Funny You Should Ask

February 1, 2022
Ten years ago, Chani Horowitz wrote a profile of Chase Parker on the eve of his becoming the first American actor to play James Bond. They hit it off, she went to a premiere with him, then a house party, and her article became the stuff of legend. Now she is working on a proposal for her next collection of essays, and Parker, divorced and fresh out of rehab, is in need of an image upgrade. Ten years ago, the chemistry between the two was undeniable, but they are both different people now. Still, the opportunity is too good to pass up. They start to retrace their steps in L. A., but then Parker takes Chani home to small-town Montana, where he is restoring a theater. Alternating between past and present, YA writer Sussman's first novel for adults slowly lays out the events of her characters' first meeting and how much has changed in the decade since. The result is a sexy, sometimes emotionally fraught tale that is both funny and romantic and that will appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 21, 2022
Sussman’s thoughtful adult debut (after the YA novel Drawn That Way) explores the connection forged between an insecure Los Angeles writer and a charming movie star. A decade after Chani Horowitz’s profile of Gabe Parker went viral, the two are reunited for another interview. Ten years earlier, Gabe had surprised her by talking about his appreciation of her blog. As Gabe opened up about his insecurities and drinking problem, Chani felt a spark between them, though she wondered if a handsome actor would want to be with her. And, indeed, he then eloped with his model costar, leaving Chani feeling foolish and her fellow MFA grads deriding her “puff piece.” The story flits between past and present, as Chani, now a divorcée, worries her recent success with literary essays is due to attention from that old piece on Gabe and other celebrity profiles rather than the quality of her writing. When she meets a post-rehab, post-scandal Gabe for the interview, they try to sort out their history of mixed messages and complicated feelings. Sussman’s musings about fame, success, and the bonds between people elevate this fun and charming narrative. This has all the makings of a hit. Agent: Elizabeth Bewley, Sterling Lord Literistic.

Starred review from March 11, 2022

Entertainment reporter Chani Horowitz is ecstatic and nervous when she is assigned to interview gorgeous movie star Gabe Parker. She is instantly charmed, and a whirlwind weekend ensues but ends with an awkward parting. Chani writes a flattering article about Gabe that goes viral, solidifying her writing career. A week later, Gabe elopes with his costar Jacinda, while Chani ends up marrying her boyfriend and leaving Los Angeles for New York. Ten years after their first encounter, both Chani and Gabe are divorced, and Gabe is trying to revive his acting career after getting sober. Hoping to recreate the magic of that first article, Gabe's agent arranges for him to be interviewed once more by Chani. Sparks fly when Gabe and Chani meet again, but there's a decade of hurt and misunderstandings in the way. VERDICT After writing YA novels (Drawn That Way; Stray; Burn), Sussman makes her adult fiction debut with a smart and sexy tale of second-chance love. The story thoroughly satisfies on a romantic level and packs an emotional punch with genuine characters.--Melissa DeWild

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 15, 2022
A journalist and a troubled movie star reconnect after a fateful interview 10 years ago. When journalist Chani Horowitz nabs an interview with actor Gabe Parker, she doesn't know it's going to be her big break. She's jealous that her former MFA classmates are succeeding in the literary world while she's writing celebrity puff pieces. Gabe may be her No. 1 celebrity crush and the next James Bond, but she doesn't expect much--that is, until she meets him and they have an instant connection. The interview turns into an invitation to a movie premiere and a party at his house. Her piece on him goes viral, finally earning her fame and a steady career--but right after it comes out, Gabe marries his co-star, and Chani's left feeling heartbroken and foolish. Ten years later, Chani has the kind of career she could've only dreamed about back then. People are clamoring for her next essay collection, but she can't help feeling like she's only successful because of Gabe and the fact that everyone wonders if she slept with him during their interview all those years ago. Now, she's asked to reteam with him for another interview. They've both changed--Gabe is divorced and newly sober after nearly throwing away his whole career, and Chani is divorced and unsure about her writing. With 10 years of missteps, learning, and maturity behind them, could this be their chance for a filmworthy happily-ever-after? In her adult debut, Sussman creates a story that's thrilling wish fulfillment with a dash of wistful melancholy. Chani's conflict between getting a good story and getting to know Gabe is understandable, and Gabe feels like a real person even though he's one of the biggest stars in the world. The conversations between Chani and Gabe sparkle with all the charm of The Philadelphia Story, the movie the two of them initially bond over. And although the romance is top-notch, Chani's struggle to believe in herself and pursue the kind of writing she cares about is touching, too. From LA to New York to Gabe's cozy hometown in Montana, Gabe and Chani's love story is a delight to read. A slow-burn romance full of passion, yearning, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood details.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.