When five old friends from Syracuse University reunite almost a decade later at a friend’s wedding, each arrives without a plus-one and minor chaos ensues. This is the story told by 1999 alumna Meredith Goldstein in her debut novel, ‘The Singles,’ released Tuesday.

Goldstein, currently an advice columnist and entertainment reporter for The Boston Globe, is a former editor in chief of The Daily Orange. Her column ‘Love Letters’ garners more than a million page views per month. ‘The Singles,’ which features characters loosely based on Goldstein’s former classmates, has been optioned for a movie by Lime Orchard Productions.

Though the film is still in its initial stages, Goldstein said her fingers are crossed that some scenes would be filmed at SU if plans move forward. She plans to return to SU next fall to promote ‘The Singles’ and meet with faculty, staff and students. The Daily Orange asked Goldstein to share some thoughts about her most recent venture:

The Daily Orange: What makes you a wildly successful love columnist?

Goldstein: I think I became an advice columnist because I’m a watcher. I watch my friends. I watched my parents get divorced and my sister meet the man she’s now going to marry. I think that when it comes to giving advice, empathy is more important than experience.

What’s the best part about being single? What would you say to those terrified of it?

I love not knowing what’s going to happen next. I love the excitement and the questions. And I love my friends. I love having time for them when I’m single. Being single can be scary, for sure, but that’s why it’s good to keep a lot of platonic people around no matter what.

How did it feel to take people you knew at SU and edit bits about their personalities? 

I loved it once I got over the weirdjournalist feelings. When I finally got used to fiction, it was actually quite fun. I got to make my SU friends more attractive, say different things and show up to places they’d never go in real life. I got to be a puppet master.

Is there anything you miss about Syracuse? 

Alto Cinco (which is referenced in the book), looking up at Crouse from Marshall Street, late nights at The Daily Orange and the first warm day after a winter of snow.

Thus far, what has the reception been? What do you take away from negative reviews?

So far, it’s been pretty great. It’s strange because a few aspects of the book that have been criticized by some reviewers have been adored by others. You just have to remember that we’re all subjective readers. I’ve tried to thicken my skin and not take anything too seriously. Most people have been positive.

What’s next? A sequel? More books?

Another book. It’s not a sequel to ‘The Singles.’ I’m working on it now. All I’ll say is that I might have to go back to Syracuse to do some research.

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Published on April 24, 2012 at 12:00 pm