Can I Bring My Book

Alan Opts Out: Consumerism, Chaos + Trademark Drama

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Your book besties are back, and this week we're discussing a book that asks an important question:

What happens when the high-achieving ad executive who's built his entire identity around success suddenly... opts out?

This week's Buddy Read Chat is Alan Opts Out by Courtney Maum, a sharp, funny satire about consumerism, ambition, family, status, and what really matters when life doesn't go according to plan.

We discuss talking-to-animals children, secret social clubs, doomsday communities, surprise betrayals, and why every member of this family desperately needed therapy (and maybe a hug).

Buddy Read Chat
  • Alan Opts Out by Courtney Maum

    • This week we're talking:

    • consumerism and keeping up with the Joneses
    • career burnout and work-life balance
    • family dysfunction
    • suburban social politics
    • secret clubs and status symbols
    • talking-to-animals children
    • and one betrayal we absolutely did not see coming

      • ⭐ Kat: 4.5 stars

      ⭐ Amanda: 5 stars

      What's On Our Shelf
      • When Sparks Fly by Monica Murphy
      • Honey. by Imani Thompson
      • Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York's Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist by Jennifer Wright
      • The Wedding People by Alison Espach
      • Costalegre by Courtney Maum
      • The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
      • Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
        • New Releases We're Adding to our TBR
        • Heather by Caitlin Mullen
        • Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer
        • Daughters of the Sun and Moon by Lisa See
        • Cat Love by Tomas Q. Morin
        • Lost in the Summer of '69 by Eliza Knight
        • Harvest Season by Brynne Weaver
          • Bookish News and Other Tangents

          This week we're discussing the internet meltdown surrounding the attempted trademarking of the phrase "Hot Girls Read," the backlash from readers and small businesses, and the surprisingly long list of bookish phrases that are already trademarked.

          Spoiler: we have opinions.

          Plus! A... fun?! soda spiral! 

          Whether you’re here for the books, the chaos, or the unfiltered opinions- we’re glad you’re here.

          Want to join our book club? Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop. You can signup here

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          Can I Bring My BookBy canibringmybookclub