Romantic Comedy (Review)

“If you’re our age and single, dating kind of has to be an act of reckless optimism, right? The triumph of hope over experience?”

— Curtis Sittenfeld, Romantic Comedy

The vibe

The Sally Millz late night writing session (pandemic chair yoga with her stepdad) outfit.

book / leggings / shoes / hoodie / notebook / pen / tote / hand sanitizer

The review

Sally Millz is in love with her life as a comedy writer for a late-night variety/sketch show that’s broadcast live on Saturday night. Noah Brewster feels similarly about his career as a pop musician. Their paths cross one week in 2018 when Noah is the celebrity host and musical guest one week on Sally’s show. The two collaborate professionally, each unable to deny the unexpected chemistry between them. But Sally knows the rule — it’s always male writers that somehow pique the interest of gorgeous female celebrity guests, not the other way around.

Flash forward a few years, and a global pandemic prompts Noah to reach out to the intriguing comedy writer he met a few years back, and Sally decides to break down her wall a bit to see if she could, in fact, be an exception to the rule.

I loved everything about this book, and I read it in one sitting. Noah was so dreamy and Sally was a less goofy version of Liz Lemon from 30 Rock. I loved them each and laughed out loud at some of Sally’s jokes.

I just love SNL, and this book is totally inspired by the men of the show who have scored hot celeb girlfriends after on-set interactions — Pete Davidson, Colin Jost, etc. Curtis Sittenfeld finally gave us the opposing love story with this book!

The three sections — and the way the plot went — was a bit unexpected. I didn’t really think there’d be this whole pandemic-era setting, but I didn’t hate it. I think the pandemic caused a lot of people — including celebrities — to think about what’s really important to them. Sally’s insecurities were frustrating a bit because I’m reading like, “shut up and kiss him already!!” but ultimately, that felt very real. There are a lot of reasons why non-celeb men dating celeb women work, and one huge reason is men, who are used to having more opportunities and advantages, typically have the confidence to just go for it. While women, used to being a bit more cautious, tend to question things.

Can I just say also… more romance books about people in their mid to late 30s living REALISTIC lives in a realistic/relatable time. I appreciated this so much! I haven’t been in the biggest romance mood because I think they can be a bit light and idealistic, and this one was not all sunshine and roses and I just loved that.

Read this one if you’re a huge SNL/30 Rock fan and love following celeb dating gossip.