Wallflower in Bloom

Cook’s newest novel (after Best Staged Plans) is a fun and inspiring read. Family wallflower Deirdre Griffin has played second fiddle her entire life to her siblings, none more so than brother Tag, “a cross between a guru and a rock star,” according to Deirdre. “Think Deepak Chopra meets Bono.” With Deirdre working as Tag’s personal assistant and gatekeeper, her status doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon, especially since Tag is on the cusp of becoming America’s “next big thing,” putting Deirdre in charge of managing his “brand” 24/7. During an event in Austin, Tex., the two have a heated exchange, and Deirdre impulsively quits, taking advantage of an unexpected opportunity to appear on Dancing with the Stars, a move that might help her come out of both her shell and her brother’s shadow. Cook’s humor and narrative execution is impeccable; Deirdre’s increasing self-consciousness elicits support for her to overcome insecurity and endure in her journey to find happiness and fulfillment on her own terms. Agent: Lisa Bankoff, ICM. (June)