The Editor

By: Steven Rowley

Narrated by: Michael Urie

From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a novel about a struggling writer who gets his big break, with a little help from the most famous woman in America.

After years of trying to make it as a writer in 1990s New York City, James Smale finally sells his novel to an editor at a major publishing house: none other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Jackie--or Mrs. Onassis, as she's known in the office--has fallen in love with James's candidly autobiographical novel, one that exposes his own dysfunctional family. But when the book's forthcoming publication threatens to unravel already fragile relationships, both within his family and with his partner, James finds that he can't bring himself to finish the manuscript.

Jackie and James develop an unexpected friendship, and she pushes him to write an authentic ending, encouraging him to head home to confront the truth about his relationship with his mother. Then a long-held family secret is revealed, and he realizes his editor may have had a larger plan that goes beyond the page...

From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a funny, poignant, and highly original novel about an author whose relationship with his very famous book editor will change him forever--both as a writer and a son.

Beautiful story, Beautiful performance.

One of my favorite books in the past few years. The narrator brings true personality and emotion to this author’s story. I laughed and cried in the same paragraphs many times throughout. I will follow whatever this author writes…and I hope that means many, many more books to come!

I laughed, I cried...

Right out of the gate I was hooked. Funny, compelling. Serious David Sedaris vibes. Not sure if it was a comedy, a tragedy or a drama, probably all of the above but it was so good.

What am I missing?

The premise of James’ book was his relationship with his mother but there was so little depth to that part of the story. It felt oddly missing. The pace of the second half of the book picked up a little so I thought maybe there would be more character development. I would listen to Michael Urie read the phone book (loved his narration as the octopus in Remarkably Bright Creatures) but I didn’t like the way he narrated the mother character. It was too clipped and sharp. It left me feeling James’ mother didn’t like him. The book was “meh” for me. Interesting premise that didn’t hit the mark for me. Glad others loved it but not me. It happens.

Wonderful surprise!

Beautifully written. I absolutely loved the journey of this story of James and his family. Mrs. Kennedy Onassis would most certainly be someone I’d love to have spent time with.

Beautiful and funny

This book had me in tears but also had me busting some laughs… loved it! I’m this is my first book from Rowley so looking forward to read more.