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noladawnreads 's review for:

Honey: A Novel by Isabel Banta
3.0
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

HONEY
Isabel Banta

I read this as part of the Celadon Readers Initiative as well as listened to the audio. This read like a memoir or pop star biography. It’s written through Amber’s pov as she goes from a talented kid to a pop icon. 
I’m about 10 years older than this time period, but I had a niece this exact age and it brought back a lot of memories of watching TRL and listening to Britney (as a Louisiana native it’s in the contract to love her) and Christina. I couldn’t help but use those connections to compare Amber (Britney) and Gwen (Xtina) and Savannah (Jessica). I guess this was the intention. 
It seemed more like a YA but with raunchy sex scenes… so NA maybe?? However, the story was well written and a fun trip on memory lane. 
The audio, narrated by Brittney Pressley, helped to convey more of Amber’s thoughts. I do wish the song lyrics had been sung instead of narrated though. (But I understand that’s a big ask.) 

Many thanks to Celadon and Macmillan audio for my early review copies. These thoughts are my own.