Goodbye Newsroom

by Michelle Prak

When reporter Anna is sacked from the newsroom, she limps home for sympathy from her sister and housemate, Holly. But she discovers that Holly is jobless too, after resigning from the Fairweather Report, a celebrated women’s website.
Now, Holly has grand plans for starting her own online media empire, and she insists that Anna joins her.
Anna’s first task? She’s whisked away to an influencer tour of Uruguay. It’s scary stuff for a reporter who barely knows the difference between hashtags and HTML, but at least handsome Donovan is there to help.
Life becomes even trickier when Holly publishes Anna’s romantic adventures on their fledging website. The sisters become an online sensation, but Anna is furious that her private life is being used for clicks.
Will the sisters stick together and make a living in this new media world? Or will Anna return to a newsroom again?
And who is Holly’s menacing and persistent troll?
If you love career stories like Devil Wears Prada or The Bold Type, you’ll adore Goodbye Newsroom, a modern ode to self-made young women whose greatest tools are their smartphones.
“Perfect for the digital-savvy reader who wants to escape into a juicy world of public relations, A-list parties and online intrigue.”

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2019

About the author

Coming in April 2025: BARREN CAPE.

Michelle Prak's debut thriller THE RUSH was published by Simon & Schuster ANZ; Crooked Lane Books (US); and by HarperCollins France, as LE DELUGE. It's a road trip thrill ride that takes place over two frantic days.

THE RUSH was voted into Better Reading's annual Top 100 reads (2024), and longlisted in the Sisters of Crime Australia Davitt Awards.

Also a short story writer, Michelle was runner-up in the Furphy Literary Prize, 2021.
Between 2019 and 2020, Michelle self-published three women's contemporary novels. Now she's turned to the thriller genre and hopes fans will follow along.

Long before Michelle began writing professionally she was a reader and continues to share on Goodreads.

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Reviews

[Kalyn✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't the type of book I usually read, and yet this story still blew me away. It never got boring; every bit was witty and interesting, keeping my eyes on the page. I read the whole thing without stopping once, and I was in awe.

Anna and Holly are frustrating and relatable, and their sisterly relationship is so perfect. And while Goodbye Newsroom is light and cute, it also covers very serious issues, especially within the media industry and online communities.

I can't wait to see what other stories Michelle can come up with. I'm sure whatever they are, I'll love them just as much as this one.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

South Australian based author Michelle Prak released her debut novel last year. Goodbye Newsroom is a story of the bonds of sisterhood, career reinvention, the media industry, romance and adventure, which is presented in a light hearted format.

Meet sisters Anna and Holly. These unemployed journalists are forced to band together to create their very own news site when they lose their jobs. While Anna is a traditional style reporter who has a great deal of experience in the newspaper industry, her sister Holly is well versed in the online side of things, due to her previous work at a women’s website. Together these two put their skills to the test as they take on old enemies and make new ones. Anna and Holly must also learn to trust one another. It is a rocky ride, but with their entrepreneurial spirit, these sisters are determined to make it work, even if love and new opportunities get in the way!

Goodbye Newsroom is a topical and relevant contemporary fiction novel from debut writer Michelle Prak. Michelle Prak has done a good job of tapping into the world of online news reporting, social media and the rise of influencers. Prak also shows us the ugly side of social media, in the form of trolling and cyber bullies. Goodbye Newsroom offers a realistic look at the demise of the traditional media industry, such a print based newspapers and magazines. I found this aspect of the novel to be insightful, eye opening and well informed, which is due to the author’s extensive background in the media industry.

I am always fascinated by sister based stories, as I don’t have a sister myself. I was interested to see how these unemployed sisters would be able to navigate a whole new career and business model in the wake of their respective job losses. Anna and Holly are characterised very clearly and each is distinctly different to the other. Prak teases out their assets and their deficits in a revealing way. We are also privy to the thoughts of each sister by an inner dialogue approach employed by the author. There are plenty of dramas, mishaps and celebrations for the reader to contend with as the book progresses. Goodbye Newsroom it is never too serious, just light hearted, with some attempts at humour, a touch of romance and a little travel thrown in the mix.

On the whole I found Goodbye Newsroom to be a quick read. The plot was relatively straightforward, easy and undemanding. This is not a book that is heavy in terms of depth or themes. I did find it hard to click with both Anna and Holly, perhaps my disconnection of late to contemporary chick lit, or even my age may be a factor here. I think that Goodbye Newsroom is one for the younger audience end and those who are tech savvy or social media minded will appreciate this storyline.

*With thanks to the author, Michelle Prak, for providing me with a copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.

Goodbye Newsroom is book #90 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, engaging read featuring two very relatable and sassy sisters, a highly entertaining plot and warm, generous friendships. Loved it 🌟x5

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read!! The characters felt relevant but fun. Some situations were reminiscent of previous work situations for myself. Be a good read while on holidays. Looking forward to seeing if there will be further adventures for the two main characters!

[Alicia (Alicia Reads It) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anna and Holly are two sisters who are starting a new career venture together.

The characters were likable and funny. There were quite a few giggle moments that reminded me of the relationship between me and my sister.

This one didn’t grab my attention right away like some books do though, so it did drag a little for me. The story also doesn’t have a lot of depth, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing for this type of book, and it makes for a nice quick read.

I also had a hard time with the sisters inner dialogue. Unlike most books where this would be in italics, the inner dialogue and the dialogue were both in “quotation marks” which made it confusing to keep straight.

Overall, I enjoyed the storyline, and it was a nice quick read that took me to a new place for a few hours.

Content: Some language and mild sex

*I voluntarily received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book up until the end. The protagonists, Anna and Holly, were fun, likable characters and there were quite a few laugh out loud moments as the sisters started their new careers. This is what I would consider a great vacation read.

So, why deduct two stars? I don't want to give anything away, but the author leaves a major plot line unfinished. I never found out what happened with Anna's big scoop. Is there a sequel?

Bar that unsatisfactory dangling plot line, the book was well worth the time I spent with it. Great chick lit!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging and interesting. They were well-drawn but not to any annoying level of detail. I particularly loved Holly because at first I couldn't stand her (I'm old, she was annoying me with her millennial-ness), but then I came around over time. I love when a character does that to me, keeps me on my toes.

Relevant and current, it's a fun read, but it also has just enough intrigue to keep you turning the page to find out what's going to happen.

I look forward to the next one!

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anna and Holly are sisters and journalists albeit unemployed. Their lack of income prompts them to launch their own site. The characters were written to be fun, likable and a bit sassy. While the story took a bit to get into, I eventually wanted to find out if things worked out for the two sisters and their entrepreneurial endeavors. It was quick, light and didn't delve too deep into any drama. There was travel, humor, and light sex. If there was any one thing that I had to take issue with it was the confusing transitions from the inner dialogue to the actual dialogue of the characters.

I received this ARC from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of my Goodreads ratings are based on how much I enjoyed the book and, while this is not the type of novel I'd usually pick up, this one is an amusing, light-hearted romp!

The novel is light, but entertaining and the writing is great - it really draws the reader along. The dialogue is spot-on, natural and pacy and the story is well plotted, with well drawn, believable characters.

This is Michelle's first book, and I can’t wait to see what comes out of her corner in the future, I think she has a lot more to show us.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.

If you like a light, easy read this is definitely a good book for you. There is just enough drama to keep the pages turning but not overly complicated. The story line could have been fleshed out a bit better. I hope that the next book fills in some of the holes. I am interested in seeing how it continues so I'll probably read the next one.

[Heather W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read, lots of fun and laughter.

Sisters Anna and Holly are out-of-work journalists who decide to create their own news site. There are lots of laughs as they take the journey to success while trying to find romance along the way.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Hidden Gems.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved these sassy sisters! Some of these situations are very familiar; hosting journalists on travel famils and rearranging seating plans at Awards nights - I could definitely relate!
The short, spirited chapters makes for an absolute page-turner and the perfect holiday read. Lots of moments to laugh, cringe and cheer them on. Can’t wait to find out what Holly and Anna get up to next...especially the big exposè. Recommend.

[Milly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVED was a great read loved it was a great and easy read loved following the journey of the main characters really hope that there is a second book as I would love to find out more about the main characters stories.

[Ric Hayman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit light and frothy, but enjoyable if you like rom-com (and I do). Almost a roman-a-clef …

If you prefer physical books, the paperback is on its way.

[Kelly A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! The story moves at a satisfying pace with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and the relationship between the sisters was perfect - a little bit of friction and a whole lot of love. I really hope there will be a sequel!

[L A King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Holly. Holly was introduced in Michelle Praks novel Media Queen. This is a fast moving, hilariously funny, yet emotional, the characters were adorable and believable. Holly resigned from her job Her sister Anna was sacked from her job at the Advocate. Devastated, Anna returns home to find her sister busy setting up her own online digital media business. Within a couple of days Anna was off on a superb trip to Uruguay. This is where the fun starts. Sisters end up having a text message row. Anna is devastated. She meets a hunk, called Donovan. Was he what she thought he was? Back home Holly is busy setting up her empire employing someone else. The novel looks at the history of the girls as sisters. There is normally one sibling who will take the lead and dominate. This is a must read book, even if you are not too keen on chic lit. The humour is subtle. Once you start reading it you can't put it down. Michelle Prak thank you for a fantastic read. I cannot wait for Book 2.

[Zviko Masiiwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've recently gotten back into reading and Goodbye Newsroom was the perfect start for me.

I liked that the book focused more on the career of young women having a go at their dreams, and less on the romance - finally, a rom-com plotline that doesn't involve a woman waiting for a knight in shining armour to save her. Instead, there was just enough romance involved to keep things interesting but still realistic.

The cyberbullying aspect was also a good addition as it reflects a major problem a lot of young people face in today's society.

I would have liked to see Anna develop more as a character, beyond just being the big sister that's a bit clueless about the digital world. I'm hoping to learn more about her in the sequel, as she takes down Jordyn Fairweather!

Overall, a great book for anyone who's looking for a light, enjoyable read. Well done Michelle, I can't wait to read your next book!

P.S. I'm still so excited that one character has the same name as me! 😁

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A witty page turner & a perfect holiday read. I looked forward to each chapter in these women’s lives, and the relevance of their work in current digital and ‘traditional’ media.

I have to know what happens with the investigative journalism piece, so I’m hoping there’s a sequel?

Well worth a read, even for non rom-com genre fans.

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me an unusually long time to finish Michelle’s debut novel because the release coincided with my own debut as a mum of a baby girl. So, reading was happening bit by bit, during and between the feeds and naps. Sometimes I felt so tired that couldn’t read a single line, even to save my life.

Anyway, enough complaining, back to the review :)

The book brought back many familiar feelings. The area of work of two main characters, Australian specifics, some events in girls’ lives. It all made me feel like I know Holly and Anna for a long time. They are your usual friends - girls living next door, with their own interests, love life, ambitions. Both of them are very likeable and you empathise with them immediately.

Holly is bold and brave, Anna seems to be a little bit more sensitive. Anna’s redundancy brought back my feelings of the time when I got redundant at work. All the hurt and regrets... looking for options and trying to find a new ‘me’. I felt all the sympathy for Anna who had to come back to her workplace and keep the face in front of colleagues.

It is a great debut for Michelle who incorporated her experience with media into the plot of the novel and effortlessly raised some important questions.

I quite enjoyed the book, an easy read that touches close personally to me and many current subjects - the world and the challenges of mainstream media, social media community and influencers, career choices in this industry, ethical issues and boundaries that people can face on social channels.

What I also liked about the book is that to me it is about the change. Changes in the industry, person’s life, way of living, in everything and Goodbye Newsroom shows well how all these changes, despite being scary and daunting, are still positive and only happen for the best.

The only downside for me is that the book finished too fast. It felt a bit rushed to the end, I would’ve like to read more. I guess I will wait for a sequel :)

My score is 4* out of 5*.

[Sarah the reading addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like the way it's written.

Most of us have social media accounts so understand a bit of what Holly and Anna are doing.

Its a ballsy move starting your own business but I really feel like the way this is written really makes you feel like you're going through all of it with Holly and Anna.

Jordyn Fairweather seems like a person who is going to stay on top and doesn't care who she tramples along the way. She's a really dislikeable character.

I loved the bit where Anna is doing the travel writing in Uruguay it's really made me want to travel and post things on my Instagram.

Cannot wait to read the next book

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

With travel as an underlying theme, I thought this was the perfect holiday read! I adored the exploration of Holly and Anna’s sisterhood, and both characters felt realistic and relatable. I also enjoyed the career element of the book, exploring the uncertain situations which many media professionals are currently finding themselves in. The writing was engaging, the chapters went by quickly and I was disappointed when it ended... which is an indicator of a good book in my world! I hope to see Holly and Anna’s story continue.

[Eleanor Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has spent most of their working life in media, this book was riveting. Sure, it's a rom com/ chic lit read... and there's nothing wrong with that. But scratch below the surface and Prak provides some very clear insights into the state and challenges of Australia's media landscape. I enjoyed picking out the publications and people that seemed to be based on real life models.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the lightness, the humour and the two main characters in this book. It is so much fun! The short chapters enables the book to travel at a speedy pace and for me, the storyline was so relatable.
I would have loved more of an 'ending' to the book but I have since learnt that there is a sequel which I can't wait to devour.
Pick up a copy! Lots of fun to be had!

[Michelle Casserley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Fun to read, easy to relate to characters and I enjoyed wondering what would happen. Enjoyed a little glimpse into the digital journalist life, and now looking forward to reading book two, thanks Michelle!

[Josephine Spawton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Fun storyline, cool characters...I can’t wait to see if there is a next installment...