It is always a JOY to talk to an author for their debut novel. (Forevermore I shall be a footnote in the biography of their life.)
So I was happy to welcome Diane Bergner to talk about her first book: ROYAL COCONUT BEACH LUNCH CLUB.
New writers often draw on their own lives for their first story–and Diane Bergner has done exactly that–using her career switch from lawyer to fundraiser as a starting point. Like her main character, Julia Wilder, the author is also fund raiser for a large organization. With that starting point, it must have been fun to run wild with Julia Wild.
I liked Julia Wild and I must say I was sucked into the story because of my own background in fundraising for a major charity. One finds oneself dealing with people who are intimidating.
It’s even more daunting when Julia must navigate through the world of the ultra-rich in Royal Coconut Beach. It’s a completely new lifestyle. Galas and yachts. Designer clothes and complicated dynamics.
She also has to fend off an Argentinian billionaire. But it’s all in a days work–which makes for a great read as one dreams about spending thousands of dollars on shoes. I love shoes….
Diane Bergner’s debut book is just the beginning. She has found the joy on paper.
About the book:
Julia Wild was thrilled to trade her legal briefcase for stiletto heels and a glam wardrobe when she accepted the position as a high society fundraiser at a prestigious performing arts center. The Addison Center is supported by mega-donations from the ultra-rich in Royal Coconut Beach, but the gala lifestyle is a minefield.
As if the punishing schedule isn’t enough, Julia’s boss is having an affair with an important donor (is this what it takes to get big donations?) and someone is trying to sabotage her job. Even as she begins to doubt her new career choice, she weakens to the seduction of elite social circles and the allure of becoming a fundraising rainmaker.
But what really matters are the fascinating and strong-willed women who become her confidantes. They meet regularly for lunch, gossip, subtle lessons, and cocktails – while they dissect the wealth-fueled dynamics of the rich and powerful.
The deeper Julia is drawn into this world, the more reality and fantasy blur, and fault lines in her marriage surface. When she meets a debonair Argentinian billionaire, moral ambiguities and temptations are stirred. Will this fascinating man push her to her limit? Will she listen to her new companions who offer their smarts and feminist sensibilities?
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