On this episode we are joined by internationally bestselling author and friend of the pod, Joanna Rakoff, to discuss Laura Dave’s instant #1 New York Times bestseller and Reese Book Club Pick, The Last Thing He Told Me...a thriller rooted in hope!** Complicated Woman. After an introduction to the book and our love of Laura Dave’s backlist, we each share what we found remarkable about Hannah, who we declare a truly subversive female protagonist. (07:42)** Killer Quotes. This book is filled with “killer quotes” but Carinn & Kate pick their favorites and discuss how they relate to the book’s larger themes and questions. (28:33)** What’s Your Damage, Heather? This novel explores one of our favorites...mommy issues. Hannah was abandoned by her own mother and we chat about how that kind of trauma can imprint on a person for life. Joanna likens it to a memoir she loves, When She Comes Back, by Ronit Plank. (32:38)** What She Said. We deep drive into Laura Dave, her ability to pivot, how she keeps getting better, and the decades long journey this book took to publication. (43:18)** Takeaways. The book leaves us debating whether we could have done what Hannah did? And also wondering whether a woman can be the hero of her own story AND ALSO a true partner in a relationship. (54:30)** Who Won The Book? For Kate it’s the propulsive pacing and for Carinn it’s Jake, the ex-fiance whose character jumps off the page! (67:25)** Crystal Ball. Carinn looks into the future book she *wants* to read next, while Kate posits what she thinks Laura Dave may write should she actually pursue a potential sequel.  (74:30)Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @popfictionwomen and on Twitter @pop_women. To do a full deep dive, check out our website at www.popfictionwomen.com. Stay Complicated!We’ve launched a platform at patreon.com/popfictionwomen to keep making the podcast you love -- and to make it even better. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.