Written by Kylie Tusing | Contributor
A protagonist missing something, a charming introduction followed by frustrating encounters that leave you wanting more and (an almost always) happy ending. There is much to love about the genre of romantic comedies and some of the best ones can be found in books. Though what makes a rom-com even better? When the setting is in a familiar place such as Columbus, Ohio. Waiting for Tom Hanks and Not Like the Movies are both written by Ohioan Kerry Winfrey.
Waiting for Tom Hanks: a Novel
Nora Ephron would be nothing short of proud from this delightful book. Annie Cassidy, an aspiring screenplay writer is the lover (and expert) of all things romantic comedies. She spends her time writing, rewatching Nora Ephron movies and waiting for her perfect Tom Hanks. Of course, it’s rather unlikely for Annie to find a man as perfect as a single father who lives in a perfect house boat. But when a Hollywood movie starts filming in Columbus, Annie lands herself a job on the set of new romantic comedy, it seems almost too perfect? Then in walks Drew Danforth, who has all the characteristics of a Hollywood starlet but none of Tom Hanks. Annie is not only not convinced but refuses to acknowledge the sparks flying when they met and all the other classic rom-com moments.
Not Like the Movies: a Novel
This is a sequel to Waiting for Tom Hanks but follows the storyline of Chloe Sanderson, Annie’s optimistic, spunky and carefree best friend, whom Annie also happened to write a fictional rom-com about. This rom-com suggests Chloe and her no-nonsense boss Nick Velez are destined to be together. When the movie hits Hollywood, Chloe’s life is turned upside down with photographers, publicity, articles and people coming into her work to see her. Before, moments between her and Nick seemed to be mindlessly flirting and enduring avid frustration. Though that is not changing for the non-believing in love Chloe Sanderson. Annie saw enough romantic-comedy potential to write an entire screenplay but will Chloe and Nick actually live up to their fictional characters?
Author Kerry Winfrey is an Ohio native and currently living in the middle of Ohio. Winfrey broke into the writing industry in 2017 with her Young Adult novel Love and Other Alien Experiences along with Things Jolie Needs to Do Before She Bites It. When she is not spending her time writing, she is with her husband and child, baking a pie or watching yet another romantic comedy. While Winfrey does not have any current events to attend, she does have another romantic comedy novel coming out in 2021 called Very Sincerely Yours.
Kylie Tusing is a first year Graduate student studying the Public Administration. She is a blogger for her own website and reporter for the BG News. In her spare time you can find her at local bookstores or coffee shops but mostly she loves traveling to various cities. Kylie loves reading the genre of biographies, mysteries and romance were she is always looking for new suggestions. The best form of contact is ktusing@bgsu.edu.
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