Description

Please Send Help…A Novel

Ava and Gen share an unbreakable bond as best friends, each representing a contrasting approach to life. Ava is the embodiment of determination, with a clear vision of her aspirations and a meticulously crafted roadmap to achieve them. She thrives on structure and purpose, her days filled with to-do lists and goal-setting sessions that keep her focused on the future she envisions. In stark contrast, Gen often finds herself adrift, lacking the same clarity and direction.

She is a free spirit, navigating life’s uncertainties with a mix of spontaneity and confusion, often feeling overwhelmed by the choices that lie ahead. Yet, through the chaos of late-night rants that can spiral into dramatic outbursts, Ava has consistently stood by Gen’s side, offering a steady hand and a listening ear. Just as Gen has been a steadfast presence for Ava, providing emotional support during moments of self-doubt and anxiety, their friendship has become a sanctuary amidst the turbulence of adolescence.

As they transition into adulthood after high school, the challenges they face become more pronounced. The world outside their familiar halls is daunting, filled with the complexities of relationships, the trials of questionable roommates, and the pressures of internships that seem to loom larger than life. The carefree days of youth are replaced by responsibilities and expectations, and the weight of these changes can feel suffocating. Even the whimsical idea of adopting a feral cat—a symbol of their shared desire for companionship and adventure—becomes a topic of debate in their ongoing conversations, reflecting their differing perspectives on commitment and stability.

Despite being separated by a vast distance of over a thousand miles, they remain in the same time zone, grappling with the realities of life beyond the safety of their high school years. Their late-night phone calls and video chats become lifelines, filled with laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and the occasional existential crisis.

Ava’s unwavering support helps Gen find her footing, while Gen’s carefree spirit encourages Ava to embrace spontaneity and let go of her rigid plans. Together, they navigate the complexities of adulthood, sharing triumphs and setbacks, and reminding each other that they are not alone in this journey.

However, as they evolve individually, the question looms: can their friendship endure the strain of distance and change? Will their contrasting approaches to life continue to complement each other, or will the challenges of adulthood create rifts that are difficult to mend?

In “Please Send Help,” the latest comedic novel from the acclaimed New York Times bestselling duo Allison Raskin and Gaby Dunn, the authors brilliantly encapsulate the story of navigating her uncertainties, while Gen’s spontaneous spirit encourages Ava to embrace the unexpected and let go of her rigid plans from time to time. Their friendship, a delicate balance of structure and freedom, becomes a source of strength as they face the unknowns of adulthood together.

As they venture on their respective journeys—Ava pursuing a degree in business with a focus on entrepreneurship, and Gen exploring her passion for art and design—their paths diverge yet remain intertwined. Ava’s meticulous planning leads her to internships that align perfectly with her career goals, while Gen’s artistic endeavors take her on a more winding road, filled with creative projects and collaborations that often lack a clear trajectory. Yet, in their differences, they find common ground; Ava learns to appreciate the beauty of spontaneity, while Gen discovers the value of setting intentions and working towards them.

Their conversations evolve, reflecting their growth and the challenges they face. Ava shares her triumphs and setbacks in the corporate world, detailing the lessons learned from each experience, while Gen recounts her adventures in the art scene, from gallery openings to impromptu road trips with fellow creatives.

They celebrate each other’s victories, no matter how small, and provide comfort during moments of doubt. When Gen feels overwhelmed by the pressures of her art school, Ava reminds her of her talent and the unique perspective she brings to her work. Conversely, when Ava grapples with the fear of failure in her business pursuits, Gen encourages her to take risks and embrace the journey, reminding her that success is not solely defined by traditional metrics.

Navigating the complexities of new relationships, both romantic and platonic, their friendship serves as a haven. They share stories of awkward first dates, the challenges of finding genuine connections, and the heartaches that come with growing up. Ava’s analytical approach helps Gen make sense of her feelings, while Gen’s intuitive nature allows Ava to explore her emotions more deeply. They become each other’s confidantes, offering advice and perspective that only best friends can provide.

The whimsical idea of adopting a feral cat resurfaces in their conversations, symbolizing their desire for companionship and the need to nurture something beyond themselves. They debate the logistics of caring for a pet, with Ava advocating for a structured approach to ensure the cat’s well-being, while Gen dreams of the adventures they could have together, envisioning late-night escapades and spontaneous trips to the vet. This playful banter highlights their contrasting views on commitment and stability, yet it also underscores the deep bond they share—a bond that transcends distance.

They become each other’s sounding boards, offering advice and perspective that only a true friend can provide. In moments of doubt, when Ava feels the weight of expectations pressing down on her, Gen reminds her that it’s okay to stray from the path she’s meticulously laid out. “Life isn’t just about the destination, Ava,” she often says, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Sometimes the detours lead to the most beautiful experiences.” This philosophy resonates with Ava, who begins to see the merit in allowing herself to be swept up in the moment, even if it means stepping outside her comfort zone. On the other hand, Gen finds herself inspired by Ava’s determination and focus. As she navigates the unpredictable world of art, she often recalls Ava’s stories of strategic networking and goal-setting.

“You make it sound so easy,” Gen laughs, her voice tinged with admiration. “Maybe I should start thinking about my art as a business too.” This realization sparks a new chapter in Gen’s journey, where she begins to approach her creative projects with a more structured mindset, blending her artistic flair with a newfound sense of purpose. Their friendship deepens as they face the inevitable challenges of adulthood. They attend each other’s events—Ava cheering on Gen at her art shows, and Gen supporting Ava during her presentations and networking events. Each success is a shared victory, and each setback is met with unwavering support. They learn to celebrate the small wins, understanding that growth often comes in the form of incremental progress rather than grand achievements. As they explore new relationships, they also navigate the complexities of their own identities.

Ava, with her analytical mind, begins to question the societal norms that dictate success and happiness. She shares her thoughts with Gen, who encourages her to explore her definitions of fulfillment. “What if success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder?” Gen asks one evening, her voice soft yet probing. “What if it’s about finding joy in what you do?” This conversation sparks a shift in Ava’s perspective, prompting her to consider what truly makes her happy beyond the confines of her carefully crafted plans. Meanwhile, Gen grapples with her insecurities, often feeling like an outsider in the competitive art world. Ava’s unwavering belief in her talent serves as a balm during these moments of self-doubt. “You have a gift, Gen,” Ava reassures her, her tone firm yet gentle.

Allison Raskin and Gaby Dunn

Allison Raskin and Gaby Dunn are two close friends and acclaimed authors whose works have gained recognition on the New York Times bestseller list. Currently residing in Los Angeles, they embarked on their creative journey by launching the comedy YouTube channel Just Between Us in 2014. This channel has garnered an impressive viewership, approaching 150 million views, and has led to the development of individual podcasts that have achieved significant success, consistently ranking on the international top charts of iTunes.

Gaby Dunn’s journalism career is marked by contributions to nearly every prominent publication, showcasing her versatility and talent in the field. Meanwhile, Allison Raskin has made her mark through her humorous family group texts, which have resonated with many for their relatable and entertaining content. Together, they have collaborated on various television projects with notable networks such as MTV, YouTube Red, and FX, further expanding their influence in the entertainment industry.

Allison and Gaby share a deep affection for their dogs, which adds a personal touch to their public personas. Their friendship and collaborative spirit not only enrich their creative endeavors but resonate with their audience, who appreciate the authenticity and humor they bring to their work. Through their various platforms, they continue to engage a wide audience, solidifying their status as prominent figures in contemporary media.