Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat

Appelbaum’s clever, slow-burning debut pairs a discouraged millennial with her wealthy neighbor in a modern Pride and Prejudice riff. On the cusp of turning 30, Rachel Weiss feels like she’s fallen behind in life: stuck in a “dead-end tech job” she hates with a history of bad relationships and newly graying hair. Her mother, meanwhile, is desperate to set her up with Christopher Butkus, the irritating, stuck-up tech millionaire who’s buying the house next door. Luckily, Rachel has both employer-mandated therapy and an exuberant group chat with her friends to keep her going. But when a video of Rachel and her older sister, Jane, a newscaster, both blackout drunk and apparently making light of #metoo allegations goes viral, Rachel’s life and her friend group begin to fall apart. To Rachel’s surprise, the one person she’s able to confide in is Christopher, who shows her an unexpected thoughtful side. Appelbaum’s focus on friendship sets this retelling apart, with long text conversations between Rachel and her besties providing ample humor. Rachel herself is a flawed and often frustrating heroine, but it’s a joy to see Christopher bring out her better side. The result is a fun and joyous romp. Agent: Kimberly Whalen, Whalen Agency.