A charming and laugh-out-loud novel by Lauren Graham, beloved star of Parenthood and Gilmore Girls, about an aspiring actress trying to make it in mid-nineties New York City.Franny Banks is a struggling actress in New York City, with just six months left of the three year deadline she gave herself to succeed. But so far, all she has to show for her efforts is a single line in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters and a degrading waitressing job. She lives in Brooklyn with two roommates-Jane, her best friend from college, and Dan, a sci-fi writer, who is very definitely not boyfriend material-and is struggling with her feelings for a suspiciously charming guy in her acting class, all while trying to find a hair-product cocktail that actually works. Meanwhile, she dreams of doing "important" work, but only ever seems to get auditions for dishwashing liquid and peanut butter commercials. It's hard to tell if she'll run out of time or money first, but either way, failure would mean facing the fact that she has absolutely no skills to make it in the real world. Her father wants her to come home and teach, her agent won't call her back, and her classmate Penelope, who seems supportive, might just turn out to be her toughest competition yet. Someday, Someday, Maybe is a funny and charming debut about finding yourself, finding love, and, most difficult of all, finding an acting job.
I love the premise of the book (struggling actress! peanut butter commercials! charming guy in acting class! room-mates!) and I adore Lauren Graham (of Gilmore Girls fame). This book called out to me as a comfort read: cute and smiley and fun with a bit of angst thrown in.
This book was (as the blurb promises) CHARMING. Franny is delightfully charming, slightly quirky and kind of all over the place. She has the best of intentions and clings to her dreams... yet is constantly floundering - she's in danger of losing her waitressing job, her auditions never quite go as planned, others around her seems to be getting all the breaks.
Despite, at times, loving the narration, I felt Franny's asides started to weigh the story down and some scenes took a while to get through. At 30% in I felt like the book was only just getting started and I was kind of on the edge of my seat waiting for the plot to take off, but just as it did, the book ended.
It's a catch 22 for me: I love how Graham narrates, but the narration really bogged down the plot. Which meant even as I adored certain whimsical and charming scenes, the story as whole did not enchant me as I had hoped it would. I guess I love Graham's writing and the charm of it all, but wanted more from the story. More swoon, more stakes, more action.
Still. It was a lovely way to spend my afternoon. A breezy kind of chick lit read which I couldn't help but cast Lauren Graham herself as Franny. If you are a fan of chick lit and/or Lauren Graham you should definitely check this out for a relaxing and smiley Sunday afternoon read.
many thanks to Random House & netgalley for my review copy
I agree with you, when I read this I was kind of distracted by the narration, with all the nuances about being a struggling actress, but I felt like the plot never really took off, it was weird.
ReplyDeleteI like Lauren's voice but this could have used some plot work
This sounds like such an adorable read Nomes, I'm always in the mood for something light and funny. Thanks for putting this on my radar! Wonderful review! :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to know that the narration was so charming. I, too, am a Lauren Graham fan, but I'm also always hesitant when celebrities of one type attempt to write books...a lot of the time it seems they only get the book deal because of their name. And so, I was very wary to give this one a go, but knowing you enjoyed (despite its Catch 22 nature) certainly has me thinking I need to give it a go.
ReplyDeleteOooh, see I saw this a couple of weeks ago, and I really wasn't sure what to do because I LOVE Gilmore and Lorelai and Gilmore Girls is my happy place. So I was terrified I'd hate it or that I'd keep comparing it to Gilmore Girls and it would be an unfair comparison.
ReplyDeleteYour review has definitely made me think it'll be fun, but I think I'll have to remind myself not to think of Lorelai. :)
This is my first time seeing this book, though the author sounded familar to me( Gilmore Girls!), but it sounds like a cute read for a rainy evening to perk up your mood! The main character seems like my type of girl( not in that way, like bookish way!): querky, yes please!
ReplyDeleteGlad this was good, to a degree. I got a copy on Netgalley but I also saw that Lauren narrates the audio book so now I'm tempted to wait for it, even though then I will defo picture Lauren as Frankie!
ReplyDeleteETA: Franny, not Frankie ;)
DeleteDoes your website have a contact page? I'm having problems locating it but, I'd
ReplyDeletelike to send you an e-mail. I've got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
my site ... http://usaveahead.pixnet.net
This sounds like the perfect book to read on a rainy day after marathoning some Gilmore Girls eps. Can't wait. :)
ReplyDeleteI heard about this recently and was super intrigued since it was written by Lauren Graham, who I've never really watched personally but know of well and who always seems to be pretty neat, and it sounded like a pretty good, light read, so I'm sorry it didn't live up to your hopes but I'm glad it wasn't terrible, either! I enjoyed your review!
ReplyDeleteTo take advantage of Air Conditioners, what really matters is results.
ReplyDeleteAn experienced, quality repair man will be able to rinse the coils with water.
Now, you'll need to call a repairman to come and look at the first thing you should care for is proper air flow. Even if it looks like you don't need
to get your drain pan. Depending on the model and manufacturer.
my web-site :: game kim cuong
The person also said Armstrong apologized for letting the staff down and
ReplyDeleteputting Livestrong at risk but he did not think relates
to erectile dysfunction will go away in no time.
Infrastructure sector needs tax free status for some more time to practice this while urinating to make sure she's someone you think you're probably not fertile.
Men often get carried away penis when first starting kegel exercises, even without resistance.
My Psychiatrist Tried Startling footage filmed penis by the Pregnant Man
'captures his estranged wife Nancy will only get supervised visitation while they divorce.
My web site - Penis health
Weight-loss guru Jenny male enhancement to last longer Craig has its own strategy.
ReplyDeleteThe body creates its own calories by converting the
stored fat supply. For more on weight loss pills, no rude comments please.
My homepage - pro enhance
What a great review. This looks good and I love the cover. Makes me crave a NY trip.
ReplyDelete