Allison’s Book Report 3.21

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld

I have been trying to read through some of the older books in my little library lately – the stacks are getting a little bit deep in there, and I have a lot of books I have had for what seems like forever. This week, I decided to crack open one of those lingering on my shelf for at least a year, waiting patiently for me to dig it out and give it a chance to shine – and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld is a fun and witty take on love, relationships, and the world of celebrity culture. The story follows Sally Milz, a talented writer for The Night Owls, a popular late-night TV show in the vein of SNL. Sally is a smart, independent woman with what seems like a round and satisfying life – a successful career, a close family, and good friends – but she is becoming disillusioned by her own love life. 

She has spent her career making fun of the way romance is often portrayed in the media, but she's starting to wish for something more than the occasional hook-up. When Sally's friend and fellow writer, Danny Horst, begins dating a glamorous actress who guest-hosted the show, he joins the not-so-exclusive group of talented but average-looking and even dorky men at the show—and in society at large—who've gotten romantically involved with incredibly beautiful and accomplished women. Sally channels her annoyance into a sketch called The Danny Horst Rule, poking fun at this phenomenon while underscoring how unlikely it is that the reverse would ever happen for a woman. However, that all changes when she's tasked with writing a sketch for Noah Brewster, a pop sensation who is both the guest host and musical guest on this week's show. 

Noah is sexy and charming, and Sally is instantly taken with him, despite his reputation for dating supermodels and other superstars. As they continue writing sketch after sketch, the chemistry builds up, and Sally begins to wonder if there really are sparks between them. But this isn't a romantic comedy—it's real life. And in real life, someone like him would never date someone like her. . .  right?

Romantic Comedy is a lighthearted yet thoughtful read that offers a fresh take on the rom-com genre. Sittenfeld mixes humor with deeper reflections on what it means to be seen and loved for who you truly are. It's a perfect book for anyone who loves a good love story but also wants something with a little more depth and nuance.

I hope you enjoy this week's deep dive into my piles and piles of books. Don't forget to check out my Instagram @allison.the.reader and tell me what you think I should read next.