My Friend Anna

I was curious to read this after watching the Netflix series. Something about the book just doesn't sit right. It's first hand, so obviously a little biased. However, its riddled with speculations, theories and seems more like a venting journal entry than something worth publishing. I didn't like Rachel from the start and unfortunately my opinion didn't change

2.5

Gripping book! I couldn't stop listening. My empathy punched me in the guy as the author's anxiety seeped through my ear buds. This scam story is just too insane for words. The New York Times pieces on Anna Delvey (“How Anna Delvey Conned New York” and “A Fake Heiress Called Anna Delvey Conned the City's Wealthy”) are also recommended side reading if you're fascination extends beyond the book.

This was a real page-turner! I know a lot of people read various articles about Anna Delvey (etc etc), myself included, but I felt like having more backstory made me understand better how deep it went. I felt a lot of sympathy for Rachel (who ended up with $70,000 on her credit cards) who like, yes is a relatively privileged white woman but also like...is very relatable to me, I could completely see how a certain desire to make friends and keep your head down socially would somehow lead to this, IDK??? Would recommend if you want more info about THE SCAM.

reading this book feels like watching a reality tv show, or maybe hearing about some horrible yet obsessively interesting gossip

I hadn't heard of this case before picking up this book.

It was definitely intriguing right off the bat, and I wanted to know all the details. The author doesn't do a bad job narrating the audiobook either, thankfully. A lot of authors are not skilled narrators, but she did a good job. The beginning was the strongest part for me. There was a definite sense of stress and anxiety that was portrayed quite well.

Personally, I'm not majorly interested in the NYC elite and celebrities in general, so I found all the references to the famous people a bit tiring after a while. I could've done without 20 references to Annie Leibovitz. I think the middle dragged a lot, especially while Rachel was trying to get reimbursed. It led to too much repetition for my liking. It could've been trimmed down quite a bit and still stayed true to the events. Think movie montage. That's all that was needed.

The writing is very simple, feeling very much like a magazine article (which makes sense). Very straightforward and choppy sometimes. It's not terrible but may have been more grating had I read it physically instead of listening to it. I definitely noticed it even while listening.

Your enjoyment of this book will majorly hinge on if you connect with the author. I was pretty neutral, but if you find yourself actively disliking her at any point you should just bail and read something else. If you are neutral or like her, this will be a quick and easy read/listen that you can speed through in an afternoon.

⭐⭐

I finally finished this one (it was a struggle) to say the least. Rachel Williams is a very unlikable human being, and quite frankly deserved everything she got.

Where to start...I wouldn't have picked this one up if it wasn't for this being a book club pick. I've seen it around and had it on a backlist but wasn't in a rush to read it. I struggled with giving this one a 2.5 to 3 stars but ended up at 3 for overall performance and captivation.

I am not sure if it is just me, but I honestly have a hard time with believing the author's story 100%. On one hand she works in a major industry and has a great job. She is obviously smart and capable enough to thrive in that harsh industry. Then on the other hand, she claims deniability as she was blind-sighted by Anna and her treachery...and had absolutely no idea that something was horribly wrong until it was too late.

At one point it is said by the detectives in the case she should have considered being an investigator. Hmmmm...really? How is that even possible when she so obviously lacks the fundamental capability of how to read a person and a situation...

Now don't get me wrong...I am in no way discounting what she went through and could not imagine being swindled in that manner and left out to dry the way she was. I just don't believe that she didn't, on some level, know Anna wasn't who she said she was and also believe on some level that the author enjoyed living the “high” life enough that she chose to ignore the situations and signs that pointed to Anna's true self.

The audio is read by the author and she does a great job with it. If you have heard of this story, and have been curious about it, I would say give this a go and decide for yourself. Let me know what you thought and let's discuss!

I read the book to see how this faked socialite was able to commit fraud and deceive so many people but the book is really an attempt of the author to feel pity for her ordeal. I don't know why but you can't sympathize for what happened to her. Her personality in the writing makes her unlikable. This a book you can read once and part ways with it.

The true story of a fake heiress.

Rachel DeLoache Williams met Anna Vadimovna Sorokina aka Anna Delvey at a meeting of friends in New York City. Rachel had worked her way onto the staff at Vanity Fair. Anna was creating a foundation for the arts in New York City. They had mutual friends and Anna introduced Rachel to some famous people. Anna always seemed to be where the party was.

Rachel and Anna knew each other for a few years before Rachel starting adding up little things, but she never really put it all together. It was not until a group trip to Marrakech that Anna's financial schemes started to implode around her and everyone else. Rachel ended up using her personal and corporate credit cards to cover expenses thinking that Anna would be paying her back.

This did not happen.

My Friend Anna (2019) is told from Williams' viewpoint. It tells of the friendship, the betrayals, and the devastating aftermath. It is a quick read. Williams is factual about what happened to her and her friends as a result of their friendship with Anna. The book flows with lessons and emotions. It will make you think twice about ever picking up the check for anyone and expecting to be paid back. Williams does not cut herself any slack either in this book, her humanness is on full display. This is better than a Lifetime movie. This is better than glamorizing the villain. This is the unvarnished truth - this is a must read.

I received this book for free in a Goodreads Giveaway and give my opinion without prejudice and voluntarily.