Once Is Not Enough

Once Is Not Enough (1973) follows January Wayne, a young woman who returns to New York City after years in a Swiss hospital to find her world transformed. The novel tracks her navigation of Manhattan's elite social circles alongside her father Mike Wayne, a successful film and stage producer. The story introduces a cast of complex characters including Deirdre Milford Granger, an immensely wealthy socialite; Linda Riggs, the ambitious editor of Gloss magazine; and Karla, a mysterious former movie star. Their intersecting lives create a portrait of New York high society during a period of cultural transformation. The plot centers on January's relationships with various figures in her orbit as she attempts to reconstruct her life and identity in a rapidly changing world. Sexual politics, wealth, power, and family dynamics drive the narrative forward through Manhattan's glittering social landscape. Set against the backdrop of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the novel examines themes of innocence versus experience, the nature of love and loyalty, and the price of success in American society. Susann's third consecutive #1 bestseller captures both the glamour and darkness of its era.

Readers call this a guilty pleasure read with memorable characters and dramatic plot twists. Many see it as an entertaining glimpse into 1970s excess, Hollywood, and New York high society. Readers appreciate: - Fast-paced storytelling - Complex father-daughter relationship themes - Details about fashion, wealth, and celebrity culture - Dialogue and character development Common criticisms: - Less engaging than Susann's "Valley of the Dolls" - Some plot points feel unrealistic - Dated attitudes and social views - Melodramatic writing style Review Stats: Goodreads: 3.7/5 from 2,800+ ratings Amazon: 4.1/5 from 240+ reviews Sample reader comments: "A deliciously trashy time capsule" - Goodreads reviewer "The characters stay with you long after finishing" - Amazon reviewer "Overwritten but impossible to put down" - Kirkus reader review

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann A tale of three women navigating fame, drugs, and relationships in the cutthroat entertainment industry of New York and Hollywood.

Scruples by Judith Krantz The story tracks a woman's rise from department store clerk to fashion empire owner while moving through marriages and LA high society.

Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins This novel reveals the power plays and scandals of Hollywood wives who scheme behind the scenes of the film industry.

The Other Side of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon Two women's lives intersect through their connection to one manipulative man in a story of revenge set across Europe and America.

Lace by Shirley Conran Four successful women must confront their past when a young actress demands to know which of them is her mother.

🌟 The book spent 32 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list in 1973, making it Susann's third consecutive novel to claim the #1 spot. 🎬 Columbia Pictures adapted the novel into a film in 1975, starring Kirk Douglas and Deborah Raffin, though it received mixed reviews compared to the book's success. 💊 Susann wrote much of the novel while battling breast cancer, completing it shortly before her death in 1974 - it was the last book published during her lifetime. 📚 The title "Once Is Not Enough" was inspired by a quote from the protagonist's psychiatrist about addiction to both drugs and toxic relationships. 🗽 The author drew from her intimate knowledge of New York's social elite, having been part of that world herself - many characters were reportedly based on real Manhattan socialites and celebrities of the era.