Be Frank With Me (2016) is Julia Claiborne Johnson’s debut novel, centering on Alice, a young publishing assistant sent from New York to Los Angeles to help reclusive literary icon M.M. “Mimi” Banning write a new novel. Instead, Alice finds herself the caretaker of Mimi’s eccentric and brilliant 9-year-old son, Frank, who dresses like a 1930s movie star, follows rigid rules, and may be on the autism spectrum. As Alice navigates Frank’s unpredictable world—and Mimi’s secretive and emotionally guarded nature—she forms unexpected bonds and uncovers buried truths about trauma, love, and creativity. The novel is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of unconventional families, told with sharp wit and emotional depth.
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