the ebook. My rating is a 2.5.

I originally received a copy of this book through Net Galley.
"Many Are Invited" follows Steve Galanos as he remembers his time in the 90's, working in Silicon Valley. As a man working in tech, Y2K could bring a lot of problems, especially for him, but with all of the impending chaos around him, what impacts him the most is a housewarming party he attends in 1999.
This book fell flat for me. I was really excited by the prospect of a "thriller" set in the 90's, especially one that addresses the fear people had about what would happen to the computers when the year 2000 hit, but this did not read like a thriller to me. Sure, there is some "mystery" as Steve tries to learn more about the other characters in his life, but this book reads like a contemporary, with some historical elements. There are several elements of this book that are similar to "The Great Gatsby", even flat-out reference to "The Great Gatsby", and I feel like if the author wanted to write something similar to that classic, perhaps there should not have been any attempt made to be a "thriller". It felt like two genres that do not go together competing against each other, and neither won.
Steve is a very vanilla character. He is the typical male, who is sexist, dull, and works a boring office job. There is nothing particularly interesting about him, which arguably, could make him relatable for a lot of people. His narrative and inner voice just read flat to me.
For such a short book, this book took me a long time to get into, and it felt so much longer than it actually was.
The whole point of this story is that something traumatic happens at the housewarming party, but the party does not even start until 60% into the book. Then while at the party, it seems to drag until the "big reveal". There is hardly any time after we learn what happened and the end of the book, which made the resolution, if you can call it that, feel rushed and entirely unresolved.
I am not super interested to read more from Dennis Cuesta at this time.

Many Are Invited by Dennis Cuesta is a book about the main character who is basically jealous of their friend who only happens to be luckier than he is. He spends his time criticizing others, their relationships, and how they live their lives. Also, to be honest, the friend wasn't the best either. In short, the main character blames others for what goes wrong in his life and failures that don't pan out in his favor instead of taking accountability for his actions. I wasn't fond of this book and won't be returning to it any time soon.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Yikes. I have put this one off for a long time. The characters were awful. The story drags, but it's not a very long book. You may like it.

A Y2K retelling of Gatsby. A visit to the 90s with start ups, the tech boom, and the looming 2000s with career jealousy and romantic jealousy to make it read a bit like a soap opera. It was an easy read, nothing too exciting and not life changing. There wasn't anything that this story told us that hasn't been done in other books before. Some will love it, some will hate it, and even though I don't like to be middle of the road on things most of the time I am with this. Will I read it again? No. Was it terrible? No. Will I recommend it? Also no. It was fine.

I'm catching up on reviews so... Thank you to NetGalley and Celestial Eyes Press for access to this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I did sneak a look at a few reviews before I started this book and it did not sound promising from them. I am so glad I decided to make my own mind up and give it a go. It certainly wasn’t what I was expecting but it turned out to be a really enjoyable read. Primarily based around the topics of jealousy and friendships with the added Y2K element. It was an interesting read and I recommend giving it a chance. 4 stars from me.

I thank Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read and review an ARC copy of this book.

Blurb:
A housewarming party ends in tragedy. . . Steve Galanos, a native Midwesterner, reflects on his time in and near Silicon Valley during the 1990s, a time when the two-digit year emerged as the Y2K problem, the burgeoning Internet fueled the expansion of the New Economy, the dot-com bubble created unseen prosperity and real estate frenzies. Yet it’s a housewarming party, held in late 1999, that affects him the most.

Review:
This book for me was thankfully short, as I didn't like the main character much. He was constantly criticising others, their relationships, and the way they lived their lives, while also brewing an incredible jalousy for his friend that according to him, was just luckyer than him. With everything that happened in the novel, it didn't seem like his friend was the greatest eather, but that doesn't justify how the main character behaved towards him.
Also the whole plot point with Mary and Sweed 11 felt a little questionable, as it is not unheard of for people to be roommates for a long time just to hate their guts behind their backs, but that begs the question: why did they keep seeing each other then?
Despite that, I liked Mary and disliked Sweede 11 because she seemed unnecessarily childish, but that might have also only been an inaccuracy from the narrator's perspective, considering that after all most we learn turns out not to be true.
Regardless, the only thing I liked was how great it felt to dislike the main character and the way everything unfolded, offering a perfect example of an unlikable main character that blames everything wrong in his life on others, because it is much easier than taking accountability for his own failures and actions.

SPOIERS from here:
This is because when he talks about his competition with John, it is clear that it is unhealthy and probably onehanded, as the other character is not very concious about it. When comparing the love history of both characters, Steven is only interested in girls if they are in some way interested in John, just to get back at him, and this is clear even with his wife and the way he falls for her even though he knows she is off limits.

Overall I will give the book 3 stars because it rattled my emotions and made me think, qualifying it as a good enough quick read that anyone might want to read if they like complex relationships and unlikable main characters.

For some reason, net galley didn’t allowed me to review this tittle and right now is that I’m being able to access it :(

The narrator, Steve Galanos recounts his memories of a housewarming party that occurred in 1999, at the height of the Y2K problem and the dot com bubble. He developed a friendship with co-worker John, John’s wife Mary, and her friend Lauren. However he was intensely jealous of John and there was tension in their relationship. The novel drags until the night of the housewarming finally happens and tragedy ensues. All of the characters were unlikeable, and the mens’ actions were extremely sexist. Some curiosity about the mysterious event at the party kept me reading, but I didn’t enjoy the book.

Set in the late 1990s, Many Are Invited starts as a sort of buddy story. The two male leads, Steve and John, both in their mid thirties, work for the phone company, trying to resolve the Y2K problem of what will happen to the world’s computer systems when 12/31/1999 shifts to 01/01/2000. They become fairly close until John leaves the company and joins a dot-com. He becomes wealthy, meets his future wife, Mary, and lives a prosperous life. Steve stays in the same old phone company job, dates around without meeting a significant other, and develops such an envy of John’s life that Steve ultimately falls in love with Mary but doesn’t act upon it.

This book is supposedly a retelling of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and there are a number of mentions of Gatsby and other characters, and there is even a Many Are Invited character named somewhat after Fitzgerald because of his very vague distant relationship to F. Scott. That said, the characters are not particularly likable. Steve is envious of John and always feels out-classed. The women are archetypal “good” or “bad” women without much substance. The more lush the body, the worse the personality.

The title, Many Are Invited, refers to an invitation to an open house party given by John and Mary as they settle into their first house. The story is fairly slow until the tragedy set up in the first few pages finally strikes at the open house. The denouement seems overly long in proportion to the rest of the novel, and the ending feels rather abrupt.

Many Are Invited has been on my TBR list for a while and I'm not sure what drew me to it in the first place. Perhaps I thought it would be like The Beauty of the Fall by Rich Marcello which was also involved technology. Or maybe it was to experience through another person a piece of history that I lived through.

I was working as a zoo keeper and worked both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. I remember prepping extra water buckets in case there wasn't any electricity when the calendar rolled over. It was all a waster of course and January 1, 2020 was like any other start of the new year.

We know from the summary that a tragedy occurs at the party but we don't know any details so I thought perhaps this is a mystery novel. But it really isn't. The actual plot actually matters very little as the book is all about the characters. If you enjoy character-driven stories or "people watching", then this is your kind of book.

For me, the 1990s don't feel that long ago but according to the calendar, it's been more than a minute. Reading this novel put the time more in perspective. A few readers have mentioned the sexism in the novel. I felt like the author captured the culture on the 1990s pretty well. The way the male characters talk about women is pretty spot on.

I'm not sure I actually liked any of the characters. The story is told from Steve Galons's POV so some of it might have been seeing the characters through his eyes. But the conversations he had with Mary and Lauren individually had me disliking both of the main female characters.

A lot of reviews mention that this is a retelling of The Great Gatsby. I'm not sure if this was part fo the marketing materials when the book first came out - if so, it might be the reason I picked up the book. While reading the book, I didn't see the parallel but now that it's been mentioned I can see some similarities.

The story begins and ends at the housewarming party, but in the middle, the reader is taken back to the mid-1990s when IT people first became aware of what would become known as the Y2K bug. It was kind of interesting to get the background on an issue that dominated the last year of the 1990s.

The book is a short, quick read. So if you are still trying to meet your reading goal for the year, think about picking up this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/12/many-are-invited-by-dennis-cuesta-review.html