4.5/5
This novel was very well-written, from a unique perspective and in a very unique writing style. It definitely was not what I was expecting, but I'm not too sure what I was expecting.
Basic plot: Casey Peabody navigates life, love, work, and drama, all while remaining a struggling attempted author. She's writing a book. I know, I know, don't write a book about writing a book. So many authors have failed miserably at this (I'm thinking of one I read recently in particular), but King really does pull it off. Casey really does go through it throughout this novel. Losing her mother to cancer, going through a messy breakup...are all where she starts off this story, and it only gets worse from there. However, she pulls herself up, finding a reason to get her act together. ****Slight spoiler, though very little as it's pretty obvious**** She finishes her book! I was so happy for her at the end.
King writes in a way that enveloped my into the story. I really felt for Casey, even though she was highly frustrating. I understood where she was coming from...even though her actions oftentimes annoyed me. I was ecstatic to watch her succeed at the end, watching her rise up from absolute rock bottom. She finds the courage the recognize what she needs, both from herself and from her family, friends, and potential partners. Casey's story is both inspiring and fresh, though it might not seem like it (struggling writer? What a trope).
I would recommend this for anyone who likes, well, fiction. I'm not quite sure how else to categorize this. It really was a lovely story, and might even be considered "classic literature," at least according to some on bookstagram.