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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00Oh, Alice, my Aunt Renee hasn't been here in three years.
00:00:04What if she doesn't like the changes?
00:00:06What?
00:00:07Fresh paint, Apple Pay, a new filing system,
00:00:11or your blind date book club.
00:00:14I think you mean blind date with a book club.
00:00:18It's not as catchy.
00:00:19But either way, they're all the reason why you're thriving.
00:00:22You mean surviving.
00:00:24And why National Public Radio's Raina Bream
00:00:26wants to interview you.
00:00:27I guess.
00:00:28It is free publicity on National Public Radio.
00:00:31You may be reading social fun and mysterious enough
00:00:34to bring in a whole new crowd.
00:00:37So I'd take it if I were you.
00:00:39We really need to get a doorbell.
00:00:40We really do.
00:00:41Go ahead.
00:00:42Raina.
00:00:43Hi.
00:00:44I'm Meg Tompkins.
00:00:45You're early.
00:00:45Or right on time.
00:00:47Or right on time.
00:00:48Great.
00:00:49So let's get started.
00:00:50I think we should set up right over here.
00:00:54Great.
00:00:58So I'm guessing he read it.
00:01:03He didn't say either way.
00:01:04But I think he'd call me in if he hadn't.
00:01:07Right?
00:01:10Good talk.
00:01:11Ram Sterling.
00:01:12Oh, hey, Terrence.
00:01:14Hey, there he is.
00:01:16Hey, come on in.
00:01:17I can't remember the last time we met here
00:01:19and studied a racket club.
00:01:20Oh, my game is on the rise, G.
00:01:22Not sure you can keep up anymore.
00:01:23I got a spicy racket.
00:01:25Yeah, I've been keeping up since college.
00:01:26Remember that one time you even let me win?
00:01:28That's because your mom paid me.
00:01:31Hey, man, let's talk.
00:01:33You read it?
00:01:34I liked it.
00:01:35Yeah?
00:01:36But I didn't love it.
00:01:39Huh.
00:01:41Well, I bet you didn't love The Great Bixby at the time either.
00:01:44But its sales sure paid for your boat.
00:01:46True story.
00:01:47But you've written a romance.
00:01:49I mean, your audience is not women.
00:01:51That's not a romance, all right?
00:01:52That is a historical epic that happens
00:01:55to center around a love story.
00:01:58It's a modern day Gone With the Wind.
00:01:59This is less traditional.
00:02:02I consider that a selling point.
00:02:04Except if we don't know where to put it.
00:02:06I mean, it's all about shelfability.
00:02:09Look, G, you're a terrific writer.
00:02:11You always have been.
00:02:12You spent enough weeks on the bestsellers list to know that.
00:02:15But for these, right?
00:02:20Seminal coming-of-age books.
00:02:21I mean, you don't want to turn off your fan base
00:02:24with something more mature.
00:02:26Exploring Huxley Allen's embarrassing world of firsts
00:02:29is where you excel.
00:02:31Why don't we see what Miranda says first?
00:02:33She liked it.
00:02:34Yeah?
00:02:35But she's not going to publish it.
00:02:37For the exact same reason.
00:02:39Shelfability?
00:02:40You know I've always fought for you, G.
00:02:42But this is...
00:02:43You know what?
00:02:43Actually, Terrence, it's fine.
00:02:46See?
00:02:46I knew you'd get it.
00:02:47Yeah.
00:02:48Maybe I'll just publish it myself.
00:02:51Oh, what?
00:02:52What?
00:02:53Under a pseudonym?
00:02:54Yeah.
00:02:55I'll, uh, call myself Dylan Turner.
00:02:59Wasn't he the captain of our football team?
00:03:01Was he?
00:03:03Okay, but then what?
00:03:04Right?
00:03:05Where do you think this is going with no name recognition?
00:03:07We let the readers decide.
00:03:09Publishing houses are still downsizing.
00:03:11Publishers don't want one book anymore.
00:03:13They want 20 in a series.
00:03:15Yeah, because it's a fear-based operation.
00:03:17But you remember the whole Dickens story, right?
00:03:20With A Christmas Carol.
00:03:21Oh, yes.
00:03:22The gothic holiday novella that no one wanted to touch.
00:03:25Until it was a hit.
00:03:26I think this is a little different.
00:03:29How so?
00:03:32You want me to say it?
00:03:36Listen, Graham.
00:03:37You've carved out a killing niche for yourself.
00:03:38You have two more books to fulfill this series.
00:03:41Do you know how many writers would give their left foot for that?
00:03:43Heck, their right foot.
00:03:43I give both feet.
00:03:44Yeah, I do.
00:03:46And Terrence, I'm grateful.
00:03:48But I want to do something else.
00:03:50I want to do something great.
00:03:51The teenagers think you're great.
00:03:54Although I think they call it lit these days.
00:03:56And anyway, they're hungry.
00:03:58You got to keep them well-fed or you might have a revolt.
00:04:01I think you mean keep everyone well-fed.
00:04:05It's just food for thought.
00:04:10All right.
00:04:12See you on the court.
00:04:14Yeah, you will.
00:04:16Bring your A game.
00:04:22Bye.
00:04:28Have fun.
00:04:29Thanks.
00:04:29Thank you very much.
00:04:31I hope you don't mind.
00:04:32I just need to switch this on.
00:04:35As far as I know, I'm only camera shy.
00:04:37So go right ahead.
00:04:38Okay.
00:04:41Mimi's Book Corner in the cozy seaside town of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
00:04:46That's our coffee stop for today.
00:04:48I'm sitting here with bookshop owner Meg Tompkins.
00:04:51Hi, Meg.
00:04:52Hi.
00:04:53Naturally, I have to ask you about the name.
00:04:55Mimi, is that your nickname?
00:04:58No, Mimi was my mom's name.
00:04:59She opened this store before I was born.
00:05:01So it's a family business.
00:05:03It is.
00:05:06You don't have to lean forward.
00:05:07Oh, I'm so sorry.
00:05:08Did you always know you'd take over?
00:05:11No, I started in real estate in Boston and I really loved it.
00:05:15But life happens and things change.
00:05:18So now I'm in a new chapter.
00:05:19A very colorful one.
00:05:22So let's talk about the book club.
00:05:24Or better yet, all the fun events that have made the book club into a dating craze.
00:05:29No, no, it's not a dating craze.
00:05:31It's about the books.
00:05:32At least that's what I focus on.
00:05:35Okay.
00:05:39Shelvability?
00:05:40That's not even a word.
00:05:42And even if it was, it can't stop a great novel from being read.
00:05:44Why is there pizza in your hair?
00:05:48Does he?
00:05:48Still with me?
00:05:49Let's get your pajamas on.
00:05:51Earth to sister.
00:05:52Is this a bad time?
00:05:53Sounds like a bad time.
00:05:55It's just dinner time.
00:05:57I'm sorry.
00:05:57You want me to call back?
00:05:58No.
00:05:59Always crazy and connected.
00:06:01Look, I get you're frustrated, G, but you're a great writer.
00:06:04You're a bestseller.
00:06:06Doesn't make me a real writer.
00:06:07I just want to put something out there that matters.
00:06:09Well, they matter to me.
00:06:11I've read every single one so far.
00:06:13Well, matters to everyone, not just my sweet and very biased family.
00:06:18Something that people would call a great piece of literature.
00:06:20You know, like Gone with the Wind or Pride and Prejudice.
00:06:23Pretty sure those have all been written, Graham.
00:06:25Yeah, they have.
00:06:27And they matter.
00:06:28I just feel like I should write something more than a young adult cash cow.
00:06:32Then you just have to get it out there.
00:06:35Like you said, they can't stop the great American novel from being read,
00:06:38even if you have to publish it yourself.
00:06:41I'm not sure I said it quite like that, but...
00:06:44You got this, G.
00:06:46You always have.
00:06:48Same, Lizzie.
00:06:49Same.
00:06:51All right.
00:06:51Much love to you and the family.
00:06:53Bye.
00:06:55Whether we're highlighting local authors or obscure thrillers or...
00:06:59Relatively unknown books.
00:07:01It's about what's on the page.
00:07:02So two books get wrapped up each week.
00:07:04That's right.
00:07:05And people have no idea what book they're buying.
00:07:07And you use broad, tempting descriptors like,
00:07:10you won't expect these chalk lines.
00:07:13Or we'll send you to far-flung places.
00:07:16Or I just spotted passion adventure.
00:07:18You'll be swept away.
00:07:20Although you have to admit,
00:07:21this does kind of sound like a dating profile.
00:07:24No, it's just the format.
00:07:27I don't think anyone is coming here to find love.
00:07:29But it doesn't hurt if they do.
00:07:33So then you meet the following Tuesdays and Thursdays to discuss.
00:07:36That's right.
00:07:36And you've made crepes from Paris,
00:07:38pottery from Zimbabwe,
00:07:40and origami from Japan.
00:07:42These sound like some really great parties you've been throwing.
00:07:45Oh, I wouldn't call them parties.
00:07:47It's not like the cops are shutting us down.
00:07:50No, I think it's more about commonality.
00:07:53Meaning?
00:07:54Meaning people want to connect with the material.
00:07:57But they also want to connect with people
00:07:59who are having a shared experience deep within those pages.
00:08:02Material that makes people feel.
00:08:04That's the art of a good book.
00:08:06And it seems that everyone wants to read what you're wrapping up.
00:08:10Which is why we're going to feature your book club books on our website.
00:08:13Oh my goodness.
00:08:13Thank you so much.
00:08:14That's very kind of you.
00:08:16Honestly, it's just about falling in love with a book.
00:08:22Not caring if it's meant for a particular age or gender
00:08:25or what shelf it's supposed to be on.
00:08:29Yep.
00:08:30Because at the end of the day, all that is just marketing.
00:08:34Reading is so much deeper than that.
00:08:38Okay, then.
00:08:38Exactly.
00:08:39On that poetic note,
00:08:41from Mimi's Book Corner in Nantucket,
00:08:44we hope to see you all soon.
00:08:46If love of reading is what you're after.
00:08:51Thank you so much, Meg.
00:08:53Bye.
00:08:54Mimi's Book Corner in Nantucket.
00:08:56Mimi's Book Corner in Nantucket.
00:09:14I hate that point.
00:09:21Aunt Renee, hi.
00:09:22Where are you?
00:09:24Okay, you take your time.
00:09:25I will be waiting right out front.
00:09:27I am out front.
00:09:28There's no sign.
00:09:29Est-ce que vous pouvez prendre notre photo?
00:09:32Oh, the photo.
00:09:33You want me to take your photo?
00:09:34Of course.
00:09:36Let me get the sign in there.
00:09:40Excuse me.
00:09:41Mm-hmm.
00:09:43Hi.
00:09:44Hi.
00:09:46I'm just trying to frame them up with the sign.
00:09:49Oh.
00:09:50Sorry, yeah.
00:09:51It's okay.
00:09:52Okay, c'est fromage.
00:09:54Aww.
00:09:55Maybe don't cut their feet off.
00:09:56Et maintenant, c'est votre tour.
00:09:58Merci.
00:09:59Et là , à votre tour.
00:10:01Tous les deux, en dessous de la pancarte.
00:10:03What?
00:10:03Oh, we're not together.
00:10:05Ensemble, proche.
00:10:07Okay.
00:10:08Très jolie.
00:10:09This is lovely.
00:10:10Yeah.
00:10:13Smile for the camera.
00:10:15Unless you want to figure out a way to say no.
00:10:17Peut-être mettre votre bras alentour, comme ça?
00:10:20Oh.
00:10:21Oh, she's really serious about this.
00:10:22Very.
00:10:23All right.
00:10:29Okay, you know what?
00:10:29I think we got it.
00:10:31Thank you so much.
00:10:36That was something.
00:10:37Wow.
00:10:37Yeah.
00:10:40Have a great trip.
00:10:41Yeah.
00:10:42You too.
00:10:42Thanks.
00:10:43I live here.
00:10:45Oh.
00:10:45Well then, have a great day.
00:10:48You too.
00:10:50Meg!
00:10:52Renée!
00:10:53Hello!
00:10:55So nice to see you, sweetheart.
00:10:58Good to see you.
00:10:59Let me help you with that.
00:11:00Oh, you be careful what you offer.
00:11:02I'm not a light packer.
00:11:04Oh my.
00:11:10So cute.
00:11:22I'm Dylan Turner.
00:11:25I'm Dylan Turner.
00:11:27I'm Dylan Turner.
00:11:32Oh, this is cute.
00:11:34Oh, you didn't need to carry that.
00:11:36You don't need to stay in a B&B.
00:11:39You could have stayed with me.
00:11:40Oh, I'm too old to put anyone out anymore.
00:11:43And I love a good robe and slippers moment any time I can get it.
00:11:47That I understand.
00:11:49There was just that one thing you wanted to talk with me about.
00:11:52Oh, well.
00:11:53We can table that for tomorrow, too.
00:11:56Say, noon-ish?
00:11:58I never do anything too early anymore.
00:12:00Of course.
00:12:06I'm never gonna finish writing this book, let alone before the baby comes.
00:12:09You are already halfway there.
00:12:11That's huge.
00:12:11But what if I never finish?
00:12:13Then you and I will grow old together.
00:12:15Here.
00:12:16At the bookshop?
00:12:17Is this one of your motivational tactics?
00:12:19I don't know.
00:12:19Is it working?
00:12:20Maybe.
00:12:20Then yes, I guess it is.
00:12:22Okay.
00:12:28Oh, oh my goodness.
00:12:29I am so sorry.
00:12:30I'm so sorry.
00:12:33Hi.
00:12:34Hi.
00:12:35Guy from the pier.
00:12:36Come from the picture.
00:12:37Oops.
00:12:38Hey.
00:12:38Do you know him?
00:12:39He's cute.
00:12:39Okay.
00:12:47Is this your place?
00:12:49It is.
00:12:50Yeah.
00:12:51Oh, it's great.
00:12:54Can I help you find something?
00:12:56Yes.
00:12:57I am intrigued by these mystery books everyone's talking about.
00:13:00Oh, have you been listening to the radio?
00:13:02I have.
00:13:04Was that you in the interview?
00:13:06It was.
00:13:08Oh.
00:13:09Well, I admire that you want to promote unknown and underappreciated books.
00:13:14Thanks.
00:13:15Also, local authors, when available.
00:13:19The wrapped books are right over there.
00:13:20Oh, okay.
00:13:22Lead the way.
00:13:23I just wrapped these up today.
00:13:24Oh, you do them yourself?
00:13:25Yep.
00:13:26Ta-da.
00:13:27Ah, a fellowship discovered in darkness.
00:13:32Sounds very Tolkien.
00:13:34You're good.
00:13:36That's TBD.
00:13:39Well, let me know if you need help with anything else.
00:13:42Will do.
00:13:55I will take these two.
00:13:58Great.
00:14:02Just curious, do you consider self-published books for your book club?
00:14:06No.
00:14:08Of course.
00:14:09You have a book.
00:14:12I do.
00:14:14And you're local?
00:14:17Sort of.
00:14:18Well, yeah, I just, I've relocated here for a few weeks or so.
00:14:23You said you were on vacation.
00:14:25More of a working vacation, but yeah.
00:14:28That's still visiting.
00:14:29Well, it's to see if, you know, I like it here.
00:14:31Then I might be a true local.
00:14:33You can tap.
00:14:34Yeah.
00:14:37Look, I think I would bring something refreshing to your book club.
00:14:42So you want to be wrapped?
00:14:44I do.
00:14:45Well, you are the third writer to say that to me since my interview.
00:14:49And unfortunately, I've already chosen all of the books for the next few months.
00:14:53So if you happen to be here then, you can pop by and we'll see.
00:14:57Never know.
00:14:59Okay.
00:14:59Did you ever struggle to find out what you're good at?
00:15:03My guess is no.
00:15:05I did.
00:15:06I wasn't good at much.
00:15:08Definitely not sports.
00:15:09No.
00:15:10But writing, writing was always something I loved.
00:15:13Still do, obviously.
00:15:16I just want to put something out that matters.
00:15:21If you love something, you shouldn't give up on it.
00:15:25If you love something, you shouldn't give up on it.
00:15:29Even if you're just aspiring.
00:15:35Well, I am sure that you're very busy.
00:15:38But if you have time or you find the time, I'd really love to hear your thoughts.
00:15:44I'd also love to be a part of your book club.
00:15:55Wait.
00:16:02Why don't you leave me your number?
00:16:04And if I have the time, I will read your book.
00:16:09Really.
00:16:14It's nice to meet you, Dylan.
00:16:16I'm Meg.
00:16:17Nice to meet you, Meg.
00:16:21See ya.
00:16:24See ya.
00:16:34Hi.
00:16:35I'm coming with you.
00:16:42Oh, oh.
00:16:43Hi.
00:16:44My goodness.
00:16:44Come in, come in.
00:16:45Oh, my.
00:16:49Oh, well, you have made some changes.
00:16:52Good changes, I hope.
00:16:55Uh, Aunt Renee, you remember Alice, don't you?
00:16:59Yes, of course.
00:17:00You got me hooked on Faulkner.
00:17:03I didn't think I could do it.
00:17:04I did.
00:17:05Well, you're welcome.
00:17:08Wow, wow.
00:17:09My, oh, my.
00:17:10A lot of changes that have gone on here.
00:17:13My goodness.
00:17:15Ah, and these are the books you were interviewed about.
00:17:19Feel free to pick one out.
00:17:21Be surprised.
00:17:22I miss the days when the writing did all the work.
00:17:25Me too, but we're making it work.
00:17:28Yeah, about that.
00:17:32Mind if we find somewhere more private to talk?
00:17:37Sure.
00:17:46I wish I'd come visit more often.
00:17:48It's tough to beat.
00:17:50And you know I love the shop and everything you've done for it.
00:17:54I didn't do that much.
00:17:55You know what?
00:17:55You took it from almost closing to this.
00:17:58With your help.
00:18:00And I was only struggling because of Mom's health.
00:18:03Yeah, I know.
00:18:05Which is why I'm glad I was a part of it from day one.
00:18:08At least financially.
00:18:10But I'm not getting any younger.
00:18:15You want out, don't you?
00:18:20To travel.
00:18:22While I still can, yes.
00:18:25Ideally, I would love to do both, but you can't have it all.
00:18:28I know.
00:18:29And Mom knew that too.
00:18:32This is her passion project.
00:18:34She never wanted you to feel tied down to it.
00:18:36Well, that goes for you too, my dear.
00:18:42So what now?
00:18:44I would like to liquidate my investment in a month.
00:18:46Maybe two.
00:18:47Hope that gives you enough time to decide if this is what you really want.
00:18:53To keep this going long term.
00:18:55You mean double down on the shop?
00:18:57Well, I know that going solo is a big financial commitment,
00:19:01especially when you're single.
00:19:02So if not, maybe get back to your original plan.
00:19:07You mean real estate?
00:19:08Well, you always wanted that license before your drivers.
00:19:13I may have an interested buyer, if that's something you want to consider.
00:19:18How?
00:19:20You don't have to decide right now.
00:19:23In fact, if I were you, I would sit with it for a minute.
00:19:27I know that this decision impacts more people than just you.
00:19:33The shop is open.
00:19:47So
00:20:15as long as we're not tabling it for tomorrow.
00:20:17Very funny.
00:20:20Well, I guess I'm up.
00:20:48So
00:21:03what's my ETI number eight?
00:21:05I'd say soonish.
00:21:06You know, for someone who's obsessed with detail, soonish feels real vague.
00:21:10Okay, then.
00:21:11Soon.
00:21:12How's that?
00:21:14I'm just a little stuck.
00:21:15That's all.
00:21:17I knew it.
00:21:17Riders block.
00:21:19You could have told me.
00:21:20I'm more than just your agent.
00:21:21I'm your friend sometimes.
00:21:22And hey, they got therapists for riders for that type of thing.
00:21:25Want me to call my guy?
00:21:27No, just relax, okay?
00:21:29I just gotta, you know, tie it all together.
00:21:32You sure?
00:21:32Just a phone call, maybe a Zoom?
00:21:34Yeah, totally.
00:21:35I got it.
00:21:37100%.
00:21:38Good.
00:21:38Because contractually, you have three weeks to turn it in.
00:21:42I thought it was more like five.
00:21:44Yeah, I think you've lost track of time with your creative distraction.
00:21:47Ooh.
00:21:48Is that what we're calling it now?
00:21:50You know what I mean, G?
00:21:51Look, this is an output deal, okay?
00:21:54I assured them that you could keep turning books out.
00:21:57Otherwise, they'll stop asking for more.
00:21:59Look, I just don't want you wasting any more time for both of our sakes.
00:22:03That's not what I'm doing here.
00:22:08Where are you?
00:22:11Nantucket.
00:22:12Nantucket.
00:22:13That's where you're hard at work.
00:22:15I just needed a rider's retreat.
00:22:17Ah, to make up for lost time.
00:22:20Something like that.
00:22:21Look, just get it done.
00:22:23Please.
00:22:24Pretty please.
00:22:24Which way goes Nantucket?
00:22:26I will.
00:22:35Hey.
00:22:36I thought you might call in sick.
00:22:38A little payback after I left you hanging last night.
00:22:42You did kind of leave me hanging.
00:22:45Dylan.
00:22:46Hi.
00:22:46Hi.
00:22:48Uh, did you finish your purchases already?
00:22:51No, I just wanted to come back and offer you a little incentive.
00:22:55To read your book?
00:22:56I would like to pay you for your time.
00:22:58No, that won't be necessary because I already read it.
00:23:02You did?
00:23:03Wow.
00:23:06And?
00:23:07And it was good.
00:23:09Ah.
00:23:11Overall?
00:23:12Overall, not for us.
00:23:17Uh, you're speaking for the whole book club?
00:23:20Well, I kind of curate it, so yeah, I guess I am.
00:23:23Can I ask why?
00:23:24Sure.
00:23:25It's just not my kind of romance.
00:23:29Oh, well, I mean, that's because it's not a romance.
00:23:32It's historical literature that happens to be set around a love story.
00:23:37Oh.
00:23:38Why does no one get that?
00:23:40Okay, well, could you be a little more specific?
00:23:42You really want to hear?
00:23:45Yeah.
00:23:46Okay.
00:23:48The love story?
00:23:51So pretty much the whole thing.
00:23:54There just wasn't enough depth in the relationship to warrant them falling in love.
00:23:59That is broad and devastatingly more specific.
00:24:03I'm sorry.
00:24:04You asked.
00:24:06I did.
00:24:08Yeah.
00:24:08Hi.
00:24:09Hi.
00:24:12I'll just put my things away.
00:24:13Okay.
00:24:14Keep at it.
00:24:15It's a process.
00:24:18Yeah, I'm aware of the process.
00:24:22I have been on the bestseller list for years.
00:24:25Dylan Turner.
00:24:26I'm not sure I'm familiar with your other work.
00:24:28It's actually Graham Sterling.
00:24:32Graham Sterling.
00:24:33I'm sorry, what?
00:24:36Oh, hi, guys.
00:24:37I will be right with you.
00:24:41Hi, just right this way.
00:24:43So you lied.
00:24:46Right, I used a pseudonym.
00:24:49You introduced yourself as Dylan Turner.
00:24:51I did, but it was pretty harmless.
00:24:53Okay, so you write YA fiction and not historical romance.
00:24:59Historical romance literature.
00:25:03So you do know me.
00:25:04Of course I do.
00:25:05It's my job to know what I'm selling.
00:25:07Parachutes for Beginners Volumes 1 through 7,
00:25:10with Volume 8 on the way if I'm remembering my publishing news correctly.
00:25:13Yeah, you are.
00:25:13Listen, if I may.
00:25:15My own humble opinion, I think you might be wrong turning me down.
00:25:21I'm not turning you down.
00:25:23I am turning Dylan down.
00:25:26And besides, you don't need us or this when you're you.
00:25:32You would be surprised how hard it is to genre hop when you're me.
00:25:38Hi.
00:25:38Hi.
00:25:39Alice, big fan.
00:25:41Can I just borrow Meg for a second?
00:25:43Yeah, sure.
00:25:44Thank you so much.
00:25:45Come here.
00:25:47What are you doing?
00:25:48You'd be helping a writer struggling against being typecast.
00:25:51You sound such a starstruck.
00:25:53I'm not.
00:25:55Okay, maybe I am, but I'm married.
00:25:58Oh, please.
00:25:59Please.
00:26:00Please.
00:26:01Okay, but I'm doing this with a baby.
00:26:03Okay, thanks.
00:26:12Fine.
00:26:14Fine.
00:26:15What's fine?
00:26:17Fine, we will wrap your book.
00:26:19Hey, you will?
00:26:20But no more lies.
00:26:22No more lies.
00:26:23Okay, then we'll let the book club decide how they feel about Dylan Turner's debut novel.
00:26:30We shall.
00:26:35I'm an antiques dealer.
00:26:36Next Saturday.
00:26:37You think the missing...
00:26:42Okay, so how's this gonna go?
00:26:45You've never been a part of a book club or, like, a writer's support group before?
00:26:49I was too shy when I should have been in one,
00:26:51and now that I have an agent and a publisher, I get critiqued up the wazoo, so...
00:26:54So that's a no.
00:26:57So that's a no.
00:26:59Are there rules or instructions?
00:27:00This feels a bit more involved than your average club.
00:27:04No, not really.
00:27:05People just choose a book blindly based on my clues,
00:27:08and if they like it enough to discuss, they come back the following week.
00:27:12If you're that curious, our next one is tomorrow.
00:27:14And lucky for you, it's historical romance.
00:27:17Can we just call it literature?
00:27:19You can call it whatever you want.
00:27:20Just make sure you reach the reader who will appreciate your work.
00:27:23Like you did in the Parachute series.
00:27:26You got a lot of fans on this island.
00:27:28Including you?
00:27:30Teen fans.
00:27:31And Miss Alice Waters, aspiring writer, should probably consider her fandom double points.
00:27:37Oh, well, seeing as how you're a fellow writer and all the books you have access to, I'd agree.
00:27:43Okay, Gram.
00:27:44If you're in, tomorrow is a potluck picnic in honor of the garden atmosphere in the book,
00:27:48and afterwards, we'll be arranging flowers.
00:27:50Oh, sounds very civilized.
00:27:52But maybe don't mention your last name or what you do for a living.
00:27:54Right.
00:27:55It could hinder the combo, because you're famous.
00:27:58Or like, well-known in some circles.
00:28:02Heartfelt.
00:28:03Engaging.
00:28:04Unexpectedly satisfying.
00:28:07Sounds like a dating profile, all right?
00:28:11No, it sounds good.
00:28:12Good.
00:28:13I should warn you, though, the group can be pretty fierce.
00:28:16Let's hope you're a fast reader.
00:28:18Oh, fun fact about me.
00:28:19I'm actually a speed reader.
00:28:21Held the record in college.
00:28:22Yeah.
00:28:23The nerd thing was real, even though the name wasn't.
00:28:32Well, that was fun.
00:28:35Can I take you to lunch?
00:28:38Yeah.
00:28:40Let's go.
00:28:48Wait, wait, wait.
00:28:49So let's table this for later.
00:28:51Was code for I want out?
00:28:52Apparently.
00:28:54I'm so sorry.
00:28:56Why are you telling me sorry?
00:28:58I was really hoping to stock your book in the bestsellers section.
00:29:03Wait.
00:29:04Does this mean I'm not allowed to read?
00:29:07Wait.
00:29:08Does this mean you're gonna sell?
00:29:10I don't know.
00:29:11It means that I am in the middle of an early midlife crisis.
00:29:15Yeah.
00:29:15Sharing the mortgage and the overhead and the good months and the bad months,
00:29:18that was one thing.
00:29:20But taking it all on myself?
00:29:21I mean, what if we have a bad month?
00:29:22I don't know if I want that kind of responsibility.
00:29:25It just feels massive.
00:29:28Is it too massive?
00:29:29Permanent.
00:29:30Definitive.
00:29:32And the complete opposite from helping people find their forever homes,
00:29:34which is also massive.
00:29:36Okay.
00:29:37So what now?
00:29:39I don't know.
00:29:41Follow up with the bank.
00:29:43Touch base with Talia.
00:29:44See what my options are, if I want to return.
00:29:47Is she still with Downtown Boston Real Estate?
00:29:49No, she and a couple others started their own agency.
00:29:53I just don't want to let anyone down.
00:29:55Hey.
00:29:56I think you should just focus on you, girl.
00:30:00Do that for a minute and then worry about everyone else.
00:30:04You're probably right.
00:30:07Now, I think I need some of those fries.
00:30:11You are really going to come between a pregnant lady and her fries?
00:30:14Just kidding.
00:30:15Here.
00:30:15And I'm going to grab us some shakes.
00:30:24So this is the new cover art for book number eight.
00:30:27That's what they gave me.
00:30:28Thanks.
00:30:31It's vague, but it'll have to do.
00:30:34Now I just need my book.
00:30:36Don't smile at me like that.
00:30:37This is not funny.
00:30:42I'm so excited to try flower arranging.
00:30:44I know, me too.
00:30:47Stacey, you dream.
00:30:48I was so hoping you would bring this.
00:30:50Oh, they're my favorite.
00:30:52Hey, Jackson.
00:30:53Hey, sorry I'm late.
00:30:55You're right on time.
00:30:57Are those wedding tea cakes?
00:30:59Yes, they are my mom's recipe.
00:31:02So you're a baker.
00:31:03Uh, yeah.
00:31:05I mean, I try.
00:31:07Wow, Jackson.
00:31:08I'm impressed.
00:31:10Oh.
00:31:10Care to share the recipe?
00:31:12Yeah, yeah, of course.
00:31:13Do you have four hours?
00:31:15I'm serious.
00:31:18Did you see the look between those two?
00:31:20No, I didn't.
00:31:21I think that's what you call shared commonality.
00:31:24Stop it.
00:31:25I'm just saying.
00:31:26And National Public Radio just started listing your books.
00:31:29They called it Blind Date Book Club on the website.
00:31:31Can we please just get this started?
00:31:32Not without your new friend.
00:31:35Hi.
00:31:35Oh.
00:31:36Hi.
00:31:37You made it.
00:31:38My first ever book club.
00:31:39These are for you.
00:31:42I'm worried you might not have enough treats.
00:31:44Thank you very much.
00:31:45Hope you're ready for this.
00:31:46Oh, yeah.
00:31:48It's going to be a fun night.
00:31:57Now, I know not everyone appreciates a happy ending,
00:32:00but I found this one to be particularly satisfying and earned.
00:32:04But I'm wondering, am I alone here?
00:32:08Honestly, it left me a little cold.
00:32:10A non-decision.
00:32:11I get that was supposed to feel powerful,
00:32:13not being on anyone's timeline, payroll, what have you.
00:32:17But I think it's always important to know where you stand.
00:32:20That's exactly what I thought.
00:32:23Wrote.
00:32:24And what about the pacing of the book?
00:32:26I'm curious.
00:32:26Kind of slow.
00:32:29Right?
00:32:29I'm curious.
00:32:30How many of you agree with Stacey and Jackson?
00:32:35All right.
00:32:36So our protagonist seems to be obsessed with flowers.
00:32:40Would anyone like to speak on that theme?
00:32:43Thanks so much for coming.
00:32:44Don't forget to put those in water.
00:32:46Good night.
00:32:48Good night.
00:32:48Good night.
00:32:51Not my best work, but.
00:32:54For me?
00:32:55Yeah, for introducing me to the beguiling world of book clubs.
00:32:59Oh, well, thank you.
00:33:01They are beautiful.
00:33:03But you hate it tonight.
00:33:04Why do you say that?
00:33:05Because you barely said two words.
00:33:08Because I loved it.
00:33:09Like a root canal.
00:33:10No, no, I'm being serious.
00:33:11I haven't heard people talk that candidly about a book in way too long.
00:33:15You said you hear critique all the time.
00:33:18Sure, that I should keep doing what I've always done because they know it works.
00:33:21Seven times.
00:33:22Yeah, and for my latest project, I just got a real polite and vague pass.
00:33:27I think the most honest critique I've gotten in years was from you.
00:33:30Well, that was after a quick read.
00:33:32Yeah, but it was honest, which I appreciate.
00:33:35You give really good feedback.
00:33:36It's a heck of a lot better than just, you don't do romance.
00:33:40Even though you disagreed?
00:33:41Yeah, both can be true.
00:33:43It's an art form, not a science.
00:33:45Which is why I would love to pay you for a little more real critique.
00:33:48If you have the time.
00:33:49Stop offering to pay me.
00:33:51I'm not taking your money.
00:33:52Why not?
00:33:53Because I'm not an editor or a charity and you are not that nerdy kid anymore.
00:34:00You'd be surprised.
00:34:03All right, why don't we just wait and see what the feedback is from the book club?
00:34:08Because I want to hear more of what you think.
00:34:11And since you only moderate discussions, I thought outside of the club would be best.
00:34:15Okay, look, if you're not going to accept my money, fine.
00:34:18But how about I do a book signing before I leave town?
00:34:21For all the Nantucket fans.
00:34:23Minus you, of course.
00:34:29Okay.
00:34:31Okay.
00:34:32I'm out of town tomorrow, but when I get back, we can find a time to meet.
00:34:36Deal?
00:34:38Deal.
00:34:42Hi.
00:34:43I'm so glad you could make it.
00:34:45The irresistible new season of When Calls the Heart.
00:34:48Wish we would have had one of these espresso machines when we first started, right?
00:34:52We would have doubled our productivity.
00:34:54I feel like we did pretty great without it, but it couldn't hurt.
00:34:59And thanks for seeing me on such short notice.
00:35:01Of course.
00:35:02I'm just glad to see you back in the office.
00:35:04Although this office is a little fancier than our last one.
00:35:08It's been a solid few years.
00:35:11So I'm hoping this place makes it even more enticing for you to come back to.
00:35:15If that's what you want.
00:35:16I don't know what I want.
00:35:17I don't know what I want.
00:35:18It would be really nice to work together again,
00:35:20but it might take me a minute to get back in the swing of things.
00:35:24The landscape is a little different now.
00:35:26Different how?
00:35:28More competition in the central area, so we've had to cast a wider net.
00:35:31More travel, much longer hours, but the payoff reflects that.
00:35:36Don't worry.
00:35:37I bet.
00:35:37Businesses are changing everywhere.
00:35:39I'm sure you've seen that firsthand.
00:35:41But I have also seen you set an impossibly ambitious goal for sales
00:35:45in a six-month period and meet it at what?
00:35:4725?
00:35:48I will never forget that.
00:35:50I was young and hungry.
00:35:52A super hard worker.
00:35:53I would be happy to put you up for a job.
00:35:55I just need your resume within the week.
00:35:58A week?
00:36:00Wow, that's fast.
00:36:01Um, thank you.
00:36:04That really means a lot.
00:36:06Okay, then.
00:36:06Grab your toffee.
00:36:07I want to give you the grand tour.
00:36:26Not the most ergonomic setup.
00:36:28Oh, really?
00:36:29Because I thought the lumbar support's not bad.
00:36:31Yeah, it's because you're 20.
00:36:33Five.
00:36:33Oh, well, geez, in that case.
00:36:37You writing?
00:36:38Can you even call it that when you're not getting paid?
00:36:40Yeah, even more so.
00:36:42You're fueled by your own critique, which can be intense.
00:36:47Yeah, and then what?
00:36:48You're motivated by critics, deadlines.
00:36:51Fear, you know, that you only had that one thing in you and then what?
00:36:56Well, you keep going like you're doing.
00:37:00That's been a decade or...
00:37:02We don't need to drill down like that, do we?
00:37:06Those are my unsolicited advice.
00:37:08Just keep writing what you love.
00:37:13Hey, you too.
00:37:18Thanks.
00:37:23Looks like somebody didn't say the no loitering sign.
00:37:26I'm just glad a few books are gone already.
00:37:29Yeah, it'll be fun to see your shows.
00:37:31Yeah, it'll be super fun.
00:37:33You know, you don't actually have to attend.
00:37:35The other authors have it.
00:37:36Oh, but I'm not the author, remember?
00:37:39Right.
00:37:41Then I'll leave it to you.
00:37:42Personally, I wouldn't go.
00:37:44Okay.
00:37:49You know, I'm pretty sure you call this a working vacation,
00:37:52but I'm not seeing much working happening.
00:37:55Well, that, Meg, is because I'm doing the second most important thing you could do as a writer.
00:38:00Oh, what's that?
00:38:01Procrastinate on number eight.
00:38:03You haven't finished it yet.
00:38:05It's already been announced.
00:38:06Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh.
00:38:08But you might want to hold off on that pre-order.
00:38:10Not that I told you.
00:38:12Isn't it easy at this point?
00:38:14Like a formula.
00:38:15Oh, to just bang them out?
00:38:16Yeah, everyone thinks that.
00:38:17I even tell myself that at the start of each one, but it's not quite like that.
00:38:21And this one has proven to be particularly challenging.
00:38:25Well, maybe that's because—
00:38:27Oh, no.
00:38:29Don't hold back on me now.
00:38:32Maybe you've just lost sight of what inspired you.
00:38:34What connected you to the readers.
00:38:36The gram that started it all.
00:38:40Maybe, or maybe I'm just stuck.
00:38:44Either way, I should go.
00:38:46Yeah, unless you want to keep lurking in the shadows of a bookshop to kill time.
00:38:50All right, I said I was going.
00:38:51Hey, hey, um, why don't we get together to discuss Dylan's novel?
00:38:57Tuesday at ten?
00:38:58Shop will be closed and quiet.
00:39:01Yeah, sounds perfect for an overly candid conversation.
00:39:06Sounds good.
00:39:10Graham, what you do, it's real to your fans.
00:39:16You know that, right?
00:39:19Thanks.
00:39:20Which has nothing to do with what genre it is.
00:39:24It matters to them.
00:39:30So maybe pin that reminder to your forehead if it helps.
00:39:35Yeah, as long as I can still see the screen.
00:39:37Otherwise...
00:39:42You should write a comedy next.
00:39:56Why does it sound so quiet over there?
00:39:59Kind of freaking me out.
00:40:00Because it is.
00:40:02And it's glorious.
00:40:03Oh, where is everyone?
00:40:06Darren took the girls to dinner and a movie.
00:40:09Oh, wait, so you're home alone?
00:40:12Yes.
00:40:13Oh, why should I let you go?
00:40:14Enjoy the peace and quiet.
00:40:16It's okay, just whisper.
00:40:20Okay.
00:40:22It's a little weird, but okay.
00:40:25You good?
00:40:26Mine is being seriously behind on book eight.
00:40:29Yeah.
00:40:30Why do you sound way too relaxed about that?
00:40:34Just feeling hopeful today, that's all.
00:40:37Hey, have you really read every book?
00:40:39Yeah.
00:40:42I'm starting to think you're like a modern day Judy Blume.
00:40:46That feels generous.
00:40:48Honestly, if what you've shared helps my girls face their difficult teenage years with
00:40:55the same resilient humor that Huxley Allen has, then I will be forever grateful.
00:41:01Really?
00:41:02Yeah.
00:41:04And I'm sure I'm not the only mom who thinks that.
00:41:09Now get to it.
00:41:12I got a frozen pizza to take out of the oven.
00:41:14Frozen pizza?
00:41:16That's what you're having for dinner?
00:41:17Yeah.
00:41:18Fast and easy.
00:41:20Now go.
00:41:22I love you.
00:41:23Love you.
00:41:24Bye.
00:41:24Bye.
00:41:31Bye.
00:41:49Breakfast.
00:41:51Pancakes for you.
00:41:52Gluten-free.
00:41:53Waffles for you.
00:41:59Who could that be?
00:42:01Don't you dare move.
00:42:02Don't you move.
00:42:22Mom, I need you.
00:42:24Coming.
00:42:32I am letting go of expectations.
00:42:35You are strong.
00:42:36You are courageous.
00:42:38That's amazing, right?
00:42:39He really brings out the best in you.
00:42:40I feel like a new person.
00:42:42On to the next adventure.
00:42:43Falling in love.
00:42:46Hey.
00:42:49Hey.
00:42:52I'm not late, am I?
00:42:54And no, no, I just wanted to be outside.
00:42:56Okay.
00:42:57So where to?
00:42:59You'll see.
00:43:02Equally vague.
00:43:12It's not fancy, but it's my favorite place on the island.
00:43:18So let me guess.
00:43:21Water baby.
00:43:23Wrong.
00:43:24I actually didn't learn to swim until I was 14.
00:43:31But I've always loved being close to the water, like my mom.
00:43:35In fact, I think my general love of the ocean
00:43:38helped me sell a few waterfront properties back in the day.
00:43:42Pretty sure you're too young to use that phrase.
00:43:45Post-college, how's that?
00:43:47Yeah, better.
00:43:49So how did you make the leap from realtor to book club expert?
00:43:53I'm not an expert.
00:43:55My mom was the expert.
00:43:57I just took over when she got sick.
00:43:59Hmm.
00:44:00Did you ever want to go back?
00:44:02To Boston?
00:44:04I did.
00:44:05Thought I would.
00:44:07But, you know, the thought of giving up the shop.
00:44:15There's so much of my mom here.
00:44:18And probably out there too.
00:44:21Pretty sure everywhere and anywhere you are.
00:44:26Thanks.
00:44:29You're welcome.
00:44:32Okay, so are you ready to hear all of my thoughts on Dylan's debut novel?
00:44:40So obviously, I've read your books before, but I went back and brushed up on a few.
00:44:45And?
00:44:46And Huxley is amazing.
00:44:48He reads like a real person.
00:44:51Like his stories have actually happened to him.
00:44:53And I think that's part of why people have fallen in love with your books.
00:44:59Because they feel lived.
00:45:02So I would ask you, does your new book feel like it's coming from that same place?
00:45:18I think you already know the answer to that.
00:45:22Sorry if I overstepped.
00:45:24Not at all.
00:45:24I think I've needed someone to ask me that question.
00:45:38All right, Freud, let's hear the rest of these notes.
00:45:42Let's just start with the foreword, shall we?
00:45:44Oh, wow, that early?
00:45:46Well, it's poetic, but not very engaging.
00:45:50The foreword!
00:45:54You've got three pages of notes here.
00:45:56You have given me a lot to think about.
00:45:58I kind of had to.
00:46:01To warrant the book signing you'll be doing for us when all of this is over.
00:46:04Oh, right.
00:46:05That.
00:46:06Yeah, that.
00:46:09This for tonight's book club?
00:46:11I hope it's a hit.
00:46:14You're not coming?
00:46:15I didn't get an invite.
00:46:17Well, you don't need an invitation.
00:46:18You just need to have read the book.
00:46:21Which you bought.
00:46:22But haven't read.
00:46:24Yet.
00:46:26But will now.
00:46:27Really?
00:46:28Yeah, yeah.
00:46:30I mean, if you want me there.
00:46:34Oh, um, I mean, sure.
00:46:41Yeah?
00:46:42Yeah.
00:46:43Great.
00:46:45Well, I have a book to read, so I'll see you tonight.
00:46:49See you tonight.
00:47:21Fine.
00:47:22It's not like it's a date.
00:47:25I can do better.
00:47:28Okay.
00:47:31Too much.
00:47:35Hello.
00:47:36Welcome to my garden.
00:47:41I look like a grape.
00:47:46Well, this is better.
00:47:52Is it just me or there are more people here than usual?
00:48:02Well, maybe it's the flight of one of Italy's finest regents.
00:48:05Well, it was almost a murder mystery game.
00:48:07Well, you made a wise choice.
00:48:12Oh, and I think that is for you.
00:48:14Stop it.
00:48:19Hi.
00:48:20Hey.
00:48:22Oh, you know, you didn't have to bring anything.
00:48:24Well, my mom taught me never to arrive empty-handed,
00:48:27so feel free to open it tonight or save it for a special occasion.
00:48:31Well, I would count your second book club as a special occasion, wouldn't you?
00:48:37I would.
00:48:38I'm a little hooked.
00:48:40The formal tasting is later, but you can start with this.
00:48:45Thank you for coming.
00:48:47Thank you for inviting me.
00:48:49Now what?
00:48:50Sip on that and grab an arancini for starters.
00:48:53Oh, there's food.
00:48:56You sound disappointed about that.
00:48:59I was just hoping it was wine only, so I'd have an excuse.
00:49:05To get a little tipsy?
00:49:07To ask you to dinner.
00:49:11Oh, um, dinner.
00:49:15Well, you know, seeing as how you're pretty much my only friend on the island and all.
00:49:20So we're friends now?
00:49:22I hope so.
00:49:26Um, yeah, dinner would be nice.
00:49:30Great.
00:49:40Wow, check out the snow.
00:49:42Yeah, but it rarely lasts this time of year.
00:49:46Look, I know you're new here and I really appreciate the thought,
00:49:49but this restaurant is new and it's very popular.
00:49:53Small and impossible to get in.
00:49:55I know, that's why we're sitting at the bar.
00:49:58Even less possible.
00:49:59It has the best view of the water.
00:50:01I know that too.
00:50:09Great, the lineup.
00:50:11Yeah, excuse us.
00:50:13Thanks.
00:50:13Um, Graham, you can't just...
00:50:15I'm so sorry, you can't just cut all those people.
00:50:17Oh, it's okay.
00:50:19And here we are.
00:50:24Reserved.
00:50:25For us.
00:50:27You're joking.
00:50:28I'm just glad you said yes.
00:50:29It was a bit of a gamble.
00:50:31You seem to take a lot of those.
00:50:33Yeah, it's something important to me.
00:50:36May I?
00:50:40Thanks.
00:50:40This was amazing.
00:50:42I can't believe you got us in here.
00:50:44I just wanted you to be able to sit down,
00:50:46kick your feet up, enjoy the view.
00:50:48I get the impression you don't do that often.
00:50:51I do.
00:50:52Sometimes.
00:50:53When was the last time?
00:50:55Do you count reading?
00:50:57I do not.
00:50:59College?
00:51:00Ah, yeah, that sounds about right.
00:51:03I'm sorry, I don't think I'm ready for this.
00:51:05I don't think I'm ready for this.
00:51:07I don't think I'm ready for this.
00:51:10Where'd you go to school?
00:51:12BU.
00:51:14Is that where you did real estate as well?
00:51:17Yeah.
00:51:18And the only time I've ever been away from here.
00:51:21So were your parents locals?
00:51:23My mom was.
00:51:24I never knew my dad.
00:51:26Was it just the two of you?
00:51:27Yeah.
00:51:28And I was lucky enough to have this amazing village of people.
00:51:32I can't imagine growing up anywhere else.
00:51:37That's a lot about me.
00:51:39So tell me about your village.
00:51:41What was your village like?
00:51:45Small.
00:51:46I've never married or had kids.
00:51:48My sister did early on.
00:51:50She has two amazing girls who I don't see nearly as much as I'd like.
00:51:56And yeah, that's pretty much that.
00:52:00Well, that doesn't sound small.
00:52:02It sounds really nice.
00:52:08Mmm.
00:52:14Okay.
00:52:16Rate it.
00:52:16Scale of one to ten.
00:52:18The lobster ice cream?
00:52:23Negative three.
00:52:26Then why are you still eating?
00:52:28Because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
00:52:33So am I the only one that you're brutally honest with?
00:52:36I don't know.
00:52:37Maybe I'm just...
00:52:40Maybe I'm just comfortable with you.
00:52:42With me?
00:52:45That's the best kind of compliment.
00:53:01So how are you feeling about Thursday?
00:53:04And yeah, I'm actually excited for it.
00:53:06You are?
00:53:06Yeah.
00:53:07Not nervous?
00:53:08Oh, no, no, no.
00:53:08I'm very nervous.
00:53:11And you still think you're gonna attend?
00:53:12For sure.
00:53:13Really?
00:53:13Yeah.
00:53:14What?
00:53:15I think my skin is getting tougher, don't you?
00:53:18Yeah, but you've seen the club in action.
00:53:20I have.
00:53:21I can handle it.
00:53:22You know, it's not like they'll know it's me anyways.
00:53:24Right, right.
00:53:26But comments are gonna fly.
00:53:28I just don't think I could do it.
00:53:31I think you could do anything you want.
00:53:38Can I walk you home?
00:53:42You can.
00:53:44Great.
00:53:45You're in the way.
00:53:54Wow.
00:53:55This is your place?
00:53:57It's beautiful.
00:53:59Thanks.
00:54:03I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
00:54:04I'm not sure if I'm ready for this.
00:54:07So, thanks for a great night and for the lovely things you said earlier.
00:54:22No, just telling the truth.
00:54:24It's kind of our theme, isn't it?
00:54:26The foundation of every great relationship, so they say.
00:54:31So how's that work on this?
00:54:32Yes.
00:54:36Thanks for saying yes.
00:54:38I had a great time tonight.
00:54:42Can we do it again?
00:54:44I would like to.
00:54:47But how about next time, no book talk?
00:54:55Whatever will we talk about?
00:55:00I think we could figure it out.
00:55:02Okay.
00:55:22See you tomorrow?
00:55:27See you tomorrow.
00:55:33Bye.
00:55:50I am letting go of expectations.
00:55:52You are strong.
00:55:54You are courageous.
00:55:55That's amazing, right?
00:55:56He really brings out the best in you.
00:55:58I feel like a new person.
00:55:59On to the next adventure.
00:56:00Falling in Love in Niagara premieres Saturday, April 20th at 8 on Hallmark.
00:56:05With Spring Black Friday savings now at The Home Depot.
00:56:08You can power your spring and only need one battery to do it all.
00:56:14Gas-like power.
00:56:15Endless possibilities.
00:56:17Only at The Home Depot.
00:56:18Your power source.
00:56:21Goldfish and chips.
00:56:24Together as one.
00:57:01Oh, you mean the one of me looking super awkward?
00:57:17Here, but don't say I didn't warn you.
00:57:48Meg, hi, it's Raina from the radio show.
00:57:54I'm on the island for another story and would love to sit in on tomorrow's book club.
00:57:58See you then.
00:58:13I don't know, Grandma.
00:58:14I'm having second thoughts.
00:58:16About this?
00:58:18No, about this, the book club.
00:58:20You're not worried?
00:58:21About National Public Radio coming?
00:58:23They're covering your night.
00:58:25No, why would I?
00:58:27They don't even know who Dylan Turner is.
00:58:28But what if they do?
00:58:29What if they recognize you?
00:58:30Never gonna happen.
00:58:31But what if it goes bad?
00:58:31What would that do to your reputation?
00:58:34You sound exactly like my agent.
00:58:36I have to lie on National Radio.
00:58:39You're not lying.
00:58:40And you're making Alice my accomplice.
00:58:43Okay, listen, I admire your honesty.
00:58:45But this is nothing more than a harmless experiment.
00:58:48Harmless?
00:58:49Yeah, okay, come here.
00:58:52Authors use pseudonyms all the time.
00:58:54I am unknown in this genre.
00:58:56And you cover unknown authors all the time.
00:58:59None of that is untrue.
00:59:02Tonight is gonna be good.
00:59:04I might even be fun.
00:59:06Fun, huh?
00:59:07Yeah, fun.
00:59:09Aunt Renee, hi.
00:59:12Hi.
00:59:13Hi.
00:59:13Hi.
00:59:14What are you doing here?
00:59:15Oh, DocuSign and email seemed an odd way to say goodbye to this place.
00:59:20Oh.
00:59:20I will give you two a minute.
00:59:27He's cute.
00:59:29He is.
00:59:30So, have you decided on selling?
00:59:36Let's just table this for later.
00:59:46Come on.
00:59:50Excuse me, Miss Alice Waters.
00:59:52You dropped something.
00:59:55What's this?
00:59:56Just a little inspiration, hopefully.
01:00:00Starting is the hardest part.
01:00:02But your journey has already begun.
01:00:04Keep going.
01:00:08My pleasure.
01:00:09Hey, can I ask you a quick question?
01:00:12Yeah.
01:00:13What's with the apples?
01:00:15Apples?
01:00:16Well, all of your lead characters have some sort of obsession with apples.
01:00:21Do they?
01:00:22Yeah.
01:00:23Cider, orchard symmetry, the seed, or just eating the entire apple.
01:00:27Well, eating the whole apple was a thing from camp when I was 10.
01:00:31And the rest?
01:00:32I don't know.
01:00:33I gotta give that some thought.
01:00:35Great observation.
01:00:38Well, everyone should be arriving shortly.
01:00:41I have to finish setting up.
01:00:42You should.
01:00:42Can I give you a hand?
01:00:43Oh, please.
01:00:45Chair duty?
01:00:46Please, yes.
01:00:52Limoncello spritzers, any takers?
01:00:55Great.
01:00:56Love it.
01:00:57Hi.
01:00:58Limoncello spritzer.
01:00:59This is gonna be so bad.
01:01:00What?
01:01:01No, I researched how to make these last night.
01:01:03They should be pretty good.
01:01:03Not that.
01:01:04This.
01:01:05Graham being here.
01:01:06Oh, you worry too much.
01:01:07He is a best-selling author, and this is not his finest work.
01:01:10The book club is a full house tonight, and Rain is back, live from Nantucket.
01:01:14I feel nauseous.
01:01:15Okay, so let's recap.
01:01:17Rain is back.
01:01:18We have a best-selling author in the midst, and it's a full house.
01:01:21I just said that.
01:01:22Not with the right attitude.
01:01:23Please, try to relax.
01:01:25I will try.
01:01:25How's that?
01:01:28It's pretty good.
01:01:30Yep.
01:01:30Oh, great.
01:01:32Ladies.
01:01:33So good to see you.
01:01:42Hey, you calling for a rematch?
01:01:44I'm calling for pages.
01:01:45Time's up, G-Man.
01:01:47Very soon.
01:01:48Don't make me have that call with the publisher.
01:01:50Okay.
01:01:50Terrence, I hear you.
01:01:51But, um, I gotta call you back, buddy.
01:01:53I am just about to walk into a book club.
01:01:55Whoa, whoa.
01:01:56Since when do you attend book clubs?
01:01:58Uh, since they agreed to read my novel.
01:02:00Your what?
01:02:01Romance novel?
01:02:02Yeah.
01:02:03You didn't use your name, did you?
01:02:04No.
01:02:06Good.
01:02:06Let's keep it that way.
01:02:07It's not just your reputation on the line here.
01:02:09It's mine, too.
01:02:11Yeah, I know.
01:02:12All right.
01:02:13As far as anyone knows, you are and have been 100% focused on output.
01:02:17That's the deal we made.
01:02:18So, book number eight, if you please.
01:02:21Look, the publisher's lawyers are serious.
01:02:23Pages next week, or they want their advance back.
01:02:26And then they won't want any more.
01:02:29Good talk.
01:02:38Thanks so much for coming.
01:02:40See you in a bit.
01:02:40Have you seen Graham anywhere?
01:02:42I think he's outside.
01:03:12So,
01:03:29lately I've just been feeling-
01:03:31Tonight's discussion will be moderated by Alice.
01:03:34And then a little later, we'll be going outside for some painting in honor of the antagonist
01:03:39of tonight's book.
01:03:41Also, we have a very special guest here tonight from National Public Radio, Raina Bream.
01:03:49She's here following up on her story from a couple of weeks ago.
01:03:52This book club struck quite a chord with my listeners.
01:03:56If it's all right with you all, I'll be recording tonight's session.
01:04:01Of course.
01:04:02Yep.
01:04:03So, take your time getting seated.
01:04:05We will get started shortly.
01:04:07Good book?
01:04:08Yeah.
01:04:09Yeah, I think so.
01:04:10Do you know anything about the author?
01:04:12No.
01:04:15Someone said he was crazy handsome or something.
01:04:17Oh.
01:04:19Why do you look familiar to me?
01:04:21Common face, maybe.
01:04:23High school, perhaps?
01:04:25Not much.
01:04:25Went to Oakmont in Connecticut.
01:04:27Not even close.
01:04:28Familiar face.
01:04:29Familiar face, then.
01:04:31We're really glad you're here.
01:04:33We're really glad you're here.
01:04:36Did they meet here?
01:04:38Could be.
01:04:39Seems like they're taking the date part of the book club seriously.
01:04:43Does this happen often at the club?
01:04:45Like I said before, it's just always about the books.
01:04:48I'll report what I see.
01:04:49How's that?
01:04:50Fair.
01:04:53Shall we get started?
01:04:54Yeah, it's a great idea.
01:04:55In the end, it is the love of the unknown that brings Devin back to the very place he hated.
01:05:07To reclaim lost innocence.
01:05:10So with that being said, anyone want to start us off?
01:05:14Anyone?
01:05:16Any takers?
01:05:19Anyone?
01:05:20Well, I thought the theme was very refreshing and to be honest, it was one that we haven't seen before.
01:05:29Except we have.
01:05:31In Juliet, Titans, Florentine's Myth.
01:05:34Sure, it had a slightly different slam, but I'm not exactly sure I'd call it refreshing.
01:05:38No disrespect.
01:05:39Oh, none taken.
01:05:41See, I didn't have an issue with the theme.
01:05:43I just didn't feel any connection to his journey or hers.
01:05:47Because they weren't vulnerable enough.
01:05:50I mean, it's good writing and I get where the author was trying to go, but he didn't get there.
01:05:56Don't you agree?
01:05:59Yeah, I do.
01:06:00Totally.
01:06:01From what I skimmed, I'd say the prose is poetic, but the inside is just skin deep.
01:06:06An American classic.
01:06:07This is not.
01:06:08Agreed.
01:06:09Same.
01:06:10I feel like the pacing was way off.
01:06:12Sounds like a bore.
01:06:14She didn't even read the book.
01:06:16I thought it was kind of fun.
01:06:18I don't know what it's trying to say.
01:06:20The motivation was flat.
01:06:22Is it warm in here?
01:06:24A little stuffy?
01:06:25Anyone else warm?
01:06:27Feels okay to me.
01:06:27Okay, well, I'm just gonna open the doors and let some air flow in here and then we can resume.
01:06:32So everyone take five and grab a cookie.
01:06:41Enjoy.
01:06:44Are you okay?
01:06:44How quickly can we wrap this up?
01:06:46Did we just start?
01:06:47I think you should milk it as much as possible.
01:06:49Any exposure is good exposure.
01:06:51I'm not sure I agree with that.
01:06:53Hey.
01:06:54Hi.
01:06:54So fun might have been an overstatement.
01:06:56It's not that bad.
01:06:57We only heard from a few people.
01:07:00Pardon my forwardness.
01:07:02Did you guys meet here?
01:07:04I think we'd seen each other around town, but...
01:07:06Never actually talked.
01:07:08Until the book club.
01:07:10I guess that's correct.
01:07:13One couple confirmed.
01:07:14This is certainly different from any other book club I've been to.
01:07:17It sure is, isn't it?
01:07:19Wait, is this you?
01:07:23Please say this is you.
01:07:23I love your novels.
01:07:25That's it.
01:07:26The Parachute Series.
01:07:28I knew I knew you.
01:07:29You're Graham Sterling, best-selling author.
01:07:32You are?
01:07:33Why didn't you say anything?
01:07:34Because he's famous.
01:07:35Then why are you here?
01:07:37No offense.
01:07:38It's fine.
01:07:39Because I wanted to be part of this book club.
01:07:41Because of the whole Discover New Writers thing?
01:07:43Or were you looking for a date?
01:07:45Nope.
01:07:46That's not why I was here.
01:07:47I mean, at least not initially.
01:07:49Romance was the last thing on my mind, which is kind of ironic considering I just wrote...
01:07:56Wait, did you write this book?
01:07:59It says Dylan Turner.
01:08:01But it's self-published, so...
01:08:02You know what?
01:08:03I think it's time that we all head outside and do some painting.
01:08:06You did.
01:08:07You knew it was him, didn't you?
01:08:09Knew what?
01:08:09That he's famous.
01:08:11Is that why you promoted his book, this book?
01:08:13No.
01:08:13Then why did everyone read it?
01:08:15I thought you hand-picked them.
01:08:16I do.
01:08:17So you like this?
01:08:19No, I'm sorry.
01:08:20It's okay.
01:08:21So why are we reading it, then?
01:08:22That's a very good question.
01:08:24You know what?
01:08:25I think we all should just be excited that a famous author is among us.
01:08:29Could you sign this for me?
01:08:31It could be worth something one day.
01:08:32When is your next book coming out?
01:08:34I'm a huge fan.
01:08:36Not of this, though.
01:08:37You might be better sticking to what you know.
01:08:40Yeah, that seems to be a bit of a recurring theme.
01:08:42So tell us, Graham Sterling, when will we get the next book in your series?
01:08:46Or have you abandoned it for this?
01:08:48Nope.
01:08:49Number eight is still very much on the way.
01:08:50Huh.
01:08:51Well, Meg, I hope you weren't promoting this to help out a friend.
01:08:54I promise I never meant to deceive anyone.
01:08:57This is starting to feel like a circus.
01:08:59Yes, it is.
01:09:00And that's not at all what my mom started or what I've tried to create.
01:09:03So that's why I've decided to sell.
01:09:08You have?
01:09:09This wasn't the story I was expecting tonight.
01:09:11You're going to sell the bookshop?
01:09:13I think it's time.
01:09:15So no more book club?
01:09:16I don't know.
01:09:16That'll be up to the next owner.
01:09:17But I promise we will leave you all in very good hands.
01:09:20And on that note, I think that that's all for tonight.
01:09:24So everyone can just head home.
01:09:27Yeah, everyone, let's just grab our things and wrap up.
01:09:32So to round back to you two, was there a particular genre of novel that you bonded over?
01:09:38I am so sorry.
01:09:41Don't be.
01:09:41I brought you in.
01:09:42No, but you were right.
01:09:44I should have listened to you.
01:09:45Listen, I have a lot to clean up.
01:09:46So I just need everyone to leave.
01:09:49Yeah, OK.
01:09:49I'll give you a hand.
01:09:50No, no.
01:09:52I need everyone to leave.
01:10:04What are you looking for?
01:10:06She's on the hunt for a locket.
01:10:07I just keep having this feeling that someone's watching me.
01:10:10Legend.
01:10:12So this is it.
01:10:41Yep, this is it.
01:10:43So what now?
01:10:44Well, I have a second meeting lined up with a broker friend to talk territories.
01:10:49Oh, well, that sounds promising.
01:10:51It is.
01:10:53You know, I know the other day was atypical.
01:10:57But I love what you did with the place.
01:11:01And I feel like everyone loved it, too.
01:11:05It was fun.
01:11:07It was something.
01:11:08Oh, you know, the store is not what your mom started.
01:11:13But times change and you made it into something unique, your own.
01:11:19Never feel guilty about that.
01:11:21Her dream was bringing people together like you did, getting them excited about reading again.
01:11:29She would be so proud of you.
01:11:32I know I am.
01:11:38Send postcards, OK?
01:11:40You know I will.
01:11:46Oh.
01:11:49I thought you might like this.
01:11:54See you soon.
01:12:03Hey, Meg.
01:12:04Hi.
01:12:08Hi.
01:12:18I can't believe you've never been here.
01:12:20I think they'd love it here.
01:12:22Is there a treadmill to tame their endless allergies?
01:12:25A long stretch of beach, tall rocks, rough waters.
01:12:28Go give it to Daddy.
01:12:30That'll toughen them up.
01:12:32They're pretty tough already.
01:12:34Those girls are awesome.
01:12:36Take after me.
01:12:38Yeah, they do.
01:12:40So how are you?
01:12:43Stellar.
01:12:45OK, you are never that one note.
01:12:48I'm good.
01:12:48You know, at least I'm almost done.
01:12:50You are?
01:12:51And how do you feel?
01:12:55Stellar.
01:12:57I'm serious.
01:12:59I am too.
01:13:01I realized I had kind of forgot what I loved about writing to begin with.
01:13:05But I think I found that passion again.
01:13:09Hey, I like this new you.
01:13:12So you think you guys will visit?
01:13:13What, you mean take a break from endless laundry and you'll make us dinner?
01:13:17Ah, frozen pizza?
01:13:18Done.
01:13:19Hey, there's something else I want to talk to you about.
01:13:22Or rather, someone.
01:13:26OK.
01:13:27Mommy, Mommy!
01:13:29OK, girls.
01:13:30Uncle Graham is going to tell us about a girl.
01:13:35OK.
01:13:36I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:37OK.
01:13:38I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:39OK.
01:13:40I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:41OK.
01:13:42I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:43OK.
01:13:44I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:45OK.
01:13:46I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:47OK.
01:13:48I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:49OK.
01:13:50I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:51OK.
01:13:52I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:53OK.
01:13:54I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:55OK.
01:13:56I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:57OK.
01:13:58I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:13:59OK.
01:14:00I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:01OK.
01:14:02I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:04OK.
01:14:04I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:06OK.
01:14:06I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:08OK.
01:14:08I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:10OK.
01:14:10I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:12OK.
01:14:12I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:14OK.
01:14:14I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:16OK.
01:14:16I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:18OK.
01:14:18I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:20OK.
01:14:20I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:22OK.
01:14:22I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:14:24OK.
01:14:24I'm going to tell you about a girl.
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01:14:26I'm going to tell you about a girl.
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01:14:30I'm going to tell you about a girl.
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01:14:32I'm going to tell you about a girl.
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01:14:46I'm going to tell you about a girl.
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01:14:59I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:15:00OK.
01:15:01I'm going to tell you about a girl.
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01:15:25I'm going to tell you about a girl.
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01:15:52OK.
01:15:52I'm going to tell you about a girl.
01:15:56You little bitch.
01:16:04Hey, you scared the shit out of me.
01:16:06You're going to make me cry.
01:16:07Cry?
01:16:07You haven't cried since that exchange student broke up
01:16:10with you in seventh grade.
01:16:12Oh, Valentina.
01:16:13OK, but it wasn't, I was.
01:16:16You know, this is incredible.
01:16:19Wait, you already read it?
01:16:21What, the ending?
01:16:23With the apple?
01:16:24I mean, it was such a small gesture,
01:16:26but share an apple with a friend.
01:16:29And friendship will follow.
01:16:31I can't take all the credit.
01:16:32I had a little inspiration on that one
01:16:34from an aspiring writer that I may end up sending your way.
01:16:38Well, I'm here for it.
01:16:39And hey, William, this isn't just your best one yet.
01:16:45It's the best one I've ever read in the genre.
01:16:47And I'm not just saying that as your friend,
01:16:49but as an agent.
01:16:50Now, the publisher won't take long to approve this,
01:16:53and I'll push them to get going on the next one right away.
01:16:56Yeah, about that.
01:16:58Oh, no, no, no, no.
01:16:59Please tell me you're not ditching this
01:17:00for your new genre.
01:17:01Relax, you don't have to sell your boat.
01:17:03I'm gonna put the other book on the back burner for a bit.
01:17:06But for Huxley, I say we push for a guaranteed 12.
01:17:12I mean, listen, I know I got more stories to me
01:17:14than you think there's the appetite.
01:17:15Heck, let's go for 20.
01:17:17How's that?
01:17:18I'd expect nothing less.
01:17:20Thanks, G.
01:17:20And hey, once number eight settles down,
01:17:23let's circle back on that historical fiction novel too.
01:17:26I wouldn't be much of an agent if I told all my clients
01:17:28to stay in their lane their whole career.
01:17:30Now, it needs work, but let's try and find a show for it.
01:17:34Yeah, don't worry, I'm gonna write it.
01:17:37Just gotta live it first.
01:17:39All right, pal, I'll see you on the court.
01:17:44I gotta say, we had a good run.
01:17:46Dare I say a great one,
01:17:48but it just doesn't feel right anymore.
01:17:51You deserve someone who's all in, all the time.
01:17:56In Boston, I would just be looking back here.
01:18:01This is what I want.
01:18:03Thanks, Talia.
01:18:05Hi.
01:18:06Hi.
01:18:07Hi.
01:18:10Hi.
01:18:13I will give you two a moment.
01:18:18I'm gonna go get some coffee.
01:18:19I'll be right back.
01:18:20Okay.
01:18:21Bye.
01:18:22Bye.
01:18:23Bye.
01:18:23Bye.
01:18:24Bye.
01:18:25Bye.
01:18:26Bye.
01:18:27Bye.
01:18:28Bye.
01:18:28Bye.
01:18:29Bye.
01:18:30Bye.
01:18:31Bye.
01:18:32Bye.
01:18:33Bye.
01:18:33Bye.
01:18:35Bye.
01:18:37So, is loitering your new favorite pastime?
01:18:45You made that?
01:18:45I'm multi-talented.
01:18:47And incredibly humble.
01:18:51So, what's with the sign?
01:18:53Well, apparently, you're the GOAT.
01:18:57The GOAT?
01:18:58Mm-hmm, greatest of all time.
01:19:00That's what my nieces said when I told them about you.
01:19:03You did?
01:19:04Mm-hmm.
01:19:06What, um, what exactly did you tell them?
01:19:12Broad strokes, you know, that you're an amazing human
01:19:16and you're super fun, really funny, wildly honest.
01:19:22Well, where would we be without honesty and human connection,
01:19:26without our people?
01:19:27Probably eating takeout alone in a fancy apartment.
01:19:31Pretty sure that's where I'd be in Boston if I went back.
01:19:37About what you're thinking of keeping this place?
01:19:41I always knew I wanted to do something that mattered.
01:19:43I just didn't realize I was already doing it.
01:19:48This place is pretty special,
01:19:51and not just because I grew up here.
01:19:55It makes me really happy.
01:20:02You do, too.
01:20:05I do?
01:20:07Good.
01:20:08Because you, you are the most real, refreshing thing
01:20:13I have felt in years.
01:20:18You sure this isn't just the writer in you on overdrive,
01:20:23needing to neatly wrap things up in the end?
01:20:28No, I'm just saying exactly how I feel.
01:20:33Any thoughts, feelings, feedback?
01:20:37I'd say the start of this chapter
01:20:38is feeling pretty promising.
01:20:42Oh, and?
01:20:45And maybe there's something to this blind date book.