The Subway Girls

I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved this book! I've enjoyed reading books set in this style - bouncing back and forth between the past and present and this book didn't disappoint!

I loved how the history of the Subway Girls were wound throughout the book (and now I can't wait to read more on the actual Subway Girls). While sometimes the plot was a little predictable, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. Olivia, the modern day women working in advertising and Charlotte the 1940s women who wanted to work in advertising both share similar struggles, family dynamics and relationship issues and it all is interwound so well.

I can't wait for this book to come out over the summer and share it with friends!

I found this book so interesting. As well as being a great story, I learned about the Miss Subways Beauty Contest. In 1949, Charlotte enters the contest as a way to escape working in her father's store. When she goes to the interview, she meets another contestant-Rose. Through an unforgiveable mistake, their lives become interwoven forever.
70 years later, Olivia, an advertising executive, trying to save her career, becomes interested in the Miss Subways Beauty Contest. As she investigates, she discovers a connection to Charlotte.
I hope to read more by this author!

I am a big fan of history and fiction. The two are admirably presented in the book. I learned about an era in advertising that was really an early version of Mad Men! I liked the alternate chapt er of past and present.

This book follows two women who are very career driven and switches between present day and 1949. It tells the story of the Subway Girls contest that used to be held in New York City. It was enjoyable to learn about this part of history. I really enjoyed the comparison of how it was for women in the 1940s and 1950s and how it is now. If you are a fan of The Dollhouse or The Adress by Fiona Davis, you will enjoy this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of the past meeting the present in New York City. The Subway Girls brings together Charlotte, who is working in advertising in the present and her neighbor who had wanted to work in advertising in the 1940s. It was fascinating learning about The Subway Girls campaign, something I had never heard of and surprisingly lasted into the 70s. I loved the story and the fully developed characters. Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this novel for review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Both main characters were so interesting that I was rooting for them and wanted to be their friend. The storylines (both past and present) were compelling and so deftly woven that I had to keep reading to find out the end. (i finished in two days) I was afraid the message would be too feministic but I was blown away at the positive pro-life, (spoiler alert!) pro-adoption message. My other worry was that sex scenes would be gaudy or over the top but they were implied and the door was shut at the right moment. The dialogue, twists and editing were stellar. I am already looking up the authors other books

What an incredible story! I could not put it down. The story follows two storylines - Charlotte, a young ambitious woman in the 1940's who wants to work in advertising and Olivia, modern day, who is an advertising executive. Both women are dealing with dysfunctional families, complicated relationships and work issues. Some of the storyline was predictable but there were enough unexpected plot twists to keep me reading non-stop.

I learned about the Subways Girls, who were women featured in the NY Subway promotions in the 1940s. I did additional research after having read the book and quite enjoyed this relatively unknown piece of history. I really loved this book and would recommend it to my bookclub.

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read an a advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved this book! Such a great story comparing and contrasting Charlotte and her hopes and dreams of working in the advertising business in the 1940's and Olivia, present day, who does work in the advertising business. Loved the fictionalized account of The Subway Girls campaign in the 1940's. A little slow to build on the likeablility of the characters at first, but by the midpoint of the book, I was hurrying to get back to reading it!

I am so happy that Net Galley gave me the opportunity to preview The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall. I am already a huge fan of historical fiction. But if I wasn’t, this book would make me a fan. I loved the dual storyline. The story defined the saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same,”. This was the first book I read by Ms. Schnall but not the last. I highly recommend this book.

Charlotte dreams of a career in advertising, but it’s 1949, and she has to put her own life on the back burner to help her father with the family business. She finds solace in the beauty pageant world, the Miss Subways, beauty contest, which would get her some fame and recognition, something she could call her own. In present day New York, Olivia is making a last-ditch effort to keep her advertising job and she decides to use the old Miss Subways campaign as a way to save her career. But she doesn’t expect to find herself drawn into the lives of those long ago contestants, or how closely related they might be to her. This was both a charming story of two women striving to make their dreams come true, but also a commentary at how, in many ways, women still have to work twice as hard as men to be thought half as good

I loved this story! I never knew about Miss Subways but was thrilled to learn about them. The story neatly wove together the 1940s and current times. It was a joy to see how Charlotte's life turned out. This book made me smile throughout and I would gladly recommend it to others.

Two women, one in 1949 the other in 2018. Both ambitious, Charlotte in 1949 trying to desperately get a position as a typist in an advertising agency, Olivia in 2018 working in a boutique advertising agency pitching an ad campaign for the New York subway system. In 1949 Charlotte surprisingly becomes a finalist as Miss Subway for the month of July, while Olivia in her research comes upon the Miss Subway campaign set up by J. Walter Thompson one of New York's largest advertising agency.



The story is told in alternating chapters the women in alternating lives, yet similar in their ambitions. This novel brings me back to my childhood years as I remember these posters. For me this book was nostalgic as I could see the New York of my youth. This novel was an easy read, enjoyable and one I would highly recommend. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Subway Girls is written from two different perspectives - it switches between modern day and the 1940's. Charlotte is a young college student in the 1940's who is working hard to achieve her independence and a career in a time when women were rarely in those roles. Olivia is a modern day ad executive who is dealing with her own issues of chauvinism in her office and career as she works to attain her own success as well. It's easy to follow as it switches back and forth between Charlotte in the 1940's and Olivia in present times - reflecting on the challenges of the roles of women in both times. Each main character is likable and engaging as we follow their stories and wait to see how/if they will intertwine. There were even a couple of twists and turns along the way.

I enjoyed learning about the Miss Subways contest from the 1940's and was interested to find out that it was a real promotion. I thought the male characters of then and now were represented accurately and they had a good part in the plots. There were some moments that seemed a little far-fetched and contrived, but I actually didn't mind those. I am a sucker for a happy-ending and like when things are neatly wrapped up. The ending of this book was quite satisfying from that perspective.

Read The Subway Girls. I cannot say much more than this: It is really really well done with great character and setting descriptions. So so good...

I love books that go back and forth in time. That's one reason I enjoyed The Subway Girls, by Susie Orman Schnall. Charlotte wanted a career but her father wanted her to help in the family paint store for financial reasons. Charlotte had no choice but to obey her father although her heart was broken. She never lost her dream to work in an advertising agency, and then to marry Sam, her childhood sweetheart. But things don't always work out the way we expect, and Charlotte winds up involved with the "Miss Subways" contest, which changes her life.. I don't want to give too much away, but I really liked the way the author created the characters, the good and the not-so-good, and brought them all together for a grand finish. Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Very interesting characters and well developed story. The author was able to skillfully move back and forth between the two main characters and the different decades. Enjoyed all aspects of the juxtaposition of post World War II New York with New York in 2018. Eminently readable as the characters are so well drawn and remain true throughout the novel.

If you are looking forward to warmer days and summer reading lists, keep Subway Girls on your beach read watchlist. The book is scheduled to debut in early July, and is sure to become a summer hit. Eager to get in the summer mood, I was able to snag an advanced copy of the book and infuse some summer vides into my days.

Set in New York City a generation apart, Susan Orman Schnall crafts a story that is heartfelt and spunky. Schnall’s dual protagonists, Charlotte and Olivia, live roughly seventy years apart; yet, struggle to find the same personal and professional success in the grueling world of New York City advertising. Both timely and relevant, Schnall’s Subway Girls paints an all too realistic portrait of young women, struggling to succeed in a male dominated world. As the novel moves back-and-forth between the 1940s and present day, the parallels between Charlotte and Olivia’s lives are unmistakable.

Infused with wonderful historical trivia, Subway Girls not only offers a thoughtful look at two women’s lives, but brings to light a long forgotten New York City pastime. It is no mistake that while both characters struggle to make it in the world of advertising, Charlotte is accepted into the Miss Subway Pageant, the winner of which would her picture printed on posters and hung up on various New York City subway trains. A commentary on women’s equality in the workplace and women’s roles within present society, Subway Girls explores sexism and gender profiling within its two stories; illustrating the advances women have made, and the struggles they still face.

If you are a fan Schall’s previous novels, The Balance Project and On Grace, Subway Girls will not disappoint. Schanll’s newest work continues to build meaningful relationships between characters, while exploring thoughtful personal exploration. The book is a page turner, as you are increasingly drawn into the lives of Schnall’s two protagonists. While the book is simply constructed, Schnall’s story is engaging; light at times, but with serious issues at its heart.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

What can i say.. this was a quick read. It was pleasant and full of opportunities.

This book is the story of Olivia and Charlotte living in New York decades apart but somehow their paths cross. They are both strong women who need to make decisions regarding their work, life and dreams. Even though they are in different times, their struggles are similar.

There is nothing corny or unrealistic about this story. It is a lighthearted book with a touch of history.

I am a sucker for romantic comedies but I usually prefer them in the theater. This book is an exception to that rule. It was exactly what I needed this weekend! I was interested in the story from the beginning but at first I felt the banter was a bit trite. As I kept reading though I became more and more captured by the story and the characters. Just to be clear, this is a beach read-but it’s a good one. If you like romantic comedies like You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle, I am pretty confident you’ll enjoy this book. I’m heading over to my search bar in Goodreads right now to check out this authors other books! I could use another lighthearted enjoyable read.

What a wonderful story! I couldn't put it down. I know that writing in dueling time frames is very popular right now, but this story did so magnificently.

Two women in the beginning stages of the realization of the track of their lives - one a 1940s girl who, contrary to her parents wishes, begins the pursuit of what she wants her life to be and it's not the wife of a successful lawyer; the other a girl in the current day who strives for success and recognition in the workplace while forcing her personal life to the back burner.

It's the '40s, women in the workplace is not common unless it is in the typical secretary roll. Charlotte aspires to break the mold and become a great female advertiser. Her boyfriend Sam, the successful lawyer, has proposed, but she is unwilling to give up her dreams. She loves him with all of her heart, but will he wait? The Subway Girls, a marketing promotion, comes into her life as they pursue her to be a spokeswomen. It's advertising, but it's the epitome of all she stands against.

Current day, women are the workplace and hold jobs of much prestige, as is Olivia's position as an ad agent. Growing up, she had a less than ideal modeling of home life and this is cause for her to push that away as unimportant in her life and focus on her professional success. She has the occasional date with none other than her boss, but knows this is less than ideal for many reasons.

The blend of characters, both past and present, create a storyline that will capture any reader.

Loved the characters, the setting, and the unique storytelling. The cover was fantastic as well, and the author seems capable of genre jumping easily. Will be reading more of her work!

This is the kind of book that's right up my alley: Historical fiction focused on women in 1940s NYC. Even better, this novel bounces back and forth between 1940s NYC to current day NYC, following two similar women whose stories are tied together in a couple ways.

First of all, having worked at a marketing agency for years, Olivia's story really resonated with me. The stress of losing clients and pitches and the excitement of putting together an awesome new pitch is something I know all too well. I also found Olivia to be am incredibly likable person and someone for whom I was rooting for throughout the book. She's having a tough time at her currently agency and gets the chance to work on a new pitch for NYC's MTA.

But I loved Charlotte even more! She's such a driven young woman, working to break the stereotypes of women in her generation and even the beliefs of her father. She desperately wants to work in marketing and though she's been dating Sam for several years, isn't interested in getting married just yet. While trying to get accepted for a role at a marketing agency, she makes it into the final round of NYC's Miss Subways Contest, for the chance to be the girl featured in images on all of NYC's subways for a month. I love that this was based on actual events and that the Miss Subways Contest was a real contest that occurred from 1941-1976.

There's a lot I didn't expect in this book and the storyline just felt like it worked really well. I did feel like a couple details were a bit too forced (including conversations Charlotte had with her mom), but overall, this is a wonderful book that I definitely recommend!

Subway Girls follows two storylines, past (Charlotte) and present (Olivia), which converge in Olivia’s quest to win an advertising account.

I enjoyed learning about the long-standing 1940’s advertising campaign/beauty contest featuring local young women. It was fascinating to consider the impact of sudden celebrity on the careers and lives of young women in the 1940’s, particularly given the liberties copywriters took when describing their ambitions and passions. This book piqued my interest in reading more about the real-life Subway Girls, and I was grateful for the author’s noted references.

This is no “we’ve come a long way baby” book. Themes of misogynies and career oppression are as prevalent in the modern-day, Olivia storyline, as with Charlotte’s. The female characters are strong and, while likeable, the circumstances and challenges the women faced were fairly cliched and more Mad Men-esque, then Mad Men inspired. Despite being somewhat predictable, I couldn’t put it down. An engaging and thought-provoking, quick read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Love this era...insightful, real, dramatic, enjoyable. Five stars.

I received this book "The Subway Girls" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed reading this book. I had no idea that The Subway Girls was a real thing. I found it really interesting. I grew up in New Jersey and joke to my husband that I have never been on a subway even though I've been to NYC many times. We get to know the characters as the story moves between past and present. This was just an incredible story! Charlotte dreams about a career in advertising and nothing is going to stop her. Back in the day women really didn't have careers but Charlotte had her dreams in 1949. Olivia is present day with a career in advertising in 2018. The two happen to meet in 2018 and it gets really interesting. Maybe dreams do come true for everyone.

I really want to give this book 4.5 stars. I love a good historical fiction that ties the past to the present and this book does it quite well.
1949 Charlotte wants to graduate from college and enter the advertising world. Sadly 1949 advertising world is MALE dominated and getting in is harder than she thought. The world (and her family) want her in the family business for a bit and after that a cute little wife at home with the children.
2018 Olivia is a career woman working in advertising wondering if her career is ruining her personal life. She doesn't have the husband or the children. She also has a HUGE pitch to make.
How the characters end up crossing paths is a well timed well paced book. The book also makes you think about how much things have changed and yet how little has changed.
Thank you NetGalley for this fun and informative read!

Subway Girls is both a look back at the iconic New York City Transit advertising campaign and a tale of women in the workforce, both today and yesteryear. Charlotte and Olivia, generations apart, share surprisingly similar experiences as they attempt to follow their dreams of working in advertising. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I was a huge fan of the author's, The Balance Project and when I heard the premise of The Subway Girls, I knew I wanted to read it. The captivating story involves two time lines, 1949 with spunky Charlotte who wants to work in a NYC advertising firm as a copy writer. She's even willing to take a job in the typing pool (basically the only option for women at that time), but even that seems impossible. It looks like Charlotte is going to end up working at her families Brooklyn hardware store, until Charlotte receives a chance to try out for Miss Subways, an ad campaign highlighting girls from the five boroughs of New York. The feminist in Charlotte struggles with Miss Subways being a beauty contest of sorts, but what if it's her ticket to independence? The second story line involves present day Olivia, who works as an ad executive at a boutique advertising firm. She ends up pitching the MTA account, though we realize not much has changed for women in her field as it appears that misogyny abounds. Through Olivia's ideas for the MTA pitch, we find how the two stories are entwined. No spoilers, but the scene where all the Miss Subways turn up was just the best! As I read this story I realized how far we've come as women, yet how far we still have to go! I saw this recently in my job in the corporate world, where a company I deal with finally hired a female managing director after 25 years! We need strong women to break into the old boys club. This book was delight to read and makes me want to visit the New York Transit museum to see the place the author did research and find out more about the real Miss Subways. Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARE in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a great novel - well written and compelling to say the least. I loved the changing perspectives, but the best part was learning about this subway campaign! The entire time I was reading I kept wondering if this might be a real campaign so I was so excited to get to the end of the book and have all of the notes from the author outlining this campaign. Such a cool concept and the way the story modernized it for present-day was awesome. It would be so cool for the MTA to read this and get up-to-date!

I really enjoyed this novel! The author has such a breezy writing style that it's a pleasure to read. (I knew this already from The Balance Project.) It didn't hurt that the story was fascinating and the characters likable. Typically, when I read historical fiction from two timelines, I favor one over the other, but I was fully vested in both in this book and loved how the two overlapped. As a New Yorker, it was so interesting learning about the Miss Subways campaign!

Part history, part romance. I loved this book. Schnall has a keen sense of storytelling which kept me enthralled. What a marvelous tale that spans 70 years., weaving past and present.

This was a fun, light, and easy book to read. About a girl who enters a Miss Subways contest in New York City. There’s also another story taking place in present day NYC, about a girl working for an advertising agency trying to revive the Miss Subways contest. Reading about the contest was interesting, which I had never heard of. The author tries to show you how hard it was for women in the 1940s to have a career, and be able to work their way up in a company. I loved the dual story lines, and the parallels between the two. Both the woman want to work in advertising, and both had to face different struggles achieving their dreams, and lots of heartache along the way. Thanks Netgalley for a copy of the book to review!

This book does not come out for another couple of weeks but you have to get a copy. This book is about two women Charlotte (1949) and Olivia(2018). Reading this book I have learned a lot. Both of hear women have taught me a lesson about taking what you want out of life and succeed with it. Also, the plot twisted twice and I didn’t see either one coming. One of the best books I have read this year. Charlotte stood for what she wanted and went after her dreams of becoming a Subway Girl and so much more. Olivia was strong as well when she finally realized men are not always what you think they are. It’s a page turner from beginning to end.

"The Subway Girls" by Susie Orman Schnall (July 2018 from St. Martin’s Press)

Let me start by saying that I adored this book. The story follows two women in New York City: Charlotte in the 1940’s and Olivia in current day.

Living with her controlling parents in Brooklyn, Charlotte is finishing college and hopes to land a job at an advertising agency. She dreams of being the first woman to climb her way out of the typing pool to become an account executive, but her aspirations go far beyond what gender roles allows. Her goal seems impossible until she applies to be a model for the Miss Subway ad campaign, a choice that changes the direction of her life and her future forever.

In present day New York, Olivia works for a boutique advertising firm, has a crush on her boss, Matt, and has to deal with obnoxious comments from her misogynistic coworker, Thomas. While researching for a campaign pitch for the MTA, Olivia discovers the former Miss Subways campaign. Instantly captivated, she brainstorms ways to update this idea for the modern sensibility and highlight the lives of these women in a fresh and more empowering way.

Though the way the two women’s stories intersect is a bit coincidental, it didn’t bother me because Schnall’s writing is so smart, funny, and engrossing. I devoured this book in a few sittings and was riveted right up to the sweetly satisfying ending.

The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall was such a terrific read. I really enjoy a look back into history, especially the history of New York City. In this book, past and present are woven together as we explore the stories of Charlotte in 1949 and of Olivia in the present day.

Charlotte dreamed of little else besides being in advertising and creating a career for herself. The only way into that world was to start in the typing pool which she was more than prepared to do, but she just couldn’t seem to get hired. What she did get was chosen as Miss Subway, an opportunity she felt, would lead to bigger and better things.

Olivia works in advertising and her job is hanging by a thread. She must come up with a campaign that will save the agency and her job. Delving into some history, she comes across Miss Subway and decides to build a campaign around it. Which leads her down a path where she meets up with a real Miss Subway…

Its a cute and light-hearted story and fans of Fiona Davis will enjoy it. A great book to read on a weekend! Incidentally, this is based on real history:


An advertisement for Miss Subways at the New York Transit Museum. “Miss Subways” was a title accorded to individual New York City women between 1941 and 1976.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) of New York City ran a ridership campaign from 1941 - 1976 which featured The Subway Girls. This fictionalized novel focuses on the July 1949 winner while also following the struggles of an advertising creative woman who is presenting a new campaign idea to MTA in 2018.

Both women's lives are fascinating in how things were, things are, in relationship to working women in society, but also in how alike choices can be.

All of the characters are well-developed and easy to love for their variety of temperaments, even when they aren't lovable you can relate.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book. I love the flashbacks to the 40s and all of the historical significance of the Miss Subways contest. I also love the female comradeship among the main characters.

I would absolutely recommend the book to anyone, but especially fans of Fiona Davis. I’m looking forward to reading more from Susie Orman Schnall!

The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall is a dazzlingly well-written story about two strong women, who aren't afraid to defy expectations and make a name for themselves.

This is yet another story based on real-life events. Did you know that the Miss Subways contest was part of the marketing campaign used to advertise the New York City subway? It ran from 1941 to 1976. You can find the overview written by the author at the end of the book. I found the author's account of how this story came about enthralling.

In The Subway Girls, there are two stories being told in parallel. One, is the story of Charlotte, the beautiful girl who is determined (against all odds) to prove her dad and society that there's more to women than meets the eye. She refuses to work in her dad's paint and wallpaper store and has made up her mind to create a career for herself no matter what.

Charlotte has a boyfriend, who is a lawyer and who's asked her to marry him more times than she can remember; but Charlotte declines every time. She loves him but isn't ready to settle down.

Charlotte is a dreamer, she's creative, and isn't afraid to be bold. I loved it when she picks up the phone and calls the advertising agency she dreams of working for, and tells the owner how disappointed she is with his decision on the job posting. Her boldness is refreshing, you can't help yourself but adore her.

She's too modern for her time and between Sam, her boyfriend, and JoJo, her best friend, she has a great support system. Though things don't come easy, she finds a way to make things work.

In alternating chapters, you're introduced to Olivia, a marketing and advertising exec. She's in love with her boss, but business comes first. Her work environment leaves much to be desired. Many a time I wanted to punch her boss and her sexist coworker. I do wonder if some readers will be upset at this part of the storyline, but I understood completely what the author was trying to show. Although it is 2018, some things have yet to change for women in the workforce.

I liked Olivia's character, though I thought sometimes she was a bit weak with some of her actions toward her boss. But I have to say she does come through. Once she's had enough and realizes some things will never change, I loved how she stands up for herself and gives her boss and her stupid co-worker a dose of their own medicine.

I can't recommend this book enough. With its funny, sometimes sad, other times witty dialogue, I couldn't put it down. So, if you're looking for something to read, go get this book now!

Two women, different generations, very different but yet have much in common. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters are complex and well developed. This book is very timely in its view of womens’ issues that are being addressed right now. I highly recommend this book for women of all ages.

Truly captivating, I read The Subway Girls in one sitting. Alternating back and forth between 1949 and present time was an interesting, effective way to tell two interwoven stories and compare/contrast women's lives then and now. The Subway Girls sent me to the internet to find out more - always a sign of a good read!

Who loved Mad Men? Who loves New York City, the 1940's and fascinating women? Now that I have EVERYONE'S attention- let me tell you that THIS is the book for you!

The book chapters alternate between two characters and time periods. Rosemary is a young, fresh, optimistic college woman, in 1949 Brooklyn. Olivia is about 10 years older, an eager and talented woman working her dream job at an NYC ad agency, in 2018.

Charlotte is proud of herself for going to college and she has a plan for her life. She wants to work at an ad agency on Madison Avenue, move to Manhattan and be a success. But her plans have faltered until the day she receives a letter. "Dear Miss Friedman, We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected as a finalist for Miss Subways."

I enjoy history, so I was fascinated to learn that there was indeed an actual New York Transit ad campaign in NYC for about 25 years, that featured a "Miss Subway" of the month. Charlotte hopes that winning the Miss Subways contest will be her brass ring for the future. But love and life, and family and societal expectations can be messy.

Olivia, in the present day, is also struggling to achieve her dream life. Again, love and career aren't always smooth sailing. I read eagerly as chapter by chapter Charlotte and Olivia's lives intersected. The author presented the challenges of being a woman in different generations, the challenges of career, life purpose, love and self-esteem.
The love interests of both Charlotte and Olivia are well-developed characters, and each one is different. I agree with other reviewers, that some of the friends were one dimensional and didn't add to the story line. The Author is an adept storyteller and this book will both fascinate and move the reader.

Probably the best thing that both Charlotte and Olivia learned was that "Time has a really incredible way of dulling feelings that you think will be sharp for your entire life." Something for all of us to ponder.

And yes, there's even a positive happy ever after ending with a trip planned to Paris, the city of dreams. But when the main characters are guided by this quote, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined" then you know there will be a satisfying ending to the story of Charlotte and Olivia. I recommend this book. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martins Press for an ARC.

I enjoyed this book and thank #netgalley for the opportunity to read it.
This is a well-constructed story set in the 1940's and the present day and it is very interesting how the two parts are interwoven together. I found both parts to be enjoyable and read this in one day. I would read more about either characters and will look for more by this author. #thesubwaygirls

Very much enjoyed this story, and I was pleased at the end to read the author's note telling me it is based on a true set of circumstances. The story is told from two viewpoints, that of Charlotte and Olivia. Both are young women just starting their adult lives, but Charlotte's story begins in 1949 and Olivia's in the present day. The narration alternates between the two. Both are plucky, admirable girls, faced with challenges that engage the reader. The pace is good, and the story pulled me in. Both girls threw themselves at solutions that failed, but kept trying, and we had a happy ending. The only ding on the writing is that there was quite a bit of telling rather than showing, but still, it was a good story, nicely told.

Very enjoyable book about women’s roles in society.

OH! How I loved this book!
"I need to make my life happen FOR me, not let it happen TO me" is the theme of this beautiful novel.
The story follows a young woman in 1949 and a young woman in 2018 in New York City..
Though, two very different times, Charlotte and Olivia are fighting for the very same things. They are hoping to achieve their goals and advance their careers.
The world continues to resist their efforts and they both claw their way to make themselves known and to find happiness.
The amazing way this author has been able to bring Charlotte and Olivia together and actually pull the novel to one time period, is absolutely perfect.
This book is not to be missed!

Delightful story. Loved reading about the history of The Subway girls.

I read a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books like this one make the world a better place! I could not get enough of the lives of either Charlotte or Olivia—whose stories unfold concurrently but in different generational timelines. Charlotte’s excitement begins when she becomes involved with the Miss Subways competition in spring of 1949, while Olivia’s activities and struggles are based in present day. (Both women are centrally located in New York.). After reading this novel intently for a day or two, I felt the need to look up the idea of “Miss Subways”, not realizing that this was an actual segment of New York history! I was pleasantly shocked to discover that this historical and beautiful work of fiction was based on a real contest that ran from 1949-1976! Armed with that knowledge, I devoured the book and loved it all the more! Kudos to Susie Orman Schnall, for reviving this hidden gem and inspiring the same interest in readers as was awakened in herself when she first heard about these women on the radio! I LOVED this novel!

I really enjoyed this story of the “Subway Girls”, chosen to model for posters that were in subway cars from the 1940’s to the 1970’s in New York City. I remember seeing those posters, and nostalgically, loved the chapters dealing with Charlotte and the milieu of Brooklyn in the 1940’s. Women were often limited in choices, but Charlotte was ambitious, and saw the contest as a means to an end, in the present day, Olivia, a former Y & R ad exec, is working on a presentation to wow the MTA. Olivia’s story meshes easily with Charlotte’s. For me, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I highly recommend.

Engaging & heart warming read. I really enjoyed how the author has intervened stories of two women from two different eras seamlessly, very interesting . The plight and struggle of two women to pursue their dreams in a male dominated society it wasn’t much different. It was such a fascinating read. Thank you Netgallery for providing me with an advance copy of this book.

The Subway Girls is a heart-touching story, one that held me in the palm of its hand right through the end. Readers should know it's not just another historical read, but rather a story that utilizes a small piece of history in the telling of the beautiful, seductive, emotional journey of two women in their pursuit of true happiness. I love the way the author uses two women from different generations to portray and compare the plight of women pursuing their dreams and the choices they're forced to make. Charlotte & Oliva are both strong, determined women whose paths eventually cross, forever changing both their lives. The Subway Girls is their story.

In 1949, Charlotte's career avenue was limited if not nearly impossible. The idea that a woman could have a career beyond that of a typist or a wife and mother was ludicrous and those brazen enough to pursue it were often ridiculed. But, if they were pretty (and lucky enough to be chosen), they could go the modeling/beauty queen route and use their new found fame as a springboard to new opportunities. (Historical Fact: From 1941 to 1976, the New York Subways Advertising Company held Miss Subways' contests with the winning contestants featured on subway posters. The contest helped open some otherwise closed avenues to these women, affecting their lives in many different ways.) Through Charlotte's story, readers learn how it eventually changed her life.

In 2018, Olivia enjoys a women-friendly work atmosphere, but even in the here and now she faces challenges unique to women. She's living her dream job in advertising, but at what cost? Like Charlotte 70 years before her, she's facing some hard decisions while fighting the good-old-boys mentality of the corporate world. When an opportunity arises for her to pitch an advertisement campaign to the New York Subway Authority, Oliver discovers the past Subway Girls Campaign and a connection that elevates this story to another level comes to light.

The Subway Girls is a fascinating, entertaining work of historical fiction, propelled to life through the use of alternating past/present chapters until characters' paths cross, intertwine, and proceed forward together. As the fast-paced plot unfolds, it becomes clear that women of all generations still struggle with the same age-old battle of balancing love, family, and careers. At times, I found myself frustrated over the pain and indecision inner turmoil causes both women even as I recognized it as something I've dealt with myself. Schnall's descriptive abilities are evident, bringing characters and setting to vivid life - so much so that I felt I was there, struggling and fighting right along with them. The author's writing flows effortlessly from past to present, chapter to chapter, creating a story that's easy to follow and hypnotizing to watch unfold. A charming, fabulous, inspiring, burn-the-midnight-oil Must Read! I highly recommend this story to everyone!

I never took to New York like most people do (granted I was only there for two years). Despite that fact, it would be silly to refute the point that it is a very unique place and has enough colours to paint the most vivid picture in terms of stories. This book was one such engaging story. The story has one foot in the past, 1949 to be precise and another in 2018. Each tale is told by a single minded woman of the trials in her daily life and there is a small thread that connects them by chance and we can see how one reflects the other. 

Charlotte is at start of actual adulthood and is search of a job which is not just within the limited scope of what is permitted by the rules binding woman in 1949. She stumbles by chance into participating for a position as a 'Miss Subways', something which I had no idea about but was fascinated enough to read up on.In the present we have Olivia who is having her own battles to wage and is trying to find a good way to keep her head above water. There are marked similarities in what causes trouble in a young person's life in the city but at the same time showing some hope, with the future being just a bit brighter and worth fighting for. There is a bit of suspense and guessing involved, focus of chauvinism and a lot of other things that come as a part and parcel of some women's daily existence. The ups and downs of relationships are also very realistically discussed. It was a good read and I would definitely recommend it.

I like reading women’s fiction and historical fiction, I have had issues finding books that can focus on both of those genres. They are few and far between. So when I read the blurb for The Subway Girls, I almost didn’t get this book. I almost passed it over. I am glad that I didn’t because I would have missed a fantastic book that takes place in 1949 and present day.

I liked how the storylines mirrored each other. I didn’t get confused when going between the time periods because they were doing (or trying to get into) the same field of work. Even the mindset of the men (past and present) were the same. The only time the storylines stopped mirroring each other was when Charlotte was in the Miss Subways contest and Olivia was working on finding a way to keep her job. Even then, it was only for a couple of chapters. Then it was right back to mirroring each other.

I thought Charlotte was progressive for her time. She was trying to get into a field that was dominated by men (think Don Draper). She was optimistic until she got the last rejection letter. I liked how she called the guy and told him to keep her in mind. She had no real interest in doing the beauty contest, she entered on a whim. She needed the money but thought that she would at least have a job if they got back to her. I loved her reaction to being asked to do something that she was uncomfortable with. I was chanting “You go girl” the entire time.

I liked Olivia but I felt that she wasn’t as developed as Charlotte’s character was at first. Then she gained depth. She was a strong person but she also had a certain vulnerability to her. I didn’t get her being in love with her boss. I felt that the book didn’t have to go that way. I also felt that her co-worker was a little too hostile to women. Considering what happened at the end of the book, I wasn’t surprised. But still. I liked how she made time for her elderly next door neighbor and her grandson.

Rose’s betrayal set the tone for the last half of the book. Not going to get into it but Charlotte did the absolute right thing when she did what she did.

I loved how the author brought the two storylines together. How I didn’t see what I didn’t see is beyond me. The author did a great job at keeping Ben’s grandmother’s identity a secret. There were a few red herrings thrown out. Same goes for Olivia’s Subway Girls revival. I was so mad when the events happened the way they did.

I should mention that the contest was based on a contest that was run in New York City. The author had an afterward where she described how she took that contest and made it her own.

The end of the book cleared up some details that I figured out but needed to see in print. I like that it ended happily but realistically.

What I liked about The Subway Girls:

A) That it was based on a real contest.

B) Well developed characters

C) Interesting plot with plot twists that I didn’t see coming.

What I disliked about The Subway Girls:

A) Olivia’s relationship with her boss.

B) Charlotte not being taken seriously in her career choice

C) Rose’s betrayal

I would give The Subway Girls an Older Teen rating. There are sexual situations but nothing graphic. There is language. There is mild violence.

There are no trigger warnings in The Subway Girls.

I would recommend The Subway Girls to family and friends. This is a book that I could see myself rereading.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Griffin, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Subway Girls.

All opinions stated in this review of The Subway Girls are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

This is a delightful summer read. I quickly read through this book over 3 nights before bed. I truly enjoyed both stories of Charlotte and Olivia. The author captured the differences between 1949 and now in little nuanced ways that seemed real and accurate.

I love how Charlotte reminds us that women before us paved the way for women now. I appreciate how Olivia reminds us that we still have a ways to go.

This book gave me a bit of a #bookhangover. I keep thinking about Olivia's future.