Book of The Month discussion

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins in this electric, voice-driven debut novel about an elusive bestselling author who decides to finally confess her true identity after years of hiding from her past.

Cate Kay knows how to craft a story. As the creator of a bestselling book trilogy that struck box office gold as a film series, she’s one of the most successful authors of her generation. The thing is, Cate Kay doesn’t really exist. She’s never attended author events or granted any interviews. Her real identity had been a closely guarded secret, until now.

As a young adult, she and her best friend Amanda dreamed of escaping their difficult homes and moving to California to become movie stars. But the day before their grand adventure, a tragedy shattered their dreams and Cate has been on the run ever since, taking on different names and charting a new future. But after a shocking revelation, Cate understands that returning home is the only way she’ll be a whole person again.

I was lucky enough to get this as an arc so I read it just a few days ago. I thought I'd post my thoughts just in case anyone wanted to chat while they read it!

15 chapters / 26%

I like how this one is written - with each little bit from different people
(view spoiler)[
Amanda - awe, young friendships with crushes. I loved their start but could see how Annie could feel a bit smothered or held back by her. but the pool and zip line - that was shocking and so sad. I assume she survived. I hope Annie goes back and sees her again

Ryan - I'm not sure why we're getting this POV other than Ry was in the movies? and possibly a girlfriend? I guess we'll see from here

Brett - sweet. I love that he gave this young kid a job and then the keys

(hide spoiler)]

28 Chapters / 50%

(view spoiler)[ WOW! I can't believe Sydney lied and said Amanda died. I guess that's why she shipped her the stuff and they don't speak now. I don't blame her for being mad.

I love the thought that she wrote their friendship in a book and it was so touching and spoke to so many.

I'm not sure how I feel about them inserted in the book, though. I don't hate it but I guess I'm not tied into that story yet - hopefully I will be for the 2nd half of the book (hide spoiler)]

50 chapters / 74%

(view spoiler)[ wow, so it was Janie that made the phone call and spoiled the time Ryan and Cass were having. Brutal, I really thought it was Sydney. But I am glad Cass got away from Sydney. I agree, they weren't a healthy relationship.

I do like Ryan but yeah, I'm not sure they would have worked either - Cass is way too hidden and Ryan was just blowing up and getting super famous at the time. PLUS Cass was getting famous at the same time.

So I wonder where this goes from here.
Surely, Cass discovers Sydney lied - and that Amanda is alive.
and wow, Annie's mom is clean! I'm surprised - but I wonder if they can save their relationship.

lots of things to face about the small hometown (hide spoiler)]

and done!

Loved this one
(view spoiler)[ OMG when she saw Amanda for the first time again - so good! I was so glad she figured it out and found the letters.
I STILL can't believe Sydney lied to her about Amanda!

I also love that Ryan and Annie found each other again! That was great too! They were just delayed but they got to be together.

we got more of the story, which I didn't mind, but - again - I didn't love it - I like that it rounded out the story.

OMG I loved that she attended a book club about her book! that was so good! lol (hide spoiler)]