When It Happens to You

“[Ringwald''s] stories ring with authenticity, voices so true and honest that we imagine she''s been eavesdropping on our conversations.” ―Vanity Fair

Tales of love, loss, and betrayal are at the heart of When It Happens to You, the debut story collection from actress and author Molly Ringwald.

A Hollywood icon, Ringwald defined the teenage experience in the eighties in such classic films as Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles. She brings that same compelling candor she displayed in her film roles to the unforgettable characters she has created in this series of linked stories about the particular challenges, joys, and disappointments of adult relationships.

Here are stories that grapple with infertility and infidelity, fame and familial discord, in a collection that will resonate broadly with readers.

“A smart, emotionally sophisticated, intricately dovetailed novel of stories.” —Lauren Groff, author of Arcadia

“Molly Ringwald understands how families work and uses her considerable talents to make them come alive on the page.” —Gary Shteyngart, author of Super Sad True Love Story

“An impressive fiction debut.” —Robin Black, author of If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This

“An inventive and compelling portrait of love in the modern age.” —J. Courtney Sullivan, author of Maine

“Molly Ringwald’s eight electric stories are alive with Joycean insight-piercing, epiphanic moments of terror, humor, and transcendence. Together they offer a deeply moving portrait of modern life.” —Eleanor Henderson, author of Ten Thousand Saints

“Graceful and deft.” —Booklist