When It Happens to You: A Novel in Stories (edition 2012)

by Molly Ringwald (Author)

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334	23	78,506	(3.8)	11
Tales of love, loss, and betrayal are at the heart of When It Happens to You, the debut story collection from actress and author Molly Ringwald. A Hollywood icon, Ringwald defined the teenage experience in the eighties in such classic films as Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles. Now the star of ABC Family's hit series, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and author of the bestselling memoir Getting the Pretty Back, Ringwald brings that same compelling candor she displayed in her film roles to the unforgettable characters she has created in this series of linked stories about the particular challenges, joys, and disappointments of adult relationships. Here are stories that grapple with infertility and infidelity, fame and familial discord, in a magnificent collection that will resonate broadly with readers--from fans of Melissa Banks to Meg Wolitzer to Lorrie Moore. … (more)

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Member:	Tbozz
Title:	When It Happens to You: A Novel in Stories
Authors:	Molly Ringwald (Author)
Info:	It Books (2012), Edition: First Edition, 256 pages
Collections:	Your library
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When It Happens to You: A Novel in Stories by Molly Ringwald

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Who knew? Actress Molly Ringwald, who was a ubiquitous feature of my 1980s adolescence, is a damn good writer! When It Happens To You, aptly called "a novel in stories," is well-written, well-paced, insightful, and, at-times, heart-wrenching. Revolving around the story of one couple's marriage, it branches out into several distinct, well-told stories of people whose lives intersect, even if very briefly, with theirs. A quick look at Molly Ringwald's website reveals that she is also a jazz singer, and has a CD coming out soon. If her music is as good as her writing, I'm officially jealous of her surfeit of talent! (

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CaitlinMcC | Jul 11, 2021 |

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Favorite passage: Because for all the wisdom you will have accumulated up to that point, in all the years you have been alive, your heart is just a muscle like any other Full of blood and veins, hungry for oxygen. Your heart doesn't think. Your heart is stupid. It doesn't consider the relativity of tragedy when it breaks. (

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viviennestrauss | Apr 22, 2021 |

I wanted to love this, but I ended up liking it. I felt like there were way too many unanswered questions at the end for it to be considered excellent, but at the same time, it is obvious that Ringwald has the talent to evolve into an excellent writer. (

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kweber319 | May 13, 2019 |

Each of the eight stories in this collection stands on it own; yet all are interrelated. The first story centers on a family in the midst of a marital crisis. The other stories are about friends, relations, or neighbors of that family. The stories are about betrayal or unmet expectations from those we love, or expect to love us. While that sounds dreary, it isn't. Because the characters learn to accept their lives and move on, or to forgive, or find other ways to have their needs met. In the end I felt this was a book about resilience. I read this based on a review by a fellow Shelfarian, and admittedly because I was very curious about a book written by a former member of the Brat Pack. As a debut effort I found it well done. I'd be interested in reading more should Ms. Ringwald write another. (

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LeslieHurd | Jan 11, 2017 |

Very well-written, much better than I expected. Molly Ringwald, you are one impressive woman. (

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BraveNewBks | Mar 10, 2016 |

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Audie Award (Finalist – Short Stories/Collections – 2013)

Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award (Longlist – 2013)

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When It Happens to You: A Novel in Stories

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Tales of love, loss, and betrayal are at the heart of When It Happens to You, the debut story collection from actress and author Molly Ringwald. A Hollywood icon, Ringwald defined the teenage experience in the eighties in such classic films as Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles. Now the star of ABC Family's hit series, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and author of the bestselling memoir Getting the Pretty Back, Ringwald brings that same compelling candor she displayed in her film roles to the unforgettable characters she has created in this series of linked stories about the particular challenges, joys, and disappointments of adult relationships. Here are stories that grapple with infertility and infidelity, fame and familial discord, in a magnificent collection that will resonate broadly with readers--from fans of Melissa Banks to Meg Wolitzer to Lorrie Moore.

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