WOW! Fabulous historical fiction! A great coming of age/life-changing story of Max and Vivi; two girls with big dreams who meet at the iconic 1939/40 world's Fair. A tale of female friendship & support. In a time when women were often told what to do & how to act or not to act, Vivi & Max support one another, summoning their inner courage to realize their potential & reach their dreams! Pic shows my 1904 world's Fair antiquing find ️ Fab book!

After reading The Subway Girls I knew that I had found an author that I would read anything that she wrote. I was so thrilled to receive an ARC of We Came Here to Shine from the publisher. I was immediately drawn to this book also because of its stunning cover.

I knew little to nothing about the 1939 New York's World Fair. I found the story about the fair fascinating. The description in the book made me wish I could have attended and walked around. I love that Susie Orman Schnall writes books about events in our past that are so little known.

This is a story about two women who separately found themselves working at the World's Fair in NYC. Neither woman choose the job but they were told they were working there by men who were their superiors.

Once again, Susie Orman Schnall brought us a story that I will not soon forget.

I received an ARC of this book. All thought and opinions are my own.

Loved this book!! I am so glad to finally read a historical fiction book that is not centered around a war. I had pretty much given up on that genre until this book.

Two worn from different coast are brought together at the 1939 Worlds Fair. Max is a journalist student at NYU and ViVi is an aspiring actress in California sent to be the star attraction in the Aquacade swim show. Both women have different obstacles that they are facing and they become friends and allies.

This was such a timely book in respects to women trying to break into male dominated fields and facing men with power using intimidation to get what they want.

I loved the Worlds Fair as the setting. Making me wish I had been around to see it.

St. Martin’s Griffin #freereviewcopy

This story features strong women, friendships, and striving to get ahead. Max and Vivi are so different, yet they both want to be taken seriously and desire to have control of their future. I think that the World’s Fair in 1939 was a fantastic place for a plot. I also liked how these women were so different, and both of their stories worked well within this setting.

I did struggle with the overall story, though, because nothing big really happens. I think I had different expectations of the story than what it was truly about. I did find the middle got a little slow, but I did enjoy the faster paced ending.

I received a free electronic copy of this ARC from Netgalley, Susie Orman Schnall, and St. Martin's Press - Griffin. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I love everything I have read written by Susie Orman Schnall. All are unique tales in historically accurate, well-pictured settings and memorable, well-balanced protagonists, stories to savor immerse yourself in.

Maxine Roth is a confident, accomplished journalism student in NYC, looking at her last year of schooling in the fall. She will be doing a summer program set up by her college professor where his students work in the local publishing field - ending with a competition wherein students submit their best, published summer stories and the coverage considered the most balanced and well-written will result in a year's free tuition. Max's father has recently lost his long-term job and if she doesn't get a scholarship of some sort she will have to quit school. Hoping for a spot with the NY Times, she is instead granted a job with the daily paper of the 1939 Queens World's Fair, Today at the Fair. This was a job assignment that because of the misogynistic discrimination of her editor Hugh Collier will result in Max doing scheduling and grunt work all summer, with absolutely no opportunity for her to write any articles. All of the stories will be written by her fellow student Charlie Hull.

Vivi Holden, born Alessia Russo and raised in NYC, is a Hollywood contract actress with WorldWide Films Studio with a couple of small movie roles under her belt, looking forward to moving up in the movie hierarchy with a larger, more juicy role in the fall. But first, because of her extensive swimming competition efforts in high school, she will be 'loaned' to east coast producer Billy Rose, filling in for an injured Eleanor Holm as the female lead of the 1939 New York World's Fair Aquacade, a water ballet in a pool the size of a football field and a venue that would seat ten thousand people. Vivi would be playing opposite Johnny Weissmuller, an accomplished Olympic swimmer and movie star of 'Tarzan' fame. She was scheduled to go through two weeks of rehearsal for the very complicated routine, which is turned into four days upon her arrival in New York City. Estranged from her only relatives, her sister Maria, brother-in-law Frank, and little Sophia, Vivi also intensely feels totally cut off from boyfriend Gabe and California friends as she works frantically to learn the routines involved in the water ballet.

These two young ladies, both disappointed in the cards they were dealt in the summer of 1939, work their way through personal difficulties, a world looking at imminent war, and family angst. And they find, in the search for their way, the true grit that makes them strong women in a man's world... And a great hope for the future, as envisioned at the 'World of Tomorrow', 1939 New York World's Fair.

Max is a young lady struggling to make it in journalism. She loses the internship she wanted at the New York Times to a man. She was given the internship at the Worlds Fair news paper. Not exactly what she wanted at all.

Vivi is an up and coming actress and she is replaced in film. She is then sent to NYC to perform in the Aquacade show at the Worlds Fair. She is under the impression that if she does this, she will be given a starring role in a film in the fall.

These two ladies struggle to overcome the male world during 1939. They are both unique characters in unique situations. I loved each storyline and the author did a great job melding them together. And the historical setting of the Worlds Fair is amazing.

This is great story about friendship, feminism, and strength with a good bit of history thrown into the mix. Grab your copy today. You will not be disappointed!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Although I have read many Historical Fiction novels set in New York, I have never read one that focused on the 1939 World's Fair. I think the concept of such an event can't even be imagined in today's world. It would be like a Pop-Up Epcot Center in New York! We Came Here to Shine, by Susie Orman Schnall, puts the reader in this amazing place in such a convincing way, that I felt like I could walk around the Fair and see all the wonders of it. That being said, I wish the author had included more of the social ills of the time, to round out the picture. Because, for some, life in 1935 was certainly no day at the Fair.

What I Liked:
Setting:
Both Max and Vivi work in different capacities at the World's Fair. Max works behind the scenes for the Fair's daily newspaper, while Vivi is front and center as the headliner of the elaborate Aquacade show. This gives the author ample opportunity to show just how complex an operation this was.

Who knew that a World's Fair would even have its own newspaper? The level of coordination between the many departments within the Fair for special events, such as the visit from the King and Queen of England, showed what a massive undertaking was at hand.

For Vivi, the Aquacade show was the ultimate theatrical production, with costumes, music, comedy acts, special effects, and complicated choreographed swim routines. Vivi is thrown into this world where she literally has to sink or swim to stardom! This came with all the usual personal dramas among cast and crew. It would have been such an exciting production.

Characters:
I really liked both Max and Vivi. While both young women were determined to succeed in their chosen career, they had opposite types of approaches. Max was very confrontational. This was helpful as a woman trying to make it in a workplace filled with men. But it also meant she put some people off with her impatience, and made it hard for her to form alliances with others.

Vivi knew how to get along with others. She made friends, and had a reputation for being easy to work with. Her issue was that she was reluctant to rock the boat. She was far too trusting that her bosses had her best interests at heart.

I loved how the two women became friends and helped each other with their challenges.

Story:
The story follows how Max and Vivi each work through setbacks that happen at the beginning of the novel. Max doesn't get her dream internship at the New York Times. Instead she is placed in a clerical post at the World's Fair newspaper where her boss prevents her from doing any writing. Vivi was set to begin filming her first big movie role, but instead was sent to New York to work (albeit, star) in the Aquacade.

I liked how the resolved itself. Everything did not work out perfectly for our main characters. Instead, they learned more about themselves and realized that what they wanted would change over time. This was much more realistic, and was ultimately a positive message.

What I Was Mixed About:
Washing Over Prejudice:
As I said in my introduction, I wish the author had delved more deeply into some of the problems of living in the 1930's. While there were a few cursory references to discrimination, the author painted them as minor inconveniences, not the huge hurtles they would have been.

For instance, Max, who is Jewish, has a crush on one of her fellow students. He comes from a rich, society family (most likely WASP). She makes a fleeting reference that his mother wouldn't like her because she's Jewish. But in 1939, it would be unheard of for a Christian and a Jew to marry. Both would be cast out of their social circles. Max also would have had a tougher time finding a job as a journalist. But the book spends no time exploring the realities for Jewish people at that time.

There is also a gay character who willingly outs himself to get fired from a job he doesn't want. But in 1939, a man could go to prison for being gay. I hardly think anyone would be so glib as to take the threat of jail so lightly.

Obviously, this was not meant to be a book about the tough realities for marginalized people in the 1930's. But by glossing over these issues, the author creates a less authentic reality.

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. I really love learning about new parts of history, so the backdrop of the World Fair in 1939 in New York was really interesting, but this book was really slow for a large portion of it. Also, I didn't love how the author randomly inserted asides into the story. The writing style also felt choppy in parts. I did like Vivi and Max and enjoyed the book overall, but I do think it could have been a bit more interesting.

Some books deserve five stars, and then there’s books like We Came to Shine that deserve at least 10. I devoured this novel about women empowerment and the 1939 World Fair. The writing was so well done and the characters really came to life. I missed them when I wasn’t reading and had to make myself stay away until my “adulting” was done.

I’ve no previous knowledge of the fair other than a Magic Treehouse book written about the one in Paris, but I had no trouble imagining what it might have looked like or how the experience might have felt to those that were there. This book felt well researched with just the right amount of fiction.

I also loved the Subway Girls tie in—that was so cool!! I’d love a short story where Max writes about that competition for a publication, just throwing that out there in case Susie reads this review!!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

We Came Here to Shine is a perfect summer read filled with wonderful details about the 1939 World's Fair, which was held in Queens, New York. The two main characters -- Max and Vivi -- are talented and bold women each striving to achieve their dreams while running into obstacles along the way that are beyond their control. The novel has some twists in it that move the plot along and make for a fun and entertaining story.

I enjoyed this story of 2 women and the 1939 NY Worlds Fair. Vivi is an actress hired to work the pool routine display, and Max is a journalist hired to work at the Worlds Fair newsletter. Max thought she'd get to write articles, but she is relegated to gathering and organizing the daily events section of the newsletter, while her male coworker writes all of the articles. Vivi thought she'd work one season at the fair and then return to CA to do a movie. Vivi also has a secret. The 2 women meet and help each other...

We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall is a great story set in 1939.

It’s so hard to find a historical fiction novel that isn’t about the war!


We have Max & Vivi, two young women living in the 1930's trying to make it in a man's world.
It’s a coming of age story with friendship and the backdrop of the New York City World’s Fair.

I enjoyed this book a lot and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Thank you Netgalley for the copy.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review, "We Came Here to Shine" by Susie Orman Schnall.. A entertaining work of historical fiction. The premise is during the 1939 World Fair. I have personally never read any historical fiction from this time so that was what initially caught my interest. I also love the cover! The store revolves around two different characters, Vivi and Max. Vivi is a small time movie star looking to make it even bigger but ends up getting signed up for doing a summer long synchronized swimming show for the fair. Max is in college, looking to have a career in journalism after college. Eventually, the two meet and become friends. They both deal with sexism and the inequality that women faced at that time. I loved the characters and what they had to face to follow their dreams. There were some twists and turns I was not expecting. I would love a book 2 to continue Vivi and Max's stories.

4.5 stars

I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from St. Martin's Griffin through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Susie Orman Schnall, St. Martin's Press Griffin, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This book is just so wonderful. Another fabulous book that I was privileged to read in the "time of COVID". I adore historical fiction - especially about time periods that I know nothing about. This is the second book that I have loved by Susie Orman Schnall!!

The time period is 1939 during the World's Fair in New York. There are two protagonists - Maxine, NYU journalism major, and Vivi, Hollywood starlet. Their lives connect and a story evolves. I always enjoy books about women - especially historical women. This book did not disappoint.

It was an interesting, fun, and educational read. I loved that it was an easy, yet meaty read. The writer really created a story in my head with the way that she described the characters, setting, and time period.

DEFINITE RECOMMEND!! Most especially for my fellow historical fiction lovers or for anyone wants a good read!!

This Book Should Be A Movie!
This a wonderful book. I couldn't put it down and stayed up until 3 am to finish it. This a neat historical piece that looks at the 1939 Wold's Fair in NYC, the unfair Hollywood movie contracts that made a young actor into an indentured servant, and the unfair labor practices and social mores against women in the workforce (especially in positions of power). Two young women become friends and open up huge doors into their future. The book is so well written! While reading it I could see the movie in my mind. This would make a great film. I would also enjoy a sequel or two. I received this ARC book from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

We Came Here to Shine is a fascinating historical novel. The story is set in 1939 at the New York World" fair. The plot revolves around two young women. Max is a NYU journalism student interning at the fair's daily newspaper. Max's editor feels women should not be allowed to write articles and deems her only capable of covering the daily schedule of events. Vivi is a Hollywood starlet who is happily under contract to a studio. When her starring film role is given to someone else she is reassigned to the fair as the star of the Aquacade. She will appear daily in an elaborate water show with Johnny Weissmuller. Both women struggle with their assignments as they work diligently to find their way in a "mans" world. There are several other interesting story lines and Scnall's characters are all very endearing. This novel is the perfect combination of being both entertaining and informative.

We Came Here to Shine is an exceptional work of historical fiction, showcasing the challenges of women in an ever changing world. Constant conflicts and up-hill battles at every turn leave the reader wondering how the characters can emerge from it all which makes for a compelling read. I found this to be written quite well and the ending is not only one I could believe but quite a surprise. This is a great book about the strength of friendship between women.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the advance ARC!

We Came Here to Shine is historical fiction set in the summer of 1939. The World's Fair is in NYC and it is there that two young women are going to meet and strike up a friendship. Vivi is an actress under contract with a studio in Hollywood and is upset when her studio drops her from a movie and instead sends her to NY to star in a water dance show at the World's Fair. Max is a journalism student who dreams of a summer internship at the New York Times but instead is assigned to work at the daily paper of the World's Fair.

These are two different women but they are drawn together to do MORE with their lives...to pursue their dreams and achieve happiness. They both want to break out of the role that they have been assigned by their male bosses.

I enjoyed this book. It was a nice, light historical fiction read. Nothing too dark or upsetting happened. You can't help but root for these women even though we know sitting in 2020 that women still have a way to go from 1939 to have better experiences pursuing careers. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction but wants something lighter and more uplifting.

Set at the 1939 World Fair in New York City, a young Hollywood starlet is sent to perform at the Aquacade and a budding journalist is assigned to the fair’s daily newspaper. Neither thought they’d spend their summer at the fair, and yet it is one they will never forget. I loved this glimpse into a glamorous past, and the realities behind it. I found myself cheering for the two women as they learned about feminism and how to use it. The narrator broke the fourth wall a few times to talk directly to the reader. For me, it broke the flow a little bit, but it also increased the suspense! You’ll love this if you liked The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo!

The 1930s aren't a time that I read about often but I really enjoyed this look into the 1939 World's Fair. It sounds like it had everything! This was a great backdrop to this book and was almost a character itself. I loved the 2 main characters and seeing strong women in that time trying have careers and stand up for themselves. This book will make you want to try synchronized swimming (I don't recommend) and have a glass of scotch (that doesn't sound like a bad idea!).