A provocative, fast-paced novel about two creative women—a young writer fighting to be heard and an older producer clinging to relevancy—and the age reversal treatment that intertwines both of their lives…from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Front Desk series
Would you sell your youth for $3 million?
Maggie Wang, a broke young Asian American writer, needs a lifeline. Ingrid Parker, a veteran white Hollywood producer with her career on the edge, offers an irresistible deal: $3 million for ten experimental medical sessions to reverse her aging, using Maggie as a transfusion partner, and mentorship.
For Ingrid, it's a chance to reboot her fading career. For Maggie, it's access and freedom—money to support her parents and the connections to finally get her novel published.
What starts as a professional transaction exchanging blood quickly becomes a complex psychological dance. As Maggie gains unprecedented access to Ingrid's hard-earned wisdom, Ingrid sees in Maggie a weapon against an industry that's been trying to sideline her.
As their relationship intensifies, the rules around aging begin to shift. So does the balance of power between the two women, leaving both questioning who holds the upper hand and what they're willing to sacrifice to succeed.
Sharp, timely, and utterly compelling, The Take is perfect for readers of Yellowface and Such a Fun Age—a searing portrait of two women fighting to rewrite their story.
Praise for The Take
“I’m so excited about The Take and to see Kelly’s characters’ vulnerability on display as they navigate the choppy landscape of career and identity.” —Chanel Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Know My Name
"Breathlessly plotted and fearlessly told, The Take is a timely, incisive examination of ambition, aging, and who gets to tell whose stories in Hollywood." —Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief
"I am blown away! Who knew the breadth that Kelly Yang has? She can write it all—children's books, YA, and now she's exploding onto the adult scene with the most intense, breathtaking book. With a wholly original, fresh concept, Yang takes on tough topics like race and socioeconomic discrepancies. Thought-provoking and brilliant." —Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
“An exhilarating read about literal and figurative succubuses that sucks you into the dysfunctional spiral of two women who are desperate to change their lives—fast-paced, fun and fantastically unhinged!” —Eve J. Chung, bestselling author of Daughters of Shandong
“Industry drama, naive ambition, a devil’s bargain, and the ever-seductive lure of youth and its illusory trappings drive this propulsive, thrilling romp of a novel. I finished it in one sitting.” —Jemimah Wei, author of GMA book club pick The Original Daughter
A provocative, fast-paced novel about two creative women—a young writer fighting to be heard and an older producer clinging to relevancy—and the age reversal treatment that intertwines both of their lives…from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Front Desk series
Would you sell your youth for $3 million?
Maggie Wang, a broke young Asian American writer, needs a lifeline. Ingrid Parker, a veteran white Hollywood producer with her career on the edge, offers an irresistible deal: $3 million for ten experimental medical sessions to reverse her aging, using Maggie as a transfusion partner, and mentorship.
For Ingrid, it's a chance to reboot her fading career. For Maggie, it's access and freedom—money to support her parents and the connections to finally get her novel published.
What starts as a professional transaction exchanging blood quickly becomes a complex psychological dance. As Maggie gains unprecedented access to Ingrid's hard-earned wisdom, Ingrid sees in Maggie a weapon against an industry that's been trying to sideline her.
As their relationship intensifies, the rules around aging begin to shift. So does the balance of power between the two women, leaving both questioning who holds the upper hand and what they're willing to sacrifice to succeed.
Sharp, timely, and utterly compelling, The Take is perfect for readers of Yellowface and Such a Fun Age—a searing portrait of two women fighting to rewrite their story.
Praise
Praise for The Take
“I’m so excited about The Take and to see Kelly’s characters’ vulnerability on display as they navigate the choppy landscape of career and identity.” —Chanel Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Know My Name
"Breathlessly plotted and fearlessly told, The Take is a timely, incisive examination of ambition, aging, and who gets to tell whose stories in Hollywood." —Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief
"I am blown away! Who knew the breadth that Kelly Yang has? She can write it all—children's books, YA, and now she's exploding onto the adult scene with the most intense, breathtaking book. With a wholly original, fresh concept, Yang takes on tough topics like race and socioeconomic discrepancies. Thought-provoking and brilliant." —Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
“An exhilarating read about literal and figurative succubuses that sucks you into the dysfunctional spiral of two women who are desperate to change their lives—fast-paced, fun and fantastically unhinged!” —Eve J. Chung, bestselling author of Daughters of Shandong
“Industry drama, naive ambition, a devil’s bargain, and the ever-seductive lure of youth and its illusory trappings drive this propulsive, thrilling romp of a novel. I finished it in one sitting.” —Jemimah Wei, author of GMA book club pick The Original Daughter
