Something to Talk About
Meryl Wilsner, 2020
Penguin Publishing
336 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780593102527
Summary
A showrunner and her assistant give the world something to talk about when they accidentally fuel a ridiculous rumor in this debut romance.
Hollywood powerhouse Jo is photographed making her assistant Emma laugh on the red carpet, and just like that, the tabloids declare them a couple.
The so-called scandal couldn't come at a worse time—threatening Emma's promotion and Jo's new movie.
As the gossip spreads, it starts to affect all areas of their lives. Paparazzi are following them outside the office, coworkers are treating them differently, and a “source” is feeding information to the media. But their only comment is “no comment”.
With the launch of Jo’s film project fast approaching, the two women begin to spend even more time together, getting along famously.
Emma seems to have a sixth sense for knowing what Jo needs. And Jo, known for being aloof and outwardly cold, opens up to Emma in a way neither of them expects. They begin to realize the rumor might not be so off base after all…but is acting on the spark between them worth fanning the gossip flames? (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
Meryl Wilsner writes stories about queer women falling in love. Born in Michigan, Meryl lived in Portland, Oregon, and Jackson, Mississippi, before recently returning to the Mitten State. Some of Meryl's favorite things include: all four seasons, button down shirts, the way giraffes run, and their wife. (From the publisher.)
Book Reviews
(Starred review) Wilsner’s sparkling debut offers a glimpse at the truth behind the tabloid headlines.… Wilsner makes sure the reader knows both women intimately…, making the eventual payoff that much more rewarding.… [A] charming rom-com… a gem.
Publishers Weekly
(Starred review) This debut is an unputdownable slow-burn romance with well-drawn and incredibly real characters. Wilsner does an amazing job exploring a Hollywood love story in the middle of a #metoo movement. —Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash
Library Journal
(Starred review) Fleshed out with important female friendships and a timely look at sexual harassment in the film industry, Wilsner's tale maintains a primary focus on the delightful, developing romance. Completely captivating and so satisfying.
Booklist
(Starred review) Wilsner’s writing is matter-of-fact but effective, lending the novel a believable Hollywood insider vibe with a deftly handled #MeToo subplot. A sparkling debut with vibrant characters, a compelling Hollywood studio setting, and a sweet slow-burn romance.
Kirkus Reviews
Discussion Questions
1. What effect did the rumors have on Jo and Emma’s relationship? Do you think they would have developed feelings, or recognized those feelings, had the rumors never existed?
2. Jo was worried about taking advantage of Emma. Why is this? How did she ensure the power imbalance from their working relationship didn’t make their personal relationship unhealthy?
3. How does the book portray sibling relationships? Compare and contrast Jo’s relationship with Vincent and Emma’s relationship with Avery.
4. What trade-offs do Jo and Emma have to consider when deciding to be in a relationship? How might their reputations and careers suffer? Do you think it’s worth it?
5. Why wasn’t Jo publicly out? What factors affected this decision?
6. Discuss Jo’s relationship with her father and how it affects her and her decisions.
7. Tikkun olam is a Jewish concept regarding an individual’s duty to improve or repair the world around them. How does tikkun olam influence Emma’s behavior throughout the book, but especially in response to Barry Davis?
8. Why might Annabeth Pierce not have come forward about Barry Davis’s behavior earlier? What factors affected her decisions, both to stay quiet, and to eventually come forward?
9. Why did the suits at the network suggest Jo be seen out with a man? How might they have reacted differently if the rumors involved Jo and a man instead of another woman?
(Questions issued by the publisher.)