Plays Well with Others: A Novel by Sophie Brickman

Plays Well with Others is a wickedly funny debut novel that delves into the chaotic world of NYC parenting. In the style of Where’d You Go, Bernadette and Fleishman Is in Trouble, it follows Annie Lewin, a mother of three, who is on the brink of a breakdown. With a workaholic husband and the competitive kindergarten admissions process looming, Annie finds herself amidst the madness she once judged.

A former New York Times journalist turned parenting advice columnist for an internet start-up, Annie navigates the absurdities of city parenting, all while engaging in a heated rivalry with Belinda Brenner. Belinda, a hotshot lawyer with perfectly curated bento box lunches and an effortlessly chic Instagram presence, becomes Annie’s nemesis, pushing her to desperate lengths. This unhinged version of Annie, however, proves to be great for her advice column, drawing more clicks and comments as she spirals.

The plot takes a turn when Annie commits a socially disastrous faux pas that goes viral, forcing her to confront whether she’s any different from the cutthroat parents she critiques. The novel is an epistolary romp, incorporating emails, group texts, advice columns, and newspaper profiles to paint a vivid picture of modern motherhood.

Plays Well with Others is not just a satirical take on parenting but also a heartfelt exploration of the fierce love and craziness that comes with it. Brickman’s novel is both a hilarious and genuine look at what it means to be a parent in today's world, filled with heavenly hilarity for readers. ❤️📚❤️