The Elyssa Friedland Reading Philosophy
Elyssa Friedland has carved out a distinct niche in contemporary women's fiction. A Yale graduate and former corporate lawyer, she traded legal briefs for storytelling, channeling her sharp observation of human behavior into books that explore family secrets, modern relationships, and the pressures of today's tech-driven world. One of the best things about Friedland's bibliography is its accessibility: every single one of her adult novels is a standalone story. There are no continuous series, cliffhangers, or recurring character arcs that force you to read in a specific order.
Instead, her novels are connected by their common themes—witty dialogue, complicated family dynamics, and characters navigating major life turning points. Because you can pick up any book at any time, your reading order depends entirely on your mood and the subgenre that appeals to you most.
Where to Start: Recommended Entry Points
If you want a curated entry point rather than reading chronologically, we recommend choosing a starting path based on these themes:
- For Nostalgic Family Sagas: Start with Last Summer at the Golden Hotel (2021). This is widely considered her breakout hit and is perfect for readers who enjoy multi-generational ensemble casts, Catskills nostalgia, and family secrets.
- For Relationship Dramas: Start with The Intermission (2018). This novel takes a realistic, dual-perspective look at a marriage under stress and is ideal for book clubs looking for deep discussions.
- For Tech and Modern Life Commentary: Start with her debut, Love and Miss Communication (2015). If you have ever wanted to throw your cell phone out the window and live completely offline, this story will resonate with you.
- For Summer Beach Reads: Start with Jackpot Summer (2024). This story blends Jersey Shore summer vibes with the chaotic drama of a sudden lottery win, making it a fast-paced, entertaining page-turner.
Detailed Standalone Novels Guide
To help you decide which book to pick up next, here is a detailed breakdown of Elyssa Friedland's standalone adult novels in the order they were published.
Love and Miss Communication (2015)
Her debut novel introduces us to Evie Rosen, a 34-year-old corporate lawyer in Manhattan whose life is dominated by screens. She is constantly checking her BlackBerry, checking social media, and searching the web. When her digital distractions lead to a major career roadblock and a painful romantic heartbreak, she decides to unplug completely. Evie commits to a year-long digital detox with no internet, no email, and no cell phone. The book follows her transition as she is forced to build face-to-face connections and rebuild her life in the real world. It is a lighthearted, humorous, and relatable look at how technology impacts our daily lives.
The Intermission (2018)
Cass and Jonathan Coyne have been married for five years and seem to be the picture of domestic bliss. However, just as they are planning to start a family, Cass requests a six-month "intermission"—a trial separation. They agree to live apart on opposite coasts with minimal contact and a monthly schedule to swap custody of their dog. Told through alternating perspectives, the novel unearths the secrets, omissions, and unspoken resentments that build up in long-term relationships, forcing readers to examine the true definition of a successful marriage.
The Floating Feldmans (2019)
Hoping to reunite her fractured family, Annette Feldman books a luxury cruise to celebrate her 70th birthday. It has been over ten years since the family has spent more than 24 hours in the same room. Trapped on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean, the family members find that they cannot escape their pasts. Long-buried secrets, financial troubles, and sibling rivalries quickly bubble to the surface. It is a warm, comedic, and fast-paced family drama that will appeal to anyone who has ever navigated a chaotic family gathering.
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel (2021)
This novel takes readers to the Catskills, where the Goldman and Weingold families have co-owned the Golden Hotel for over sixty years. Once a glamorous summer getaway, the resort has fallen on hard times and is facing a lucrative buyout offer from a developer who wants to turn it into a casino. Three generations of both families gather at the resort for a final meeting to decide whether to sell their history or try to save the hotel. Filled with nostalgic charm, warmth, and multi-generational drama, this is a heartwarming tribute to the golden age of Catskills resorts.
The Most Likely Club (2022)
Back in 1997, high school best friends Melissa, Priya, Tara, and Suki were voted "most likely to" achieve grand things. But twenty-five years later, at their high school reunion, they find themselves feeling stuck and unfulfilled by their mid-life realities. Fueled by nostalgia and wine, they make a pact to help each other finally achieve their teenage dreams. This novel is a celebratory look at female friendship, self-discovery in your forties, and the enduring power of childhood aspirations.
Jackpot Summer (2024)
The Jacobson siblings—Matthew, Laura, Sophie, and Noah—gather at their childhood Jersey Shore beach house for one final weekend before their widowed father sells it. On a whim, they buy a Powerball ticket, though the eldest brother, Matthew, opts out. When they win a massive $350 million jackpot, the sudden fortune does not solve their problems; instead, it unleashes a wave of jealousy, sibling rivalry, and deep family rifts. This USA Today bestseller is a sharp, funny, and insightful look at the complicated relationship between money and family happiness.
Children's Picture Books
The Museum of Lost Teeth (2023)
In addition to her adult fiction, Friedland has ventured into children's literature with The Museum of Lost Teeth, illustrated by Gladys Jose. The story centers on a tooth named Toothy who is nervous about what happens when he gets loose and leaves Liam's mouth. When he finally falls out, the Tooth Fairy takes him to a museum where all lost teeth go to play and relax. It is a sweet, humorous, and reassuring picture book designed to help young readers navigate the milestone of losing their first teeth.
What to Know Before You Start
Because Elyssa Friedland’s characters often share aspects of her own background—specifically her Ivy League education and legal career—you will find that her stories frequently feature high-achieving, professional women who are trying to figure out what they want from life. Her books are highly regional, capturing the distinct summer vibes of the East Coast, from the Jersey Shore to the Catskill Mountains. Since there are no plot connections between books, you can read them chronologically or jump straight to whichever plot sounds the most interesting to you.