58: What If the Life You’re Waiting For Is Already Happening? | Peace Is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh – Badass Books and Besties
Introduction
Welcome back, besties! Today, we’re diving into the dazzling world of Elizabeth Gilbert’s City of Girls. This novel is a feast of vibrant characters, heartfelt moments, and a protagonist’s journey through independence, self-discovery, and the chaotic beauty of life. Whether you’re already a fan of Gilbert’s work or looking for a new literary escape, this book offers a glimpse into the lives of those living on their own terms in mid-20th-century Manhattan.
I am such a fan of “Eat, Pray, Love” and Gilbert’s tenacity for being creative (Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear is on my ‘To Read’ list as well) so I knew I would be in for a real treat with this novel. The description on GoodReads really captured my interest, so I will post it here as well:
In 1940, nineteen-year-old Vivian Morris has just been kicked out of Vassar College, owing to her lackluster freshman-year performance. Her affluent parents send her to Manhattan to live with her Aunt Peg, who owns a flamboyant, crumbling midtown theater called the Lily Playhouse. There Vivian is introduced to an entire cosmos of unconventional and charismatic characters, from the fun-chasing showgirls to a sexy male actor, a grand-dame actress, a lady-killer writer, and no-nonsense stage manager. But when Vivian makes a personal mistake that results in professional scandal, it turns her new world upside down in ways that it will take her years to fully understand. Ultimately, though, it leads her to a new understanding of the kind of life she craves – and the kind of freedom it takes to pursue it. It will also lead to the love of her life, a love that stands out from all the rest. Now ninety-five years old and telling her story at last, Vivian recalls how the events of those years altered the course of her life – and the gusto and autonomy with which she approached it. “At some point in a woman’s life, she just gets tired of being ashamed all the time,” she muses. “After that, she is free to become whoever she truly is.” Written with a powerful wisdom about human desire and connection, City of Girls is a love story like no other. (City of Girls on GoodReads)
I was smitten by the idea of a woman not being ashamed of who she grew up to be and being free to live her life as she chose. In this novel, Vivian truly lives a grandeur life in New York City – befriending beautiful women, partying every night, and sleeping with countless men – and LOVING every minute of it. You might find yourself living vicariously through her words; experiencing someone else’s vitality for life and living with such abandon can really light a fire in your psyche.
Unfortunately, a tragic event happens that changes her life and that is when the excitement in her life really goes downhill; Vivian is forced to shift her life in ways that many of us can relate to. She experiences loss, death, and the demise of her relationship with her family, so this can connect readers to an in depth understanding of how these emotions affect other people and how they handle it.
Let’s explore the highlights of this novel, its themes, and why it’s worth adding to your reading list.
A Snapshot of the Story
City of Girls takes readers to 1940, where 19-year-old Vivian Morris finds herself kicked out of Vassar College and sent to live with her eccentric Aunt Peg in New York City. Peg owns the Lily Playhouse, a crumbling theater brimming with unconventional performers and larger-than-life personalities. For Vivian, this world is a revelation.
Vivian’s journey takes her through the highs of friendship, glamour, and self-indulgence, and the lows of personal mistakes, scandal, and heartbreak. Over the years, she matures into a woman who unapologetically embraces her individuality and desires, ultimately learning to live without shame.
Gilbert’s writing captures the essence of living boldly, even in the face of society’s expectations, and reflects on the beauty of human connection in all its forms.
Themes That Resonate
- Freedom and Autonomy
At its core, City of Girls is about breaking free from societal norms. Vivian’s adventures—and misadventures—underscore the importance of choosing your path and owning your decisions.Gilbert’s memorable line, “At some point in a woman’s life, she just gets tired of being ashamed all the time. After that, she is free to become whoever she truly is,” perfectly encapsulates this theme. - Female Friendships
The novel highlights the depth and complexity of relationships between women, particularly Vivian’s bond with her Aunt Peg and the glamorous showgirl Celia. These connections shape Vivian’s life, offering both inspiration and lessons. - Living Without Regret
Vivian’s story encourages readers to live authentically, even if that means making mistakes. Her unapologetic embrace of pleasure, joy, and independence is a powerful reminder that life is about experiencing it fully, without constantly seeking external approval.
Why City of Girls Stands Out
Gilbert’s novel doesn’t just tell a story; it immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and spirit of mid-century New York City. Her descriptions of the Lily Playhouse and its colorful cast of characters make the era come alive.
Vivian’s growth from a naïve young woman to a confident, self-assured individual is relatable and inspiring. It’s a journey of mistakes, self-reflection, and eventual empowerment, making the novel not just entertaining but deeply impactful.
My Thoughts and Favorite Moments
As someone who loved Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, I went into City of Girls with high expectations. The novel didn’t disappoint, though it did come with its challenges.
- The Highlights:
- The vibrant New York City setting, full of life and eccentricities, felt like a character in its own right.
- Vivian’s boldness and evolution kept me rooting for her, even when she made questionable choices.
- The book’s message about living authentically resonated deeply, especially Gilbert’s exploration of shame and freedom.
- The Challenges:
- At nearly 500 pages, the book felt long-winded at times. While every detail enriched the narrative, some parts dragged, especially in the latter half.
- Vivian’s mistakes, while realistic, were sometimes frustrating—but ultimately made her growth feel earned.
Pairing a Drink with City of Girls
What’s a book discussion without a drink recommendation? Inspired by Vivian’s love of martinis and the novel’s lively, colorful energy, here are three perfect pairings:
- Classic Gin Fizz: Light, bubbly, and refreshing—just like the showgirls of the Lily Playhouse.
- Tequila Sunrise: A colorful, citrusy drink to match the novel’s vibrant cover.
- Old Manhattan: A timeless cocktail for a story set in the heart of New York City.
My Review
I do recommend this novel if you love excitement, seeing the life of a woman through the eyes of someone who has literally been through it all, and connecting with a writer who believes that all women deserve to take life by the horns and take advantage of what they have been blessed with!
I will preface that the novel is looooooong and you will find yourself wanting to give up towards the end, but once you’re there, you might as well finish it out and find out what happens to Vivian in her ripe old age of 90.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
My Final Thoughts
I was captivated from the beginning and interested to learn the connection Vivian had to Angela’s father. I automatically assumed it would be someone she was romantically involved with, maybe even on an adulterous level. To learn that it was instead a man she had an intimate, but strictly emotional connection with, was surprising!
The book was enjoyable and kept my attention for most of it – the beginning was so full of exciting adventures I found myself wanting to hit the town with her and her beautiful friend (even more so since this was not the life I led in my early twenties…at least not in New York ?).
I LOVED the description of New York city life and I lived vicariously within the pages. It was exciting to think of the absolute FUN she and Celia Ray had, especially since they threw caution to the wind, even though it was during a time when women were “supposed” to be at home cooking & cleaning for their husbands. I was devastated by her actions against Edna by having a threesome with her husband. I felt that she was thrown in the middle and tricked into thinking Anthony was cheating on her, especially since she did not even like Arthur! Edna’s response to her immoral act was cringe-worthy, and I couldn’t help but feel bad for her!
However, once she ‘lost everything’ and she succumbed to living a ‘normal’ life, I was surprised at how much she had changed. She was genuinely happy and lived a valuable and content lifestyle, but all her partying & thrilling days were behind her, much to my disappointment.
I did find myself hoping for some more adventure and wishing she had kept some of her outlandish ways. By the end, the story turned bland, and I was not as interested to keep reading. I quickly read through the final pages because the novel had not held my attention in quite some time; it was excessively long, especially with it being a letter to the daughter of a man she had a very close relationship with. Sadly, he was someone she loved intensely, but was never able to be with. Of course, beautiful relationships with another human being does NOT have to revolve around sex or intimacy, BUT it was a bit anticlimactic and disappointing that there was not a little bit more to their story.
Thankfully, everything is closed up at the end, so the reader is not left questioning what will happen next, especially since the letter to Angela LITERALLY gives her ENTIRE life story. It is sooooo long but give it a try – I promise you will not be disappointed.
If you’d like to give it a try (and support local bookstores), find the book here: City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert on Bookshop.org
If you’d like to check out the book on Amazon, find the book here: City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
If you’re ready to lose yourself in a story of glamour, resilience, and unapologetic living, City of Girls is for you. Despite its length, the novel offers a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that will leave you reflecting on your own life and choices.
Whether you’re drawn to the vivid setting, the dynamic characters, or the empowering themes, this book is a celebration of women, their complexities, and their ability to thrive on their terms.
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