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The Next Best Thing

by Jennifer Weiner

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7863828,472 (3.29)19
Believing she is realizing her dreams when her sitcom is bought, television writer Ruth Saunders finds her happiness threatened by demanding actors and executives as well as an unrequited crush on her boss and her septuagenarian grandmother's upcoming wedding.
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» See also 19 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 38 (next | show all)
An interesting enough story about the backstage part of making a TV show in Hollywood.

I wasn't particularly invested in the characters or the romantic B-plot and like usual, I am more annoyed than amused by Weiner's attempts at humor. I think she tries too hard and too often goes for the raunchy cheap joke. She also seems to have a pretty big fixation on oral sex.

I can't seem to break the habit of buying her books but I really need to start making these library books instead of purchases. ( )
  hmonkeyreads | Jan 25, 2024 |
Fun glimpse into the life of a sit-com writer and showrunner. ( )
  ajrenshaw99 | Sep 1, 2023 |
I listened to this on Audible, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It's been a while since I've read a Jennifer Weiner book, and it reminded me why I love her writing. It's fresh, light and entertaining--the perfect beach read.

The story is about Ruth, who moved to LA with her grandmother to pursue her writing dreams. Ruth writes a show loosely based on her own life, and when the pilot is picked up for a nine episode series by a major network Ruth must learn to navigate the Hollywood waters. I loved the Hollywood setting and the politics that went into bringing Ruth's show to life. I also loved Ruth, who's show's transformation mirrors her own person struggles with insecurity.

This is a great read for fans of Jennifer Weiner books and anyone looking for a light beach read. If you enjoy listening to books on Audible, the narrator does a great job of capturing Ruth's voice and navigating the different characters. ( )
  stacyastokes | Sep 7, 2021 |
I initially wasn't all that interested in reading this book based on the synopsis but I picked it up anyway and I was hooked. I really enjoyed reading and learning a little bit more about the world of television writing. IT helps explain why some really great shows are cancelled and how a writers vision changes once so many (greedy?) hands get in the pot. I really enjoyed Ruth and while she wasn't the most relatable character I've ever read, I did enjoy her character and her experiences. I wasn't heavily invested in the love story ( or the love scenes- I'm not a prude, they just went on and seemed rather long and isolated for the book).

A great summer read.

( )
  sunshine608 | Feb 2, 2021 |
Such a fun read! The story follows Ruth from a childhood event that started her love of sitcoms, through her various jobs in the entertainment industry, to becoming the showrunner of her own sitcom. There are many laugh out loud moments as Ruth, along with her Grandmother, navigate the waters of show business and life in general. A charming novel for any fan of the Golden Girls, or for anyone interested in the inner workings of Hollywood show production. ( )
  Penny_L | Jul 8, 2020 |
Showing 1-5 of 38 (next | show all)
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For my brothers, Jake and Joe Weiner
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The telephone rang.
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
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Believing she is realizing her dreams when her sitcom is bought, television writer Ruth Saunders finds her happiness threatened by demanding actors and executives as well as an unrequited crush on her boss and her septuagenarian grandmother's upcoming wedding.

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Average: (3.29)
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1 11
1.5 1
2 18
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3 54
3.5 16
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