The Next Chapter by Camille Kellogg Summary, Characters and Themes
The Next Chapter by Camille Kellogg explores themes of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery through the lens of a blossoming relationship between two women, Jude and Kat. Set against the backdrop of a bookstore, the story delves into the emotional and personal struggles both women face, as they navigate the complexities of fame, identity, and connection.
Jude, a bookseller, and Kat, a former child star, find themselves drawn to each other, but the journey to understanding their feelings is anything but smooth. Through personal insecurities, external pressures, and complicated pasts, their evolving relationship unfolds with both tenderness and turmoil.
Summary
Jude Thacker is a bookseller working at The Next Chapter, a cozy bookstore where she finds solace in reading. One day, while absorbed in an emotional romance novel by Eileen Styles, she is caught in an awkward moment with a customer.
This leads to a fateful encounter with Kat, a former child star, who shares her love for the same author. The two bond over their shared interests, and although they have a flirtatious conversation, Jude is too nervous to ask Kat for her number.
Kat, who is trying to rediscover her identity after years of fame as a child actor, finds herself intrigued by Jude but wonders if she misread the situation. As someone who has always been in the public eye, Kat struggles with the idea of being true to herself in a world that constantly demands a specific image.
She is also facing pressure from her manager, Jocelyn, to rebrand herself as queer to boost her career. The media is already starting to speculate about her sexuality after she posts about the books she purchased at The Next Chapter, fueling public interest.
Jude’s friends at the bookstore notice her hesitation and encourage her to step out of her comfort zone. In a moment of boldness, her friend Rhys messages Kat on Instagram pretending to be Jude and asks her out.
To their surprise, Kat responds positively, and the two women agree to meet up for a drink. This marks the beginning of their complicated journey toward connection.
Kat is dealing with the challenge of managing her public persona and her true self. While her manager pushes her to maintain a relationship with a certain image, Kat is unsure about the price of fame.
The pressure becomes evident when she starts receiving media attention for her budding relationship with Jude. At the same time, Jude is feeling the weight of the attention.
She is not used to being thrust into the public eye and feels overwhelmed by the sudden scrutiny. However, their connection continues to grow, and they agree to meet again.
Their first date is in New York, where they have an awkward yet endearing conversation about their lives. Kat reveals some painful truths about her past, including her strained relationship with her parents, while Jude opens up about her own heartbreak from a previous relationship.
The emotional barriers between them begin to break down, and they share an undeniable chemistry. However, Kat is still struggling with her identity and the expectations of her career, which complicates things further.
Later, Kat invites Jude to a charity gala where they share a brief, flirtatious moment. Despite the professional atmosphere, they both feel the pull toward one another.
After the gala, they continue to connect, talking more about their pasts and the emotional wounds they carry. Kat opens up about her struggles as a child star, while Jude shares the pain of losing her mother and her past relationship.
As their relationship develops, Jude faces a difficult choice. She is offered a job at a queer literary foundation, but she is unsure if she should leave The Next Chapter.
At the same time, her growing feelings for Kat are challenging her to confront her own insecurities and fears about commitment. Kat, on the other hand, is dealing with her career’s pressure and the need to maintain a public image while exploring her relationship with Jude.
The pressures continue to mount, and Jude faces a financial crisis when her rent is raised, which only adds to her anxiety. Kat, who is also struggling with her past, wonders if she is making a mistake by investing in a relationship that might not survive her public life.
Despite these obstacles, their connection deepens, and they share a kiss at a party, marking a significant step in their relationship.
Things become more complicated when Kat’s manager, Jocelyn, pushes her to fake a relationship with another woman for publicity. Kat feels trapped by the demands of her career, but Jude continues to support her, even though it brings discomfort and tension into their relationship.
In the face of all the pressures, they still find moments of tenderness, such as when Kat plans a romantic surprise for Jude at the bookstore, turning it into a queer speakeasy for the night.
As the story progresses, Kat’s emotional turmoil deepens. She faces a critical decision regarding a lead role in an indie film but is advised by her manager to pursue bigger projects.
The conflict between her career and her growing feelings for Jude becomes more intense. Jude also finds herself increasingly uncomfortable with the attention she’s receiving due to her relationship with Kat.
Despite their efforts to navigate their feelings, both women find themselves at a crossroads, uncertain about their future together.
The tension reaches a breaking point when Kat’s manager insists that she end things with Jude to focus on her career. Kat eventually admits that she still has genuine feelings for Jude but is conflicted by her career’s demands.
This causes a rift between them, with Jude feeling hurt and unable to trust Kat fully. They break up, both heartbroken and unsure of what the future holds.
Jude, devastated by the breakup, isolates herself and struggles with depression. Her friends try to support her, but she feels the weight of her emotional wounds.
However, Kat, realizing that she made a mistake, reaches out to Jude and expresses her regret. This leads to a heartfelt reconciliation when Jude publicly confronts Kat about their relationship during a press conference.
Kat admits that she would take Jude back if she fought for her, and the two meet privately to discuss their feelings. They decide to give their relationship another chance.
In the final moments, Jude and Kat start fresh. They move into a new apartment together, symbolizing a new chapter in their lives.
They reflect on the lessons they’ve learned and the importance of trust, and as they hold hands, they walk into their future, ready to embrace the unknown together.
Characters
Jude Thacker
Jude Thacker is the central figure in The Next Chapter, a woman working as a bookseller at a quaint bookstore. Initially depicted as a shy, emotionally sensitive character, Jude’s vulnerability shines through her love for romantic books, often crying at their emotional depth.
Her personality is marked by a hesitancy to take risks, especially in matters of the heart. Jude is recovering from a painful breakup, which has made her wary of opening herself up to love again.
Her journey is one of self-discovery and emotional growth, as she grapples with her feelings for Kat, the insecurities surrounding her relationship with Kat, and the pressures of the world around her. While she struggles with financial challenges and emotional turmoil, particularly after her mother’s death and the betrayal of her bookstore’s sale, Jude’s character remains grounded in her deep empathy and desire to find something real.
Her connection with Kat provides her with a sense of hope, even as she contemplates her future, both professionally and personally. Over time, Jude learns to step out of her comfort zone, finding the strength to embrace both the love she feels for Kat and the responsibilities in her own life.
Katrina Kelly / Kat
Kat is a multifaceted character whose life has been shaped by her past as a child star, where she gained fame but also experienced the loss of her childhood innocence. Now in adulthood, Kat is grappling with her identity, both professionally and personally, as she tries to navigate the world of queer relationships while also maintaining her public image.
The tension between her past fame and her current struggles with rebranding is palpable, especially as her manager, Jocelyn, pushes her to use her sexual orientation for public attention. Kat’s insecurity is evident, particularly when she questions her feelings for Jude and whether they are real or merely a product of her desire for personal connection amidst her career struggles.
Her vulnerability is seen in her strained relationship with her parents, her struggle to find genuine love, and her fear of repeating past mistakes. Despite her fame, Kat longs for something real and finds solace in Jude, even as she faces immense pressure from both her career and personal life.
As the story progresses, Kat’s emotional depth unfolds, showing a woman torn between fame and authenticity, love and the expectations placed upon her.
Rhys
Rhys is Jude’s supportive and slightly mischievous friend from the bookstore, playing a key role in Jude’s emotional journey. Rhys embodies a mix of humor, wisdom, and tough love, pushing Jude to take risks and seize opportunities that she might otherwise avoid.
While he acts as a catalyst in the relationship between Jude and Kat, particularly through his decision to message Kat on Instagram pretending to be Jude, he also provides a grounding influence in Jude’s life, reminding her of her worth and encouraging her to step out of her shell. His actions are driven by genuine care for Jude’s happiness, even though they sometimes toe the line of crossing boundaries.
Rhys is both a comfort and a challenge for Jude, helping her see beyond her anxieties and pushing her towards the person she could become if she learns to trust herself more. Through his friendship, Rhys demonstrates the value of vulnerability, self-expression, and the importance of taking risks, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
Jocelyn
Jocelyn serves as Kat’s manager, a character driven by a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and the demands it places on her clients. While she may appear to be solely focused on Kat’s career and public image, Jocelyn’s influence extends beyond mere professional guidance.
She embodies the pragmatic and often ruthless side of show business, encouraging Kat to manipulate her personal life for the sake of her career. Jocelyn pushes Kat to conform to societal expectations, especially in terms of public perception and the need to maintain a relevant image.
Her insistence on using Kat’s sexuality as a promotional tool speaks to the pressures of being a public figure and the sacrifices one must make for fame. Jocelyn is a polarizing figure, as she embodies both the ambition required for success and the emotional detachment necessary to navigate a career in entertainment.
While Kat resists Jocelyn’s manipulation at times, Jocelyn’s pragmatism ultimately forces Kat to confront the conflicting demands of love and career.
Madelyn
Madelyn represents the ghosts of Kat’s past, particularly in the realm of her emotional baggage. The first girl Kat kissed, Madelyn’s role in Kat’s life is significant, though somewhat shadowed by the complexities of their relationship.
As Kat continues to navigate her feelings for Jude, the emotional weight of her past, particularly her unresolved feelings for Madelyn, lingers in her mind. Madelyn’s appearance at critical moments in the story highlights the ongoing struggle Kat faces in reconciling her past with her present desires.
The tension between her history with Madelyn and her budding relationship with Jude underscores Kat’s internal conflict about what she truly wants and who she is becoming.
L. J. and Talia
L. J. and Talia serve as a supportive backdrop to Jude’s emotional journey. While they don’t receive as much focus as Rhys, their role as Jude’s confidants is crucial in providing her with the emotional support she needs as she navigates the ups and downs of her relationship with Kat. L. J. and Talia are part of Jude’s close-knit friendship circle, offering a safe space for her to express her frustrations, doubts, and hopes. Through their gentle encouragement, they help Jude see that she is not alone in her struggles and that love, though complicated, is worth fighting for.
Their presence in Jude’s life is a testament to the importance of a supportive community, especially when facing difficult emotional challenges.
Themes
Love and Vulnerability
The exploration of love and vulnerability is central to The Next Chapter. At its heart, the book dives into the complexities of emotional intimacy and the risk that comes with opening oneself up to another person.
For both Jude and Kat, the idea of love is tied to a deep sense of fear, uncertainty, and healing from past wounds. Jude’s reluctance to pursue romance after a painful breakup reflects her guarded heart, making her hesitant to fully embrace the possibility of love again.
On the other hand, Kat’s journey involves understanding her identity while navigating her newfound feelings for Jude. As a former child star, she has lived much of her life in the public eye, where her feelings were often masked by the demands of her career.
In her relationship with Jude, Kat finds herself in an unfamiliar space, where love forces her to confront both her own insecurities and the pressures of external expectations.
Jude and Kat’s relationship is built on moments of deep vulnerability. For Jude, it is the realization that her heart is still capable of loving someone despite the emotional scars of her past.
Kat, for her part, opens herself up to the possibility of a real relationship despite her fears of being hurt, especially given her history of emotional turmoil and her career’s interference in personal matters. The more they get to know each other, the more both women show the complexities of their emotional needs, fears, and desires, giving the relationship a depth that goes beyond simple attraction.
Vulnerability, therefore, is not just about exposing one’s emotions, but also about confronting the fears of rejection, misunderstanding, and the uncertainty of how love will unfold.
This theme is further emphasized by their shared moments of tenderness, the intimate conversations about their pasts, and the physical closeness that develops between them. Each time they let their guard down, they experience both growth and the uncertainty of whether the other person will meet them with the same emotional openness.
By the end, both women are left to navigate the delicate balance between love and vulnerability, and the rewards and risks that come with opening their hearts to each other.
Identity and Self-Discovery
In The Next Chapter, the theme of identity and self-discovery is explored through both Jude and Kat’s personal journeys. Kat’s internal struggle with her public persona versus her private self is a significant aspect of the novel.
As a former child star, she grapples with the expectations placed on her by the entertainment industry, her manager, and the public. Her career has been built on a specific image, and the pressure to conform to this image clashes with her true desires, especially as she embarks on a romantic relationship with Jude.
Her struggle with coming out and being authentic in the public eye underscores the tension between personal identity and societal expectations. Kat faces the question of how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice for fame, and whether the person she presents to the world is truly who she wants to be.
Jude, on the other hand, is also on her own journey of self-discovery, albeit from a different angle. Her struggles stem from both her career and her emotional baggage.
Having spent years trying to keep the bookstore afloat while dealing with the loss of her mother, she has always put others’ needs ahead of her own. Her growing feelings for Kat challenge her to step out of her comfort zone and embrace the possibility of love and personal fulfillment.
As she interacts with Kat, she begins to confront her own fears of rejection and the possibility of emotional happiness. Jude’s journey involves finding a way to reconcile the parts of herself she has hidden away for so long, learning that she is deserving of love and happiness, even if it means stepping into the unknown.
Both women are faced with questions of who they are and who they want to become, and their paths toward self-discovery are complicated by external pressures. Whether it’s Kat’s career or Jude’s past trauma, each character must find a way to reconcile their internal identity with the world around them.
By the end of the book, they each have a clearer understanding of who they are, and how their relationship with each other can help them continue their personal journeys.
Career vs. Personal Life
The tension between career and personal life is another important theme in The Next Chapter, particularly in the way it affects the relationship between Jude and Kat. Kat’s career as an actress, and the constant pressure from her manager to maintain a public image, complicates her burgeoning relationship with Jude.
Throughout the novel, Kat is faced with decisions that force her to weigh her professional success against her desires for a personal life. The expectations of the entertainment industry are relentless, and the public’s scrutiny makes it difficult for Kat to navigate her romantic feelings without risking her career.
This is evident in the way her manager, Jocelyn, encourages her to stage moments for publicity, manipulating Kat’s personal relationships for professional gain. Kat’s discomfort with this approach is palpable, as she struggles to balance the need for success with the longing for authenticity in her personal life.
For Jude, the struggle is more subtle but no less significant. Her life revolves around the bookstore, a place where she finds comfort and purpose, but also faces financial pressures.
Her desire for a relationship with Kat, combined with the increasing public attention brought on by their romance, adds to her already existing burdens. Jude’s professional life is marked by uncertainty—she faces challenges with her job, and the thought of possibly leaving the bookstore for a more secure opportunity adds to her internal conflict.
Her growing connection with Kat places her at a crossroads, where she must choose between the safety of her familiar life and the potential of something more fulfilling with someone who brings both joy and complications.
Ultimately, the theme of career versus personal life illustrates the sacrifices both women must make to pursue their desires. For Kat, it’s about navigating the complexities of fame and deciding what kind of life she wants to lead outside the spotlight.
For Jude, it’s about finding a way to balance her love for Kat with her own career ambitions, and determining what kind of future she wants to build. This theme explores the difficulty of maintaining a sense of self when external forces, like career pressures, constantly push one to prioritize success over personal happiness.
Trust and Betrayal
Trust and betrayal are recurring themes in The Next Chapter, and they play a significant role in the development of Jude and Kat’s relationship. The book examines the ways in which trust is built, tested, and sometimes broken.
Both Jude and Kat enter their relationship with hesitations and past experiences that shape how they view trust. For Jude, the pain of her past breakup makes her wary of opening up fully to another person.
Her initial interactions with Kat are marked by doubt and fear that she will be let down again. When she discovers that Rhys, her friend, has messaged Kat without her consent, it shakes her trust in the authenticity of the budding relationship.
For Kat, the issue of trust is complicated by her public persona and the manipulation by her manager. Jocelyn’s persistent interference in Kat’s personal life creates a sense of betrayal, especially when Kat is forced to choose between pleasing her manager and being honest about her feelings for Jude.
The constant pressure to maintain an image of the perfect life undermines Kat’s ability to trust herself and her own desires. This creates a sense of emotional distance between her and Jude, as Kat must contend with the external forces that try to control her life.
As the relationship between Jude and Kat progresses, both women struggle with their feelings of betrayal, whether real or perceived. The challenges they face test their ability to trust each other, especially as they both have to make difficult decisions regarding their futures.
In the end, the theme of trust and betrayal emphasizes the fragility of relationships and the effort required to rebuild trust after it has been compromised. The book concludes with both characters learning to trust each other again, acknowledging the vulnerabilities that come with love, and ultimately deciding to move forward together with renewed commitment.