The Plot

Synopsis: Jake Bonner is a failed writer who teaches at a third rate MFA program. He’s had one successful novel, but somehow never managed to come up with a successful sophomore effort. He hasn’t written—let alone published—anything good in a while. Jake has a student in his MFA program who confides he’s working on a book with a great plot, one destined to be a blockbuster. A plot so good it can’t miss! Later, Jake learns that his student, Evan, died without writing the book. Hmmmmm. Seems a shame to let that go to waste….. Years later, Jake is a bestselling author based on the plot of that book. However, he starts receiving anonymous messages from from someone who knows he “stole” the idea. In this thriller and book-within-a-book, Jake must uncover the truth behind the plot of his own book.

Review: This was an enjoyable literary type thriller. I thought it raised a really interesting question: who owns an idea? In this novel, Jake writes a novel based on someone else’s idea for a story, but did in fact write the entire thing and execute it. Nonetheless, he is wracked by guilt and the feeling that he took something that doesn’t belong to him. It seems that so much of storytelling involves taking common themes and putting a particular spin on it. The hero’s journey is such a common “plot” that it has it’s own Wikipedia page! But, whatever you think of Jake Bonner’s ethics, SOMEONE is not happy with him, and he needs to figure out who his anonymous adversary is. We get to read interspersed chapters of Jakes book, ie the book-within-a-book, and I enjoyed that piece of it. Ironically, I didn’t find the plot (small p) to be all that different or daring, but maybe that’s the idea. All authors think their plot is revolutionary, when perhaps it is not! As for The Plot (capital P), its not the plot but the way it is told that makes for a terrific read.

Rating: 4/5

Recipe: The novel begins in Vermont, where his MFA program is located. It sounds idyllic: Vermont, time to think, reflect and write. Since we are discussing the ethics of recycling other people’s ideas, it seems fitting to consider a recipe with maple. Remember, it’s all about the execution, not whether it was such an original idea…..

Mustard-Maple Roasted Salmon

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 tablespoon maple syrup

4 5 oz skinless center cut salmon filets

1) Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil

2) Mix together the mustard, 1 tablespoon cilantro, mayo and maple syrup.

3) Put the salmon on the pan, sprinkle with slat and pepper, spread some of the mustard mixture over each filet.

4) Bake until cooked through, 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining cilantro.