February 21, 2022
Sussman’s thoughtful adult debut (after the YA novel Drawn That Way) explores the connection forged between an insecure Los Angeles writer and a charming movie star. A decade after Chani Horowitz’s profile of Gabe Parker went viral, the two are reunited for another interview. Ten years earlier, Gabe had surprised her by talking about his appreciation of her blog. As Gabe opened up about his insecurities and drinking problem, Chani felt a spark between them, though she wondered if a handsome actor would want to be with her. And, indeed, he then eloped with his model costar, leaving Chani feeling foolish and her fellow MFA grads deriding her “puff piece.” The story flits between past and present, as Chani, now a divorcée, worries her recent success with literary essays is due to attention from that old piece on Gabe and other celebrity profiles rather than the quality of her writing. When she meets a post-rehab, post-scandal Gabe for the interview, they try to sort out their history of mixed messages and complicated feelings. Sussman’s musings about fame, success, and the bonds between people elevate this fun and charming narrative. This has all the makings of a hit. Agent: Elizabeth Bewley, Sterling Lord Literistic.
June 1, 2022
Sussman's adult debut presents Chani Horowitz, who writes celebrity puff pieces and blogs about her personal life. Chani is most remembered online for a blog psot about her whirlwind weekend with Hollywood hunk Gabe Parker; everyone still wonders what really happened between them. Ten years later, newly divorced Chani is commissioned to interview Gabe. She's never been able to shake her feelings for him, so she hesitantly accepts the job, hoping to find out if there's something more. The story bounces back and forth in time, interspersed with article clippings sharing gossip about the protagonists. Listeners will appreciate this modern look at celebrity life under the public eye, with easy-to-love characters who have ordinary flaws. Narrator Kristen Sieh delivers incredible wit and chemistry between Chani and Gabe, which keeps the story upbeat. VERDICT Any suckers for second-chance romances will enjoy.--Lacey Webster
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