A perfectly serviceable novel--I read it in about 4 hours. Lovely people, no trauma, and a snapshot from an almost innocent time, pre-smart phone, pre-social media. I enjoyed tying up all the loose ends and the happy ending!

This is a really nice, light read, perfect if you’re in a bit of a reading slump! The book is told from 4 character’s POV but it’s not difficult to follow. All in all, I enjoyed this!

Thank you to Rachel Cullen and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"An Upper West Side Story" by Rachel Cullen takes readers on a nostalgic journey through early 2000s Manhattan, where real estate plays a significant role in shaping relationships. The story follows the lives of Robin, Jessica, Tory, and Zach, whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Through the ups and downs of friendship, love, and personal growth, the characters discover the importance of chosen family and the power of a good dive bar in solving life's troubles.

The multiple points of view add depth to the narrative, allowing us to experience the story from different perspectives. While it takes a little adjustment to follow the shifting POVs, the heartwarming storyline and vivid portrayal of New York City make this a captivating read. Cullen's writing immerses you in the nostalgic charm of a time before smartphones and streaming services.

"An Upper West Side Story" is a delightful exploration of friendship and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a city that never sleeps. If you're seeking a feel-good read that transports you to the streets of Manhattan and leaves you longing for the camaraderie of chosen family, this book is a must-read.

A story about four people from Manhattan in 2004. A very interesting read. Would make a good TV series. Recommended

Blurbs for this had laboured on this being set before iPhones, Netflix, the internet boom etc. and whilst there are some plot lines, like Zach’s job that tie to that, in reality this story could have taken place in any time in the last 20years. It’s about friendship and the odd ways we bond with people over the oddest things when “finding” ourselves in those early years post college/university when everyone is working out who they are “professionally” speaking.

It was an easy and enjoyable read and elements of most of the characters are relatable.

One criticism, which I find with a lot of these lighter east reads, is the ending all wraps up very quickly very suddenly, but I think that’s a genre style choice.

Easy summer read publication July

Thanks @netgalley for early access

#bookreview #anupperwestsidestory #rachelcullen #manhattan #2004 #roommates #youngprofessionals #canyourecommendagoodbook #bookstagram

Nostalgic feel good novel exploring the lives of people in 2004 Manhattan. I really enjoyed reading about the main characters, Robin, Jessica, Tory but most of all Zach. What a sweetheart! It felt like reading a well loved sitcom and would be great if this book was turned into a film or TV series! This book leaves you feeling young and hopeful again, like being back in your 20s! Highly recommend and would be a good holiday read or filling your time on a lazy Sunday.

This book made me so nostalgic for the early 2000s; my roommate was my best friend, we had two other friends who were always over, cell phones were only just becoming cheap enough to use for non-emergencies, and we'd watch Sex and the City every Sunday night. While we weren't in Manhattan, the vibe is accurate for anyone who lived through those glory years! Each of the characters was someone I empathized with and I was hoping each one would get the ending they wanted. Just a delightful story set in a simpler time. I loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This was a fun read with a whole host of fun characters. With 4 POVs, it was a lot to keep track of at times and I often had to go back to figure out who was who.

It definitely reminded me a bit of a sitcom, a cross between Friends & HIMYM, 4 people living together in two apartments in very close proximity, going to the bar every night.

It was fun, but felt a little repetitive at times, I could have done without some of the routine of what they were having for dinner and watching on TV.

Loved Tory & Robin, though I was a bit more neutral on Jessica & Zach.

I received this ARC via Netgalley. This is my honest review.

"An Upper West Side Story" takes readers on a journey through Manhattan in the year 2004, delving into the lives of four individuals whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. The book explores the influence of real estate on relationships, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a time before the ubiquity of iPhones, Ubers, and Netflix streaming.

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read an advance reader's copy (ARC) of "An Upper West Side Story." Thank you for sharing this document and allowing me to experience the book before its official publication.

One notable aspect of the book is the multiple points of view (POVs) employed throughout the narrative. While the diverse perspectives provide a comprehensive view of the story, the abundance of POVs may prove confusing to some readers. The frequent shifts between characters' thoughts and experiences can occasionally disrupt the flow of the story, requiring readers to adjust and reorient themselves with each transition.

Despite this slight drawback, "An Upper West Side Story" manages to engage readers with its heartwarming portrayal of love, friendship, and the concept of chosen family.

In summary, "An Upper West Side Story" is an engaging read that offers a glimpse into the lives of four individuals navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth in Manhattan. While the abundance of POVs may pose a slight challenge for some readers, the heartwarming storyline and vivid setting make this book a worthwhile read for those seeking a nostalgic journey through early 2000s New York City.

I extend my thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Gossip Girl without with spiteful competitiveness.
We join a mismatched group trying to make it in new York. With different backgrounds, history's and outlooks we end up with a feel good story about friendship.
As the group find their way through a challenging few months they learn alot about each other as well as them selves.

This was a light and easy read. Short chapters and told from multiple POV’s. I had a hard time keeping the characters straight and really wasn’t invested in what happened to them. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved that it had short chapters and it feels like watching a tv show instead of reading a book.
I’m the beginning it was a bit hard to track which character you are reading about. After a couple of chapters you get used to it.

All the characters were likeable and I was curious to see how everything would play out. I enjoyed it!

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. Will recommend it to everyone I know!

This was alight read, at first it can be kind of difficult to follow because it does have alternating POVs with 4 in total. After getting used to the changing POVs, it was easy to follow and the characters were likable. Even though the characters were likeable, I didn't feel like I was invested in their dynamic, it was honestly kind of hard to keep up with who went with what. I really wanted to love this novel, but it honestly just fell a little flat for me.

This was such a fun read. It is easy, feel good and simple. In the beggining I was totally hooked, I couldn't put it down but through the middle it got a little slow.

I enjoyed the characters although they were lacking a bit of personal traits so sometimes I would mix them.
It is a nice story about friendship, second chances for friends and even parents, making a way of our own and trusting the process.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for the ARC.

So I picked this book because I thought that it could be a cross between Sex and the City & Gossip Girl. This was not that. It was like a SHEIN version of Friends.

I became a little bored with people just omitting things about themselves and then being shocked when it didn’t work out for them

You’re surprised someone thought you were a hooker when you hand out designer clothes like it’s nothing? Like just tell them your job.

The romance was a very very teeny tiny portion of the plot, and I didn’t believe the romance between the two.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

This book was good once it got going but it took me a while to get into it. Switching between narrators was confusing at first. I'm not sure why it was set twenty years ago, that felt like a gimmick.

An Upper West Side Story is a fun and quick read that focuses on four strangers who become roommates, giving it some New Girl vibes! I really enjoyed the fact that it's set in 2004 NYC. This "throwback" aspect really helped to set the story apart from other friends in New York type books. The four different POVs did make it difficult to follow the storyline at times, and I often found myself flipping back to the start of a chapter to see who the narrator was.

An Upper west side story by Rachel Cullen takes readers back to 2004 Manhattan, where real estate decisions shape relationships. Robin Cromwell finds herself in need of a roommate to share her rent-controlled apartment. Meanwhile, Jessica Barlowe's plans crumble when she discovers her boyfriend's infidelity, and Tory Wallace seeks independence from her wealthy family. Their lives intersect with Zach Sullivan, a successful executive with a painful past. As they navigate love, friendship, and the challenges of life, their experiences form the heart of this engaging tale.

The description of an Upper west side story sets high expectations for a captivating read, and the story flows quickly, making it suitable for a beach read or a light escape. However, the use of four first-person points of view in the present tense can be disorienting. It becomes a challenge to remember whose perspective each chapter represents, and the voices of the characters tend to blend together, making it difficult to form a distinct connection with any particular individual.

One aspect that detracts from the story is the lack of significant development when dramatic events occur. The plotlines seem to fizzle out without a satisfying resolution or meaningful impact on the characters' lives. This leaves the reader feeling somewhat disconnected and less invested in their journeys.

While Zach's character is initially presented as likable, his plotline takes a turn that may come across as creepy or uncomfortable for some readers. This detracts from the overall enjoyment of the book and creates a dissonance within the narrative.

Unfortunately, an Upper west side story does not live up to the initial excitement generated by its description. The lack of a strong connection with the characters, unresolved dramatic moments, and muddled voices make it challenging to fully engage with the story. While there are some enjoyable elements, the book falls short of delivering a truly compelling and unforgettable reading experience.

In conclusion, an Upper west side story offers glimpses of love, friendship, and the charm of New York City's Upper West Side. However, its execution falls short of its potential, leaving readers wanting more depth and cohesiveness in both the characters and their journeys.

I really, really enjoyed this arc & although lots of character pov confuses me normally, I found that the narrative points have really helped me to churn through it. I particularly found myself loving how it pushed the narrative on well.