The Take

De: Kelly Yang

Narrado por: Emily Woo Zeller

"Dark and clever."—People

“One part The Substance, another part The Devil Wears Prada, The Take is a juicy, twisty take on aging, success, and race. Told in a sharp and hilarious voice, The Take is sure to be one of the hottest books of spring.”—Marie Claire

A provocative, fast-paced novel about two creative women—a young writer fighting to be heard and an older producer clinging to relevancy—and the age reversal treatment that intertwines both of their lives…from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Front Desk series

Would you sell your youth for $3 million?

Maggie Wang, a broke young Asian American writer, needs a lifeline. Ingrid Parker, a veteran white Hollywood producer with her career on the edge, offers an irresistible deal: $3 million for ten experimental medical sessions to reverse her aging, using Maggie as a transfusion partner, and mentorship.

For Ingrid, it's a chance to reboot her fading career. For Maggie, it's access and freedom—money to support her parents and the connections to finally get her novel published.

What starts as a professional transaction exchanging blood quickly becomes a complex psychological dance. As Maggie gains unprecedented access to Ingrid's hard-earned wisdom, Ingrid sees in Maggie a weapon against an industry that's been trying to sideline her.

As their relationship intensifies, the rules around aging begin to shift. So does the balance of power between the two women, leaving both questioning who holds the upper hand and what they're willing to sacrifice to succeed.

Sharp, timely, and utterly compelling, The Take is perfect for readers of Yellowface and Such a Fun Age—a searing portrait of two women fighting to rewrite their story.

Must Read

I absolutely devoured The Take by Kelly Yang. I could not put it down. It’s plot-driven in the best possible way, gripping, fast-moving, and impossible to stop thinking about once you’ve turned the final page. Yang’s writing is extraordinary: poignant and emotionally sharp while still delivering the kind of page-turning momentum that keeps you reading late into the night. The characters are deeply drawn and unforgettable, layered with vulnerability, ambition, and longing. What stayed with me most was the book’s wry, incisive commentary on society’s obsession with beauty, youth, and power, who gets it, how we chase it, what it costs, and whether it’s ever truly worth it. Beneath the suspense is a thoughtful exploration of visibility, value, and the deep human desire to have our work, and ourselves, truly seen. For anyone who loves a compelling, immersive story, this is a must-read. And for creatives who have ever struggled to be recognized, validated, or understood, this book hits especially hard.