What do you think?
Rate this book
Champagne in Chateau Marmont
Brooke en Julian hebben het prima samen in New York. Zij heeft twee banen, waarvan ze kunnen rondkomen en hij timmert aan de weg als muzikant. Maar als Julian na een tv-optreden door een groot platenlabel wordt benaderd neemt hun leven een radicale wending.Al snel bevinden ze zich in een compleet nieuwe wereld: dinertjes in de duurste restaurants, te gast bij de meest exclusieve feesten, op en neer reizen naar de hipste clubs van LA en overnachtingen in het ultieme celebrity-hotel Chateau Marmont.Maar Julians roem leidt er ook toe dat zij slachtoffer worden van meedogenloze paparazzi. Is hun relatie sterk genoeg om alle bizarre roddels en bemoeienissen te overleven? Brooke wordt gedwongen om te kiezen: vluchten of vechten
364 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2010
777 people are currently reading
23448 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Weisberger
43 books5,993 followersLauren Weisberger is an American writer and author of the 2003 bestseller The Devil Wears Prada, a roman à clef of her experience as an assistant to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Weisberger worked as a writer and editor for Vogue and Departures magazines prior to authoring The Devil Wears Prada, which was adapted into a film of the same name in 2006. She has since published seven other novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,439 reviews
December 24, 2010
I remember liking The Devil Wears Prada when I read it a few years ago. So, finding myself in the airport and in need of a book for the plane I picked this one up, thinking it would be an OK chick flick. I usually don't have that high expectations from a chick flick, but this really disappointed me.
To begin with, the plot is not that bad. But it is also predictable and the path things are going is is not hard to foresee from the first chapters. There's Brooke, a nutritionist and her rockstar wannabe husband. When he eventually knows some fame, things start to get rusty between them. The same thing you could find written on the back of the book.
But there are some other things seriously wrong in here. The whole story is a bit dull and lack at least a little bit of juicy stuff. It could have been much better exploited. Then, the characters aren't that likeable either. Brooke is just...boring and accept all the stuff her husband does. He is also not very full of substance and seems to lack some free will or some brain power and just lets himself dragged by those around him. All in all, there is no one very likeable or interesting.
Nola seemed to have potential and I expected her to have a more significant role in the story, but she ..... just didn't.
There were also lots of exaggerated scenes (like the description of his gigs) and cliches (Hayley, but even she was solved without anything more juicy happening. It was much too simple and could have been exploited better to at least create some tension). The ending was not spectacular at all.
All in all, I wouldn't suggest wasting a couple of hours reading this book. It lacks ....some spice, some substance and does not make for a very entertaining read. Quite disappointing, since I expected better from Lauren Weisberger and I feel quite ripped off for paying for it.
To begin with, the plot is not that bad. But it is also predictable and the path things are going is is not hard to foresee from the first chapters. There's Brooke, a nutritionist and her rockstar wannabe husband. When he eventually knows some fame, things start to get rusty between them. The same thing you could find written on the back of the book.
But there are some other things seriously wrong in here. The whole story is a bit dull and lack at least a little bit of juicy stuff. It could have been much better exploited. Then, the characters aren't that likeable either. Brooke is just...boring and accept all the stuff her husband does. He is also not very full of substance and seems to lack some free will or some brain power and just lets himself dragged by those around him. All in all, there is no one very likeable or interesting.
Nola seemed to have potential and I expected her to have a more significant role in the story, but she ..... just didn't.
There were also lots of exaggerated scenes (like the description of his gigs) and cliches (Hayley, but even she was solved without anything more juicy happening. It was much too simple and could have been exploited better to at least create some tension). The ending was not spectacular at all.
All in all, I wouldn't suggest wasting a couple of hours reading this book. It lacks ....some spice, some substance and does not make for a very entertaining read. Quite disappointing, since I expected better from Lauren Weisberger and I feel quite ripped off for paying for it.
February 5, 2024
I loved this book. Such an easy girlie read.
Great characters, great story line.
Five stars.
Great characters, great story line.
Five stars.
June 13, 2012
If you've read a book by Lauren Weisberger before, you know the basics of the experience. It will be set in New York; it will deal with the difficulty of balancing careers and personal lives. Her books also have a nice authoritative tone - you feel like you're getting real dish.
Right now HBO is developing a miniseries about the history of Chateau Marmont. For those who haven't heard of it - I hadn't before Weisberger's LAST NIGHT AT CHATEAU MARMONT - it is a hotel that has been hosting celebrities since the 60's. In the case of the novel, the celebrity is Julian Alter.
Brooke Alter is a nutritionist who has been supporting her husband's musical career. They can only afford a small apartment, where they live with their adorably named dog Walter Alter. And it pays off when Julian gets a deal with Sony. Soon he's appearing on Leno . . . and both of them are appearing in the tabloids. As her husband leaves home more and more often to make appearances, Brooke feels increasingly stressed and isolated.
Weisberger sets up LAST NIGHT AT CHATEAU MARMONT well. The book takes awhile to reach the promised stay at the Chateau, but that gives the reader time to see Brooke and Julian's relationship before it is strained. When Julian is at his worst, Brooke's continuing hope for their relationship is understandable.
The insider tone was briefly ruined for me. The characters go to the Hula Hut in Austin . . . which is neither a dive restaurant nor famous for its queso. It's a mid-priced Tex-Mex/Polynesian fusion restaurant on Lake Austin. It makes me question how well other locales are described.
But it didn't bother me too long. LAST NIGHT AT CHATEAU MARMONT is funny and quick. Things do reach a low point, but I would not say it gets as depressing as some chick lit. Ultimately, the book is about Brooke and Julian's marriage and whether it can survive unwanted celebrity and the rock-and-roll lifestyle.
Right now HBO is developing a miniseries about the history of Chateau Marmont. For those who haven't heard of it - I hadn't before Weisberger's LAST NIGHT AT CHATEAU MARMONT - it is a hotel that has been hosting celebrities since the 60's. In the case of the novel, the celebrity is Julian Alter.
Brooke Alter is a nutritionist who has been supporting her husband's musical career. They can only afford a small apartment, where they live with their adorably named dog Walter Alter. And it pays off when Julian gets a deal with Sony. Soon he's appearing on Leno . . . and both of them are appearing in the tabloids. As her husband leaves home more and more often to make appearances, Brooke feels increasingly stressed and isolated.
Weisberger sets up LAST NIGHT AT CHATEAU MARMONT well. The book takes awhile to reach the promised stay at the Chateau, but that gives the reader time to see Brooke and Julian's relationship before it is strained. When Julian is at his worst, Brooke's continuing hope for their relationship is understandable.
The insider tone was briefly ruined for me. The characters go to the Hula Hut in Austin . . . which is neither a dive restaurant nor famous for its queso. It's a mid-priced Tex-Mex/Polynesian fusion restaurant on Lake Austin. It makes me question how well other locales are described.
But it didn't bother me too long. LAST NIGHT AT CHATEAU MARMONT is funny and quick. Things do reach a low point, but I would not say it gets as depressing as some chick lit. Ultimately, the book is about Brooke and Julian's marriage and whether it can survive unwanted celebrity and the rock-and-roll lifestyle.
December 3, 2010
Easy read. Solid idea, poor execution. The story focuses on Julian, a struggling musician and his ‘civilian’ wife, Brooke, who has supported him for years with her job as a nutritionist. Julian’s songs get noticed, he becomes a celebrity, and their marriage is tested by the rock and roll lifestyle.
A big problem is that very little time is spent on Julian’s character development, or the development of their relationship at all. We don’t know him, get none of his perspective, and I really had no idea why Brooke ever liked him in the first place apart from his musical talent.
Weisberger spends the whole novel outlining the very worst of the celebrity lifestyle then excepts us to believe that in a conversation or two, Julian will be able to adapt enough to make their marriage work again. He basically comes across as a total selfish asshole, Brooke staying with him in the end literally makes no sense. There are a few half-hearted attempts to make Brooke seem ‘strong and independent’ (she kicks him out after a cheating episode), but ultimately her behavior contradicts this and it all just makes her seem totally clueless.
There is also a lot of unnecessary dialogue between Brooke and her friends/family, and much celebrity name dropping that feels forced and will certainly date this book.
A big problem is that very little time is spent on Julian’s character development, or the development of their relationship at all. We don’t know him, get none of his perspective, and I really had no idea why Brooke ever liked him in the first place apart from his musical talent.
Weisberger spends the whole novel outlining the very worst of the celebrity lifestyle then excepts us to believe that in a conversation or two, Julian will be able to adapt enough to make their marriage work again. He basically comes across as a total selfish asshole, Brooke staying with him in the end literally makes no sense. There are a few half-hearted attempts to make Brooke seem ‘strong and independent’ (she kicks him out after a cheating episode), but ultimately her behavior contradicts this and it all just makes her seem totally clueless.
There is also a lot of unnecessary dialogue between Brooke and her friends/family, and much celebrity name dropping that feels forced and will certainly date this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2020
This book is fine.
Its okay.
I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it.
I wanted it to be juicier, messier, more scandalous. I wanted it to remind me of back when I was young and I would voraciously read US Weekly so I could find out what was going on with Nick Lachey & Jessica Simpson. I wanted that rush.
Maybe the book is just too old 2010 was a lifetime ago or maybe it just wasn't that great.
I still liked it but its no The Devil Wears Prada.
Its okay.
I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it.
I wanted it to be juicier, messier, more scandalous. I wanted it to remind me of back when I was young and I would voraciously read US Weekly so I could find out what was going on with Nick Lachey & Jessica Simpson. I wanted that rush.
Maybe the book is just too old 2010 was a lifetime ago or maybe it just wasn't that great.
I still liked it but its no The Devil Wears Prada.
November 7, 2011
When I was asked to review Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger, I jumped at the chance. Who didn’t love The Devil Wears Prada? And I’m happy to report this book was just as great. The story follows happily married couple Julian and Brooke Alter. Brooke is working two jobs with the goal of starting her own nutrition business, and Julian is a struggling singer-songwriter hoping to hit it big. The couple’s world is rocked when Julian snags the attention of Hollywood big-wigs, and overnight becomes the “it” guy in town. Suddenly, Brooke and Julian are holding on tight while they ride the fame coaster, trying to stay grounded and sane. Brooke isn’t interested in celebrities, paparazzi, and the works of being famous. But Julian gets carried up in his new life––the money, publicity….the woman. Not only is Brooke having to deal with that train wreck, but her life, her career, everything she has worked so hard for, is slipping out of her reach thanks to her new high-profile life. Can Brooke and Julian’s marriage survive, or will the cost of fame tear them apart?
When I first started reading this book, I thought Julian was quite an ass-bag. I really thought he was just using Brooke to make ends meet and so he could keep working on getting discovered. As I kept reading, I realized that he did clearly love his wife, and she felt the same way. While their interests may have been different, the love and respect that should be in a marriage were there. It wasn’t hard to guess that something like an affair would be brought up, because come on––who in Hollywood isn’t accused of cheating? When I got to the end of the book, I was sure I was just going to hate what happened. I thought I could guess the ending, but I was wrong. While I won’t give anything away, I will say the ending made me think. It was more than just a typical fluffy let’s be happy ending. The roller coaster ride of emotions that Weisberger took me on, combined with a scandalous chick lit plot and some important lessons we learn from Brooke and Julian, earns this book a five star rating from me!
When I first started reading this book, I thought Julian was quite an ass-bag. I really thought he was just using Brooke to make ends meet and so he could keep working on getting discovered. As I kept reading, I realized that he did clearly love his wife, and she felt the same way. While their interests may have been different, the love and respect that should be in a marriage were there. It wasn’t hard to guess that something like an affair would be brought up, because come on––who in Hollywood isn’t accused of cheating? When I got to the end of the book, I was sure I was just going to hate what happened. I thought I could guess the ending, but I was wrong. While I won’t give anything away, I will say the ending made me think. It was more than just a typical fluffy let’s be happy ending. The roller coaster ride of emotions that Weisberger took me on, combined with a scandalous chick lit plot and some important lessons we learn from Brooke and Julian, earns this book a five star rating from me!
August 15, 2017
2.5 stars
Brooke Alter is married to Julian, an aspiring musician. While Julian is trying to get his career off the ground, Brooke is working two jobs and trying to keep everything afloat. Then suddenly, Julian gets the big break he has been waiting for, and almost overnight he shoots to fame and fortune.
Brooke should be ecstatic, as it's all they have ever wanted, but she finds herself struggling with their time apart and being dissected by paparazzi at every turn. Will they be able to overcome these new challenges as a couple?
It was an easy read, with a lot of pop culture references. Enjoyable as a little something between more challenging books.
Brooke Alter is married to Julian, an aspiring musician. While Julian is trying to get his career off the ground, Brooke is working two jobs and trying to keep everything afloat. Then suddenly, Julian gets the big break he has been waiting for, and almost overnight he shoots to fame and fortune.
Brooke should be ecstatic, as it's all they have ever wanted, but she finds herself struggling with their time apart and being dissected by paparazzi at every turn. Will they be able to overcome these new challenges as a couple?
It was an easy read, with a lot of pop culture references. Enjoyable as a little something between more challenging books.
April 2, 2011
I loved "The Devil wears Prada". I liked "Everyone worth knowing". I have never came to the end of "Chasing Harry Winston", actually I have ended reading it after 1/4. "Last Night at Chateau Marmont"... The first half of this book was pretty slow for me. Just later, almost at the end, the book started to interest me and I wanted to know whathappened next. Although it was very predictable as well. IMHO, Lauren didn't have an idea what to do with the characters and how to build the tension. Dissapointed. Don't know if I'll buy her next book - if there will be any more. Would give one and a half star but there is no such an option:(
February 14, 2014
Imagine this: You get a call from your mom, telling you she has a surprise for you. And you start getting excited because surprises are rare at your age and you´re dying to find out what it is your mother has for you. Once your mother arrives all you want to do it rip her purse off her shoulder ( since you see nothing in her hands ) and search for your damn gift. But....you keep calm and wait patiently for your mother to hand it over. Your blood starts pumping and you all of the sudden start to smile. Your mother seems to move in slow motion, raising her hand and shuffling it through her huge purse, until the moment she finds what she´s looking for and pulls out your present at a snails pace.
Your eyes dart to the wrapped object in her hand and you know right away what it is: A BOOK! Then everything moves in a blur. You rip the paper in shreds and hold something your mother thought you might enjoy in your shaking hands. BAM! After the excitement washes out of your system and your brain starts to function once again, you read whats on the book cover and tears threaten to flow. But not from joy....you want to cry out of pure frustration!!
Yes, that little, poorly written story above happened to me. Years after I read The Devil Wears Prada, I was the lucky owner of Lauren Weisberger´s novel, Last Night At Chateau Marmont. My first thought was to scream: " NOOOOOOO!! " . But I didn´t want to hurt my mothers feelings by letting her know I didn´t want to read anything else from that author. So, I kept my mouth shut, hugged and thanked her for buying a book I had no interest to read.
ANYWAYS....Since I love my mother dearly ( and I knew she´d start asking questions about the book ) I started reading Last Night At Chateau Marmont. NOW I know why I didn´t buy it myself. My inner gut never fails me.
This book was just as tough to digest as The Devil Wears Prada. It has the exact same problems I complained about before, so my guess is that the author just doesn´t have enough talent to write a good, capivating, devastating, emotional lovestory. Sad thing is: this book was supposed to have those things, but they never came across. Brooke and Julian characters were absolutely shallow, dull and kind of non existant. You were reading about them...but then again, you knew nothing about them, other than Julian being a musician and Brooke being a nutritionist. This story could have been so super cool. It could have been packed with so many emotions....it could have been so much more! I wanted to feel what the characters were going through. I wanted to believe the devastation, and above all....I wanted to believe Brooke and Julian loved each other. But nothing came through to me. The author tries to give a reader some insight on what rockstars go through and what tough path their girlfriends/wives must take when confronted with the public eye. In all honesty.....with reading so many rockstar stories....I´ve hardly read anything as slow as this one.
This book has ( again ) 400 and something pages. Do you have any idea how many God-awful events you can pack into 400 pages? I even bet if an author would take Keith Richards biography and use only 1/8 of that book combined with a heartbreaking / heartwarming lovestory, then that author could earn him/herself a golden nose! * just saying*
So, what do we have here:
- A emotionally confused, and clueless Brooke
- An asshole who lives off of his wife and then becomes a rockstar
- A relationship ( I´m still looking for that in the book) that goes through hell
- No build-up throughout the whole book
- No passion, no sparks, no fireworks
- The end was flatter than a piece of paper
- absolutely predictable story
Those are alot of negatives for one book. Which makes me come to the conclusion that this author needs to work on her skills. Head-Theater is a powerful thing, and if I can´t imagine a scene, what good is the book then?
For my mothers sake, I told her it was a good book ( don´t judge, I really do love her...and can´t bare to risk future presents..Lol) but my inner-blogger won´t allow me to polish this story.
Would I recommend this book?
- Hmm....Nope. I wouldn´t.
Would I re-read this book?
- No. But I might lend it to my mother..:-)
The Divas are giving the Last Night At Chateau Marmont, by Lauren Weisberger, 2 out of 5 champagne glasses
Your eyes dart to the wrapped object in her hand and you know right away what it is: A BOOK! Then everything moves in a blur. You rip the paper in shreds and hold something your mother thought you might enjoy in your shaking hands. BAM! After the excitement washes out of your system and your brain starts to function once again, you read whats on the book cover and tears threaten to flow. But not from joy....you want to cry out of pure frustration!!
Yes, that little, poorly written story above happened to me. Years after I read The Devil Wears Prada, I was the lucky owner of Lauren Weisberger´s novel, Last Night At Chateau Marmont. My first thought was to scream: " NOOOOOOO!! " . But I didn´t want to hurt my mothers feelings by letting her know I didn´t want to read anything else from that author. So, I kept my mouth shut, hugged and thanked her for buying a book I had no interest to read.
ANYWAYS....Since I love my mother dearly ( and I knew she´d start asking questions about the book ) I started reading Last Night At Chateau Marmont. NOW I know why I didn´t buy it myself. My inner gut never fails me.
This book was just as tough to digest as The Devil Wears Prada. It has the exact same problems I complained about before, so my guess is that the author just doesn´t have enough talent to write a good, capivating, devastating, emotional lovestory. Sad thing is: this book was supposed to have those things, but they never came across. Brooke and Julian characters were absolutely shallow, dull and kind of non existant. You were reading about them...but then again, you knew nothing about them, other than Julian being a musician and Brooke being a nutritionist. This story could have been so super cool. It could have been packed with so many emotions....it could have been so much more! I wanted to feel what the characters were going through. I wanted to believe the devastation, and above all....I wanted to believe Brooke and Julian loved each other. But nothing came through to me. The author tries to give a reader some insight on what rockstars go through and what tough path their girlfriends/wives must take when confronted with the public eye. In all honesty.....with reading so many rockstar stories....I´ve hardly read anything as slow as this one.
This book has ( again ) 400 and something pages. Do you have any idea how many God-awful events you can pack into 400 pages? I even bet if an author would take Keith Richards biography and use only 1/8 of that book combined with a heartbreaking / heartwarming lovestory, then that author could earn him/herself a golden nose! * just saying*
So, what do we have here:
- A emotionally confused, and clueless Brooke
- An asshole who lives off of his wife and then becomes a rockstar
- A relationship ( I´m still looking for that in the book) that goes through hell
- No build-up throughout the whole book
- No passion, no sparks, no fireworks
- The end was flatter than a piece of paper
- absolutely predictable story
Those are alot of negatives for one book. Which makes me come to the conclusion that this author needs to work on her skills. Head-Theater is a powerful thing, and if I can´t imagine a scene, what good is the book then?
For my mothers sake, I told her it was a good book ( don´t judge, I really do love her...and can´t bare to risk future presents..Lol) but my inner-blogger won´t allow me to polish this story.
Would I recommend this book?
- Hmm....Nope. I wouldn´t.
Would I re-read this book?
- No. But I might lend it to my mother..:-)
The Divas are giving the Last Night At Chateau Marmont, by Lauren Weisberger, 2 out of 5 champagne glasses
August 24, 2010
The first half of this book was pretty slow for me. It wasn’t until the last 150 pages or so when I didn’t want to put it down because I wanted to see what happened next. I felt like the exposition/buildup was way more than necessary, but I guess it was good in that it developed the characters pretty well.
I felt like (in my mind at least) there was a lot of buildup as to who was giving the tabs all their information/Brooke’s cell number. Because of that I kind of felt let down when you found out who it was…it was kind of obvious (I wanted it to be some sort of family betrayal) and it was over in a sentence. I guess I just wanted/expected it to be juicer.
Overall, I thought the book was a good insight into Hollywood marriages. I made me feel bad for celebrities—even if they want to be famous, they can’t really want (well, most of them don’t) people following them around taking their pictures all the time. I guess now I understand why so many celebrity marriages end because spouses don’t understand their spouse’s lifestyle, or schedules. I always think that celebs should marry normal people because it seems like it would be easier, but after reading this, I’m starting to think celebrities should marry each other!
I could never decide whether or not I liked Julian. I couldn’t decide whether I thought he was a total d-bag or if he was a victim of circumstance. I really didn’t like how he wanted Brooke to quit and couldn’t understand why she was so upset when he asked her to, and when he wanted her to ditch her Christmas party for his. I felt like he was very condescending towards her (thinking his career was so much more important, when hers actually meant something to her and to a lot of other people) and that bugged me. I kept thinking, why is she fighting to keep this guy? He doesn’t even come home when he can! I really thought he was cheating on her (why didn’t he ever want to come home/have sex?) so who knows if he was or not. Maybe I’m jaded but I didn’t really believe his whole “removal of clothes”explanation. I guess it’s hard to develop a character whom readers like but who still does bad things…I feel for Weisberger in that respect but am not sure if she truly achieved her goal with Julian.
I’m not so sure how I felt about the ending. I guess because I’m skeptical about Julian, I’m not sure if it will work, although because I like Brooke I really hope that it does.
Completely off topic, was I the only one who thought Weisberger stole the characters’ names from One Tree Hill?
I felt like (in my mind at least) there was a lot of buildup as to who was giving the tabs all their information/Brooke’s cell number. Because of that I kind of felt let down when you found out who it was…it was kind of obvious (I wanted it to be some sort of family betrayal) and it was over in a sentence. I guess I just wanted/expected it to be juicer.
Overall, I thought the book was a good insight into Hollywood marriages. I made me feel bad for celebrities—even if they want to be famous, they can’t really want (well, most of them don’t) people following them around taking their pictures all the time. I guess now I understand why so many celebrity marriages end because spouses don’t understand their spouse’s lifestyle, or schedules. I always think that celebs should marry normal people because it seems like it would be easier, but after reading this, I’m starting to think celebrities should marry each other!
I could never decide whether or not I liked Julian. I couldn’t decide whether I thought he was a total d-bag or if he was a victim of circumstance. I really didn’t like how he wanted Brooke to quit and couldn’t understand why she was so upset when he asked her to, and when he wanted her to ditch her Christmas party for his. I felt like he was very condescending towards her (thinking his career was so much more important, when hers actually meant something to her and to a lot of other people) and that bugged me. I kept thinking, why is she fighting to keep this guy? He doesn’t even come home when he can! I really thought he was cheating on her (why didn’t he ever want to come home/have sex?) so who knows if he was or not. Maybe I’m jaded but I didn’t really believe his whole “removal of clothes”explanation. I guess it’s hard to develop a character whom readers like but who still does bad things…I feel for Weisberger in that respect but am not sure if she truly achieved her goal with Julian.
I’m not so sure how I felt about the ending. I guess because I’m skeptical about Julian, I’m not sure if it will work, although because I like Brooke I really hope that it does.
Completely off topic, was I the only one who thought Weisberger stole the characters’ names from One Tree Hill?
December 30, 2014
Heartbreak, headlines and Hermes – welcome to Brooke's new world…
Brooke and Julian live a happy life in New York – she's the breadwinner working two jobs and he's the struggling musician husband. Then Julian is discovered by a Sony exec and becomes an overnight success – and their life changes for ever.
I wasn't excited to read this after seeing the rating but I'm a Lauren Weisberger fan and being a fan means reading every book they have written... and I'm glad I did. This book was surprisingly entertaining and different. I was rooting for Brooke and Julian and really liked them as a couple and characters.
I recommend this book over her more famous one, The Devil Wears Prada... that book really disappointed me. But, the movie was great!
Brooke and Julian live a happy life in New York – she's the breadwinner working two jobs and he's the struggling musician husband. Then Julian is discovered by a Sony exec and becomes an overnight success – and their life changes for ever.
I wasn't excited to read this after seeing the rating but I'm a Lauren Weisberger fan and being a fan means reading every book they have written... and I'm glad I did. This book was surprisingly entertaining and different. I was rooting for Brooke and Julian and really liked them as a couple and characters.
I recommend this book over her more famous one, The Devil Wears Prada... that book really disappointed me. But, the movie was great!
March 21, 2012
Average NYC couple Brooke and Julian get thrown into the gossip rags when Julian finally breaks through and makes it big as a musician. Will their marriage survive his fame? Will he change too much for her to endure? Will she be able to fend off the soul stealing trappings of celebrity enough to continue her very average job as a nutritionist???
I loved Devil Wears Prada and Chasing Harry Winston and I thought this book was awful. Makes me sad.
I don't buy the speed with which Julian becomes famous and adored because in a day and age of instant fame, the American Idol winners and Youtube/Rebecca Blacks are rarely good. Weisberger shouldn't go with the 1% and create a fictional character who is good AND who is instantly famous. It doesn't track.
Reality is Ralph. Fiction can't also be Ralph.
Brooke makes a lot of choices I don't understand and Weisberger clearly can’t either. Why not write her as the girl who quits her job to follow her husband around and then regrets it? Who wants to read about a girl with the nutritionist job so boring that even Weisberger doesn’t want to write about it?
I want the celebrity dish. Don’t give me just the terrible pictures in Last Night and speculation about drug rehab. Write about the wining, dining and ignoring that comes with being the unfamous half of a celebrity couple.
And for crying out loud, banish the "best friend" cardboard cutout that pops up only to give advice and provide color. Boo on this problem! It’s too common in chicklit.
Disappointed.
I loved Devil Wears Prada and Chasing Harry Winston and I thought this book was awful. Makes me sad.
I don't buy the speed with which Julian becomes famous and adored because in a day and age of instant fame, the American Idol winners and Youtube/Rebecca Blacks are rarely good. Weisberger shouldn't go with the 1% and create a fictional character who is good AND who is instantly famous. It doesn't track.
Reality is Ralph. Fiction can't also be Ralph.
Brooke makes a lot of choices I don't understand and Weisberger clearly can’t either. Why not write her as the girl who quits her job to follow her husband around and then regrets it? Who wants to read about a girl with the nutritionist job so boring that even Weisberger doesn’t want to write about it?
I want the celebrity dish. Don’t give me just the terrible pictures in Last Night and speculation about drug rehab. Write about the wining, dining and ignoring that comes with being the unfamous half of a celebrity couple.
And for crying out loud, banish the "best friend" cardboard cutout that pops up only to give advice and provide color. Boo on this problem! It’s too common in chicklit.
Disappointed.
February 25, 2012
This was a likable book, and I actually enjoyed it far more than I thought I would based on the rating number, but hey - maybe a lot of people went the "3"-route like me - liking it (nothing wrong with that). This was a quick, fun, chick-lit read, my escapism, my porn, so what can I say? It served the purpose. I thought parts were not believable (I'm a fervent reader of People, Us, etc and know for a fact, that noone cares about celebrity wives, unless they are also famous. No-name spouses are pretty much left alone). Light, fun, beach-type of read I would recommend.
June 21, 2012
I can't believe this is from the same author as The Devil Wears Prada because it's SO bad. The dialogue is bad, the characters are weak, Brooke never confronts Julien about any of the things that really matter and just falls back into his arms on the pretense that he'd do the right thing. And The fact that this soulful's singer #1 hit is about his baby brother he never knew who died from SIDS, 30 some odd years prior is ridiculous and sounds like Weisberger is working out her own issues. That's way too random....and by random, I mean dumb.
July 26, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4391-3661-4
Publisher: Atria Books
Release date: 8/17/2010
Reviewed for http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com
Wonderfully Addicting!
After five years of marriage Brook and Julian’s lives are catapulted into the spotlight of fame. Julian, a musician, catches his break and is quickly made into one of the most famous rock stars. Brooke, after working two jobs to help get Julian to this point, is in awe and amazement and couldn’t be more proud of her husband. Then the publicity hits, the constant travel starts and Brooke is left in the background and alone. Fighting to keep her job and her marriage while remaining supportive, Last Night at Chateau Marmont tells the tale of Brooke and Julian Alters’ lives before and after fame. When the breaking point hits, and Julian is caught seducing another woman, Brooke is left to decipher the truth from the lies to see if she has a marriage anymore. The story is one that a reader will not soon forget.
Last Night at Chateau Marmont was simply amazing. I absolutely loved this novel. Lauren does a fantastic job enabling the reader to get to know the Alters individually and as a couple before the fame. This magnifies the readers’ emotions and involvement throughout novel. The reader is able to feel both Brooke and Julian’s personal struggles as well as understand the strain on their marriage. All of this leads up to an amazing ending. I couldn’t have been any happier with this novel. It has every emotion. I laughed, I cried, I was hooked and involved in every aspect.
The author clearly shows she did her homework with this novel. She skillfully wove Brooke and Julian’s story into recent events of the decade, making the story feel it was almost true. The novel gives the reader the skinny on stardom. It tells the good, the bad and the ugly. It is a must read that will provide comical relief as well as a suspenseful urge to keep reading. Once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down. Last Night at Chateau Marmont, which could not have a better title, gives light on the question “What would it be like if your husband became a star overnight?”
Publisher: Atria Books
Release date: 8/17/2010
Reviewed for http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com
Wonderfully Addicting!
After five years of marriage Brook and Julian’s lives are catapulted into the spotlight of fame. Julian, a musician, catches his break and is quickly made into one of the most famous rock stars. Brooke, after working two jobs to help get Julian to this point, is in awe and amazement and couldn’t be more proud of her husband. Then the publicity hits, the constant travel starts and Brooke is left in the background and alone. Fighting to keep her job and her marriage while remaining supportive, Last Night at Chateau Marmont tells the tale of Brooke and Julian Alters’ lives before and after fame. When the breaking point hits, and Julian is caught seducing another woman, Brooke is left to decipher the truth from the lies to see if she has a marriage anymore. The story is one that a reader will not soon forget.
Last Night at Chateau Marmont was simply amazing. I absolutely loved this novel. Lauren does a fantastic job enabling the reader to get to know the Alters individually and as a couple before the fame. This magnifies the readers’ emotions and involvement throughout novel. The reader is able to feel both Brooke and Julian’s personal struggles as well as understand the strain on their marriage. All of this leads up to an amazing ending. I couldn’t have been any happier with this novel. It has every emotion. I laughed, I cried, I was hooked and involved in every aspect.
The author clearly shows she did her homework with this novel. She skillfully wove Brooke and Julian’s story into recent events of the decade, making the story feel it was almost true. The novel gives the reader the skinny on stardom. It tells the good, the bad and the ugly. It is a must read that will provide comical relief as well as a suspenseful urge to keep reading. Once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down. Last Night at Chateau Marmont, which could not have a better title, gives light on the question “What would it be like if your husband became a star overnight?”
April 14, 2015
I give this book 3 and a half stars. It wasn't a bad story but I just couldn't connect to the characters like I wanted to. This is another book that I normally wouldn't have picked up to read and the reason I did was because it was this month's book for my monthly book club. After reading some of the other reviews I gather that either most people loved it or hated it.
April 21, 2011
What I liked about this book:
- The characters. They were easily identifiable and unique, albeit sometimes stereotypical or tending to caricature (the wild and crazy best friend, the sleazy manager, the snobbish in-laws). Still, I enjoyed each one's appearance, and any one of them could have carried a scene by themselves.
- The dialogue. It read realistically, and each character had a distinct voice. There was an appropriate balance between humor, politeness, and the kinds of off-handed comments that aren't necessarily meant to insult, but end up poisoning relationships.
What I liked less:
- Not coming from the world of the super-rich and famous myself, I was never sure if the author was trying to portray a realistic view of rock stars and their entourages, poke fun at them, or perpetuate popular myths and tabloid fairy tales.
- Throughout the book, I identified strongly with the protagonist, and as such felt unhappy, insecure, and embarrassed throughout most of the book. Not exactly the kinds of feelings I want to have when reading a piece of chick lit for fun. I actually flipped to the end at one point, just to find out if there was going to be some sort of happy ending after all. Well, I did finish the book, is all I'll say. ;-)
- There wasn't much of a plot. It was very linear, although there were a couple of interesting side stories mentioned (the best friend's romance with the internet millionaire; the student patient with body-image issues). But they were never developed and ended up being nothing more than filler. The main story was never really gripping, or made me want to find out what would happen next (aside from whether the rock star and his dietician wife would stay together or not).
Overall, I don't feel like I completely wasted my time reading it, and I don't think that Weisberger is necessarily just a best-selling author (The Devil Wears Prada) who got their next book published sight unseen. I think this will appeal to Bridget Jones fans who identify with Plain Jane, slightly luckless working girls who end up with the man of their dreams after several humiliating yet character-building events.
- The characters. They were easily identifiable and unique, albeit sometimes stereotypical or tending to caricature (the wild and crazy best friend, the sleazy manager, the snobbish in-laws). Still, I enjoyed each one's appearance, and any one of them could have carried a scene by themselves.
- The dialogue. It read realistically, and each character had a distinct voice. There was an appropriate balance between humor, politeness, and the kinds of off-handed comments that aren't necessarily meant to insult, but end up poisoning relationships.
What I liked less:
- Not coming from the world of the super-rich and famous myself, I was never sure if the author was trying to portray a realistic view of rock stars and their entourages, poke fun at them, or perpetuate popular myths and tabloid fairy tales.
- Throughout the book, I identified strongly with the protagonist, and as such felt unhappy, insecure, and embarrassed throughout most of the book. Not exactly the kinds of feelings I want to have when reading a piece of chick lit for fun. I actually flipped to the end at one point, just to find out if there was going to be some sort of happy ending after all. Well, I did finish the book, is all I'll say. ;-)
- There wasn't much of a plot. It was very linear, although there were a couple of interesting side stories mentioned (the best friend's romance with the internet millionaire; the student patient with body-image issues). But they were never developed and ended up being nothing more than filler. The main story was never really gripping, or made me want to find out what would happen next (aside from whether the rock star and his dietician wife would stay together or not).
Overall, I don't feel like I completely wasted my time reading it, and I don't think that Weisberger is necessarily just a best-selling author (The Devil Wears Prada) who got their next book published sight unseen. I think this will appeal to Bridget Jones fans who identify with Plain Jane, slightly luckless working girls who end up with the man of their dreams after several humiliating yet character-building events.
December 11, 2010
What a disappointing return of Lauren Weisberger. She's one of my favorite chick-lit authors (...or dare I say one of my favorite authors, period?). She has a way of writing that's neither cliche or predictable, and she always depicts her characters as realistic, relatable, and authentic. But, this book was all sorts of wrong. First off, how many times can you write, "Brooke wanted to say..." or "Brooke was thinking, but never could come up with the words..." or "Brooke thought to herself, but was too insecure and homely to actually speak her thoughts and stand up for herself..." Okay, that last one was dramatic on my part, but I couldn't find one redeeming quality in the author's characters. At first, I applauded our heroine's decision to stand by her career independent of her husband's success, but most of the time, the author would take it too far in hopes of convincing us of Brooke's sincerity. Her character was so one-dimensional - I was hoping for some growth over the course of the novel, but it never came.
That's just about the main characters. Don't get me started on the story, if there ever even was one. I started to skim through pages by the end (I mean, c'mon, a support group for cheating rock star boyfriends/husbands!), but there was no pick up to the plot. And, as if the author didn't know how to end this stagnant tale, Weisberger gave up and went with a cop-out ending. I won't give up on this author yet, but I'm hoping Weisberger will once again deliver a novel as juicy and delightful as The Devil Wears Prada.
That's just about the main characters. Don't get me started on the story, if there ever even was one. I started to skim through pages by the end (I mean, c'mon, a support group for cheating rock star boyfriends/husbands!), but there was no pick up to the plot. And, as if the author didn't know how to end this stagnant tale, Weisberger gave up and went with a cop-out ending. I won't give up on this author yet, but I'm hoping Weisberger will once again deliver a novel as juicy and delightful as The Devil Wears Prada.
July 19, 2011
Compared to Chasing Harry Winston, Last Night at Chateau Marmont is a masterpiece. However, as just another chick-lit novel, it’s decent.
If I hated CHW book so much, why would I pick up another book by the same author? I suppose it’s my weak spot for musicians? Or the plot seemed a little bit more interesting? To be honest, I have no idea why I picked this up, but I’m not entirely regretting it.
Lauren Weisberger seemed to learn a bit more about characterization since she wrote CHW. I actually had feelings for the characters – tiny feelings, but feelings nonetheless. I sympathized with the situation, was happy when things went right, and rolled my eyes when stupid decisions were made.
The bottom line: I wanted to find out what happened next. Something I can’t say for CHW, which was just awful. Stupid characters. Stupid writing. Stupid plot. I read it only 6 months ago and I honestly can’t remember what happened.
The writing was plain, but better than her previous novel. It was just mediocre enough for me to ignore the average syntax and focus on the story.
Nothing stands out as fantastic. It was an all around average novel. Nothing special, but I’ve read much, much worse.
Don’t add it to your ‘Must Read’ list, but if you have an afternoon to kill, it’s an all right way to take up a few hours if you want some brain fluff.
If I hated CHW book so much, why would I pick up another book by the same author? I suppose it’s my weak spot for musicians? Or the plot seemed a little bit more interesting? To be honest, I have no idea why I picked this up, but I’m not entirely regretting it.
Lauren Weisberger seemed to learn a bit more about characterization since she wrote CHW. I actually had feelings for the characters – tiny feelings, but feelings nonetheless. I sympathized with the situation, was happy when things went right, and rolled my eyes when stupid decisions were made.
The bottom line: I wanted to find out what happened next. Something I can’t say for CHW, which was just awful. Stupid characters. Stupid writing. Stupid plot. I read it only 6 months ago and I honestly can’t remember what happened.
The writing was plain, but better than her previous novel. It was just mediocre enough for me to ignore the average syntax and focus on the story.
Nothing stands out as fantastic. It was an all around average novel. Nothing special, but I’ve read much, much worse.
Don’t add it to your ‘Must Read’ list, but if you have an afternoon to kill, it’s an all right way to take up a few hours if you want some brain fluff.
August 2, 2012
I am being completely honest when I say that I am not a huge fan of girlie books or movies. For instance, I’ve only seen one episode of “Sex and the City” and I wasn’t sure what the fuss was all about. This is probably why I don’t normally pick up books that are classified as chick lit.
One of my friends, Meri, recommended that I read “Last Night at Chateau Marmont” by Lauren Weisberger. She assured me that I’d enjoy it, and since Lauren Weisberger also wrote “The Devil Wears Prada” and I enjoyed that movie, I thought I’d give this book a chance.
I was happily surprised! ”Last Night at Chateau Marmont” was a very enjoyable book. The main character, Brooke, is a nutritionist who is a very supportive of her husband, a struggling musician named Julian.
But everything changes when Julian gets his big break. The couple is suddenly catapulted into the limelight, which throws their relationship for a loop.
I really enjoyed reading “Last Night at Chateau Marmont”! I highly recommend it, even to those who aren’t big chick lit fans!
Still undecided? Lauren Weisberger lets you read the entire first chapter, here!
Will Brook and Julian be able to survive their newfound fame, even with all of the paparazzi and rumors that surround them?
Like my review? Check out my blog and tell me what YOU think!
One of my friends, Meri, recommended that I read “Last Night at Chateau Marmont” by Lauren Weisberger. She assured me that I’d enjoy it, and since Lauren Weisberger also wrote “The Devil Wears Prada” and I enjoyed that movie, I thought I’d give this book a chance.
I was happily surprised! ”Last Night at Chateau Marmont” was a very enjoyable book. The main character, Brooke, is a nutritionist who is a very supportive of her husband, a struggling musician named Julian.
But everything changes when Julian gets his big break. The couple is suddenly catapulted into the limelight, which throws their relationship for a loop.
I really enjoyed reading “Last Night at Chateau Marmont”! I highly recommend it, even to those who aren’t big chick lit fans!
Still undecided? Lauren Weisberger lets you read the entire first chapter, here!
Will Brook and Julian be able to survive their newfound fame, even with all of the paparazzi and rumors that surround them?
Like my review? Check out my blog and tell me what YOU think!
September 14, 2012
I found the first chapter was hard to get into.
But, it really picked up after that. I totally got swept away by the story. The characters seemed alive to me, and I was very invested in knowing how it all worked out.
I could empathize with Brooke. The author did an incredible job of making her characters and their lives seem very believable (even though the idea of your husband becoming a rock start is pure fantasy! ha ha).
While I loved Brooke and Julian, I also enjoyed Nola. I wish she was my best friend! Sure, her bedding complete strangers is a bit unnerving, but I loved how she really cared for and took care of Brooke. And her fabulousness (I think that was the word used to describe her in the book, actually!) makes me want to hang out with her, just so some of her fabulous qualities (and wardrobe) would wear off on me.
What I enjoyed most about this book is the love shared between the 2 main characters. You can really tell that Brooke and Julian adore each other, even when it is tested by fame and fortune.
Give this book a go, it won't disappoint!
But, it really picked up after that. I totally got swept away by the story. The characters seemed alive to me, and I was very invested in knowing how it all worked out.
I could empathize with Brooke. The author did an incredible job of making her characters and their lives seem very believable (even though the idea of your husband becoming a rock start is pure fantasy! ha ha).
While I loved Brooke and Julian, I also enjoyed Nola. I wish she was my best friend! Sure, her bedding complete strangers is a bit unnerving, but I loved how she really cared for and took care of Brooke. And her fabulousness (I think that was the word used to describe her in the book, actually!) makes me want to hang out with her, just so some of her fabulous qualities (and wardrobe) would wear off on me.
What I enjoyed most about this book is the love shared between the 2 main characters. You can really tell that Brooke and Julian adore each other, even when it is tested by fame and fortune.
Give this book a go, it won't disappoint!
September 3, 2022
If you're looking for a juicy read to while away a summer day, Last Night at Chateau Marmont is certainly it. The book tells the story of Brooke, a woman who's married to struggling singer-songwriter Julian Alter. Julian finally gets signed by Sony, and suddenly their lives are turned upside down as they become fodder for celebrity gossip magazines.
The writing in this book is compulsively readable - if you can stomach all the drama. Brooke is admittedly not the most likeable character, but she makes for an interesting narrator. You can't help but want to know what happens next in her tumultuous life.
That being said, this is not a great book. The plot is thin and the characters are one-dimensional. The author tries to create suspense by withholding information from the reader, but it just feels gimmicky and superfluous.
The writing in this book is compulsively readable - if you can stomach all the drama. Brooke is admittedly not the most likeable character, but she makes for an interesting narrator. You can't help but want to know what happens next in her tumultuous life.
That being said, this is not a great book. The plot is thin and the characters are one-dimensional. The author tries to create suspense by withholding information from the reader, but it just feels gimmicky and superfluous.
June 1, 2014
Oh where do I begin?? I'm mad that I fell into the trap that just because I loved The Devil Wears Prada so much, I just assumed I would all in love with Last Night at Chateau Marmont.
Brooke bored me, Julien was a snooze, and I only wish there was more storyline of Nola because she seemed the most fun. After trudging through the book, I was so mad with the ending, but I will spare the spoilers.
Brooke bored me, Julien was a snooze, and I only wish there was more storyline of Nola because she seemed the most fun. After trudging through the book, I was so mad with the ending, but I will spare the spoilers.
May 10, 2013
Disappointing - main character got on my nerves from beginning to end
February 24, 2023
I have mixed feeling about this one, mainly relating to how the story played out towards the end. For the most part, however, I did very much enjoy the story. It was funny, engaging, and had some interesting characters throughout.
To avoid giving away any spoilers I won’t go into details, but as the storyline progressed I was willing the story to play out differently. Towards the end, I liked how it did play out, wishing only that some elements of the storyline that led to that point, had been slightly different. As I say, mixed feelings.
I know that this is personal to me and my outlook on life so I don’t hold it against the book. I actually cried at one point, which is more a sign that I’ve become a sentimental romantic, than anything else! I actually blubbered throughout the last chapter. So here we are.
This is a good book and I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a little escape from reality into a glamorous, chaotic world. I think Lauren Weisberger does this well.
To avoid giving away any spoilers I won’t go into details, but as the storyline progressed I was willing the story to play out differently. Towards the end, I liked how it did play out, wishing only that some elements of the storyline that led to that point, had been slightly different. As I say, mixed feelings.
I know that this is personal to me and my outlook on life so I don’t hold it against the book. I actually cried at one point, which is more a sign that I’ve become a sentimental romantic, than anything else! I actually blubbered throughout the last chapter. So here we are.
This is a good book and I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a little escape from reality into a glamorous, chaotic world. I think Lauren Weisberger does this well.
April 5, 2020
Why was I so surprised to love this story so much?
Brooke has worked two jobs to support her husband, Julian's, music career for years. Now he's got an album hitting the billboard charts and fame is invading their lives and pulling them apart as Julian meets the requirements that a new successful music career demands. This was what I imagine to be a pretty accurate inside peek at what fame and nasty journalism does to celebrity's lives. (Can you tell that I'm generally disgusted about reporters, news and journalism?) The articles and gossip mongering invades their lives and they have to shift to a new normal way of living to cope with the lies and garbage that hits the headlines.
This was a great read.
Brooke has worked two jobs to support her husband, Julian's, music career for years. Now he's got an album hitting the billboard charts and fame is invading their lives and pulling them apart as Julian meets the requirements that a new successful music career demands. This was what I imagine to be a pretty accurate inside peek at what fame and nasty journalism does to celebrity's lives. (Can you tell that I'm generally disgusted about reporters, news and journalism?) The articles and gossip mongering invades their lives and they have to shift to a new normal way of living to cope with the lies and garbage that hits the headlines.
This was a great read.
July 20, 2023
I hate romcoms. This is a 2 for writing and a 3 for experience. This was the only English book in a German book swap and all I had in the hospital. Useful distraction with a predictable enough plot that being disrupted by healthcare staff made no difference.
I wonder if The Devil Wears Prada is written so boringly too? Or if maybe for me romcom books < romcom films (which I also don’t enjoy).
Good reminder that I don’t like this genre. Don’t do it again silly billy.
I wonder if The Devil Wears Prada is written so boringly too? Or if maybe for me romcom books < romcom films (which I also don’t enjoy).
Good reminder that I don’t like this genre. Don’t do it again silly billy.
August 24, 2021
DNF - 20%
Ugh this wasn’t for me. Thank you, next.
Ugh this wasn’t for me. Thank you, next.
July 12, 2021
Den var riktigt bra och sen kom slutet och jag ville riva ut alla sidor och mata katten med dem.
October 25, 2018
An enjoyable and believable story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,439 reviews