About the Author

Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one books, including The Summer Place, That Summer, Big Summer, Mrs. Everything, In Her Shoes, Good in Bed, and a memoir in essays, Hungry Heart. She has appeared on many national television programs, including Today and Good Morning America, and her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, among other newspapers and magazines. Jennifer lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.

Reviews

"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."-- "Fort Worth Star-Telegram"

"A juicy fictional account of life behind the scenes for a female TV showrunner."-- "New York Post"

"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."-- "The Miami Herald"

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

"Full of warm and interesting characters as well as a wealth of insider industry detail (Weiner was a cocreator of an ABC Family sitcom), this is a must-read for Weiner's many fans and anyone who enjoys smart, funny fiction."-- "Library Journal"

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

"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."-- "Bookreporter.com"

"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."-- "Booklist (starred review)"

"Spares no bon mot in exposing Hollywood's sexism, ageism and incurable penchant for extravagant silliness."-- "Kirkus"

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

"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."-- "Time"

"Weiner's snappy new novel showcases her humor and style."-- "Washington Post"

Weiner's novel follows the journey of Ruth Saunders, who sets off for Hollywood to become a television writer-with her 70-year-old grandmother along for the ride. Although ambitious and talented, Ruth is still disfigured from a car accident that killed her parents. In California, Ruth finds work for the networks, but her new life is far from perfect, especially when her grandmother announces her plans to get married and Ruth's pet project is edited beyond recognition. Narrator Olivia Thirlby's reading captures the heart and soul of Weiner's novel. The narrator's portrayal of the young, naive Ruth is convincing and nuanced. In turns, Thirlby embodies Ruth's varied emotions, sounding excited, exasperated, embarrassed, sensuous, petulant, funny, and sad. A Washington Square paperback. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.