Reese Witherspoon chose Lake Highlands native Chandler Baker’s novel Whisper Network as her July book club pick.
Whisper Network has been described as “Big Little Lies meets Working Girl” and now the Big Little Lies star herself cannot get enough of it.
I’m so excited to add another great book to your beach bag! My July book pick is #WhisperNetwork by @cbakerbooks. ? This story is a workplace murder mystery that happens in today’s #MeToo era. It’s honest, timely and completely thrilling. I can’t wait to hear what y’all think! pic.twitter.com/Xax4yNwsh3
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) July 1, 2019
Whisper Network also appeared in the New York Times fiction section in an article by author Caroline Kepnes. The Netflix series “You” is based off Kepnes’ novels You and Hidden Bones.
Baker will be at Half Price Books in Dallas on July 18th at 7pm for a book signing and discussion.
If you’re a local and you jump on the Baker bandwagon, RM 12:20 Bistro will also meet to discuss the book on July 23rd at 5pm.
Whisper Network is a must-read if you’re looking for a witty, relevant and bold novel about the quotidian troubles that working women face. Follow Reese’s advice and consider moving Whisper Network up a few spots on your summer reading list. And guess what? The plot of the book takes place in Dallas.
About Whisper Network
author Chandler Baker
Chandler Baker’s vision for this novel can be best explained through her choice of its title. A “whisper network” is an informal thread of information privately exchanged between women. Baker was personally inspired by the whisper network she and her female colleagues engaged in while encountering inappropriate advances from an older man at their law firm. As she considered this experience and reflected on her disheartening and unaccomadating return to the work world after maternity leave, Baker realized her creative authority was needed now more than ever to give all women a voice on problematic yet relatable issues. Hence why the story’s narrator is “we;” through this unique narration, readers get a glimpse into the everyday struggles that a working woman experiences. Baker states that while sexual harassment plays a major role in the novel, the plot does not solely revolve around it.
The female narrators Sloane, Grace, Ardie, and Rosalita, have worked hard for years at a Dallas athleisure company, Truviv, Inc. They have all made noteworthy sacrifices for their jobs such as giving up family time, vacation days, and countless other splendors of life. Yet, when the sudden death of their company’s CEO takes place, these women’s tremendous efforts are overlooked as a complicated man named Ames Garret is expected to become the new CEO. Since Ames has a reputation of treating women poorly, these four women must determine whether or not they should keep whispering or speak up and take action before its too late.
Whisper Network is an epistolary novel made up of a series of court transcripts, emails, and a Greek chorus of women that will connect with women all over the country. Liv Constantine referred to it as “A witty and timely story that will make you cheer for sisterhood.”
Baker’s ties to the neighborhood
Chandler Baker grew up in Lake Highlands and went to Merriman Park Elementary. She now lives in Austin with her husband and toddler, where she is also corporate attorney. Baker is the author of 5 young adult novels, some of which include This is Not the End and Alive. Whisper Network is her debut adult novel.
“Don’t be fooled by its title. WHISPER NETWORK is a primal roar of a novel. Furiously funny and just plain furious, it’s as timely as today’s headlines and as big-hearted as your best work friend. A fantastic read.”
–Riley Sager, New York Times bestselling author of Final Girls
Follow Chandler on Twitter @cbakerbooks
