Jasmin Rosemberg: How the Other Half Hamptons
A Good Book To Read & Discuss with the Author

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

I'm sure all your readers are wondering - what specific experiences from your summer share are highlighted in this book? Don't worry, what happens in the Hamptons, stays in the Hamptons! Just give us a little insight.

Since I was an actual shareholder (and had documented this experience for the NY Post), I was able to write a book with real share house authenticity. Many of the relationship dramas ("calling dibs," having an ex in the house), the challenges navigating and learning the Hamptons (getting lost, having to buy bottles to get into clubs) and the camp-like elements (room assignments, having a house manager) were the product of my experiences, or things I could easily imagine happening.

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Are you Jamie, Rachel, or Allison?

In a way, I guess I'm kind of all of them! But going into a share house situation, I was probably most like Jamie. I was very into the nightlife and event scene, and set out to experience (what I thought would be) the glamorous side to the "Hamptons." Also like Jamie, I was in for a rude awakening!

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

It's hard to believe that so many superficial people, the Jeff's, the Ilana's, and even the Dana's, exist. Does this personality spring from living in a fast-paced, ever-changing social environment like New York City and always feeling the desire to "keep up?"

I think the Hamptons is just an extension of New York City, so you'll find the same types of people (who care about clothes and cars and appearances) that you find in the city. You probably just find them in higher concentrations, or in the case of a share house, under one roof.

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

I really enjoyed how the three main female characters were so completely different in their pursuit of a man. Jamie is fun-loving and not seriously looking for commitment. Allison is thoughtful and feels safer when a man's arm is wrapped protectively around her. Rachel is realistic and down-to-earth, if only in her mind, and doesn't realize that she actually possess quite a few traits that men find desirable. The combination of these three types seem to make for an unlikely friendship yet I found theirs to be the most secure and sincere in a world of fakes. Did you purposely set them at such odds so that the friendship would be more genuine?

While the potential for meeting people is probably the driving force for most girls who sign on to do share houses, not every girl is after the same kind of relationship. I have friends who are looking to meet their husbands, and friends just looking to have a good time and meet lots of guys. I think the three characters and their differing motives represent all ends of the spectrum.

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Rachel is definitely my favorite character! She's the "girl next door" trying desperately to fit into a world in which she doesn't feel comfortable. When she finally has that "screw it" moment and goes with her gut, her life begins to change! How will moving away from her sister's shadow affect her personality and, more importantly, her self-esteem?

Rachel and Jamie were meant to mirror each other in many ways, and by the end of the book, they sort of swap places. Rachel was the embodiment of rules and structure, while Jamie hated and defied rules. By the end of the book, Rachel learns that being impetuous and living without rules and inhibitions pays off (it wasn't unintentional that when she trades her black for white at the White Party, she becomes a different person) and Jamie becomes frustrated with the undefined situation she's developed with Jeff. To an extent, I think Rachel will always compare herself to her older sister Dana, but she begins to realize that Dana isn't always right, and her way isn't always the only way to do things.

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

An underlying theme in this novel is the idea of whether or not we every really "know" somebody. After 5 years with Josh, Allison realizes he's a completely different person than she thought. And Jamie harshly judges Mark early on in the summer but later finds out she may have acted too quickly. Rachel even has a moment of clarity with Craig as she sees that he's not the gruff jerk he appears to be on the surface. Does a situation like this, living in such close quarters as adults, force them to reveal their true selves?

I think living and traveling with people is like pressing fast-forward on a relationship. Being in a share house setting definitely reveals how people act in all kinds of settings, and for better or worse, you get to see their true colors.

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Seems like one summer is enough for most people in a share house. Do many go back for another? Or more?

A friend of mine who runs a share house says that each year, at least 50 percent of his shareholders are "repeat shareholders." People like knowing the same people and many tend to return summer after summer (if they remain single, of course!) or years later will refer their siblings. In that respect, it's a lot like camp.

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

You've left the story open to a sequel. Will we see Rachel, Jamie, Allison and the crew back again?

It's funny how, totally unintentionally, I've become somewhat of a Hamptons poster child (I wrote the column, book, and done several freelance pieces and TV appearances). But I certainly love the Hamptons, and would love to revisit these characters in a sequel at some point down the line.

Good Book to Read: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

You're path to becoming a novelist is inspiring! What piece of advice can you give writers struggling out there?

Thanks! I would advise writers to "write every day" (90K words is totally daunting but 1K a day doesn't seem as scary), that "writing is rewriting" (you can always make something better), and that "the only person who can take you out of the game is yourself" (read: don't give up!) Queenie D: What are you working on now?

Jasmin: I'm currently working on my next novel, and exploring a television show based on this one (will keep you posted!)