This book was adorable!!! I don't think that I have read an ARC as fast as this one. I really liked that we got to follow a group of strangers who meet each other by fate and became friends. I also liked that we got to see it from each one of their POV and we got to see what they were thinking. In that regard, it did get a little repetitive when we went over the same situation between 2 people. I would say that was really the only big thing that bugged me. But overall, I really liked this book.

I highly enjoyed this book. I really liked the multiple characters in it as well. It was entertaining and enjoyable.
I just reviewed an Upper west side story by Rachel Cullen. #anUpperwestsidestory #NetGalley
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An upper west side story is an easy, light and breezy read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a simple casual read. It was set in 2004 giving it a nice nostalgic feel. However, there was an overemphasis on certain things like their meals, shows or their everyday routine which made the book feel a bit impersonal for me. The story also switches between different POVs which I got confused with often. The characters also seemed to muddle together instead of having more differentiated personalities which would have helped to distinguish the different POVs.

Overall, I feel that this book should be made into a sitcom instead as it gave me very F.R.I.E.N.D.S. / HIMYM vibes which made me compelled to finish the book. The characters were very comforting and relatable too. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this e-book for me to review! All opinions are my own <3

Although a light read, this book was hard to get through. The setting is Manhattan in 2004 before the time of Netflix, smartphones, and Uber. In this book, a group of strangers all going through their own life drama end up in the same building. I had read it gave new girl/friends vibes, but I didn't feel that it did!
The book is set with multiple POV but the chapters were occasionally confusing on who the narrator was, but I got the hang of which character was which after a bit of reading. it was hard to stay invested in the characters and the plot, and I found myself not really caring about what happens

Arc in exchange for review. I really enjoyed this book! It is super short and very light, each character was adorable in their own right and I love the whole light hearted-ness to it. The one and only problem I have with it is how similar the characters seemed and sounded, even Zach. However, this book would be ideal if you are looking for something cheerful to get you out of a slump or a quick read to add to your tbr. I genuinely cannot wait for this book to officially come out and buy myself a copy! I can see this book being a comfort read and easily read in one sitting. Short but sweet!

Thank you netgalley & Rachel Cullen for this ARC!

A perfectly serviceable novel--I read it in about 4 hours. Lovely people, no trauma, and a snapshot from an almost innocent time, pre-smart phone, pre-social media. I enjoyed tying up all the loose ends and the happy ending!

This is a really nice, light read, perfect if you’re in a bit of a reading slump! The book is told from 4 character’s POV but it’s not difficult to follow. All in all, I enjoyed this!

Thank you to Rachel Cullen and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"An Upper West Side Story" by Rachel Cullen takes readers on a nostalgic journey through early 2000s Manhattan, where real estate plays a significant role in shaping relationships. The story follows the lives of Robin, Jessica, Tory, and Zach, whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Through the ups and downs of friendship, love, and personal growth, the characters discover the importance of chosen family and the power of a good dive bar in solving life's troubles.

The multiple points of view add depth to the narrative, allowing us to experience the story from different perspectives. While it takes a little adjustment to follow the shifting POVs, the heartwarming storyline and vivid portrayal of New York City make this a captivating read. Cullen's writing immerses you in the nostalgic charm of a time before smartphones and streaming services.

"An Upper West Side Story" is a delightful exploration of friendship and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a city that never sleeps. If you're seeking a feel-good read that transports you to the streets of Manhattan and leaves you longing for the camaraderie of chosen family, this book is a must-read.

A story about four people from Manhattan in 2004. A very interesting read. Would make a good TV series. Recommended

Blurbs for this had laboured on this being set before iPhones, Netflix, the internet boom etc. and whilst there are some plot lines, like Zach’s job that tie to that, in reality this story could have taken place in any time in the last 20years. It’s about friendship and the odd ways we bond with people over the oddest things when “finding” ourselves in those early years post college/university when everyone is working out who they are “professionally” speaking.

It was an easy and enjoyable read and elements of most of the characters are relatable.

One criticism, which I find with a lot of these lighter east reads, is the ending all wraps up very quickly very suddenly, but I think that’s a genre style choice.

Easy summer read publication July

Thanks @netgalley for early access

#bookreview #anupperwestsidestory #rachelcullen #manhattan #2004 #roommates #youngprofessionals #canyourecommendagoodbook #bookstagram

Nostalgic feel good novel exploring the lives of people in 2004 Manhattan. I really enjoyed reading about the main characters, Robin, Jessica, Tory but most of all Zach. What a sweetheart! It felt like reading a well loved sitcom and would be great if this book was turned into a film or TV series! This book leaves you feeling young and hopeful again, like being back in your 20s! Highly recommend and would be a good holiday read or filling your time on a lazy Sunday.

This book made me so nostalgic for the early 2000s; my roommate was my best friend, we had two other friends who were always over, cell phones were only just becoming cheap enough to use for non-emergencies, and we'd watch Sex and the City every Sunday night. While we weren't in Manhattan, the vibe is accurate for anyone who lived through those glory years! Each of the characters was someone I empathized with and I was hoping each one would get the ending they wanted. Just a delightful story set in a simpler time. I loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This was a fun read with a whole host of fun characters. With 4 POVs, it was a lot to keep track of at times and I often had to go back to figure out who was who.

It definitely reminded me a bit of a sitcom, a cross between Friends & HIMYM, 4 people living together in two apartments in very close proximity, going to the bar every night.

It was fun, but felt a little repetitive at times, I could have done without some of the routine of what they were having for dinner and watching on TV.

Loved Tory & Robin, though I was a bit more neutral on Jessica & Zach.

I received this ARC via Netgalley. This is my honest review.

"An Upper West Side Story" takes readers on a journey through Manhattan in the year 2004, delving into the lives of four individuals whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. The book explores the influence of real estate on relationships, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a time before the ubiquity of iPhones, Ubers, and Netflix streaming.

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read an advance reader's copy (ARC) of "An Upper West Side Story." Thank you for sharing this document and allowing me to experience the book before its official publication.

One notable aspect of the book is the multiple points of view (POVs) employed throughout the narrative. While the diverse perspectives provide a comprehensive view of the story, the abundance of POVs may prove confusing to some readers. The frequent shifts between characters' thoughts and experiences can occasionally disrupt the flow of the story, requiring readers to adjust and reorient themselves with each transition.

Despite this slight drawback, "An Upper West Side Story" manages to engage readers with its heartwarming portrayal of love, friendship, and the concept of chosen family.

In summary, "An Upper West Side Story" is an engaging read that offers a glimpse into the lives of four individuals navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth in Manhattan. While the abundance of POVs may pose a slight challenge for some readers, the heartwarming storyline and vivid setting make this book a worthwhile read for those seeking a nostalgic journey through early 2000s New York City.

I extend my thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Gossip Girl without with spiteful competitiveness.
We join a mismatched group trying to make it in new York. With different backgrounds, history's and outlooks we end up with a feel good story about friendship.
As the group find their way through a challenging few months they learn alot about each other as well as them selves.

This was a light and easy read. Short chapters and told from multiple POV’s. I had a hard time keeping the characters straight and really wasn’t invested in what happened to them. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved that it had short chapters and it feels like watching a tv show instead of reading a book.
I’m the beginning it was a bit hard to track which character you are reading about. After a couple of chapters you get used to it.

All the characters were likeable and I was curious to see how everything would play out. I enjoyed it!

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. Will recommend it to everyone I know!

This was alight read, at first it can be kind of difficult to follow because it does have alternating POVs with 4 in total. After getting used to the changing POVs, it was easy to follow and the characters were likable. Even though the characters were likeable, I didn't feel like I was invested in their dynamic, it was honestly kind of hard to keep up with who went with what. I really wanted to love this novel, but it honestly just fell a little flat for me.

This was such a fun read. It is easy, feel good and simple. In the beggining I was totally hooked, I couldn't put it down but through the middle it got a little slow.

I enjoyed the characters although they were lacking a bit of personal traits so sometimes I would mix them.
It is a nice story about friendship, second chances for friends and even parents, making a way of our own and trusting the process.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for the ARC.