Little Stalker

by Jennifer Belle

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Since she was thirteen, one of the few things New York novelist Rebekah Kettle has been able to count on is the thrill of seeing a new movie by world-renowned filmmaker Arthur Weeman every fall. Now thirty-three, the humor and poignancy of Weeman's singular movies have inextricably merged with her own memories-to the point that she has begun writing him letters under the guise of her thirteen-year-old self-and her teenage admiration has become fullblown obsession. So when Rebekah steps back show more and takes stock of her own life, she isn't happy with what she finds: She's unlucky in love, hopelessly stalled in her work, and unable to get over the past.It's time for Rebekah to take action. She starts a relationship with Isaac Myman, a quirky paparazzo with whom she's suspiciously compatible. And she befriends Mrs. Williams, an eccentric older woman who needs her companionship. It seems things are looking up. But, just as unexpectedly, Rebekah discovers that Mrs. Williams's apartment has the most coveted view on the Upper East Side-straight into Arthur Weeman's town house-where she can watch the object of her obsession's life displayed like a silent movie. Weeman has always been a fixture on the rumor mill, but Rebekah has been his staunchest defender-until she sees the evidence for herself and has to ask herself some questions. Does she give her new love a chance at the scoop of a lifetime-a photo of the compromised Weeman-or does she remain loyal to the man whose films have defined her life?Riotously funny and astonishingly moving, Little Stalker is a bold, daring, twisted, and lovable novel that could have come only from a literary voice as sharp and original as Jennifer Belle's. show less

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5 reviews
Novelist Rebekah Kettle is simultaneously struggling to come up with her next great book, forge a connection with her estranged father and come to terms with decisions she made as a child. Rebekah is also completely, totally obsessed with "Arthur Weeman," a fictional famous director (based on Woody Allen, apparently) whose films she's seen every fall for the last twenty years. Rebekah channels her obsession with Weeman into a series of letters from a thirteen-year-old girl, and simultaneously unravels her own past with them.

This book was awesome. Rebekah is such a real, flawed character, I felt like I'd run into her should I find myself sauntering down the streets of New York City. And the book is funny, but I'd have to say it was more show more poignant than anything. About halfway through I was compulsively reading it, dying to know what was going to happen. It has a distinct "mystery" about it, too -- many secrets are eventually revealed, and I was very satisfied with the way everything turned out. It was a great read, and anything but predictable. show less
½
Rebekah, NY one novel wonder, is seeking the second novel within her and to settle life around her. Divorced parents, an unknown sister, an unhealthy fanaticism to a character based on Woody Allen--of all people!---stir it up and read a hilarious, beyond quirky novel of an on the edge risk-taker. Spiced with humor, this is one good read!
I loved this book! My coworkers can testify, this book made me laugh out loud over and over again. Now, it's not for everyone. You've got to be both sharp and quirky to pick up on the humor here. It is both deep and superficial at the same time. Although I'm not really a Woody Allen fan, the protagonist is, and the humor is along the same lines.
This book had me very frustrated with the main character. Her relationships don't seem to develop enough (except Mrs. Williams) and she seems very flaky. The writing is excellent and it was a good read, but I just can't get past the frustration.
I met the author at Powell's 5/30/2007. She was pretty funny and easy going; better than I expected. She very kindly bought a copy of her own book and inscribed it to me as a thank you for helping with the event.

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7+ Works 958 Members

Common Knowledge

Original publication date
2007-05-17
People/Characters
Rebekah Kettle
Important places
New York, New York, USA
Dedication
For my father
First words
All day long I called Mr. Moviefone.

Classifications

Genres
Fiction and Literature, General Fiction, Romance
DDC/MDS
813.54Literature & rhetoricAmerican literature in EnglishAmerican fiction in English1900-19991945-1999
LCC
PS3552 .E53337 .L58Language and LiteratureAmerican literatureAmerican literatureIndividual authors1961-
BISAC

Statistics

Members
135
Popularity
240,316
Reviews
5
Rating
½ (3.36)
Languages
English
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
8
ASINs
5