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, but not great

I loved SWM from The Guy Not Taken so I was really looking forward to this. The story was good. In fact at one point, I kind of stopped listening because I wasn't ready for it to end. But that's when I realized I wasn't grasping for more. The story was good, but not great. Not that it is completely comparable, but it's just nothing compared to Good in Bed.

Another great read by JW!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It was a little slower to start, but once into the meat of it, a great story. Loved that it was a little different type of character and setting for the story. Behind-the-scenes look at the television industry was a fun backdrop.

Enjoyed every minute of it

Loved this book! The narrator was terrific. I loved her voice.
I was sad when it ended.

Interesting

What made the experience of listening to The Next Best Thing the most enjoyable?

It was very interesting to read from the prospective of a sitcom writer.

What other book might you compare The Next Best Thing to and why?

It is a very unique book, and that is one reason that I liked it. I really haven't read a book like it.

What about Olivia Thirlby’s performance did you like?

You could really see how the main character was feeling -

Who was the most memorable character of The Next Best Thing and why?

The grandmother...I loved the relationship between the two of them.

I loved this book.

Loved the modern wit. I loved the characters and the story. It helps me be cowith my reality as a writer.

good story- lousy reader

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

I usually love this writer and enjoyed the story as much as I could understand.

What didn’t you like about Olivia Thirlby’s performance?

Mush mouth, couldn't you find someone who spoke clearly.

A good read

As usual, Jennifer Weiner takes you through a relatable emotional rollercoaster & tells a story theough conversations. Her typical protagonist once again faces body & self esteem issues but the story is told in a way that makes you a part of the characters lives, draws you in & keeps you hooked.

So good!

I love this book! It was surprising, funny, resonant and poignant. I highly recommend it!

Read the Abridged Version

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The protagonist (Ruth) is too passive and has no confidence. Ok, you have scars on your face. That must be hard. But you're a successful TV writer. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and stop complaining that nobody will ever love you because of your scars. Try online dating or something. She continually gives in to everyone in her professional life and she's even passive in the final resolution of her love life (no spoilers). It's hard to root for someone who can barely root for herself.

One more thing, which has to be said... the book (unintentionally) has a moral of "It doesn't matter if you don't love yourself. Just find a man to love you and everything will be ok."

If you’ve listened to books by Jennifer Weiner before, how does this one compare?

I have not.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration was too slow.

Was The Next Best Thing worth the listening time?

Depends how much time you have on your hands. There were a lot of things about this book that made me mad but, as someone interested in TV production, the subject matter was interesting. Ultimately, I did want to know what would happen next and I felt myself getting angry on Ruth's behalf as she got continually screwed in the pilot development process.

Any additional comments?

There were so many times that I wanted to yell, "I don't care what everyone in the room is wearing!" "I don't care about every item of food and drink that you served for dinner!" "Why, oh why, are you telling me everything that is contained in your grandmother's purse? Why??"

This is the problem with audiobooks. If I were reading, I would have just skimmed over these parts. This is why I recommend the abridged version.

What an ending!!

What did you love best about The Next Best Thing?

I loved the ending! I was a little disappointed when I found that it wasn't a typical Jennifer Weiner book. I always looked forward to her funny, crazy characters.

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

There were a couple. When Ruthie finally hooked up with Little Dave and, of course, the ending. I don't want to give the ending away, as I didn't see it coming. I thought the book was done and wrapping up, and bang a fabulous ending.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I found the narration to be a little flat and slow. After I became accustomed to it, I felt that it reflected Ruthie's pessimistic personality.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

You really can do it your way and win.

Any additional comments?

This book is about love, loss, ethics, appreciating what you have, integrity and living by your own principles despite errors you may have made along the way.

Life is not about being beautiful, shallow, and trying to be what you think that everyone wants. Just be yourself. Be true to yourself and you will be a success.