One Fifth Avenue

For over 30 glorious years I have enjoyed cracking open a new book and immersing myself in the world created by the author of my latest novel. I do read books in other genres but fiction remains my favorite. When Parent Reviewers gave me a wonderful opportunity to review Candace Bushnell’s latest book “One Fifth Avenue” I was overjoyed. For those of you that don’t know (perhaps you have been living under a rock), Candace Bushnell is the author of Sex and The City, the basis of the television series and movie of the same name. And I shamefully admit that I have never read a Candace Bushnell book until now but after reading“One Fifth Avenue” I will be adding her books to my collection.

“One Fifth Avenue” is about the lives of the inhabitants of One Fifth Avenue, a tony building in New York City occupied by artistes, socialites, movie stars and wannabes. When space becomes available in the building there is a mad dash by the former and current president of the board to determine what is to be done with the apartment. The story that emerges peeks into the lives of people with old money, new money and those trying to attain their lifestyle.

I am a New Yorker and it tickled me when Ms. Bushnell referenced so many things that are classic New York. In my opinion the book read like a soap opera and although it felt like a guilty pleasure, I just could not put it down. One of the most salient aspects of the book was the prevalence of new media. Specifically, blogging, facebook and youtube. Several of the characters write blogs and with great variety – one had a naval gazing blog, another a gossip blog and yet another keep one – well I will let you read it your self to find out about that one.

“One Fifth Avenue” was a fun read and had a full range of emotions. There were some components that were predictable but overall I enjoyed the book and would certainly recommend it for those lazy days of beach vacations.