Like with First Spring Grass Fire, you wonder of Someday, Someday, Maybe how much of the story of a young aspiring actor in NYC written by a former young aspiring actor in NYC is autobiographical. While reading it I was thinking that it's possible that fictionalizing one's life might make it easier to tell the emotional truth.
The main character Franny Banks's day-to-day life in 1995 Brooklyn and Manhattan (they used tokens on the subway!) rings true, even if Franny's actions can be a little surprising, even to her. Actually the surprising of herself is an elements I thought was particularly strong. People in their twenties, actors in particular, may be prone to acting on impulses they don't even know they have.
The plot points are predictable, but I found the story compelling nonetheless, and I missed the book when I finished reading it.
In case you're curious, I read this chick-littish seeming novel because Graham is an alumna of the college I librarian at, is my age, and because who doesn't love The Gilmore Girls?
I grasp onto the nearby silver pole, steadying myself as the train lurches along, my hand slipping on the smooth surface, vying for a safe position along with half a dozen other hands. Today, everything about New York leaves me feeling like I'm competing for space, and just barely hanging on.