NPR's Book of the Day: Women Navigating Show Business and Societal Expectations

Release Date: June 6, 2025

In this compelling episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong explores two insightful novels that delve into the lives of women striving to make their mark in show business while grappling with societal constraints. The featured books, "What Will People Think?" by Sarah Hamdan and "Climbing in Heels" by Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, offer nuanced portrayals of female ambition, friendship, and resilience within the challenging landscapes of comedy and Hollywood agencies.

1. What Will People Think? by Sarah Hamdan

Plot Overview: Sarah Hamdan's debut novel, "What Will People Think?", centers on Mia Almas, a Palestinian American woman leading a dual life as a fact-checker by day and a stand-up comedian by night. Mia grapples with the necessity of keeping her comedic aspirations a secret from her family to protect her heritage and maintain familial harmony. The narrative deepens as Mia discovers her grandmother Zana's diary from the 1940s in Jaffa, unveiling that Zana had also kept a forbidden love affair hidden from the family. This revelation creates a poignant parallel between Mia and Zana, highlighting the recurring theme of balancing personal passion with familial expectations.

Key Discussions and Insights:

• Cultural Representation Without Stereotypes: Sarah Hamdan emphasizes her intentional choice to portray a Palestinian woman authentically without reducing the narrative to themes of religion or conflict. As Hamdan states, “[...] I wanted to see if it was possible to write a really great story that happened to feature a Palestinian woman who is American and messy and funny and real and not just reduced to these headlines...” (02:20).

• The Role of Comedy in Challenging Stereotypes: Mia's career in stand-up comedy serves as a vehicle to address and dismantle cultural stereotypes. Hamdan explains, “I could think of no better way to talk about cultural stereotypes than through comedy because it's a wonderful way to be honest, but also to show vulnerability.” (03:07).

• Exploration of Different Forms of Love: The novel intricately weaves various types of love—platonic, romantic, and familial—demonstrating how these relationships shape the protagonists' lives. Hamdan remarks, “[...] the story about how some of those women inadvertently become very much like the monsters they worked for.” (07:39).

• Literature's Role in Highlighting Humanity: Amidst the backdrop of regional turmoil, Hamdan underscores literature's power to humanize and build bridges. “[...] literature has a quiet but powerful role here because it reminds us of people's humanity.” (04:57).

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Hamdan on portraying a multidimensional Palestinian woman: “We’re not monoliths.” (02:54)
• Hamdan on the essence of real love: “Real love builds bridges and it's just a way of connecting.” (04:57)

2. Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith Thomas

Plot Overview: Elaine Goldsmith Thomas's "Climbing in Heels" offers a riveting glimpse into the cutthroat environment of a 1980s Hollywood talent agency through the eyes of three female secretaries. The novel navigates themes of sexism, power abuse, and the struggle for professional recognition in an industry dominated by male executives. As the characters confront and navigate the dark underbelly of Hollywood, they grapple with personal ambition, friendship, and the moral compromises necessary for survival.

Key Discussions and Insights:

• Authentic Hollywood Experience: Drawing from her extensive career in Hollywood, Goldsmith Thomas brings authenticity to the narrative. She shares, “I had to tell the truth... the more they said no, the more I wanted it, I knew I would be a good agent.” (09:35).

• Depiction of Power Dynamics and Abuse: The novel does not shy away from portraying the pervasive sexual harassment and abuse within the industry. Goldsmith Thomas recounts a personal anecdote involving Bill Cosby to illustrate the systemic abuse: “[...] I decided to tell the truth. And I could only have the truth from my experiences.” (10:40).

• Character Development and Resilience: The protagonists exhibit resilience and strategic thinking as they navigate their professional landscape. Goldsmith Thomas describes Beanie, one of the main characters, as someone who “cannot, will not take no.” (08:18), highlighting her unwavering determination to break through glass ceilings.

• Intergenerational Struggles and Legacy: The narrative explores how past and present generations of women endure similar struggles, reflecting on the cyclical nature of gender biases and the fight for empowerment.

Notable Quotes:

• Goldsmith Thomas on character motivation: “Beanie especially cannot, will not take no. No just means try again. And yes means love.” (08:27)
• On navigating power dynamics: “This is a book about the people behind the people and the secrets and the secrets.” (13:01)

Personal Anecdote: Goldsmith Thomas shares a poignant story about an interaction with Bill Cosby, highlighting the pervasive fear and manipulation women faced. This real-life experience underscores the novel's themes of power abuse and the difficult choices women must make in hostile environments. As she narrates, “I was scared enough that I just didn't do it and regretted it forever.” (12:00).

Conclusion

This episode of NPR's Book of the Day masterfully highlights two novels that not only entertain but also provoke thoughtful reflection on the complexities women face in male-dominated industries. Sarah Hamdan's "What Will People Think?" celebrates the intersection of cultural identity and personal passion, while Elaine Goldsmith Thomas's "Climbing in Heels" exposes the harsh realities of gender dynamics in Hollywood. Together, these stories illuminate the enduring struggle for recognition, authenticity, and love amidst societal expectations and systemic challenges.

Notable Episode Highlights:

• Sarah Hamdan's focus on love and humanity beyond political narratives (02:20, 04:57).
• Elaine Goldsmith Thomas's authentic portrayal of Hollywood's dark side and personal resilience (10:40, 12:00).

Whether you're seeking a heartfelt exploration of personal and cultural identity or a gritty look into the power structures of Hollywood, this episode provides rich narratives that resonate with the broader themes of ambition, love, and survival.

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