Here’s My Idea For A Sequel To ‘You’ve Got Mail.” But First, Let’s Back Up And Rewrite The Ending

In these turbulent times, we look for comfort. I often find it by re-watching You’ve Got Mail.

These days, I’m more likely to view it on my phone than on TV. This weekend, after an endless stream of impeachment stories, I decided to look at it once more.

You’ve Got Mail appeals to me, for a number of reasons.

First, the New York City of 1998, when the movie came out, coincides with the New York in which I first lived.

I’ve returned many times since, but that era represents my mental map of the city. In it, the original H&H Bagels near Zabar’s lives on, and lots of people buy newspapers at news stands.

Second, it’s about books, and as an author and someone who worked in retail, I’m fascinated by all things related to books and book selling.

Third, the performances are well-tuned for a rom com. Tom Hanks’ performance as book superstore magnate Joe Fox is nicely layered, with ingredients of charm, smarm, vulnerability, and old-school humor.

Meg Ryan, as book shop owner Kathleen Kelly, never fails to make me cry in the twirling scene (I cried yet again on my most recent viewing, missing my own mother).