Title: Romantic Comedy
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Satire
Year of Publication: 2023
Date of Publication: April 4, 2023
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 0399590944
ISBN-13: 978-0399590948

Our Rating of This Book

Summary

Romantic Comedy follows Sally Milz, a writer for a popular late-night sketch show called The Night Owls (TNO). After witnessing a male coworker, known for his comedic skills rather than looks, begin dating a glamorous actress, Sally writes a sketch about the “Danny Horst Rule.” This rule humorously argues that average men frequently date gorgeous celebrities, while the reverse is rarely true for women.

When Noah Brewster, a famous and attractive pop star, joins the show as a guest host, Sally assumes he’ll be distant. Yet, the two unexpectedly connect, challenging her assumptions about romance and her own worthiness.

Reading Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Spanning from the week of the show to their reunion during the COVID-19 pandemic, the novel is about Sally’s evolving perspective on love, fame, and self-doubt.

Main Plot & Characters

  1. Sally Milz: She is a sketch writer for TNO. Sally is in her late 30s and is the main character in this story.
  2. Noah Brewster: He is a 40-something, Grammy-winning pop star who guest-hosts TNO. Noah is surprisingly humble and thoughtful and becomes romantical attracted to Sally.

Supporting Characters

  1. Danny Horst: He is Sally’s close friend and fellow TNO writer. Danny is known for his laid-back style and humor and his life inspires Sally to come up with the “Danny Horst Rule.”
  2. Annabel Lily: She isDanny Horst’s glamorous and famous actress girlfriend (later fiancée). Her relationship with Danny prompts Sally’s skepticism about celebrity romances and fuels her initial disbelief about her own chances with Noah.
  3. Nigel Petersen: He is the head writer and showrunner of The Night Owls (TNO). Though Sally is a sketch writer among a team, it’s Nigel Petersen who oversees the entire writers’ room.

Writing Style

Sittenfeld’s writing is witty. She uses humor to make the characters relatable and also to bring to light some of the issues people often think about but are too nervous to talk about. The novel’s structure is divided between pre-pandemic interactions in the office, emailing between Noah and Sally during the event itself, and their reunion afterwards. The romance between Sally and Noah works very well and the emails between them are actually one of the best parts of the book. Their relationship also allows readers understand the pressures of fame and the struggle to maintain authenticity.

Memorable Quotes

“Because hot eventually gets boring, but funny never does.” – Sally’s reflections

“We’re all confused freaks.” – Noah Brewster

Final Thoughts on Romantic Comedy

Romantic Comedy is a clever take on modern relationships, specifically within the high-pressure world of entertainment. Sittenfeld’s humorous approach to romance along with her critical eye on celebrity culture makes readers appreciate a love story that questions traditional expectations.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Have you seen the Danny Horst Rule playout in real life? Let us know in the comments!

Authors

  • Nathaniel Adebayo

    Nathaniel is a Media Content Specialist at Verayea, where he specializes in curating content and gathering data for the company’s extensive book library. He is also dedicated to writing insightful reviews, offering thoughtful perspectives on a range of media. His work ensures that Verayea’s library is comprehensive, well-organized, and informative, providing valuable resources for its audience.

  • Ufuoma Akpotaire

    Ufuoma Akpotaire is a passionate book, movie and music reviewer with a love for travel and culture. She combines her enthusiasm for storytelling with her experience exploring new places and stories. Through her reviews, she celebrates creativity and inspires readers to appreciate the connections between books, movies, music, travel, and global cultures.

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