The Next Best Thing

Ruth Saunders moves to Los Angeles with her grandmother to pursue her dream of becoming a television writer. After years of writing spec scripts and working entry-level jobs, she finally sells her show - a romantic comedy inspired by her own life experiences. As Ruth navigates the complex world of Hollywood television production, she faces both professional and personal challenges. Her vision for the show begins to change as network executives and producers make demands, while her relationships with colleagues and potential romantic interests grow more complicated. Ruth must confront her insecurities about her appearance due to childhood injuries, all while trying to maintain control of her creative project and balance the competing demands of her career and personal life. Her grandmother's support remains constant as Ruth learns to assert herself in an industry known for transforming original ideas into commercial products. The novel explores themes of artistic compromise, self-acceptance, and the gap between fantasy and reality in both the entertainment industry and romantic relationships. Through Ruth's experiences, the story raises questions about the price of success and the challenge of staying true to oneself in a world that rewards conformity.

Readers found this book less engaging than Weiner's previous works, with many noting it felt flat and predictable. Several reviewers described frustration with the passive main character and slow pacing. What readers liked: - Behind-the-scenes look at TV show production - Exploration of plus-size representation in Hollywood - The grandmother character and family dynamics What readers disliked: - Unlikeable romantic relationships - Too much focus on TV industry details - Main character's lack of growth - Repetitive internal monologue As one reader noted: "The protagonist spends more time describing her show than developing meaningful connections." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (25,000+ ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (450+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 3.3/5 (200+ reviews) The book maintains lower average ratings compared to other Weiner titles, with multiple reviewers mentioning they couldn't finish it or found it forgettable.

Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner A story of four women whose lives intersect through surrogacy and motherhood, exploring relationships and family bonds in modern America.

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult The tale follows a woman who befriends an elderly man with a dark past, leading to revelations about identity, forgiveness, and human connections.

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner A social media influencer faces questions of friendship, authenticity, and self-discovery when her former best friend asks her to be a bridesmaid.

Where We Belong by Emily Giffin A television producer's life changes when an eighteen-year-old girl appears at her door, revealing secrets from her past.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave A woman searches for the truth about her missing husband while forming a bond with her stepdaughter and uncovering family secrets.

🎬 The book draws from Jennifer Weiner's real-life experience as a TV show creator. Like her protagonist Ruth, Weiner created a sitcom called "State of Georgia" that aired on ABC Family in 2011. 📺 The novel offers an insider's view of Hollywood's television industry, particularly the challenges faced by women trying to maintain creative control of their projects. 💝 The main character Ruth's extensive burn scars were inspired by Weiner's conversations with burn survivors and their stories of resilience and recovery. ✍️ Jennifer Weiner wrote this book while simultaneously working on her TV show, giving her immediate, first-hand material to incorporate into the story. 🎯 The book's title "The Next Best Thing" refers not only to Ruth's career aspirations but also to her romantic life, drawing a parallel between settling in love and settling in one's professional dreams.