These Days Are Ours

Starred review from December 19, 2011
Haimoff’s engrossing debut, which unfolds in Manhattan soon after 9/11, chronicles rich kid Hailey’s attempts to make a life and come to an understanding with her parents. What differentiates the book from similar fables with young protagonists able to afford endless rounds of drinks in hipster bars is Hailey’s sense of self and her thoughtful inner life; the shopping and club crawls of her privileged life are just a backdrop, not the story. As the daughter of publishing heavyweights, Hailey knows she’ll never trump their accomplishments. Though she’s highly connected, she’s determined to find a job on her own—and land golden boy Michael Brenner, whose close family and cozy apartment fill a void. Hailey tries to stay on Michael’s radar despite his propensity for bed hopping. Unlike Michael, the Pennsylvania-born Adrian, an interloper in Hailey’s social circle, works for his rent, and Hailey isn’t sure how she feels about him, even though they share a similar thoughtfulness and sense of humor. Haimoff’s writing resonates with an authenticity and gravitas that books about girls trying to find themselves in the big city often lack. Her details about elite schools and childhood haunts in Manhattan pepper Hailey’s memories in often touching ways. A thoughtful novel for our time. Agent: Kate Lee, ICM.