A modern day Facebook age tale reminiscent of Bright Young Things and The Talented Mr. Ripley. The question at times is who is the true stalker? Lavinia is the wealthy party girl who takes Louise under her wing and the social life is cleverly chronicled by the author by selfies and Facebook likes. There is a tongue in cheek humor to the party themes that offsets the creepiness of the relationship of the two young women. A fun suspenseful read recommended by the New York Times Book Review that I devoured in one sitting.

Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley

With a cover that practically screams 'Look at me!' and a blurb that piques the interest, I expected a hard to put down, psychological thriller. Sadly, putting this one down is all I wanted to do almost from the very beginning.

For me, a good thriller should have that nail-biting, what's gonna happen next element that keeps a reader on the edge of their seat. I didn't find any of that here. What I did find was a somewhat frenetic writing style and an over the top storyline. The biggest drawback for me were the characters. I didn't find a single likable character in the book - not even among the secondary characters. There's not a redeeming quality in any of them. Maybe this was intentional and I just missed something, but I couldn't even drum up some sympathy for the dead girl.

With all the hype and the number of four and five-star reviews, I'm clearly in the minority on this one, but it's clearly not the book for me.

Social Creature has earned comparisons to Patricia Highsmith, Gillian Flynn, Bret Easton Ellis and Donna Tartt—and I can see all of them, but this dark and propulsive debut reminded me most of Caroline Kepnes. It’s sharp, acerbic, over the top, and compulsively readable in a way that I can only compare to “YOU.”

Frumpy, introverted Louise’s life is turned upside-down when she meets Lavinia, a dazzling, wealthy free spirit. Louise becomes sucked into Lavinia’s world of lavish parties and reckless behavior, giving up all of her responsibilities to fill the coveted role of closest confidante for such an enigmatic person.

But the omniscient narration makes it clear early on that none of this can sustain itself, and even this ominous foreshadowing will never prepare readers for what’s to come.

The rapid pacing and addictive story line set this one up to be one of the summer’s hottest beach reads. Once I started reading, I was just as consumed as Louise was with her new life, and could hardly put it down until I reached the fateful end.

Social Creature is a dark thriller that also serves as a sharp indictment of the shallow Instagram culture fueled by wealthy, attractive young 20-something socialites. There’s a certain element of schadenfreude in watching unlikable people spiral downward as they do here. I’m giving this 5 stars for being such a satisfying contribution to the psychological thriller genre.

This riveting psychological thriller was unputdownable. It was completely engrossing and terrifying. At first I was reminded of The Great Gatsby. This book was full of glitz and glamor, narcissistic & self-centered characters, and colorful party scenes. I didn’t like any of the characters. They were all pretty awful, yet I couldn’t stop reading. Initially, Louise’s fascination with Lavinia reminded me of Nick’s attraction to Jay Gatsby, but it quickly turned much darker. This deeply disturbing psychological thriller was vivid and clever. An excellent debut novel. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Doubleday and Tara Isabella Burton for the opportunity to read this book. I'm sure this will be one of those books that people will either love or hate but I'm giving it 4 stars for the creepy writing and the social media take.

Lavinia is a rich socialite, living in NYC on a break from school with more money from mommy and daddy in the bank than is good for her. Louise fled to NYC to get away from her boyfriend and family - she wants to be a writer and is barely scraping by with 3 different part-time jobs. When the two meet and start an unlikely friendship, things get complicated. Lavinia is so needy and Louise wants to be loved and needed as well.

One of the most interesting things about this book was the social media aspect. Everything that happens is portrayed online and events are staged online just to project a certain image and agenda. If it doesn't happen online, does it happen? Or if it's happening online, is it happening in real life? Very intriguing.

While the characters are all basically unlikeable, I thought the writing was great and feel like there would be lots to discuss about this book with the right group!

I have seen this book making its way around the internet. I just had to check it out. Well, I am going to say that I was not overly excited about this book but it was not bad either. There was something about it that kept me reading and hanging on until the very last page. This is a feat as I didn't find the characters endearing or the storyline that intriguing. In fact, I thought that the characters for the most part were too self absorbed for my own taste and people I would not want to hang out with or be friends with.

Louise was too desperate to want to hang out and be like Lavinia. This was sad as I got to know who Lavinia really was, her life was one big 'show'. Yet, this story is realistic in the fact that we are all human and can't help but compare ourselves to others that we think have a better life. However, if you strip away the "filters and photoshopping" on the internet, you will find that no one is perfect.

It was amazing that everyone just went along with Louise's explanation of what happened to Lavinia. Again "self absorbed". As I stated previously that author, Tara Isabella Burton has a way with storytelling that makes me want to read more from this author.

3.5 stars. Two bff’s party in decadent New York City. One of them, Lavinia, has it all—the beauty, the glamorous friends, beautiful clothes, a gorgeous apartment, a wild social life, and the bank account. The other, Louise, has no friends, no social life, no money, no self confidence, and is struggling with three jobs to make ends meet. Lavinia befriends Louise and introduces her to a new, exciting life style. All is fantastic . . . until it isn’t. Totally manipulative, deceptive, unlikable characters doing outrages things made for a crazy, quick read with an unexpected ending.

I received an ARC of this through netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I wanted to really like this book, I did like it but not as I had hoped I would. It fell short to me with the main characters. Lavina just didn't feel real. Maybe she was just too much of a spoiled obnoxious bitch for me to find her to be real. And Louise...ugh just so mousy on the outside and I really didn't get a clear read of her true nature...not until closer to the end of the story. I guess they seemed to fill each other's neediness which made them a good pair.
The story was alright, at times a little run on and on. All together it didn't hold my interest which is too bad. It is quirky and does show a little bit of fun and definitely made good of the social electronic ways of the world today but not something I think I would ever purchase or recommend.

Not something I typically pick up but I enjoyed the ride as I read it. Fast paced and interesting character development.

FIRST SENTENCE: "The first party Lavinia takes Louise to, she makes Louise wear one of her dresses."

THE STORY: Louise came to the city to become a great writer, but working a variety of menial jobs has worn her down. Then she meets the extraordinary Lavinia and her life takes off.

WHAT I THOUGHT: This may make you think of The Talented Mr. Ripley, but it is not exactly that. It definitely is different in style employing 'selfies' and other social media conventions to comment on what's happening in the story as well as the brief sentences we use to communicate on social media.

The psychological suspense creates a sense of dread in the reader. Other reviewers have mentioned Gillian Flynn and Donna Tartt and although I've read and loved both those authors I have to say that Tara Isabella Burton has created something uniquely her own in this story.

None of the characters are very nice. The story is dark, addictive, and not for the squeamish; but it is impossible not to be fascinated by the decadent lifestyle of the young and beautiful in New York.

BOTTOM LINE: Everybody will be reading this book this summer. It has already appeared on lists of best reads. Did I mention I devoured this book in two days? (It is not however for the squeamish.)

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Doubleday (June 5, 2018)
ISBN-10: 0385543522
ISBN-13: 978-0385543521

DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of Social Creature: A Novel by Tara Isabella Burton from NetGalley/Doubleday Books for my honest review.

TARA ISABELLA BURTON is a writer of fiction and non-fiction. Winner of the Shiva Naipaul Memorial Prize for Travel Writing, she completed her doctorate in 19th century French literature and theology at the University of Oxford and is a prodigious travel writer, short story writer and essayist for National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist's 1843 and more. She currently works for Vox as their Religion Correspondent, lives in New York, and divides her time between the Upper East Side and Tbilisi, Georgia. She is also at work on a nonfiction book on cults. Her first novel, Social Creature, is forthcoming from Doubleday in June.

One of the most wonderful books I have read in a long time. Riveting, luminous and intelligent. Cannot wait to see what the author does next.

I totally pictured this book as a movie with Emma Roberts in the lead. Pop culture enough to make it relevant, complex enough to make it more than just a "beach read".

What a crazy book! I mean crazy in the best way, like, that shit was crazy!

I will never ever forget the bizarre world[author:Tara Isabella Burton|1409282] shares with us in Social Creatures.

Fact: NO ONE is likable and I'm ok with that!

You know how I complain that all the new popular "psychological thrillers" that are being churned out aren't very thrilling? Well, this book really is thrilling! My anxiety level was so high a few times and I never knew what could possibly happen next. No stupid twist in the end was needed. It was just smart and weird and I'm obsessed with it.

Some readers might be turned off by the pretentious characters, I kept thinking, wow these friends are boring (eye roll emoji) but that's all part of the world Burton has created, just roll with it because it's worth the ride.

Insufferable. This book is as shallow as its characters. I had to force myself to get through a third of it and at that point decided not to waste any more time on it.

Louise is your introvert who has moved to New York City in an effort to chase her dreams. She gets by by writing for GlaZam , SAT tutoring, and being a barista. Louise’s story is one we’ve all heard before, reminiscent of HBO’s “Girls.” Louise’s life soon transforms when she is introduced to her new SAT tutoring client, Cordelia, sister of socialite-ex-actress-writer-on-sabbatical-free-spirited-whimsical-nomadic Lavinia. Lavinia hasn’t a care in the world, to her, life is one big party you simply must live to the fullest.
A friendship blossoms between Louise and Lavinia, the girls become inseparable. Lavinia introduces Louise to a life of absolute splendor, decadent parties every night, the most eclectic friends, operas, and sneaking in to New York’s landmarks. For Louise, this life is a fairytale, something she would likely never experienced on her own. Lavinia seems to have it all, a life of luxury and glam, but don’t let that fool you. Lavinia will go to extreme measures in an effort to not be alone. Soon, since they spend so much time together already, why not move in together. Louise doesn’t flinch at the prospect of free-rent. But don’t get too attached to Lavinia, she dies soon.
At a party Louise meets Rex, a person she finally connects with and feels she actually belongs, rather than being a fly on the wall of Lavinia’s life. Come to find out, Rex is actually Lavinia’s first love who then, clearly becomes forbidden fruit.
If there’s an anthem for this book, it’s Lana del Rey’s “This is What Makes Us Girls.” Don’t let me mislead you, this is dark and suspenseful book. A book about consequences and explores how manipulative social media can be. How far will we go to conceal the things we’ve done? How far will good intentions take us?
This book was phenomenal! I devoured it quickly. I’m not usually interested in modern novels with the mention of social media and modern life in New York City, but this book is an exception. It’s writing is whimsical, raw, and blunt.
Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for providing an ARC of this magnificent novel. Thank you Tara Isabella Burton for crafting a story that’s captivating and brilliant in every way.

With thanks to Doubleday and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of Tara Isabella Burton's Social Creature in exchange for honest review, I have to say I don't get what the hype is about. Maybe I'm not the target demographic for this? But really, I found little to like, although I do think the look at how our reliance on digital media to define our lives is impacting society in general and relationships in particular is well done.

Two characters, both young women. Lavinia is sort of Paris Hilton in the 90s. She hires Louise, who is poor and very needy, to prep her younger sister for the SAT exam. Lavinia is an entitled rich girl lacking in common sense or empathy, and she basically overwhelms Louise, immersing her in the rich lifestyle that she and her family lead and Louise aspires to. So, Louise gets to find out just how much she will put up with the keep living that lifestyle.

Seriously, I didn't care about anyone in this book. I could only assume Lavinia was so popular because she had lots of parasitic “friends,” but still...I just wanted it to be over. I kept thinking of other things (grocery lists, vacation plans, whatever) while reading – oh, and I hated the ending. I've read a bit about it that makes me wonder if I am just feeling cranky –clearly I am in the minority in my opinion of this book. Two stars.

Louise is poor. Lavinia is not. Lavinia takes Louise under her wing. Lavinia is young, lacking in common sense, with a very aggrandized sense of herself. Louise sees an opportunity and takes it. How much would you put up with to live the rich lifestyle? And what would you do to maintain it?

First warning - The characters here are all unlikable. Lavinia, especially, was just so obnoxious, so pretentious, so needy it was hard to see why she was so popular. The supposedly so desirable lifestyle comes off as empty. I came close to putting this book down several times. I really kept with it just to see how things would play out.

Second warning - the blurb says the book is propulsive. But I found parts of it a real slog. And I found the ending extremely unsatisfying.

The book does an interesting job in presenting the digital life in all its fake glory.

Maybe I’m just too old for this. It’s getting a lot of buzz and a lot of good reviews. I am definitely in the minority.

My thanks to netgalley and Doubleday for an advance copy of this book.

I understand the Talented Mr. Ripley comparisons. What can one do when they're in too deep? I found the naivety of the main character, Louise, relatable at times. That feeling of knowing you should walk away but the fear of regret stopping you. The look into class disparity was interesting. I wish we saw more of Louise's home life growing up. The wealth of one's parents has lasting effects on both sides of the spectrum. I was honestly hoping this was going to go the way of that fake heiress story in vanity fair. This was a fast read. I think the comparisons they're using to sell the story are going to leave readers disappointing. It isn't as crazy or dark as it is made out to be. All the drama stems from desperation.

I don't think I've ever read a novel quite like this one. The prose is incredible and propelling and feels like someone is telling you the story. This is written in a fantastic manner that enhances the suspense and the excitement and the creepy factor. It captivates you by relating to the good and honest impulses we all have, and then shows you how nobody is purely good or purely evil, leaving you wondering what happened. This is a great book to add to your list, especially if you enjoyed the grit and twists of Gone Girl, the gossipy fun of Gossip Girl, and the chaotic personalities on reality tv.

Lavinia is a social creature and Lulu is not, at least not at the beginning of Social Creature, a psychological thriller in the tradition of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” with a touch of “Single White Female.” Louise is approaching thirty and stretched thin, working three jobs to scrape together enough to keep living in New York City which is all that remains of her dreams and ambitions. She meets Lavinia who overwhelms her with her joie de vivre. Of course, joie de vivre is a bit easier when your wealthy parents provide a luxurious apartment and wealth.

Lavinia is more a bon viveur than a bon vivant and her frequent parties and binges with Louise soon begin to impinge on Louise’ ability to work. Louise perceives the risks of this relationship, that Lavinia matters more to her than she does to Lavinia. This is brought home when she meets the needy and desperately ingratiating MiMi, discovering that she is the next in a series of “best friends” that Lavinia has adored and dropped, but it’s too late for Louise, who has given up her ratty, but rent-controlled apartment, lost her jobs, and is secretly making ends meet by using Lavinia’s ATM card. We know what is coming because the author Tara Isabella Burton announces that Lavinia is not making it to the end of the book quite early. In fact, as much of the story is devoted to how Louise keeps Lavinia alive, social creature that she is, long after she’s swimming with the fishes.



Social Creature is one of those books that is filled with horrible people, self-indulgent, narcissistic, selfish, and mean people. The reader is put in the uncomfortable position of liking the killer the most, at least this reader did. The love interest, Rex, seems so perfect, but he’s a bit of a double-dealing snake. Lavinia’s milieu is filled with horrible people. Nonetheless, Burton makes us care what happens, or at least makes us desperate to know what happens next.

The book is fast-paced and engrossing. It kept me up reading to the end, wondering when and, more urgently, how Louise will be found out. There’s a sly humor, particularly with the moments of foreshadowing that let us know Lavinia will soon be dead. I know that sounds ghoulish, but it’ s not. It’s sly.

Social Creature will be released on June 5th. I received an e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley.

Social Creature at Doubleday | Penguin Random House
Tara Isabella Burton author site