Introduction

“Written with heaps of humor and just as much heart, Limelight is a testament to the transformative power of good mothering, the magic of the stage and the allure of Manhattan—even if you arrive in a Ford explorer with Texas plates.” —The Washington Post

“When I saw the glamourous scene on this cover, I thought it might be an escape—and it was a hilarious one! ...This read was so fun! I laughed out loud at the over-the-top celebrity antics—it left me grateful for my low-drama life!” —First for Women

Best New Books You Should Read This Spring —PopSugar

In a smart and funny new novel by the author of the critically acclaimed, “big-hearted, charming” (The Washington Post) Small Admissions, a family’s move to New York City brings surprises and humor as their lives merge with the captivating world of Broadway.

Allison Brinkley—wife, mother, and former unflappable optimist—discovers that a carefully weighed decision to pack up and move her family from suburban Dallas to the glittery chaos of Manhattan may have been more complicated than she and her husband initially thought.

Allison learns that New York is unruly and bewildering, defying the notions she developed from romantic movies and a memorable childhood visit. After a humiliating call from the principal’s office and the loss of the job she was counting on, Allison begins to accept that New York may not suit her after all.

When Allison has a fender-bender, witnessed by a flock of mothers at her son’s new school, she is led to the penthouse apartment of a luxurious Central Park West building and encounters a spoiled, hungover, unsupervised teenager who looks familiar. It doesn’t take long to recognize him as Carter Reid—a famous pop star who has been cast in a new Broadway musical. Through this brush with stardom, Allison embraces a unique and unexpected opportunity that helps her find her way in the heart of Manhattan.

In a book that delivers laughs, warmth, and delightful wish fulfillment, Poeppel dives into celebrity culture and modern motherhood with her trademark “quick-witted and razor-sharp” (Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Maybe in Another Life) style.

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

Thereza: “I thought you hated the theater.”
Calvero: “I do. I also hate the sight of blood, but it’s in my veins.”
Charlie Chaplin
Limelight
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OUR FIRST MORNING IN NEW YORK CITY, before anyone else in the family had shown signs of life, I was up, surveying the situation. In bare feet and pajamas, mug of coffee in hand, I stood in the open doorway of our new apartment, wondering if you even use a doormat in a carpeted hallway. When I heard a creak down the hall, I ducked back inside before a man heading out with a pug under one arm and a newspaper under the other could spot me in my sleepwear. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

If you ended up in a position to help a famous, young celebrity, would you? What if he/she were rude to you? Would you stick around?


Why do you think Allison decides to help Carter? Is she tough enough on him? If not, why do you think that is?


What favorite movie would you choose stage on Broadway? Who would you cast in it?


What, if anything, does the turtle add to the book? Does Skittle reveal anything about Carter’s personality that you might not otherwise have seen?


Did you want Carter to succeed in his role in the Limelight musical? Why or why not?


Do you think the Brinkley family will spend the following Thanksgiving at Carter’s California house?

Weblinks

»	Author's web site
»	Author's web site

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by nikilynn (see profile) 08/20/19

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