Emmy Lake

Emmeline “Emmy” Lake, 22-years-old, narrates the novel, telling the story of how her ambitions as a journalist led her on an accidental journey to becoming an advice columnist in secret. Emmy frequently lets her enthusiasm get the best of her, leading her to say and do things she may not have had she been clearer headed. We get a sense of this trait early in the novel when Emmy accepts a new job without exactly knowing what she will be doing. She assumes that as a “Junior,” she will work in journalism, when in reality the job is as a typist for a woman’s magazine. Despite her error, Emmy shows off an optimistic streak as well. She looks on the bright side and views the job as a stepping stone to journalism.

Moreover, Emmy demonstrates her altruism by considering how she can help readers by secretly...