Alan Opts Out
by Alan Alda
Mentioned once across 1 show · first heard Jun 2026 on The Ezra Klein Show.
The general take
Chris Hayes called Alan Opts Out a great novel that's insightful, searing, and comedic, describing it as following a Greenwich advertising executive who moves into a playhouse in his backyard. He was still midway through but seemed genuinely engaged with it as a worthwhile read.
About
In this timely and comedic take on ambition, consumerism, and the sticker price of privilege, an ad exec who bombs the biggest pitch of his career decides to forgo capitalism and live off the land of his suburban Connecticut home. Perfect for readers of Rufi Thorpe and Taffy Brodesser-Akner. Alan Anderson is a powerful advertising executive who has built a successful life and thriving business by making people buy stuff they don’t actually need. He’s up for the biggest pitch of his career and the account everyone wants, US Dairy: cow’s milk sales are plummeting, and the C-Suite wants to see trendy oat milk kicked to the curb. But when an anarchist farmer tanks Alan’s presentation, Alan bombs the pitch but ends the day with an epiphany. No longer will he exploit the insecurities of others in the service of capitalism. Alan is opting out. This development is anathema to his wife, Vivian.
Who said what
Chris Hayes👍 Recommends
…book recommendation from chris hayes at end of episode
“And the last one is a new novel that I just am about halfway through through someone else that I know, Courtney Mom, called Alan Ops Out, which is a great kind of really insightful, searing, comedic look at a Greenwich advertising executive who goes to live in the playhouse in his backyard.”
The Ezra Klein Show — Graham Platner, Jon Ossoff and the New Rules of Political Attentionat 20:10
Listener reviews
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