When I have such high expectations for a book, I always read half-expecting to be disappointed. But Lauren Graham did not disappoint. I loved every bit of this book!
Franny Banks wants to be an actress. So when she graduated from college, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream. She set a deadline of three years to become “successful” (whatever that is, exactly), she joined an acting class, and she. . .began waiting tables. Such is the life of an aspiring actress.
It’s really not the plot that makes this book, so that’s all the summary you get. It’s the characters, the realism, and the voice. Franny is surely a living, breathing person somewhere. Her dreams, her struggles, her experiences – they are all told with a large dose of the sophisticated wit and humor you would expect from Lauren Graham. For Pete’s sake, she even included pages from Franny’s datebook, with Franny’s scribbles all over them. The journey that Franny goes on seems like one that many, many actors travel. Halfway through the book, I was beginning to wonder what would constitute a happy ending for Franny. I knew, of course, that there would be a happy ending, but what exactly would that entail? I was fairly certain that whatever is was, it wouldn’t signify the end of Franny’s struggles and endeavors. No real person stops striving, even when they achieve their dreams. It’s not the end; there’s always more. Same is true for Franny Banks.
I could go on for a very long time about all of the things that I loved about this book, but I’ll hold myself back. Fan of Lauren Graham or not, everyone can find something to enjoy in this novel. Find a copy, and discover what it is for you!