She's Got Issues

by Stephanie Lessing

Chloe Rose, the newest assistant to the assistant at Issues Magazine, finds her natural talent for accessorizing and her upbeat attitude garnering lots of attention--both good and bad--in a whimsical tale of innocence and ambition set against the glamorous backdrop of a the high-pressure world of high-fashion magazine publishing. A first novel. Original. 20,000 first printing.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2005

About the author

Stephanie Lessing began her career as a writer in Kindergarten. It was at that time that she wrote her first introspective short stories, “Why am I the only one with an umbrella?” and “What I wouldn’t give for Missy Cohen’s culottes.” Shortly thereafter, Stephanie found herself in Boston University studying Public Communications and then in the American College in Paris where she was granted an internship at the International Herald Tribune.

After graduating from BU, Stephanie landed her dream job at Mademoiselle Magazine as a copywriter and spent all of her money on the most amazing shoes ever. She soon became Copy Chief and traveled cross-country with Mademoiselle editors co-hosting fashion and beauty events, and then she quit because her feet were killing her. After leaving Mademoiselle, Stephanie began freelancing for Vogue, Glamour, Self, American Health, WWD, Bride’s, Conde Nast Traveler and Vanity Fair. It was during this period in her life that she began writing a collection of essays entitled, “A Girl’s Guide To Girls.” Many years later, she turned the essays into a novel, She’s Got Issues, which was published in July of 2005.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute and quirky, quick chick lit read. My coworker recommended it to me and I probably would never have read it otherwise. It took a little while to get into it because the main character Chloe definitely got on my nerves more than once. I really don't think anyone can be that....gullible? I can't even find the word. I don't want to say vapid or shallow but I will say this- now that I have read the book, I wouldn't want Chloe written any other way (I know I just contradicted myself!).

This is a great book to read if you are in the need of a good laugh. During some chapters I literally laughed out loud on every page. The beginning was slow but after the first 30-or-so pages I was sucked into it. After the half-way point I couldn't put it down and found I devoured the rest in an hour because it was easy to read.

I would recommend this book to someone looking for a mindless funny book or someone who wants a break in between two serious novels.

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blah, Blah, Blah! I read this book because I have already read the sequel and it wasn't anywhere near as good as the second book. The author tries too hard to pass the main character off as a ditz, but then all the sudden at the end of the book tries to convince you that it is the character's very ditziness that is going to cause her to "go places" in the business world. It was pretty excruciating to even finish it. Why bother then? Because starting a book and not finishing it (for me) is like writing a sentence and not giving it a period. I need closure! Not a very intriguing read to say the least.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good beach read, although I found myself annoyed at how wishy-washy the main character was written. Sometimes she was naive/stupid, other times she was a believable person. I think the author should have picked one personality and stayed with it.

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

i think i lost brain cells reading this. i didn't even finish it. the main character is weak and naive, completely in her own world. the way it was written was annoying and not at all intriguing.

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was a little disappointing. I'm glad I read it just because it explains some things since I read the sequel first. But how this total flake ended up in the running for creative director is beyond me.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I obtained this book during a book signing with the author. Then I lost it, now it has been found.

[Anoush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this book for my birthday. Good little chick flick in the vein of "Cinderella". Good read to take your mind off of things.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book for my birthday from my nephew. It was a great little chick lit, perfect vacation read.

[Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

about a scatter-brained gal who gets a job at a magazine and navel gazes to an exhausting extent.

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book. I laughed out loud gaffawed. It's quite ridiculous in so many ways, but the lead character is so lovable that the silliness of the book only adds to your love of her.

[Skagz23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a riot! I actually laughed out loud during a couple parts. Probably my favorite chick lit book.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice summer read - light and funny. There were some boring parts but overall, a cute read. Who knew shoes could have such an emotional effect on some people?