Book Review: Honey by Isabel Banta

Isabel Banta’s debut novel, Honey: A Novel, takes readers back to the late 1990s and early 2000s music scene. Read my review.

Diving into Honey by Isabel Banta, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But this debut novel was a pleasant surprise! The story follows Amber, a young singer who navigates the tricky waters of love and coming of age while becoming a rising pop star. Amber’s journey is vulnerable and exciting, with Banta capturing the angst and thrill of becoming a young adult. Adding the pressures and allure of pop stardom to the mix only heightens the stakes and makes Amber’s experiences all the more compelling. Find out why I gave the book 3 out of 5 stars.

**Honey by Isabel Banta – Bookliterati Book Reviews**

What is the book about?

It is 1997, and Amber Young has received a life-changing call. It is 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. [GoodReads.com]

Author Isabel Banta promotes Honey — **‘Honey’ by Isabel Banta is this week’s ‘GMA’ Buzz Pick – Good Morning America**

My thoughts

What truly hooked me was the setting—Banta transports us to the pop music scene of the late 1990s and early 2000s, a time of glitter, boy bands, and the rise of teen pop queens. As someone who grew up during that era, the nostalgia was real and incredibly entertaining.

I genuinely enjoyed this debut novel and am looking forward to more works by Isabel Banta. Honey is a solid pick if you’re in the mood for a book that delivers both heart and heat. It’s a vulnerable yet sexy exploration of youth, fame, and the timeless quest for identity and love. Highly recommended for those who love a good coming-of-age story with a pop culture twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for a thoughtful and honest review.

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