Around the World in 80 Dates

Posted on May 19, 2005

The is some interesting news in The Seattle Post-Intelligencer about Jennifer Cox, the author of Around the World in 80 Dates, which was a bestseller in Britain and has just been released in the U.S. The book tells of Cox's determined (and very funny) round the world search for her soulmate (she was the head of PR for Lonely Planet guides). The Rules authors would never approve of her aggressive dating methods, though.

The article says the film could star actress Reese Witherspoon.

Film rights to Cox's Around the World in 80 Dates, which was a best seller in her native country, recently have been sold at a hotly contested auction where the top bidder was Witherspoon's production company at Universal. If the film version gets made, Cox stands to receive more than $1 million.

The wisecracking 39-year-old writer is flabbergasted, saying, "It's hard to take on board. I went on my trip not to make money. All I wanted was a decent boyfriend. There are bruises on my arms now from pinching myself so much. I just feel amazed and flattered. I'm a writer, not a movie star. This is an amazing gift."

On the possibility of being portrayed by Witherspoon, Cox sees her own "Everywoman" quality in the film star and her portrayals. Cox has been living in West Seattle for almost two years with Garry Greth, an audio engineer for Seattle SuperSonics broadcasts.

That's what we like to see. Happy, grateful, optimistic writers. Although cynical, moody and bitter can work, too.

---

---