“The Pink Hotel” by Lisa Jacobs is a story of excess at its heart. Those who don’t have want, and those who have could really care less and always want more. Think of the court of Marie Antionette (both how the court folks didn’t care about the poor as long as the rich could have fun in excess) and Rich Kids of Instagram (or whatever it’s called) showing off their excess money, toys, drugs, parties, clothing, and etc. I feel this book was probably based upon the infamous Hollywood Hotel, but not knowing much other than “it’s a status symbol for the well-to-do with a long history,” what - precisely - that had to do with this book was missing for me.

The above being noted, the story - Keith and Kit Collins, newlyweds, were given the opportunity to honeymoon at The Pink Hotel by the managing couple. Keith believes, not incorrectly, that he needs to impress the manager so that he can get a managing job of his own there - which would be a step up from his current Booneville hotel job. Keith is immediately sucked into the world of excess, glam, perceived class, and wanting to be there - but also is working to impress his hopefully soon to be boss. Kit, on the other hand, while longing to return to her waitressing job in Booneville, gets sucked into the lifestyle of the guests at The Pink Hotel.

While there is talk about wildfires and people evacuating (some upper-ups relocate to the Hotel) and rioting in the city and surrounding areas, for the most part, a life of excess continues at The Pink Hotel. Again, think of Marie Antionette’s court - or Rome burning while Nero fiddled. While I suppose this book is a social commentary with a satirical bent, I could not care much about the story, the people, or - basically - much in this book. Even the last few chapters where some of the characters grew backbones (Kit) or came to realizations (Keith) couldn’t move me to care about their decisions. Maybe that was the point - to not care about these people with obvious excess … I’m not sure. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.