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The Next Best Thing: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.00) - 10,020 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Blockbuster #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner returns with an irresistible story about a young woman trying to make it in Hollywood…
At three years old, Ruth Saunders miraculously survives the car crash that takes her parents’ lives on the icy Massachusetts Turnpike. Her eccentric grandmother, who comes out of Florida retirement to care for young Ruth, nurtures her through years of surgeries, feeding her home-cooked meals, dispensing irreverent wisdom, and telling Ruth she’s beautiful, even though her scars will stay with her forever.
After college, Ruth pursues her dream of writing to Hollywood, heading west with her grandmother in tow, hoping to make it big in the world of TV. After years of failure and a badly broken heart, Ruth gets The Call—her show has been green-lit.
But Ruth’s happy ending is only the beginning, as she struggles with how television gets made: terrified (and terrifying) executives and actresses with their eyes on bigger prizes than Ruthie’s show. Add in an unrequited crush on the man who has been her mentor. Add to that her grandmother’s impending nuptials, and Ruth’s big break might just break her.
A rollicking ride on the Hollywood roller coaster, The Next Best Thing is a heartfelt story about a young woman searching for her own happily-ever-after in the land where dreams come true.
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"I recognize that all of Jennifer Weiner's books are similar, if not the same: woman with problem battles world, wins. But they're still so good! This one centers around Ruth, who lost her parents and was disfigured in a car accident as a child. She is raised by her grandmother and after college, they go to LA together so she can become a TV writer. I hate LA, but liked this book."
— Sara (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Jennifer Weiner is a dynamo of a writer: witty and engaging.”
— USA Today -
“Snappy…Weiner’s tenth novel, showcases her humor and style. It’s also a gentle reminder that, as Mick Jagger sings, ‘You can’t always get what you want,’ but with enough effort you might get what you need, and that makes the next best thing feel all right.”
— Washington Post -
“Olivia Thirlby’s reading captures the heart and soul of Weiner’s novel. The narrator’s portrayal of the young, naïve Ruth is convincing and nuanced. In turns, Thirlby embodies Ruth’s varied emotions, sounds excited, exasperated, embarrassed, sensuous, petulant, funny, and sad.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Olivia Thirlby captures the youthful cynicism and insecurity of youth Ruth Saunders…Thirlby’s consistently clear characterization keeps the listener engaged with the story.”
— AudioFile -
“Ruth is a multidimensional heroine, and Weiner gives her real heart and soul…Contemporary women’s fiction at its finest.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“Spares no bon mot in exposing Hollywood’s sexism, ageism and incurable penchant for extravagant silliness.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
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A Los Angeles Times bestseller
The Next Best Thing Listener Reviews
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" Too much exposition! I liked this better than some of her other books, but it was not as good as Good in Bed or In Her Shoes (which was made better by the very good movie adaptation). "
— Nicole, 2/5/2014 -
" This is another book I was gifted for my birthday. And since summertime is always a great time to delve into some chic-lit, I thought I would try it. Weiner presents a story about twenty something Ruthie, who was raised by her grandmother after a deadly car accident killed her parents and left her slightly disfigured. When Ruthie and her grandmother move to LA so Ruthie can fulfill her dreams of writing + producing a television show, she realizes how ruthless Hollywood can really be. A story about following your dreams while finding confidence and love along the way. "
— Julie, 2/4/2014 -
" If you like Jennifer Weiner (which I do), you will like this book. I don't think it's her best book, however. It's the story of a young woman who moves with her grandmother to Los Angeles to pursue a writing career. It's an entertaining story, but not particularly moving or deep. Still, a good summer read. "
— Laura, 1/28/2014 -
" Just as a note: read this, don't listen. Olivia Thirlby has an interesting voice, just not a flair for narration(or variety). "
— Ashley, 1/27/2014 -
" Really like the author, but not this book. "
— Anne, 1/21/2014 -
" Not my favourite Jennifer Weiner novel (I like her earlier novels better than her last few) but I did still find it enjoyable and found myself invested in the character. "
— Kelly, 1/4/2014 -
" The writing is fine, you just can't put this book down and return to it because it jumps around so much! I can't remember where I am in the story: current, way past or just a free months ago. Not going to finish this because it is takin too much time to figure out what is going on. "
— Amy, 12/29/2013 -
" I feel like I know a lot more about creating a television show. I thought the plot got a little boring and pretty predictable but still an enjoyable read. "
— Megan, 12/28/2013 -
" Finally, a real "beach read"! If you are fan of Jennifer Weiner, I think this is her best one yet. Loved it! "
— Gayle, 12/22/2013 -
" I love Jennifer Weiner's books. This was a really good read.. "
— Emmy, 12/20/2013 -
" I'd really like to give this book two and a half stars - two seems mean! I liked the book at the end better than the beginning and middle. So it gets a three from me that it doesn't completely deserve! "
— Gail, 12/18/2013 -
" Great book - could've done without a couple prolific sex scenes. "
— Kimberly, 12/14/2013 -
" Enjoyed learning about the TV industry and found that aspect very informative and entertaining. Characters were a bit far-fetched. "
— Dona, 12/1/2013 -
" Art imitates life imitates art. I'd love to sit down with Jennifer Weiner over coffee! "
— Jana, 11/29/2013 -
" Cute, but predictable and too sugary for my taste. "
— Shana, 11/7/2013 -
" Slow to get moving but the last few chapters make the whole book worth it. "
— Lauren, 10/1/2013 -
" What an interesting book! I had no idea this was how things worked with new TV shows. A bit slow in places, but well worth reading. "
— Penelope, 9/3/2013 -
" I've really liked all of Jennifer Weiner's other books, but was so disappointed in this one. I skimmed parts of it just to finish it. Maybe it was the Hollywood industry I wasn't interested in reading about. I didn't care too much for Ruthie's character. "
— Julie, 8/11/2013 -
" Normally I LOVE Jennifer Weiner's books. It was not Jennifer Weiners best work. It was a very slow story. It all came together in the end but it seemed like that would never come. "
— Wendy, 7/11/2013 -
" This was not my favorite Jennifer Weiner book. "
— Stacey, 6/28/2013 -
" I always enjoy Jennifer Weiner's books. "
— Bonnie, 6/24/2013 -
" Not one of my most favorites of Weiners, but still a good read. "
— Mhelmsderfer, 6/12/2013 -
" Standard Weiner - did not disappoint. Fun, easy read with lovable characters. "
— Mary, 1/19/2013 -
" This book was SO not interesting.....couldn't even finish it. Completely dissapointed in it! Loved her other books. "
— Janine, 11/4/2012 -
" Maybe it's me, but I thought this book was BORING! I had hope. It had some promise but in the end, I was flipping pages and just scanning. "
— Stephanie, 10/6/2012 -
" I couldn't even finish this book. I know she is a popular author, but just not for me. Too slow and boring. "
— Terrie, 8/29/2012 -
" I really liked this book; I am not disappointed at all. In the beginning (of the book), I wasn't so sure, but once the story got 'going', I couldn't wait to get back to it! "
— Linda, 7/21/2012 -
" I liked the main character and was rooting for her. Parts of the story were slow, but i am still thinking about the story even after I'm done reading it and that's always a good sign! "
— Beth, 7/3/2012
About Jennifer Weiner
Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one books, including In Her Shoes, which was made into a major motion picture starring Cameron Diaz. She has appeared on many national television programs, including Today and Good Morning America, and her work has been published in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, among other newspapers and magazines. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.
About Olivia Thirlby
Olivia Thirlby is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Leah, alongside Ellen Page, in Juno; as Natalie in The Darkest Hour; and as Judge Cassandra Anderson in Dredd. Other film credits include United 93, The Secret, and No Strings Attached.