Farewell, Dorothy Parker

December 17, 2012
Meister casts Dorothy Parker as a blithe spirit in her fanciful third novel (after The Other Life). Though movie critic Violet Epps has become famous for her scathing no-holds-barred wit, off the page, Violet is “held captive by her own timidity”; she can’t seem to dump her freeloading boyfriend, her assistant walks all over her, and she rarely accepts social invitations. Worst of all, this shyness has resulted in her being denied temporary custody of her recently orphaned 13-year-old niece, just when the girl needs her “Aunt V” the most. A fateful dinner at the Algonquin Hotel (one-time Parker hangout) ends with Violet becoming haunted by the spirit of her greatest influence. The acid-tongued, gin-swilling ghost immediately sets to meddling in Violet’s affairs, in an attempt to help her grow a backbone. With Parker’s help, Violet takes risks at work, connects with a new man, and finds the courage to make an impassioned plea for custody of her niece. With Violet’s help, Parker’s spirit may finally find peace. Meister skillfully translates the rapier-like wit of the Algonquin Round Table to modern-day New York. There are no shocking twists, but pathos, nuanced characters, plenty of rapid-fire one-liners, and a heart-rending denouement. Agent: Andrea Cirillo, the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

November 1, 2012
The ghost of the eponymous 20th-century wit visits a present-day movie reviewer who lacks Parker's backbone in this mix of comedy and tear-jerker from Meister (The Other Life, 2011, etc.). Violet displays a pungent wit as a writer of reviews, but in her personal life, she's a wimp, and her paralyzing anxiety may cost her. After the death of her older sister and son-in-law in a car accident, Violet is in a custody battle for her 13-year-old niece, Delaney. Delaney wants to live with Violet, not her obnoxious grandparents, but Violet has recently failed to stand up for herself in front of the judge. She's also finding it difficult to break up with a boyfriend she actively dislikes. Then, she visits the Algonquin Hotel and ends up walking out with a guest book signed by all the literary luminaries. When she opens the books, she releases the spirit of Dorothy Parker, who has chosen not to follow "the white light," preferring to hang around drinking and making clever witticisms--her biographical information is awkwardly inserted into the story, clearly meant to be an homage to her talent and spirit. Dorothy befriends Violet, giving her advice and occasionally literally taking over her body, causing Violet to behave uncharacteristically to say the least. Soon, Violet has dumped the boyfriend and come on strong to Michael, the African-American ex-Marine Kung Fu trainer she has a secret crush on. She also refuses to allow herself to be intimidated by the editorial assistant who has edited her work without permission. And she decides to fight harder for Delaney. But can Dorothy's helpfulness go too far? As self-empowerment romantic comedies go, this perfectly pleasant one hits all the predictable marks.

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January 1, 2013

In this funny yet tender homage to Dorothy Parker, Meister's fourth novel (after The Other Life) resurrects the iconic wit of the literary legend. Violet Epps tiptoes through life wearing her anxiety and deference to others like a shield. She just doesn't have faith that she can stand up for herself to a pushy boyfriend, an overreaching junior colleague, or her orphaned niece's paternal grandparents, especially not with the kind of conviction typically conveyed by Dorothy Parker. Little does Violet realize that along with the Algonguin Hotel guest book that she impulsively stole and that is signed by her idol comes the spectral Mrs. Parker. Coached (and sometimes possessed!) by Mrs. Parker, Violet practices finding her voice and putting her past to rest so that she can fully face her future. VERDICT With a breezy and engaging writing style complete with Parkeresque banter, Meister's book can be forgiven a slightly predictable storyline. Realizing how it will end takes no pleasure from the reading, and the blend of romance and family drama with a hint of the paranormal has broad appeal. This will be enjoyed by readers who liked Jennifer Crusie's Maybe This Time.--Amy Brozio-Andrews, Albany P.L., NY

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2013
A socially awkward movie critic finds her moxie in Meister's winsome tale. Violet Epps might pen scathing movie reviews, but in real life she's too timid to break up with her louse of a boyfriend or stand up to a snippy assistant at work. When Violet visits the Algonquin Hotel, the favorite haunt of her idol, Dorothy Parker, she's shocked to discover the spirit of Dorothy Parker is still hanging around, connected to the hotel via its legendary guest book. Violet absconds with the book, taking it, and thereby her idol, home. The feisty and persistent Mrs. Parker urges Violet to buck up and fight for what she wants. Under Dorothy's guidance, Violet manages to dump her boyfriend, make a move on her cute kung fu instructor, and put the mouthy assistant in her place. But Violet's biggest challenge lies in her fight for the custody of her 13-year-old niece, Delaney, the daughter of her beloved older sister, Ivy, who died in a car crash with her husband. Meister's third outing, following The Other Life (2011), is magical fun.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)