Have you ever stood in the lobby of a 5-star metropolitan hotel speculating about what really goes on within such a sumptuous establishment? Did you wonder if it might be even remotely possible that someone similar to you has checked into that penthouse suite? Well, place those musings into Manhattan's Four Seasons Hotel and you have the premise of Based upon Availability, a recently released novel by Alix Strauss, a lifestyle trend writer who appears on national morning and talk shows.
In Availability, Strauss takes you into the lives of eight very different but equally compelling women; all of whom are connected in some way to Morgan, the hotel's seemingly "got it all together" general manager and the book's central character. The author uses her "lifestyle trend" expertise to describe each character's individual struggle to establish truthful, meaningful human connections.
In addition to the aforementioned Morgan, who is still grieving for the sister she lost over 20 years ago, we meet Louise, a drug-addicted, faded rock star attempting rehab in the hotel's Suite 2410; Anne, a sad and lonely hotel concierge suffering from OCD; and Ellen, a decorator whose self-worth is irretrievably tied to her ability--or lack thereof--to conceive a child. And not to be overlooked are Robin and Vicki who manage to take sibling rivalry to a whole new level. Are you hooked yet?
You'll be sorry if you dismiss this novel as merely another shallow beach read. While Availability is without question imminently entertaining, it is also 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 them--like it or not! Who cannot relate to feelings of isolation--whether it be in the middle of Manhattan or simply at a family gathering? And who among us has not had to face the heartbreaking reality that the object of our deepest affection--be it lover, sibling or friend--doesn't share that emotion?
Availability is smart and unpredictable, and alternately dark and humorous. Strauss's writing is superbly crafted as evidenced by how she conveys each character's story in a manner that is simultaneously concise, yet complete. I found that the ties she established between each character to Morgan and the Four Seasons were incredibly clever, yet totally believable. The primary strength of this novel, however, is Strauss' ability to not only cause us to relate to these characters but to also make us care what ultimately happens to them--yes, even Lou, the druggie!
Availability is a natural choice for book clubs. Members will relish hashing over the all-too-real trials and tribulations of these Manhattan ladies. And when these individual scenarios are played out in the suites, offices, bars and restaurants of a swanky Manhattan hotel, you've got one truly satisfying read--on or off the beach!
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