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The Next Best Thing  By  cover art

The Next Best Thing

By: Jennifer Weiner
Narrated by: Olivia Thirlby
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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)

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What listeners say about The Next Best Thing

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The Next Best Thing

This book was so wonderful it left me wanting more. Maybe Jennifer Weiner could write a little follow up including Ruth and Dave’s wedding. xoxo

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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.


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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Cliche.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Make it not so cliche. I can't stand main characters who don't think like a normal person would. I get that your own life gets in the way and your past experiences influence you but I think the average person would be more grateful for their grandmother in this situation and a lot less ridiculous when it comes to a love life. The main character acts like she was hurt by this person who was a boss on one of her shows because he got married, but they were never in a relationship so its really just adding to the idea that all girls are PSYCHO

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

Made the main character less desperate for affection. she was like a puppy chasing after these guys. and made her care about her grandma more

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't know. probably scenes when she wasn't complaining and was just learning how to make her TV show. the stuff that seemed more real

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

NO please. because there wasn't much depth as it was

Any additional comments?

I wouldn't recommend unless you really like the process of getting your own TV show and what goes into it because the rest of the story is boring.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it!!

It feels like a true story or at least you hope so! Well written and inspiring.

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Good ending

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

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Enjoyable

I enjoyed the story and the narrator was very good. Will listen to more by this author as well as would listen to the narrator again.

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great narration for a great story

I am really enjoying this author's writing! love the way it's read. This was a fun listen!

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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.

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Great book

I really enjoyed the low key nature but emotionally tugging reading of this book. I enjoy this author.

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Excellent Book

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

Loved this story & the narrator was AMAZING!

What does Olivia Thirlby bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved her! She made me feel like I was the main character.

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