This is the story of two young women trying to forge their way in 1939, with the World’s Fair as a backdrop. I enjoyed this story, but felt it didn’t live up to its promise. I never really got the true sense of either the time period or the World’s Fair itself. I found the whole telling of the story to be rather simplistic. I appreciated the opportunity to read an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

What a fun read and a well-written book about a little-known piece of history for our current generation! I can see this being made into a really fun movie. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this. I thought the story lines flowed really smoothly, and this book prompted me to research more about the World Fair and what life was like then, right before a monumental World War.

I really enjoyed the setting of the World's Fair. So interesting and unique.


Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Just like the Parachute ride at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York, this book was a delightful, refreshing, and exhilarating ride that quickly pulled the reader in and dangled the reader until the final, thrilling descent. This highly researched novel came to life through the dazzling descriptions of the fair, the vividly crafted writing, well developed storylines, and rich characters that the author created. It was a joyride which included a few twists and turns that gave the novel extra meat to its bones.

I love when I can do some research on things in a novel and was excited to view several of the rides, buildings, and a performance by the Aquacade swimmers. It really added to the reading experience.

Note for the author: I’d love to see a sequel about Max and Vivi’s promise to each other.

I was always fascinated by the World's fair from when I was a child so i really enjoyed this story! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

Another great book by this author! Loved the uniqueness of reading about the 1939 New York World's Fair. Two young women who meet while working at the fair. One is an actress, in old Hollywood, and one a budding female journalist trying to work in a man's world.. Themes of women's rights in both fields during this time, show how far we have come, but we know we need to continue the changes. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review..

** spoiler alert ** WE CAME HERE TO SHINE
BY SUSIE ORMAN SCHNALL

I loved this author's previous book of historical fiction called, "The Subway Girls," so I was delighted to discover that she has written another work of historical fiction called, "We Came Here to Shine."
I was delighted to receive an ARC of "We Came Here to Shine" because I love the way this author writes. When I read I always hope to learn something new and Susie Orman Schnall's new novel of historical fiction about the 1939 World's Fair which took place in New York City was fascinating and so much fun. She has such an engaging voice that instantly pulled me into the story and kept me riveted to the very end. I was intrigued to research further about some of the structures mentioned and was happy to discover that they were really amazing architectural wonders that existed in real life at the fair. This made for a really exciting setting that delivered on teaching me about real life exhibits that really did take place in 1939 at the World's fair. Just like Erik Larson's popular book called, "The Devil in White City," which took place in 1879 featured inventions that were magnificent this book is similar and I felt like I was attending the fair in both novels. I wish that in this day and age that there were World Fair's that draws people from all over the globe showcasing new inventions and I wonder why they don't exist anymore. The descriptions of the events, exhibits, dining and rides were vividly brought to life so clearly by this talented author. Not only did I satisfy my desire to learn something that I hadn't heard of, the story and the character's were captivating because I learned about how women's discrimination was still very much alive in 1939. Even though in 1920 when women won the right to vote, the glaring inequalities still existed nineteen years later.

There are two interesting main character's who are trying to attain their dreams in the workforce. Max is attending university to become a journalist and there is a contest for a scholarship she needs desperately to win in order to fund the tuition for the following year. The contest is whoever writes the best article will win the scholarship and with her father's loss of employment Max is depending on winning that scholarship to pay for her tuition the following year. Max is ambitious and wants to work for the New York Times. Instead she is delegated to work for the World's Fair daily paper with her classmate Charlie. The problem is that the man in charge doesn't believe women can write articles as well as men. Her job is to organize and submit the Fair's events and exhibits and Charlie writes the articles and gets to sign his name to the articles with the information Max has gathered each day. Charlie is overwhelmed and clearly needs help and Max is bored and can easily help him by writing articles but she isn't allowed to sign her name to them much less write them. It is crucial to Max that she submits an article with her name on the byline in order to win that scholarship. The disparity between women and men is illuminated. What do you think Max can do about her quandary? What would you do if you were assigned a position that you were over qualified for but because of your gender you were denied the chance to participate? In this case its 1939 and women clearly are at a disadvantaged.

Vivi is promised a role as a leading actress in a one of the studio's biggest picture films of 1940. Her role is Academy Award material. When she and her agent are called into a meeting with the head of the studio he asks Vivi if she has heard of the Auquacade. She answers that she read about it in Life Magazine. It is a swimming and dance production in New York's World Fair. She is told by the studio head, Mr Green that he has loaned her out to his friend to swim and perform in the production at the World's Fair in New York. Vivi wonders if he is traded her because she has ignored his advances in the past. Mr. Green tells Vivi to remember while she goes back to New York that she still represents World Wide Studio's and if she performs well that in return she will get a leading role in a film that he has in mind for her when she returns in four to five months.

There is so much that happens in this very engaging historical novel. I really enjoy this author's voice . She is someone who I want to read her former books. This one is a favorite for 2020 for sure if not an all time favorite. I am going to buy the physical copy and I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction. I was sad when I finished this because I enjoyed every minute of reading it. "The Subway Girls," was also a five star read for me and memorable. I didn't put in any spoilers so my review just sets up a preface of the beginning of this fabulous novel. There are many interesting facets in this gem. I think that women would like this since it deals with the inequalities women dealt with and how they persevered. I hope anybody who reads this gives this historical novel a try. The 1939 World's Fair descriptions are priceless. You will feel like you attended it yourself.

Publication Date: June 16, 2020

Thank you to Net Galley, Susie Orman Schnall and St. Martin's Publishing for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#WeCameHeretoShine #SusieOrmanSchnall #St.Martin'sPublishing #NetGalley

This is an enjoyable tale with an interesting setting, the 1939 World’s Fair. Step back in time to busby Berkeley and big production numbers - this time in the water. Action revolves around the big Aquashow and it’s aspiring stars. A young journalist is also in the mix. There are strong women characters and not too much of the imposition of modern morals onto the morals of the time.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s press for an advanced reader copy of We Came Here to Shine. I absolutely loved Susie Orman Schnall’s book, Subway Girls, so I knew this was going to be good. I liked that it’s historical fiction without being about WWII. It’s the story of two women at the 1939 World’s Fair. It was a very cute, but predictable story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

Another wonderful book that teaches while telling a fabulous story!

This story tells a little bit about the synchronized swimming movies that used to be filmed in Hollywood. I greatly enjoyed learning about them. So very interesting! We also learn about the fate of many female actresses in the late 1940's. They were not treated like equals in comparison to their male on-screen partners. Today, while women still face prejudice, we also receive many more opportunities than women did many years ago. I feel very lucky to be living in this time period, rather than years ago. While women still face their share of challenges, we certainly have come a very long way!

This plot was unique and interesting. The characters were charming and I couldn't help but want to learn more about them and the era. I felt like I was in another time period while reading this. Great book! I will definitely anticipate Shnall's next novel.

We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall is a fascinating look into the 1939 NY World's Fair. Max is a young, aspiring journalist who is assigned to work for the small, daily newpaper that is published by the Fair. Vivi is an actress who is sent East from LA to take the lead in the water show that takes place several times a day as part of the entertainment at the Fair. Their lives and struggles against the background of the Fair provide an interesting glance into the goings on of the Fair and the role of women in the world in the late 30s.

Both women were fighting the obstacle of their gender, trying to move forward in careers that kept them back, just because they were women. Max's dream of working for the NY Times was thwarted when her professor assigned her to the Fair's paper and the editor wouldn't let her write any articles. Vivi was taken from a starring role in a movie and sent to take the place of the lead "Aquabelle" when she was injured, even though she had never been in a swimming show. The women met and became fast friends, encouraging each other in their roles, even though they weren't what they wanted. But what did they really want? That would become an important question for both of them.

Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, as I did Ms. Schnall's previous novel, The Subway Girls.

This novel is about two young women who meet at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. Both have ambitions which seem thwarted but their lives turn out for the best. Max is a budding reporter who hopes for an internship at the New York Times but is instead assigned to the daily newspaper at the World Fair. Vivi is a budding actress who instead of a featured role in a movie in Hollywood is loaned to an aquamarine exhibition at the World Fair. This is the story of their coming of age and refocusing their lives. This was an ARC through NetGalley and St. Martin Press.

Vivi Holden and Maxine (Max) Roth are two different women on very different paths in life. Little did they know that they would become best friends amidst the awe and wonder of the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City.

Max is a fledgling writer trying to make her way in a man’s world. The summer internship she covets is working for the New York Times. Her reality is being assigned to write the daily newspaper for the World’s Fair by her professor at NYU. Unfortunately, she is not the only one assigned to the Fair. Charlie, a fellow classmate will be working along side of Max. Charlie is assigned all of the coveted articles only because the boss feels women are better at organizing rather than actually being good writers.

Vivi is an actress that has been sent to NY from LA to become the lead swimmer in the Aquacade production. With an impossibly short time to learn the routine and the fact that she has not been in a pool since high school, she is up a creek without a paddle. To make matters worse, the person assigned to teaching her the difficult routines has been filling the role Vivi is taking. The only reason she has agreed to the part is because her manager has promised her the lead in a film as soon as the Fair closes.

Max and Vivi meet after listening to feminist Elizabeth Dorchester’s speech at the Democracity exhibit at the Fair. They quickly bond as both are inspired by the message of equality for women. Soon they are sharing their hopes, dreams and frustrations with each other. Vivi’s manager holds her life and career in his hands and Max’s editor holds her fate as a serious reporter in his. Both women will need to struggle and claim the path in life they want and need to take. Unfortunately, most women in 1939 are at the mercy of the men that employ them. Unbeknownst to them, both girls will become part of the movement to change the mindset of men and women alike as they fight for their personal rights to be heard.

We Came Here to Shine is like stepping into the past on a guided tour with friends. The characters are realistic and interesting. I enjoy the depth of each of the girls. They are dealing with not only equality issues, but deep personal issues as well. The World’s Fair looms bigger than life for the characters as well as the readers. The innovations that are detailed in this fascinating book are fun to experience with the characters. What is now outdated or taken for granted is all brand new for Vivi and Max as well as those who attend the 1939 World’s Fair.

This is the second book I’ve read by Susie Orman Schnall. I love the nod to the other book I read, The Subway Girls, that Ms. Orman Schnall weaves seamlessly into We Come Here to Shine. Her knowledge and research paint a beautiful background for her characters in both novels. I highly recommend both of these books. Both of them have solid, interesting plots that take

the reader back in time. Actual events in history are combined with interesting fictional people creating two of the best historical fiction novels I have ever read. I highly recommend them.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright ©2020 Laura Hartman

Vivi and Maxine just want to shine, but their lights are nearly dimmed by a world that revolves around the ambitions of men. In ‘We Came Here to Shine’ author Susie Orman Schnall has written an enthralling women’s fiction set against the glitz and glamour of the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City.

Vivi is an aspiring actress and at the start of the novel, she loses what would have been her break-out role to a bigger name star. To make the situation worse, her studio instead sends her to star in the World’s Fair Aquacade. Vivi is totally unprepared for the role and she faces challenges with the rest of the cast, when they are less than welcoming to her presence. The whole scenario is made worse by the fact that Vivi has a history in New York City, so she has no interest in spending the summer there.

Maxine (aka Max) is an aspiring journalist, whose dream is to write for the New York Times. She thought an opportunity to intern there would get her foot in the door. Unfortunately, she is stationed at the World’s Fair daily newspaper instead. To make matters worse, the powers that be believe a woman has no business writing articles. She is instead made to do administrative and secretarial work. Meanwhile, her heart pines for her classmate, and she has no idea whether the feelings are mutual.

Vivi and Max are two ambitious women, who just want to break free of the barriers holding them back from making progress in their respective careers. When they happen to meet at the fair, they find the opportunity to form a fast friendship, work together, and support one another towards their dreams.

We Came Here to Shine was an engaging book. It was easy to become involved with both Vivi and Maxine’s stories. Each had enough elements so that neither was particularly more interesting or weaker than the other. There was also a broad cast of supporting characters, who each had their own interesting side stories, that all seemed integral to the overall plot. With the complex, multi-layered story, I found myself quickly reading through the book, eager to see how everything would work out.

As the book reached towards its conclusion, there may have been a few too many elements. Without any spoilers, the author did include a number of different challenges for the main and secondary characters, some of which were more cliché than others. The strong feminist themes and female friendships were one of the highlights of the book, although it was a little unbelievable at times that these women had formed such close friendships in such a short amount of time. One final critique would be that a few times there was an unusual almost meta-narrative approach that seemed to break the literary fourth wall, which was different from most of the narration, and somewhat jarring.

The conclusion of the book seemed to leave some room for a sequel. If given the chance, I know I would certainly read more from this author about these characters. Needless to say, overall, I highly recommend this book, especially as a great summer read. Finally, I want to thank St. Martin’s Gallery and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance, in exchange for an honest review.

Want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for making We Came Here to Shine available to me to read and review. Susie Orman Schnall, who previously wrote The Subway Girls, has written another engrossing story about women with courage and determination.
The 1939 World’s Fair in New York is the setting.
Fighting for women’s rights is not new. Vivi, a Hollywood starlet, is forced by her contract and her agent to travel to New York to be in the Aquacades. Max (Maxine), a journalism major, dreams of a summer internship at The New York Times but ends up being sent to the fair to write the daily announcements for the fair’s newspaper. A fellow student, a male, will be the one to write the stories.
Schnall’s description of the fair and her characters are so well done.
“Its vision (referring to the fair) inspired those who visited to do something bigger, to be someone better.”
This novel is relevant to today even though the setting is from years ago.
The fight for women’s rights continue!

I have enjoyed Susie Orman Schnall's novels, but We Came Here to Shine: A Novel is definitely my favorite of all the ones she has written so far.

This was such a delightful story! It made me think of The Bold Type, if the television series had taken place in 1939. (Max also reminded me of Annie from Shrill.) Vivi and Max were both sympathetic and relatable characters. I wanted to see them both succeed and was frustrated by the setbacks they experienced, especially on Max's end. I was so worried for what would come of their situations. I loved the friendship they formed.

I really enjoyed this novel and couldn't put it down. I just had to find out what would happen. I recently saw the movie Judy during the time I was reading it and found it interesting to see what it was like for actresses in that time period, such as how men behaved around them and treated them. I liked how Susie tied in something from one of her previous novels, as well. The historical facts about and imagery of the 1939 World's Fair were fascinating!

I definitely recommend We Came Here to Shine, especially to fans of Susan Meissner's novels.

Movie casting suggestions:
Vivi: Caylee Cowan
Max: Joey King
Gabe: Peyton Meyer
Dean: Finn Wittrock
James: K.J. Apa
Charlie: Chandler Riggs
Ruby: Bella Thorne

I loved this book! I've read other books that mention the 1939 World's Fair but only go into a little bit of detail, but We Came Here To Shine really gives the reader so much detail that it's easy to imagine walking around the fair. Schnall gives so much descriptive detail about the buildings, displays, decorations, events and entertainment that the reader can really visualize being there. The fair is a backdrop for the stories of two women working at the fair and the impact it had on their lives. Such a lovely story. I highly recommend to lovers of historical fiction and women's fiction.

The World Fair of 1939 sounds a lot like Walt Disney's Epcot, the giant golf ball, the lagoon surrounded by countries such as France and Japan showcasing their cultures and the theme of looking to the future. I channeled my memories of Epcot while reading this book and a little bit of Seaworld's grand stadium for the Aquacade!
I really enjoyed the dual stories; two very different women but both with the same passion and ambition to achieve in their chosen careers. They felt slighted by their mentors, being sent to the World Fair instead of a lead role and The Times. I like their resilience and how they don't mope and grumble but chose to embrace the new reality with determination. They haven't rolled over and forgotten their goals though. A chance meeting in the Fair leads these two women into a friendship that is warm and supportive. But hovering over both is a sense of urgency and fear of the future.
It was a very well researched book and the history of the Fair was woven well into the structure of the two women's lives. The Fair felt like the third character and I wanted it to succeed as much as I wanted Max and Vivi too. There were a few twists I didn't see coming and the characters were realistic but not two dimensional.
I feel sad that we will never get to witness something so huge and aweinspiring as a World Fair again. International travel and the internet give us access to all the things the 1939 World Fair gave to New Yorkers and Americans. But at least we still have Epcot.

3.5 stars

It was refreshing to read a historical fiction book that didn't revolve around a war. The idea behind this one was neat as it combined the 1939 World's Fair in New York, an actress trying to make it big under the Old Hollywood studio system, and a female college student wanting a career in the journalism field but finding out quickly women don't get the same treatment as men. At times the story veered into melodramatic territory but overall I did enjoy this one.

Vivi Holden is trying to make it as an actress in Hollywood but in 1939 under the studio system it's not easy being a woman. She is sent by the studio to New York City to perform in the Aquacade synchronized swimming show at the World's Fair. If she performs well, she might finally get the opportunity to be a leading lady on screen.

Maxine Roth is a college student studying journalism. She is assigned by her professor to work at a publication dedicated to providing World's Fair coverage. However, Maxine is having a hard time convincing her boss she is a talented writer. He won't let her publish articles as he doesn't think female writers could possible be as good as male writers.

Both Vivi and Maxine were solid characters and their stories really showcased the challenges women faced back then in the workforce. I do think there were a few minor plotlines that didn't really enhance the overall story. It almost felt like they were added to stretch the story out. It is an enjoyable read though but I would place it in the light historical fiction category. It's good for a lazy weekend read but there's not much here that's going to stick in your mind long after you finish reading it.

I would recommend this book to readers looking for historical fiction that doesn't focus on World War 2 for a change. Also, there's a few references to the Miss Subways contest in this book which I thought was a nice touch by the author given that was the focus of her previous book.

I was provided a free advance digital copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of We Came Here to Shine from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love a novel that brings obscure history to life! Susie Orman Schnall does exactly that (again). Vivi, the starlet, becomes the star of an aquatic show at the World's Fair of 1939, while Max attempts a career as a journalist. Highlighting jobs that were both expected of women and unobtainable/discouraged for them during the same time period, this author again creates very authentic characters and an easy to follow storyline. Great book!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.