My Not So Perfect Life

November 21, 2016
With her signature humor, bestselling author Kinsella (Shopaholic to the Stars) explores the frequent disconnect between perception and reality in modern life. Katie Brenner, a 26-year-old research associate at a branding agency in London, left her father’s farm in Somerset with the intention of living her dream life in the city. But with her tight budget, peculiar roommates, long commute, and tedious work assignments, reality falls short of her expectations. She becomes isolated and often feels like she’s playing a role. Still, she’s intent on projecting an image of perfection, both to her family and her Instagram followers. Meanwhile, her controlling boss, Demeter, appears to be living the perfect life that Katie covets. Then, just as Katie begins to feel like her dreams are within reach, with renewed confidence at work, possible new friends, and a potential love interest, she gets fired. She moves back home to Somerset to help her father start a glamping business, only to have her two worlds collide in unexpected ways. Driven by Katie’s witty observations and numerous missteps as she attempts to reconcile various aspects of her identity, this novel is smartly satirical and entertaining. Agent: Kim Witherspoon, Inkwell Management.

Humor and humility are expertly conveyed in narrator Fiona Hardingham's portrayal of 26-year-old Katie Brenner, who is struggling to create the perfect facade for her not-so-perfect-life. Katie's downtrodden moments, which are quickly lifted by quirky optimism, are recounted with a light and amusing perkiness that contrasts with the smooth, articulate elegance of Katie's snooty boss, Demeter Farlowe. Hardingham's quick pace and occasional faltering emphasize Katie's entertaining attempts to present herself as refined and successful in the eyes of her family and peers. Hardingham's compelling portrayals of both Katie and Demeter illuminates Demeter's authentic self and Katie's realization that her own life is just perfect. M.F. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine