Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson was one of my most anticipated reads this spring since I love books with both chaos and companionship. This book delivers on both aspects, as the main characters spend a wild night in New York City and discover more about themselves and each other during their adventures. However, too much of the story is far-fetched, and some of the plot is unnecessary, especially considering the length of the book. This may not be my favourite of Morgan Matson’s books, but I can’t deny that it is so much fun.
Title: Take Me Home TonightAuthor: Morgan Matson
Also by this author: Revenge, Ice Cream and Other Things Best Served Cold (Broken Hearts and Revenge #2)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Rating:
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off meets Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist in this romp through the city that never sleeps from the New York Times bestselling author of Since You’ve Been Gone, Morgan Matson.
Two girls. One night. Zero phones.
Kat and Stevie—best friends, theater kids, polar opposites—have snuck away from the suburbs to spend a night in New York City. They have it all planned out. They’ll see a play, eat at the city’s hottest restaurant, and have the best. Night. Ever. What could go wrong?
Well. Kind of a lot?
They’re barely off the train before they’re dealing with destroyed phones, family drama, and unexpected Pomeranians. Over the next few hours, they’ll have to grapple with old flames, terrible theater, and unhelpful cab drivers. But there are also cute boys to kiss, parties to crash, dry cleaning to deliver (don’t ask), and the world’s best museum to explore.
Over the course of a wild night in the city that never sleeps, both Kat and Stevie will get a wake-up call about their friendship, their choices…and finally discover what they really want for their future.
That is, assuming they can make it to Grand Central before the clock strikes midnight.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson
When best friends Stevie and Kat sneak out to spend a night in New York City, their adventure ends up wilder than they anticipated. Over the course of a few hours, they get separated without their phones, acquire a Pomeranian, and learn more about themselves in the process. New York City itself comes to life, and I loved getting to experience the vibrant city at night along with Stevie and Kat.
❀ Focus on Friendship
What I especially enjoyed about the book is its focus on friendship. Stevie and Kat are opposites–Stevie is quieter and Kat is the more adventurous one–but this is what balances them out. Through the dual perspectives, it is easy to feel their closeness, and this makes it easy to root for them. Both characters also have their flaws, and while I didn’t like all of their decisions, it makes them more realistic.
❀ Some Far-Fetched Plot Lines
While I always love a story about friendship, much of this book is a little too ridiculous, which negatively impacted my enjoyment of it as a whole. Most of the plot is based on weird coincidences and outrageous twists, which become too much at times. At first, these are amusing, but I quickly got tired of the far-fetched plot lines and was wishing for a little more realism. Teri’s POV in particular is way too unbelievable to be entertaining, and it could have been cut without affecting the story at all.
❀ Upbeat Read
Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson is a story of spontaneity and friendship. I loved the New York setting, and both main characters complement each other well. Unfortunately, too much of the book is unbelievable, which took away from my overall enjoyment. While some of the book wasn’t for me, I would still recommend this one to those looking for an upbeat read about female friendship.
About Morgan Matson
Morgan Matson was born in New York City and grew up there and in Greenwich, Connecticut. She attended Occidental College as a theater major, but halfway through, switched her focus to writing and never looked back. She received an MFA in Writing for Children from the New School, and then a second MFA in Screenwriting from USC.
She is the New York Times bestselling author of five books, all published by Simon & Schuster.
She currently lives in Los Angeles with her rescue terrier, Murphy, in a house with blue floors that’s overflowing with books.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Normally I wouldn’t think unbelievable when it came to Morgan Matson. That’s too bad. I’ve enjoyed her books in the past, but YA hasn’t been working too well for me lately. I wasn’t sure if I was going to read this one. Maybe I’ll wait and see if my library gets an audiobook copy. Great review.
I would love to try this as an audiobook! I think ti might give a different perspective. I would love to hear your thoughts on it if you do try it. 🙂
Thanks for the review! Love that it’s set in New York and love the cover!
The cover and setting are fantastic! 🙂
It sounds like this book has both good and not so good things. I can definitely see how far-fetched plots can become tiresome after a little while. I am curious about the Pomeranian, though!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: Brutal Winter by Quirah Casey
Ha! Yes! Dogs are classic Matson! 🙂
I love the New York City setting, but the farfetched plot lines would probably bother me!
The New York setting is always a draw for me. 🙂
I don’t mind unrealistic plot lines if it seems to work in the story and I am having fun with it. It sounds like the friendship was done well, though
Absolutely! There are some great aspects to this one! 🙂
Too bad it wasn’t as good as you had hoped. I am not sure if I would enjoy the unrealistic things either.
Thanks, Cathy! 🙂
We’re sorry you didn’t enjoy the book more. We really liked it, except for the parts about Teri.
Glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing your review and the book and author details, this sounds like an awesome read, especially for me as a native New Yorker.
I would love to know your thoughts on it if you try it! 🙂
Aww..this sounds awesome!! I love reading about friendship and this book seems like it will be a fun one. Maybe it will be a bit more enjoyable for me.
I hope so! 🙂
like the 80s vibes.. but i definitely get where you’re coming from. part of why im picky about YA reads