Where to Start with Elizabeth Topp
If you are new to Elizabeth Topp's writing, the best place to begin depends entirely on what kind of story you are in the mood for. Because her novels are standalone works, you do not need to worry about linear plot threads or character carryovers. Instead, you can choose based on tone and theme.
For a lighthearted, witty, and satirical escape, start with her debut novel, Perfectly Impossible (2020). Drawing directly from Topp's own real-world experience working as a personal assistant to New York City's ultra-wealthy, this book offers a hilarious and sometimes eye-opening look at the lives of the one percent. It is perfect for fans of upscale chick-lit and stories about high-society struggles, reminiscent of classics like The Nanny Diaries or The Devil Wears Prada.
If you prefer a story with more emotional weight and a deeper focus on relationships, choose her sophomore novel, City People (2023). This book shifts focus toward themes of grief, motherhood, and self-discovery within the high-stakes environment of Manhattan private school parents. While it retains Topp's signature sharp observation and wit, it is a much more introspective and moving look at life after loss.
Elizabeth Topp Books in Publication Order
Topp's bibliography is divided between contemporary fiction and co-authored women's health and parenting guides. Reading her works in order of publication shows her evolution from a practical health writer to a bestselling novelist.
Standalone Fiction Novels
- Perfectly Impossible (2020) — Published by Little A, this debut introduces readers to Anna, a struggling artist trying to balance her dreams with a grueling job assisting a wealthy Manhattan socialite.
- City People (2023) — Also published by Amazon Publishing / Little A, this novel explores the lives of a tight-knit circle of New York mothers navigating their personal struggles following the sudden death of a close friend.
Co-Authored Nonfiction Guides
- Vaginas: An Owner's Manual (2004) — Co-authored with her mother, Dr. Carol Livoti, and published by Thunder's Mouth Press, this accessible guide provides straightforward, warm, and clear medical advice on women's health.
- The Stress-Free Pregnancy Guide: A Doctor Tells You What to Really Expect (2008) — Also co-authored with her mother, Dr. Carol Livoti, and published by AMACOM, this book aims to cut through the overwhelming noise of pregnancy advice to give expectant mothers calm, practical wisdom.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Because Elizabeth Topp has only written standalone novels and distinct nonfiction guides, there is no chronological timeline or recurring universe linking her stories. You can read her two novels in either order. Reading them in publication order allows you to appreciate how her writing matured from the fast-paced comedy of her debut to the richer emotional landscapes of her second novel. However, choosing whichever premise interests you more is a perfectly valid way to start.
A Deeper Look at the Novels
Perfectly Impossible (2020)
In her debut novel, we meet Anna, a Yale-educated artist who takes a job as a personal assistant to a demanding, ultra-wealthy Manhattan socialite named Pippa. Anna hopes the job will give her the financial stability to focus on her art, but she is quickly swept into a whirlwind of absurd requests, high-society drama, and the relentless pressure to keep her boss's life running smoothly. The novel is praised for its humor, realistic portrayal of elite entitlement, and its relatable look at identity crisis and modern ambition.
City People (2023)
In City People, Topp turns her lens to a group of mothers in Manhattan whose lives are upended by the sudden death of their friend, Pippa. Set against the competitive backdrop of New York City private schools, the novel explores how each woman deals with their collective grief while managing the daily pressures of marriage, careers, and parenting. It is a more mature and emotionally resonant book that demonstrates Topp's ability to handle heavier themes while maintaining her sharp comedic timing.
The Nonfiction Collaborations
Before launching her fiction career, Topp co-authored two medical guides with her mother, Dr. Carol Livoti, a practicing gynecologist. These books combined Dr. Livoti's medical expertise with Topp's engaging, accessible writing style. Vaginas: An Owner's Manual tackles anatomical and physiological questions with humor and honesty, removing the embarrassment often associated with women's health. The Stress-Free Pregnancy Guide takes a reassuring approach to pregnancy, focusing on reducing maternal anxiety by addressing common myths and delivering evidence-based medical advice in a friendly tone.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Topp's bibliography, it helps to understand her background. A native Manhattanite, Topp attended the Dalton School and later studied creative writing at Harvard College, followed by an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University. This deep familiarity with elite New York culture and academic excellence shines through in her settings and characters. Her novels do not just mock the wealthy; they offer an empathetic, nuanced look at the human vulnerabilities beneath the polished surface of Manhattan high society.