Wedlocked

In Trachtenberg's debut novel, Rebecca Ross knows from an early age that her calling is to be an actress. A perfectionist, Rebecca soon finds herself performing in an off-Broadway production. A move to California after college brings success closer, but Rebecca's true potential is out of reach because of her self-righteous attitude and the influence of her overbearing, doubting mother. In the novel's first half, Trachtenberg impressively charts Rebecca's adolescence and attempts at stardom with grace and humor. However, the book's second half%E2%80%94which details Rebecca's neurotic fall and marriage to a man she barely knows%E2%80%94takes the story into unexpected territory. Rebecca finds herself questioning her life and struggling with depression. But the character's absurd decisions and behavior will likely confuse and annoy readers. The first half of this novel is marvelous and fun; the second half can be skipped completely.