Dear Reader, I’ve always loved romantic comedies that center on journalism. The industry is so perfectly ripe for hijinks, and is there anything better than some late-night office scheming during which a desk make out may or may not play a pivotal role? After The Ex Talk, my debut adult rom-com with a public radio backdrop, I wanted to explore a different journalistic setting. The idea for Weather Girl lived in my head for a while before I started writing it, and it actually started with the title. I was drawn to the idea of a story focusing on a modern-day TV meteorologist, a book that would be fun and flirty while also discussing the expectations of women in on-camera roles. To me, that was what the title represented: a romantic comedy giving a sly wink to the reader. Ari Abrams, my meteorologist, sparked to life on the page right away, and Russell, her sports reporter love interest, is the sweet, understanding—and yet wholly capable of dirty talk—guy who makes her feel like her best self. Romance is my favorite genre in part because of its ability to reflect the world around us while also offering wild, escapist love stories. Yes, Ari and Russell are plotting to get their divorced bosses back together, but they’re also dealing with depression, single parenting, and body insecurity, among other challenges. Their relationship is imperfect, and it would have been a disservice to airbrush them. In that sense, I hope Weather Girl feels like a real-life romance, one with characters who love each other on their rainy days and sunny days. To me, that’s the most romantic thing of all.
Happy reading,
R AC H E L
Songs for Every Forecast “I Love a Rainy Night” by Eddie Rabbitt
“Rainy Days and Mondays” by The Carpenters
“Only Happy When it Rains” by Garbage
“No Rain” by Blind Melon
“Cloudbusting” by Kate Bush
“Stormy Weather” by Etta James
“This Tornado Loves You” by Neko Case
“Sunny Afternoon” by The Kinks
“Solar Power” by Lorde
“On the Sunny Side of the Street” by Keely Smith
Discussion Questions 1.
5.
Did you begin this book with any
How does Ari’s mental health journey
preconceived notions of a TV
compare to other depictions of mental
meteorologist’s job? If so, how did that
health you’ve read in books or seen in
change over the course of the book?
TV and movies?
2.
6.
Were Ari and Russell wrong to
Later in the book, Ari remarks that
manipulate Torrance and Seth? Did they
her family “isn’t just me, even
ever cross a line? Given the outcome of
when I’ve felt the loneliest.” How might
the book, was it worth it?
she have defined family at the beginning of the book, and how has
3. If you could read this book from
that changed by the end?
Russell’s point of view, what do you
7.
think his character arc would be?
While this book contains many lightheaded moments, it also explores
4.
some serious issues. Would you
Ari and Torrance spend some time
call it a romantic comedy? What is your
discussing the sexism and misogyny in
definition of a romantic comedy,
their industry. Why do you think people
and how does this book either reflect
are able to get away with treating them
or contest that definition?
this way? What would need to happen for this to change?
8. What do you think the future holds for Ari and Russell?
Rachel Lynn Solomon is the bestselling author of love stories for teens and adults, including The Ex Talk, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and Weather Girl. Originally from Seattle, she’s currently navigating expat life with her husband in Amsterdam, where she’s on a mission to try as many Dutch sweets as possible.