To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets You’ve Got Mail in this charming and hilarious rom-com following two teen booksellers whose rivalry is taken to the next level as they compete for the top bookseller bonus.
We chat to author Laura Silverman about her latest novel, Recommended For You, along with book recommendations, writing, and more!
Hi, Laura! Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi! I’m a YA author and freelance editor. I love helping people with their own novels just as much as I love writing my own. In my free time, I enjoy reading (of course), petting dogs, and recently I’ve been playing my old retro video games (N64 and Sega!).
When did you first discover your love for writing?
At a very young age. As soon as I could string words together, I wrote stories. I attempted to write my first novel at sleepaway camp! I continued to write through high school and college. I was lucky enough to have many teachers encourage my creativity.
With the current state of the world, what are you doing to cope with the changes we’ve had to make with our day-to-day?
It’s definitely been difficult! Despite being a “work from home” person to begin with, I typically write at coffee shops and libraries – and often with friends. It’s been very difficult to stay creative and focused during this time. As mentioned above, I’ve started playing more video games to have fun and decompress. I’ve also had more time to read, which is a very nice silver lining to staying home all the time. I’ve been trying to stay in touch with friends virtually. And most importantly, I’m trying to not put too much pressure on myself. It’s a hard time and it’s okay to not be happy 24/7 right now!
Recommended For You is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Funny, Jewish, Bookish, Festive, and Energetic
What inspired you to write Recommended For You?
My agent mentioned he wished there were more YA novels with characters who work part-time jobs. I had a part-time job throughout most of high school and there’s nothing I love more than a workplace comedy, so I realized that would be a really fun book to write. I set it in a bookstore because of course. And I put the bookstore inside of a mall during the holiday season to have as much potential as possible for chaos and shenanigans! And I decided to make the characters Jewish because I’ve always wanted to read and watch Jewish holiday romcoms.
Were there any challenges you faced while writing?
Shoshanna is a very enthusiastic character and she definitely has some room to grow at the beginning of the novel. I knew right away not everyone was going to like her, so it was a little difficult going in knowing that. But her voice was so strong in my head and I wanted to prove that teen girls should be respected not looked down on for their enthusiasm. I also wanted to show that you can grow and learn and mature without losing that enthusiasm.
Without spoiling too much, is there a favourite moment that you really enjoyed writing in Recommended For You?
Ahhh, so hard to pick a favorite! I loved writing all of the banter between Shoshanna and Jake. I think hate to love is my favorite trope because of the abundance of banter. There’s also a really sweet and funny scene between Shoshanna and her friends that makes me smile. And there’s a scene about disability/accessibility in the book that I was really proud of – as someone who lives with chronic pain and fatigue, I really want bring awareness to the need for more accessible spaces and events.
What piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write what you love! It’s cliché but very true advice. Write the book you want to read – you’ll have fun, and I bet you plenty of people will want to read that book as well!
Lastly, what are you currently reading and do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
I’m currently reading Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. I’ve had it sitting on my shelf for years and was really craving a nice hefty fantasy! As for recommendations, check out these YA titles: Today Tonight Tomorrow, You Should See Me in a Crown, Late to the Party, and This is How We Fly
