Review of Ten Girls to Watch by Charity Shumway

Book Title: Ten Girls to Watch
Author: Charity Shumway
Publisher:
Publication Date: July 31st 2012
Page Count: 320

 Synopsis:

 Dawn West is trying to make her way in New York City. She’s got an ex-boyfriend she can’t quite stop seeing, a writing career that’s gotten about as far as penning an online lawn care advice column, and a small hometown in Oregon that’s her last recourse if she can’t make next month’s rent. So when Dawn lands a job tracking down the past winners of Charm magazine’s “Ten Girls to Watch” contest, she’s thrilled. Not only is she being paid to interview hundreds of fascinating women, but she’s also sharing office space with “Secret Agent Romance,” Charm’s resident dating columnist, and he just happens to be giving her butterflies. As Dawn gets to know the life stories of these former winners, she’ll discover that success, love, and friendship can be found in the most unexpected of places. And even more importantly, she’ll find that though those who have gone before us can be role models, ultimately, we each have to carve our own way. Both an insightful look at the trajectory of female experience over the past fifty years and a witty coming of age story, Ten Girls to Watch introduces an unforgettable new voice in women’s fiction.

PRAISE FOR TEN GIRLS TO WATCH

"Once you turn the first page, you won't be able to tear yourself away from Ten Girls to Watch. This is a thoroughly charming, sassy, highly satisfying debut from a writer with a rare gift: She sounds like your best friend, telling a story you don't ever want to end. I adored this book."
- Sarah Pekkanen, author of These Girls

"Ten Girls to Watch will inspire you to follow your heart and believe in your own dreams, no matter how many challenges or obstacles the universe throws your way. It's a heartwarming story about a gathering of extraordinary women who offer wisdom, warmth and humanity, as well as shoulders broad enough for all of us to stand upon. I can't wait to give this book to my sisters and best girlfriends."
- Nicolle Wallace, New York Times bestselling author of Eighteen Acres

Words To Describe The Book:

Refreshing, uplifting and inspiring.

My Thoughts:

Ten Girls to Watch was an inspiring book with inspiring stories within it, I felt by the end of the book I was left with a warm feeling and enlightened by all the wonderful profiles of women leaving me feeling motivated and fascinated by the impact of the book as a whole.

As I began reading I honestly didn't know what to expect, I didn't immediately connect with the book, I felt it was going to be too predictable and typical, during the first chapter it goes straight into old memories which left me confused for a while because I felt I didn't know enough about the character to understand what was happening, but after a few chapters I was hooked, I loved following Dawn on her journey, I could relate to her easily because of all the challenges she's faced with continuously, she shows endless amount of hard work, strive and determination as a main character which meant I became very fond of her.


Another point which I felt gave the book a whole new dimension of interest was all the profiles of women used throughout the book. I loved reading about how successful women can be when they try hard, I was very much inspired by all the different advice Dawn receives from interviews throughout the whole book, it gave me much to think about and ponder. However there were points where I felt that there was an overwhelming volume of stories about the different women which meant that many of the women were easily forgettable even though I felt all of them were too amazing to forget!

I thoroughly enjoyed Dawn's character and how she dealt with her issues, she never made stupid decisions that annoyed or frustrated me which I like in a character. The writing was light, refreshing and enjoyable. By the end I felt like I knew Dawn so well as a character which left me feeling utterly pleased for her achievements.

Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to pick up an uplifting and inspiring read with an awesome female lead character! Go and pre-order the book NOW!


Rating:
★★★★.5

Pre-Order The Book:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paperback
Barnes and Noble

I will be posting the interview with the amazing author Charity Shumway who wrote the fabulous book!