The Next Best Thing

A Novel

By: Jennifer Weiner

Narrated by: Olivia Thirlby

Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Weiner returns with an irresistible story about a young woman trying to make it in Hollywood....

At 23, Ruth Saunders headed west with her 70-year-old grandma in tow, hoping to be hired as a television writer. Four years later, she's hit the jackpot when she gets The Call: the sitcom she wrote, The Next Big Thing, has gotten the green light, and Ruthie's going to be the show-runner. But her dreams of Hollywood happiness are threatened by demanding actors, number-crunching executives, an unrequited crush on a boss, and her grandmother's impending nuptials.

Set against the fascinating backdrop of Los Angeles show-business culture, with an insider's ear and eye for writer's rooms, bad behavior backstage, and set politics, Jennifer Weiner's new novel is a rollicking ride on the Hollywood rollercoaster and a heartfelt story about what it's like for a young woman to love, and lose, in the land where dreams come true.

©2012 Jennifer Weiner, Inc. (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A writer of innate brilliance." ( The Philadelphia Inquirer)

"Jennifer Weiner's best-selling novels twist humor and topical issues into can't-put-down stories." ( Houston Chronicle)

"Hilarious, heartbreaking, and insightful, Weiner shows she can write with exquisite tenderness as well as humor." ( The Miami Herald)

Good ending

The ending completed a slow moving novel with real, likeable characters. Needed to speed up the narration to get through it.

I did not like the narrator

What did you like about this audiobook?

The story was okay but not exceptional.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

The narrator spoke almost in a monotone, with little inflection. After a while it the narrator's voice reminded me of fingernails on a chalkboard.

Do you have any additional comments?

I'm struggling to finish listening to this narrator. I'll avoid books read by her in the future.

Mediocre

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I expected more especially as I read the prequel Swim!

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Moved along faster in some parts and slowed down in others!

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator was fine!

Do you think The Next Best Thing needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Don't know! The ending leaves you hangin a little but it is also a very realistic ending.

Great ending

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Next Best Thing?

The ending when great overtakes the standard

What about Olivia Thirlby’s performance did you like?

she captured all of the characters wonderfully

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not cry, but definitely sad for some of the characters. and laugh, definitely

Any additional comments?

This book showed me what real life TV world is probably like, and I truly enjoyed this story.

Interesting view into Hollywood sidcom start ups

If you could sum up The Next Best Thing in three words, what would they be?

Funny, realistic love, & heart wrenching.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Next Best Thing?

If you are looking for a love story that doesn't include buff hunks and sexy females this is for you.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably the interview scene with funny quirky back and forth between the main character and her soon to be love interest.

If you could take any character from The Next Best Thing out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The main character. She is funny, insecure like the rest of us, and sincere.

Any additional comments?

I love how this scared woman has overcome her insecurity to live her life in the middle of Babelon among the pretty people of Hollywood, and still hold true to herself. I love that her happily ever after isn't another made up hunky man that every woman is going to drool over. It is a realistic romanic love affair that will leave you dreaming that it could happen to you!

Not one of her best

What did you like best about The Next Best Thing? What did you like least?

I thought it was alright. It was a little slow at times. The other books from Jennifer Weiner I couldn't put down. This was not one like that. The narration was fine.

A Fictional look into TVLand

Where does The Next Best Thing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Its a nice light read. Characters you care about. Not too deep. How a TV show is made was interesting.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Next Best Thing?

Anytime Ruthie's Grandmother was around.

What about Olivia Thirlby’s performance did you like?

Great narration. Voice matched lead character well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

You felt for Ruthie's idealism.

Any additional comments?

Summer Beach type of read.

Fav book

Greet characters and a great story! I love and adore this book! I’ve listened to it several times it is my go to uplifting book!

Couldn't put it down

If you could sum up The Next Best Thing in three words, what would they be?

Fun fast read.

Which character – as performed by Olivia Thirlby – was your favorite?

Ruth-of course

If you could take any character from The Next Best Thing out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Little Dave

Any additional comments?

Give this one a try when you need a light but still interesting read!

Fresh plot, super characters, so well narrated ..

super characters, so well narrated .. sexy, funny, touching. loved it. great story to just take you away. definitely recommend.