Review: Ten Girls to Watch by Charity Shumway

Ten Girls to Watch by Charity Shumway 

Publisher: Washington Square Press 

Pages: 320 

Format: eARC 

Buy the Book: Amazon 

Goodreads:  A funny and uplifting debut novel about stumbling through the early years of adulthood while taking (or not taking) the advice of the women who've gone before you.  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 Charmmagazine’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. 




Kritters Thoughts: A perfect chick lit book for the summer reading season - light and fun, but not too fluffy.  Dawn West has been living in NYC and trying to get into the publishing industry in any capacity.  While at a party with her ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend, she runs into the editor of Charm magazine; put on a project that will take her into the past of some significant women she learns that there are many paths to success.


I absolutely loved this book.  I took it with me on a work trip and loved reading about all of these women who were trying to find their way and decide how they each defined success in their own industries.  I thought Dawn as a character grew.  I read a few reviews after I finished and I agree that maybe she was a little obsessed with the men in her life, but what woman in their 20s isn't?  The ups and downs of her adventure were on pitch.  


On a personal level, I am about to enter my last year of my 20s and I am finding my definition of success and how I want to achieve it.  I think this book could be read by any girl in their 20s and they will find inspiration and heart.


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel


Ebook Challenge 2012: 36 out of 25  

GR July-Sept 2012 Challenge: Colors or Numbers 


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Edelweiss.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.