Oh, you mean the one of me
looking super awkward?
[sighs] Here. But dont say
I didnt warn you.
[message alert]
Meg, hi, its Raina
from the radio show.
Im on the island
for another story
and would love to sit in
on tomorrows book club.
See you then.
[upbeat cheerful music]
I dont know, Graham.
Im having second thoughts.
About this?
No, about this.
The book club.
Youre not worried?
What, about National Public
Radio coming?
Theyre covering your night.
No, why would I?
They dont even know
who Dylan Turner is.
But what if they do?
What if they recognize you?
Never gonna happen.
But what if it goes bad?
What would that do
to your reputation?
[snickers]
You sound exactly like my agent.
I have to lie on national radio.
Mmm-mmm.
Youre not lying.
And youre making Alice
my accomplice.
Okay, listen, I admire
your honesty
but this is nothing more than
a harmless experiment.
Mmm. Harmless?
Yeah. Okay, come here.
Authors use pseudonyms
all the time.
I am unknown in this genre,
and you cover unknown authors
all the time.
None of that is untrue.
Mmhmm.
Tonight is gonna be good.
It might even be fun.
Fun, huh?
Yeah, fun.
-Aunt Renee!
-Hi.
-Hi.
-Hi.
Hi.
What are you doing here?
Oh, DocuSign and e-mail seemed
an odd way
to say goodbye to this place.
Oh.
I will give you two a minute.
Hes cute.
He is.
So, have you decided on selling?
Lets just table this for later.
[humming]
Excuse me, Ms. Alice Waters.
You dropped something.
Whats this?
Ah, just a little inspiration,
hopefully.
"Starting is the hardest part,
but your journey has already
begun. Keep going."
Thank you.
My pleasure.
Hey, can I ask you
a quick question?
Yeah.
Whats with the apples?
Apples?
All of your lead characters
have some sort of obsession
with apples.
Do they?
Yeah, cider, orchard symmetry,
the seed,
or just eating the entire apple.
Well, eating the whole apple
is a thing from camp
when I was 10.
And the rest?
I dont know.
I gotta give that some thought.
Great observation.
Thank you.
Well, everyone should be
arriving shortly.
I have to finish setting up.
You should.
Can I give you a hand?
Oh, please. Thank you.
Chair duty?
Please, yes.
[cheerful music]
Limoncello spritzers,
any takers?
Great. Love it.
Hi.
Limoncello spritzer.
This is gonna be so bad.
What?
No, I researched how
to make these last night,
they should be pretty good.
Not that, this.
Graham being here.
You worry too much.
He is a best-selling author
and this is not his finest work.
The book club is a full house
tonight and Rainas back.
Live from Nantucket.
Oh, I feel nauseous.
Lets recap.
Reinas back, we have a best
selling author in the midst
and its a full house.
I just said that.
Not with the right attitude.
Please, try to relax.
I will try, hows that?
Thank you.
Thats pretty good.
Yeah? Oh, great.
Ladies, so good to see you.
[phone ringing]
Hey. You calling for a rematch?
Im calling for pages.
Times up, G man.
Very soon.
Dont make me have that call
with the publisher.
Okay, Terrance, I hear you.
But um, I gotta call you back,
buddy.
I am just about to walk
into a book club.
Woah, woah. Since when
do you attend book clubs?
Well, since they agreed
to read my novel.
Your what?
Romance novel?
Yeah.
You didnt use your name,
did you?
No. Un-huh.
Good. Lets keep it that way.
Cause its not just your
reputation on the line here,
its mine, too.
Yeah, I know.
Alright.
As far as anyone knows,
you are and have been 100
percent focused on output.
Thats the deal we made,
so book number 8, please.
Mmhmm. Mmhmm.
Look, the publishers
lawyer is serious.
Pages next week or they want
their advance back.
And they wont want any more.
Good talk.
Thanks so much for coming.
Yes. See you in a bit.
Have you seen Graham anywhere?
I think hes outside.
[message alert]
Hi everyone.
Hi.
Uh, just a couple
quick announcements
before we get started.
Tonights discussion
will be moderated by Alice,
and then a little later well be
going outside for some painting
in honor of the antagonist
of tonights book.
Also, we have a very special
guest here tonight
from National Public Radio,
Raina Breem.
[applause]
Thank you.
Shes here following up
on her story
from a couple of weeks ago.
This book club struck quite
a chord with my listeners.
If its alright with you Ill be
recording tonights session.
Of course. Yep.
So take your time
getting seated,
we will get started shortly.
Good book?
Yeah, yeah.
I think so.
Do you know anything
about the author?
Uh, no. No.
Someone said he was crazy
handsome or something.
Oh.
Why do you look familiar to me?
Common face, maybe?
High school, perhaps?
Mmm, not unless you went
to Oakmont in Connecticut.
Not even close.
Familiar face.
Familiar face, then.
Were really glad youre here.
Mmm.
Did they meet here?
Could be.
Seems like theyre taking
the date part of the book
club seriously.
Does this happen often
at the club?
Like I said before, its just
always about the books.
Ill report what I see,
hows that?
Fair.
Shall we get started?
Yeah, it's a great idea.
In the end, it is the love
of the unknown
that brings Devon back
to the very place he hated.
To reclaim lost innocence.
So, with that being said,
anyone want to start us off?
Anyone?
Any takers?
Anyone?
Well, I thought the theme
was very refreshing
and to be honest it was one
that we havent seen before.
Except we have.
In Juliet, Titans,
Florentine's Myth ...
sure, it had a slightly
different slant,
but I'm not exactly sure
I'd call it refreshing.
No disrespect.
Oh, none taken.
See, I didnt have an issue
with the theme,
I just didnt feel any
connection to his journey.
Or hers.
Cause they werent
vulnerable enough.
I mean, its good writing
and I get where the author
was trying to go but
he didnt get there.
Dont you agree?
Uh...
I do, totally.
From what I skimmed,
Id say the prose is poetic
but the insight
is just skin deep.
An American classic,
this is not.
Agreed.
Same.
I feel like the pacing
was way off.
Sounds like a bore.
She didnt even read the book.
I thought it was kind of fun.
I dont know what
its trying to say.
The motivation was flat.
Is it warm in here?
A little stuffy?
Anyone else warm?
Feels okay to me.
Oh, well Im just gonna
open the doors
to let some air flow in here
and then we can resume.
So, everyone take five
and grab a cookie.
Enjoy.
Are you okay?
How quickly can we wrap this up?
We just started.
I think you should milk it
as much as possible.
Any exposure is good exposure.
Im not sure I agree with that.
Hey.
Hi.
So, fun might have been
an overstatement.
Its not that bad, we only
heard from a few people.
Mm.
Pardon my forwardness.
Did you guys meet here?
Wed seen each other
around town, but-
We never actually talked.
Until the book club?
I guess thats correct.
Ah.
One couple confirmed.
This is certainly different
from any other book club
Ive been to.
It sure is, isnt it?
Wait, is this you?
Please say this is you!
I love your novels!
Thats it!
The Parachute series.
I knew I knew you.
Youre Graham Sterling,
best selling author.
You are?
Why didnt you say anything?
Because hes famous!
And why are you here?
No offense.
Its fine.
Because I wanted to be part
of this book club.
Because of the whole discovering
new writers thing.
Or were you looking for a date?
Nope, that's- that's not why
I was here.
At least, not initially.
Romance was the last thing
on my mind,
which is kind of ironic
considering I just wrote...
Wait, did you write this book?
It says Dylan Turner.
But it's self-published, so...
You know what?
I think its time that we
all head outside
and do some painting.
You did. You knew it was him,
didnt you?
Knew what?
That hes famous.
Is that why you promoted
his book? This book?
No.
Then why did everyone read it?
I thought you hand-picked them.
I- I do.
So you liked this?
No, but... I'm sorry.
Its okay.
Why are we reading it then?
Thats a very good question.
You know what?
I think we all should
just be excited
that a famous author
is among us.
Could you sign this for me?
It could be worth something
one day.
When is your next book
coming out?
Im a huge fan.
Not of this, though.
You might be better sticking
to what you know.
Yeah, that seems to be a bit
of a recurring theme.
So tell us, Graham Sterling,
when will we get the next book
in your series?
Or have you abandoned
it for this?
Nope, number 8 is still
very much on the way.
Huh.
Well, Meg, I hope you werent
promoting this
to help out a friend.
I promise I never meant
to deceive anyone.
This is starting to feel like
a circus.
Yes, it is, and thats not
at all what my mom started
or what Ive tried to create,
so thats- thats why
Ive decided to sell.
[crowd gasps]
You have?
This wasnt the story I was
expecting tonight.
Youre going to sell
the book shop?
I think its time.
So no more book club?
I dont know, thatll be
up to the next owner.
But I promise, we will leave
you all in very good hands.
And on that note, I think-
I think that thats all
for tonight
so everyone
can just head home.
Yeah, everyone, lets just grab
our things and wrap up.
Uh, so to round back to you two,
Was there a particular genre
of novel that you bonded over?
I am so sorry.
Dont be, I brought you in.
No, but you were right.
I should have listened to you.
Listen, I have a lot to clean up
so I just need everyone
to- to leave.
Yeah, okay.
Ill give you a hand.
No, no.
I need everyone to leave.
[sentimental music]
[sighs]
So, this is it?
Yep, this is it.
So what now?
Well, I have a second meeting
lined up
with a broker friend
to talk territories.
Oh. That sounds promising.
It is.
You know, I know the other
day was atypical,
but I love what you did
with the place
and I feel like everyone
loved it, too.
It was fun.
It was something.
You know, the store is not
what your mom started
but times change and you made it
into something unique.
Your own.
Never feel guilty
about that.
Her dream was bringing people
together, like you did,
getting them excited
about reading again.
She would be so proud of you.
I know I am.
Thank you.
Send postcards, okay?
You know I will.
Oh.
I thought you might like this.
Thank you.
See you soon.
Hey, Meg.
-Hi.
-Hi.
I cant believe you have
never been here.
I think theyd love it here.
Is there a treadmill to tame
their endless energy?
Theres a long stretch of beach,
tall rocks, rough waters.
-Go give it to Daddy.
-[children laughing]
Itll toughen them up.
Theyre pretty tough already.
Those girls are awesome.
They take after me.
Yeah, they do.
So how are you?
Ah... stellar.
Okay, you are never that one note.
Im good.
At least Im almost done.
You are? And- and how
do you feel?
Stellar.
Im serious.
I am, too.
I realized I had kinda forgot
what I loved about writing
to begin with, but I think
Ive found that passion again.
Hey, I like this new you.
So you think you guys
will visit?
We might take a break
from endless laundry
and youll make us dinner?
Frozen pizza? Done.
Hey, theres something else
I want to talk to you about.
Or rather, someone.
Okay.
Mommy, mommy!
Okay, girls, Uncle Graham is gonna
tell us about a girl.
-Yay!
-[children laughing]
Something still
inside of me,
...with cooling breeze,
darling you put
my mind at ease,
gentle as a southern mother,
you calm my stirring waters,
now and forever in a dream.
Oh, mom...
'Cause you'll be on my mind
when the stars...
on my mind in the...
you'll be on my mind,
forevermore...
take a trip around
the sun,
life has just begun,
bloom in the flowers
of our love,
time has stood still,
no more need to chase
what's real,
no more cries sorry...
'cause you'll be on my mind
when the stars...
on my mind...
you'll be on my mind,
forevermore...
ooooh, ooooh,
ooooh, ooooh
ooooh, ooooh
ooooh, ooooh
on my mind...
you'll be on my mind,
Oh.
on my mind...
Hmm.
on my mind...
Read your pages, Graham.
Just when I thought I had
you all figured out
you go and make me cry.
Cry?
You havent cried since
that exchange student
broke up with you
in seventh grade.
Ah, Valentina.
Okay, but it wasnt-
I was-
Okay, you know-
this is incredible.
Wait, you already read it?
Well, the ending?
With the apple?
I mean, it was such
a small gesture,
but sharing an apple
with a friend.
And friendship will follow.
I cant take all the credit,
I had a little inspiration
on that one.
From an aspiring writer that
I may end up sending your way.
Well, Im here for it.
And hey, Graham, this isnt
just your best one yet.
Its the best one Ive ever read
in the genre.
And Im not just saying that
as your friend, but as an agent.
Now, the publisher wont take
long to approve this
and Ill be pushing you going
into the next one right away.
Yeah, uh, about that.
Oh, no, no, no.
Please dont tell me
youre ditching this
for your new genre.
Relax, you don't have
to sell your boat.
I'm gonna put the other book
on the back burner for a bit,
but for uh... for Huxley
I say we push
for a guaranteed 12.
I mean, listen. I know
I've got more stories in me
if there's the appetite.
Heck, lets go for 20.
Hows that?
Id expect nothing less.
Thanks, G.
And hey, once number 8
settles down,
lets circle back on that
historical fiction novel, too.
I wouldnt be much of an agent
if I told all my clients
to stay in their lane
their whole career.
Now, it needs work, but uh,
lets try and find
a shelf for it.
Yeah, dont worry,
Im gonna write it.
Just gotta live it first.
Alright pal, see you
on the court.
I gotta say, we had a good run.
Dare I say, a great one.
But it just doesnt feel
right anymore.
You deserve someone
whos all in, all the time.
In Boston I would just be
looking back here.
This is what I want.
Thanks, Talia.
-Hi.
-Hi.
Hi.
Hi.
I will give you two a moment.
So is loitering your
new favorite pastime?
You made that?
Im multi-talented.
And incredibly humble.
Mmm.
So whats with the sign?
Well, apparently
youre the GOAT.
The GOAT?
Mmhmm. Greatest Of All Time.
Yeah.
Thats what my nieces said
when I told them about you.
-You did?
-Mmhmm.
What um, what exactly
did you tell them?
Broad strokes,
you know, that uh,
youre an amazing human
and youre super fun,
really funny, wildly honest.
[laughs]
Well, where would we be without
honesty and human connection?
Without our people?
Probably eating take-out alone
in a fancy apartment.
Pretty sure thats where
Id be in Boston.
If I went back.
Oh, youre thinking of keeping
this place?
I always knew I wanted to do
something that mattered,
I just didnt realize I was
already doing it.
This place is pretty special.
And not just
because I grew up here.
It makes me really happy.
You do, too.
I do?
Good. 'Cause you...
you are the most real,
refreshing thing I have felt
in years.
You sure this isnt just
the writer in you in overdrive,
needing to neatly wrap things up
in the end?
No. Just saying exactly
how I feel.
Any thoughts, feelings,
feedback?
Id say the start
of this chapter
is feeling pretty promising.
Oh. And?
And maybe theres something
to this blind date book club
after all.
[romantic music]