That was not the ending I was expecting! Based on the beginning of the book, I had expected something completely different to happen. There were a lot of catty people in this novel, all trying to get what they wanted, no matter the cost to others. I look forward to reading more of Jessica's work in the future. ( )

Recommended: sure
For people who like reality tv shows, for female drama and secrets, definitely NOT for any kind of mystery aspect

Thoughts:
Well, I really thought this would be more of a mystery than it was. Told primarily in flashbacks, we are occasionally brought to the current time where Brett is dead, as is mentioned in the blurb. Most of the story, however, alternates viewpoints from the past where we learn about each of the women in the show and try to ferret out the complexities of their relationships. Each has their own secret that could pretty much destroy their business, making them cutthroat towards each other.

Although I knew the premise involved a reality tv show, I didn't think it would actually so closely mimic watching one. That's not something I'm interested in, so I was somewhat disappointed in the book as it was not at all what I expected. That said, it was still interesting and engaging, just not in the ways I had hoped.

The character relationships are all kinds of twisted. Every one of them is desperate to keep their business thriving, and to stay featured on the show that helps keep their business thriving. That's the heart of the matter we get here. How do they all scheme to put themselves forward? How do they bargain and blackmail and try to take the others down?

Although the mystery aspect was nothing what I expected (ie. a murder investigation, which really took a backseat and only came around to the forefront in the last few chapters), the secrets each women held were DEFINITELY shocks to me. Huge kudos for that, because I really did not see them coming! More than anything, that's what made this book still enjoyable for me: I truly did not know what to expect. I was kept hanging the whole way through.

But also, y'all, I didn't like a single character. They're all awful. I know that's the point; I know that's intentional; and Knoll hit that one out of the park. But if you like to have someone to cheer for in a book, be aware that it probably won't happen with this one.

Another aspect to be aware of is how stereotypical the women are. They're the epitome of manipulative, cruel women who fake their way through relationships and life. All about the image. Even the eventual reveal of details around Brett's death were sort of underwhelming for me. Personally, that bothers me. After reading [b:Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men|41104077|Invisible Women Data Bias in a World Designed for Men|Caroline Criado Perez|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550931169l/41104077._SY75_.jpg|64218580] I'm more aware of issues women face, and this book just played into it more.

PS: you should totally read [b:Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men|41104077|Invisible Women Data Bias in a World Designed for Men|Caroline Criado Perez|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550931169l/41104077._SY75_.jpg|64218580]. ( )

This is why I don't watch reality TV shows. ( )

[b:The Favorite Sister|45029561|The Favorite Sister|Jessica Knoll|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1555100882i/45029561._SY75_.jpg|58765059]
First of all, I really, really loved Luckiest Girl Alive. I know that book gets mixed reviews, but for me, it was wonderful.
Anyhow, The Favorite Sister was a decent read. Mostly, I enjoy Knoll's writing style. It is honest and uninhibited, which I like. I mean - she's really not afraid to say anything. So, bravo! But, the story did not enthrall me in the same manner as her previous novel. While the ending was dynamite and there were so many quotable lines that resonated, I didn't like any of the characters and I wasn't rooting for anyone. This really made it hard to keep picking up the book - I just did not care what happened to these women. They were all so fake - it made me sad because the idea of sisterhood even on tv was an interesting enough concept.
The whole story is ironic in that you have five women who are supposed to be model Millennials - women who are leading the pack and the face of feminism. But really, they are all hiding under a perceived successful facade, and in the end, it all comes down to jealousy over a man.
So while spouts of strong Feministic views are thrown out all over the place, the overall message does not scream female empowerment like I had thought it would. All and all a three-star read. Not the best this year.
( )

DNF ( )