The Next Best Thing: A Novel

by Jennifer Weiner Narrated by Olivia Thirlby

Overview

Blockbuster #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner returns with an irresistible story about a young woman trying to make it in Hollywood...

At three years old, Ruth Saunders miraculously survives the car crash that takes her parents' lives on the icy Massachusetts Turnpike. Her eccentric grandmother, who comes out of Florida retirement to care for young Ruth, nurtures her through years of surgeries, feeding her home-cooked meals, dispensing irreverent wisdom, and telling Ruth she's beautiful, even though her scars will stay with her forever.

After college, Ruth pursues her dream of writing to Hollywood, heading west with her grandmother in tow, hoping to make it big in the world of TV. After years of failure and a badly broken heart, Ruth gets The Call-her show has been green-lit.

But Ruth's happy ending is only the beginning, as she struggles with how television gets made: terrified (and terrifying) executives and actresses with their eyes on bigger prizes than Ruthie's show. Add in an unrequited crush on the man who has been her mentor. Add to that her grandmother's impending nuptials, and Ruth's big break might just break her.

A rollicking ride on the Hollywood roller coaster, The Next Best Thing is a heartfelt story about a young woman searching for her own happily-ever-after in the land where dreams come true.

Editorial Reviews

People

"An entertaining story about the dream-crushing compromises on the road from page to screen."

Time

"Weiner is coming off a year in Hollywood, and she puts the experience to excellent use in this utterly engaging story of a showrunner who, after six years of slogging, finally gets a series on the air, only to discover that her troubles are only beginning—meddling studio execs, egomaniacal actors and one crushable but unobtainable boss."

Better Homes & Gardens

Weiner is a chick-lit writer with chops—and she puts them to expert use in this funny, feel-good tale.

Booklist (starred review)

Ruth is a multidimensional heroine, and Weiner gives her real heart and soul. Readers will root for her to get everything she ever wanted—not to settle for the next best thing. This is contemporary women’s fiction at its finest.

The Miami Herald

A knockout. Perfect comic timing meets effortless dialogue and an engaging plot…. Enjoy your place on top of the lit world, Jennifer Weiner. You've more than made it.

Bookreporter.com

Jennifer Weiner proves once again that her bestseller status is no accident by delivering another intriguing page-turner. She gives us sassy, sardonic Ruth to root for as well as plenty of zingers aimed at Hollywood's tweaked values. Readers are likely to enjoy a fascinating peek into the politics of television culture, coupled with a lively plot and a satisfying love story.

New York Post

A juicy fictional account of life behind the scenes for a female TV showrunner.

Washington Post

Weiner’s snappy new novel showcases her humor and style."

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

A fascinating glimpse into the television industry…Weiner’s strong sense of comedy comes through in her characters’ witty banter and Ruth’s writing. You will cheer her on in her quest to find success and love.

New York Daily News

"Jennifer Weiner is funny and dead-on when it comes to building a satisfying summer read.

Time

"Weiner is coming off a year in Hollywood, and she puts the experience to excellent use in this utterly engaging story of a showrunner who, after six years of slogging, finally gets a series on the air, only to discover that her troubles are only beginning—meddling studio execs, egomaniacal actors and one crushable but unobtainable boss."

Booklist

Ruth is a multidimensional heroine, and Weiner gives her real heart and soul. Readers will root for her to get everything she ever wanted—not to settle for the next best thing. This is contemporary women’s fiction at its finest.

New York Post

A juicy fictional account of life behind the scenes for a female TV showrunner.

Better Homes & Gardens

Weiner is a chick-lit writer with chops—and she puts them to expert use in this funny, feel-good tale.

Washington Post

Weiner’s snappy new novel showcases her humor and style."

Booklist

Ruth is a multidimensional heroine, and Weiner gives her real heart and soul. Readers will root for her to get everything she ever wanted—not to settle for the next best thing. This is contemporary women’s fiction at its finest.

New York Daily News

"Jennifer Weiner is funny and dead-on when it comes to building a satisfying summer read.

People Magazine

"An entertaining story about the dream-crushing compromises on the road from page to screen."

Time Magazine

"Weiner is coming off a year in Hollywood, and she puts the experience to excellent use in this utterly engaging story of a showrunner who, after six years of slogging, finally gets a series on the air, only to discover that her troubles are only beginning—meddling studio execs, egomaniacal actors and one crushable but unobtainable boss."

SEPTEMBER 2012 - AudioFile

Narrator Olivia Thirlby captures the youthful cynicism and insecurity of young Ruth Saunders, who is disfigured in a car accident that claims the lives of both her parents. Ruth's grandmother steps in to raise her and also relocates to Los Angeles when Ruth follows her dream to become a screenwriter. Though Ruth's script receives a thumbs-up, she struggles against the superficiality of the industry and, in particular, a diva actress, whom Thirlby amusingly portrays with a whiny huffiness. Thirlby uses a facetious tone to reflect Ruth's increasingly spunky comebacks and a quieter, fearful voice to reveal Ruth's private pain about her appearance. Though the plot dwindles at times, Thirlby's consistently clear characterization keeps the listener engaged with the story. M.F. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170974955
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster
Publication date:	07/03/2012
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos