Bleak by Lynn Messina

Bleak by Lynn Messina follows New York writer Ricki Carstone, author of debut novel, Jarndyce and Jarndyce. She strikes gold when she finds out that her book has been optioned into a movie and that Moxie Bernard, teen throb extraordinaire, has just signed onto star. Her life becomes like a scene in all of the movies, with glitz and glamour … well, enough to make Ricki quit her full time job and risk it all in hopes of making it big time as a successful screenwriter out in LA. Harry, an out of work actor who claims to know all about the biz, helps her dive into the screenwriting world, but she soon realizes that there is a price to pay for his assistance. But, she figures that it will all work out in the end when she sees her name on the big screen. But, how long will it take? And will it EVER happen?

I was first introduced to Lynn Messina when I reviewed her debut novel about zombies. I love her wit and humor and I think both come in very handy in this book as well. In a hilarious update of the Dicken’s classic, Messina brings up a wonderful question and truly makes you think. How long is too long when it comes to your dreams?!? I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t possibly say more good things about it. Ricki is truly talented and it makes your heart ache as you see her fight for her dreams, yet make bad decisions after bad decision. I wished and hoped every single time that she would learn from them, but as humans, sometimes lessons are hard to learn. This book was a very thought provoking read from an honest perspective. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it.