The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes... read full description
reviews
Jan 11, 2011
ALPHAreader
rated it: 
On the up and up...
‘Bright Young Things’ is the first book in Anna Godbersen’s new four-book series, set in 1929 Manhattan. The series will revolve around three young women...
Cordelia Grey leaves behind the small town of Union, Ohio and her new husband for the bright lights of New York City and an inkling that her estranged father can be found in the big apple.
Letitia Haubstadt is Cordelia’s best friend, and another Union-native leaving her indifferent family More...
‘Bright Young Things’ is the first book in Anna Godbersen’s new four-book series, set in 1929 Manhattan. The series will revolve around three young women...
Cordelia Grey leaves behind the small town of Union, Ohio and her new husband for the bright lights of New York City and an inkling that her estranged father can be found in the big apple.
Letitia Haubstadt is Cordelia’s best friend, and another Union-native leaving her indifferent family More...
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Feb 26, 2011
I've been anticipating this novel, since I first heard the rumors of it's existence. Bright Young Things did not disappoint! I'm a huge fan of Godbersen's Luxe series, but Bright Young Things now tops it.
The story revolves around three young girls. Letty, Cordelia and Astrid. You will love them! One of the things that I loved most about this novel was how very well written each character was. They all had very distinct qualities. Qualities that led them down very differing paths! I wou More...
The story revolves around three young girls. Letty, Cordelia and Astrid. You will love them! One of the things that I loved most about this novel was how very well written each character was. They all had very distinct qualities. Qualities that led them down very differing paths! I wou More...
7 comments
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(10 people liked it)
Jan 18, 2012
Paige
rated it: 
The best thing about reading this book is that I didn't pay a cent for it.
Some people enjoy novels that follow the exploits of the beautiful people in New York or some other big city/school/whatever. I'm not one of them. I can enjoy a good fluff read as much as the next person, but I have little patience for the misadventures of pretty people with personalities I can't stand even when I'm in a good mood. When I'm feeling extremely lethargic and drained due to another round of insomni More...
Some people enjoy novels that follow the exploits of the beautiful people in New York or some other big city/school/whatever. I'm not one of them. I can enjoy a good fluff read as much as the next person, but I have little patience for the misadventures of pretty people with personalities I can't stand even when I'm in a good mood. When I'm feeling extremely lethargic and drained due to another round of insomni More...
Jan 21, 2012
Sarah
rated it: 
After tackling a graphic horror novel, I was in the mood for something easily digestible. Combine that with a recent binge at Borders' liquidation sale, & presto -- the perfect chance to start Ms Godbersen's new series.
The plot is fairly straight-forward; in fact, the tidiest summary comes courtesy the cover blurb, so read that if you're still in the dark. :P But for those who are familiar with THE LUXE series, BYT's style & overall flavor are similar. I was hoping for a cameo fr More...
The plot is fairly straight-forward; in fact, the tidiest summary comes courtesy the cover blurb, so read that if you're still in the dark. :P But for those who are familiar with THE LUXE series, BYT's style & overall flavor are similar. I was hoping for a cameo fr More...
26 comments
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Dec 06, 2011
Visit my blog for the link to the free download. :)
25 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Dec 16, 2010
Laurie
rated it:
SOOOOOO excited to find out that Anna is releasing a new series. I LOVE reading about the past and times before me!!! Im sure this series will be just as great as The Luxe series.. hopefully with a better ending this time.
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Nov 11, 2010
Michele
rated it: 
I received this copy of Bright Young Things for free from goodreads. I am glad that I won this book because I probably would not have read it otherwise. I did not know that it was a "teen" book when I chose it in the contest. I chose it because I love historical fiction, and New York in the 20's is a fascinating time in history.This novel was fun to read and has interesting characters and storylines. I loved the speakeasies and parties, and the descriptions of the clothes and mansions
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(2 people liked it)
Nov 27, 2011
Angie
rated it:
I feel like this story could have taken place in any other decade and been exactly the same. I was really hoping for more insight into the Roaring 20's, but instead got a few mentions of flimsy, sparkling dresses and people peacefully drinking their illegal liquor. Where was the excitement and the glamor?!
The writing was also pretty dense, with paragraph long sentences. By time I'd get to the period, I forgot what the sentence was about.
Example 1: "By then she knew t More...
The writing was also pretty dense, with paragraph long sentences. By time I'd get to the period, I forgot what the sentence was about.
Example 1: "By then she knew t More...
2 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 20, 2011
Emma
rated it:
I kind of hate liking Anna Godbersen's books as much as I do.
I mean, they're just not... good. No depth, no substance, no character development. Nothing, really. And yet, somehow I'm drawn into all of them, and can't put them down...
Bright Young Things was written in the same style as the Luxe. Starts out with a forboding prologue, then alternating between several characters who are each screwing up their sparkling, carefree lives in different ways. One of them could be c More...
I mean, they're just not... good. No depth, no substance, no character development. Nothing, really. And yet, somehow I'm drawn into all of them, and can't put them down...
Bright Young Things was written in the same style as the Luxe. Starts out with a forboding prologue, then alternating between several characters who are each screwing up their sparkling, carefree lives in different ways. One of them could be c More...
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(7 people liked it)
Apr 10, 2011
A.C.
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
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Jun 22, 2011
Book Chick City
rated it:
Reviewed by Jo for Book Chick City.
Having read and absolutely adored Anna Godbersen's 'The Luxe' series, I was looking forward to reading her new series, set in 1920's New York. I was not disappointed at all.
'Bright Young Things' revolves around three young women. Cordelia and Letty are childhood friends from a small town and they both share a need to escape to New York for something bigger. Astrid lives a pampered life in Long Island, but has the same need for something More...
Having read and absolutely adored Anna Godbersen's 'The Luxe' series, I was looking forward to reading her new series, set in 1920's New York. I was not disappointed at all.
'Bright Young Things' revolves around three young women. Cordelia and Letty are childhood friends from a small town and they both share a need to escape to New York for something bigger. Astrid lives a pampered life in Long Island, but has the same need for something More...
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(3 people liked it)
Jun 05, 2011
Stacia ~ platonic
rated it:
For most of the book, I was bound and determined to give it 3 stars. I was alright with the story but not overly impressed. The characters were fine, but I'm still partial to Diana and Henry from this author's other series The Luxe.
Then, the last 75 pages hooked me from out of nowhere. I should have known that Godberson was going to pull the rabbit out of the hat. After all, nothing should shock me now after the complete emotional rollercoaster that Luxe took me on.
Wh More...
Then, the last 75 pages hooked me from out of nowhere. I should have known that Godberson was going to pull the rabbit out of the hat. After all, nothing should shock me now after the complete emotional rollercoaster that Luxe took me on.
Wh More...
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(3 people liked it)
Dec 23, 2010
Katieb (MundieMoms)
rated it:
Bright Young Things follows the story of three young adult girls, Cordelia, her best friend Letty and Astrid during the 1920's era. I love this era and have been very excited to read this book. What I enjoyed most was the era and the way Anna switches back and forth between each character. She doesn't announce that each chapter has a new voice which continues to follow the lives of the three girls and how they interact with each other, but she does it in a very subtle manner. Each of the charact
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(1 person liked it)
Oct 23, 2010
Kelsey Paige
rated it:
First of all, thank you First Reads for the gorgeous new book!
Readers of Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series will not be disappointed. I have to say I liked this one even more. I was intrigued by her rendering of a new face of New York from an entirely different decade, and by the new cast of characters. You should know I'm not a reader of Gossip Girls or any of those books about high-society socialites. Nonetheless, I could identify with the girls in "Bright Young Things"--beneath More...
Readers of Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series will not be disappointed. I have to say I liked this one even more. I was intrigued by her rendering of a new face of New York from an entirely different decade, and by the new cast of characters. You should know I'm not a reader of Gossip Girls or any of those books about high-society socialites. Nonetheless, I could identify with the girls in "Bright Young Things"--beneath More...
Jan 14, 2012
Jessica
rated it:
First off, I love, love, LOVE the way Anna Gadbersen writes. She has amazing details, characters you fall in love with, and doesn't shy away from killing off characters. This fact did make me stop reading the Luxe series after Rumors, because she killed off one of my favorites, causing me to cry in the doctor's office. However, I know I'll eventually try to finish that series, because I care about the other characters too.
This book is set in the Roaring Twenties, an era that there a More...
This book is set in the Roaring Twenties, an era that there a More...
Jan 09, 2012
Lily
rated it:
It Sucks! It Sucks! My God how this book sucks!!!!
The Twenties are my favorite time period, and F. Scott Fitzgerald is my favorite writer. So I totally get the idea of setting a fast-paced, sexy story in New York City in the Twenties, and focusing on the schemes and dreams of three "flappers" who are each chasing a different desire.
But . . . but . . . you need to have warm, likable characters. And a believable plot. And sexy boys. And you need a setting that's More...
The Twenties are my favorite time period, and F. Scott Fitzgerald is my favorite writer. So I totally get the idea of setting a fast-paced, sexy story in New York City in the Twenties, and focusing on the schemes and dreams of three "flappers" who are each chasing a different desire.
But . . . but . . . you need to have warm, likable characters. And a believable plot. And sexy boys. And you need a setting that's More...
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(5 people liked it)
Dec 30, 2011
Rachael
rated it:
New York City in the Roaring Twenties is a place where dreams are made. Best friends Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey board the train for New York with little other than battered suitcases and the brightest hopes. Both girls couldn’t stand being stifled in their tiny Midwestern town, so they take the only chance they have to escape for better places. They just know that things will be better in New York City: Letty can’t wait to be singing on stage with her name in lights, and Cordelia is impati
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Oct 22, 2011
Ta§chima
rated it:
You can find more reviews @BloodyBookaholic
This book is about three girls who live in 1929, in New York City. Letty is the small girl with the big city dreams (with the pipes to back them up- she sings), Cordelia is an orphan who is looking for the place where she belongs, and Astrid is the "rich" girl with issues. They all go on this kind of adventure called life that changes them and their circumstances forever. In some ways it's like The Luxe series, the girls have very More...
This book is about three girls who live in 1929, in New York City. Letty is the small girl with the big city dreams (with the pipes to back them up- she sings), Cordelia is an orphan who is looking for the place where she belongs, and Astrid is the "rich" girl with issues. They all go on this kind of adventure called life that changes them and their circumstances forever. In some ways it's like The Luxe series, the girls have very More...
Sep 17, 2011
Shellby
rated it:
As a fan of Anna Godbersen's Luxe series I was pretty sure I would have a fun time reading her next set of books. Bright Young Things certainly was not a disappointment. In fact the only reason I did not give it a 5 star rating is because I'm just not a huge lover of the 1920's. (Small detail, but makes a difference to me.)
The series revolves around three young girls living in New York during the roaring 20's. There's lots of parties, lots of booze, and certainly a lot of men around More...
The series revolves around three young girls living in New York during the roaring 20's. There's lots of parties, lots of booze, and certainly a lot of men around More...
Sep 12, 2011
Leah
rated it:
I read this because it was offered for Nook as a "free friday" read. I'm glad I downloaded it because it was a good read and easy and quick. It helped me through a slow afternoon while my husband was at work. I read it pretty quickly- in a few days really.
The story was good. Not always predictable. I liked hearing the book, as it focused on 3 different girls for the most part (Cordelia, Letty & Astrid). At times, I even found myself wanting to know the girls in real life. Not More...
The story was good. Not always predictable. I liked hearing the book, as it focused on 3 different girls for the most part (Cordelia, Letty & Astrid). At times, I even found myself wanting to know the girls in real life. Not More...
Jul 06, 2011
Reynje
rated it:
Expectations: I thought this would be an entertaining read. A consuming piece of escapism. I like historical fiction and I was really looking forward to Godbersen’s take on the 1920s.
Vs.
Reality: Honestly, I struggled with the writing in this book. The idea was fine, I just don’t feel like it was executed as well as it could have been. I frequently found myself stumbling over awkward turns of phrase and clunky descriptions, to the point where I would stop reading to think More...
Vs.
Reality: Honestly, I struggled with the writing in this book. The idea was fine, I just don’t feel like it was executed as well as it could have been. I frequently found myself stumbling over awkward turns of phrase and clunky descriptions, to the point where I would stop reading to think More...
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Apr 17, 2011
MaryBookSwarm
rated it:
Amber’s Thoughts: I would give this book an A+ as it was an enjoyable book. I loved reading the Luxe series and this new series was just great. Anna Godbersen is an amazing author. She captured the emotion and the conflict of the characters. She told the tale of three girls with big dreams in 1929 New York. The late 1920’s was a time when women and America was changing.
My favorite part of this story is when the decisions of all the girls are coming back to haunt them. The climax kept More...
My favorite part of this story is when the decisions of all the girls are coming back to haunt them. The climax kept More...
Jan 26, 2011
Camila
rated it:
Absolutely loved it!!! It is intriguing, fun and full of amazing description. This just made me love he 20's and prohibition even more! It is impossible to imagine a time when alcohol was illegal and it is almost obvious that people would find a way to bend the rules or just go around them. I always imagined how everything worked back then and this book does just that exactly. It explains in the background of every storyline how life was and how logistics worked, without being exhaustic. The cha
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Jan 23, 2011
Sammee
rated it:
3.5 Stars
Having not read anything by Anna Godbersen, and not really having read much historical fiction before, I was really excited to read this.
The story follows Cordelia and Letty as they escape their small hometown in Ohio for New York City. Letty wants to be a famous singer and Cordelia has her own secret reason for wanting to go: she wants to find her father. Once there, her path crosses with Astrid, a girl who seems to have everything she could possibly want - b More...
Having not read anything by Anna Godbersen, and not really having read much historical fiction before, I was really excited to read this.
The story follows Cordelia and Letty as they escape their small hometown in Ohio for New York City. Letty wants to be a famous singer and Cordelia has her own secret reason for wanting to go: she wants to find her father. Once there, her path crosses with Astrid, a girl who seems to have everything she could possibly want - b More...
Jan 07, 2011
Skye
rated it:
This review is also posted on my blog, In The Good Books.
The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.
Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star… More...
The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.
Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star… More...
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Jan 06, 2011
L-A
rated it:
This was a fun, quick read. I read the whole thing on a flight home from Iceland. Like Godbersen's previous Luxe series, this book is total meringue. But that is a good thing. Meringue is fluffy and light and totally tasty. You can eat a lot of meringue really fast and not feel sick. So a book that is meringue is a good thing.
This series is a step up from the Luxe series. In the Luxe series, Godbersen starts by giving away the ending and then goes back to the beginning. The trouble wi More...
This series is a step up from the Luxe series. In the Luxe series, Godbersen starts by giving away the ending and then goes back to the beginning. The trouble wi More...
Jan 01, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
I don't know what it is about Anna Godbersen's novels, but they simply have the best covers and the best titles an author could ask for. Easily capturing the excess and intrigue of turn of the century New York in her Luxe series, she has now turned her attention to the liberating Jazz Age in her latest, Bright Young Things.
In 1929 hundreds of girls make their way to New York City from all across the nation for different reasons. For small town beauty Letty Larkspur, that means a chan More...
In 1929 hundreds of girls make their way to New York City from all across the nation for different reasons. For small town beauty Letty Larkspur, that means a chan More...
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Dec 18, 2010
Courtney
rated it:
OK, so I've gotta be totally honest here. I didn't really like this nearly as much as I thought I would. Not that it was bad, but I've been loving on the Luxe series, so I had high hopes for this one, set at the peak of the roaring '20s. All the detail is there: the speakeasies, the drinking, the dancing, the music, the naivete, the ennui, the glamour, the grime, and...did I mention the drinking? Yeah, there's a lot of drinking. And sleeping til the wee hours of the afternoon. So that's all fine
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Dec 04, 2010
Corinne
rated it:
For Letty and Cordelia, two friends in rural Ohio, New York City is a dream full of possibilities in the last glitzy years of the Jazz Age. What they find when they get there, of course, is the shock of reality: speakeasies and bootleggers and everyone has an angle. Soon they both begin to search for what they wish for most: a place on the stage for Letty and a glimpse of the father Cordelia's never known.
Along with a flapper named Astrid, with her own story, Bright Young Things is a s More...
Along with a flapper named Astrid, with her own story, Bright Young Things is a s More...
