The Go-To Girl

by Louise Bagshawe

Gorgeous goddesses seem to surround lowly script-reader Anna Brown--from her deranged, glamour-queen boss to her perfect, pouting roommates. For Anna, being less-than-beautiful is hard to bear. With a dead-end job and a dead-beat boyfriend, she wonders if she can ever be a success. In beauty-crazed London, perhaps being talented just isn't enough. Enter Mark Swan, Britain's hottest director. Rugged, reclusive and powerful, everybody wants a piece of him--from studio heads to supermodels. He could be Anna's ticket to the top, but how can she ever hope to snag such a big star? Fed up with being dowdy and downbeat, Anna decides to chase her dreams, and with a little help from her friends, embarks on a madcap scheme to get what she's after.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Love, Humor, Adult

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Louise Daphne Bagshawe was born on 28 June 1971 in England, UK. She attended local all-girls Catholic schools near her family home in Surrey, before going to Oxford University in 1989. After graduating with a degree in Anglo Saxon and Norse, she worked as press officer with EMI records and then as a marketing official with Sony Music. On her 22nd birthday, her passion for writing was realised with a major publishing deal as Louise Bagshawe. She is the author of more than fifteen novels, published in more than eight languages. She is sister of the also writer Tilly Bagshawe.

Louise married Anthony LoCicero, and they had three children, but since June 2011, she is married with her second husband Peter Mensch. She lives in Northamptonshire with her family, and has been the Parliamentary Candidate for Corby and East Northants since November 2006, and became the Member of Parliament for Corby after winning the seat at the 2010 general election.

Reviews

[Dark-Draco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna considers herself ugly and too tall, but is surrounded by beautiful models and actors. All she wants is a bit of pay rise and a promotion. But when she bumps into the famous director, Mark Swan, he offers her the chance to get noticed by her company and suddenly everything is looking up. She's liked at work, she's met a nice, rich man who wants to marry her, her friends are acting like normal people and she's suddenly found a figure beneath her dowdy clothes. Only, she isn't happy and can't decide what is wrong!

I was really surprised by this book - it isn't 'my' thing, as I prefer a good thriller or fantasy novel. But I was hooked by the characters very early on. Yes, Anna's boss, flatmates and friends are total stereotypes, yes, you know that there is going to be a a happy ending, but somehow, the excellent writing keeps you hooked. I read this over two days and couldn't help but have a huge grin throughout the last chapter. Still don't like 'chick-lit' but will be checking out more by this author in the future.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical, plain-dowdy-but-smart-girl-works-as-assistant-for-powerful-industry-type (skip-skip-skip) she's-gonna-make-it-after-all (toss hat in air). There is a keen sense of humor at work here and some well developed characters... too bad I discovered whilst reading and online interview that the author is somewhat of a right-wing, Conservative Party shill with political ambitions. Silly - that only happens in books...

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hesitant to read this book because I knew it wasn't going to be my cup of tea, but my partner was very hopeful that I'd read it, as she really enjoyed it. I didn't actually like it, but it reads easily and is just different enough to keep the plot moving and the pages turning, which is why I've given it two stars, as that seems to be what the book is designed for. There are some parts that surpass mere genre dislike though - all of the characters are incredibly unlikable, misogyny abounds, and the way literally everybody who encounters the main character treats her is unfathomable. What's worse, is that the main character does and says things obliviously that are hurtful to herself, her career, and those around her that in turn shows a deep personal immaturity; and I'm not sure she ever really learns from them, nor does anyone else in the book. Which isn't to say it's completely unrealistic, but even if it was realistic, it doesn't make for enjoyable reading - the subject matter and ultimate plot left me feeling sad and dispirited.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read , I liked Anna , Mark , Charles and Janet a lot.
Favourite moment was Henry telling Lily the truth - just brilliant!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing my rampage through Bagshawes back catalogue, and not disappointed at all.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anna is unbelievably annoying and pathetic

[Beth Rosen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think that I finally have to accept that, even though I love the Shopaholic series (and anything written by Sophie Kinsella) I really don't like British Chic Lit. I want to like it, but I just don't. All the characters are so obsessed with fashion and wealth that it is hard to relate to them. Sometimes the atmosphere almost feels like Jane Austin, with unmarried ladies competing for the wealthy bachelors because having a career or something in your life other than a man just isn't an option. This book had the extra problem of an endlessly whiney protagonist who is convinced that she is too ugly to ever have a happy relationship, and spends half the book feeling sorry for herself because she is tall and has a big nose. I'm really not sure why I finished it - I guess I wanted to see how the author would be able to follow the formula and give her unlikable character (who is dating a wealthy man she doesn't really like for much of the book) a passionate romantic ending. Probably I should have just skipped ahead and read the last chapter.

[Weatherly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked it up from a paperback swap, looking for a light read, maybe some humor. It was... pretty bad. I mean, I'm used to shallow chick lit books with lame endings and one-dimensional characters... but did this one have to be so contrived?? The main character is supposed to be "ugly", in the chicklit sense, but everyone loves her. Ok, I'll buy that. But the way it's written, I wanted to say "I don't care if you're ugly! I just want you to walk in front of a train so you'll stop complaining!"
And then at the end, of course, everyone gets a man, two of them coming out of the woodwork with no real plot development. And even though the MC is now "empowered" and doesn't need one, she's got one and everything is perfect! eurgh
So... yeah.
Didn't like it.

[Redfox5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louise Bagshaw never disappoints and it was lovely to get so engrossed in a Chick-lit book, I feel like it's been a while!

I also forgot how critical people used to be of how people looked in the 90s/early noughties, I know we were starting to come out of the Heroin Chic stage by this point but I think it is frowned upon to talk about people's looks like that now!

I mean like all Chick-lit, I knew how things were going to play out as soon as Anna meet Mark. I thought the Charles and Anna story was hugely unrealistic and honestly didn't understand why she was wasting so much time with him. Can't belive she slept with him! However loved every second.

My reading concentration has been awful lately and I think easy pleasant reads are just what I need and this was that.

[Lesley Trippensee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first read this in college and remembered loving it. The second time around, can't quite say I LOVED it. I love British chicklit books- one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I enjoyed this book- it was quirky and funny. I was absolutely rooting for Anna, though sometimes she grated on my nerves, just a bit. Firstly, I only needed one, maybe two full descriptions of her body- 5'11", huge nose, bit of a tummy, wobbly arms, decent legs and backside. Instead I think we got at least five. And I mean full descriptions- certain things just became a bit repetitive. I wish we got a little more interaction with the dashing director- as it is, their final (and only real) coming together was in the last five pages. Definitely could have used a bit more. Also wouldn't have minded seeing Kitty get some comeuppance- movie making is a cut-throat business and in reality, that kind of unethical, backstabbing probably happens all the time. But this isn't reality, it's fiction dang it! Also, could have lived without Lily's 'happy ending'. Yes, she may have been struggling with her own insecurities, but she was a still a total shrew, intentionally cruel the entire book. Let her be miserable and alone.

Overall, enjoyed it. But didn't love it.

[Rachel Sulik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very enjoyable. I enjoyed it just like I enjoy Sophie Kinsella's books. I read this right after Jemima J and it was similar but I thought much better. A few people at least like Anna for who she is and she doesn't lose 80 lb to win the guy. I loved Janet and Vanna. Yes, Anna was a bit whiney but I would be, too, if I were fired for no reason and lived with two models probably. I wish there had been some mention of Eli and Kitty after she leaves Red Crest or some sort of comeuppance and also would have loved if Charles met someone. I would read a sequel where they make Anna's screen into a film, Kitty crawls back, Charles falls in love.

[Melinda McKenzie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked it up on vacation because it was one of the few books I could find in English and went in with low expectations. Even so, this book managed to disappoint. It doesn’t even deserve one star in my opinion and it was the first time I had to dnf a book in a while. The mc had zero personality other than thinking she was ugly and unsuccessful and hating prettier women because they made her jealous. I’m honestly surprised this wasn’t written by a man because of how much internalized misogyny runs rampant in this book.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for the second time, but the first time must've been so long ago, as I couldn't remember it! I enjoyed it a lot. I also have Tuesday's Child to read again, and I remember when I read them the first time, that I hoped Louise Bagshawe would write a whole series based around the saying....but nope no further 'Child' books......if you read this LB, we'd love to see Wednesday's (etc) Child :)

[Michelle Andreassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat classic ugly duckling romance with more or less expected outcome. But I did read it in one go and it was a nice book for forgetting I had a cold.
Found it interesting how the low selfworth/self confidence is depicted because it was relatable and still made it obvious how a lot of women base their value on their looks and rarely the good parts. How sad the world would look we were all skinny and model beautiful.

[Diana Santoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice! Enjoyed it so much. British comedy always gets me. I love the plot, I love how the story was told, too bad there needs to be a makeover for the supposedly 'ugly' girl though. I will take a look at this author's other works!

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

good read

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read, not as clever as her book Sparkles, but nevertheless an easy holiday read. The characters were well created and cleverly intertwined throughout the story.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I detested the beginning and almost gave up, but it got better quickly. But the ending seemed forced and rushed.

[Bryce Bull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. I found the main character too self-depricating at times.

[Cathi Trevor-reeves]

Nope too lame (yet I pushed on!)

[Lāsma U. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savā žanrā šis bija tiešām jauks.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems unfair to give this only three stars but really it is what it is. I would love to say that much of the exploration around gender, monetary, and beauty inequities was challenging, insightful and gave me much to consider……..……..actually to a point I can, but really, it was escapist chick lit that was perfect for right now!

To me it seems that chick lit is much maligned and thought of as vapid and shallow, this disappoints me as often it is not the case. There are some excellent examples about and some truly dire ones admittedly. I will most certainly not hold back either way when reviewing. However I find it a useful genre because there are times when it is just the thing to keep one sane in the real world - pure stress relief. Therefore my scale is ranked accordingly and this hit just the right note.

Anna is tall (as am I, so have a good understanding of much that Anna says and feels about this) and subsequently is judging herself on others beliefs. This has created a self belief that her height, figure and beauty or lack means she is falling short of made up expectations. It is therefore a nice story about self discovery and gaining understanding of her own self worth.

It touches on the the damage many stereotypes about money, gender and purpose have on the impressionable but I felt it had the potential to dig a little deeper. Sadly it got caught up in the happily ever after trap and ended feeling a little too tidy. So on my scale this rates as just right for stress relief but could do better re ending less predictably.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out okay. The girl is an aspiring movie producer and she was taking the right steps to get there by being a peon for some bitchy women and I liked the fake realism on how she gets like the hottest director in the UK to do a film on a story that she found. But then like at the end of the book, she just turns into a super whinny annoying bitch because she like gets fired from the company or something and she expects the director to speak up for her or something. It was really annoying. Also, at the beginning of the book she has some sad sack for a boyfriend and that was annoying because he treated her like shit and yet she still felt bad when he dumped her, even though it sounds like he was a loser himself. Luckily that didn't last very long and of course, she ends up with the director in the end. Happy ending! Most of the book, especially for a chicklit novel was okay, there was only a little bit of an annoying part near the end. Also, I kind of really liked her roommates even though they were supposed to be annoying, but they weren't too bad. They got their comeuppance.

EDIT on 27-May-09: I just found out that this book was published under another title in the US. In the US it's called THE GO-TO GIRL. Weeeeeird.

Grade: C

[Maria Elmvang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost every other Louise Bagshawe book I've read, I've loved and found utterly impossible to put down. Therefore it came as a huge surprise to me that not only was this not the case for this one, I was actually somewhat bored with it at times.

It had its good parts - I loved the friendship that developed between Anne and Janet - but as a whole it was predictable and unrealistic (well... even more than her books are usually ;) ), she spent far too little time on the aspects of the book that I found most interesting and about half-way through dropped them altogether, and the ending felt forced. I could have forgiven her the two first things, as it could still have been a sweet book and a fun escape from reality, but without the interesting work details and with a deux ex machina ending, it just all adds up to a book that isn't really worth rereading.

So why did I still give it 3 stars rather than just 2? Because despite everything, Louise Bagshawe still writes well enough for her writing to keep me interested, even when her plot can't, and at the end of the day, I didn't have to force myself to finish the book, but actually did so completely voluntarily :)

[Jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read with a likeable heroine. I enjoyed reading her slow transformation and seeing her gain confidence. Anna is a script reader for a production company and low on the totem pole, she often finds herself scurrying around for her boss and sneered at by her fellow coworkers. She rooms with two models both terrified of getting older or gaining weight and losing their jobs. A common theme seems to be other characters putting Anna down to make themselves look and feel better. When power struggles begin at work, Anna finally decides to take things into her own hands to ensure her job. Rather than wait around to be noticed for her hard work she starts to take chances, finding a great screenplay and trying to get powerful director Mark Swan to sign onto the project. Meanwhile her private life seems to be looking up, as she catches the attention of a wealthy and titled man and also gets fashion advice from one of her model roomies. And Mark Swan seems to like her (I enjoyed reading their repartee)

[Ренета Кирова · Rating 3 out of 5]

За почитателите на чиклит романите, подобна е на "Дяволът носи Прада".
Героинята още отначало ме подразни. Анна не е манекенка, не е красива и се оставя да бъде обиждана, подценявана и унижавана за това от наконтени и направени жени. Дори и приятелките й, с които е на квартира, са такива спрямо нея и тя го допуска. Дотолкова няма самочувствие, че излиза с грозни мъже, които също я обиждат, защото никой свестен нямало да й обърне внимание. Авторката се стараеше да бъде забавна, но хич не ми хареса поведението на героинята. Към края книгата стана по-приятна, Анна от грозното патенце се превърна в общо взето приятна жена, направи равносметка на живота си. Не разкривам сюжет, те повечето чиклити си приличат. Премълчах и доста събития от книгата за тези, които искат да я четат. Щях да дам 2 звезди, обаче от средата ми стана по-интересно да я чета.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel!

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this as Venus Envy (another novel by Louise Bagshawe) was the first one I read from her and I did not enjoy it. However, To Go-To Girl or Monday's Child was fifty pence at a carboot sale so I thought why not? And I loved it!

I loved Anna and her perception of herself. I thought she was a funny character with a good heart. Mark didn't come across as a typical handsome man for me but I liked him anyway.

My favorite character was Charles though. An unattractive, snobby man with a failed sense of talent. His scenes with Anna were the best especially when he proposes to her .

I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to be cheered up some.

[Miss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the blurb to this book is a bit deceptive. To me, the blurb made it sould like Anna had decided that she was going to attempt to "snag" the hot director in an attempt to make all her dreams come true and I was expecting a 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' type schemes and plots. I was, therefore, extremely surprised (pleasantly so) to find that Anna was not ditzy and not pretending to be someone that she wasn't (well, not completely). Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed Confessions of a Shopaholic, I just felt that this story was a bit more grown up... There are no crazy schemes that leave you thinking "who on earth would do that?" It was real and believeable and I found it to be thoroughly entertaining chicklit - perfect for a lazy sunday evening.

[Veronikah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a cute read. It has its flaws, yes, but it's light and fun, has a happy ending and brings attention to stupid issues in society such as what makes a woman beautiful.

I like how the story is told from Anna's PoV and as the story goes and she evolves and changes her views on herself (mind and body) our perception of her changes too.

At times I got frustrated with certain female characters and their stereotypes, but Bagshawe gave them (well, the most important ones) depth and interesting personalities.

I didn't like the Lily+Henry+Janet+Ed thing. How it was solved. It felt too rushed. I'm glad they sorted it all out, but it felt rushed. Not unbelievable, but rushed.


Still, overall a cute nice read perfect to get over book hangovers :)

[Hodan (Ho.th.an) Jama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book, i thought it was amazing but Anna and her lack of a backbone annoyed me so much that i had to count to 10 every 5pages and if that didn't work (it almost never did) i would have to take a break from it. I wish there was more of Mark and less of all the EVIL/VILE people!! I WISH THERE WAS A EPILOGUE FOR THIS BOOK, it would have been nice to see what the fuck happened to Kitty and her little minions!! She was the reason i took so many breaks.

I would recommend it to fans of Sophie Kinsella, they have the same cute/funny/annoying writing style, its a lot of fun.