The Take - by Kelly Yang (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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

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, they're forced to confront the harsh realities of race, age, and success. Who has the power to tell stories? And what are they 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.

Review Quotes

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

"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

About the Author

Kelly Yang is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Front Desk series, New From Here, Finally Seen, Finally Heard, young adult novels Parachutes and Private Label and picture books Yes We Will and Little Bird Laila. Her books have earned multiple awards, including the 2019 APALA Award for Children's Literature, the Strega Prize for Literature, have been named one of the Best Books of the 21st Century by Kirkus, and have featured on multiple best of the year lists. In addition to being a novelist, she has written screenplays and television pilots for Netflix, CBS Studios, and the CW. Kelly immigrated to the United States when she was six years old and grew up in Southern California. She went to college at the age of 13 and is a graduate of UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School, an experience that provides her a unique perspective on aging. The Take is her first adult novel.