THE NEW LIFE PLAYLIST is a quirky, contemporary romantic comedy set in the Pacific Northwest. It combines Nick Hornby's passion for music and pop culture and Elinor Lipman's romantic plotting. It runs 76,000 words. Matt Demetriou keeps striking out at love, so his big brother talks him into moving north and starting a whole new life . . . one that comes with a brand-new playlist. After a decade in San Diego, Matt's new life in Portland gets off to a good start. He lands at a new job, makes amazing friends, and buys a piano that fits in his tiny apartment. But finding true love is still his long-term goal. After all, without the perfect romantic partner, even the sweetest music falls flat. Instead, he keeps meeting men who are crazy, controlling, or just plain weird. Then a mechanic shows up to fix Matt's car—and while he sings off-key, he might just know the tune to open Matt's heart.