The idea of this book really appealed to me but I had a lot of issues getting into this story. I just couldn't connect with the characters or the plot. It could be a it's not you, its me thing with this story. I think a lot of people will really love it.

One of the most enjoyable parts of reading "Piper Perish" was how cool of a book it was. The illustrations, the lettering of the chapters, the cover art, etc. It had the feel of picking up someone's actual journal, but without the worry they were going to walk through the door and catch you red handed at any second. I couldn't get a feel for that aspect of "Art Boss" reading it as an e-galley, but my hope is that the finished print product will be just as captivating as "Piper Perish" was. My fingers are crossed!

While "Art Boss" still focuses on Piper Perish, everything else has changed. She has graduated from high school and Texas to her first job in New York City. The book could almost be used as a tour guide to NYC - from the historic Webster Apartments for single women to various museums. The supporting characters have been recast as well. With the exception of Silas, all of Piper's best friends, overbearing unstable sisters, and failed romantic partners have been replaced. They're still there, but only by brief mention. It mirrors the real life transition of leaving your hometown and childhood friends for your first year of independence. That's right, Piper. Leave those ex-boyfriends in Texas where they belong.

While Piper has grown up a bit, I don't think the target age of the book has. I would put it on the younger side of YA. Art Boss does not work well as standalone novel, but it doesn't seem as if it was meant to. However, it's a good extension of "Piper Perish," although it is missing some of the more detailed descriptions of her outfits. If I don't know exactly what type of shoes Piper is wearing, is she even clothed?

Art Boss is the sequel to Piper Perish. I actually have not read Piper Perish but the premise of Art Boss intrigued me. Unfortunately, I just could not get into this novel. I didn't like the format of Piper writing in a journal. It felt a bit disjointed and hard to understand what was happening. The story just didn't engage me and I ended up not finishing the novel.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy new adult. It was interesting and quick read that I enjoyed.

*i was sent an e arc in exchange for an honest review.* all opinions are my own.
I really did not like this one. From the beginning I disliked Piper. I found her naïve and not relatable at all. Then we met Silas and something about him bothered me instantly. I didn’t like the way he treated Piper at all. The story got gradually better not not my favorite at all. Overall would not recommend unfortunately.

My New York is not your New York. Not my idea, I attribute it to Colson Whitehead. But it is extremely important to consider this theory because the most realistic part of this book was when Silas says to Piper, "You got your New York legs." People who aren't native to NYC do not keep pace when walking and Piper learns to keep up. Things move fast and so do the people. So fast that this book's innocence is really missing part of the key ingredient to adjusting to the pace of Manhattan. For me, this reads as a naive fantasy of the city. It is the kind of story that conjures illusions of what it means to become a New Yorker.
But, still, you do fall in love with Piper Perish and root for her to succeed.

It’s ironic that I’ve been reading lots of Young Adult literature now since I’m fifty. When I was a young adult, I was reading the Kinsey Report.

Anyway, I just had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Kayla Cagan’s Art Boss. It’s the second in a series about young female artist Piper Perish.

Piper’s a badass and so is author Cagan. I love the story set in New York City, cultural Mecca and rhythmic entity all its own. Piper takes the city, the art world and her life by storm. While doing so she wrestles with questions of her identity as an artist, what does she really want her voice to say, is making money and creating commercial art a betrayal of her muse, can she make a difference and still be famous, can she have meaningful relationships?

Cagan’s heroine is thoughtful, courageous, talented and bold. So is Art Boss, set for release October 2018 from Chronicle Books. Give it to all of the young women you know who dream of striking out on their own, being their limitless selves, making art and making a living. And, even if you’re a bit older, it’s a great read.