Cover Image: The Cast

The Cast

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I really enjoyed this current day, captivating novel! A relatable, colorful group of characters, best friends since childhood, supporting each other through ups and down realities and life events. Emotionally charged and a true page turner. Thank you NetGalley for this advance reader copy, all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Twenty-five years ago 4 best friends make a video tape in the same style as Saturday Night Live to help Becca, heal from a very serious illness. They will meet to celebrate Becca’s recovery and face the consequences of how Becca's illness affected all of them. I loved the book, even If I didn’t agree with Becca forgiving her husband, he was honest with her but I thought he was a shallow jerk.I highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

This is one EXCELLENT read!!! A story, full of heart, about 5 childhood friends, who have stayed in touch through the years, this book made me both laugh out loud, and cry. I found it totally engrossing.

Amy Blumenfeld does an admirable job of building complex, fully human characters, with good and bad aspects, that I feel as if I know each one of them. I want to be part of The Cast!!

The title comes from a video Jordana, Lex, Holly and Seth made in 9th grade in the vein of Saturday Night Live to cheer up the other gear in their group, Becca, who is hospitalized with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Now, 25 years later, Jordana is getting the group (& spouses/significant others) together over the 4th of July weekend to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Becca's cure. The story richly is told from the alternating POVs of all five of the group, as well as Nolan, Becca's husband.

The celebratory weekend does not go as joyously or as smoothly as planned. Each of the group brings his/her own story and baggage with them. A lot has happened to and among each and all of them in the years since 9th grade.

This book covers a lot of deep subjects beautifully; illness, loss, infertility, jealousy, love, regrets, choices, LIFE!

Please DO NOT miss this read!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Spark Press for allowing me the privilege of reading an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The description of this book and any review I will write will never do this book the justice it deserves. Wow, what an amazing read! While the underlying theme of friendship and the lengths we go to to protect a friend are strong, the bigger issue of REAL LIFE is so well represented. I devoured this book so quickly—I just had to know what happened next.

Without giving spoilers—I HATED Nolan, cried for Holly, and celebrated Lexi. As for Jordana and Becca, I think we could all hope for a bond that strong.

I received an advance copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The Cast is a story about long-lasting friendships and the ups and downs of life. This story is a slice of life that could happen to anyone, which makes it so much more intriguing. The characters in this story face so many tragedies and become stronger and closer because of it. This is a great debut novel!

Was this review helpful?

This is a story of long-term friendship, something which we don't always see good examples of in today's world. It shows the ups and downs and what it means to have true friends in your life. Becca beats cancer as a teenager, and is still dealing with the aftermath as an adult. She realizes throughout the story that she and her parents were not the only ones affected by her illness; it also made a lasting impact on her friend group. As they reunite as adults, these consequences start coming out in good and bad ways. I really liked the characters in the story, even their not-so-good sides at times. They were well-developed and easy to know. I will recommend this to friends and family, but I don't think my high school students would enjoy it much.

Was this review helpful?

The Cast is a bit of The Big Chill with Friends mixed in! I loved this story of childhood friends dealing with all the problems in adult life, health issues, marriage, jobs and children. Amy Blumenfeld’s writing made me feel that these characters were MY friends! The Cast is a must read from a debut author!

Was this review helpful?

I had a difficult time engaging with this book. It could be where I was in my reading life, but the premise felt off and not enough to sustain the book. I usually finish books I start, but I picked this one up and put it down many times and never finished.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I always enjoy stories about old friends reconnecting and rekindling their bond a la “The Big Chill.” This book had the diverse characters, the complicated dynamics, and the unique setting (for the most part) of a weekend away - the perfect formula. The story however, focused more on the one-to-one relationships amongst certain friends within the group, as well as the strength of relationships amongst significant others, rather than the power of the group as a whole. This was fine, though perhaps a little misleading given the title. I actually found the sub-plot regarding acceptance and assertiveness of self-definition and worth even more thoughtful than the friendship and relationship arc. While there were some very surprising plot twists and resolutions,, this was an overall contemplative novel..

Was this review helpful?

4.5 wonderful stars for The Cast!

I am hands down a sucker for books about friendship that evolve over time and take place from multiple perspectives (The Interestings, anyone?!?) and when I learned that this was going to be the format of The Cast, I was immediately interested. Blumenfeld does a wonderful job of giving voices to each of the characters that really let the differences in each of their personalities shine. I loved seeing how the relationships changed over the years from childhood to present day in this group of friends.

I can't wait to see what comes next from this new-to-me author who is now cemented on my must-read list!

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars— The Cast by Amy Blumenfeld

Meet The Cast! Five friends who grew up together, but unlike others were thrown a huge curveball when Becca was diagnosed with cancer as a teen. Now older and “wiser” Jordana sets up a 25 year from the day Becca was cleared party. With this, each member of the cast brings baggage that includes love, anger, resentment, and their own issues.

Personally, I enjoyed this book. The timeline at times felt a bit redundant and the relationships were not as deep as are Ensemble, but I liked it. I found that none of the characters were overdone or over saturated. Each one had a necessary role in The Cast and to be honest, I would not have ommitted a single one. Blumenfeld wove the needs and sufferings of each group member perfectly. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good reunion story.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this wonderful book about five friends and as well as some of their spouses. The have been friends since they were kids. Together each was affected by one of the five’s childhood cancer and they gather for a reunion 25 years later. Several of them deal with life changing issues. However this book was pleasantly in no way soap opera-y. A great read and I enjoyed the references/settings to New York, the Berkshires and Highland Park, IL as well as some Jewish culture..

Was this review helpful?

When Becca is diagnosed with Hodgkin’s’ lymphoma as a teenager, her friends film an SNL parody (Becca Night Live) to help cheer her up. As the credits roll, they name themselves “The Cast” and wish her well. Becca notices her friends (Jordana, Seth, Holly, and Lex) aren’t quite themselves, and her friends can’t help but be affected by Becca’s struggle – starting with her bald head and the tubes in her arms. Becca means as much to them as they do to her.

Flash forward 25 years, and The Cast has decided to get together for a weekend to celebrate Becca’s continued remission. However, just days before the trip, things begin to fall apart in one way of another for each of the character. They all do end up spending the weekend together, but conflict and emotions run high
.
I really enjoyed “The Cast.” It’s rare when a whole group of friends remain close through high school, college and beyond. However, Amy Blumenfeld paints a rich picture of just how affected these teens were when their friend got sick. Jordana becomes a fierce friend who is very determined to always make things work, Seth becomes somewhat lost and takes quite a while to find out who he is and what he wants, Lex obtains the pretty picture of suburban wife and mother only to find out she was never really sure it was what she wanted, and Holly becomes steeped in faith and the struggle to become a mother. Told from each character’s perspective, this story never got boring or redundant. Each voice is quite different from all the others.

While many of the characters had conflicting issues, friend ship was paramount over all else. They were fiercely loyal to each other, even when those teenage doubts that one is never completely free of creep in. Becca’s husband Nolan has a big issue with one of Becca’s decision, and even though her friends agree with Becca, they are careful not to alienate Nolan, and try to see his side as well. I loved how complex these characters are and how loyal they are to each other, even though they have all changed.

This book would be great for women 35+ and book clubs. I was given a preview of The Cast by NetGalley for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars

This is a moving emotional book about five people from the start of their friendships as children up to their forties. It is a look at how a childhood illness can have a ripple effect on these friendships for years to come.

A debut book that was enjoyable. I will definitely be watching for more books from this author.

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I tend to gravitate toward books about groups of friends who have stuck it out through thick and thin, so naturally I requested to read The Cast by Amy Blumenfeld from NetGalley.

The basic plot is that Becca's friends made a video for her twenty-five years ago in the vein of SNL called "Becca Night Live," to cheer her up while she was in the hospital receiving cancer treatment. Fast forward a quarter-century and Becca's friend Jordana plans the ultimate reunion for The Cast. Everyone makes plans to attend; then, of course, as in real life, things begin to happen to thwart even Jordana's carefully planned reunion.

Thankfully, this novel has plenty of twists and turns among the alternating POV chapters, and not much at all was predicatable. Blumenfeld kept me guessing quite a bit, and that's no small feat.

One of my favorite parts was the incorporation of a character who had chosen a life in the Orthodox Jewish community. I am blessed to know an Orthodox family, so to see that lifestyle so respectfully represented was wonderful.

I recommend this novel for fans of friend-group reunion stories. You won't be disappointed.
_____
FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

There’s more than one love story in here, but more than anything this is a book about the love of good friends. At fifteen, Becca had cancer. She survived, and twenty-five years later, her friends gather to celebrate her life, and commemorate that time they made her a skit show they cleverly titled Becca Night Live. Some of the cast of that epic production get a lot of attention in this book, a few of them remain in the background so much it’s easy to forget their names. Probably just like in real life. There are characters to love, some to pity, some to hate (Boo! Hiss! Nolan!) and there is a lot of talk of Jewish traditions, which is just wonderful. It’s a book to make you grateful for the friends you have, make you wonder if you should think about making more, and it’s about surviving tragedy, and what that does to you and everyone around you. A thought-provoking, but also very enjoyable, and even quite amusing, read. – Clara Shipman

4 1/2 stars

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #2, out July 3

Was this review helpful?

LOVED THIS BOOK!

This emotionally packed novel follows a group of friends years later on the anniversary of Becca Night Live. Vividly written and thoroughly executed this story painted wonderful imagery and resonates in my heart on what I believe is a timely novel for all ages to read.

Was this review helpful?

3.75/5 stars

The Cast is a wonderful and emotional story of friendship, illnesses and loss. I think it would be perfect for bookclubs - there is a lot to discuss in here! I'd especially recommend this book to be read in the month of October - if you read this, you will know why. Hint, no not because of Halloween.

​The cover caught my eye - I loved the greens and the blues, and the casual prettiness of it. And for the cover whore like me - thats an important aspect of the book.

​I do have to say that The Cast deals with some heavy topics, although it handles them with a gentle hand. But if anybody out there is as much of a hypochondriac as I am - beware.

Before I talk about the cast (get it?) I wanted to mention quickly that this book is very rich on jewish traditions and customs - which was so great to read, because I feel like I've learned so much. It was also nice, because to be honest I haven't seen many books out there featuring jewish characters (besides the ones set in time of WWII of course).

​There are quite a few alternating points of view, but the main focus is on Becca. A childhood cancer survivor. I was rooting for Becca all the way through.
​Nolan, well in my book Nolan can jump up his own ass and die! For me there was no redemption for him. I understand what his point of view meant to portray, but I just couldn't get on board with it.
​Jordana was next after Nolan in her annoyingness, although I might have disliked her so much because I saw pieces of myself in her. Jordana's ocd and constant need to control and micromanage everything showed me that maybe some of my tendencies in life aren't pretty.
Holly, oh Holly. I absolutely adored her. There was not enough of her in the first part of the book, but later she became the central figure and oh my goodness that was tough to bear.
Lex was fun to read about and surprisingly I totally understood and supported where she came from, and why she did hat she did.
Seth was alright, but his POV was kinda annoying, mostly because his inner dialog was so childish I had to keep rolling my eyes.
​Adam and Sal did not have enough page time , especially Sal - I feel like I even don't know Sal at all.

This was a solid 4 star read all the way through, but the ending did feel rushed and a bit unfinished so down to 3.75 it went. I realize that this was supposed to be one of "life goes on" endings, but I still felt like I needed some more closure.

​I am very happy that I read this - it just randomly caught my eye on Netgalley, and surprise books often turn out to be the best books.

Big thanks to Get Red PR, SparkPress and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book. All opinions are my own, honest and come from the heart.

Was this review helpful?

My Review of “The Cast” by Amy Blumenfeld , GetRedPr Sparkpress August 14,2018

OMG! WOW! I loved everything about “The Cast” by Amy Blumenfeld. Kudos to Amy Blumenfeld for her storytelling and her vivid descriptions and colorful cast of characters. I was captivated and enthralled with this emotionally charged intense novel. The Genres for this Novel are Fiction and Women’s Fiction. The story takes place twenty five years before in the past, and the present.

The characters in this story are complex, complicated, emotional, confused, loyal, and flawed, which adds substance to the story. Twenty five years ago, a group of ninth graders make a video to cheer up Becca, their classmate who has cancer, and is in the hospital. They make the video in the style of Saturday Night Live. This video is significant throughout this story.

Now in the present, it is twenty-five years later, and the entire cast of friends are celebrating Becca’s life. A very good friend of Becca’s has made copies of DVD’s for each person as a gift of the original tape. Becca’s daughter enjoys watching this slap-stick comedy that her friends had put together. What the friends don’t realize is that from all the radiation that Becca had, she now has a diagnosis of breast cancer, which seems to be contained with surgery.

Becca appreciates life and knows she will have the surgery but is thinking long and hard about reconstructive plastic surgery and the complications. Her husband doesn’t understand Becca’s reaction. Becca’s husband also feels at time as an out-cast to the group of friends.

As the friends are to get together, each one has their own dramatic problems to deal with. Wrong decisions are made, and wrong conclusions are made. This is a novel that looks at deep and loyal friendship that withstands time, and the ups and downs in life. I love and appreciate that the author brings up such a difficult topic of cancer with such dignity and class. She also discusses the importance of emotional support, family, friendship, forgiveness, love, faith and hope. I would highly recommend this novel to readers that enjoy women’s fiction. There are some Kleenex moments. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A group of friends reuniting for a weekend at the same time as Breast Cancer has returned for one of the main reasons “the cast” exists. That’s the basis of this story. I wasn’t expecting such complex characters to come out of this story. I wasn’t expecting the husband of the woman with Breast Cancer to be such a jerk. Basically I wasn’t expecting this book to be as meaty and good as it was.

Was this review helpful?