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)

Just okay.

I have read all of Jennifer Weiner's books. Her early works with that "witty repartee" were more enjoyable for me. I think, though that part of why I didn't enjoy this book more was because of the narrator. Olivia Thirlby's voice sounds (to me) too young and no Boston accent either. More importantly her comic timing isn't good. I think if I had read this book, it would have been funnier. There are some good lines but the narrator misses them.
The ending was very obvious, I thought. That's disappointing to me.
Still, the book is worth reading. Most people will be able to relate to the theme of not fitting in; of missing out on a chunk of life, etc. But I would recommend against listening to this one.

Just right

I really enjoyed the story. Weiner is my go to author. Liked the balance of humor and reality.

Ruth’s Complex Determination

The struggle Ruth went through to get her show produced and the actors & Hollywood “associates”, by any other entitled name, that destroyed the true story of Ruth & her grandmother, was not just enlightening to me, but captivating! You will enjoy this heartwarming book!

Disappointing

Have to admit I didn't finish listening to the book. Got about half through before I decided to move on. Didn't find the story particularly interesting and the reader ....well she sounded as if she was reading.

Loved it! Great story, Great narrator

Would you listen to The Next Best Thing again? Why?

Yes. Really liked and related to the characters. Loved the insider information on how tv shows are made.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ruth. She makes the same mistakes all young women make when starting out = and learns from them. You root for her and in the end, she wins.

Have you listened to any of Olivia Thirlby’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Never heard her before, but I will look for her again.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I liked the book immensely but wanted to take it in and process the story in pieces.

Any additional comments?

Real dialogue. Believable characters. Fun to hear the back story of life in Hollywood.

Great story with what goes on behind TV shows

I really enjoyed the storyline, and it has changed the way I watch TV, thinking about all that went into the prodcution process. The narration- just ok.

Great book

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

Loved it!

Any additional comments?

Love Jennifer Weiner. I love her writing and the way she easily crafts her stories.

Not Quite What I'd Hoped For

Everytime I pick up or listen to a new Jennifer Weiner title, I think I look for Candy Shaprio. Ruthie was no Candy. As the key character of this novel, Ruthie is certainly likable as is her grandmother. It felt like there were autobiographical elements here, and maybe even a treatise on the TV show production business -- and while interesting to learn how TV shows are put together, I just never found myself able to fully embrace Ruthie or her story as I have other Jennifer Weiner titles. If you are a die hard Weiner fan, you have no choice but to read The Next Best Thing -- and you will likely find something to enjoy, but if you are a Weiner newbie ... I cannot completely recommend The Next Best Thing.

Held my interest but not a favorite

This book focuses on the relationship between a damaged but determined young woman, the grandmother who raised her, and the Hollywood types that she longs to become a part of. The story held my interest, but I wanted the "flashbacks" to move a little faster. The pitfalls of romantic coming-of-age rang true, mostly. I felt the ending dragged out a bit... but was glad to have the story come full circle. Olivia Thrilby sounded authentic as the narrator's voice.