Henry Roth (Billy Crudup) is an obsessive-compulsive & somewhat misanthropic writer of children's books. His illustrator and only friend, Rudy (Tom Wilkinson), dies after a fabulously successful collaboration on their series of children's books about "Marty the Beaver." Henry is under contract to produce another Marty book for Christmas sales. His publisher, Arthur Planck (Bob Balaban), assigns penniless, lovelorn illustrator Lucy Reilly (Mandy Moore) to work with Henry. She's sought by her ex-boyfriend Jeremy (Martin Freeman), who dumped her two years ago but shows up apologetic, having dedicated his new book to her. She and Henry go to a house on the shore to work. Will love bloom amid the rocks, or is Henry a bump on Lucy's road to Jeremy? Rudy's voice, from the grave, gives Henry counsel.

Jersey Street and Crosby Street, Manhattan.

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby Street and Prince Street, Manhattan.

101 Park Avenue and East 40th Street, Manhattan.

Von Bar, 3 Bleecker Street and Bowery, Manhattan.