I really wish we could give half stars. A 3 is too harsh, but a 4 feels generous. I wanted to love this book. I grew up with 90s pop, boy bands, and all of the industry drama this tries to portray. I’m still trying to collect my thoughts after finishing this one, but the best I can say is that it fell a little flat for me.

There was so much potential for this storyline. It felt unique, at least compared to what I usually read. But it needed something more. It almost felt like we were following so many storylines that we couldn’t really go deep with any of them. There were definitely some missed opportunities.

I will give 5 stars for some of the character development and even more so for some of the beautiful imagery she created with word and verse. But it felt like we just slept getting intro level information and right when we started to get somewhere the scene shifted.

Overall, I enjoyed it - I just didn’t love it. I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened and how things played out. But in the end we never got the full picture. I wanted to see the role the harsh dynamics played - how did they shape her as a woman when she finally shed her youth?

#CeladonReadsTogether #ReadHoney

I have some thoughts about Honey.

1. The writing is a little pretentious for what the book is about. I completely understand we can have intelligent pop stars, but it doesn't really work for this book. I almost DNF'd it in the first couple chapters for this reason alone.
2. So many things get brushed over and never mentioned again.
3. I wish there was more about Axel and less about Wes.

All in all, this was a fun and easy read. Once I got past the writing style, I was hooked. Not the best book I've ever read and not the worst. This is a good airplane or road trip book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the chance to review this book!

I was provided both an ebook and audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own. The audio narration was really well done and I enjoyed the song lyrics and interviews that were interspersed throughout giving it a multimedia feel. I would have liked if the lyrics were sung instead of spoken since this is a book about her singing, but I also understand that may not have been possible.

This is not normally the type of book I go for, but it was very well written and too me back to my youth when boy bands and pop princesses were all the rage. I was high school and college aged in the late 90's and early 2000s when Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, and Britney Spears were the up and coming single female acts and NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys were the all the rage. The ladies were also pitted against the media all the time for different reasons. I'm sure there were others but those are the ones the immediately spring to mind when I think back to that time and how they were portrayed in the media and as I was reading Amber's story.

Amber is our main character and this is told from her perspective as she seeks a solo career as a female pop star. She was discovered at an early age by a talent agent and struggled to break onto the scene among the other stars at the time. She has the talent, but she struggles to find her voice in other ways to find real success. She also struggles to find support, friendship, and love as she tours and tries to build a fan base.

This very much an adult book as it deals with some very adult topics like drugs, alcohol, and sex throughout the book as Amber faces all of those as she tours. While she is comfortable in her own skin, she is over sexualized by her label at a young age, while the other girls her age are able to hold onto their innocence a bit longer. She is called nasty names by the media and doesn't have much support to deal with the negativity of the media and the loneliness that develops when she's on tour for months at a time. She also has issues with her self-worth and connecting with people and building real relationships.

This was very well written and if you are a fan of pop music this reads almost like a memoir despite it being fiction. I really appreciated Amber's character development as the story progressed. This deals with alot of heavy topics, so I'd look up some trigger warnings ahead of time.

Honey is such a fun nostalgic book to read for a millennial like me. I grew up in the 90s and the early 2000s and this book felt like taking a trip down memory lane. I enjoyed the chapters written as years and the characters who mirrored some of my favorite pop artists from the late 90s. It was interesting to see the drama they got into and experience it as an adult rather than a child who didn't really understand any of that back then. It was well written and very engaging and had my attention instantly. However, after giving it some thought and ruminating on the last half of the book, I feel slightly disappointed with the trajectory of this story. I loved the characters and the relationships told throughout her rise to fame, but I just feel like there wasn't ever a pivotal moment or anything super intense that happened. The pacing of the book felt the same throughout and then once I finished it, I just felt like it was missing a plot twist and then an ending that made me feel like we finally got a true glimpse into the fmc's mind and life. It wrapped up so quickly that I'm let wondering what happened next and if she was ever really happy. I'm debating between 3 and 4 stars and ultimately thinking this book deserves a 3.5 star rating. It just lacked something truly great in the last half to make me bump it up to a full 4 star.

I thoroughly enjoyed Isabel Banta’s cleverly written debut novel. “Honey” puts a face to the celebrity icons who have been glorified, villainized, and objectified by the music industry and media. Throughout, Banta peels away the layers while skillfully showing the intense pressure and manipulation used on young pop stars to meld them into someone else’s ideal while revealing the cost of this on young women who are placed on a pedestal to idolize, criticize, and dissect.

Written in first person from Amber’s point of view made me want to google Amber, Gwen, ETA, and Axel to find the truth behind the fiction and listen to their music.  I wanted to read this book slowly to absorb the nuances and contemplate what was happening.

The inclusion of lyrics, magazine quizzes, interviews, and online forums helped to place the narrative in the 90s and early 2000s (the audio book included music too).  The audiobook narration was expertly narrated by #brittanypressley.  The more I learned of Amber’s journey the more I wanted her to succeed while allowing her personality, hopes, and dreams to thrive.

“Honey” makes me analyze the media I read as a teen while I watched MTV and CMT to hear the latest songs of my favourite musicians.  It makes me want to be a voice against an industry who objectified and treated their stars as a “product” to be consumed rather than a real person with hopes, dreams, and creativity to be nurtured.  Throughout, the novel looks at the objectification of women, double standards between men and women, power and perceived power, friendships, trusting oneself, reaching for your dreams, love, sexuality, and acceptance of who you are and all you can be.

“Honey” will make you nostalgic for your teens, cheering for the friendships in Amber’s (and your) lives, and it will make you thankful for having some normalcy in your own life.

Thank you @celadonbooks @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for the advance digital copies of #honey by @isabel.banta


#isabelbanta #femaleauthor #femalewriter #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #fiction #bookreview #bookrecommendation #youshouldreadthis #comingofage #musicbooks #celadonbooks #netgalley #macmillanaudio @britpressley

Honey by Isabel Banta: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane

In her debut coming-of-age novel Honey, Isabel Banta takes readers on a trip back to the golden days of music in the 1990s and 2000s. As a huge music fan myself, I was immediately drawn to the nostalgic premise of this story. The book follows Amber, a young woman from a small town who dreams of making it big as a singer-songwriter. Through Amber's journey navigating the challenges of the cutthroat music industry, Banta transports readers back to the eras of Britney Spears, NSYNC, and other popular artists that dominated the airwaves.

The story highlights both the trials of pursuing a career in entertainment, as well as Amber's personal growth during this transformative period of self-discovery in the big city. At times while reading, I found myself silently urging Amber to make different choices, hoping she would stand up for herself with more strength and confidence in certain difficult situations. While her journey of learning hard lessons is authentic to the experience of a young woman coming into her own, there were moments I wished she possessed more self-assurance.

Overall, Honey offers an enjoyable nostalgic trip down memory lane for any music fan, while also serving as a compelling coming-of-age story about chasing one's dreams. Though the protagonist's journey doesn't always follow the path readers may hope for, the novel realistically depicts both triumphs and pitfalls one may face on the road to achieving their goals. Banta transports readers back to the eras of yesteryear through her heartfelt characters and tribute to the music that shaped generations.

Honey is riveting, exciting, fascinating, eye-opening, and disturbing. It’s a pull-the-curtain-back look into the world of girl groups and boy bands. Beyond the glitz and the glamour and the adoring fans to the constant competition and uncertainty, the fear that you’ll be cut, that you won’t be enough. The backstabbing, the money grubbing, the false friends. The life on the road that isn’t jet-setting luxury in five-star hotels but bus after bus and motel after motel.

There are probably a handful of super, super, superstars that are really in charge. For everyone else the idea of control is a fleeting illusion and often comes back to smack you when you least expect it. You’re always at the mercy of your manager, studio and record company executives, your family and the fickleness of the fans.

Honey is a book that makes you lean back and think maybe these stars aren’t really living on Easy Street; maybe they might envy you a little bit, too. Thanks to Celadon Books for providing an advance copy of Honey via NetGalley. It was a page-turner start to finish. In fact it seems every book Celadon Books publishes is like that. Thanks for allowing me to be a Celadon Reader and have the opportunity to read so many satisfying books. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

This book was such a great look into the complexity of being a child star and how the media can easily manipulate people to hold stars a certain way. I appreciated the way the story mimicked real stars we have watched either be traumatized from being a child star or stars who the media has turned on. I will say this book is not for the faint of heart, as there are so many complex stories of love, loss, trauma, and pain that people need to be careful and read the trigger warnings.

Amber Young has a gifted voice and is ecstatic when she is invited to join the girl band Cloud9. It provides her the escape she craves from her small town. But as a teenager in the 1990's Amber is in for the ride of her life as she navigates the ups and downs of the music industry, the highs and lows of being in the public eye and the exploitation that runs rampant for any pop star.

I had high hopes for this one as it was set in the time that I was coming of age. It felt reminiscent of the time period, but I had a hard time empathizing with Amber and the decisions that she made, even knowing that they were representative of the actions made by pop stars of the time. It definitely had vibes from Brittany Spears' memoir and I think that was what the author was going for but I just felt it was lacking a little in something I can't quite place my finger on.

Thank you to Celadon Books for an early review copy of this book.

This was a basic rise to fame and learn lifes unpleasant lessons on the way up. It is set in the 90's so I loved that. I was not blown away from this book it's easy to read and the characters are ok. I would read at a pool or on vacation when you want something easy to pick up and put down without trying to remember too much. #NetGalley #Honey #90s

Honey follows the pop-star career of Amber Young from her childhood star search days to her solo career.

And it just didn't work for me. There really was no discerable arc for any of the characters. The conflict between Amber and Gwen seemed especially manufactured. It touched on themes of sexualization and agency in the media, but didn't really explore these so the view/scope of them just seems sanitized.

Isabel Banta writes a lovely sentence--the prose was nice. But overall, I found the plot lacking.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book fell flat to me, which I am super bummed about. I was excited to have a new pop star fiction novel in my docket when reading the description and seeing it compared to Daisy Jones & The Six. And yet, it was not that. The beginning was intriguing, showing our main character's rise to childhood stardom, but once the love interest came in, it fell apart for me plot-wise. The 'spicy' scenes were well written and helped the plot, which is a rare plus. Overall, easy read, nothing to write home about, which I am upset about.

“Honey” felt like we got a look into the craziness and loneliness of the pop stars of the 90s and 2000s, that alone made the story very entertaining and nostalgic to read. I loved the author’s writing and honestly shocked it was a debut novel.

* This one gets a bit spicy. check trigger warnings before starting.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio and Goodreads Giveaway for gifting me a physical, digital and audio ARC of this debut novel by Isabel Banta, perfectly narrated by a favorite, Brittany Pressley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In 1997, Amber is discovered at a school talent show. Before long, she gets the chance of a lifetime - to join girl group Cloud9 in Los Angeles. She and fellow singer, Gwen, become friends, along with Wes, a member of boy band ETA. As she eventually goes out on her own, she discovers more and more of the bad side of fame.

This was a total immersion of a book, made more so by my access to all the book's forms. The audiobook was so wonderful and I would definitely suggest that - there was music in the background accompanying the song lyrics and it just put you back into that era. This was a real coming-of-age story that felt real, much in the way that Daisy Jones and the Six did, plus this will give you Brittany Spears vibes. It's nostalgic and will take you back in time. You would like to hope society has changed since #MeToo broke, but... A wonderful debut - can't wait to read more from this author.

🎤Book Review🎤
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Summary: It is 1997, and Amber Young has received a life-changing call. It’s a chance thousands of girls would die for: the opportunity to join girl group Cloud9 in Los Angeles and escape her small town. She quickly finds herself in the orbits of fellow rising stars Gwen Morris, a driven singer-dancer, and Wes Kingston, a member of the biggest boy band in the world, ETA.

As Amber embarks on her solo career and her fame intensifies, her rich interior life is frequently reduced. Surrounded by people who claim to love her but only wish to exploit her and driven by a desire for recognition and success, for love and sex, for agency and connection, Amber comes of age at a time when the kaleidoscope of public opinion can distort everything and one mistake can shatter a career.
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Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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My Thoughts- I enjoyed this book so much! My inner 90s 2000s girly just loved this one. It felt like spice girls meets Britney Spears. I loved this book so much, Amber was just such a lovable FMC. This one also included lyrics and songs she wrote throughout the story. It’s really a super creative and wonderful debut. I loved just about everything about this book, highly recommend it !
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QOTD- who is your favorite singer from the 90s and 2000s?! Mine is always Britney Spears, the spice girls, and NSYNC.
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#honey #isabelbanta #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #booksofinsta #booksofig #booklover #bookobsessed #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #booknerd #bookworm #bookwormsunite #bookish #readersgonnaread #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #readersofig

I was so excited to read this one. It exceeded all my expectations and more! For someone who loves celebrity life, an honest look of the other side of things is always up my alley. thank you net galley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

The format is a little funky, so I personally think I would prefer it on audio. But I loved the story and the writing was beautiful

"Honey" by Isabel Banta is a delightful and enchanting read that captures the essence of love, resilience, and personal growth. Banta's storytelling is both heartfelt and engaging, drawing readers into a world where emotions run deep and characters come alive with vibrant authenticity.

The novel's prose is beautifully written, with a lyrical quality that makes each page a pleasure to read. Banta has a talent for creating vivid imagery and evocative scenes that transport readers into the heart of the story. Her descriptive language and attention to detail make the settings and characters feel incredibly real and immersive.

The characters in "Honey" are richly developed and relatable, each with their own unique journeys and challenges. Banta skillfully portrays their struggles and triumphs, making readers root for them every step of the way. The relationships in the novel are nuanced and believable, adding depth and dimension to the narrative.

"Honey" is a testament to Isabel Banta's ability to weave a compelling and emotionally resonant story. It's a novel that touches on themes of self-discovery, healing, and the power of connection, leaving readers with a sense of hope and inspiration. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a beautifully written and emotionally satisfying read.

Amber Young's ascent in the late 1990s pop music scene is swift and dazzling. Joining the girl group Cloud9 propels her from small-town life to the vibrant world of Los Angeles. Amidst the glamour, Amber's journey is deeply personal as she navigates complex relationships with fellow rising star Gwen Morris and Wes Kingston, a member of the world’s biggest boy band, ETA. As she transitions to a solo career, the public's fascination with her life grows, often overshadowing her own desires and ambitions.

Despite the allure of stardom, Amber confronts the harsh realities of the music industry, where young women are sexualized and isolated. The media and industry pit Amber and Gwen against each other, portraying them as rivals, yet they remain each other's closest allies. Media scrutiny peaks when Amber is unfairly blamed for the breakup of Gwen and Wes.

The story unfolds from Amber's perspective, providing a nuanced portrayal of her rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s pop music scene. One of the novel's greatest strengths is its refusal to vilify any of the characters (even if some deserve it), avoiding the trap of simplistic black-and-white morality.

The focus on genuine female empowerment is particularly refreshing. Unlike the superficial “rah rah girl power” often seen, the portrayal of empowerment feels authentic and grounded. Amber happily owns her identity as a sexual being. Gwen and Amber are true friends -- supporting one another in the ways that only they understand are necessary.

The inclusion of "third-party documents" like song lyrics, Wikipedia entries, liner notes, and magazine articles adds a unique texture to the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It offers a compelling character study and a thoughtful examination of the music industry's impact on young women. Plus, the characters are my contemporaries, so I'm always a sucker for that.

This review will be posted to Goodreads and Instagram June 23, 2024.

Thank you to Celadon for allowing me to be a part of this readalong, and to MacMillan Audio for an ALC as well.

I enjoyed this book set in the world of pop music. In the 1990s Amber becomes a part of Cloud9, an all girl pop group. It's her dream but it doesn't take long for it to realize this dream comes at a price.

This is told from Amber's point of view, and we get different timelines with the 1990s and then the 2000s with older Amber. The audio was well done and made it feel almost autobiographical.

I feel like it gave a very realistic view of the way things were for young women in pop groups in this time period. A sadly realistic view.

It was well written and I couldn't help but be cheering for Amber and she navigates life.