Bright, Precious Days
Bright, Precious Days
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Brief
418
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Bright, Precious Days by Jay McInerney follows Corrine and Russell Calloway, an Upper East Side couple navigating marriage, career struggles, and complicated personal relationships in early 2010s New York during the Great Recession. Their marriage faces tension as Corrine reconnects with an old lover, while Russell’s publishing ventures encounter obstacles, ultimately testing their bond and resilience.
Mysterious
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
3,234 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jay McInerney's Bright, Precious Days offers a vivid portrayal of high society in New York City, marked by elegant prose and well-drawn characters. While praised for its keen social observations and rich atmosphere, some critics found the plot meandering and over-reliant on familiar themes. Overall, it captivates but may not innovate within McInerney's oeuvre.
Who Should Read Bright, Precious Days?
Readers who revel in intricate portrayals of New York City, the complexities of marriage, and the glitzy yet tumultuous lives of the elite, akin to Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities or F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, will immerse themselves in Jay McInerney’s Bright, Precious Days.
3,234 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
418
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!