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Cómo ser lo más de Nueva York
¿Podrá la joven Bette resistirse a los encantos del glamour para volver a ser una persona normal?
No, la vida de Bette Robinson no era del todo mala. Veintiséis años, un buen apartamento en Manhattan y, en breve, posible asociada en el banco de inversiones donde trabaja con su mejor amiga. Por eso, cuando decide dejar su trabajo como la chica impulsiva que nunca ha sido, no tiene ni idea de qué hará después. Durante meses su única ocupación es pasear a su perro por Murray Hill, un barrio que no se caracteriza precisamente por su glamour. Y en esas estaba cuando conoció a Kelly, directora de una famosa agencia de relaciones públicas, para la que ahora trabaja. Nada complicado, esencialmente, ver y dejarse ver en todas las salas VIP de los clubes nocturnos más exclusivos de la ciudad. Lo único que ha necesitado es evitar la cara de pasmada que se le ponía al ver rostros famosos, American Express negras, botellas mágnum de champán Cristal, o paparazzis. No, la vida de Bette Robinson tampoco ahora es mala. Pero todo, todo es susceptible de empeorar, pues acaba de convertirse en uno de los personajes asiduos de una columna periodística dedicada al famoseo. Y se ha dado cuenta de que la línea entre su vida profesional y su vida personal es... invisible. Y Bette se pregunta si es aquí donde deseaba llegar realmente... «Deliciosamente entretenida» Life Magazine
No, la vida de Bette Robinson no era del todo mala. Veintiséis años, un buen apartamento en Manhattan y, en breve, posible asociada en el banco de inversiones donde trabaja con su mejor amiga. Por eso, cuando decide dejar su trabajo como la chica impulsiva que nunca ha sido, no tiene ni idea de qué hará después. Durante meses su única ocupación es pasear a su perro por Murray Hill, un barrio que no se caracteriza precisamente por su glamour. Y en esas estaba cuando conoció a Kelly, directora de una famosa agencia de relaciones públicas, para la que ahora trabaja. Nada complicado, esencialmente, ver y dejarse ver en todas las salas VIP de los clubes nocturnos más exclusivos de la ciudad. Lo único que ha necesitado es evitar la cara de pasmada que se le ponía al ver rostros famosos, American Express negras, botellas mágnum de champán Cristal, o paparazzis. No, la vida de Bette Robinson tampoco ahora es mala. Pero todo, todo es susceptible de empeorar, pues acaba de convertirse en uno de los personajes asiduos de una columna periodística dedicada al famoseo. Y se ha dado cuenta de que la línea entre su vida profesional y su vida personal es... invisible. Y Bette se pregunta si es aquí donde deseaba llegar realmente... «Deliciosamente entretenida» Life Magazine
464 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
1121 people are currently reading
40298 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Weisberger
43 books5,977 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,310 reviews
March 14, 2021
One of the worst books I've ever read. Stereotypical characters, dull plot consisted of superficial world-building and predictive, anticlimactic ending. The dialogues are unrealistic, theatrical, and immature. And don't even let me start on describing this pathetic excuse for a "love story" or spectacular failure of a love triangle. Everything is horrible about this book.
Girl quits banking job, because she has been unhappy, gets a job at a PR firm, finds herself to be a star of the tabloids, whining along the way, gets a crush on the guy from the security of some posh club, kisses the guy from security, everything blows up all over their heads, then the girl realizes she hates the backstabbing PR business.
The side characters are even more flat and unimpressive than the main character. They have even less personality than Bette, our protagonist. Yes, I'm looking at you Penelope, you were 8 years involved with the guy who'd rather spend every goddamn night of the week drinking with some unimportant acquaintances than spending some time with you or ever including you in any activity he finds interesting.
Good guys are as superficial and obnoxious as the bad guys. Uncle Will is a shameless gay stereotype and basically has no other trait than being gay. Though the author broke her spine over convincing us how Bette, our protagonist, adjusted to the world of PR, it was obvious she had no idea what the hell she was doing nor how to deal with complications. I don't even know how she handled the Playboy party when she had been totally incompetent with the task. I admit, I read it only so I could criticize it.
In the end, Bette is in the same place she was at the beginning of the book. She has no prospective job, nor she knows who she wants to be in the next five years. She is shallow, self-centered and lifeless main character, who is supposedly fascinating enough for photographers to take her photos everywhere she goes, and tabloids to write bullshit about. I just don't comprehend why this girl can't speak her mind about ANYTHING OR STAND UP FOR HERSELF JUST A LITTLE BIT. But the most ridiculous part of this book was the fact that she went along with every little plan her new boss had for her - from "dating" a guy who's blatantly gay and whom she can't stand, to ditching her best friends and family, so she could go to parties because "it's part of the job". Oh, give me a break. She had no character development whatsoever, and she willingly agreed to wait three fucking months for a guy who'd go and become successful in his career, while she sits at home in her PJs and eats junk food. She doesn't respect herself and I don't see why anyone else should.
For a chick-lit, the romance is almost non-existent and anticlimactic. The central love story is platonic, theatrical and unrealistic to that extent that I wanted to puke. After one kiss and two 5-minute conversations, which weren't that deep, they decided they have a future together, even though there was no situation or conversation in which we'd see if they share the same interests or if they're compatible together. Bette thinks Sammy is hot, Sammy thinks Bette is cute and that's their epic love.
Girl quits banking job, because she has been unhappy, gets a job at a PR firm, finds herself to be a star of the tabloids, whining along the way, gets a crush on the guy from the security of some posh club, kisses the guy from security, everything blows up all over their heads, then the girl realizes she hates the backstabbing PR business.
The side characters are even more flat and unimpressive than the main character. They have even less personality than Bette, our protagonist. Yes, I'm looking at you Penelope, you were 8 years involved with the guy who'd rather spend every goddamn night of the week drinking with some unimportant acquaintances than spending some time with you or ever including you in any activity he finds interesting.
Good guys are as superficial and obnoxious as the bad guys. Uncle Will is a shameless gay stereotype and basically has no other trait than being gay. Though the author broke her spine over convincing us how Bette, our protagonist, adjusted to the world of PR, it was obvious she had no idea what the hell she was doing nor how to deal with complications. I don't even know how she handled the Playboy party when she had been totally incompetent with the task. I admit, I read it only so I could criticize it.
In the end, Bette is in the same place she was at the beginning of the book. She has no prospective job, nor she knows who she wants to be in the next five years. She is shallow, self-centered and lifeless main character, who is supposedly fascinating enough for photographers to take her photos everywhere she goes, and tabloids to write bullshit about. I just don't comprehend why this girl can't speak her mind about ANYTHING OR STAND UP FOR HERSELF JUST A LITTLE BIT. But the most ridiculous part of this book was the fact that she went along with every little plan her new boss had for her - from "dating" a guy who's blatantly gay and whom she can't stand, to ditching her best friends and family, so she could go to parties because "it's part of the job". Oh, give me a break. She had no character development whatsoever, and she willingly agreed to wait three fucking months for a guy who'd go and become successful in his career, while she sits at home in her PJs and eats junk food. She doesn't respect herself and I don't see why anyone else should.
For a chick-lit, the romance is almost non-existent and anticlimactic. The central love story is platonic, theatrical and unrealistic to that extent that I wanted to puke. After one kiss and two 5-minute conversations, which weren't that deep, they decided they have a future together, even though there was no situation or conversation in which we'd see if they share the same interests or if they're compatible together. Bette thinks Sammy is hot, Sammy thinks Bette is cute and that's their epic love.
November 5, 2012
If you thought Devil Wears Prada was insipid, wait until you read this vomitous waste of valuable wood pulp, time, eyestrain and anxiety (the latter due to agitated anticipation of the novel's anticlimactic denouement).
Upon reading said anticlimactic denouement (after enduring insipid, US-Weekly-grade "plot**"), one shall either
(a) Throw 'book' violently against wall.
(b) Throw 'book' violently at photo of current Oval Office occupant. (Offended Republicans may choose to substitute with photo of current Congressional "leadership.")
(c) Gift now-used book to particularly assholic co-worker.
(d) Recycle.
**jambalaya of vacuous, incoherent scenes portraying the "author" as a name-&-brand dropping charlatan.
Upon reading said anticlimactic denouement (after enduring insipid, US-Weekly-grade "plot**"), one shall either
(a) Throw 'book' violently against wall.
(b) Throw 'book' violently at photo of current Oval Office occupant. (Offended Republicans may choose to substitute with photo of current Congressional "leadership.")
(c) Gift now-used book to particularly assholic co-worker.
(d) Recycle.
**jambalaya of vacuous, incoherent scenes portraying the "author" as a name-&-brand dropping charlatan.
March 17, 2025
Eye Dropping.
Bettina is trying to feel happy for her best friend, Penelope, who has just gotten engaged to Avery. Bette believes that Avery is a very poor choice for a husband for Penelope.
To be honest, most of her group of friends believe she is making a mistake by marrying him.
But on the face of it, Bette also believes that while she loves her friend and Penny is her friend, she is also jealous that she, herself, is not getting married. It isn’t going to happen because she doesn’t even have a boyfriend. And it doesn’t look like she will be getting one anytime soon.
She must swallow her pride.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
Bettina is trying to feel happy for her best friend, Penelope, who has just gotten engaged to Avery. Bette believes that Avery is a very poor choice for a husband for Penelope.
To be honest, most of her group of friends believe she is making a mistake by marrying him.
But on the face of it, Bette also believes that while she loves her friend and Penny is her friend, she is also jealous that she, herself, is not getting married. It isn’t going to happen because she doesn’t even have a boyfriend. And it doesn’t look like she will be getting one anytime soon.
She must swallow her pride.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
March 12, 2012
Weisberger's novels seem to be about 85,000 words of actual story plus an additional 15,000 words comprised solely of celebrities' names, designer brands, and various luxury goods/destinations. The novel was published in 2005, so all the references to in-brands, celebrity couples (none are still together) and hotspots (Bungalow 8 - does anyone still go there?) make the book feel dated. Also, this novel has basically the same plot as the Devil Wears Prada. Weisberger clearly though she'd found a winning formula.
Bette is reasonably sympathetic, and the reader can see how she's sucked into a vortex of superficiality. However, Weisberger's "good guys" are as nauseatingly superficial as the "bad guys." Uncle Will is supposed to be the voice of reason, I think, but he grates on the nerves. He's also a blatant gay stereotype, although he's cast as a Republican so the reader won't figure out how offensively stereotypical he is. Runners-up in the "blatant stereotype" category include: Bette's hippie parents, who are portrayed as a present-day high school student would probably portray hippies in a Beatles fan fiction. Bette's pathological need to incur their disapproval (i.e. by eating Slim Jims) made her seem immature and selfish; that aspect of her character really pissed me off.
There are actually some funny moments. Bette's romance novel obsession and the references to those grocery-store Harlequins did make me chuckle. And her...uh...actually, that was about it.
I won't spoil the end, but it was totally predictable, save for Bette's out-of-left-field new career choice. All in all, it was anticlimactic and swathed in sentimentality.
Bette is reasonably sympathetic, and the reader can see how she's sucked into a vortex of superficiality. However, Weisberger's "good guys" are as nauseatingly superficial as the "bad guys." Uncle Will is supposed to be the voice of reason, I think, but he grates on the nerves. He's also a blatant gay stereotype, although he's cast as a Republican so the reader won't figure out how offensively stereotypical he is. Runners-up in the "blatant stereotype" category include: Bette's hippie parents, who are portrayed as a present-day high school student would probably portray hippies in a Beatles fan fiction. Bette's pathological need to incur their disapproval (i.e. by eating Slim Jims) made her seem immature and selfish; that aspect of her character really pissed me off.
There are actually some funny moments. Bette's romance novel obsession and the references to those grocery-store Harlequins did make me chuckle. And her...uh...actually, that was about it.
I won't spoil the end, but it was totally predictable, save for Bette's out-of-left-field new career choice. All in all, it was anticlimactic and swathed in sentimentality.
February 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, Lauren Weisberger has been hit or miss for me but I'm happy to say this one was a hit.
Four stars.
Four stars.
June 14, 2013
When I started reading this book I forgot that a) I had read it before and b) it was stupid.
October 20, 2013
Okay, this is what I get for adding this to my "to read list" and then waiting eight years to read it. This book does not stand the test of time. Seeing it is about high fashion, partying, and basically the social scene of everything high society, the references to Lindsay Lohan, Playboy Bunnies, Paris Hilton's sex tape, P. Diddy and his entourage, etc. are silly. And the references to fashion sense are certainly outdated as well. Or maybe I'm just too old for this ridiculousness anymore. I don't care about this stuff at all anymore and it really just seems trivial and pointless to read about it. And this is a yawn story anyway, very much like the author's much more popular book The Devil Wears Prada, but not near at good. Girl loses banking job, gets a job at a PR firm, gets into the party life and in the tabloids, kicking and screaming the whole way, gets a crush on a lowly bouncer, kisses bouncer, a Three's Company misunderstanding happens, then bouncer and innocent girl who realizes she hates the backstabbing PR business, both run off into the sunset together. Ergh. This is chick lit, but for someone who doesn't really have a brain cell in their head at all. Annoying, mindless, and not worth knowing.
August 28, 2007
I am not your typical "chick lit" fan, but I must confess that I really like this author - she writes bright, funny, light-hearted books and she can actually compose a sentence! This novel contains none of the poor grammar or flimsy plot structures you would find in Sex and the City (the novel - loved the series) or The Nanny Diaries (saw this movie last night and it was a hundred times better than the weak novel). On the other hand, I think that every girl-oriented book about a young woman making her way through the strange world of upper-crust NYC will always be a pale imitation of The Devil Wears Prada. This includes the present work by the same author. I do recommend Everyone Worth Knowing to any woman looking for a fun, refreshing read that won't make you feel like you're lowering your literary standards in the process.
July 23, 2007
If I had read The Devil Wears Prada first, I don't think I would have read Everyone Worth Knowing.
The plots of these two books are so similar. Girl gets job. Girl hates job. Girl makes the best of her situation. Girl quits job.
The plots of these two books are so similar. Girl gets job. Girl hates job. Girl makes the best of her situation. Girl quits job.
September 16, 2016
15/01/10 - Changed my rating from 2 to 1 star
I cannot believe I even rated this anything other than 1 star; it was ridiculous when I recall the main plot involving the potagonist and her 'boyfriend'.
A few years of reading and some growing up did wonder to your expectation in books I guess.
I cannot believe I even rated this anything other than 1 star; it was ridiculous when I recall the main plot involving the potagonist and her 'boyfriend'.
A few years of reading and some growing up did wonder to your expectation in books I guess.
September 9, 2008
'Everyone Worth Knowing' got me through a tough time in my life. Once this book captured my attention with its cute, little cover art, I was definitely hooked. Bette's situations and life as a whole, transported me to another world. I was lost in NYC club-hopping to the restaurants and parties that she promoted.
This book delivers it all: Work, Love, Family, Stress, Friendship, Travel, Happiness & Sadness. Like the jacket says, "What happens when a girl on the fringe enters the realm of New York's chic, party-hopping elite??"
Every book is different for every single person, but the main purpose of reading is to "transport" you to another time and place. It lets you forget about everyday life and the stresses that accompany it.
Weisberger's book definitely accomplished that for me. I do recommend it - especially for those laying poolside or sitting in 27B on their way to Santa Fe, for example. :)
This book delivers it all: Work, Love, Family, Stress, Friendship, Travel, Happiness & Sadness. Like the jacket says, "What happens when a girl on the fringe enters the realm of New York's chic, party-hopping elite??"
Every book is different for every single person, but the main purpose of reading is to "transport" you to another time and place. It lets you forget about everyday life and the stresses that accompany it.
Weisberger's book definitely accomplished that for me. I do recommend it - especially for those laying poolside or sitting in 27B on their way to Santa Fe, for example. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2011
The sometimes negative feedback given to "chic lit" novels is understandable at times, yet I feel that Weisberger's characters in "Everyone Worth Knowing" are written in an ordinary enough way that readers are able to more easily relate to them. The style of the writing can be seen as slightly bland because the characters are so completely normal. The are posed as every day people, doing every day things, in our often times cold world. The story is an easy read which allows for a large circle of readership as there is no complex message that the author attempts to deliver other then the realization that many people face a few times throughout life; which is that sometimes the life that you envy others for having is severely lacking in a sense of who you as a person are. The novel simply tells a story that happens to teach us to be content with who we are and what we have rather than wishing we were all rock/movie stars. Weisberger's writing in this novel taught me that it is ok to simply tell an average story that readers will enjoy even if it may not be considered a literary masterpiece.
February 13, 2009
I have a hard time putting an audio book on my "Read" shelf - but what the hell.
I find that I will listen to books that I don't necessarily want to read. This book is a prime example. I read Weisberger's first book and liked it well enough. This is her second and it has the same feel as the first. Well meaning girl gets caught up in glamor lifestyle - Has a melt down - repents - gets love.
I think this book would have really annoyed me to read - but for some reason - having it read to me by Eliza Dushku while flying down the freeways to work everyday in my car made the book really enjoyable. I even found myself lamenting not being able to hurry up and finish last night when I was on the second to last disc on the way home and the story was hitting it's pinnacle. I guess that means I liked it.
I find that I will listen to books that I don't necessarily want to read. This book is a prime example. I read Weisberger's first book and liked it well enough. This is her second and it has the same feel as the first. Well meaning girl gets caught up in glamor lifestyle - Has a melt down - repents - gets love.
I think this book would have really annoyed me to read - but for some reason - having it read to me by Eliza Dushku while flying down the freeways to work everyday in my car made the book really enjoyable. I even found myself lamenting not being able to hurry up and finish last night when I was on the second to last disc on the way home and the story was hitting it's pinnacle. I guess that means I liked it.
February 18, 2009
I wasn't impressed with The Devil Wears Prada--too much hype--so wasn't expecting much from this book by the same author.
However, in the end it won with me because:
--I listened to the audiobook on what was a bit of an unwanted and nervewracking last-minute road trip so the distraction was greatly appreciated.
--Eliza Dushku as narrator did a really great job.
--I had low expectations so there was no way it could have been worse than what I was expecting.
--it was abridged--hallelujah! My biggest complaint with "Prada" had been that it was too freaking long for what it was.
I'm sure I won't even remember specific plot details by next month but there's no great travesty there. This was straight brain candy.
Overall, not great but not bad.
However, in the end it won with me because:
--I listened to the audiobook on what was a bit of an unwanted and nervewracking last-minute road trip so the distraction was greatly appreciated.
--Eliza Dushku as narrator did a really great job.
--I had low expectations so there was no way it could have been worse than what I was expecting.
--it was abridged--hallelujah! My biggest complaint with "Prada" had been that it was too freaking long for what it was.
I'm sure I won't even remember specific plot details by next month but there's no great travesty there. This was straight brain candy.
Overall, not great but not bad.
August 13, 2014
This book is not worth reading. Seriously. DO NOT DO IT.
March 30, 2014
This book was doomed from the start, it was the same typical "girl has lousy job, (almost always a banking job) Girl has family member that can hook her up with a "better" job, girl has no backbone whatsoever, ETC...
We meet Bette, a seemingly nice girl, and right off, I could tell she was a pushover. I just don't get how this girl, who lives in New York, works around people from the city, and lives around city people, can be such a pushover, with absolutely no will, or self respect.
I just don't understand why this girl cannot seem to speak her mind about ANYTHING, but I suppose that would make it too easy, wouldn't it? But the most ridiculous part of this book was the fact that she went along with every little plan her new job had for her. From dating a guy who she doesn't even like, to ditching her best friends and family.
Finally, at the Playboy party, she seems to figure everything out, and still cowers away from any controversy.
I really just can't say any more about this book.
It was shallow and so very dull.
We meet Bette, a seemingly nice girl, and right off, I could tell she was a pushover. I just don't get how this girl, who lives in New York, works around people from the city, and lives around city people, can be such a pushover, with absolutely no will, or self respect.
I just don't understand why this girl cannot seem to speak her mind about ANYTHING, but I suppose that would make it too easy, wouldn't it? But the most ridiculous part of this book was the fact that she went along with every little plan her new job had for her. From dating a guy who she doesn't even like, to ditching her best friends and family.
Finally, at the Playboy party, she seems to figure everything out, and still cowers away from any controversy.
I really just can't say any more about this book.
It was shallow and so very dull.
December 14, 2018
Definitely a fun chick lit read !
August 5, 2020
Purtroppo non mi è piaciuto molto, non mi piacciono gli ambienti e le persone che descrive -a parte Bette- e comunque mi è sembrato scontato.
May 21, 2023
A rom- com novel. Would be good as a beach read .
June 10, 2013
Although this book reprises the theme of examining the horrors of an entry level job, and uses a glittery version of New York City for its setting, it departs from *The Devil Wears Prada* in several ways. For one, there is more sympathy for all the characters. The protagonist is earnest, foolish, and occasionally depressed, but she seems to have more resources for moving toward what she wants than did the protagonist of *Prada*. Her boss and coworkers are colorful and sometimes devious, but also seem earnest and foolish. No one character has to carry the role of ultimate evil. A romance develops, leading to the final scene of a truly exclusive party. Classic beach read stuff! The interplay of the conflicting demands of job, friends, family, and self is more nuanced. The bottom line for me is that the book functions well as a satire of the fact that human beings value connections with other humans. The machinations of our attempts to set priorities on our connections is inevitably humorous, and every comedy deserves a romantic, happy ending.
August 16, 2015
Chick lit at its best! I loved the main character, Bette. She was hilarious, likeable and very relatable. The book covers her career move from banking to PR and all the dramas that go with the celeb parties and events. Weisberger has a similar writing style to Bushnell, which is probably why I loved it so much!!
November 30, 2017
Looking for a fluffy, no-brains-required, everything-is-over-the-top-and-ridiculous weekend read? This fits the bill nicely. The characters are very cliched and everything is an over the top party and somehow it stills makes for a mindless entertaining read. Sometimes you just read something fun, and this book fits that.
December 21, 2021
Paholainen pukeutuu Pradaan oli ihan kelpo elokuva, mutten tuntenut tarvetta leffan katsomisen jälkeen lukea sen pohjana ollutta kirjaa. Nyt kun oli tilauksessa päännollaus lukemalla, nappasin kirjaston hyllystä saman kirjoittajan kakkosteoksen mukaani.
VIP-ihmisiä oli valitettavasti kliseiden kokoelma, eikä yrityksistään huolimatta (mm. päähenkilön romanttisten kirjojen lukupiiri) noussut ironian tasolle. Yllättävyydestäkään ei voi puhua. New Yorkin yöelämän kuvasto on tullut jo eläväksi Sinkkuelämää-sarjan kautta ja ultra jet set -elämäntapa Crazy Rich Asians -kirjoista.
kun nyt kuitenkin ihmisessä on sellainen asetus, ettei kirjoja kesken jätetä, niin luin tämän(kin) loppuun vaikka ilmankin olisi voinut olla. Ei edes omassa genressään kovin vaikuttava suoritus, ja minä kyllä pidän hyvästä viihdekirjallisuudesta, jos sellaisen löydän.
VIP-ihmisiä oli valitettavasti kliseiden kokoelma, eikä yrityksistään huolimatta (mm. päähenkilön romanttisten kirjojen lukupiiri) noussut ironian tasolle. Yllättävyydestäkään ei voi puhua. New Yorkin yöelämän kuvasto on tullut jo eläväksi Sinkkuelämää-sarjan kautta ja ultra jet set -elämäntapa Crazy Rich Asians -kirjoista.
kun nyt kuitenkin ihmisessä on sellainen asetus, ettei kirjoja kesken jätetä, niin luin tämän(kin) loppuun vaikka ilmankin olisi voinut olla. Ei edes omassa genressään kovin vaikuttava suoritus, ja minä kyllä pidän hyvästä viihdekirjallisuudesta, jos sellaisen löydän.
March 25, 2018
This book has been on my tbr for years, literally. It's a book that I've been wanting to read while on vacation as I figured that it would be a good beach read. I've carted it around with me on several trips, and I finally got to it on a recent trip to St. Lucia. While it was a decent vaycay book, it left me slightly disappointed. Yes, it was fairly breezy and light, perfect for my purposes. And I have to give props to Weisberger for her engaging and intelligent writing. But overall, the story left me feeling kinda yucky. I realize that this is likely to be an authentic depiction of the PR world in New York, but it was all a bit sordid and tacky. I guess it just wasn't my thing.
March 14, 2017
Everyone Worth Knowing is a book which has been lying in a corner of my shelves for many years. My bad experience with Devil Wears Prada and the uninteresting synopsis made me have little to no interest in reading it.
It was only last month when I saw my huge TBR pile that was growing in a scary way that I decided to take some great measures such as: make a TBR jar, start reading some books that have been collecting dust in my shelves for years, and be super picky when buying new ones.
This book was one of them.
And what can I say about it? It was not boring, but also lacked excitement and life (somewhere in between). The characters were dull and had such a low self-esteem that was making me doubt if I was feeling anger or pity for them. Our main character let herself be used and manipulated, failed to stand up for herself or even divide her private life from her public one by at least 1%. I know it is hard and I am guilty myself for not paying as much attention to my friends as I probably should due to school and everything else; but you don't just forget your uncle's birthday and not remember it until he reminds you weeks later. And let me just add that he was also her best friend and one of her biggest supporters.
After putting it back in the shelf I asked myself- what was its plot? Because after trying (and failing) to let us wonder what was going on with Philip, thing that was supposedly a very important part of this book, the author doesn't give us nothing on what happened next with the guy, were there consequences of that "confession". If nothing would be said about this matter if it ever came to light then why would Philip bother to do all of that theater play?
All in all, it was not bad. It felt like watching a movie you usually watch when there's nothing else on TV. You know what's going to happen, you are very meh about it but you want to see them make it to the end.
I would not recommend it, unless you loved The Devil Wears Prada since the atmosphere feels the same.
It was only last month when I saw my huge TBR pile that was growing in a scary way that I decided to take some great measures such as: make a TBR jar, start reading some books that have been collecting dust in my shelves for years, and be super picky when buying new ones.
This book was one of them.
And what can I say about it? It was not boring, but also lacked excitement and life (somewhere in between). The characters were dull and had such a low self-esteem that was making me doubt if I was feeling anger or pity for them. Our main character let herself be used and manipulated, failed to stand up for herself or even divide her private life from her public one by at least 1%. I know it is hard and I am guilty myself for not paying as much attention to my friends as I probably should due to school and everything else; but you don't just forget your uncle's birthday and not remember it until he reminds you weeks later. And let me just add that he was also her best friend and one of her biggest supporters.
After putting it back in the shelf I asked myself- what was its plot? Because after trying (and failing) to let us wonder what was going on with Philip, thing that was supposedly a very important part of this book, the author doesn't give us nothing on what happened next with the guy, were there consequences of that "confession". If nothing would be said about this matter if it ever came to light then why would Philip bother to do all of that theater play?
All in all, it was not bad. It felt like watching a movie you usually watch when there's nothing else on TV. You know what's going to happen, you are very meh about it but you want to see them make it to the end.
I would not recommend it, unless you loved The Devil Wears Prada since the atmosphere feels the same.
January 5, 2013
I LOVED this book. I rarely have the desire to read a novel again but this one might be my exception. I couldn't get through Devil Wears Prada because I had seen parts of the movie first. So, this remains my fave LW book.
June 3, 2022
4,25 sterren- Nederlandse Paperback
Feelgood en mode! Prima combi voor mij.
Alhoewel ik persoonlijk niet vind dat de samenvatting op de achterkant van het boek naadloos aansluit op het werkelijk verhaal vond ik het een prima boek. Ik vond het wat verwarrend. Ik verwachte denk ik wat anders hierdoor.
Het verhaal is vanaf het begin makkelijk te volgen en ook de karakters zijn duidelijk en lekker humorvol. In een rap tempo wisselen humor, stress. paniek en verdriet zich af.
Naar mijn idee een prima boek om te lezen als je zin hebt in een vermakelijk en makkelijk te volgen verhaal! Na iets als een boek vol serriemoorden of zo.
Feelgood en mode! Prima combi voor mij.
Alhoewel ik persoonlijk niet vind dat de samenvatting op de achterkant van het boek naadloos aansluit op het werkelijk verhaal vond ik het een prima boek. Ik vond het wat verwarrend. Ik verwachte denk ik wat anders hierdoor.
Het verhaal is vanaf het begin makkelijk te volgen en ook de karakters zijn duidelijk en lekker humorvol. In een rap tempo wisselen humor, stress. paniek en verdriet zich af.
Naar mijn idee een prima boek om te lezen als je zin hebt in een vermakelijk en makkelijk te volgen verhaal! Na iets als een boek vol serriemoorden of zo.
April 5, 2017
The Gist: Bette Robinson quits her boring, thankless banker job, and starts working at Manhattan's hottest PR firm where she is expected to party and be seen at the trendiest clubs and restaurants in NYC. She then meets local celebrity Philip Weston and unwittingly becomes a celebrity herself. Pretty soon Bette's life becomes tabloid fodder, and she discovers the price of fame as her personal and professional lives collide.
Sounds interesting, right?
Sadly, unfortunately, Everyone Worth Knowing doesn't live up to its premise's potential. The writing and story is mediocre, the characters are VERY annoying, there is hardly any character development, and the conclusion is infuriating.
Let's start with Bette. She went from being a smart, capable, and independent woman to a foolish romantic who's in love with a man who didn't deserve her. And while I do believe that she loved Sammy, I think she loved the idea of Sammy more than the man himself. She idealized him and their relationship so much that it clouded her better judgment. She couldn't see that he was a terrible boyfriend who ditched her and got back with her whenever it was more convenient. She was an idiot in love but she deserved better than that.
Then there's Sammy, the cook-bouncer-aspiring restaurateur. He was supposed to be the lone decent guy in Bette's new life. And I suppose compared to the other guys, he is... except Much like the novel, Sammy only looked good in the beginning.
The Verdict: For me, this was painful, painful reading. In fact, towards the end I had to stop every few sentences and distract myself with good music. My suggestion? Don't torture yourself like I did and PICK ANOTHER BOOK.
Sounds interesting, right?
Sadly, unfortunately, Everyone Worth Knowing doesn't live up to its premise's potential. The writing and story is mediocre, the characters are VERY annoying, there is hardly any character development, and the conclusion is infuriating.
Let's start with Bette. She went from being a smart, capable, and independent woman to a foolish romantic who's in love with a man who didn't deserve her. And while I do believe that she loved Sammy, I think she loved the idea of Sammy more than the man himself. She idealized him and their relationship so much that it clouded her better judgment. She couldn't see that he was a terrible boyfriend who ditched her and got back with her whenever it was more convenient. She was an idiot in love but she deserved better than that.
Then there's Sammy, the cook-bouncer-aspiring restaurateur. He was supposed to be the lone decent guy in Bette's new life. And I suppose compared to the other guys, he is... except Much like the novel, Sammy only looked good in the beginning.
The Verdict: For me, this was painful, painful reading. In fact, towards the end I had to stop every few sentences and distract myself with good music. My suggestion? Don't torture yourself like I did and PICK ANOTHER BOOK.
March 4, 2015
*This review may contain spoilers*
What's it about?
"Everyone Worth Knowing" is the story of what happens when a girl on the fringe enters the realm of New York's chic, party-hopping elite. Soon after Bette Robinson quits her horrendous Manhattan banking job like the impulsive girl she's never been. the novelty of walking her four-pound dog around the unglamorous Murray Hill neighborhood wears as thing as the "what are you going to do with your life" phone calls from her parents. Then Bette meets Kelly, head of Manhattan's hottest PR firm, and suddenly she has a brand-new job where the primary requirement is to see and be seen inside the VIP rooms of the city's most exclusive clubs. But when Bette begins appearing in vicious gossip columns, she realizes that the line between her personal and professional life has become invisible.
Who's the author?
Lauren Weisberger's first job, after graduating with a BA in English and travelling the world with a small backpack, was as the Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour. Lauren moved on to Departures magazine, where she wrote 100-word reviews by day and took writing classes by night. "The Devil Wears Prada" was published in 2003 and spent 6 months on the NYT best-seller list. It was made into a major motion picture by Fox in 2000, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. Her second novel, "Everyone Worth Knowing," was published in 2005 and is also a NYT best-seller. Lauren has since gone on to write more chick lit novels, including a sequel to "The Devil Wears Prada;" "Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns."
Was it any good?
Sadly not. The story is very predictable and, as a result, boring. It is also a story-line that has been done-to-death and so lacking in originality or uniqueness. I found I was having to force myself to continue reading after the first three chapter, because the book help no appeal. It is only the fact that I have an intense need to finish a book once I've started it that saved this book from becoming a DNF (did not finish.) Admittedly, though, I raced through, and largely skim-read, it just to get to the end, and onto a better novel, quickly. A really disappointing read.
Would I recommend it?
Not unless you plan to keep it by the toilet to a) read on one of your longer bathroom visits, b) use as toilet paper in an emergency or c) mop up a leak from the bath with! Really not worth reading unless it's the last book in the world, though. And even then...well.
What's it about?
"Everyone Worth Knowing" is the story of what happens when a girl on the fringe enters the realm of New York's chic, party-hopping elite. Soon after Bette Robinson quits her horrendous Manhattan banking job like the impulsive girl she's never been. the novelty of walking her four-pound dog around the unglamorous Murray Hill neighborhood wears as thing as the "what are you going to do with your life" phone calls from her parents. Then Bette meets Kelly, head of Manhattan's hottest PR firm, and suddenly she has a brand-new job where the primary requirement is to see and be seen inside the VIP rooms of the city's most exclusive clubs. But when Bette begins appearing in vicious gossip columns, she realizes that the line between her personal and professional life has become invisible.
Who's the author?
Lauren Weisberger's first job, after graduating with a BA in English and travelling the world with a small backpack, was as the Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour. Lauren moved on to Departures magazine, where she wrote 100-word reviews by day and took writing classes by night. "The Devil Wears Prada" was published in 2003 and spent 6 months on the NYT best-seller list. It was made into a major motion picture by Fox in 2000, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. Her second novel, "Everyone Worth Knowing," was published in 2005 and is also a NYT best-seller. Lauren has since gone on to write more chick lit novels, including a sequel to "The Devil Wears Prada;" "Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns."
Was it any good?
Sadly not. The story is very predictable and, as a result, boring. It is also a story-line that has been done-to-death and so lacking in originality or uniqueness. I found I was having to force myself to continue reading after the first three chapter, because the book help no appeal. It is only the fact that I have an intense need to finish a book once I've started it that saved this book from becoming a DNF (did not finish.) Admittedly, though, I raced through, and largely skim-read, it just to get to the end, and onto a better novel, quickly. A really disappointing read.
Would I recommend it?
Not unless you plan to keep it by the toilet to a) read on one of your longer bathroom visits, b) use as toilet paper in an emergency or c) mop up a leak from the bath with! Really not worth reading unless it's the last book in the world, though. And even then...well.
May 26, 2009
Read "the Devil Wears Prada", change the names. I can't believe the author ripped off her own book like that! HORRIBLE.
I'm assuming that Weisberger has the shortest memory in history, and her publisher also suffers from the same affliction. "Everyone Worth Knowing" is the EXACT SAME BOOK as "The Devil Wears Prada"- all she did is change names and evil, soul sucking jobs and kept the format so predictably familiar that I was laughing half way through. The name dropping is all there, and if you're really curious how shallow the "jet set" of New York are, this may hold your attention span for all of three seconds... but still, it's the SAME DAMN STORY, to a tee. In fact, I bet a tonne of the dialogue is the same too. Yes. It's that bad. I don't need to read another Weisberger book because I can tell you exactly what will happen. I'm actually quite appalled by this to be honest. HOW FUCKING UN CREATIVE ARE YOU WEISBERGER? Thank god I only got this book from the library and didn't waste any actual money! 0/10.... what a waste! It makes me sad to think of all the talented writers out there, with ORIGINAL IDEAS and this one is just a crappy remake of her last book.
I'm assuming that Weisberger has the shortest memory in history, and her publisher also suffers from the same affliction. "Everyone Worth Knowing" is the EXACT SAME BOOK as "The Devil Wears Prada"- all she did is change names and evil, soul sucking jobs and kept the format so predictably familiar that I was laughing half way through. The name dropping is all there, and if you're really curious how shallow the "jet set" of New York are, this may hold your attention span for all of three seconds... but still, it's the SAME DAMN STORY, to a tee. In fact, I bet a tonne of the dialogue is the same too. Yes. It's that bad. I don't need to read another Weisberger book because I can tell you exactly what will happen. I'm actually quite appalled by this to be honest. HOW FUCKING UN CREATIVE ARE YOU WEISBERGER? Thank god I only got this book from the library and didn't waste any actual money! 0/10.... what a waste! It makes me sad to think of all the talented writers out there, with ORIGINAL IDEAS and this one is just a crappy remake of her last book.
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