Waiting for Tom Hanks

Starred review from April 8, 2019
An endearing, klutzy heroine elevates this utterly charming romance by Winfrey (Things Jolie Needs to Do Before She Bites It). Aspiring screenwriter Annie Cassidy yearns for a Tom Hanks–like leading man lover, but her depressing state of Hankslessness seems unlikely to change—even after she learns that a romantic comedy will be filming in her neighborhood. Her subsequent job as the director’s assistant puts her in daily contact with the hunky, albeit annoying star of the movie, Drew Danforth. Spilling coffee on him doesn’t help their relationship, nor does his constant teasing, and yet Annie finds herself drawn to the enigmatic star. She also goes on several dates with a gaffer on the set; supports her BFF, Chloe, through starting a relationship with Nick, who runs the coffee shop where Chloe works; wonders what exactly is going on between her nerdy Uncle Don and a mysterious fellow nerd named Tyler; and tries to develop a screenplay of her own. The chemistry between Annie and Drew is irresistible, and the plot’s many moving pieces add complexity. Chloe, lovable Uncle Don, and the local coffee shop’s colorful characters provide humor and heart in just the right places. Agent: Stephen Barbara, InkWell Literary Management.

Rachel Jacobs's energetic narration creates an enjoyable story that would otherwise be stunted by predictability in this rom-com about rom-coms. Raised on classic cinema, Annie is determined to find her own Tom Hanks. She begins working as an assistant to a movie director, a lively guy who could be Quentin Tarantino's vocal twin. Longing saturates Annie's voice as she dreams of finding her match, but things aren't as simple as movies make them out to be. Annie's character is balanced by those of her friend and her uncle, who radiate calm in their steady voices, a contrast to Annie's screeches peppered with snotty, stuffy crying when things go awry. Full of great movie references, this story's sweetness is tempered by Jacobs's dynamic delivery, complete with the secrets of celebrities shrouded in whispers. A.L.C. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine