Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

I’m not really a fan of how it’s written , although the story is great in terms of having morally grey characters and talking about a life in a way that I was interested. I just felt confused when it jumped around, and it may be easier if I was physically reading it but it just took me out of the story a bit.

Mona is a Shakespearean actress famous for her roles as leading ladies and she is about to star in her biggest and most difficult role yet, Cleopatra. However on Thanksgiving eve she kind of loses it and walks out with her dog ostensibly to get parsley. As she walks the streets of Manhattan she reviews her life, her mentor Milton who has been accused of inappropriate behavior with young starlets, her sisters death, the state of her marriage and so much more. Mona has an acerbate wit and as we travel the streets with her and her pup we learn more and more about what makes Mona Mona. This book is very funny and I laughed out loud a few times. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was excellent, great voices for each character. The dialog is clever and crisp. I really liked it. Recommended. 4 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the ARC audio version of this book. All opinions are my own.

So Ann Patchett mentioned this book in the context that a fellow writer recommended it. I listened to the audio version and it just didn't click for me. I lost interest and moved on. I liked the Shakespeare acting involved and the way the in-laws were depicted but Mona was not of much interest.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

Mona Acts Out was an excellent read. I loved the writing and it was propulsive. Great character study. I would read more from this author.

Mona Acts Out by Mischa Berlinski is a captivating and emotionally complex exploration of identity, relationships, and the art of performance. The novel follows celebrated stage actress Mona Zahid as she wakes up on Thanksgiving morning in the middle of a chaotic family gathering, with tension mounting between her and her husband, as well as a looming, high-stakes role as Cleopatra in an upcoming Shakespearean play.

In a moment of impulsive escape, Mona grabs her dog and heads out, seeking refuge with her estranged mentor, Milton Katz, who has recently been ousted from his prestigious theater company due to accusations of sexual misconduct. This impromptu journey transforms into a deeply introspective and transformative experience for Mona, forcing her to confront her past, her relationships, and the complexities of her own creative journey.

Berlinski masterfully blends humor and poignancy, offering a richly layered narrative that examines the roles we play in life, both on and off the stage. The novel poignantly explores the interplay between performance and truth, as Mona grapples with her inner turmoil while navigating the expectations of those around her.

Mona Acts Out is an engaging and deeply moving novel that blends humor, sadness, and introspection. Mona Zahid, a celebrated actress, is caught in the chaos of Thanksgiving and a strained marriage, only to embark on an unexpected journey that confronts her past, her creative struggles, and the complexities of her relationships. The book is thoughtfully constructed, offering a powerful exploration of identity, acting, and truth. While the emotional depth is impressive, the pacing felt uneven at times. Overall, it’s a rich, reflective read with moments of brilliance.

There is only so much a person can take before they hit the metaphorical wall. Mona is both excited and nervous while trying to get ready herself for the greatest role of her career. So why does she feel like she is drowning on dry land? Maybe it is because she is fighting with her spineless husband, can’t get a moment of peace and respect in her own home because of her incredibly invasive in-laws who wouldn’t know a boundary if it was highlighted by a klieg light and with neon arrows pointing them out while she is questioning so much about her life and mourning the loss of her beloved sister. With no other choice in her mind, she picks up the dog and bolts. It’s her “Ive had all I can stand and I can’t stand no more” moment. She starts to question everything and this is her story. Complex, smart, interesting, myriad emotions and well constructed. I did find at times it was a bit long winded, but overall, a good well narrated story. Uprated to 4 starts from what would have been a 3.5 if half stars were available.

I simply loved Mona. What an interesting, poignant character -- and she is surrounded by others equally intriguing. She may be maddening at times, but she remains lovable and relatable throughout. I only wish I could have lunch with her. Add in the fact that New York City is alive on these pages, and you have all the makings of a winner. Bravo Mona.

Mona isn't the most likeable character but she's empathetic and interesting to follow. I appreciated the discussion around how different generations understand what is and isn't appropriate in a workplace, specifically in the theatre--I thought it was nuanced and realistic. Overall, us an enjoyable read full of colorful characters.

When I first cracked Mona Acts Out, I laughed so loudly I worried my neighbors might file a noise complaint. Mischa Berlin’s sharp wit and razor-edged observations about modern life had me snorting into my coffee cup. Mona, the self-deprecating, self-sabotaging disaster lady, stumbles through a chaotic mess of career misfires, romantic disasters, and one-too-many ironic nights with a kind of chaotic energy that’s at once deeply relatable and absolutely unhinged. I was hooked.
But somewhere around the halfway point, it felt like Mona wasn’t the only one stumbling—so was the narrative. The sharp, hilarious satire started to feel like a party guest who refuses to leave, long after the conversation has gone stale. Chapters began to blur together, with Mona revisiting the same existential crises over and over like she was stuck in some Groundhog Day loop of self-imposed misery. I found myself rereading entire sections, not because they were profound, but because I couldn’t shake the nagging suspicion I’d already read them. Spoiler: I had.
By the final act (or is it acting out?), I felt more fatigued than entertained. Berlin clearly has a gift for comedy, but the book’s overlong middle section felt like it was trying to wring one last joke out of a party trick that had already worn thin. Mona’s world—so sharp and vibrant in the beginning—had become an exhausting echo chamber of her neuroses.
Final verdict? Mona Acts Out is a riot… until it’s not. Berlin delivers some killer laughs and sharp commentary in the first act. Still, the second act could have benefited from a judicious editor with a stopwatch. Proceed with caution—and maybe a double espresso for those middle chapters.

Narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Story by Mischa Berlinski
⭐️
*please note I will not be leaving a public review for this book on any platform*

Apologies for the one star rating but I hated this. The characters, their back stories and everything else in between was so painful dull. There was nothing enjoyable about this.

This was my first time trying this author and honestly I dont think I would read or listen to another book unless the blurb was outstanding.

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Sometimes I read a book and I struggle to know- Am I an idiot who doesn’t understand this book or is this book just actually boring as heck? In the case of Mona Acts Out, I think it was just actually very boring and tedious.
I think someone who was involved in the NY theatre scene or someone who’s a big Shakespeare buff would like this much more than I did, but I’m neither of those demographics. I will say, it was well narrated and I feel that’s the only reason I stuck with it for so long. This book jumped from present day to various points in the past constantly, which was a touch confusing. I found Mona pretty boring, unlikable, and her constant protection and ideation of a man who’d proven to be a predator was a bit unsettling.
I wanted to like this book and I thought I would based on the synopsis, but I found this book neither exuberant nor deeply moving.
1.5⭐️ rounded up to 2⭐️ for goodreads

At first I was enjoying this book so very much.
Is it weird that I feel like this should have been 1/4 it’s size page wise? Like maybe would have been a better novella. I think Mona at first is an interesting character, and then she just gets to be a lot after you spend the entirety of the book with her.
I did like the writing. The characters were all lively and dimensional. And I would totally read more from Berlinski.
Thank you netgalley for the AAC !

I don't quite know what to make of this (audio)book. It's the story of an actress who goes for a walk in New-York on Thanksgiving. This is the lens that she uses to explore her past and experiences, particularly in relation to her director Milton Katz, which is a whole 'Me Too' plot.
The book has a hole in the middle of it - nothing is resolved, nothing is really examined too deeply. It's a mad-cap adventure with lots of diversions. In the end the cause of Mona's dissatisfaction, which is (in my reading) that we buy our security with conventionality and comprise, is never recognised acknowledged or addressed.
this book feels a it surface level. It gives the reader loads of partial stories, and can be quite repetitious about them, but doesn't ex0plore or explain. this is both a weakness and a strength, but probably more a weakness. it's like when you have a conversation with friends who know each other very well, and they presume you have more background than you actually do.
The narrator was very good, matched well to the text. I do wonder if how this would have felt different to me as an eye read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher RB Media and Recorded books for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a real bummer to me. Mona excused abhorrent behavior, and I just couldn't get on board with the story. I thought the narrator did a good job.

This wasn’t what I was expecting and became too tedious for me to finish. It might have been better as a novella or short story: I wanted more of a family story. I also had the reoccurring thought that this was a woman written by a man, not knowing the author was male.

Mona Acts Out explores the complexities of the modern theater world. Set against downtown New York City's theater scene, the story follows a middle-aged actress preparing for a significant Shakespearean role while navigating personal and professional challenges (and that is a very brief summary).

The novel's greatest strength lies in its nuanced exploration of complex themes, particularly its thoughtful examination of the #MeToo movement's impact on the theater community. Through the character of Mona and her relationship with her disgraced mentor Milton Katz, Berlinski presents a layered narrative that delves into the complicated power dynamics and cultural shifts within the industry. The tension between different generations' perspectives on these issues is particularly well-handled, especially in the conflicting viewpoints of Mona and her niece Rachel. I was reminded of conversations I had when the #MeToo movement came to light and older generations dismissed transgressions with, “Well, that’s just how it was!”

The reason to read is the character development; this is a cast of believable and multifaceted individuals whose motivations and conflicts feel authentic. The protagonist's internal struggles with loyalty, artistic ambition, and personal ethics are particularly compelling. While some readers might find Mona unsympathetic, her complex characterization adds depth to the narrative.
I love any novel that takes me through New York City, and this one puts you right in the heart of the Village. Its intelligent incorporation of Shakespearean references enhance the storytelling, though they occasionally risk overwhelming the main narrative. While the ending may feel unexpectedly optimistic given the serious themes explored, the journey there is filled with meaningful character development and genuine dramatic tension that makes this book a worthwhile read.

Mona Acts Out by Mischa Berlinski is a dive into theatre life from an experienced actress. There are many obstacles women are confronted with in the acting world. Being a theatre geek and Shakespeare lover myself, I found this intriguing and engaging! While Mona's experience isn't what everyone encounters, it's an interesting review of what could happen.

This is a very character-driven story with intermingled relationships. These relationships are not straightforward and makes you think about how the situations presented happen. Agency and authority play a major role in these plays and the book. I enjoyed this reflection of life through the lens of those who play Shakespeare!

3⭐
A middle-aged woman, who lives in NYC with her husband, is preparing for the role of a lifetime.

This was a very slow read/listen for me, making it hard to connect/enjoy this book.

Thank you NetGalley & RB Media for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I read this book simply because I loved the cover. I had high hopes after reading the blurb for something a little more inspiring. I liked the end bit better than most of the middle and feel like it should’ve been more of a novella or the author could’ve fleshed out Mona’s relationship with her sister and husband, Phil more. Those were the parts I cared most about and there were some moving moments but overall the book fell flat for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the advanced audiobook. These opinions are voluntary and my own.