Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00I never thought I'd say this, but shrimp is better than lobster?
00:00:29Co-fiction is taste, not a measure of talent.
00:01:00A new filing system or your blind date book club.
00:01:05I think you mean blind date with a book club.
00:01:08It's not as catchy, but either way, they're all the reason why you're thriving.
00:01:12You mean surviving.
00:01:14And why National Public Radio's Raina Bream wants to interview you.
00:01:17I guess.
00:01:18It is free publicity on National Public Radio.
00:01:22You may be reading social fun and mysterious enough to bring in a whole new crowd.
00:01:27So I'd take it if I were you.
00:01:29We really need to get a doorbell.
00:01:31We really do.
00:01:32Go ahead.
00:01:32Raina, hi.
00:01:34I'm Meg Tompkins.
00:01:35You're early.
00:01:36Or right on time.
00:01:37Or right on time.
00:01:39Great, so let's get started.
00:01:40I think we should set up right over here.
00:01:44Great.
00:01:51So I'm guessing he read it.
00:01:53He didn't say either way, but I think he'd call me if he hadn't.
00:01:58Right?
00:02:00Good talk.
00:02:01Graham Sterling!
00:02:03Oh, hey, Terrence.
00:02:04Hey, there he is.
00:02:06Hey, come on in.
00:02:08I remember the last time we met here inside of your racket club.
00:02:10Oh, my game is on the rise, G.
00:02:12Not sure you can keep up anymore.
00:02:14I got a spicy racket.
00:02:15Yeah, I've been keeping up since college.
00:02:16Remember that one time you even let me win?
00:02:18That's because your mom paid me.
00:02:22Hey, man, let's talk.
00:02:24You read it?
00:02:24I liked it.
00:02:25Yeah?
00:02:26But I didn't love it.
00:02:30Huh.
00:02:31Well, I bet you didn't love The Great Bixby at the time either.
00:02:34But its sales sure paid for your boat.
00:02:36True story.
00:02:38But you've written a romance.
00:02:39I mean, your audience is not women.
00:02:41That's not a romance, all right?
00:02:42That is a historical epic that happens to center around a love story.
00:02:48It's a modern-day Gone with the Wind.
00:02:50This is less traditional.
00:02:53I consider that a selling point.
00:02:54Except if we don't know where to put it.
00:02:56I mean, it's all about shelvability.
00:03:00Look, G, you're a terrific writer.
00:03:02You always have been.
00:03:03You spent enough weeks on the best-sellers list to know that.
00:03:06But for these, right?
00:03:10Seminal coming-of-age books.
00:03:12I mean, you don't want to turn off your fan base with something more mature.
00:03:17Exploring Huxley Allen's embarrassing world of firsts is where you excel.
00:03:22Why don't we see what Miranda says first?
00:03:24She liked it.
00:03:24Yeah?
00:03:26But she's not going to publish it.
00:03:27For the exact same reason.
00:03:30Shelvability?
00:03:30You know I've always fought with you, G.
00:03:32But this is—
00:03:33You know what?
00:03:34Actually, Terrence, it's fine.
00:03:36See? I knew you'd get it.
00:03:38Yeah.
00:03:39Maybe I'll just publish it myself.
00:03:41Oh, what?
00:03:43What?
00:03:43Under a pseudonym?
00:03:44Yeah.
00:03:45I'll, uh, call myself Dylan Turner.
00:03:49Wasn't he the captain of our football team?
00:03:51Was he?
00:03:53Okay, but then what?
00:03:54Right?
00:03:55Where do you think this is going with no name recognition?
00:03:58We'll let the readers decide.
00:04:00Publishing houses are still downsizing.
00:04:02Publishers don't want one book anymore.
00:04:04They want 20 in a series.
00:04:05Yeah, because it's a fear-based operation.
00:04:08But you remember the whole Dickens story, right?
00:04:10With, uh, A Christmas Carol.
00:04:11Oh, yes.
00:04:12The gothic holiday novella that no one wanted to touch.
00:04:15Until it was a hit.
00:04:17I think this is a little different.
00:04:19How so?
00:04:22You want me to say it?
00:04:26Listen, Graham.
00:04:27You've carved out a killing niche for yourself.
00:04:29You have two more books to fulfill this series.
00:04:31Do you know how many writers would give their left foot for that?
00:04:33Heck, their right foot.
00:04:34I give both feet.
00:04:35Yeah, I do.
00:04:36And Terrence, I'm grateful.
00:04:38But I want to do something else.
00:04:40I want to do something great.
00:04:42The teenagers think you're great.
00:04:44Although I think they call it lit these days.
00:04:47And anyway, they're hungry.
00:04:48You got to keep them well-fed or you might have a revolt.
00:04:52You think you mean keep everyone well-fed?
00:04:56It's just food for thought.
00:05:00All right.
00:05:02See you on the court.
00:05:03Yeah, you will.
00:05:06Bring your A-game.
00:05:17Bye.
00:05:18Have fun.
00:05:18Thanks.
00:05:19Thank you very much.
00:05:21I hope you don't mind.
00:05:22I just need to switch this on.
00:05:25As far as I know, I'm only camera shy.
00:05:27So go right ahead.
00:05:28Okay.
00:05:31Mimi's Book Corner in the cozy seaside town of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
00:05:36That's our coffee stop for today.
00:05:38I'm sitting here with bookshop owner Meg Tompkins.
00:05:41Hi, Meg.
00:05:43Hi.
00:05:44Naturally, I have to ask you about the name.
00:05:46Mimi, is that your nickname?
00:05:48No, Mimi was my mom's name.
00:05:50She opened this store before I was born.
00:05:52So it's a family business.
00:05:54It is.
00:05:56You don't have to lean forward.
00:05:57Oh, I'm so sorry.
00:05:59Did you always know you'd take over?
00:06:02No, I started in real estate in Boston and I really loved it.
00:06:05But life happens and things change.
00:06:08So now I'm in a new chapter.
00:06:10A very colorful one.
00:06:12So let's talk about the book club.
00:06:15Or better yet, all the fun events that have made the book club into a dating craze.
00:06:19No, no, it's not a dating craze.
00:06:21It's about the books.
00:06:23At least that's what I focus on.
00:06:25Okay.
00:06:28Shelvability?
00:06:31That's not even a word.
00:06:32And even if it was, you can't stop a great novel from being read.
00:06:35Why is there pizza in your hair?
00:06:38Lizzie, still with me?
00:06:40Let's get your pajamas on.
00:06:41Earth to sister.
00:06:42Yes.
00:06:43Is this a bad time?
00:06:44Sounds like a bad time.
00:06:46It's just dinnertime.
00:06:47I'm sorry.
00:06:47You want me to call back?
00:06:48No.
00:06:49Always crazy and connected.
00:06:51Look, I get you're frustrated, G, but you're a great writer.
00:06:54You're a bestseller.
00:06:56Does it make me a real writer?
00:06:57I just want to put something out there that matters.
00:07:00Well, they matter to me.
00:07:01I've read every single one so far.
00:07:04Well, it matters to everyone, not just my sweet and very biased family.
00:07:08Something that people would call a great piece of literature.
00:07:11You know, like Gone with the Wind or Pride and Prejudice.
00:07:14Pretty sure those have all been written, Graham.
00:07:16Yeah, they have.
00:07:17And they matter.
00:07:18I just feel like I should write something more than a young adult cash cow.
00:07:22Then you just have to get it out there.
00:07:25Like you said, they can't stop the great American novel from being read,
00:07:28even if you have to publish it yourself.
00:07:32I'm not sure I said it quite like that, but...
00:07:34You got this, G.
00:07:36You always have.
00:07:38Same, Lizzie.
00:07:39Same.
00:07:41All right.
00:07:42Much love to you and the family.
00:07:44Bye.
00:07:46Whether we're highlighting local authors or obscure thrillers or...
00:07:49Relatively unknown books.
00:07:51It's about what's on the page.
00:07:52So two books get wrapped up each week?
00:07:54That's right.
00:07:55And people have no idea what book they're buying.
00:07:57And you use broad, tempting descriptors like,
00:08:01you won't expect these chalk lines.
00:08:03Or we'll send you to far-flung places.
00:08:06Or I just spotted passion adventure.
00:08:08You'll be swept away.
00:08:10Although you have to admit, this does kind of sound like a dating profile.
00:08:15No, it's just the format.
00:08:17I don't think anyone is coming here to find love.
00:08:20But it doesn't hurt if they do.
00:08:23So then you meet the following Tuesdays and Thursdays to discuss.
00:08:26That's right.
00:08:27And you've made crepes from Paris, pottery from Zimbabwe, and origami from Japan.
00:08:32These sound like some really great parties you've been throwing.
00:08:35Oh, I wouldn't call them parties.
00:08:37It's not like the cops are shutting us down.
00:08:40No, I think it's more about commonality.
00:08:43Meaning?
00:08:44Meaning people want to connect with the material.
00:08:48But they also want to connect with people who are having a shared experience
00:08:51deep within those pages.
00:08:52Material that makes people feel.
00:08:54That's the art of a good book.
00:08:56And it seems that everyone wants to read what you're wrapping up.
00:09:00Which is why we're going to feature your book club books on our website.
00:09:03Oh my goodness, thank you so much.
00:09:05That's very kind of you.
00:09:07Honestly, it's just about falling in love with a book.
00:09:13Not caring if it's meant for a particular age or gender or what shelf it's supposed to be on.
00:09:19Yep.
00:09:20At the end of the day, all that is just marketing.
00:09:25Reading is so much deeper than that.
00:09:28Okay then.
00:09:29Exactly.
00:09:30On that poetic note from Mimi's Book Corner in Nantucket,
00:09:34we hope to see you all soon if love of reading is what you're after.
00:09:42Thank you so much, Meg.
00:09:43Thank you, bye.
00:09:44Mimi's Book Corner in Nantucket.
00:09:47Mimi's Book Corner in Nantucket.
00:09:50I like that point.
00:10:12Aunt Renee, hi, where are you?
00:10:14Okay, you take your time.
00:10:15I will be waiting right out front.
00:10:17I am out front.
00:10:18There's no sign.
00:10:19Est-ce que vous pouvez prendre notre photo?
00:10:23Oh, the photo?
00:10:23You want me to take your photo?
00:10:24Of course.
00:10:26Let me get the sign in there.
00:10:30Excuse me.
00:10:34Hi.
00:10:34Hi.
00:10:36I'm just trying to frame them up with the sign.
00:10:39Oh, sorry.
00:10:41Yeah, it's okay.
00:10:42Okay, c'est fromage.
00:10:44Aww.
00:10:46Maybe don't cut their feet off.
00:10:47Et maintenant c'est votre tour.
00:10:49Merci.
00:10:49Et là , à votre tour.
00:10:52Tous les deux en dessous de la pancarte.
00:10:53Oh, we're not together.
00:10:55On semble proches.
00:10:57Okay.
00:10:58Très joli.
00:11:01Yeah.
00:11:02Ça y est.
00:11:03Smile for the camera.
00:11:05Unless you want to figure out a way to say no.
00:11:08Et peut-être mettre votre bras alentour, comme ça.
00:11:11Oh, she's really serious about this.
00:11:13Very.
00:11:14All right.
00:11:19Okay, you know what?
00:11:20I think we got it.
00:11:21Thank you so much.
00:11:22Thank you.
00:11:26That was something.
00:11:27Wow.
00:11:28Yeah.
00:11:30Have a great trip.
00:11:31Yeah.
00:11:32You too.
00:11:33Thanks.
00:11:34I live here.
00:11:35Oh.
00:11:36Well then, have a great day.
00:11:38You too.
00:11:40Meg.
00:11:42Renée.
00:11:44Hello.
00:11:46So nice to see you, sweetheart.
00:11:48Good to see you.
00:11:49Let me help you with that.
00:11:50Oh, you be careful what you offer.
00:11:52I'm not a light packer.
00:11:54Oh my.
00:12:12I'm Dylan Turner.
00:12:15I'm Dylan Turner.
00:12:18I'm Dylan Turner.
00:12:22Oh, this is cute.
00:12:25You didn't need to carry that.
00:12:27You don't need to stay in a B&B.
00:12:29You could have stayed with me.
00:12:31Oh, I'm too old to put anyone out anymore.
00:12:33And I love a good robe and slippers moment any time I can get it.
00:12:37That I understand.
00:12:39There was just that one thing you wanted to talk with me about.
00:12:42Oh, well, we can table that for tomorrow too.
00:12:46Say, noon-ish?
00:12:48I never do anything too early anymore.
00:12:51Of course.
00:12:56I'm never going to finish writing this book, let alone before the baby comes.
00:12:59You are already halfway there.
00:13:01That's huge.
00:13:02But what if I never finish?
00:13:03Then you and I will grow old together.
00:13:05Here.
00:13:06At the bookshop?
00:13:07Mm-hmm.
00:13:08Is this one of your motivational tactics?
00:13:09I don't know.
00:13:09Is it working?
00:13:10Maybe.
00:13:11Then yes, I guess it is.
00:13:12Okay.
00:13:16Oh, my goodness.
00:13:19I am so sorry.
00:13:23Hi.
00:13:24Hi.
00:13:25Guy from the pier.
00:13:27Girl from the picture.
00:13:30Hey.
00:13:38Is this your place?
00:13:39It is.
00:13:40Yeah.
00:13:41Oh, it's great.
00:13:43Thank you.
00:13:44Can I help you find something?
00:13:46Yes.
00:13:46I am intrigued by these mystery books everyone's talking about.
00:13:49Oh, you've been listening to the radio?
00:13:52I have.
00:13:54Was that you in the interview?
00:13:56It was.
00:13:57Oh.
00:13:58Well, I admire that you want to promote unknown and underappreciated books.
00:14:03Thanks.
00:14:05Also, local authors, when available.
00:14:08The wrapped books are right over there.
00:14:10Oh, okay.
00:14:11Lead the way.
00:14:13I just wrapped these up today.
00:14:15Oh, you do them yourself?
00:14:16Yeah.
00:14:16Ta-da.
00:14:18Ah, a fellowship discovered in darkness.
00:14:23Sounds very Tolkien.
00:14:25You're good.
00:14:26That's TBD.
00:14:29Well, let me know if you need help with anything else.
00:14:33Will do.
00:14:44Oh.
00:14:46I will take these two.
00:14:48Great.
00:14:52Just curious, do you consider self-published books for your book club?
00:14:58Of course.
00:15:00You have a book.
00:15:02I do.
00:15:04And you're local?
00:15:07Sort of.
00:15:08Well, yeah, I just, I've relocated here for a few weeks or so.
00:15:13You said you were on vacation.
00:15:15More of a working vacation, but yeah.
00:15:18That's still visiting.
00:15:19Well, it's to see if, you know, I like it here.
00:15:21Then I might be a true local.
00:15:23You can tap.
00:15:24Yeah.
00:15:27Look, I think I would bring something refreshing to your book club.
00:15:32So you want to be wrapped?
00:15:34I do.
00:15:36Well, you are the third writer to say that to me since my interview.
00:15:39And unfortunately, I've already chosen all of the books for the next few months.
00:15:43So if you happen to be here, then you can pop by and we'll see.
00:15:48Never know.
00:15:49Okay.
00:15:54Did you ever struggle to find out what you're good at?
00:15:58My guess is no.
00:16:00I did.
00:16:01I wasn't good at much.
00:16:02Definitely not sports.
00:16:04No.
00:16:05But writing, writing was always something I love.
00:16:08Still do, obviously.
00:16:11I just want to put something out that matters.
00:16:13Yeah.
00:16:16If you love something, you shouldn't give up on it.
00:16:21Even if you're just aspiring.
00:16:26Well, I am sure that you're very busy.
00:16:30But if you have time or you find the time, I'd really love to hear your thoughts.
00:16:36I'd also love to be a part of your book club.
00:16:41Thank you.
00:16:43Okay.
00:16:45Wait.
00:16:52Why don't you leave me your number?
00:16:54And if I have the time, I will read your book.
00:16:58Thank you.
00:16:59Really.
00:17:05It's nice to meet you, Dylan.
00:17:06I'm Meg.
00:17:08Nice to meet you, Meg.
00:17:11See ya.
00:17:13Bye.
00:17:30Oh, hi.
00:17:30Oh, my goodness.
00:17:32Come in, come in.
00:17:33Oh, my.
00:17:36Oh, well, you have made some changes.
00:17:40Good changes, I hope.
00:17:43Uh, Aunt Renee, you remember Alice, don't you?
00:17:47Yes, of course.
00:17:48You got me hooked on Faulkner.
00:17:51I didn't think I could do it.
00:17:52I did.
00:17:53Well, you're welcome.
00:17:56Wow, wow.
00:17:57My, oh, my.
00:17:58A lot of changes that have gone on here.
00:18:01My goodness.
00:18:03Ah, and these are the books you were interviewed about.
00:18:07Feel free to pick one out.
00:18:09Be surprised.
00:18:10I miss the days when the writing did all the work.
00:18:12Me too, but we're making it work.
00:18:16Yeah, about that.
00:18:20Mind if we find somewhere more private to talk?
00:18:25Sure.
00:18:34I wish I'd come visit more often.
00:18:36It's tough to beat.
00:18:38And you know I love the shop and everything you've done for it.
00:18:41I didn't do that much.
00:18:43What you took of the mom was closing to this.
00:18:46With your help.
00:18:47And it was only struggling because of mom's health.
00:18:51Yeah, I know.
00:18:53Which is why I'm glad I was a part of it from day one.
00:18:56At least financially.
00:18:58But I'm not getting any younger.
00:19:03You want out, don't you?
00:19:08To travel.
00:19:09While I still can, yes.
00:19:12Ideally, I would love to do both, but you can't have it all.
00:19:15I know.
00:19:16And mom knew that too.
00:19:18This is her passion project.
00:19:20She never wanted you to feel tied down to it.
00:19:23Well, that goes for you too, my dear.
00:19:29So what now?
00:19:31I would like to liquidate my investment in a month.
00:19:33Maybe two.
00:19:34I hope that gives you enough time to decide if this is what you want.
00:19:39You really want to keep this going long term.
00:19:43You mean double down on the shop?
00:19:45Well, I know that going solo is a big financial commitment,
00:19:48especially when you're single.
00:19:50So if not, maybe get back to your original plan.
00:19:55You mean real estate?
00:19:56Well, you always wanted that license before your drivers.
00:20:01I may have an interested buyer if that's something you want to consider.
00:20:06Wow.
00:20:08You don't have to decide right now.
00:20:11In fact, if I were you, I would sit with it for a minute.
00:20:15I know that this decision impacts more people than just you.
00:20:21The shop is a local treasure.
00:20:24So are you.
00:20:29Come on.
00:20:37So
00:21:07long as we're not tabling it for tomorrow.
00:21:17Very funny.
00:21:19Well, I guess I'm up.
00:21:37So
00:22:02what's my number eight?
00:22:05I'd say soonish.
00:22:06You know, for someone who's obsessed with detail, soonish feels real vague.
00:22:09OK, then soon.
00:22:11How's that?
00:22:13I'm just a little stuck.
00:22:14That's all.
00:22:16I knew it.
00:22:17Writers block.
00:22:18You could have told me.
00:22:19I'm more than just your agent.
00:22:20I'm your friend sometimes.
00:22:22And hey, they got therapists for writers for that type of thing.
00:22:24Want me to call my guy?
00:22:26No, just relax.
00:22:27OK, I just got to, you know, tie it all together.
00:22:31You sure?
00:22:32Just a phone call.
00:22:32Maybe a zoom.
00:22:33Yeah, totally.
00:22:34I got it.
00:22:36100 percent.
00:22:37Good.
00:22:37Because contractually, you have three weeks to turn it in.
00:22:41I thought it was more like five.
00:22:43Yeah, I think you've lost track of time with your creative distraction.
00:22:47Is that what we're calling it now?
00:22:49You know what I mean, G?
00:22:51Look, this is an output deal.
00:22:53OK, I assured them that you could keep turning books out.
00:22:56Otherwise, they'll stop asking for more.
00:22:58Look, I just don't want you wasting any more time for both of our sake.
00:23:03Not what I'm doing here.
00:23:06Where are you?
00:23:10Nantucket.
00:23:11Nantucket.
00:23:13That's where you're hard at work.
00:23:15Just needed a writer's retreat.
00:23:17Ah, to make up for lost time.
00:23:19Something like that.
00:23:21Look, just get it done.
00:23:22Please.
00:23:23Pretty please.
00:23:25I will.
00:23:27Hey, thought you might call in sick.
00:23:30A little payback after I left you hanging last night.
00:23:34You did kind of leave me hanging.
00:23:36Dylan, hi.
00:23:38Hi.
00:23:40Uh, did you finish your purchases already?
00:23:43No, I just wanted to come back and offer you a little incentive.
00:23:47To read your book?
00:23:48I would like to read your book.
00:23:49Oh, that's great.
00:23:50Thank you so much.
00:23:51You're welcome.
00:23:52I'm going to go get my book.
00:23:53I'll be right back.
00:23:53OK.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:54Bye.
00:23:55Bye.
00:23:55Bye.
00:23:55Bye.
00:23:55Bye.
00:23:55Bye.
00:23:55Bye.
00:23:55Bye.
00:23:55Bye.
00:23:55Bye.
00:23:55I would like to pay you for your time.
00:23:58No, that won't be necessary because I already read it.
00:24:01You did?
00:24:02Mm-hmm.
00:24:03Wow.
00:24:05And?
00:24:07And it was good.
00:24:08Ah, overall...
00:24:11Overall, not for us.
00:24:17You're speaking for the Hobo Club?
00:24:19Well, I kind of curate it, so yeah, I guess I am.
00:24:22Can I ask why?
00:24:23Sure.
00:24:24It's just not my kind of romance.
00:24:28Oh, well, I mean, that's because it's not a romance.
00:24:31It's historical literature that happens to be set around a love story.
00:24:36Oh.
00:24:37Why does no one get that?
00:24:39OK, well, could you be a little more specific?
00:24:42You really want to hear?
00:24:44Yeah.
00:24:45OK.
00:24:47The love story.
00:24:50So pretty much the whole thing.
00:24:54There just wasn't enough depth in the relationship to warrant them falling in love.
00:24:59That is broad and devastatingly more specific.
00:25:02I'm sorry.
00:25:04You asked.
00:25:05I did.
00:25:07Yeah.
00:25:08Hi.
00:25:08Hi.
00:25:11I'll just put my things away.
00:25:12OK.
00:25:14Keep at it.
00:25:14It's a process.
00:25:17Yeah, I'm aware of the process.
00:25:21I have been on the bestseller list for years.
00:25:23And Dylan Turner, I'm not sure I'm familiar with your other work.
00:25:27It's actually Graham Sterling.
00:25:30Graham Sterling.
00:25:32I'm sorry, what?
00:25:34Oh, hi, guys.
00:25:35I will be right with you.
00:25:40Hi, just right this way.
00:25:42So you lied.
00:25:44I used a pseudonym.
00:25:47You introduced yourself as Dylan Turner.
00:25:50I did.
00:25:51But it was pretty harmless.
00:25:53OK, so you write YA fiction and not historical romance.
00:25:58Historical romance literature.
00:26:02So you do know me.
00:26:04Of course I do.
00:26:05It's my job to know what I'm selling.
00:26:07Parachutes for Beginners, volumes one through seven, with volume eight on the way,
00:26:10if I'm remembering my publishing news correctly.
00:26:12Yeah, you are.
00:26:13Listen, if I may, my own humble opinion, I think you might be wrong turning me down.
00:26:20I'm not turning you down.
00:26:22I am turning Dylan down.
00:26:26And besides, you don't need us or this when you're you.
00:26:32You would be surprised how hard it is to genre hop when you're me.
00:26:37Hi.
00:26:38Hi.
00:26:38Alice, big fan.
00:26:40Can I just borrow Meg for a second?
00:26:42Yeah, sure.
00:26:43Thank you so much.
00:26:44Meg, come here.
00:26:46What are you doing?
00:26:48You'd be helping a writer struggling against being typecast.
00:26:50So you're just starstruck.
00:26:53I'm not.
00:26:54OK, maybe I am, but I'm married.
00:26:57Oh, please, please, please.
00:27:01OK, but I'm doing this for the baby.
00:27:02OK, thanks.
00:27:11Fine.
00:27:13Fine.
00:27:15What's fine?
00:27:16Fine, we will wrap your book.
00:27:18Hey, you will?
00:27:20But no more lies.
00:27:21No more lies.
00:27:22OK, then we'll let the book club decide how they feel about Dylan Turner's debut novel.
00:27:29We shall.
00:27:39OK, so how's this going to go?
00:27:42You've never been a part of a book club or like a writer's support group before?
00:27:46I was too shy when I should have been in one.
00:27:47And now that I have an agent and a publisher, I get critiqued up the wazoo, so.
00:27:51So that's a no.
00:27:53So that's a no.
00:27:55Are there rules or instructions?
00:27:57This feels a bit more involved than your average club.
00:28:00No, not really.
00:28:02People just choose a book blindly based on my clues.
00:28:04And if they like it enough to discuss, they come back the following week.
00:28:08If you're that curious, our next one is tomorrow.
00:28:10And lucky for you, it's historical romance.
00:28:14Can we just call it literature?
00:28:15You can call it whatever you want.
00:28:17Just make sure you reach the reader who will appreciate your work.
00:28:19Like you did in the Parish of Ceres.
00:28:22Thank you.
00:28:23You got a lot of fans on this island.
00:28:24Including you?
00:28:27Teen fans.
00:28:28And Miss Alice Waters, aspiring writer, should probably consider her fandom double points.
00:28:34Oh, well, seeing as how you're a fellow writer and all the books you have access to, I'd agree.
00:28:39Thank you.
00:28:39Okay, Graham.
00:28:40If you're in, tomorrow is a potluck picnic in honor of the garden atmosphere in the book.
00:28:45And afterwards, we'll be arranging flowers.
00:28:46Oh, sounds very civilized.
00:28:48But maybe don't mention your last name or what you do for a living.
00:28:51Right.
00:28:51It could hinder the combo.
00:28:53Because you're famous.
00:28:55Or, like, well-known in some circles.
00:28:59Heartfelt.
00:29:00Engaging.
00:29:01Unexpectedly satisfying.
00:29:03Sounds like a dating profile.
00:29:05All right?
00:29:08No.
00:29:08It sounds good.
00:29:09Good.
00:29:10I should warn you, though.
00:29:11The group can be pretty fierce.
00:29:12Let's hope you're a fast reader.
00:29:14Oh, fun fact about me.
00:29:15I'm actually a speed reader.
00:29:17Held the record in college.
00:29:19Yeah.
00:29:19The nerd thing was real.
00:29:21Even though the name wasn't.
00:29:28Well, that was fun.
00:29:32Can I take you to lunch?
00:29:35Yeah.
00:29:36Let's go.
00:29:45Wait, wait, wait.
00:29:46So let's table this for later.
00:29:48Was code for I want out?
00:29:49Apparently.
00:29:52I'm so sorry.
00:29:53Well, why are you telling me sorry?
00:29:55I was really hoping to stock your book in the bestsellers section.
00:30:00Kate.
00:30:01Does this mean you're not going to be in the book?
00:30:03Kate.
00:30:05Does this mean you're going to sell?
00:30:07I don't know.
00:30:08It means that I am in the middle of an early midlife crisis.
00:30:11Yeah.
00:30:12Sharing the mortgage and the overhead and the good months and the bad months.
00:30:15That was one thing.
00:30:16But taking it all on myself.
00:30:17I mean, what if we have a bad month?
00:30:19I don't know if I want that kind of responsibility.
00:30:21It just feels massive.
00:30:24Is it too massive?
00:30:26Permanent.
00:30:26Definitive.
00:30:28And the complete opposite from helping people find their forever homes,
00:30:31which is also massive.
00:30:32Okay.
00:30:33So what now?
00:30:35I don't know.
00:30:38Follow up with the bank.
00:30:40Touch base with Talia.
00:30:41See what my options are.
00:30:42If I want to return.
00:30:43Is she still with Downtown Boston Real Estate?
00:30:46No, she and a couple others started their own agency.
00:30:49I just don't want to let anyone down.
00:30:51Hey.
00:30:53I think you should just focus on you, girl.
00:30:56Do that for a minute and then worry about everyone else.
00:31:00You're probably right.
00:31:03Now, I think I need some of those fries.
00:31:07You are really going to come between a pregnant lady and her fries?
00:31:10Just kidding.
00:31:11Here.
00:31:12And I'm going to grab us some shakes.
00:31:21So this is the new cover art for book number eight.
00:31:23That's what they gave me.
00:31:25Thanks.
00:31:27It's vague, but it'll have to do.
00:31:31Now I just need my book.
00:31:33Don't smile at me like that.
00:31:34This is not funny.
00:31:39I'm so excited to try flower arranging.
00:31:41I know, me too.
00:31:43Stacey, you dream.
00:31:45I was so hoping you would bring those.
00:31:46Oh, they're my favorite.
00:31:49Hey, Jackson.
00:31:50Hey, sorry I'm late.
00:31:51You're right on time.
00:31:53Are those wedding tea cakes?
00:31:55Yes, they are my mom's recipe.
00:31:58So you're a baker.
00:32:00Yeah, I mean, I try.
00:32:03Wow, Jackson, I'm impressed.
00:32:06Oh.
00:32:07Care to share the recipe?
00:32:08Yeah, yeah, of course.
00:32:09Do you have four hours?
00:32:12I'm serious.
00:32:15Did you see the look between those two?
00:32:17No, I didn't.
00:32:18I think that's what you called shared commonality.
00:32:20Stop it.
00:32:21I'm just saying.
00:32:22The National Public Radio just started listing your books.
00:32:25They called it Flying Date Book Club on the website.
00:32:27Can you please just get this started?
00:32:29Not without your new friend.
00:32:31Hi.
00:32:32Oh.
00:32:32Hi.
00:32:33You made it.
00:32:34My first ever book club.
00:32:36These are for you.
00:32:38I was worried you might not have enough treats.
00:32:40Thank you very much.
00:32:41Hope you're ready for this.
00:32:43Oh, yeah.
00:32:44It's going to be a fun night.
00:32:53Now, I know not everyone appreciates a happy ending,
00:32:57but I found this one to be particularly satisfying and earned.
00:33:01But I'm wondering, am I alone here?
00:33:04Honestly, it left me a little cold.
00:33:06A non-decision.
00:33:08I get that was supposed to feel powerful,
00:33:10not being on anyone's timeline, payroll, what have you.
00:33:13But I think it's always important to know where you stand.
00:33:17That's exactly what I thought.
00:33:19Wrote.
00:33:20And what about the pacing of the book?
00:33:22I'm sure it's kind of slow.
00:33:25Right?
00:33:26I'm curious, how many of you agree with Stacey and Jackson?
00:33:31All right.
00:33:32So our protagonist seems to be obsessed with flowers.
00:33:36Would anyone like to speak on that theme?
00:33:39Thanks so much for coming.
00:33:41Don't forget to put those in water.
00:33:42Good night.
00:33:44Good night.
00:33:44Good night.
00:33:47Not my best work, but.
00:33:50For me?
00:33:51Yeah, for introducing me to the beguiling world of book clubs.
00:33:55Oh, well, thank you.
00:33:57They are beautiful.
00:33:59But you hate it tonight.
00:34:01Why do you say that?
00:34:02Because you barely said two words.
00:34:04Because I loved it.
00:34:05Like a root canal.
00:34:06No, no, I'm being serious.
00:34:08I haven't heard people talk that candidly about a book in way too long.
00:34:12You said you hear critique all the time.
00:34:14Sure, that I should keep doing what I've always done because they know it works.
00:34:17Seven times.
00:34:19Yeah, and for my latest project, I just got a real polite and vague pass.
00:34:24I think the most honest critique I've gotten in years was from you.
00:34:27Well, that was after a quick read.
00:34:28Yeah, but it was honest, which I appreciate.
00:34:31You give really good feedback.
00:34:32It's a heck of a lot better than just, you don't do romance.
00:34:36Even though you disagreed?
00:34:38Yeah, both can be true.
00:34:39It's an art form, not a science.
00:34:42Which is why I would love to pay you for a little more real critique.
00:34:45If you had the time.
00:34:46Stop offering to pay me.
00:34:47I'm not taking your money.
00:34:49Why not?
00:34:50Because I'm not an editor or a charity.
00:34:53And you are not that nerdy kid anymore.
00:34:57You'd be surprised.
00:34:59All right, why don't we just wait and see what the feedback is from the book club?
00:35:04Because I want to hear more of what you think.
00:35:07And since you only moderate discussions, I thought outside of the club would be best.
00:35:11Okay, look, if you're not going to accept my money, fine.
00:35:14But how about I do a book signing before I leave town?
00:35:17For all the Nantucket fans.
00:35:19Minus you, of course.
00:35:21Hmm.
00:35:25Okay.
00:35:27Okay.
00:35:28I'm out of town tomorrow, but when I get back, we can find a time to meet.
00:35:33Deal?
00:35:34Deal.
00:35:44I wish we would have had one of these espresso machines when we first started, right?
00:35:47We would have doubled our productivity.
00:35:49I feel like we did pretty great without it, but it couldn't hurt.
00:35:53Thank you.
00:35:54And thanks for seeing me on such short notice.
00:35:56Of course.
00:35:57I'm just glad to see you back in the office.
00:35:59Although this office is a little fancier than our last one.
00:36:04It's been a solid few years.
00:36:06So I'm hoping this place makes it even more enticing for you to come back to,
00:36:10if that's what you want.
00:36:11I don't know what I want.
00:36:12It would be really nice to work together again, but
00:36:15it might take me a minute to get back in the swing of things.
00:36:18The landscape is a little different now.
00:36:20Different how?
00:36:22More competition in the central area, so we've had to cast a wider net.
00:36:25More travel, much longer hours, but the payoff reflects that.
00:36:30Don't worry.
00:36:31I bet.
00:36:31Businesses are changing everywhere.
00:36:33I'm sure you've seen that firsthand.
00:36:35But I have also seen you set an impossibly ambitious goal for sales in a six-month period
00:36:40and need it at, what, 25?
00:36:42I will never forget that.
00:36:44I was young and hungry.
00:36:46A super hard worker.
00:36:47I would be happy to put you up for a job.
00:36:50I just need your resume within the week.
00:36:52A week?
00:36:54Wow, that's fast.
00:36:55Um, thank you.
00:36:58That really means a lot.
00:37:00Okay, then.
00:37:00Grab your toffee.
00:37:01I want to give you the grand tour.
00:37:11Thank you.
00:37:18Not the most ergonomic setup.
00:37:19Oh, really?
00:37:21Because I thought the lumbar support's not bad.
00:37:23Yeah, it's because you're 20.
00:37:25Five.
00:37:25Oh, well, geez, in that case.
00:37:29You writing?
00:37:30Can you even call it that when you're not getting paid?
00:37:32Yeah, even more so.
00:37:35You're fueled by your own critique, which can be intense.
00:37:39Yeah, and then what?
00:37:41You're motivated by critics, deadlines.
00:37:43Fear, you know, that you, uh,
00:37:45you only had that one thing in you, and then what?
00:37:47Well, uh, you keep going, like you're doing, what, it's been a decade, or?
00:37:53We don't need to drill down like that, do we?
00:37:57Listen, my unsolicited advice, just keep writing what you love.
00:38:04Hey.
00:38:06You too.
00:38:10Thanks.
00:38:15you
00:38:46My ways are, ways are wide.
00:38:56Looks like somebody didn't say the no loitering sign.
00:39:00I'm just glad a few books have gone already.
00:39:02Yeah, it'll be fun to see your shows.
00:39:04Yeah, it'll be super fun.
00:39:06You know, you don't actually have to attend.
00:39:08The other authors have it.
00:39:09Oh, but I'm not the author, remember?
00:39:12Right.
00:39:14Then I'll leave it to you.
00:39:15Personally, I wouldn't go.
00:39:17Okay.
00:39:22You know, I'm pretty sure you call this a working vacation,
00:39:25but I'm not seeing much working happening.
00:39:28Well, that, Meg, is because I'm doing the second most important thing you could do as a writer.
00:39:33Oh, what's that?
00:39:34Procrastinate on number eight.
00:39:37You haven't finished it yet, it's already been announced.
00:39:41But you might want to hold off on that pre-order.
00:39:43That I told you.
00:39:45Isn't it easy at this point?
00:39:47Like a formula?
00:39:48Oh, to just bang them out?
00:39:49Yeah, everyone thinks that.
00:39:50I even tell myself that at the start of each one, but it's not quite like that.
00:39:54And this one has proven to be particularly challenging.
00:39:58Well, maybe that's because-
00:40:00Oh, no.
00:40:02Don't hold back on me now.
00:40:05Maybe you've just lost sight of what inspired you.
00:40:07What connected you to the readers.
00:40:09The gram that started it all.
00:40:13Maybe, or maybe I'm just stuck.
00:40:17Either way, I should go.
00:40:19Yeah, unless you want to keep lurking in the shadows of a bookshop to kill time.
00:40:23All right, I said I was going.
00:40:24Hey, hey, um, why don't we get together to discuss Dylan's novel?
00:40:30Tuesday at ten?
00:40:32Shop will be closed and quiet.
00:40:34Yeah, sounds perfect for an overly candid conversation.
00:40:39Sounds good.
00:40:43Graham, what you do, it's real to your fans.
00:40:49You know that, right?
00:40:52Thanks.
00:40:53Which has nothing to do with what genre it is.
00:40:58It matters to them.
00:41:03So maybe pin that reminder to your forehead if it helps.
00:41:08Yeah, as long as I can still see the screen.
00:41:10Otherwise...
00:41:13You should write a comedy next.
00:41:29Why does it sound so quiet over there?
00:41:32Kind of freaking me out.
00:41:34Because it is.
00:41:35It's glorious.
00:41:37Oh, where is everyone?
00:41:39Darren took the girls to dinner and a movie.
00:41:42Oh, wait, so you're home alone?
00:41:45Yes.
00:41:46Oh, I should let you go.
00:41:47Enjoy the peace and quiet.
00:41:49It's okay, just whisper.
00:41:53Okay.
00:41:55It's a little weird, but okay.
00:41:58You good?
00:42:00Mine is being seriously behind on book eight.
00:42:03Yeah.
00:42:04Why do you sound way too relaxed about that?
00:42:07Just feeling hopeful today, that's all.
00:42:10Hey, have you really read every book?
00:42:13Yeah.
00:42:14Uh, I'm starting to think you're like a modern day Judy Blume.
00:42:19That feels generous.
00:42:21Honestly, if what you shared helps my girls face their difficult teenage years with
00:42:28the same resilient humor that Huxley Allen has, then I will be forever grateful.
00:42:36Really?
00:42:37Yeah.
00:42:39And I'm sure I'm not the only mom who thinks that.
00:42:42Yeah.
00:42:44Now get to it.
00:42:47I got a frozen pizza to take out of the oven.
00:42:49Frozen pizza?
00:42:50That's what you're having for dinner?
00:42:52Yeah, fast and easy.
00:42:54Now go.
00:42:57I love you.
00:42:58Love you.
00:42:59Bye.
00:43:12Bye.
00:43:22Breakfast.
00:43:24Pancakes for you.
00:43:25Gluten-free waffles for you.
00:43:32Who could that be?
00:43:34Don't you dare move.
00:43:36Don't you move.
00:43:42Mom, I need you.
00:43:57Coming.
00:44:10Hey.
00:44:12Hey.
00:44:16I'm not late, am I?
00:44:17Thank you.
00:44:17And no, no, I just wanted to be outside.
00:44:20Okay.
00:44:21So, where to?
00:44:23You'll see.
00:44:25Equally vague.
00:44:36It's not fancy, but it's my favorite place on the island.
00:44:41So, let me guess.
00:44:44Water baby.
00:44:46Wrong.
00:44:47I actually didn't learn to swim until I was 14.
00:44:53But I've always loved being close to the water, like my mom.
00:44:58In fact, I think my general love of the ocean helped me sell a few waterfront properties
00:45:03back in the day.
00:45:05Pretty sure you're too young to use that phrase.
00:45:08Post-college, I was that age.
00:45:11Yeah, better.
00:45:12So, how did you make the leap from a realtor to a book club expert?
00:45:17I'm not an expert.
00:45:19My mom was the expert.
00:45:21I just took over when she got sick.
00:45:24Did you ever want to go back?
00:45:26To Boston?
00:45:27I did.
00:45:29Thought I would.
00:45:30But, you know, the thought of giving up the shop.
00:45:39There's so much of my mom here.
00:45:41And probably out there, too.
00:45:45Pretty sure everywhere and anywhere you are.
00:45:50Thanks.
00:45:56Okay, so, are you ready to hear all of my thoughts on Dylan's debut novel?
00:46:04So, obviously, I've read your books before, but I went back and brushed up on a few.
00:46:09And?
00:46:10And Huxley is amazing.
00:46:12He reads like a real person.
00:46:14Like his stories have actually happened to him.
00:46:17And I think that's part of why people have fallen in love with your books.
00:46:22Because they feel lived.
00:46:25So I would ask you, does your new book feel like it's coming from that same place?
00:46:40I think you already know the answer to that.
00:46:44Sorry if I overstepped.
00:46:45No, no.
00:46:49I think I've needed someone to ask me that question.
00:47:00All right, Freud.
00:47:02Let's hear the rest of these notes.
00:47:04Let's just start with the foreword, shall we?
00:47:06Oh, wow.
00:47:07That early?
00:47:08Well, it's poetic, but not very engaging.
00:47:14The foreword!
00:47:18I've got three pages of notes here.
00:47:19You have given me a lot to think about.
00:47:22I kind of had to.
00:47:24To warrant the book signing you'll be doing for us when all of this is over.
00:47:28Oh, right.
00:47:29That.
00:47:30Yeah, that.
00:47:33This for tonight's book club?
00:47:35I hope it's a hit.
00:47:36You're not coming?
00:47:38I didn't get an invite.
00:47:40Well, you don't need an invitation.
00:47:41You just need to have read the book.
00:47:43Which you bought.
00:47:46But haven't read.
00:47:48Yet.
00:47:49But will now.
00:47:51Really?
00:47:52Yeah.
00:47:53Yeah.
00:47:53I mean, if you want me there.
00:47:58Oh, um, I mean, sure.
00:48:04Yeah?
00:48:06Yeah.
00:48:08Great.
00:48:10Well, I have a book to read.
00:48:12So I'll see you tonight.
00:48:14See you tonight.
00:48:36This is fine.
00:48:46It's not like it's a date.
00:48:49I can do better.
00:48:52Okay.
00:48:54Too much.
00:48:58Hello.
00:48:59Welcome to my garden.
00:49:04I look like a grape.
00:49:06Yeah.
00:49:10Well, this is better.
00:49:24Is it just me or there are more people here than usual?
00:49:26Well, maybe it's the flight of one of Italy's finest regents.
00:49:29Well, it was almost a murder mystery game.
00:49:30Well, you made a wise choice.
00:49:36And I think that is for you.
00:49:38Stop it.
00:49:43Hi.
00:49:44Hey.
00:49:45Oh, you know, you didn't have to bring anything.
00:49:47Oh, my mom taught me never to arrive empty-handed.
00:49:51So feel free to open it tonight or save it for a special occasion.
00:49:55Well, I would count your second book club as a special occasion, wouldn't you?
00:50:01I would.
00:50:02I'm a little hooked.
00:50:04The formal tasting is later, but I can start with this.
00:50:09Thank you for coming.
00:50:10Thank you for inviting me.
00:50:13Now what?
00:50:14Sip on that and grab an arancini for starters.
00:50:17Oh, there's food.
00:50:19You sound disappointed about that.
00:50:23I was just hoping it was wine only, so I'd have an excuse.
00:50:29To get a little tipsy?
00:50:31To ask you to dinner.
00:50:35Oh, um, dinner.
00:50:38Well, you know, seeing as how you're pretty much my only friend on the island and all.
00:50:44So we're friends now?
00:50:46I hope so.
00:50:50Um, yeah, dinner would be nice.
00:50:54Great.
00:51:00Oh, check out the snow.
00:51:04Yeah, but it rarely lasts this time of year.
00:51:08Look, I know you're new here and I really appreciate the thought, but
00:51:12this restaurant is new and it's very popular, small and impossible to get in.
00:51:17I know.
00:51:17That's why we're sitting at the bar.
00:51:20Even less possible.
00:51:21It has the best view of the water.
00:51:23I know that too.
00:51:31Oh, great, the lineup.
00:51:33Yeah, excuse us.
00:51:35Thanks.
00:51:35Um, Graham, you can't just...
00:51:37I'm so sorry.
00:51:38You can't just cut all those people.
00:51:39Oh, okay.
00:51:41And here we are.
00:51:46Reserved.
00:51:47For us.
00:51:49You're joking.
00:51:50I'm just glad you said yes.
00:51:51It was a bit of a gamble.
00:51:53You seem to take a lot of those.
00:51:55Yeah, it's something important to me.
00:51:58May I?
00:52:01Yeah.
00:52:02Thanks.
00:52:09This was amazing.
00:52:11I can't believe you got us in here.
00:52:13I just wanted you to be able to sit down, kick your feet up, enjoy the view.
00:52:17I get the impression you don't do that often.
00:52:20I do.
00:52:21Sometimes.
00:52:22When was the last time?
00:52:24Do you count reading?
00:52:26I do not.
00:52:28College?
00:52:29Ah, yeah, that sounds about right.
00:52:33Where'd you go to school?
00:52:34BU.
00:52:36Is that where you did real estate as well?
00:52:39Yeah, and the only time I've ever been away from here.
00:52:42Thank you.
00:52:43So were your parents locals?
00:52:45My mom was.
00:52:45I never knew my dad.
00:52:48Is it just the two of you?
00:52:49Yeah, and I was lucky enough to have this amazing village of people.
00:52:54I can't imagine growing up anywhere else.
00:52:59That's a lot about me.
00:53:01So tell me about your village.
00:53:03What was your village like?
00:53:07Small.
00:53:08I've never married or had kids.
00:53:10My sister did early on.
00:53:12She has two amazing girls who I don't see nearly as much as I'd like.
00:53:18And yeah, that's pretty much that.
00:53:22Well, that doesn't sound small.
00:53:24It sounds really nice.
00:53:27Thank you.
00:53:29Mmm, okay.
00:53:38Rate it.
00:53:38Scale of one to ten.
00:53:40The lobster ice cream?
00:53:45Negative three.
00:53:48Then why are you still eating?
00:53:50Because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
00:53:55So am I the only one that you're brutally honest with?
00:53:58I don't know.
00:53:59Maybe I'm just...
00:54:02Maybe I'm just comfortable with you.
00:54:04With me?
00:54:07That's the best kind of compliment.
00:54:17Thank you.
00:54:23So how are you feeling about Thursday?
00:54:26And yeah, I'm actually excited for it.
00:54:28You are?
00:54:28Yeah.
00:54:29Not nervous?
00:54:30Oh, no, no, no.
00:54:30I'm very nervous about it.
00:54:32Yeah.
00:54:33And you still think you're gonna attend?
00:54:34For sure.
00:54:35Really?
00:54:35Yeah.
00:54:36What?
00:54:37I think my skin is getting tougher, don't you?
00:54:40Yeah, but you've seen the club in action.
00:54:42I have.
00:54:43I can handle it.
00:54:44You know, it's not like they'll know it's me anyways.
00:54:46Right, right.
00:54:48But comments are gonna fly.
00:54:50I just don't think I could do it.
00:54:53I think you could do anything you want.
00:54:58Can I walk you home?
00:55:02You can.
00:55:04Great.
00:55:05Lead the way.
00:55:15Wow.
00:55:16This is your place?
00:55:16Mm-hmm.
00:55:18It's beautiful.
00:55:19Thanks.
00:55:22I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
00:55:23I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
00:55:25I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
00:55:27I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
00:55:27I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
00:55:29I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
00:55:31I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
00:55:37So thanks for a great night.
00:55:41And for the lovely things you said earlier.
00:55:44No. Just telling the truth.
00:55:46That's kind of our theme, isn't it?
00:55:48The foundation of every great relationship, so they say.
00:55:53So that's what we're calling this.
00:55:56Oh!
00:55:57Uh-huh!
00:55:57thanks for saying yes I had a great time tonight can we do it again I would like
00:56:07to but how about next time no book talk
00:56:16whatever will we talk about
00:56:21think we could figure it out
00:56:25music
00:56:43see you tomorrow
00:56:48see you tomorrow
00:56:51music
00:57:11music
00:57:26music
00:57:31music
00:57:54oh you mean the one of me looking super awkward
00:58:01music
00:58:16here don't say I didn't warn you
00:58:22music
00:58:39Meg hi it's Raina from the radio show I'm on the island for another story and
00:58:44would love to sit in on tomorrow's book club see you then
00:58:48music
00:59:01I don't know Graham I'm having second thoughts about this no about this the
00:59:07book club you're not worried about National Public Radio coming they're
00:59:11covering your night no why would I don't even know who Dylan Turner is but what
00:59:16if they do what if they recognize you never gonna happen but what if it goes
00:59:19bad what would that do to your reputation you sound exactly like my
00:59:23agent I have to lie on national radio hmm you're not lying and you're making
00:59:28Alice my accomplice okay listen I admire your honesty but this is nothing more
00:59:34than a harmless experiment mmm harmless yeah okay come here authors use
00:59:40pseudonyms all the time I am unknown in this genre and you cover unknown authors
00:59:45all the time none of that is untrue tonight it's gonna be good I might even
00:59:52be fun yeah fun hey hi hi hi what are you doing here Oh Doc you sign an email
01:00:05seemed an odd way to say goodbye to this place oh I will give you to a minute
01:00:10he's cute he is so have you decided on selling let's just table this for later
01:00:26music
01:00:38excuse me miss Alice waters you dropped something what's this just a little
01:00:44inspiration hopefully starting is the hardest part but your journey has
01:00:51already begun keep going thank you my pleasure hey can I ask you a quick
01:00:59question yeah what's with the apples apples all of your lead characters have
01:01:05some sort of obsession with apples do they yeah cider orchard symmetry the
01:01:12seed or just eating the entire Apple well you know the whole Apple was a
01:01:16thing from camp when I was 10 and the rest I don't know I gotta give that some
01:01:21thought great observation thank you well everyone should be arriving shortly I
01:01:28have to finish setting up you should can I give you a hand oh please thank you
01:01:32sure Judy please yes
01:01:40limoncello spritzers any takers great love it hi limoncello spritzer this is
01:01:47gonna be so bad what no I researched how to make these last night they should be
01:01:50pretty good not that this Graham being here oh you worry too much he is a
01:01:55best-selling author and this is not his finest work the book club is a full
01:01:59house tonight and rain is back live from Nantucket I feel nauseous okay so let's
01:02:04recap rain is back we have a best-selling author in the mist and it's
01:02:07a full house I just said that not with the right attitude please try to relax
01:02:12I will try how's that thank you that's pretty good yeah oh great ladies so good
01:02:21to see you
01:02:29hey you calling for a rematch I'm calling for pages times up g-man very
01:02:34soon don't mean we have that call with the
01:02:37publishing okay Terrence I hear you but I gotta call you back buddy I am just
01:02:41about to walk into a book club whoa since when do you attend book clubs they
01:02:46agreed to read my novel you what romance novel yeah you didn't use your name did
01:02:51you know oh good let's keep it that way it's not just your reputation on the
01:02:56line here it's mine too yeah I know all right as far as anyone knows you are and
01:03:02have been a hundred percent focused on output that's the deal we made so book
01:03:06number eight if you please mm-hmm look the publisher's lawyers are serious
01:03:10pages next week but they want their advance back and then they won't want
01:03:14anymore good talk
01:03:25thanks so much for coming see that have you seen Graham anymore I think he's
01:03:29outside
01:03:44you
01:04:14hi everyone hi just a couple quick announcements before we get started
01:04:24tonight's discussion will be moderated by Alice and then a little later we'll
01:04:29be going outside for some painting in honor of the antagonist of tonight's
01:04:33book also we have a very special guest here tonight from National Public Radio
01:04:39Raina bream thank you she's here following up on her story from a couple
01:04:45of weeks ago this book club struck quite a chord with my listeners if it's all
01:04:50right with you all I'll be recording tonight's session of course yep so take
01:04:57your time getting seated we will get started shortly good book yeah yeah I
01:05:05think so do you know anything about the author no someone said he was crazy
01:05:12handsome or something oh yeah why do you look familiar to me
01:05:17common face maybe high school perhaps mm-hmm not much went to Oakmont in
01:05:22Connecticut not even close to familiar face familiar face then we're really
01:05:27glad you're here hmm did they meet here could be seems like they're taking the
01:05:34date part of the book club seriously does this happen often at the club like
01:05:39I said before it's just it's always about the books I'll report what I see
01:05:42how's that fair we get started yeah it's a great idea
01:05:55in the end it is the love of the unknown that brings Devon back to the very place
01:06:00he hated to reclaim lost innocence so with that being said anyone want to
01:06:06start us off anyone any takers anyone well I thought the theme was very
01:06:18refreshing and to be honest it was one that we haven't seen before except we
01:06:23have in Juliet Titans Florentine Smith sure it had a slightly different sign
01:06:29but I'm not exactly sure what color refreshing no disrespect oh I'm taking
01:06:34see I didn't have an issue with the theme I just didn't feel any connection
01:06:37to his journey or hers cuz they weren't vulnerable enough I mean it's good
01:06:44writing and I get where the author was trying to go but he didn't get there
01:06:50don't you agree uh I do totally from what I skimmed I'd say the prose is
01:06:57poetic but the inside is just skin-deep an American classic this is not agreed
01:07:03saying I feel like the pacing is way off I was like a boar she didn't even read
01:07:09the book I thought it was kind of fun I don't know what it's trying to say the
01:07:14motivation was flat is it warm in here little stuffy anyone else warm feels
01:07:20okay to me okay well I'm just gonna open the doors and let some airflow in here
01:07:24and then we can resume so everyone take five and grab a cookie
01:07:35enjoy are you okay how quickly can we wrap this up we just started I think you
01:07:41should milk it as much as possible any exposure is good exposure I'm not sure I
01:07:45agreed with that hey hi so fun might have been an overstatement that's not
01:07:50that bad we only heard from a few people pardon my forwardness did you guys meet
01:07:56here we'd seen each other around town but never actually talked until the book
01:08:02club I guess that's correct one couple confirmed this is certainly different
01:08:09from any other book club I've been to it sure is isn't it wait is this you please
01:08:17say this is you I love your novels that's it the parachute series I knew I
01:08:22knew you you're Graham Sterling best-selling author you are why did you
01:08:27say anything he's famous then why are you here no offense it's fine because I
01:08:33want to be part of this book club because of the whole discover new writers thing
01:08:37or were you looking for a date no that's that's not why I was here I mean at
01:08:41least not initially bromance was the last thing on my mind which is kind of
01:08:46ironic considering I just wrote wait did you write this book it says Dylan Turner
01:08:54but it's self-published so you know what I think it's time that we all head
01:08:58outside and do some painting you did you knew it was him didn't you knew what
01:09:03that he's famous is that why you promoted his books this book no then why
01:09:07did everyone read it I thought you hand-picked them I do so you like this
01:09:12no sorry okay so why are we reading it then that's a very good question you
01:09:17know what I think we all should just be excited that a famous author is among us
01:09:22could you sign this for me it could be worth something one day when is your
01:09:26next book coming out I'm a huge fan not of this though you might be better
01:09:32sticking to what you know yeah that seems to be a bit of a recurring theme
01:09:35so tell us Graham Sterling when will we get the next book in your series or have
01:09:40you abandoned it for this nope number eight is still very much on the way huh
01:09:44well Meg I hope you weren't promoting this to help out a friend I promise I
01:09:48never meant to deceive anyone this is starting to feel like a circus yes it is
01:09:53and that's not at all what my mom started or what I've tried to create so
01:09:57that's that's why I've decided to sell you have this wasn't the story I was
01:10:04expecting tonight you're going to sell the bookshop I think it's time so no
01:10:08more book club I don't know that'll be up to the next owner but I promise we
01:10:12will leave you all in very good hands and on that note I think I think that
01:10:17that's all for tonight so everyone can just head home yeah everyone let's just
01:10:21grab our things and wrap up so to round back to you two was there a particular
01:10:29genre of novel that you bonded over I am so sorry don't be I brought you in no
01:10:36but you were right I should have listened to you listen I have a lot to
01:10:39clean up so I just need everyone to leave okay I'll give you a hand no no I
01:10:45need everyone to leave
01:11:15so this is it yep this is it so what now
01:11:45well I have a second meeting lined up with a broker friend to talk territories
01:11:50oh wow that sounds promising it is you know I know the other day was a typical
01:11:57but I love what you did with the place and I feel like everyone loved it too it
01:12:06was fun it was something you know the store is not what your mom started but
01:12:14times change and you made it into something unique your own never feel
01:12:20guilty about that her dream was bringing people together like you did getting
01:12:27them excited about reading again she would be so proud of you I know I am
01:12:36thank you send postcards okay no I will
01:12:47Oh
01:12:50I thought you might like this
01:12:54thank you see you soon
01:12:57Oh
01:13:04hey
01:13:19I can't believe you've never been here I think they'd love it here
01:13:25a long stretch of beach tall rocks rough waters they're pretty tough already
01:13:34those girls are awesome take after me how are you stellar okay you are never
01:13:46that one note I'm good you know at least I'm almost done you are and and how do
01:13:53you feel stellar I'm serious I am too I realized I had kind of forgot what I
01:14:04loved about writing to begin with but I think I found that passion again hey I
01:14:10like this new you so you think you guys will visit what you mean take a break
01:14:15from endless laundry and you'll make it dinner
01:14:19done hey there's something else I want to talk to you about or rather someone
01:14:27okay okay girls uncle Graham is gonna tell us about a girl
01:14:49you
01:15:19you
01:15:49you
01:16:19you
01:16:50you
01:17:04did you all figured out you're gonna make me cry cry you haven't cried since
01:17:09that exchange student broke up with you in seventh grade Valentina okay but it
01:17:15wasn't I was okay you know this is incredible wait you already read it what
01:17:22the ending with the Apple I mean it was such a small gesture but share an apple
01:17:29with a friend and friendship will follow I can't take all the credit I had a
01:17:33little inspiration on that one from an aspiring writer that I may end up
01:17:37sending your way well I'm here for it and hey Graham this isn't just your best
01:17:44one yet it's the best one I've ever read in the genre and I'm not just saying
01:17:48that as your friend but as an agent now publisher won't take long to approve
01:17:53this and I'll push them to get going in the next one right away yeah about that
01:17:58oh no no no please tell me you're not ditching this for your new genre relax
01:18:02you don't have to sell your boat I'm gonna put the other book on the
01:18:05backburner for a bit but for Huxley I said we push for a guaranteed 12 I mean
01:18:12listen I know I got more stories to meet there's the appetite heck let's go for
01:18:1720 how's that I'd expect nothing less hey once number eight settles down let's
01:18:24circle back on that historical fiction novel to wouldn't be much of an agent if
01:18:28I told all my clients to stay in their lane their whole career now it needs
01:18:32work but let's try and find a show for it yeah don't worry I'm gonna write it
01:18:37just gotta live it first I'll see on the court
01:18:47I gotta say we had a good run dare I say a great one but it just doesn't feel
01:18:52right anymore you deserve someone who's all in all the time in Boston I would
01:19:01just be looking back here this is what I want thanks Talia
01:19:23hi hi hi hi I will give you to a moment
01:19:37so is loitering your new favorite pastime you mean that I'm multi-talented
01:19:48incredibly humble so what's with the sign well apparently you're the goat
01:19:57goat greatest of all time yeah that's what my nieces said when I told them
01:20:02about you you did mm-hmm what what exactly did you tell them broad strokes
01:20:13you know that you're an amazing human and you're super fun really funny
01:20:18wildly honest well where would we be without honesty and human connection
01:20:25without our people probably eating takeout alone in a fancy apartment pretty
01:20:32sure that's where I'd be in Boston if I went back no you're thinking of keeping
01:20:38this place I always knew I wanted to do something that mattered I just didn't
01:20:44realize I was already doing it this place is pretty special and not just
01:20:51because I grew up here it makes me really happy
01:20:59you do too I do good cuz you you are the most real refreshing thing I have felt
01:21:14in years
01:21:19you sure this isn't just the writer and you on overdrive needing to neatly wrap
01:21:26things up in the end no just saying exactly how I feel
01:21:33any thoughts feelings feedback I'd say the start of this chapter is feeling
01:21:40pretty promising
01:21:47maybe there's something to this blind date book club after all
01:21:56you