Emma Straub's Cruise Inspired Novel: American Fantasy

0:00On April 9th, Emma Straub just dropped her new novel, American Fantasy, inspired by a wild new kids on the block fan cruise she took while grieving. The book follows Annie, a 50-year-old empty-nester fresh from divorce, who joins a 90s boy band cruise and sparks a romance with a band. Remember, Straub, known for hits like modern lovers and all adults here, says the cruise gave her the full story idea right there on the ship. She spotted the cruise ad during a tough time and sailed off with thousands of fans for four days of intimate concerts and fan meet-ups. Straub calls her daily life small, just walks from her bookstore to her kid's school, but that trapped on a boat vibe screamed perfect novel setup to. Sure. Her? Straub drew from friends in their 40s and 50s shaking things up, switching careers, divorcing, moving cross-country. She grew up seeing Middle Age as a downhill slide, but now sees it as primetime for bold choices, which her character Annie fully embraces.

1:01For research, Straub chatted with new kids member Joe McIntyre, picking his brand on life in the spotlight for 40 years, band-made bonds that last. Forever, and handling die-hard fans as a Middle Age guy, he opened up big time making the story real. Straub sticks to personal tales over trendy thrillers or dragon romances, knowing the most authentic book is the one straight from her heart. And this. Crews' tale proves it hits just right. Stay in the know with entertainment and celebrity news today, AI-powered updates.