In The Bottoms, tiny Cotswold villages on the English countryside, filthy rich Tata Hawkins is in a tizzy when her husband runs off with a bikini designer; her glamorous new neighbor, an American divorcée, refuses her overtures at friendship; and her two best friends are distracted by their own problems.

"A bold and moving exploration of the American elite that exposes how the ruling class -- even when well-intentioned -- perpetuates cycles of wealth, power, and injustice. Growing up on New York City's Upper East Side, Nick McDonell was surrounded by luxury -- sailing lessons in the Hamptons, school galas at the Met, and holidays on private jets. It was this rarified life that he explored in his early novels, but then left behind as a war correspondent...

"Renowned for her singing across the English countryside, Emma is tired of performing only in pubs and at church services. She's determined to leave her misty hometown for the dazzling streets of New York City. She'll become a Broadway star, or die trying. Her father, stubborn and full of rage, disowns her on the spot. But with her heart set on a glittering future that she'll do anything to achieve, she walks out of the door and into a new life. But...