Book Review: “Limelight” by Andrew Keenan-Bolger

“Limelight” by Andrew Keenan-Bolger (2026)

Genre: YA, Contemporary, LGBTQIA

Page Length: 352 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

The only thing standing between Danny and his dreams is…everything.

For fifteen years, Danny Victorio has kept his head down, kept his mouth shut, and kept everyone out. But an audition for Manhattan’s most prestigious arts school offers him a chance to escape Staten Island—and his crumbling family—for good.

If he doesn’t screw everything up.

At LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts, Danny is thrust into a world of fierce talent and even fiercer ambition. As he navigates overwhelming expectations, the ghosts of his past, and, for the first time, real friendship, Danny can’t shake the Where do I belong…if I belong at all?

Set against the gritty, vibrant backdrop of 1996 New York City—where peep-show palaces were giving way to Disney stores, the “Club Kids” ruled nightlife, and a musical called Rent was driving teens to sleep on the seediest sidewalks of Times Square in hopes of a ticket—Limelight is a story about finding your voice, finding your family, and figuring out who, and where, you’re really meant to be.

Review:

Limelight is a debut novel that is a love letter to Broadway. While I’m not too familiar with the author (even as a Broadway geek) I could feel the deep passion he has for creative expression and the Arts as whole. This is sentiment is felt throughout the novel and from his experience on stage originating the roles of Crutchie in Newsies and Jesse Tuck in Tuck Everlasting on Broadway. The novel shows the intricacies of what it takes to stand out among the crowd while staying true to yourself.

90s New York City is much different from the Big Apple today as the story focuses on what made NYC such a beacon for artists. Though the city was grittier, the novel immerses the reader into the city’s culture of nightlight, fashion trends , and how its elements blend into pop culture today. I do appreciate while there is an element of wonder and excitement felt through all of the first experiences we read through Danny’s eyes the novel still keeps itself grounded in reality. The novel touches on many harsh realities that POC and queer folks experienced back then along with the AIDS epidemic.

Though there is some romance in this this novel this story is focused on a story of self-discovery as it takes elements of Broadway shows such as Fame and RENT. We see Danny have to overcome obstacles with his personal and school life with uncertainty. He is a vulnerable main character though quiet on the surface and reading his journey felt a bit hopeful even with the novel’s open ending. He feels relatable and all of the relationships in the story feel authentic which made for an enjoyable read.

This is a heartwarming novel about finding yourself that I recommend adding to your TBR!

Final Verdict: