Retro

I stumbled across this book by accident and oh my gosh I loved reading every single page of it! It is the debut novel of journalist Jessica M. Goldstein and I cannot wait to read more from her. Fun side note - if you read it don't forget to look it up online as well!! The book tells the story of failed actress Ash and how she finds and starts her new job at Retro, a time travel agency. They offer their services to rich tourists who like to celebrate their bachelorettes back in the Wild West, listen to Joan Baez in 1969, Bethel or throw 20s for your 20s parties. But - no suprise here, really - all the time travelling takes their toll on Ash. It gets harder and harder for her to stay in the present, distinguish reality from mirage. Goldstein writes with a sharp mind and incredible wit about not only the rise of nostalgia but also the rise of the far-right in the US, which pretty much goes hand in hand. It is such a perfect blend of fiction and acutely researched historic events. She brings up questions of what it could mean to be alive, what it could mean to be present in one's one life. This is honestly one of the best books I've read so far this year and can only highly recommend.