The Audacity of Sara Grayson

My rating

4 / 5

ARC from NetGalley

Author

Joani Elliott

Publisher

Post Hill Press

Genre

General Fiction (Adult) | Humor | Women's Fiction

Number of Pages

400

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Blurb by NetGalley

What happens when the world’s greatest literary icon dies before she finishes the final book in her best-selling series? And what happens when she leaves that book in the hands of her unstable, neurotic daughter, who swears she’s not a real writer?


Sara Grayson is a thirty-two-year-old greeting card writer about to land the toughest assignment of her life. Three weeks after the death of her mother—a world-famous suspense novelist—Sara learns that her mother’s dying wish is for her to write the final book in her bestselling series.

Sara has lived alone with her dog, Gatsby, ever since her husband walked out with their Pro Double Waffle Maker and her last shred of confidence. She can’t fathom writing a book for thirty million fans—not when last week’s big win was resetting the microwave clock.

But in a bold move that surprises even herself, Sara takes it on. Against an impossible deadline and a publisher intent on sabotaging her every move, Sara discovers that stepping into her mother’s shoes means stumbling on family secrets she was never meant to find—secrets that threaten her mother’s legacy and the very book she’s trying to create.

My Review

First off, I’ll start with what drew me to this book. I loved the cover of the book. A girl lying down with a book fallen on her face just gives you an idea of what to expect in the book.Some impossible-looking task, a frustrated woman, and plenty of fun and drama. Well, the book delivers all that and more.

Sara Grayson is the central character tasked with writing her mother’s book, and yet I fell in love with two other characters of the book, Sara’s sister Anna-Kath and Phil’s son, Nik. They were so adorable and so sweet.

I even loved the pace of the plot and the simple writing that made the story very easy to follow, and the little titbits of humor strewn all over the story. The quotes by famous writers about writing before every chapter were my favorite part. They were so unique and fit almost perfectly. I highlighted nearly all of them.

Another aspect I appreciated in the story was that the book didn’t end with showing the readers how phenomenally successful the book went on to become and sell a million copies. That would’ve been too cliché.

We are taken through several cities, starting with Maryland, then New York, then Maine, and finally, of all places, London. I think there was even DC. That felt a little too extravagant and a little unbelievable for me.

Final Verdict

But that didn’t in any way take away from the enjoyable experience of this wonderful, and light-read. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to readers looking for a light-hearted women’s fiction read.


Top Quotes from The Audacity of Sara Grayson


“Writing is not life, but I think that sometimes it can be a way back to life - Stephen King.”

“Writing is like getting married. One should never commit oneself ntil one is amazed at one's lick - Iris Murdoch”

“A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for the other people - Thomas Mann”

“Writing is something you do alone. It's a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don't want to make eye contact while doing it. - John Green”

“Stories are so powerful they can make you root for your own oppressor. - Laila Lalami”

"Reading is my inhale and writing is my exhale." - Glennon Doyle


JOANI ELLIOTT 

believes in the magic of stories, a good cup of tea, and the power of living a creative life. She has taught writing at the University of Maryland and Brigham Young University. She lives with her husband and two daughters near Salt Lake City, Utah. For book club resources, virtual author chats, and more, visit joanielliott.com.

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