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)

Funny Story!

Jennifer Weiner has a great sense of humor and it's as good as ever in The Next Best Thing. One reviewer mentioned that there was a lot of whining. Maybe so, but it's funny whining. Although it's a lighthearted story, it puts the Hollywood culture of shallow beauty into perspective, while emphasizing the importance of inner resources and heart. Some of the obstacles Ruthie (the main character) had to surmount became a bit tedious in places, but I found myself rooting for her and had a hard time putting the book down.

This was a different kind of book for me

What did you love best about The Next Best Thing?

That is was different and unique story, interesting subject the TV industry

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

Her voice was was irritating to me. I think this makes a better read than an audible book

Not her best, but still pretty good

Would you try another book from Jennifer Weiner and/or Olivia Thirlby?

Absolutely. I love Jennifer Weiner

What could Jennifer Weiner have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Not her finest story, but still a great summer read.

What three words best describe Olivia Thirlby’s performance?

Easy enough to listen to

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Nope

Interesting story

Jennifer Weiner, as always, has written an interesting book. My only complaint is that The Next Best Thing has elements too similar to some of her other writing, which left me thinking, "Hey, have I already read/listened to this book?"

Wonderful Story

This was such a wonderful story. The author and narrator did such a great job at bringing Ruthie to life. I felt for her and rooted for her as she progressed from lowly writer to showrunner for a network TV show. I enjoyed learning the ins and outs of what it was like to run a show, the joys, the disappointments, the many compromises. And the romance was poignant. Ruthie and Dave were injured, scarred souls, afraid to reach out for what they wanted. They made a great couple. But be aware they aren't the usual couple you will read about in romance novels. Ruthie isn't the beautiful heroine and Dave isn't an alpha male or dashing rogue. But even so, I really enjoyed their romance. The ending was satisfying, though, it may have been a tad unrealistic. But this is fiction, so anything goes. This is a wonderful summer read for those who enjoy women's fiction.

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!

Great book to "get lost" in!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Next Best Thing to be better than the print version?

I loved the audio version - the narrator was great!

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

not sure??? what other book I'd compare it to - pretty original story - very detailed.

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

Her voice is familiar - I'm sure I have - I've listened to so many audio books that I can't keep track of the narrators.

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

Hollywood is just as plastic and superficial as you wood think.

Any additional comments?

Loved the story and the writing. I always look forward to Jennifer Weiner's new novels (I've read all of them). I get totally sucked into the story - great details - great characters.

Good...but not Jennifer Weiner's best

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I definitely like this book, I always really liked how her protagonsits are underdogs, I dig it. But this was a little too technical for me. LOTS of television lingo, lots of repetition, and lots of whining. I would've liked a little more character development when it came to Ruthie, but overall I liked it. Not as good of course as Good In Bed, or Then Came You.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Dave confessed his love for her...and the pool scene obv!

Could you see The Next Best Thing being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

YES!

The Next Best Thing

Would you try another book from Jennifer Weiner and/or Olivia Thirlby?

I really like Jennifer Weiner and have enjoyed many of her books. The characters were predictable, but it was a good story. I didn't really care for Olivia Thirbly's voice though. It came off as a little whiny and baby-ish.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I didn't have a favorite character.

Would you be willing to try another one of Olivia Thirlby’s performances?

I don't think I will, no.

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

No, I think a sequel would ruin it. It was a good story, but not one that left me wanting more. I was pretty happy with the way it ended.

A tad annoying, but leaves a memorable aftertaste

If you've never read Jennifer Weiner before, then start with Good In Bed. For Weiner fans The Next Best Thing is an informative saunter through the glitz, glam and gross extravagance of the television industry.

The author does so well with the daily injustices thrust on over-weight women, but her portrayal of one with a disfigured face, with a hot body (of which Weiner is excessively enamored) was off and even grating.

Still, 
Jennifer Weiner delivers her normal humorous and evocative fare, even with the trite, predictable, pat ending that you generally only see in, well, television sit-coms.