The Glow

A Novel

By: Jessie Gaynor

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

A desperate young publicist tries to save her career by turning the charismatic leader of a grungy retreat center into the hot new self-care brand in this “wryly funny [and] fabulous debut novel” (The New York Times Book Review).

“A satire both cutting and careful in its approach, The Glow is a triumph.”—Elle

A GLAMOUR AND LIT HUB BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Jane Dorner has two modes: PR Jane, twenty-five, chummy, and eager to sell you a feminist vibrator or a self-care/bereavement subscription box; and Actual Jane, twenty-nine, drifting through mediocre workdays and lackluster dates while paralyzed by her crushing mountain of overdue medical bills. When her job performance is called into question, Jane’s last-ditch effort to preserve her livelihood and pay off her debt is to land a white whale of a client.

Enter the impossibly gorgeous Cass—whom Jane discovers scrolling through Instagram—and her unassuming husband, Tom—proprietors of a “wellness retreat” based out of a ramshackle country house that may or may not be giving off cult vibes. Suddenly Jane realizes she might have found the one ladder she can climb—if she can convince them that transforming Cass herself into a high-end wellness brand is the key to all three of their futures. Magnetic yet mysterious, Cass is primed to be an influencer: She speaks in a mix of inspirational quotes and Zen koans, eats only zucchini (the most spiritually nourishing vegetable), and has baby-perfect skin. Despite Tom’s reticence about selling out, Jane sets out to mold Cass into the kind of guru who can offer inner peace and make your skin glow—all at a hefty price, of course. As Jane reckons with her own long-dormant ambitions, she wonders: Can a person really “do good” for others while profiting off them? And what parts of our selves do we lose when we trade power, influence, and beauty?

Sparklingly plotted, deliciously deadpan, and irresistibly entertaining, The Glow is a razor-sharp sendup of an industry built on the peculiar intersection of money and wellness, where health is a commodity and self-care a luxury.

©2023 Jessie Gaynor (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Wryly funny . . . Jessie Gaynor’s fabulous debut novel, The Glow, is a deft sendup of wellness culture that delves a few levels deeper. Punching up at the Goop set is easy; what’s harder is empathizing with them. . . . Gaynor understands what makes wellness appealing, and why even the most staunch nonbelievers could find themselves feeling completely satiated by a diet made up mostly of zucchini, kelp and money.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Money, influence, and perfect skin do not always make for good chemistry.”—Elle

“Gaynor is a great writer who’s turned her critical eye to the self-care industry in her debut novel, The Glow. . . . Get ready to laugh (at ourselves and modern society too, of course)!”—Lit Hub, “Most Anticipated Books of 2023”

Loved this book

Could not put it down. A satirical look at the wellness industry which is very entertaining. You won’t be disappointed

Fantastic summer listen!

A witty, scathing criticism of today’s influencer culture. Character development was superb. I laughed out loud from the beginning. Jane is the perfect unlikeable protagonist. A must read!

Such a great premise, but missed the mark.

Boring. No real discovery, interesting characters or twists.
What exactly were we supposed to feel or learn from this? It could have been soooo good.

Smart, witty Goop-esque beach read

It’s always a good sign when I’m pissed a book ends (happens rarely). It’s so refreshing to read an entertaining book that is beautifully written (again, happens rarely). It would be so meta if Gwyneth played Cass in an upcoming movie. This should be on every book club list. Period.

Loved this satire!

Well written and hilarious. The author skillfully roasts the wellness industry. I was thoroughly entertained throughout. The narrator was also excellent.

If you enjoy books about vapid characters…

…this is the book for you. No redeemable characters but on the other hand, may be good insight into our society’s values.