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The Book Series #2
The Sequel
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
3 days and 05:32:04
100 copies available
U.S. only
10 hours, 1 minute
After the “insanely readable” (Stephen King) and “perfectly told” (Malcolm Gladwell) New York Times bestseller The Plot comes Jean Hanff Korelitz’s equally captivating new novel: The Sequel.
Anna Williams-Bonner has taken care of business—that is to say, she’s taken care of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, and laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. Now she is living the contented life of a literary widow, enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity, but for the second time in her life, a work of fiction intercedes, and this time it’s her own debut novel, The Afterword. After all, how hard can it really be to write a universally lauded bestseller?
But when Anna publishes her book and indulges in her own literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. Something has gone wrong, and someone out there knows far too much: about her late brother, her late husband, and just possibly... about Anna herself. What does this person want, and what are they prepared to do? She has come too far, and worked too hard, to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story—and she is, by any standard, a master storyteller.
After the “insanely readable” (Stephen King) and “perfectly told” (Malcolm Gladwell) New York Times bestseller The Plot comes Jean Hanff Korelitz’s equally captivating new novel: The Sequel.
Anna Williams-Bonner has taken care of business—that is to say, she’s taken care of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, and laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. Now she is living the contented life of a literary widow, enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity, but for the second time in her life, a work of fiction intercedes, and this time it’s her own debut novel, The Afterword. After all, how hard can it really be to write a universally lauded bestseller?
But when Anna publishes her book and indulges in her own literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. Something has gone wrong, and someone out there knows far too much: about her late brother, her late husband, and just possibly... about Anna herself. What does this person want, and what are they prepared to do? She has come too far, and worked too hard, to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story—and she is, by any standard, a master storyteller.
Audible Audio
Expected publication October 1, 2024
About the author
Jean Hanff Korelitz
19 books2,489 followersAuthor of nine novels: THE SEQUEL (coming in October '24), THE LATECOMER (2022), THE PLOT (The Tonight Show's "Summer Reads" pick for 2021), THE UNDOING, originally published as YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN (adapted by David E. Kelley for HBO and starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant and Donald Sutherland), ADMISSION (adapted as the 2013 film of the same name, starring Tina Fey, Lily Tomlin and Paul Rudd), THE DEVIL AND WEBSTER, THE WHITE ROSE, THE SABBATHDAY RIVER and A JURY OF HER PEERS, as well as a middle-grade reader, INTERFERENCE POWDER, and a collection of poetry, THE PROPERTIES OF BREATH.
Watch for television adaptations of THE PLOT and THE LATECOMER!
I'm the founder of BOOKTHEWRITER, a New York City based service that offers "Pop-Up Book Groups" where readers can discuss books with their authors. (Online through Spring 2021) Please join our mailing list at www.bookthewriter.com to hear about our events.
If you've become aware of my work via THE UNDOING, you should know that my novel differs significantly from the adaptation -- and that's fine with me! Just know that the twists you might be expecting will likely not be there on the page. Other twists, yes, but you'll have to read the book to find them.
If you're trying to reach me, please know that I don't do any communicating through Goodreads, and that includes friend requests and following. (You may also infer that I've read more than the few books listed here, all of which are -- coincidence? -- written by me. I have another GOODREADS account, under another name, with which I keep track of my reading, but it's private.) I'm particularly inept on Facebook, as well, so trying to reach me that way will be spectacularly ineffective. If you want to get in touch, please use the contact form on my website, jeanhanffkorelitz.com
Thanks so much for your interest in my work!
Jean Hanff Korelitz
Watch for television adaptations of THE PLOT and THE LATECOMER!
I'm the founder of BOOKTHEWRITER, a New York City based service that offers "Pop-Up Book Groups" where readers can discuss books with their authors. (Online through Spring 2021) Please join our mailing list at www.bookthewriter.com to hear about our events.
If you've become aware of my work via THE UNDOING, you should know that my novel differs significantly from the adaptation -- and that's fine with me! Just know that the twists you might be expecting will likely not be there on the page. Other twists, yes, but you'll have to read the book to find them.
If you're trying to reach me, please know that I don't do any communicating through Goodreads, and that includes friend requests and following. (You may also infer that I've read more than the few books listed here, all of which are -- coincidence? -- written by me. I have another GOODREADS account, under another name, with which I keep track of my reading, but it's private.) I'm particularly inept on Facebook, as well, so trying to reach me that way will be spectacularly ineffective. If you want to get in touch, please use the contact form on my website, jeanhanffkorelitz.com
Thanks so much for your interest in my work!
Jean Hanff Korelitz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
September 14, 2024
I can honestly say, Jean Hanff Korelitz never ceases to amaze me with her brilliant mind and creative storytelling skills. I loved her preceding novel “The Plot,” and I enjoyed its sequel even more, even though the characters in the beginning admit that most sequels are not as successful as the first books. But this book exceeded my expectations.
I advise you to read “The Plot” first, which introduces us to Jacob Finch Bonner, a struggling author teaching writing at a community college. He stumbles upon a student's story plot, a brilliant idea that may open up the doors of literary success for him. When he finds out his student is dead, he decides to use this plot idea to write his own bestseller novel. As expected, this novel turns into a big success, but with a horrible cost—someone anonymous knows his big secret and is determined to make him pay. If you read the first book, you'll learn the big twist of how Jacob and his tormentor's cat-and-mouse game concludes.
Yes, Jacob is dead, his death ruled as suicide, and his poor widow Anna Williams-Bonner just inherited his wealth, house, and royalty checks from his bestseller, including the movie adaptation rights of “Crib.” But it might be a fair agreement according to her, considering the book’s main story was inspired by her real life.
Our villain/anti-heroine does something unexpected. Instead of grieving or spending her late husband's hard-earned plagiarism money, she decides to write her own novel. In her opinion, it wasn't even that hard! (I know all the authors reading this are booing the character, fictionally throwing tomatoes at her face.) The interesting part is she wrote the novel, and it turned into a huge success! Now she's playing the role of her late husband, attending a book tour, meeting fans, and signing their copies. But when she receives a suspicious post-it note about her late brother, she realizes someone has connected the skeletons in her closet to the dead people she left behind.
When she gets another manuscript eerily similar to her real-life story, she decides to return to Ripley College, the place where her dead brother's and her dead husband's paths crossed, to question people in their inner circle and catch her anonymous tormentor. Will she catch the person and destroy the evidence, or will she lose her cat-and-mouse game this time?
When a person has nine lives like Anna, she doesn't risk anything to destroy the perfect life she's built. So let the game begin!
Overall, it’s a smart, well-executed, meticulously written novel that wraps up some holes and unanswered questions from the first book in a realistic way! It’s an unconventional perspective on an anti-heroine and her riveting survival story. If you enjoyed the first book, you shouldn’t miss the sequel!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for sharing this marvelous book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I advise you to read “The Plot” first, which introduces us to Jacob Finch Bonner, a struggling author teaching writing at a community college. He stumbles upon a student's story plot, a brilliant idea that may open up the doors of literary success for him. When he finds out his student is dead, he decides to use this plot idea to write his own bestseller novel. As expected, this novel turns into a big success, but with a horrible cost—someone anonymous knows his big secret and is determined to make him pay. If you read the first book, you'll learn the big twist of how Jacob and his tormentor's cat-and-mouse game concludes.
Yes, Jacob is dead, his death ruled as suicide, and his poor widow Anna Williams-Bonner just inherited his wealth, house, and royalty checks from his bestseller, including the movie adaptation rights of “Crib.” But it might be a fair agreement according to her, considering the book’s main story was inspired by her real life.
Our villain/anti-heroine does something unexpected. Instead of grieving or spending her late husband's hard-earned plagiarism money, she decides to write her own novel. In her opinion, it wasn't even that hard! (I know all the authors reading this are booing the character, fictionally throwing tomatoes at her face.) The interesting part is she wrote the novel, and it turned into a huge success! Now she's playing the role of her late husband, attending a book tour, meeting fans, and signing their copies. But when she receives a suspicious post-it note about her late brother, she realizes someone has connected the skeletons in her closet to the dead people she left behind.
When she gets another manuscript eerily similar to her real-life story, she decides to return to Ripley College, the place where her dead brother's and her dead husband's paths crossed, to question people in their inner circle and catch her anonymous tormentor. Will she catch the person and destroy the evidence, or will she lose her cat-and-mouse game this time?
When a person has nine lives like Anna, she doesn't risk anything to destroy the perfect life she's built. So let the game begin!
Overall, it’s a smart, well-executed, meticulously written novel that wraps up some holes and unanswered questions from the first book in a realistic way! It’s an unconventional perspective on an anti-heroine and her riveting survival story. If you enjoyed the first book, you shouldn’t miss the sequel!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for sharing this marvelous book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
September 6, 2024
In this captivating sequel to The Plot, Anna Williams Bonner is enjoying the spotlight as a famous literary widow and now a best-selling author in her own right. Life couldn’t be better…until she gets a very unwelcome blast from the past. Turns out a certain pesky manuscript still exists, and someone is sending pages not just to her, but to her in-laws and editor. In order to keep her darkest secrets under wraps, she sets out to find out who’s stalking her and destroy the manuscript once and for all. And her mission quickly turns deadly.
While this sequel didn’t blow my mind the way the first book did, it was absolutely a great time. The twists were seemingly endless, and being inside Anna’s vaguely sociopathic mind was a lot of fun. What I didn’t expect was the way this book humanized Anna. By shedding light on previously unrevealed parts of her past, this book makes a very villainous character feel, if not relatable, at least somewhat sympathetic.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who read and enjoyed The Plot. It keeps the story of the first book going in a very fun and fresh way.
While this sequel didn’t blow my mind the way the first book did, it was absolutely a great time. The twists were seemingly endless, and being inside Anna’s vaguely sociopathic mind was a lot of fun. What I didn’t expect was the way this book humanized Anna. By shedding light on previously unrevealed parts of her past, this book makes a very villainous character feel, if not relatable, at least somewhat sympathetic.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who read and enjoyed The Plot. It keeps the story of the first book going in a very fun and fresh way.
August 11, 2024
(4.5 stars)
Well, that was twisty! The Sequel could be read as a standalone, but If you haven’t read The Plot already, I’d advise you to do so, for maximum enjoyment of this book.
I don’t want to give much away so I won’t go into details about the plot of this excellent book. There’s a lot to love about it for book lovers, a sort of “inside baseball” look at publishing today, including book tours, book signings and more. In the future, I’ll make sure not to behave like some of the people at book signings do in this story!
The main character(s) in The Sequel are rather unlikeable, and yet somehow, I wound up rooting for Anna somewhat. It felt odd to do so since she was a pretty terrible person.
I loved how each chapter is the title of a well-known sequel, such as: The Testaments, sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, or Bring Up The Bodies, sequel to Wolf Hall. That was a fun touch.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. I wound up mostly listening, because Julia Whelan is such a fabulous narrator.
Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Well, that was twisty! The Sequel could be read as a standalone, but If you haven’t read The Plot already, I’d advise you to do so, for maximum enjoyment of this book.
I don’t want to give much away so I won’t go into details about the plot of this excellent book. There’s a lot to love about it for book lovers, a sort of “inside baseball” look at publishing today, including book tours, book signings and more. In the future, I’ll make sure not to behave like some of the people at book signings do in this story!
The main character(s) in The Sequel are rather unlikeable, and yet somehow, I wound up rooting for Anna somewhat. It felt odd to do so since she was a pretty terrible person.
I loved how each chapter is the title of a well-known sequel, such as: The Testaments, sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, or Bring Up The Bodies, sequel to Wolf Hall. That was a fun touch.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. I wound up mostly listening, because Julia Whelan is such a fabulous narrator.
Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2024
Anna frowned. “You mean, like … a sequel? Is that really a good idea?”
“Sequels can be very enticing when the initial book has done well. Readers want to know what happens to a character they’ve connected with.”
“But they’re never as good as the first book, are they?”
Matilda seemed to give this real consideration. “I’m sure some are. Or at least … as good.”
…
She could not and would not do what her late husband had done when faced with a similar threat, namely shove her head into the sand and hope that it would all, somehow, cease to exist. It would not cease to exist. This person or persons, whoever they were, meant business, and it was Anna’s burden, now, to discover the nature of that business and shut it down: decisively, permanently, and, if necessary, with the kind of extreme prejudice she had become pretty well known for, if only to herself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for sending me an ARC of The Sequel in exchange for an honest review.
The Sequel is the sequel to The Plot, so if you haven’t read that book, STOP reading this review or you’re going to get spoiled on that book.
Last chance …. 😄
The Sequel is told from Anna’s perspective, Jake being unavailable and all. The story pretty much picks up where The Plot left off. Anna decides to write a novel based on her experiences as the widow of a novelist who committed suicide after facing anonymous online attacks. Her novel is a critical and commercial success. But on her book tour, just like her husband Jake, Anna begins receiving messages referring to Evan Parker, and implying that Jake did not write his bestselling novel. Then she begins receiving pages from Evan’s draft novel, a novel that Anna thought she had wiped from the earth. So Anna begins a journey much like her late husband’s, sifting through his past to try to find who is sending out these pages, all the while trying to decide if this person knows Jake’s secrets, or hers ….
I loved The Plot—loved the characters, the twist, and the ending—but when I’d finished reading it, I did not expect a sequel. So I went into The Sequel uncertain what to expect and whether it would feel necessary and organic. I did not expect what I got here, but that’s not a bad thing at all. At the end of The Plot, Anna seemed like a perfect antihero, the monster hiding in plain sight, literally getting away with murder(s). In The Sequel, Anna is made human again, still a sociopath, but a vulnerable one. She’s uncertain. She makes mistakes. The story here takes everyone back through the events of The Plot, but we see them from Anna’s perspective, learn more of her backstory and what truly happened, and see how the choices she made then are impacting her now.
The Sequel deliberately leans into its status as a sequel. Every chapter title is the name of a literary sequel. But the story is an uncommon version of a sequel, going back through the events of The Plot, deconstructing them, and building a new suspense story on the bones of the original. And it was a very interesting choice by Ms. Korelitz to pull back the curtain on Anna, to strip her of her seeming invincibility and see if she can once again escape the consequences of her actions. Recommended for everyone who read The Plot, and I especially recommend the audiobook performed by Julia Whalen, who is simply the best audiobook performer working today.
September 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️s rounded up
100% you should read “The Plot” before reading “The Sequel.” If you’re even considering reading “The Plot,” STOP reading my review. DON’T read the blurb or book jacket. TRUST ME, you don’t want to know what this book is about until AFTER you’ve read “The Plot.”
What you need to know if you read “The Plot” but forgot stuff:
Anna’s late-husband, Jake, stole the idea for his bestselling novel from his former student, Evan, who never published his book because his sister Dianna/Anna killed him and made it look like a suicide. She killed him because Evan’s plot wasn’t fiction, it was based on Anna’s life, and she didn’t want it to come out that she had killed her daughter, Rose, and then assumed Rose’s identity as a college student. And Anna was the one who anonymously threatened to dox Jake over his plagiarized plot and then staged his murder as suicide. Got all that?
Onto “The Sequel”…
Just when Anna thinks she’s gotten away with multiple murders, she receives her own anonymous threat to unearth the skeletons of her past. She’d destroyed Evan’s original manuscript, didn’t she? So how is it coming back to haunt her?
If you thought “The Plot” was a tangled tale of twisty threads… “The Sequel” is a set of Russian nesting dolls made of Silly String. To disentangle and separate the individual strands of this “3-stories-in-one” novel, set your thinking cap to maximum power. Or, just look at my spoiler-free cheat sheet.
Anna’s Identity Guide:
• Anna = Jake’s widow/main character
• Dianna = Anna’s real name/Evan’s sister
• Samantha = Her character’s name in Jake’s novel
• Diandra = Her character’s name in Evan’s manuscript
Rose’s Identity Guide:
• Rose = Anna/Dianna’s daughter
• Maria = Her character in Jake’s novel
• Ruby = Her character in Evan’s manuscript
Anna, Jake’s novel, and Evan’s manuscript each tell a different version of events… I feel almost like I had to set up a Venn Diagram to get to the truth.
Julia Whelan delivers another stellar narration. She could read me the list of ingredients in Pop Tarts and I’d likely be riveted.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
100% you should read “The Plot” before reading “The Sequel.” If you’re even considering reading “The Plot,” STOP reading my review. DON’T read the blurb or book jacket. TRUST ME, you don’t want to know what this book is about until AFTER you’ve read “The Plot.”
What you need to know if you read “The Plot” but forgot stuff:
Anna’s late-husband, Jake, stole the idea for his bestselling novel from his former student, Evan, who never published his book because his sister Dianna/Anna killed him and made it look like a suicide. She killed him because Evan’s plot wasn’t fiction, it was based on Anna’s life, and she didn’t want it to come out that she had killed her daughter, Rose, and then assumed Rose’s identity as a college student. And Anna was the one who anonymously threatened to dox Jake over his plagiarized plot and then staged his murder as suicide. Got all that?
Onto “The Sequel”…
Just when Anna thinks she’s gotten away with multiple murders, she receives her own anonymous threat to unearth the skeletons of her past. She’d destroyed Evan’s original manuscript, didn’t she? So how is it coming back to haunt her?
If you thought “The Plot” was a tangled tale of twisty threads… “The Sequel” is a set of Russian nesting dolls made of Silly String. To disentangle and separate the individual strands of this “3-stories-in-one” novel, set your thinking cap to maximum power. Or, just look at my spoiler-free cheat sheet.
Anna’s Identity Guide:
• Anna = Jake’s widow/main character
• Dianna = Anna’s real name/Evan’s sister
• Samantha = Her character’s name in Jake’s novel
• Diandra = Her character’s name in Evan’s manuscript
Rose’s Identity Guide:
• Rose = Anna/Dianna’s daughter
• Maria = Her character in Jake’s novel
• Ruby = Her character in Evan’s manuscript
Anna, Jake’s novel, and Evan’s manuscript each tell a different version of events… I feel almost like I had to set up a Venn Diagram to get to the truth.
Julia Whelan delivers another stellar narration. She could read me the list of ingredients in Pop Tarts and I’d likely be riveted.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 10, 2024
ARC for review. To be published October 1, 2024.
In this sequel to THE PLOT, in the previous book professor Jacob Finch Bonner was accused of plagiarizing his hit book. He has died and his widow, Anna Williams-Bonner is on a publicity tour for his final book.
Then she tries her hand at writing and publishing (and, because of Jacob’s renown, sidesteps any difficulties with getting an agent or publisher) and she is thrilled to receive acclaim for her own book. Then she begins to receive portions of a novel which shouldn’t exist that show that someone has knowledge about her late brother, her husband and likely her.
“First of all, it wasn’t even that hard,” a great first line that is a lovely slap at her late husband and at writers in general…and so reflective of the character that is Anna Williams-Bonner, a woman with interesting motivations. This is a fun read, with lots of good name dropping, and I loved the chapter names. I always enjoy this author when I read her and this is no exception….definitely a worthy sequel. Recommended.
In this sequel to THE PLOT, in the previous book professor Jacob Finch Bonner was accused of plagiarizing his hit book. He has died and his widow, Anna Williams-Bonner is on a publicity tour for his final book.
Then she tries her hand at writing and publishing (and, because of Jacob’s renown, sidesteps any difficulties with getting an agent or publisher) and she is thrilled to receive acclaim for her own book. Then she begins to receive portions of a novel which shouldn’t exist that show that someone has knowledge about her late brother, her husband and likely her.
“First of all, it wasn’t even that hard,” a great first line that is a lovely slap at her late husband and at writers in general…and so reflective of the character that is Anna Williams-Bonner, a woman with interesting motivations. This is a fun read, with lots of good name dropping, and I loved the chapter names. I always enjoy this author when I read her and this is no exception….definitely a worthy sequel. Recommended.
June 2, 2024
Two observations right up front: I will happily read any book this talented author writes (so far, I've read three others). And although this book technically is the (ahem!) sequel to her book, The Plot, it stands on its own quite well - although I highly recommend reading that one just because it's so doggone good.
As this one begins, Jacob Finch Bonner, the primary subject of the previous book, is dead and gone - leaving behind his wife Anna Williams-Bonner. His novel - the one he stole from one of his college students, is hugely successful. Accusations of plagairism that cropped up earlier are a thing of the past, and Anna is looking at a good life thanks to his royalty checks. When she was casually asked what she'll do next, though, she joked about plans to write a novel of her own titled The Afterword.
Encouraged by her editor - and her own belief, after watching her husband's efforts, that she's more than up to the task - that joke turns into reality. After very little effort, she's got a best-seller of her own - and a whole lot of new problems. They come in the form of an excerpt from a not-so-different novel - one that doesn't exist, as far as she's concerned. But apparently, she's wrong; and with the pages come threats of exposure of not only her husband's past transgressions, but (gasp!) of her own.
What to do, what to do? Start following a trail that will lead to the someone who knows too much and seems intent on bringing her down - what else? The rest of the story follows Anna as she sets out on a path - one with plenty of twists, turns and surprises - to right what she considers to be an egregious wrong and get back to the life she believes she deserves. All told, it's a delicious tale and a book I found hard to put down (put another way, wowser!). I heartily thank the publisher for making a pre-release copy available to me to read and review.
As this one begins, Jacob Finch Bonner, the primary subject of the previous book, is dead and gone - leaving behind his wife Anna Williams-Bonner. His novel - the one he stole from one of his college students, is hugely successful. Accusations of plagairism that cropped up earlier are a thing of the past, and Anna is looking at a good life thanks to his royalty checks. When she was casually asked what she'll do next, though, she joked about plans to write a novel of her own titled The Afterword.
Encouraged by her editor - and her own belief, after watching her husband's efforts, that she's more than up to the task - that joke turns into reality. After very little effort, she's got a best-seller of her own - and a whole lot of new problems. They come in the form of an excerpt from a not-so-different novel - one that doesn't exist, as far as she's concerned. But apparently, she's wrong; and with the pages come threats of exposure of not only her husband's past transgressions, but (gasp!) of her own.
What to do, what to do? Start following a trail that will lead to the someone who knows too much and seems intent on bringing her down - what else? The rest of the story follows Anna as she sets out on a path - one with plenty of twists, turns and surprises - to right what she considers to be an egregious wrong and get back to the life she believes she deserves. All told, it's a delicious tale and a book I found hard to put down (put another way, wowser!). I heartily thank the publisher for making a pre-release copy available to me to read and review.
September 24, 2024
I love the narrator just like everyone else.
The organization of this book is cool, especially the chapter titles. Definitely makes books about books extra special. The start of the book has some humor about writers which was funny to me.
This story introduced a new main character, Anna. Interesting to know Anna. She's a survivor. Sometimes she was caught in bad situations, but she able to survive it.
It's good to read the previous book to understand the mystery unraveling in this book.
I enjoyed the story within the story. The story of Anna, I enjoyed part 3 more than other parts. Anna has a mystery unraveling of her own and it connects to the previous book. It caught up with her in this book because she became an author. After her book was published, she began traveling to promote her book and some people recognized her.. snippets of her past showed up to catch her attention and she began to investigate. As she investigated, she felt horror and ready to do just about anything to protect herself and her past.
This duology is definitely interesting and the organization of the stories are unique.
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Celadonbooks for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
The organization of this book is cool, especially the chapter titles. Definitely makes books about books extra special. The start of the book has some humor about writers which was funny to me.
This story introduced a new main character, Anna. Interesting to know Anna. She's a survivor. Sometimes she was caught in bad situations, but she able to survive it.
It's good to read the previous book to understand the mystery unraveling in this book.
I enjoyed the story within the story. The story of Anna, I enjoyed part 3 more than other parts. Anna has a mystery unraveling of her own and it connects to the previous book. It caught up with her in this book because she became an author. After her book was published, she began traveling to promote her book and some people recognized her.. snippets of her past showed up to catch her attention and she began to investigate. As she investigated, she felt horror and ready to do just about anything to protect herself and her past.
This duology is definitely interesting and the organization of the stories are unique.
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Celadonbooks for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
September 10, 2024
I loved The Plot and definitely recommend reading that before this sequel. It's been over two years since finishing that, so some details were a little hazy. This is told from Anna's perspective, unlike the first book being told by Jake. Other reviews have said this filled in some plot holes left from The Plot, but since I didn't exactly remember those holes, this felt more like a rehash of the same story to me. Although captivating, it felt lacking, and thus the 4 stars.
I am grateful I had a NetGalley audiobook to listen to. Read by Julia Whelan, it added much to my enjoyment.
I am grateful I had a NetGalley audiobook to listen to. Read by Julia Whelan, it added much to my enjoyment.
August 30, 2024
Wow! This was twisted in all the best ways. I was mesmerized by The Plot and couldn't wait to read The Sequel. With that being said, this could still be read as a standalone, but reading The Plot first might help you enjoy this book even more. It's clever, layered, original, and unpredictable. At times it felt weird rooting for Anna due to her shall we say questionable moral compass, but I cheered her on just the same. I loved being immersed in the world of a writer, especially one as complex as Anna Williams Bonner. The chapter titles, being notable sequels were smart and creative. The narrator Julia Whelan masterfully brought the characters to life while adding depth and intensity to the unsettling and intriguing tale. Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audiobook.
August 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Sequel by @jeanhanff @celadonbooks is an un-put-down-able psychological thriller, keeps you guessing from start to finish, anti-heroine triumph for any woman who has ever had a man profit off of your ideas. For fans of Gone Girl and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
This is the Sequel to The Plot, a @fallonbookclub selection that nearly all of my bookish friends read. A bit polarizing, I myself rated it three stars (I liked it, recommend) for a slow build up. Many loved it, others did not. I am going to write this review spoiling NEITHER The Plot NOR The Sequel. The one thing that bothered me about The Plot was; if someone tells you an idea for a book and then DIES….And then you take that four sentence idea, spend a year writing and editing a book of your own prose, how on earth is that plagiarism?? The person that writes the book is the author. Not the person with the idea. That whole concept of cat-mouse reeked of cancel culture to me, and I couldn’t get over that bothered me in the original book. I will say it again. The person that writes the book is the author.
The Sequel is Anna’s story. It is immensely satisfying, very suspenseful, an anti-heroine I cannot believe I was rooting for by the end. I want to re-read The Plot now that I know the rest of the story. Chapter titles are all names of sequels - of varying levels of success. Far exceeded my expectations.
Audiobook version from @macmillan.audio I listened in one sitting- @justjuliawhelan my QUEEN you are the Simone Biles of audiobook narrators. The change in voice acting between Anna’s inner dialogue vs the voice “mask” she wears as grieving widow/humble first time author. The SUBTLETY. Unbelievable. Pay her double.
The Sequel is worth reading, even if you didn’t love The Plot. It might just make you change your mind about it.
Thanks to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published October 1, 2024
#bookstagram #bookworm #bookreview #thesequel
This is the Sequel to The Plot, a @fallonbookclub selection that nearly all of my bookish friends read. A bit polarizing, I myself rated it three stars (I liked it, recommend) for a slow build up. Many loved it, others did not. I am going to write this review spoiling NEITHER The Plot NOR The Sequel. The one thing that bothered me about The Plot was; if someone tells you an idea for a book and then DIES….And then you take that four sentence idea, spend a year writing and editing a book of your own prose, how on earth is that plagiarism?? The person that writes the book is the author. Not the person with the idea. That whole concept of cat-mouse reeked of cancel culture to me, and I couldn’t get over that bothered me in the original book. I will say it again. The person that writes the book is the author.
The Sequel is Anna’s story. It is immensely satisfying, very suspenseful, an anti-heroine I cannot believe I was rooting for by the end. I want to re-read The Plot now that I know the rest of the story. Chapter titles are all names of sequels - of varying levels of success. Far exceeded my expectations.
Audiobook version from @macmillan.audio I listened in one sitting- @justjuliawhelan my QUEEN you are the Simone Biles of audiobook narrators. The change in voice acting between Anna’s inner dialogue vs the voice “mask” she wears as grieving widow/humble first time author. The SUBTLETY. Unbelievable. Pay her double.
The Sequel is worth reading, even if you didn’t love The Plot. It might just make you change your mind about it.
Thanks to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published October 1, 2024
#bookstagram #bookworm #bookreview #thesequel
June 23, 2024
If you haven't read The Plot yet, I suggest starting with it. It will surely enhance your enjoyment of this terrific sequel. In her 2021 novel, Jean Hanff Korelitz tells the tale of Jacob Finch Bonner, a writer who plagiarizes a thriller's plot from a deceased student and claims it as his own, turning it into a best-seller. However, Jacob's success is threatened when rumors of his plagiarism emerge. In The Sequel, Jacob's widow Anna Williams-Bonner carries on his legacy and manages his estate, even hinting at writing her own book. Her own novel, The Afterword, quickly becomes a hit. But when Anna begins receiving mysterious excerpts from a manuscript, it becomes apparent that the sender is privy to her true past and hidden secrets.
Kudos to Korelitz for writing such a worthwhile follow-up. After enjoying the first book, I was very excited to find out what was coming next for Anna, a compelling antihero. The Sequel offers a welcome female perspective with some excellent twists. Part thriller, part satire, this book is another winner.
Many thanks to Celadon for the opportunity to read this eagerly awaited book before its release.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
Kudos to Korelitz for writing such a worthwhile follow-up. After enjoying the first book, I was very excited to find out what was coming next for Anna, a compelling antihero. The Sequel offers a welcome female perspective with some excellent twists. Part thriller, part satire, this book is another winner.
Many thanks to Celadon for the opportunity to read this eagerly awaited book before its release.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
August 25, 2024
Extending the world of The Plot in an intriguing way, The Sequel focuses on a flawed yet interesting characters. It's a clever, skillfully written, thoroughly detailed book that realistically resolves some gaps and leaves some things unsolved from the first book! It's remarkable that seemingly trivial events and persons from The Plot have significance in The Sequel.
This character is convincing and realistically brought to life by the author. Despite being a complex and dark character, Anna manages to come across as less cruel than she actually is.
To be honest, this author is brilliantly blending the original story into the complex structure that she has amazingly built. I was unable to put this book down. I was captivated by the story's mystery and held on until the stunning conclusion, which was chock-full of unexpected turns that paid off.
This book was also very well written. There is a lot of dark comedy regarding writers, the publishing industry, and sequels. I adored every reference and puns to the sequel book. There were times when I actually started laughing aloud.
I sincerely hope the author keeps this series going because I believe the finale may allow room for a third book!
This character is convincing and realistically brought to life by the author. Despite being a complex and dark character, Anna manages to come across as less cruel than she actually is.
To be honest, this author is brilliantly blending the original story into the complex structure that she has amazingly built. I was unable to put this book down. I was captivated by the story's mystery and held on until the stunning conclusion, which was chock-full of unexpected turns that paid off.
This book was also very well written. There is a lot of dark comedy regarding writers, the publishing industry, and sequels. I adored every reference and puns to the sequel book. There were times when I actually started laughing aloud.
I sincerely hope the author keeps this series going because I believe the finale may allow room for a third book!
May 28, 2024
The title, “The Sequel” doesn’t give anything away. It’s simply tells a reader it’s a book that follows “The Plot.” And yet, the reader has to wonder what’s going on. It can’t be that simple.
Those that have read Jean Hanff Korelitz’s books, know there’s so much that revolves around her stories with a lot of depth in her characters. They make you sink into someone else’s footprints with details of their movements where it’s complex, messy and gripping at times.
In “The Plot,” Jacob Finch Bonner was a best-selling author. Now, we learn that he tragically died just before getting his next book released. His grieving widow, Anna Williams Bonner, was heartbroken and said he was struggling from someone accusing him of plagiarism. Sadly, Jake ended his life.
Could Anna also become an author? It didn’t take her long to develop a story. Jake’s agent and publisher were thrilled and agreed her book would be a great success and it was. I found it to be an interesting part when Anna went through the steps working with an agent, sending rewrites to an editor, and then showing up at book tours. Anna was fortunate to get a profile in The New York Times which increased book sales.
Here was a woman that you wanted to like. She was super talented as a best-selling author when so many others were struggling. And yet, at the same time, there was a dark, creepy side of her that kept showing up. I kept picturing Anna in a movie with the mysterious actress, Anya Taylor-Joy.
I found some of the comments fascinating such as if you want to write, then it’s best to read Stephen King’s book, “On Writing.” And even though people say to write what you know, it’s better to create an original story that hasn’t been done before. Is this It? I’d say…yes. The author has a way with words that is worth reading.
My thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of October 1, 2024.
Those that have read Jean Hanff Korelitz’s books, know there’s so much that revolves around her stories with a lot of depth in her characters. They make you sink into someone else’s footprints with details of their movements where it’s complex, messy and gripping at times.
In “The Plot,” Jacob Finch Bonner was a best-selling author. Now, we learn that he tragically died just before getting his next book released. His grieving widow, Anna Williams Bonner, was heartbroken and said he was struggling from someone accusing him of plagiarism. Sadly, Jake ended his life.
Could Anna also become an author? It didn’t take her long to develop a story. Jake’s agent and publisher were thrilled and agreed her book would be a great success and it was. I found it to be an interesting part when Anna went through the steps working with an agent, sending rewrites to an editor, and then showing up at book tours. Anna was fortunate to get a profile in The New York Times which increased book sales.
Here was a woman that you wanted to like. She was super talented as a best-selling author when so many others were struggling. And yet, at the same time, there was a dark, creepy side of her that kept showing up. I kept picturing Anna in a movie with the mysterious actress, Anya Taylor-Joy.
I found some of the comments fascinating such as if you want to write, then it’s best to read Stephen King’s book, “On Writing.” And even though people say to write what you know, it’s better to create an original story that hasn’t been done before. Is this It? I’d say…yes. The author has a way with words that is worth reading.
My thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of October 1, 2024.
September 27, 2024
If you haven’t read The Plot yet, STOP READING NOW! While I’ve done my best to avoid any spoilers, there will inevitably be a few substantial hints that would ruin the first book in this series.
A masterful follow-up to The Plot, The Sequel happily took me back into the twisty world of Ms. Korelitz’s mind. This time, however, the main character was even more compelling, addictive, and utterly all-consuming. Picking up pretty much right after the conclusion of book one, I was over the moon to finally get Anna’s much wanted perspective. After all, the epitome of an anti-heroine, her viewpoint was the one piece of the puzzle that I had missed the last time around.
Let me back up just a bit, though. I mean, this story had all of the winning attributes that I look for in a book. And the fact that it was yet another work of metafiction with book within a book additions? It just couldn’t have been better. Granted, it was somewhat of a long, slow burn until the last one hundred thrilling pages. A brilliantly combined mix of drama and suspense, the slow buildup nevertheless led to high stakes and a tense game of cat-and-mouse that won me over hook, line, and sinker by the perfectly plotted conclusion.
As much as I loved this second book in the series, though, I do have to say that it didn’t quite blow me away as much as The Plot. That’s not to say that there weren’t plenty of twists that had my jaw on the floor here as well, because there unquestionably were. What was done better, however, was Anna. One truly villainous protagonist, her fully fleshed out persona and deep background pulled me in deep. All told, I rallied behind her—despite (or because of) some truly despicable deeds.
All in all, I was duly impressed. Original and yet oddly realistic, I never would have guessed where this one was heading. From the adrenaline-fueled climax to the well-written satire, my only hope is that there’s still room for a third book in the series. Perhaps The Epilogue would be fitting? After all, I would revel in another finely layered plot with more deftly obscured clues and morally gray characters. All I know is that this is not one to be missed. Just don’t go into it before first reading The Plot. In my estimation, that would be one doozy of a mistake. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Anna Williams-Bonner has taken care of business. That is to say, she’s taken care of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, and laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. Now she is living the contented life of a literary widow, enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity, but for the second time in her life, a work of fiction intercedes, and this time it’s her own debut novel, The Afterword. After all, how hard can it really be to write a universally lauded bestseller?
But when Anna publishes her book and indulges in her own literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. That it does means something has gone very wrong, and someone out there knows far too much: about her late brother, her late husband, and just possibly... Anna, herself. What does this person want and what are they prepared to do? She has come too far, and worked too hard, to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story. And she is, by any standard, a master storyteller.
Thank you to Jean Hanff Korelitz and Celadon Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: drugging, kidnapping, blackmail, gun violence, mention of: suicide
A masterful follow-up to The Plot, The Sequel happily took me back into the twisty world of Ms. Korelitz’s mind. This time, however, the main character was even more compelling, addictive, and utterly all-consuming. Picking up pretty much right after the conclusion of book one, I was over the moon to finally get Anna’s much wanted perspective. After all, the epitome of an anti-heroine, her viewpoint was the one piece of the puzzle that I had missed the last time around.
Let me back up just a bit, though. I mean, this story had all of the winning attributes that I look for in a book. And the fact that it was yet another work of metafiction with book within a book additions? It just couldn’t have been better. Granted, it was somewhat of a long, slow burn until the last one hundred thrilling pages. A brilliantly combined mix of drama and suspense, the slow buildup nevertheless led to high stakes and a tense game of cat-and-mouse that won me over hook, line, and sinker by the perfectly plotted conclusion.
As much as I loved this second book in the series, though, I do have to say that it didn’t quite blow me away as much as The Plot. That’s not to say that there weren’t plenty of twists that had my jaw on the floor here as well, because there unquestionably were. What was done better, however, was Anna. One truly villainous protagonist, her fully fleshed out persona and deep background pulled me in deep. All told, I rallied behind her—despite (or because of) some truly despicable deeds.
All in all, I was duly impressed. Original and yet oddly realistic, I never would have guessed where this one was heading. From the adrenaline-fueled climax to the well-written satire, my only hope is that there’s still room for a third book in the series. Perhaps The Epilogue would be fitting? After all, I would revel in another finely layered plot with more deftly obscured clues and morally gray characters. All I know is that this is not one to be missed. Just don’t go into it before first reading The Plot. In my estimation, that would be one doozy of a mistake. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Anna Williams-Bonner has taken care of business. That is to say, she’s taken care of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, and laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. Now she is living the contented life of a literary widow, enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity, but for the second time in her life, a work of fiction intercedes, and this time it’s her own debut novel, The Afterword. After all, how hard can it really be to write a universally lauded bestseller?
But when Anna publishes her book and indulges in her own literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. That it does means something has gone very wrong, and someone out there knows far too much: about her late brother, her late husband, and just possibly... Anna, herself. What does this person want and what are they prepared to do? She has come too far, and worked too hard, to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story. And she is, by any standard, a master storyteller.
Thank you to Jean Hanff Korelitz and Celadon Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: drugging, kidnapping, blackmail, gun violence, mention of: suicide
September 12, 2024
I read The Plot a few years ago and loved it, so I was beyond excited when I heard that we were getting The Sequel! I thought it was really good... while it did drag a bit in the middle, it was really fun being back in this story and Anna's head again. 4.25 stars
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June 1, 2024“Sequels can be very enticing when the initial book is done well. Readers want to know what happens to a character they’ve connected with.”
“But they’re never as good as the first book, are they?”
Jean Hanff Korelitz has two of her characters recite these lines toward the beginning of The Sequel. My hat went off to her for this audacious move.
And perhaps an ill-advised one. I loved The Plot and its twisty story of a bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner. Jake is hiding a secret: he’s stolen a “story too good to steal” from one of his students enrolled in the third-rate MFA program he’s teaching. The student fortuitously dies, and Jake hands off his manuscript as his own. But someone knows what he did…and that person is hellbent to expose him.
Readers know what happens to Jake in the end. When this sequel opens, he is dead, and his “grieving widow,” Anna Williams-Bonner, has written her own bestselling novel, Afterword. Then, lo and behold, the same anonymous messages are sent to her!
I had two issues with The Sequel. First (especially after just publishing my own first novel), I know what a challenging process it is. In The Plot, Anna never appeared to be the kind of character who would become an instant best-selling literary author. In fact, she would have ample reason NOT to write a book.
But more problematically, it seemed as if Jean Hanff Korelitz has rewritten her earlier book, except with a different character in the lead. It didn’t quite feel authentic. I would have preferred reading a sequel where Anna didn’t go back to the well and wasn’t confronted with the same conundrum her husband dealt with.
I will not rate this book, which was sent to me by @CeladonBooks in exchange for an honest review. Although it did not resonate with me, I believe that this author is a fine writer and it will likely resonate with others who enjoyed The Plot. I’m just one reviewer with my own likes and dislikes, so give it a try and see for yourself.
“But they’re never as good as the first book, are they?”
Jean Hanff Korelitz has two of her characters recite these lines toward the beginning of The Sequel. My hat went off to her for this audacious move.
And perhaps an ill-advised one. I loved The Plot and its twisty story of a bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner. Jake is hiding a secret: he’s stolen a “story too good to steal” from one of his students enrolled in the third-rate MFA program he’s teaching. The student fortuitously dies, and Jake hands off his manuscript as his own. But someone knows what he did…and that person is hellbent to expose him.
Readers know what happens to Jake in the end. When this sequel opens, he is dead, and his “grieving widow,” Anna Williams-Bonner, has written her own bestselling novel, Afterword. Then, lo and behold, the same anonymous messages are sent to her!
I had two issues with The Sequel. First (especially after just publishing my own first novel), I know what a challenging process it is. In The Plot, Anna never appeared to be the kind of character who would become an instant best-selling literary author. In fact, she would have ample reason NOT to write a book.
But more problematically, it seemed as if Jean Hanff Korelitz has rewritten her earlier book, except with a different character in the lead. It didn’t quite feel authentic. I would have preferred reading a sequel where Anna didn’t go back to the well and wasn’t confronted with the same conundrum her husband dealt with.
I will not rate this book, which was sent to me by @CeladonBooks in exchange for an honest review. Although it did not resonate with me, I believe that this author is a fine writer and it will likely resonate with others who enjoyed The Plot. I’m just one reviewer with my own likes and dislikes, so give it a try and see for yourself.
July 7, 2024
This series has got to be a passion project! The thoughtful storyline and twisted plot lines are just perfectly placed. There is a true love of literature, the world of book culture, the relationships between writer and reader, the love of all book festivals and author conversations in book stores and so much more that are woven into every word on the page. When you notice the purposeful chapter titles it just goes to show all of the creative ways an author can embrace the writing of a novel almost as a love letter to all readers and book lovers. I could talk about all that’s woven into these pages for days and I haven’t even gotten to the story itself. While this is a second book in a story line, I think a reader could get away with reading it as a stand alone but the reader would be missing out on the first brilliantly written story that ties into the characters and storyline so well. You definitely want to add this to your TBR as a book that will keep you flipping pages deep into the early morning hours. A very beautifully written psychological thriller that will keep you appreciating the written word and books themselves.
August 12, 2024
4.5 stars
I LOVED The Plot (#1). It is a rare book that I’ve read twice, even rarer that I read it twice in the same year. I wish I had reread it right before starting this. (I do think I’d have liked it even more if #1 had been more fresh in my mind.) I’m undecided on if it’s a stand alone.
This was great and I couldn’t put it down. It helps that Julia Whelan is the narrator too. Anna is the star/focus this time and I felt more sympathetic towards her.
As with nearly all sequel books, I am not sure we needed a sequel or more time with these characters. HOWEVER unlike like nearly every other sequel, this book doesn’t suck! Highly recommend to fans of the first. It’s not as twisty and mind blowing but it’s a great read you won’t want to end. It also makes the first book even better (real magic). Damn this author can write!
The final chapter with the chapter titles and book titles was a superb touch. I thought as I was reading this that many of the chapter titles sounded very similar to books I’ve read 🤪.
No summary to avoid spoilers with book #1
Thanks netgalley for my ALC!!!
I LOVED The Plot (#1). It is a rare book that I’ve read twice, even rarer that I read it twice in the same year. I wish I had reread it right before starting this. (I do think I’d have liked it even more if #1 had been more fresh in my mind.) I’m undecided on if it’s a stand alone.
This was great and I couldn’t put it down. It helps that Julia Whelan is the narrator too. Anna is the star/focus this time and I felt more sympathetic towards her.
As with nearly all sequel books, I am not sure we needed a sequel or more time with these characters. HOWEVER unlike like nearly every other sequel, this book doesn’t suck! Highly recommend to fans of the first. It’s not as twisty and mind blowing but it’s a great read you won’t want to end. It also makes the first book even better (real magic). Damn this author can write!
The final chapter with the chapter titles and book titles was a superb touch. I thought as I was reading this that many of the chapter titles sounded very similar to books I’ve read 🤪.
No summary to avoid spoilers with book #1
Thanks netgalley for my ALC!!!
September 11, 2024
4.5⭐️
Listen to this and it was narrated by my favorite, Julia Whelan. No one compares to her and she was amazing. I thought this one was even better than the first book and that’s saying a lot for me. It had all the build of a crazy good murder suspense and The MFC was definitely a skilled sociopath. The writing was good in a way that I was second guessing all of the events. Replaying things in my mind trying to see it again as I thought about the event. And then there was the giant twists at the end. Yes! There were more than one.
I highly recommend listening to this and you’re welcome.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.
Listen to this and it was narrated by my favorite, Julia Whelan. No one compares to her and she was amazing. I thought this one was even better than the first book and that’s saying a lot for me. It had all the build of a crazy good murder suspense and The MFC was definitely a skilled sociopath. The writing was good in a way that I was second guessing all of the events. Replaying things in my mind trying to see it again as I thought about the event. And then there was the giant twists at the end. Yes! There were more than one.
I highly recommend listening to this and you’re welcome.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.
September 3, 2024
Thank you @macmillan.audio & @netgalley for the ARC. I absolutely loved this book. I also loved the authors previous novel The Plot. I did revisit the last four chapters of the plot before starting this, but they do review relevant items here. Anna Williams Bonner is living large as Jacob’s widow and writing her own novel, The Afterword. Once published, her past is once again coming back to haunt her. Anna thought she took care of everything and everyone before, but somehow there is still a copy of the manuscript her husband was accused of plagiarizing. The novel mirrors Anna’s real life. She must find out who holds the manuscript and destroy it once and for all. Available October 1st, grab a copy and enjoy the ride!
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#bestestbookclubever
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September 8, 2024
The Sequel is the follow-up to Korelitz's 2021 novel The Plot. It was so fun revisiting this world from the perspective of Anna, and I liked how characters from the first book tied into this book. Readers should definitely read The Plot before reading this one for maximum enjoyment. The observations about the publishing industry and aspiring writers were thought-provoking and, at times, tongue-in-cheek. I highly recommend both books for fans of literary suspense.
Thank you to Goodreads for providing the advance reading copy.
Thank you to Goodreads for providing the advance reading copy.
June 19, 2024
I can't think of a single one of my book-loving friends who was not blown away by "The Plot" (the precursor to "The Sequel") by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Personally, I've read every novel written by this talented author whose plot twists and diabolical narrative turns are reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith's (a favorite-ever THRILLER author). I started my Korelitz journey with "Admission" (while working in the higher education field) and knew she was a writer to fully and deeply dive into thereafter. She captured the reality of the field (the cutthroat competitiveness and cynical behind-the-scenes atmosphere) of college admissions and that is one of the author's greatest gifts -- creating spot-on depictions of real-life settings. Admission was turned into a feature film starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd (which I also enjoyed) and since that time a number of her novels have been adapted for film.
In The Sequel, the book industry (in all aspects) was unflatteringly placed in the spotlight. It made me grateful not to be "IN" it (beyond as a dedicated and enthusiastic reader -- reading simply for the joy it brings me). Such respect for great writers.
I read a lot (!!) of books in a variety of formats and the best ones are revisited in print AND audiobook. This was the case with "The Plot." I was excited when #NetGalley & #Celadon provided an electronic copy of "THE SEQUEL" (the incredible follow up to The Plot) which will be published this fall (10.1.2024). I make it a point not to look up info on adaptations, etc. but I'd imagine that these companion novels could be brilliantly adapted to the screen--- The Sequel more than lives up to its title.
Readers of the first book will be familiar with the name Jacob Finch Bonner (I will not reiterate any of the first book's details) and even though it has been a few years since I read The Plot, Korelitz does a wonderful job refreshing the reader on the most pertinent information without being obvious about it. Anna Williams-Bonner, Jacob's widow, has recently released a novel of her own (despite her compete lack of writing background or education) and a cynical, secondary plotline comes alive in the meta experience of the writing industry (publishing, agents, MFA programs, tours, etc.).. I'll say this: The Sequel did NOT make me yearn to enter this world as anything other than the real-life reader I am. The book inhabits the comic darkness of a Coen brothers film and, like otherJean Hanff Korelitz novels I've enjoyed, darkness lies in wait -- in the form of unknown and unrecognized "loose ends" ever lurking around the corner. Preorder The Sequel and reread The Plot and you definitely have something to anticipate this Fall!!
In The Sequel, the book industry (in all aspects) was unflatteringly placed in the spotlight. It made me grateful not to be "IN" it (beyond as a dedicated and enthusiastic reader -- reading simply for the joy it brings me). Such respect for great writers.
I read a lot (!!) of books in a variety of formats and the best ones are revisited in print AND audiobook. This was the case with "The Plot." I was excited when #NetGalley & #Celadon provided an electronic copy of "THE SEQUEL" (the incredible follow up to The Plot) which will be published this fall (10.1.2024). I make it a point not to look up info on adaptations, etc. but I'd imagine that these companion novels could be brilliantly adapted to the screen--- The Sequel more than lives up to its title.
Readers of the first book will be familiar with the name Jacob Finch Bonner (I will not reiterate any of the first book's details) and even though it has been a few years since I read The Plot, Korelitz does a wonderful job refreshing the reader on the most pertinent information without being obvious about it. Anna Williams-Bonner, Jacob's widow, has recently released a novel of her own (despite her compete lack of writing background or education) and a cynical, secondary plotline comes alive in the meta experience of the writing industry (publishing, agents, MFA programs, tours, etc.).. I'll say this: The Sequel did NOT make me yearn to enter this world as anything other than the real-life reader I am. The book inhabits the comic darkness of a Coen brothers film and, like otherJean Hanff Korelitz novels I've enjoyed, darkness lies in wait -- in the form of unknown and unrecognized "loose ends" ever lurking around the corner. Preorder The Sequel and reread The Plot and you definitely have something to anticipate this Fall!!
June 5, 2024
Book: The Sequel
Author: Jean Hanff Korelitz
Publisher: Celadon Books
Pub Date: October 1, 2024
I was so excited to see this book on NetGalley. I loved The Plot and had no clue that she would do a sequel. We all know how I feel about series books but for this I am making an exception. Even the characters in the book admit that sequels aren’t as successful as the first book. But The Sequel proves us all wrong. I really really really enjoyed this story. I think I loved this one even more than The Plot. It’s a very smart well played out novel. Anna is a woman you want to like. She seems like a good person but as the story plays out you see a very dark side. The ending was brilliant and I can see a third book. Which I’m not mad about. I loved the chapter names so be sure and read the acknowledgements at the end of the book to see all the references.
Thank you Celadon Books and NetGalley for this sneak peak! Publication date is October 1, 2024.
Author: Jean Hanff Korelitz
Publisher: Celadon Books
Pub Date: October 1, 2024
I was so excited to see this book on NetGalley. I loved The Plot and had no clue that she would do a sequel. We all know how I feel about series books but for this I am making an exception. Even the characters in the book admit that sequels aren’t as successful as the first book. But The Sequel proves us all wrong. I really really really enjoyed this story. I think I loved this one even more than The Plot. It’s a very smart well played out novel. Anna is a woman you want to like. She seems like a good person but as the story plays out you see a very dark side. The ending was brilliant and I can see a third book. Which I’m not mad about. I loved the chapter names so be sure and read the acknowledgements at the end of the book to see all the references.
Thank you Celadon Books and NetGalley for this sneak peak! Publication date is October 1, 2024.
July 6, 2024
It takes a talented writer to make you strongly dislike a character in one book, then turn around and make you root for them in another - and Jean Hanff Korelitz is highly talented, to say the least. What a great antihero she's created in Anna.
As Anna says in the first few pages, not many sequels are better than the originals - but of course she says this with full confidence that her story is better than Jake's. I really, really disliked Anna in The Plot, but I have to admit that she was right about The Sequel - it really is even better. Not only that, but I'd even say that The Sequel serves to elevate the story in The Plot (the two books together are even better than either one as a standalone novel).
Thank you to Netgalley, and to the publisher, for an advanced copy in exchange for review.
As Anna says in the first few pages, not many sequels are better than the originals - but of course she says this with full confidence that her story is better than Jake's. I really, really disliked Anna in The Plot, but I have to admit that she was right about The Sequel - it really is even better. Not only that, but I'd even say that The Sequel serves to elevate the story in The Plot (the two books together are even better than either one as a standalone novel).
Thank you to Netgalley, and to the publisher, for an advanced copy in exchange for review.
July 7, 2024
Another excellent literary/suspense by Jean Hanff Korelitz. This is a sequel to the Plot. Anna is a widow and coming to terms with the death of her author husband. At the same time, she has become an author in her own right. However, someone from her past knows her secrets and is clearly out to get her. This is a complexly written page-turner that will keep readers guessing right up to the shocking conclusion.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Celadon Books and Jean Hanff Korelitz for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Celadon Books and Jean Hanff Korelitz for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2024
“The Sequel” is the sequel Jean Hanff Korelitz’, novel “The Plot”. I had to go back and refresh my memory about the end of “The Plot” because it is VERY twisty. You definitely must have read “The Plot” before reading this sequel.
Anna Williams-Bonner is the widow of famous author Jacob Finch-Bonner, who was the protagonist of “The Plot”. As she promotes his posthumous international bestseller, she decides that it’s “not that hard” to write a novel, and so she does to wild acclaim. It’s fittingly titled, “The Afterward” – get it?
Keep in mind that Korelitz 1) doesn’t reveal everything the reader would need to know to “figure it out”, and she 2) loves twists upon twists.
What I enjoyed: the novel is fast-paced, sardonic, with a deliciously unlikable protagonist, lots of “inside publishing” dish, and fun name-dropping famous authors and book promoters. As with “The Plot”, is it a peek behind the curtain for readers, or also “just made up”?
Cleverly, Korelitz titles each chapter after a sequel by a famous author. MOST of which, in my opinion, are inferior to the original. Brave of Korelitz!
Thank you Celadon for an ARC of this entertaining new novel.
Anna Williams-Bonner is the widow of famous author Jacob Finch-Bonner, who was the protagonist of “The Plot”. As she promotes his posthumous international bestseller, she decides that it’s “not that hard” to write a novel, and so she does to wild acclaim. It’s fittingly titled, “The Afterward” – get it?
Keep in mind that Korelitz 1) doesn’t reveal everything the reader would need to know to “figure it out”, and she 2) loves twists upon twists.
What I enjoyed: the novel is fast-paced, sardonic, with a deliciously unlikable protagonist, lots of “inside publishing” dish, and fun name-dropping famous authors and book promoters. As with “The Plot”, is it a peek behind the curtain for readers, or also “just made up”?
Cleverly, Korelitz titles each chapter after a sequel by a famous author. MOST of which, in my opinion, are inferior to the original. Brave of Korelitz!
Thank you Celadon for an ARC of this entertaining new novel.
June 6, 2024
I was a big fan of Jean Hanff Korelitz's first novel in this series, "The Plot," so I had high expectations for "The Sequel." I am pleased that this book lived up to those expectations! Korelitz brings the reader back to the world of Anna Williams-Bonner, who is fresh off of the book tour of her late husband's final novel when she finds literary inspirations of her own. Anna is an unexpected (to everyone else at least) success. However, she soon begins to receive anonymous letters in the mail that threaten to unveil her buried secrets.
While the plot of "The Sequel" shares many similarities with its predecessor, Korelitz manages to make the story feel fresh by exploring it through Anna's perspective. Anna could have easily been a hatable, pretentious narrator who makes the book unbearable. Yet, Korelitz crafts an antihero that I found myself rooting for no matter how terrible she gets. The story also featured a share of twists making it difficult to put the book down.
The writing of this book was also excellent, with plenty of excellent quips about sequels, the publishing industry, and writers in particular. I found myself genuinely laughing out loud at a few points. I would also be remiss if I did not mention my appreciation for the clever chapter titles!
Whether you love writers or hate writers, this book was a darkly funny journey into the past of Anna Williams-Bonner and I appreciated the chance to learn more about her history. Jean Hanff Korelitz is a fantastic writer and I highly recommend picking up a copy of "The Sequel."
Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this book, scheduled for publication in October 2024.
While the plot of "The Sequel" shares many similarities with its predecessor, Korelitz manages to make the story feel fresh by exploring it through Anna's perspective. Anna could have easily been a hatable, pretentious narrator who makes the book unbearable. Yet, Korelitz crafts an antihero that I found myself rooting for no matter how terrible she gets. The story also featured a share of twists making it difficult to put the book down.
The writing of this book was also excellent, with plenty of excellent quips about sequels, the publishing industry, and writers in particular. I found myself genuinely laughing out loud at a few points. I would also be remiss if I did not mention my appreciation for the clever chapter titles!
Whether you love writers or hate writers, this book was a darkly funny journey into the past of Anna Williams-Bonner and I appreciated the chance to learn more about her history. Jean Hanff Korelitz is a fantastic writer and I highly recommend picking up a copy of "The Sequel."
Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this book, scheduled for publication in October 2024.
June 4, 2024
Yes, yes, it's clever and witty and has that intricately woven thing that I especially love when it still manages to be suspenseful, but most importantly: This is such a fun read.
September 8, 2024
I re-read THE PLOT in anticipation of this and, unfortunately, this was a real bummer. I started a little baffled, not sure what Korelitz would do now. It turns out she is doing... exactly the same thing. Somehow this sequel is the same book as the first, despite removing its protagonist. Except this time it all feels like a retread, lower stakes, nothing new to discover, like a book I'd already read.
Once again we have a novelist with a bad attitude as our protagonist. This time it's Anna who, it turns out, just happens to have written an amazing first novel in a very "What, like it's hard?" fashion. I learned from the first book that for Korelitz's satire to work, you just have to accept it and roll with it. So I did. And there's some funny stuff, but less. And so much of it is Anna's frustration and annoyance with her readers. What we're really getting at is how some people get to move to the front of the line, avoid the typical difficulties of getting published, not due to any talent but who they know. Anna is one of these. It's a lot less interesting when there is no struggle, and when Anna's book is not necessary. Anna is, clearly, set for life though it's completely unclear what she wants out of that life.
Once again we have a campaign of mysterious messages saying they know our novelist's secret. Which is the same secret as the last book. It's unclear why this must happen through another strange campaign of letters and notes, why someone doesn't just come out and make an accusation. Last time there was a reason for the secrecy. This time? Not so much.
And once again we have the same characters. Somehow we do not have a single notable new character in this book. Everyone is someone we already know. This bored me most of all. You're not even going to try to bring a new angle? We're just going to go back to talk to the exact same people we talked to in the last book? Yawn.
There's a twist, but it's not a particularly interesting one. Because it turns out that without all the layers of motives in the previous book, that there is no bigger thing beneath it all. It's just who has the author decided knows the secret. Not why they might care about the secret or be involved in the secret, just how they found out. Has an eeny meeny miney mo feel of who will be responsible.
Anna moves through the story with the same lack of empathy she did before. She is a hard character to relate to. At least Jake wanted something. What does Anna want? She used to want so much, she used to have this intense drive. But now what exactly is she fighting for? She doesn't enjoy writing novels or going on book tours. What does she enjoy? Who are her friends? What does she get out of it if she manages to keep her secrets?
Worst of all, the book feels inflated and repetitive. Scenes play out much longer than they need to. Anna thinks the same thoughts over and over again. It would have been really easy to trim 50 pages out of this. There wouldn't have been much left, but there is not much there to start with!
It isn't all that fun to follow a narcissistic sociopath through a plot we've already read.
Once again we have a novelist with a bad attitude as our protagonist. This time it's Anna who, it turns out, just happens to have written an amazing first novel in a very "What, like it's hard?" fashion. I learned from the first book that for Korelitz's satire to work, you just have to accept it and roll with it. So I did. And there's some funny stuff, but less. And so much of it is Anna's frustration and annoyance with her readers. What we're really getting at is how some people get to move to the front of the line, avoid the typical difficulties of getting published, not due to any talent but who they know. Anna is one of these. It's a lot less interesting when there is no struggle, and when Anna's book is not necessary. Anna is, clearly, set for life though it's completely unclear what she wants out of that life.
Once again we have a campaign of mysterious messages saying they know our novelist's secret. Which is the same secret as the last book. It's unclear why this must happen through another strange campaign of letters and notes, why someone doesn't just come out and make an accusation. Last time there was a reason for the secrecy. This time? Not so much.
And once again we have the same characters. Somehow we do not have a single notable new character in this book. Everyone is someone we already know. This bored me most of all. You're not even going to try to bring a new angle? We're just going to go back to talk to the exact same people we talked to in the last book? Yawn.
There's a twist, but it's not a particularly interesting one. Because it turns out that without all the layers of motives in the previous book, that there is no bigger thing beneath it all. It's just who has the author decided knows the secret. Not why they might care about the secret or be involved in the secret, just how they found out. Has an eeny meeny miney mo feel of who will be responsible.
Anna moves through the story with the same lack of empathy she did before. She is a hard character to relate to. At least Jake wanted something. What does Anna want? She used to want so much, she used to have this intense drive. But now what exactly is she fighting for? She doesn't enjoy writing novels or going on book tours. What does she enjoy? Who are her friends? What does she get out of it if she manages to keep her secrets?
Worst of all, the book feels inflated and repetitive. Scenes play out much longer than they need to. Anna thinks the same thoughts over and over again. It would have been really easy to trim 50 pages out of this. There wouldn't have been much left, but there is not much there to start with!
It isn't all that fun to follow a narcissistic sociopath through a plot we've already read.
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