Epically Earnest
By Molly Horan, Read by Amy Landon
Price: $18.99
Formats:
About the Book
In this delightfully romantic LGBTQ+ comedy-of-errors inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, a high school senior works up the courage to ask her long-time crush to prom, all while deciding if she should look for her bio family.
Jane Worthing’s claim to fame is that she was one first viral internet sensations, dubbed #bagbaby—discovered as a one-year-old in an oversized Gucci bag by her adopted father in a Poughkeepsie train station.
Now in her senior year of high school, Janey is questioning whether she wants to look for her bio family due to a loving, but deeply misguided push from her best friend Algie, while also navigating an all-consuming crush on his cousin, the beautiful, way-out-of-her-league Gwen Fairfax.
And while Janey’s never thought of herself as the earnest type, she needs to be honest with her parents, Algie, Gwen, but mostly herself if she wants to make her life truly epic. With a wink toward Oscar Wilde’s beloved play, Epically Earnest explores the complexity of identity, the many forms family can take, and the importance of being . . . yourself.
With prom fast approaching and a life-changing DNA test on the table, what’s a girl to do?
- Oscar Wilde Retelling: A modern, queer take on The Importance of Being Earnest, complete with witty banter, comedic mix-ups, and a quest for one’s true origins.
- Sapphic Romance: Follows Janey’s journey to win the heart of her long-time crush, the effortlessly cool Gwendolyn Fairfax.
- High School Senior Year: All the drama and excitement of the last year of high school, centered around the ultimate rite of passage: the perfect promposal.
- Heartfelt Coming of Age: An emotional and funny story about what it means to be adopted, what makes a family, and the courage it takes to be truly yourself.
Product Details
Reviews
“How do you update Oscar Wilde for the internet age? In Molly Horan’s charming debut, the answer is to wrap the dazzling wordplay around a gentle—even earnest—exploration of new love and old wounds. Epically Earnest is a hopeful, romantic, sharply observed comedy of manners with a winning cast, and a group dance number that belongs in the rom-com hall of fame.” — Amanda Sellet, author of By the Book and Belittled Women
“A delightful story that puts Ernest in the shoes of a modern girl as she navigates internet fame, first love, and the real meaning of family. With dazzling wit and heart for days, Horan’s stand-out debut would make Oscar Wilde proud!” — Kaitlyn Hill, author of Love From Scratch
“Debut-author Horan delivers a lighthearted, feel-good romp with engaging characters who are clever and well realized.” — Booklist
“Horan’s snappy banter and lighthearted approach to conflict make for a breezy read.” — Publishers Weekly
“A lighthearted romance with just enough drama and some sincere exploration of familial and romantic relationships.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Non-stereotypical portrayals of queer identity make this a worthwhile addition to high school collections.” — School Library Journal
About the Book
In this delightfully romantic LGBTQ+ comedy-of-errors inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, a high school senior works up the courage to ask her long-time crush to prom, all while deciding if she should look for her bio family.
Jane Worthing’s claim to fame is that she was one first viral internet sensations, dubbed #bagbaby—discovered as a one-year-old in an oversized Gucci bag by her adopted father in a Poughkeepsie train station.
Now in her senior year of high school, Janey is questioning whether she wants to look for her bio family due to a loving, but deeply misguided push from her best friend Algie, while also navigating an all-consuming crush on his cousin, the beautiful, way-out-of-her-league Gwen Fairfax.
And while Janey’s never thought of herself as the earnest type, she needs to be honest with her parents, Algie, Gwen, but mostly herself if she wants to make her life truly epic. With a wink toward Oscar Wilde’s beloved play, Epically Earnest explores the complexity of identity, the many forms family can take, and the importance of being . . . yourself.
With prom fast approaching and a life-changing DNA test on the table, what’s a girl to do?
- Oscar Wilde Retelling: A modern, queer take on The Importance of Being Earnest, complete with witty banter, comedic mix-ups, and a quest for one’s true origins.
- Sapphic Romance: Follows Janey’s journey to win the heart of her long-time crush, the effortlessly cool Gwendolyn Fairfax.
- High School Senior Year: All the drama and excitement of the last year of high school, centered around the ultimate rite of passage: the perfect promposal.
- Heartfelt Coming of Age: An emotional and funny story about what it means to be adopted, what makes a family, and the courage it takes to be truly yourself.
Product Details
Reviews
“How do you update Oscar Wilde for the internet age? In Molly Horan’s charming debut, the answer is to wrap the dazzling wordplay around a gentle—even earnest—exploration of new love and old wounds. Epically Earnest is a hopeful, romantic, sharply observed comedy of manners with a winning cast, and a group dance number that belongs in the rom-com hall of fame.” — Amanda Sellet, author of By the Book and Belittled Women
“A delightful story that puts Ernest in the shoes of a modern girl as she navigates internet fame, first love, and the real meaning of family. With dazzling wit and heart for days, Horan’s stand-out debut would make Oscar Wilde proud!” — Kaitlyn Hill, author of Love From Scratch
“Debut-author Horan delivers a lighthearted, feel-good romp with engaging characters who are clever and well realized.” — Booklist
“Horan’s snappy banter and lighthearted approach to conflict make for a breezy read.” — Publishers Weekly
“A lighthearted romance with just enough drama and some sincere exploration of familial and romantic relationships.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Non-stereotypical portrayals of queer identity make this a worthwhile addition to high school collections.” — School Library Journal