City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

1940 Meet Vivian who has just flunked out of Vassar and been shipped off to the crazy, bohemian, crumbling theater director Aunt Peg. It is the best thing that could have happened to her. Welcome to the madcap, emotionally and physically draining world of the New York City theater. Vivian will be exposed to all sorts of interesting people and have more adventures than most people can only dream of - all free, unmarried and living and working with people she loves. She will also have to grow up and develop a thicker skin. The sexual revolution is alive and well and it is swimming in a sea of sequins and gin before the war. After the war, the world is a bit more subdued and Vivian will have to grow up but she will do so on her terms. Vivian's story is told through a letter to the daughter of a good friend when Vivian is in her 60's. Sassy, irreverent and just plain fun, this is a love letter to the unusual mix of people in New York City and proves that strong independent women who don't go with the flow have always existed and lived their life to the fullest. Viva Vivian!