I was pulled in by the thriller-esque sounding jacket description so naturally this ended up being a (long!) disappointing read for me. Here is the more accurate description:
Self important millennial playwright, Cass, is given (sometimes literally) opportunity after opportunity to "start over" and find success despite her unrealized rampant self-sabotage.
The further I read into the story, the less I liked Cass. She surrounds herself with instability and self-centered people (going from world of theater in New York and "escaping" to the word of filmmaking in Los Angeles) while seemingly coasting along rewarded for doing little and acting out against those she feels have undeserved success instead of her. Cass coasts through her own life, feeding off of the good will of other people, all the while looking down on that person for the bit of happiness they may have with their lives. She is that irritating protagonist who works at nothing, is given so many opportunity, and when things become difficult, runs away rather than growing up and facing that giant problem in the mirror.
This book didn't strike me as "dark" despite the summary description seeming to imply this. Instead, various heavy topics (sexual assault, abortion, suicide, etc) are thrown out as talking points, but are all part of the "art" thus are not tackled in any meaningful way. They're used irresponsibly solely as trigger points for the reader.
I usually like to see a protagonist grow in some way and I didn't really see this in Cass. She was the same person in the beginning of her story as she was in the end, making the same moves and poor judgements in a new setting. I'm left irritated with her and angry at myself for the time spent reading this book.

I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all.

This is a dark take on success and how it isn't always a good thing.

The main character, Cass, is DRIVEN by her need for success on Broadway. She has no life to speak of outside her work - it is all consuming.

The book has many funny moments, but again, this is a dark, heavy read.

The plot is fast, well crafted and the characters believable.

I'd like to read more by the author, if it has a lighter feel.

"We Play Ourselves" is dark and funny and queer and I loved it. Cass is a wry and witty narrator, who is lured in by these cunning, too-good-to-be-true cultural wunderkinds, only to be repulsed by their dishonesty. It felt like a cutting indictment of what's regarded as "talent" and oh so very real. Entertainment, whether on-stage or on-screen, is SUCH a subjective, unmeritocratic pursuit, I think anyone who's struggled with the arbitrary nature of success in a creative industry will enjoy this book as much as I did.

I especially loved Cass's relationship with her agent's oversharing assistant.

After a scandal forces her from NY, a young playwright moves to LA and joins a strange film project with a neighbor.

Not knowing much about the NY theater culture, it was interesting to read about what it's like for playwrights and how especially difficult it can be for young people trying to make it in the business. It seems similar to the art world and how the road to success opens up with the approval of the same few people instead of any fair system.

I enjoyed the introspection and Cass's ideas about the world around her a bit more than the plot itself. I was confused as to why she kept going with Caroline's plans over and over again even though she was doubtful and hesitant. Caroline, on the other hand, definitely didn't seem charismatic enough to warrant such a following.

I think this novel will work better for people a bit older than younger, because of the portrayal of those young girls. I have no doubt there are young women in LA who resemble those characters but looking at the younger generation now, they are so much more than that. It seems to be poking fun at them more than trying to understand them at all.

Thank you to Netgalley/Random House for the ARC!

The story was so well written with a dry and dark humor skillfully embedded throughout. It addresses the heavy reality that success is relative and a never ending quest. On that quest, one must deal with, and come to terms with, the emotional backlash of their own actions.

I typically read books where I don’t have to think. This was not that book, but in the best way possible. It was outside of my comfort zone but such a pleasant surprise. So incredibly funny and thoughtful.

i looove the mystery and atmosphere of this book. the main character is witty and i enjoyed the overall experience of reading this

This queer feminist novel was just alright. I'm not jumping up and down over this book but I was able to finish it. Somewhere I believe this could be someones favorite book. It's just not mine.