If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend

by Alison Pace

Initially, gallery manager Jane Laine isn't very impressed with "it" artist Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons. Which could be kind of a problem, since she's the one who has to accompany him on a five-month international art fair tour. To get through it all, Jane figures she'll be a good sport and keep her critiques to herself. She's preoccupied enough with mending her own broken heart, re-thinking her career path, and dealing with her Schnauzer-obsessed family. But now, traveling with this alleged genius from London to Rome and beyond, she starts to understand the connection between art and love - and the fact that in both, perspective is everything.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Art, Novels, Adult

287 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2005

About the author

I'm the author of the novels If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend, Pug Hill, Through Thick and Thin, City Dog and A Pug's Tale . My essays have been included in several anthologies including Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume, and Howl: A Collection of the Best Contemporary Dog Wit.

My memoir, You Tell Your Dog First, just came out.

I live in New York City where I teach creative writing. I'd love to hear from you at alison@alisonpace.com.

Reviews

[Keertana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It became a ritual for me to scroll away from If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend. Somehow, the combination of its odd title, simplistic cover, and typical synopsis simply didn't appeal to me. Even when I finally picked it up, I did so with an immense amount of skepticism. Yet, If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend is a light, fun, immensely touching read about life, love, and the ups and downs we all cope with. Jane is the all-too-familiar protagonist who finds her boyfriend cheating and, in a state of broken-heart-ed-ness, finds herself traveling the world. While it's meant to be all business for Jane as she helps Ian, known as the art genius of their time, set up exhibits in major cities around the globe, it becomes an adventure in self-discovery and growth unlike any other. Everything I can possibly say about this novel is as typical and bland and familiar and cheesey as its cover and title and synopsis are, but, somehow, the words inside this book are not. Its authentic relationships--from friendships to family to work to love--are incredibly three-dimensional and oh-so-real. Just trust me on this one, reader: it's really, really good.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been hearing about this book for what seems like awhile now. I'd never run across it until Ari from Emily and Her Little Pink Notes started talking it up as a diamond in the rough. She has such similar taste to my own that I rather suspected at that point I would someday be seeking this one out. Then Lit Snit featured it on their BBAW Unexpected Treasure post and those suspicions turned into beliefs. Finally I broke down and searched my library's catalog. They had it in! So I grabbed it on my way to work that day and settled into bed with it that night. I went in expecting chick lit with a splash of art history thrown in for good measure and I read it in one sitting that night.

Jane Laine works for the most notorious art gallery owner in Manhattan. Possibly in the whole of the art world. She remembers a time when she loved and understood art and why it pushed her into pursuing a degree and a career in the field. But almost every ounce of joy in what she does has been systematically sucked out of her by her rapacious and reptilian boss. Coming off the heels of a particularly devastating break-up, she flubs up a particularly delicate situation at work and is sure she'll be fired without a by your leave. Instead, she is sent on a unique sort of venture with Dick Reese's primo client--the current darling of the art world--Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons. Jane is to accompany Ian on a five-month-long international art tour and see to his every need. Mystified but counting her blessings, she sets out wondering how she'll manage to spend five months with a man she does not like and whose art she does not understand. Fortunately, fate has a few surprises in store for her and the trip does not go the way she thought it would. On so many levels.

Ari was right. This is smart and fun and not exactly what you'd expect from the title or the cover. I think what I enjoyed most was Jane's observations on her travels and the effect being in those countries had on her. The way Rome changed her perspective was particularly moving to me as I have lived in Italy several times and love it with a deep and unfathomable sort of love. I was so jealous she was there and I was not! And like Ian tells Jane in that perfect quote from Wuthering Heights:

I could fancy a love for life here almost possible.

That's it. That's tears-in-my-eyes it! How Italy makes me feel. How wonderful to encounter just the right sentiment in this light and lovely book about an art gallery manager in search of something or some place or someone to remind her why life is worth living. We all need those reminders every so often and Jane had gone for quite long enough without some spark in her life. It was fun watching her fumble around and find it again. IF ANDY WARHOL HAD A GIRLFRIEND is the kind of book I could hand anyone, without worrying at all. It's a sweet, fast read and it leaves you feeling good about life and love and the human capacity to both create and appreciate beauty. I laughed several times and smiled more. If you're looking for a warm and thoughtful way to spend an evening, Alison Pace's debut novel is an excellent way to go.

[Mary Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! Totally readable and 100% enjoyable--especially if you've ever been hideously dumped, hated your job, tried to quit smoking, and lost your favorite pants. Remember how you embarked on an adventure, cut your hair, kissed the wrong guy (more than one/once), and after grieving for some amount of time, realized that you were SO much better off? This book is for and about you. Laugh out loud funny, sweet, and fun--all the things you are.

[Emilyandherlittlepinknotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t you love when a book leaves you smiling at the end?

I read this novel a few months ago and it made me realize how difficult it is to find a good chick lit that keeps you company for a few days and soothes your mind as a good cappuccino in a cafè you enjoy.

“If Andy Warhol had a girlfriend” is one of those gems. Jane Laine “Plain Jane” works for an art gallery and finds herself travelling with contemporary artist Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons. Ian is known as a genius, and his work is highly regarded throughout the art world but Jane doesn’t get it.

Again the Plot is not important as this novel is adorable, cute and tasteful.It does not involve a macho Fbi agent but a sensible respected artist you will find yourself falling for.

The relationship between Jane and Ian develops slowly and those two characters don’t feel artificial, they are really real, they really get into your skin and you’ll find yourself thinking about them for days after reading it.

Every chapter open with a very interesting Andy Warhol line such as “People should fall in love with their eyes closed.” —Andy Warhol” or “When you’re interested in somebody and you think they might be interested in
you, you should point out all your beauty problems and defects right away, rather
than take a chance they won’t notice them —Andy Warhol”.

I highly recommend this book.

[Ciara · Rating 2 out of 5]

if andy warhol had had a girlfriend, i think she'd have been a fairly unsatisfied lady, all things considered. that is acknowledged at one point in the book (the fact that andy warhol was not straight), but it still seems like a really weird phrase to hang a book on.

so the basic plot here is: jane laine works for a new york gallery that has built its reputation around its relationship with world-famous wunderkind sculptor ian rhys-simmons. jane's boss, dick, is a total asshole, but jane wants to work in the art world, so she puts up with the slings & arrows. after she fails to wholesale the correct size of reese's peanut butter cups for the gallery's booth at the fall art fair, she feels that she is being punished by being forced to spend five months touring the globe with ian, organizing installations at art fairs in london, rome, chicago, santa fe, & miami. but she has learned at her job that you don't say no when the boss gives you an assignment. jane is not psyched about working with ian. she doesn't really understand his sculptures & considers him a fraud.

oh, also, the book starts with jane's boyfriend of two years cheating on her & breaking up with her. she's very distraught, but the whole thing is over before you have really invested in jane's character at all, so it's pretty forgettable, since it's pretty much a non-issue for the rest of the book.

this being a pretty typical chick lit book, i'm sure you can guess what happens. jane takes the assignment, she & ian spend more time together, she realizes that he's notn a fraud & that he actually cares about his work a lot, she realizes that she likes his work because "it makes [her:] happy" (i did not like how such a facile realization was treated as this epic turning point for jane--smacked of a narrative over-reach), & by the end of the book, they are confessing their love for each other (in one of the least realistic scenes i have ever read--has anyone ever truly accidentally said "i love you" to someone--especially someone they weren't even dating...especially on an airplane? the only way i love anyone on an airplane is if they bring me a latte). & of course there are hijinks & narrative stumbling blocks. movers drops one of ian's sculptures & it breaks. when jane's boss hears about it, he's enraged & flies to rome, kicks jane out of her hotel room, & makes her life hell for a few weeks. in chicago, jane & ian make plans to visit the art institute together, but jane forgets & double-books herself a dinner date with a foxy potential client. then she can't figure out why she feels guilty & sad about breaking the date with ian. in santa fe, ian convinces jane to join him at a sweat lodge in a scene that other reviewers seemed to find hilarious, & that i found distressingly culturally appropriative & insensitive--not unlike the entire concept of dog yoga in the other alison pace book. i'm not exactly expecting hard-hitting political insight from a chick lit book, but i'm not sure why all of alison pace's books have to involve a) ludicrously spoiled dogs that live better than 85% of the earth's human population, & b) a clueless white girl protagonist who casually indulges in some culturally appropriative spiritual nonsense that only serves to further her romantic storyline (in this case, the sweat lodge experience makes jane realize she's in love with ian--because, sure, who DOESN'T fall in love with someone they're not even dating after traveling with them for business for three months? totally plausible, & totally not problematic for ian to have specifically requested jane as his companion for the five-month tour because he has a crush on her; that's not at all skeezy & manipulative).

i've read worse books, to be sure, but i can't really recommend this to anyone.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vase of daisies and the perfect pair of black pants were not the ways in which Jane Laine expected to discover her relationship with the tall handsome Texan was over. But that was exactly how one of the major strings in her life was cut. On the surface her job as manager of the Dick Reese art gallery in New York looks perfect, but underneath she feels as if she knows little about art anymore. For one she hasn’t the foggiest idea why current ‘It’ sculptor of the decade Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons receives the praise he does. She doesn’t “get” his work at all and waits for the day when he’s proven a fraud and his minute of fame is up. But when she commits a serious gallery faux pas, her heartless boss assigns her to a 5-month international art fair trip with the artist himself. At first Jane couldn’t think of a better punishment – if that’s what it was – but as she slowly gets to know the man she despises she realizes that a jaunt through Europe with eccentric but kind-hearted Ian is exactly what she needed to find her way again in life and love.

Have you ever scratched your head and wondered why you let a book sit lonely and abandoned on your shelf for so long before picking it up? If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend is one of those books. I adored both the bright, artistic cover and the charming title ever since I heard about it on Ari’s blog. I was elated to hear she was having a giveaway and even more thrilled when I won. I happened to get a lot of review copies and new books at once so I didn’t open it right away, but still. Not an excuse. Because it’d been too long since I’d read a book that became a read-in every-snatching-minute-here-and-there kind of absorption.

It’s hard to describe why it was so perfectly readable and engaging, but one reason is that plain Jane is completely endearing and there was never a moment I wasn’t seriously interested in discovering what happens to her next. There’s nothing particularly extraordinary about her; in fact I think her faults are more played up by far than her strengths. But there’s something very real and honest about her. She’s smart but struggles with self-pity and self-confidence and I wanted the best for her from the first page and more and more as the plot progressed. As a graduate-level art historian myself I both related and envied her ill-fated career path and enjoyed all the art references, especially the Andy Warhol quotes prefacing each chapter and her stint as a docent (museum tour guide) which explains the meaning behind the book’s title. Jane’s relationship with Ian, who is both untouchably brilliant and incredibly vulnerable develops gradually and I liked how the story was equally about Jane finding out how to be both happy and love life again while making the changes needed for this to happen. Overall If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend is a totally satisfying, lighthearted, sweet, and smile-inducing read I highly recommend.

[Christine Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best fiction books I have ever read. It has art, artists, and poor life choices. Plus each chapter begins with an Andy Warhol quote. Great book to read during your quarter-life crisis. Nothing works out as your childhood fantasies of life predicted. Somehow everything you thought you wanted doesn't make you happy and somethings you never expected to happen take over your life. Best read along with your best friends.

[Emmy]

I 100% want to read this because of the schnauzers only.

[Shxrxn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was why I was still single. I had been fortunate enough to arrive unencumbered, without baggage without a messy relationship to get over, at the doorstep of The Perfect Man.
- Jane
Machines have less problems. I'd like to be a machine.
- Andy Warhol
sometimes I am pretty sure the only thing I know is nothing.
- Jane
I know this is probably very hard on you right now but I believe that you will be a better person and a stronger person for going through this. I think I am.
- Jack
What makes a person spend time being sad when they could be happy?
- Andy Warhol
When you're interested in somebody and you think they might be interested in you, you should point out all your beauty problems and defects right away, rather than take a chance they won't notice them.
—Andy Warhol
I'm the type who'd be happy not going anywhere as long as I was sure I knew exactly what was happening at the places I wasn't going to. I'm the type who'd like to sit home and watch every party that I'm invited to on a monitor in my bedroom.
—Andy Warhol
The less something has to say, the more perfect it is.
—Andy Warhol
Over the years I've been more successful at dealing with love than with jealousy. I get jealousy attacks all the time.
—Andy Warhol
I like boring things.
—Andy Warhol
Everybody winds up kissing the wrong person goodnight.
—Andy Warhol
Beautiful is ugly when standing next to him.
- Jane
I've always thought the shower thing is all backward—why can't there be showers for people who might never get married? Aren't they, in fact, in much more need of gifts?
- Jane
After spending years watching Dick Reese fly off the handle at the drop of a hat, let alone the drop of a sculpture, I had forgotten it was actually possible to deal with a crisis like a normal human being.
- Jane
I wouldn't necessarily use the words 'all better' to describe the state of things. But, yes, you're right. I do feel like my heart has been broken. I don't think I wanted to die—think of all I'd miss out on—but I did feel pretty awful. It's not that it's over, and it's not that I've forgotten. It's just that there isn't anything I can do about it, and I have other things that give me happiness. The only thing to do is to concentrate on those things and accept the loss, terrible as it was
- Ian
Everyone has days when they don't feel so sure of themselves.
- Ian
A place can really make your heart skip a beat, especially if you have to take a plane to get there."
—Andy Warhol
I'm really afraid to feel happy because it never lasts.
—Andy Warhol
Being born is like being kidnapped. And then sold into slavery.
—Andy Warhol
As soon as you stop wanting something, you get it.
—Andy Warhol
I wonder if it's possible to have a love affair that lasts forever.
—Andy Warhol
The most exciting thing is not-doing-it. If you fall in love with someone and never do it, it's much more exciting.
—Andy Warhol
Sometimes people let the same problem make them miserable for years when they could just say, 'so what.' That's one of my favorite things to say. 'So what.'"
—Andy Warhol
If you look at something long enough, I've discovered the meaning goes away.
—Andy Warhol
I look at you and I'm sure, as sure as I've ever been about anything, that with you I could fancy a love for life quite possible. Jane, you are my moors. You are my Rome.
- Ian

[Tonyia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Although it was predictable, it was a very fun read and not quite as dumbed down as most chick lit.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only complaint is that it was over too quickly.

The line "Jane, you are my moors. You are my Rome." is probably up there with "you, yes, you" from Marcus Flutie for me.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this one! I love intelligent chick-lit-type books. Ones that don't center around shopping and shoes. Quite possibly my favorite of Alison's books! :)

[Julienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚22/24: If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend by Alison Page

As much as I usually avoid cheesy romance stories, this one turned out to be exactly what I needed—light, entertaining, and easy to dive into.

If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend follows Jane, an art enthusiast and gallery manager, on a five-month journey of self-discovery and personal growth (at least, that’s how I see it). Tasked with accompanying the eccentric artist Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons to international art fairs, Jane doesn’t realize how much this adventure will reignite her love for art—and life itself.

While the romance is undeniably cheesy and full of clichés, I appreciated how Jane’s character development took center stage. Ian, on the other hand, felt a bit too perfect at times—always saying poignant, almost unrealistic things. But despite that, the story’s lighthearted, quirky charm makes it a fun read. If you’re looking for something breezy and uplifting, this book might be worth a try.

[Laura Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure why I had this book, but I’ve had it for at least 10 years unread on my shelf. Not sure why I decided to start reading it either, but I’m glad I did. Quick, easy and funny read. Every chapter starts with what seems to be Andy Warhol a “quotes” (I don’t think they are) which are really funny and insightful not just about the chapter itself but about feelings. Here is just one:

“A person Can cry or laugh. Always when you’re crying you could be laughing, you have the choice. Crazy people know how to do this best because their minds are loose”

-Andy Warhol

[Ermione · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un altro dei cartacei acquistati anni fa e rimasto a fare la polvere su una libreria di cui mi sono liberata. Un altro dei cartacei di cui mi libererò con una donazione, visto che ho deciso di tenere solo i romanzi che mi sono piaciuti e che, forse un giorno, avrò voglia di rileggere.
Chick-lit molto classico. Non male, ma niente di memorabile.
NB: il protagonista non arriva al metro e settanta (a quel punto stavo per abbandonarlo) e non ci sono scene hot (età di lettura: 12 anni)

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I thought it was hilarious, the main character was super relateable, and overall it was just a super light-hearted experience. A "beach read", if you will. It also read super well, like the author has a style I really enjoyed. While it was an easy read, it didn't feel juvenile or like she was trying to reach any certain type of audience. I've probably read this thing like 3 times, and I picked it up for $2 at a used book store years ago. One of my favorites ever.

[Erick Berrocal · Rating 5 out of 5]

a monumental read for someone concerning themselves on trying to understand love. you see the protagonist jump through hurdles trying to understand Art. makes you wonder, Do I really understand people?

[Kathleen Crowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute. some funny writing by AP. Could've been a little more interesting--not much chemistry between Ian and Jane.

[Lorri Steinbacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I accept this book for what it is: light-hearted chick lit that takes place in a high-brow setting. Quick read, perfect pool book.

[Darah Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I have found my new favorite book!

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute chick lit.

[Sharon Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needed more Schnauzer. 😁

[Minli · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5 stars) Far from it do I intend to rail the genre of chick lit. In fact, I am waiting for my perfect chick lit book like I am waiting for my BFF, since that's basically the tone a great chick lit book should have. Except I haven't been able to connect with many of these books, let alone consider them my BFFs. But I'm trying.

The gist is this: Jane works at an art gallery whose primary livelihood depends on super-star contemporary sculptor Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons. They decide to put Ian an a 5-month tour across the US and Europe, having him stop at major art shows. Jane gets tapped to accompany Ian. Wish-fulfillment ensues, Jane goes on a few dates, doesn't see what's glaring at her in the face, has the most random resolution scene, and lives happily ever after.

I had hopes for If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend, pardon the dumb title. Because at least me and the main character, Jane Laine, might have something in common--we both like art, we've both worked in museums (if not galleries), we both plan and execute exhibits, and we both take care of creative types for work. We both live and work in NYC, obvs, and we both end up doing weird things because of our jobs. (I so felt for Jane with her dick of a boss's childish tantrum after 200 boxes of regular-sized Reese's pieces were delivered instead of the minis.)

But then there are some things I just do not get about Jane, despite some similar interests. One is, Jane and I have totally different taste in guys. The second is that I don't, and never will, understand the stylishness of smoking. I also don't like how Pace never truly let Jane make mistakes--if things felt like they might go too far, she would reign it in.

I still liked this better than most other chick lit/thrillers out there--Jane's professional story arc is pretty cool to read about and Susan Fenton is generally awesome, though there wasn't enough of that. I'd trust this book to be my museum tour guide, but I'm not sure I'd invite her out for coffee later.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend” is a fun, lighthearted story of a young woman finding her own identity with the help of her friends and strength that she finds within herself. “Plane Jane”, as she calls herself, is easily identifiable in most every young woman. She is single, has relationship issues, resents her boss, dislikes a co-worker, is bored with her mundane life and is having difficulty finding meaning in her chosen career. These real life issues are so very common among young women that the character of Jane is easy to identify with, even if the reader has moved passed this phase of their life; it can bring back so many individual memories from the readers past.

This novel is centered on the theme of art. However, the reader does not need to know anything about art to enjoy this heartwarming story. This Novel is not a true romance story; it is more in the category of “chick-lit.” However, I would imagine many men would also enjoy Jane’s quirky nature and her experiences in the art world.

I found that this was a very quickly paced novel as Jane and the famous artist Ian traveled around the globe promoting Ian’s artwork. I was eager to read of their adventures together and the mishaps along the way. I was very please by Jane’s character development throughout this story. She began as a very week and uncertain individual who needed to rely on others. In the end, she was transformed into a strong woman who knew exactly what she wanted out of life and carrier and was able to vocalize her feelings and solve her own problems.

One major theme presented in this novel is to always think positive of situations that may seem negative or not fit into our plans. You may find unexpected growth in yourself by remaining positive and finding the “good” in all situations.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. A fast, easy, fun read (I read this in one day). Nothing overly complex to think about though OOO how I loved the places Jane travels in the book. Having traveled to each of the cities on Jane's "Art Tour Project" made the book that much more fun to read. Pace clearly loves the cities that she wrote about and knows them well... though let me tell ya it does not take 40 minutes to get from the Spanish Steps to Trasetevere and if you take a bus to Piazza Del Popolo you can walk to the Spanish Steps... But these are merely points I make because of my love affair with Rome. Plus... the chapter titles and Warhol quotes at the beginning of each chapter make me want to be friends with Pace! "These are a few of my favorite things!"

[Natacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has so much potential. It was a cute story, but left me feeling kinda like it left much to be desired. Jane was a sweet, but was she honestly so discontented with the world? She felt it was punishment to travel the world going to the greatest places known for art. That to me would be a dream come true, even if the artist was a total snobby and my boss a total jerk, I wouldn't complain about traveling the world.
And the love story between Jane and Ian, was hardly there. It was looks and vague comments. Which can really build a romantic story if done right but it really wasn't here.
If you are searching for a light romantic, non sex filled story this can do the trick to fill your time until you find something else. But I wouldn't keep on my self to reread again.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our heroine works for a complete jack-ass of an art dealer, and starts off the book going through an unexpected and bad break-up with her boyfriend. This causes her to make a small error at work (which is perceived as the end of the world by her art dealer boss), so when her boss tells her she's going to be sent out of the office for five months to serve as gopher for their biggest artist client on a tour, she feels that it must be a punishment.

Pretty typical chick lit - light, mildly amusing, predictable as hell. I've seen better writing in this type of story and I've also seen worse. I was looking for something light and requiring zero brain power, and this filled that desire.

[Rachel Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane is an art gallery manager(?) at Dick Reese Gallery; Ian is a famous artist. They go on an international trip of an art fair and work together & fall in love, eventually.

Dick is actually an effin nightmare of a boss; Jack the ex is basically irrelevant; Jane’s friends (Katherine and Victor) really could have had more role in her character development.

It was really cute and a very fast read, but I did feel like so much more could have happened with the plot. The end felt kinda rushed, just to make them fall in love/ recognize their love for each other & just end of quitting Dick Reese LOL. Still a fun, lighthearted read!

[Katherine]

This was okay--chick lit set in the art world. The negative chapter taking place in Chicago was very annoying--um, no way would Chicago hold a major international art fair in the middle of winter. Gee, thanks for making Chicagoans look like idiots. It doesn't need to be based on the actual art fair here, but that just stuck out as a preposterous detail. Also, it's yet another chick lit book with an "Ian" (how many can there be?). But I didn't regret reading it, I like reading novels set in the contemporary art scene...

[Kshydog · Rating 3 out of 5]

More chick lit than I would have expected. Especially another air head female when Jane was suppose to be paying attention and be so great at her job. Did enjoy the tantrums that her boss had over her mistakes at work and the way her mother acted towards her dogs. Liked the quotes by Warhol, the behind the scenes look at art galleries and their art shows. Glad to see Jane grow in her thinking about relationships with people. Liked the perspective on life of the artist Ian that she has to assist while traveling to different cities. Jane never really displays an intelligence about art though.