Member Reviews
This story is told in varying points of view by some of the mothers of Sunset Academy, one of the most prestigious public elementary schools in Miami. “Miami is competitive. Like New York competitive, but less angry and more tan,” but there was plenty of anger here has these mothers battle to one up and get a leg up. Charlotte is the vice president of fund raising for the school’s PTA and she’s gunning for President next year. She’s proud of what she’s been able to accomplish (thanks to the generous Walkers). She adores her darling Madeline Rose, if only she could control moody teenager Axel. Melody and daughter Lucy and transplants from Kansas. How will they make their way in Miami? Should she consider challenging Charlotte for PTA President? Darcy and son Jackson are Miami natives and have seen it all. They are unimpressed by Charlotte and are happy to see new blood. Carol is an African-American judge. How can she influence what is going on at Sunset without becoming directly involved?
This book is froth, but you know it will be going in. However, there is a HUGE omission by the author that is clearly a choice she makes, but it’s one I don’t understand at all, and it really bothered me throughout the rest of the book…so much so that I didn’t really enjoy the rest and can’t recommend it. I just don’t get it. Very strange decision.
The adult Mean Girls we needed!! This is one of the best books I've read this year. There wasn't any wasted space, not one wasted word. Just the right amount of information given and information withheld... we all know what happened. The multiple POVs were FLAWLESSLY done, the best I've ever seen in my life. So often, multiple POVs sound the same, and I have to double check who was talking from the chapter title—not here! It was very clear who was talking to the point if there weren't chapter titles, you would know. This book was hilarious, shocking, and downright perfect in every way, and Charlotte's escalating unhinged POvs were a fun touch. I see this book being a #1 release of 2024, celebrity book club picks, and probably a BOTM early release pick. I wouldn't be surprised if it also became a movie in the next few years. Incredibly impressed. I'll be first in line for Asha Elias's next novel.
Real Housewives? You’ve met your match. Set among the Miami elite, this book follows the lives of three families competing for fame, money, and prestige among their peers. With all the drama of the Kardashians, I was swept up almost immediately in this hot-gos of a book. This is definitely a guilty-pleasure read that will make you glad to be “normal.” I really enjoyed not only the multiple perspectives but also the multiple forms of media depicted throughout the book. It made the stories feel more real and raw and like I was living the story in real time. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for giving me this opportunity to read this book-definitely a mid-summer must-read!
In Asha Elias' captivating novel, Pink Glass Houses, readers are invited into the exclusive world of Miami Beach's Sunset Academy, where the social hierarchy is divided into three distinct categories: the rich, the wealthy, and the ultra-wealthy. At the heart of this captivating tale is Charlotte Giordani, the epitome of the alpha mom at Sunset Academy. With her perfectly tanned skin, radiant smile, and unyielding charm, Charlotte is a force to be reckoned with. She is vying for the prestigious title of PTA president and her ambition seems unstoppable, especially after securing a generous donation from the influential billionaire couple, Don Walker and Patricia. However, the arrival of Melody Howard, a wide-eyed transplant from Wichita, Kansas, throws a wrench into Charlotte's well-crafted world. Initially skeptical of the Miami Beach social scene, Melody finds herself irresistibly drawn into the glossy and frenetic life of the Sunset Academy moms. Her relaxed demeanor and background in nonprofit management make her an invaluable asset to the PTA. As Melody emerges as a formidable contender for the presidency, Charlotte's carefully constructed facade begins to crumble. The tension rises further when Jamaican-American Judge Carol Lawson, another school mom, initiates an investigation into white-collar crime that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of Sunset Academy. The seemingly untouchable and powerful players of the social scene suddenly become vulnerable as the imminent downfall of the institution looms overhead. As the drama escalates, tensions reach a shocking crisis point, and even the soothing effects of rosé prove insufficient to pacify the growing turmoil. Asha Elias masterfully weaves a gripping narrative, delving into the complexities of social hierarchy, ambition, and the consequences of hiding behind carefully constructed facades. Pink Glass Houses immerses readers in a world where appearances can be deceiving and the pursuit of power can lead to unexpected consequences. The characters are vividly portrayed, allowing readers to feel both empathy and disdain for their actions. The pacing is expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the plot thickens with each page turn. With a keen eye for detail and a sharp understanding of human nature, Asha Elias explores themes of wealth, privilege, and the perils of unchecked ambition. Pink Glass Houses is a thought-provoking and enthralling read that will leave readers questioning the price of success and the lengths some will go to maintain their social status.
Rich women suburban drama! The satire was saturated in all of the pages. Miami was the perfect setting for these seductive women!
The comparison to Big Little Lies is spot on. Maybe crossed with a little Bad Moms (the movie). A PTA cat fight among the ultra wealthy? Sign me up.
One of the most important aspects in writing is to make the reader care about the characters. Don't have to love them, but have to care about them and their outcome. And I hated Charlotte from page 1. And then a few pages later I thought 'wait, I don't like Darcy either. Will there be a lot of villains?' So it very quickly made me care!
For me, the writing skewed younger than what it says the intended audience is. More fitting for a YA crowd. It does say 'the parents act like teens' but I guess that is literal - they think things like 'this meeting was so cringe.' It made it a fast and fun read, certainly, but it did take me out of the story a few times, trying to place how old these moms really were since they talk like Gen Z. (But I suppose there are some Gen Z that would be old enough to have an 8 year old? The mom in question though makes it clear she's in her 40s.)
Loved this book. The stories from the rich side of the fence will make you want more. More scandals, more bubbly and more Miami. The cast of characters will keep you turning the pages to see what they get into next.
I received an ARC copy of Pink Glass Houses and I was interested in this book because it was compared to Big Little Lies which I loved. The story is set in Miami and focuses on Sunset Academy which is supposedly one of the best public elementary schools in the area. I love the story is told from each of the mothers perspectives and they also elaborate on the challenges they face trying to fit in or not fit in to this group of affluent moms. I have never heard of a PTA where donations start at 20,000 can you say outrageous!! I like this book also sends a message about how trying to fit in does not stop when you leave school these mothers are worried about how they are viewed and will do anything in their power to stay at the top even if it comes with sacrifices. I enjoyed seeing how the characters developed throughout the story and some finally realized all that glitters is not gold and what is most important in their lives. Definitely a page turner as well as a plot twist.
I really enjoyed Pink Glass Houses by Asha Elias! It was a quick easy and entertaining read! Would recommend! Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Asha Elias for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with complex characters. Every dual POV was well written and relatable. There was never a clear villain mom and I liked that. The plot flowed really well, despite the ending becoming a little ambiguous.
Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Following the story from each person’s perspective really made this story enjoyable. The authors writing style was one that I thoroughly enjoyed; it kept me wanting more. I was able to get a good idea of what these characters would look like, what their homes would look like, their children, etc. The author did a great job at putting you in the Miami high society scene.
Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
Who doesn't love a wealthy school mom's cat fight?
Asha Elias creates a glamorous and hilarious satire of the PTA in a small private school in Miami seductive social satire about the wealthy PTA moms of an elite middle school in Miami Beach. Melody Howard is a midwest transplant trying to fit in but ends up making enemies rather quickly. The PTA in a wealthy school is no joke and Melody starts looking for friends to boost her up.
If you love Pretty Little Liars or any domestic thriller you will devour this book. Elias provides sharp commentary and crisp descriptions as well as a dramatic narrative that will keep you turning the pages. I just loved it and so will you! #PinkGlassHouses #AshaElias
#WilliamMorrow
Sunset Academy in Miami Beach is a public school pretending to be an exclusive private one. Back-to School Nights with PTA donations starting at $20,000? Designated donor parking? Birthday parties for nine year olds with a D.J.? Halloween extravaganzas? It’s all at Sunset and it’s all organized by a PTA clique, led by lead fundraiser Charlotte Giordani. Small town Kansas is about as far away from these over-the-top happenings as you can get and that’s where new PTA mother Melody Howard is from. At first she’s amazed by Sunset and hopes her daughter will fit in. Then she’s sucked in by the competition (parties! restaurants! shoes! handbags!) and running for PTA President against Charlotte. She’s urged on by lawyer Darcy Resnick who has her own problems with the Sunset PTA regime. Both wonder why wealthy socialites Don and Pamela Walker make such large donations to the school. Who checks on how that money is spent? And why are so many children in the gifted program anyway?
Pink Glass Houses is a delightful, fun read. Told by multiple narrators, we watch the slow unrolling of disaster as each woman realizes what is most important in her life. Hint: It’s not the PTA. All characters are well described, especially Melody who has to adapt to Miami dress, weather and morals. It’s hard to believe this is a first novel! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Asha Elias for this ARC.