Someday, Someday, Maybe

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham (expected publication April 30th, 2013)

I received a digital review copy from Ballantine Books via NetGalley.

My review:

When an actor writes a book, there is always the possibility that the manuscript found a publisher based on the writer's established fame and not on the merit of the writing or plot of the book itself. Lauren Graham, thankfully, can really write. Even if she hadn't already made a name for herself as an actress, Someday, Someday, Maybe is proof that she could still have a very respectable career as a talented author.

The protagonist and narrator, Franny, is trying to break into the world of acting in NYC. She's set herself a rapidly-approaching deadline for when she needs to have made real progress before she lays her dream to rest and goes back home to get a "real job." The story focuses on her struggles and triumphs rather than on the consumerism that can easily become the actual focal point of some chick lit.

The book is very well-written. The style makes for an enjoyable read, Franny is a likeable and sympathetic main character, and the story is self-aware enough to keep the familiar themes (struggling actress, love triangle, family transitions) fresh. This novel should have appeal even to readers who don't typically read a great deal of chick-lit and who don't have a particular fascination with the world of acting. For an intelligent, easy, enjoyable read, Someday, Someday, Maybe will fit the bill.

Stars: 4

I confess that I did request this book because I am a huge Gilmore Girls fan and I couldn't not read something written by Lauren Graham. I'm sure many other fans of her work as an actress will do the same, but they will certainly be rewarded by a good read.

There are elements of Someday, Someday, Maybe that are reminiscent of Bridget Jones' Diary, but then, what chick lit isn't somewhat derivative of that? Graham takes tropes like diary entries with resolutions and makes them read entirely differently than Bridget's famous journal.

I can't wait to see more books from Lauren Graham.