The concept of this book pulled me in from the start - a book about authors writing a book about authors. As a reader who is also interested in the industry, the insight from inside is both fascinating and valuable: I don't think I'll ever romanticize the idea of becoming an author again after reading this fictionalized account of what it takes to become published.
The four major characters in this novel feel like friends to the reader from early on. Mallory is that person who has everything so together that you almost dislike her. Tanya feels like the polar opposite, the friend you know is struggling but is too proud to ever accept your help. Faye is the almost motherly friend you want to turn to when you need someone to cry with., and Kendall has such focused motivation, you want her around to help you find the good in yourself when you don't believe in it. This makes it all the more difficult as things start imploding and the book they write together has consequences no one intended or ever imagined.
Yet like a group of friends, it’s hard to not be critical of their actions at times, wishing you were there to help them see the alternatives and offer your own advice for their individual situations. The relationship these four women share spreads into the reader, making you really feel like you are in the room with them as they write together. It is surprising to find their stories just as intriguing apart as when they are together, a testament to the author’s ability to write believable characters and a story that is easy to get behind.
While this isn't a heavy-handed book you're going to think about for days, the story if full of emotion, making it a challenge to get through the book dry-eyed. I love when a book can show me something new in addition to being flat-out enjoyable, and The Accidental Bestseller is a great ride. I highly recommend this beautiful story - it's very much worth your time, and you may pick up some publishing insights along the way.