A review by dhatislandbookworm
Honey: A Novel by Isabel Banta

emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A book about a rising pop star navigating fame in the early aughts? Sounds like my cup of tea. However, by the end, I found myself asking, “Ok? That’s it???” 
 
The synopsis claims that Honey sets out to “redefine the narratives of some of the most famous pop icons.” I was ready for a fresh, nuanced takedown of an industry that has been known to exploit its talent. But therein lies the problem: it’s scared push the envelope to do so. 

I appreciated the integration of articles, interviews, and Genius entries, but Honey seems to bury itself in this nostalgia to divert from the fact that it’s not saying anything that we haven’t been for the last decade. Because of this, it just feels like an underwhelming, lengthy “Behind the Music” episode. 
 
By the 50% mark, I knew how the book would end and only finished because it didn’t meet my DNF threshold. 

Amber was an ok main character and had some excellent introspective moments, but I had a hard time connecting with her motivations. I don’t even think she knew what her motivations were, so I didn’t have a reason to root or care for her. The one thing I will say is that it did tackle the narrative of media-created cattiness between female artists well. 

If you actually want a not-so-fictionalized mish-mash of stories based on 90s + 00s pop stars, then this is for you. But honestly, you’re better off just reading a memoir. 
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