Synopses & Reviews
“Like a beautifully-wrapped gift box, full of unexpected pleasures. Alix Strauss proves herself to be an astute and deeply feeling observer of human nature.”
—Dani Shapiro, author of Black & White
A stunning, wise, and witty second novel from renowned trend journalist Alix Strauss, Based Upon Availability chisels away at the exteriors of eight smart and intriguing women while delving deep inside to see what theyre truly made of. Following her Ingram Award-winning The Joy of Funerals—named Best Debut Novel by The New York Resident—Based Upon Availability is womens literary fiction at its finest.
Review
“Theres a story behind every room at Manhattans famed Four Seasons Hotel, and in her engaging novel Alix Strauss weaves them together in a dark and complicated tapestry. From the seemingly put-together manager to the aging rock star, every character has a secret and nothing is what it seems.” Shari Goldhagen, author of Family and Other Accidents
Review
“Alix Strauss is one of the most enjoyable writers in this or any country. Based Upon Availability is fun, smart and beautiful.” Darin Strauss, author of More Than It Hurts You
Review
“Mesmerizing...the characters in this moving novel are achingly sympathetic, their plights eminently relatable.” Booklist
Review
From Strauss (stories: The Joy of Funerals, 2003, etc.), a novel concerning a Manhattan Four Seasons manager who witnesses the alarmingly bleak lives of women (herself included) confronting the loss of youth...These New York stories will remind some readers of Parkeras in Dorothy, not Sarah Jessica. Kirkus Reviews
Review
“Imminently entertaining…an insightful and engrossing character study of eight women not so very different than you or I. Looking past their superficial differences, you will find yourself identifying, in at least some small measure, with each and every one of themlike it or not!” Bookclubcheerleader.com
Review
“Its Eloise from the Plaza, now 32 and running the hotel, with a hint of the S&M of Mary Gaitskill and the elegant precision of Lorrie Moore--and the touch of Strausss own signature macabre that I adore.” Jennifer Belle, author of HIGH MAINTENANCE and THE SEVEN YEAR BITCH
Review
“This is the classic read-it-in-one-big-gulp book. Or spend several days at the beach with it; compelling from first page to last -- edgy, moving, human.” Liz Smith, Page Six
Review
“Strauss has a knack for inserting the kinds of surprises that shock but also strengthen the impact of the novel. ” Baltimore Morning Sun
Review
“Colorful writing...Strauss takes on famed New York lodging the Four Seasons, filling the storied hostelry with colorful women characters who share a common human bond.” New York Post
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“Stellar...Subplots play out and scenes are revisited courtesy of a number of perspectiveshotel employees, friends and family, hotel guestscreating a near mosaic with twinges of darkness....this is quite sublime. Publishers Weekly
Review
“BASED UPON AVAILABILITY is like a beautifully-wrapped gift box, full of unexpected pleasures. Alix Strauss proves herself to be an astute and deeply feeling observer of human nature.” Dani Shapiro, author of Black & White
Review
“This sharp and brilliant novel shows that truth cannot be seen from the outside. Youll absorb every anecdotes last detail as real human connection resurfaces and these women take steps to become the people theyve always dreamed theyd be.” Elle
Synopsis
Like a beautifully-wrapped gift box, full of unexpected pleasures. Alix Strauss proves herself to be an astute and deeply feeling observer of human nature. Dani Shapiro, author of Black & White"A stunning, wise, and witty second novel from renowned trend journalist Alix Strauss, Based UponAvailabilitychisels away at the exteriors of eight smart and intriguing women while delving deep inside to see what they re truly made of. Following her Ingram Award-winning The Joy of Funerals" named Best Debut Novel by The New York Resident Based Upon Availability "is women s literary fiction at its finest."
Synopsis
From the very first page of this stunning novel, readers are drawn into the lives of eight seemingly ordinary women who pass through Manhattan's swanky Four Seasons Hotel. While offering sanctuary to some, solace to others, the hotel captures their darkest moments as they grapple with family, sex, power, love, and death.
Trish obsesses over her best friend's wedding and dramatic weight loss. Robin wants revenge after a lifetime of abuse at the hands of her older sister. Anne is single, lonely, and suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Drug-addicted rock star Louise needs to dry out. Southerner turned wannabe Manhattanite Franny is envious of her neighbors' lives. Sheila wants to punish her boyfriend for returning to his wife. Ellen so desperately wants children that she insists she's pregnant to her disbelieving husband. And Morgan, the hotel manager—haunted by the memory of her dead sister—is the thread that weaves these women's lives together.
About the Author
Alix Strauss is a lifestyle trend writer who appears on national morning and talk shows. Her articles have been published in the New York Times, Marie Claire, Time, and Entertainment Weekly, among other publications. She is the author of The Joy of Funerals, Have I Got a Guy for You, and Death Becomes Them: Unearthing the Suicides of the Brilliant, the Famous, and the Notorious.