What do you think?
Rate this book
Ask Again Later
Emily has a tendency to live with one foot out the door. For her, the best thing about a family crisis is the excuse to cut and run. When her mother dramatically announces they've found a lump, Emily gladly takes a rain check on life to be by her mother's side, leaving behind her career, her boyfriend, and those pesky, unanswerable questions about who she is and what she's doing with her life.
But back in her childhood bedroom, Emily realizes that she hasn't run fast or far enough. One evening, while her mother calls everyone in her Rolodex to brief them on her medical crisis and schedule a farewell martini, Emily opens the door, quite literally, to find her past staring her in the face. How do you forge a relationship with the father who left when you were five years old? As Emily attempts to find balance on the emotional seesaw of her life, with the help of two hopeful suitors and her Park Avenue Princess sister, she takes a no-risk job as a receptionist at her father's law firm and slowly gets to know the man she once pretended was dead.
From the brainy, breezy writer who "writes like a professional comic" (The Onion) and is "hard to stop reading once you start" (USA Today) comes a laugh-out-loud tale that confirms you can recover from your parents, the bad habit of missed opportunities, and men who romance you with meat. When opportunity knocks, it's time to stop running and start living.
But back in her childhood bedroom, Emily realizes that she hasn't run fast or far enough. One evening, while her mother calls everyone in her Rolodex to brief them on her medical crisis and schedule a farewell martini, Emily opens the door, quite literally, to find her past staring her in the face. How do you forge a relationship with the father who left when you were five years old? As Emily attempts to find balance on the emotional seesaw of her life, with the help of two hopeful suitors and her Park Avenue Princess sister, she takes a no-risk job as a receptionist at her father's law firm and slowly gets to know the man she once pretended was dead.
From the brainy, breezy writer who "writes like a professional comic" (The Onion) and is "hard to stop reading once you start" (USA Today) comes a laugh-out-loud tale that confirms you can recover from your parents, the bad habit of missed opportunities, and men who romance you with meat. When opportunity knocks, it's time to stop running and start living.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 20, 2007
101 people are currently reading
1028 people want to read
About the author
Jill A. Davis
10 books46 followersJill A. Davis was a writer for Late Show with David Letterman, where she received five Emmy nominations. She has also written several television pilots and movie screenplays in addition to short stories. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
August 19, 2008
Blah, Blah, Blah - I had to push myself through this one - and only did so because it was short and a very easy read. Too little depth here to ever care about the characters for me. I didn't get the family dynamics and felt they were really all shallow.
May 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It's written as if it's a diary, without actually being one (if that makes any sense).
Emily Rhode prides herself on keeping her emotions in check - a good quality for a lawyer, but not a good thing when she is called back home when her mother is diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.
Using her mother's illness as a way to escape the grind, she literally feels as though she has traveled back in time when she moves back into her mother's house and into her old room, which is exactly the same way as she left it.
Emily is very lovable and quite funny. Although this book is dealing with a serious medical situation, it is a light hearted read, and you will love Emily as she begins seeing a therapist, realizes she has walked out on her career, and left a love behind.
Emily Rhode prides herself on keeping her emotions in check - a good quality for a lawyer, but not a good thing when she is called back home when her mother is diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.
Using her mother's illness as a way to escape the grind, she literally feels as though she has traveled back in time when she moves back into her mother's house and into her old room, which is exactly the same way as she left it.
Emily is very lovable and quite funny. Although this book is dealing with a serious medical situation, it is a light hearted read, and you will love Emily as she begins seeing a therapist, realizes she has walked out on her career, and left a love behind.
April 5, 2011
This one was a very quick read, but I will admit that I had to push myself to do the reading. The characters didn't really do it for me. Not only was it confusing to keep them all straight, but they were introduced in such a way that they were very forgettable.
The idea of the book was a good try, and it had a bit of good humor, but all and all, I wouldn't read it again. Give it a try, though, and see what you thihnk...
The idea of the book was a good try, and it had a bit of good humor, but all and all, I wouldn't read it again. Give it a try, though, and see what you thihnk...
January 9, 2009
Don't get me wrong, I love me some chick lit. Even cheesy and predictable chick lit, where I can guess the ending within the first 5 pages. This book was impossible to love. The plot was disjointed and the story lacked structure. I didn't care for the protagonist or her issues. Definitely pass on this.
March 15, 2018
the story was fine but didn't flow very well. it was quite choppy and the ending felt rushed
February 21, 2022
Her story and style of writing drew me right in!
April 22, 2008
A pretty good book despite the semi-steryotypical two deminsional crazy mom, and the lack of what you might call a fully fleshed out writting style. The chaperts are short and kind of choppy but in an internet blog kind of way, which strangely appealed to me. I found that it made the less obvious witty humor gems more appreciated since they were there but didn't hit you over the head. The ending kind of followed the format and was abrupt but oddly to the point, even if the last line kid of contradicts everything that had happened in the book. Easily read in one day, and even one sitting, a good book if your looking for a quick easy read.
May 28, 2017
Not one of the best books that i read. I had a hard time getting into it. I had to force myself to finish it.
April 20, 2019
Who can resist those crazy 8-Balls that you ask the yes and no questions to? I loved them as a child and if, as a adult, I come across one, I still pick it up and ask a question. Oh, the anticipation of getting the answer you desire!
Emily is an attorney, at least she has a contract law degree, but her life feels in disarray. Her parents divorced when she was very young. Her father is also an attorney but they have been somewhat estranged for many years. Her mother appears a slightly hyper social butterfly and a bit eccentric. Her sister, Marjorie, is married, pregnant and living the life of a charmed wealthy homemaker. Emily is floundering and looking for direction and purpose in life. Shake the 8-ball and ask your question, "Am I always going to feel such despair?" The 8-ball answers, "It is undecidedly so."
Emily gets a call from her mother -- one of those "life or death" calls. She uses the "C" word and according to her, is sitting at death's door. Without proper analysis of the repercussions, Emily quits her job and moves in with her Mom to help carry the burden of the dreaded breast cancer diagnosis. Shake the 8- ball and ask your question, "Is Mom going to be okay?" The 8-ball answers, "The outlook is good"
Afraid of commitment, Emily breaks up with her boyfriend and begins a long-awaited, much anticipated relationship with her long-estranged father. She has quickly let go of one male figure in her life while reluctantly grasping a rope tied to a father she doesn't know if she trusts or even likes. Shake the 8-ball and ask your question, "Will I ever find love and happiness?" The 8-ball answers, "Cannot predict now."
This actually turned out to be a comical read for me, but I'm not certain it was meant to be funny. With short, snappy chapters, it moved at an incredibly fast pace and bore a resemblance to a silent movie version of The Perils of Pauline.
Poor Emily is being pulled in so many directions, trying to make everyone happy that she has lost sight of the fact that if she doesn't write her destiny in life, then no one will. Her mother thinks she's going to die soon, her sister finds that motherhood wasn't all she thought it would be, her father turns out to be a pretty decent man and the guy that looks like he could be "the one", is the boyfriend she recently dumped. Life is complicated, unpredictable and there is no "do over" button. But life is also full of opportunity, obtainable wisdom and adventure. Sometimes we just have to play it out and see what happens without relying on an 8-ball's confirmation of "It is certain" or "Definitely not", which is why the inventor of this fun toy put in an answer we not only all need, but down deep hope for, "Ask again later."
Emily is an attorney, at least she has a contract law degree, but her life feels in disarray. Her parents divorced when she was very young. Her father is also an attorney but they have been somewhat estranged for many years. Her mother appears a slightly hyper social butterfly and a bit eccentric. Her sister, Marjorie, is married, pregnant and living the life of a charmed wealthy homemaker. Emily is floundering and looking for direction and purpose in life. Shake the 8-ball and ask your question, "Am I always going to feel such despair?" The 8-ball answers, "It is undecidedly so."
Emily gets a call from her mother -- one of those "life or death" calls. She uses the "C" word and according to her, is sitting at death's door. Without proper analysis of the repercussions, Emily quits her job and moves in with her Mom to help carry the burden of the dreaded breast cancer diagnosis. Shake the 8- ball and ask your question, "Is Mom going to be okay?" The 8-ball answers, "The outlook is good"
Afraid of commitment, Emily breaks up with her boyfriend and begins a long-awaited, much anticipated relationship with her long-estranged father. She has quickly let go of one male figure in her life while reluctantly grasping a rope tied to a father she doesn't know if she trusts or even likes. Shake the 8-ball and ask your question, "Will I ever find love and happiness?" The 8-ball answers, "Cannot predict now."
This actually turned out to be a comical read for me, but I'm not certain it was meant to be funny. With short, snappy chapters, it moved at an incredibly fast pace and bore a resemblance to a silent movie version of The Perils of Pauline.
Poor Emily is being pulled in so many directions, trying to make everyone happy that she has lost sight of the fact that if she doesn't write her destiny in life, then no one will. Her mother thinks she's going to die soon, her sister finds that motherhood wasn't all she thought it would be, her father turns out to be a pretty decent man and the guy that looks like he could be "the one", is the boyfriend she recently dumped. Life is complicated, unpredictable and there is no "do over" button. But life is also full of opportunity, obtainable wisdom and adventure. Sometimes we just have to play it out and see what happens without relying on an 8-ball's confirmation of "It is certain" or "Definitely not", which is why the inventor of this fun toy put in an answer we not only all need, but down deep hope for, "Ask again later."
April 7, 2024
I surprised myself by liking this book. I really thought it would be just superficial and cheesy, but I really ended up liking Emily and her relationship with her dad was heartwarming. There were many insightful quotes in this book. She always had something deep to say, even while it was being tied in with humor.
August 17, 2018
Great story but the short pieces at the beginning almost made me put it down. Then I stopped noticing them as I got hooked. Only other piece that irked me was that I think the receptionist should already be at work when the partners arrive.
February 18, 2024
got me out a reading slump. short but impactful
July 4, 2024
Since I won’t give one star to books I haven’t read, I pushed myself through it so that I could give it one star. No depth, every character was annoying, and nothing happens.
February 16, 2023
Not a likable character to be found…only thing going for it was it was a quick read. It was at the condo I stayed at in Hawaii and was read by the pool.
January 23, 2012
I've been looking up authors of whom I've read one book in the past and enjoyed it, just to see if they'd written anything else. Funny thing is, I remember nothing about Girl's Poker Night other than enjoying it. Since the library had this one available, I picked it up. This book might have the same issue...not sure there was anything memorable or any depth to it.
The short chapters appear to throw a lot of people off, but to me it just felt like reading entries in a journal, so I didn't mind that. There were a lot of sentences or even seections of the book that I thought "how funny!", but they were not funny enough that I laughed much...I expected it to be more humorous than it was. Given the events of the book though, the humor has to be tempered a bit. I was cheering for Sam even though he disappears for a major portion of the book. Emily's mother and sister were obnoxious, but I loved how they interacted with her. Her father remained a bit distant, but that was appropriate given their awkward getting to know each other scenes, and made the fact that they still barely knew each other resonate. The shrink is a non entity, other than the fact Emily relies on him and uses him as a sounding board since there's not many other people she can rely on. I cared enough for the characters to feel the appropriate emotions at the appropriate times, but not enough that the emotion carried over once I closed the book or even turned the page. This one is a fun fast read, but doesn't offer much beyond that. Still, if the author wrote something else, I'd give her another try.
The short chapters appear to throw a lot of people off, but to me it just felt like reading entries in a journal, so I didn't mind that. There were a lot of sentences or even seections of the book that I thought "how funny!", but they were not funny enough that I laughed much...I expected it to be more humorous than it was. Given the events of the book though, the humor has to be tempered a bit. I was cheering for Sam even though he disappears for a major portion of the book. Emily's mother and sister were obnoxious, but I loved how they interacted with her. Her father remained a bit distant, but that was appropriate given their awkward getting to know each other scenes, and made the fact that they still barely knew each other resonate. The shrink is a non entity, other than the fact Emily relies on him and uses him as a sounding board since there's not many other people she can rely on. I cared enough for the characters to feel the appropriate emotions at the appropriate times, but not enough that the emotion carried over once I closed the book or even turned the page. This one is a fun fast read, but doesn't offer much beyond that. Still, if the author wrote something else, I'd give her another try.
July 25, 2010
This is first off a story of a dysfunctional woman with a dysfunctional family told with humor. At times it reads like a memoir. Emily has some problems that seem to stem from her relationship with her parents.
There are sad times, at the beginning of the book she finds out her mother has breast cancer and goes home to be with her I loved this paragraph (because my mother also had breast cancer and it was hard to deal with).
She is also dealing with the re-emergence of her Father in her life and a boyfriend she loves but can’t seem to commit to. We go along on this crazy ride Emily is on to try to get her life in order.
This was a pretty good book if you like dysfunction this one is for you!
3 Stars
There are sad times, at the beginning of the book she finds out her mother has breast cancer and goes home to be with her I loved this paragraph (because my mother also had breast cancer and it was hard to deal with).
Page 108-109-As she is lying there waiting for surgery. I imagine a cancerous Pac-Man or -Lady Pac-Man- running through her body eating up her healthy tissue, expanding its mass and taking over. Devouring the flesh that nurtured me, or longed to. I want to scream. And I am mad that I'm of a generation that can best relate a parent's cancer to a video game.
She is also dealing with the re-emergence of her Father in her life and a boyfriend she loves but can’t seem to commit to. We go along on this crazy ride Emily is on to try to get her life in order.
This was a pretty good book if you like dysfunction this one is for you!
3 Stars
November 3, 2011
I like the way Jill Davis writes. I very much enjoyed her book "Girls' Poker Night" and even wrote down a few quotes that I found particularly poignant.
I was pleased to see the writing that impressed me once before still held up in "Ask Again Later." Protagonist Emily lives her life with one foot perpetually out the door. She doesn't know how to deal with her boyfriend Sam when he confesses his love for her. So when her mother calls and dramatically announces she's dying of cancer, Emily takes the opportunity to quit her job at a law office (simultaneously ditching fellow lawyer Sam) and move in to her mother's place. She also strives to get to know the father whom she hasn't had a relationship with since she was a child.
I loved the writing style: short scenes filled with equal parts humor and warmth with an underlying sadness. I thought perhaps it was a little overdone with the whole "I blame my parents for my inability to live life to the fullest," but it was still worth reading and worth following Emily on her journey to happiness.
I was pleased to see the writing that impressed me once before still held up in "Ask Again Later." Protagonist Emily lives her life with one foot perpetually out the door. She doesn't know how to deal with her boyfriend Sam when he confesses his love for her. So when her mother calls and dramatically announces she's dying of cancer, Emily takes the opportunity to quit her job at a law office (simultaneously ditching fellow lawyer Sam) and move in to her mother's place. She also strives to get to know the father whom she hasn't had a relationship with since she was a child.
I loved the writing style: short scenes filled with equal parts humor and warmth with an underlying sadness. I thought perhaps it was a little overdone with the whole "I blame my parents for my inability to live life to the fullest," but it was still worth reading and worth following Emily on her journey to happiness.
November 9, 2014
I had a hard time putting this book down. I really enjoyed the shorter chapters, and found the titles of the chapters a fun addition that you don't find in many books. I felt like I got to know all of the characters along the way and the way it was written made me want to know more. However I'm so very disappointed in the ending. I literally flipped the page over to see if maybe I missed something. Yes, there was finality for each character, but there was really no closure. All of the things that the main character experienced throughout the whole book kept me engrossed....but how did the outcome make her feel?
In the middle of the book, I even researched online some of the other books this author had written because I adored her writing style. But I am just so disappointed in the ending. It was so abrupt. It left me wanting more. A follow up of some sort. I can think of a million ways to have actually had this book end....and with closure. Unless this author planned on making a sequel, I feel she made a horrible mistake in the ending.
In the middle of the book, I even researched online some of the other books this author had written because I adored her writing style. But I am just so disappointed in the ending. It was so abrupt. It left me wanting more. A follow up of some sort. I can think of a million ways to have actually had this book end....and with closure. Unless this author planned on making a sequel, I feel she made a horrible mistake in the ending.
June 30, 2010
Not really the kind of book I like these days. I picked it up in the bargain section of the book store. It is the story of a women who runs away from her problems but still manages to land on her feet. She quits her Jon on a whim when her mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of panicking, her father shows up after years of abscence and gives her a job. Money never seems to be an issue.
February 19, 2018
2.5 stars. Not really my thing.
September 21, 2023
Emily goes home to help her mother who has found out she has cancer. Along the way she discovers a lot about herself and how she interacts with the world and other people.
This was a book I didn't find riveting but after finishing it had a good feeling about it. There is a lot for people to relate with between family, friends, work situations, therapy, getting in your own way, etc. It's a quieter book with no huge plot other than life itself. That part I really enjoyed. I also liked the "sections" being three pages or less. It was easy to read when one had only five minutes or if one had 45 minutes. Although some reviewers found it laugh-out-loud funny, I only found it humorous along the way.
This was a book I didn't find riveting but after finishing it had a good feeling about it. There is a lot for people to relate with between family, friends, work situations, therapy, getting in your own way, etc. It's a quieter book with no huge plot other than life itself. That part I really enjoyed. I also liked the "sections" being three pages or less. It was easy to read when one had only five minutes or if one had 45 minutes. Although some reviewers found it laugh-out-loud funny, I only found it humorous along the way.
January 24, 2026
This book was extremely hard to get through. The beginning started off somewhat strong. I liked the point of view. Emily’s thoughts about others were often quite funny. There were some moments I would laugh out loud. As soon as she moved in with her mother, the whole pacing seemed disorganized and her situation unrealistic. I wanted to read this book since my sister was diagnosed with cancer recently. I thought maybe I could relate to it or find solace. Instead, I never really sympathized with the characters much as they said and did absurd things. The relationship between Emily and her mom was chaotic, but not in a relatable or in an understandable way. Some very boring parts.
April 22, 2020
Watching Yourself Go Through Life
Our thoughts, feelings, responses -- internal & external -- to the journey of our own messy lives explored and revealed in one funny, sassy, thoughtful, and warmly reassuring story.
Emily is the girl you secretly were, or wanted to be, or you pushed aside, to become someone else. We've all done it. To read its truth is a great relief. You'll love it!
Our thoughts, feelings, responses -- internal & external -- to the journey of our own messy lives explored and revealed in one funny, sassy, thoughtful, and warmly reassuring story.
Emily is the girl you secretly were, or wanted to be, or you pushed aside, to become someone else. We've all done it. To read its truth is a great relief. You'll love it!
May 12, 2017
Cute, light story told in vignettes of a single woman, Emily, who quit her stressful job as a young lawyer and attempts to make her life "right" again. You will meet everyone in her life and wish her the best on her travels.
I listened to this one on CD and it's a perfect one for that b/c stopping and starting doesn't hurt the story.
I listened to this one on CD and it's a perfect one for that b/c stopping and starting doesn't hurt the story.
September 9, 2017
Funny but poignantly sad too. Told in short chapters with humor. Mother had cancer, father left them when Emily was young. Works for her father. Gets to know him again. Scared to love anyone herself --- afraid of commitment. Story a little hard to follow at times. Her sister Marjorie has baby Malcolm.
January 26, 2020
What a waste of 2 days' worth of reading. At 80 pages in, I thought "nothing has happened'. After the whole book, I can still say the same. The characters weren't interesting or fleshed out. I skipped "chapters" (they were 2 pages in length) because there was no point in Marjorie or Perry. Or Will. Or Sam.
Save your time. Don't bother.
Save your time. Don't bother.
May 25, 2020
This was a fun and quick read; the mom character is 100% Moira Rose and the daughter is quasi-Alexis but with slightly more intellect. If you like Schitt’s Creek and you read it envisioning those two, you will likely enjoy it. Otherwise it’s fairly unremarkable, albeit semi tongue-in-cheek, chick lit but sometimes that’s what fits the bill!
January 29, 2023
Well, I liked that it was a quick read. There were a few good, relatable nuggets and quotes. Otherwise? A pretty forgettable book with forgettable but relatively likable characters. Like the protagonist, this book is afraid to get too much deeper than surface level. Regrettable, as it could have been much better with more character development.
October 4, 2018
I was really enjoying the book right up until Sam proposed to her. That came out of nowhere. If a woman I was dating behaved like the protagonist behaved in the first 200 pages, I wouldn't trust her to borrow my car, let alone propose to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2020
This is the second book I've read by Jill A. Davis. The other one is 'Girls Poker Night' which is one of my all time favorites. I like this book as well. I just love how she writes exactly how real people think and speak.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews