In this timely and comedic take on ambition, consumerism, and the sticker price of privilege, an ad exec who bombs the biggest pitch of his career decides to forgo capitalism and live off the land of his suburban Connecticut home. Perfect for readers of Rufi Thorpe and Taffy Brodesser-Akner. Alan Anderson is a powerful advertising executive who has built a successful life and thriving business by making people buy stuff they donāt actually need. Heās up for the biggest pitch of his career and the account everyone wants, US Dairy: cowās milk sales are plummeting, and the C-Suite wants to see trendy oat milk kicked to the curb. But when an anarchist farmer tanks Alanās presentation, Alan bombs the pitch but ends the day with an epiphany. No longer will he exploit the insecurities of others in the service of capitalism. Alan is opting out. This development is anathema to his wife, Vivian. Sheās just a few positive affirmations, a swimming pool, and an exacting series of social tests away from finally becoming part of the elite womenās club, the Queen Annes, in their adopted town of Greenwich, Connecticut. As if contending with a daughter who wants to write plays (!) and another who has an unnatural empathy with animals isnāt enough to manage, she can only watch as Alan moves into their backyard playhouse to live off the land andāworseāspend time with the family. But instead of shocking the neighbors, Alanās commitment to a less-is-more lifestyle seems to be catching on. Could everyone want what Alanās not selling? Funny, sexy, intelligent, and poignant, Alan Opts Out is the most ambitious novel to date by celebrated author Courtney Maum, acclaimed for her stories that tackle big, chewy subjects of our post-modern America with wit and heart.
