The Next Best Thing

Narrator Olivia Thirlby captures the youthful cynicism and insecurity of young Ruth Saunders, who is disfigured in a car accident that claims the lives of both her parents. Ruth's grandmother steps in to raise her and also relocates to Los Angeles when Ruth follows her dream to become a screenwriter. Though Ruth's script receives a thumbs-up, she struggles against the superficiality of the industry and, in particular, a diva actress, whom Thirlby amusingly portrays with a whiny huffiness. Thirlby uses a facetious tone to reflect Ruth's increasingly spunky comebacks and a quieter, fearful voice to reveal Ruth's private pain about her appearance. Though the plot dwindles at times, Thirlby's consistently clear characterization keeps the listener engaged with the story. M.F. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

August 27, 2012
Weiner's novel follows the journey of Ruth Saunders, who sets off for Hollywood to become a television writerâwith her 70-year-old grandmother along for the ride. Although ambitious and talented, Ruth is still disfigured from a car accident that killed her parents. In California, Ruth finds work for the networks, but her new life is far from perfect, especially when her grandmother announces her plans to get married and Ruth's pet project is edited beyond recognition. Narrator 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, sounding excited, exasperated, embarrassed, sensuous, petulant, funny, and sad. A Washington Square paperback.