I must confess that I’m mad for Lauren Weisberger. Everything she writes makes me smile—from her all-time classic THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA to its endearing sequels, not to mention her non- Prada outings (especially 2006 EVERYONE WORTH KNOWING which I really need to discuss soon). Nothing she gets out passes me by and her latest, WHERE THE GRASS IS GREEN AND THE GIRLS ARE PRETTY (now out from Random House Publishing Group), is no different. As the others, I devoured this one in no time. The story is set in the world of morning shows. Well some of it is, the rest focuses on suburbia and its many ups and downs, especially when it involves the sister of the famed protagonist, who is caught in a scandal. I won’t go too far, but let’s just say that the author borrowed somewhat from a true to life event that has made headlines all over the world not too long ago (think Lori Loughlin, et al.).
Indeed, WHERE
THE GRASS IS GREEN AND THE GIRLS ARE PRETTY relieson that scandal but it’s the after the fact situations that really
sells the novel. I couldn’t wait to find
out the outcome for these strong-willed but flawed women. WHERE THE GRASS IS GREEN AND THE GIRLS ARE PRETTY is fast-paced, narratively
stimulating, and a joy from start to finish. Sure, I had a pretty good idea of
where it was all going, but it barely mattered, for the main characters were
sympathetic enough for me to enjoy the ride despite the obvious. So, of course,
I give this novel the highest praise and I look forward to Lauren Weisberger’s
next addictive offering which will probably see the light of day in a couple of
years—if based on the cycle of release from her backlist. But hey, take your
time, talented lady. You know we’ll be waiting.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this
ARC.
After giving
two thumbs up to WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LULUMONS last year I made the conscious
decision to revisit THE DEVIL WEARS
PRADA (2004, Broadway Books), the novel that started it all. Yes, I could
have chosen to dive into the unread sequel REVENGE WEARS PRADA instead but I
figured once I re-invested myself with the first book in the series, the sequel
would be a doozy to get into. Besides, I wanted to see if THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA still held up after all these years. It did. Re-reading
it was like discovering it for the first time since the movie has become so
iconic since its release in 2009.
Indeed, having
seen the film before reading the novel I can honestly say I was pleasantly
surprised to find the latter as enjoyable, if not more. The journey of poor
Emily, from frumpy ingénue to effective stylish worker is as exciting as
anything seen on-screen. Sure, it takes a while before things really start cooking and the subplot involving the protagonist's best friend, though effective,
could have been toned down. But as a whole, the novel sure captivates, due
mostly to the fine pacing of the narrative. The behind-the-scene roman à clef
style also works to its advantage, as does the heroine likability status. Oh
yes, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA deserves
all the stops, especially for those beach read types who like nothing more than
to submerge themselves in the lives of the beautiful people.
Now I’m even
more excited in starting its sequel. I have a hunch that the author will try
her luck on a fourth Prada novel very soon. If not soon, well, in some distant
future. In the meantime, do enjoy this trilogy and the other novels she has
successfully written over the years. I’m happy to say that Lauren Weisberger
has indeed become quite an interesting author to follow.
I got to admit that I have yet to read REVENGE WEARS PRADA, the sequel to 2003 THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. I had planned on doing so but life threw me a couple of curveballs I just couldn’t ignore. Nonetheless, I was certain that I would still enjoy the third book in the Prada series WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LULULEMONS now available from Simon and Schuster, and of course I was right. Author Lauren Weisberger gives you exactly what you need: a feel-good, funny, sometimes touching sometimes sad, slice of suburban pie, with a front row seat to the goings-on of the celebrity image consultant craze.
Last time I checked, Emily was still working for the very hip but very scary Miranda Priestley, but in this novel she is a married woman and an image maker to the stars. Anything involving celebrities gets my motor going so we’re off to a good start. When she gets shrug off by the latest teeny bopper for the workings of a rival, she is pissed as she should. I mean, how can she stay successful if she starts losing big clients, right? In comes former supermodel now a senator's wife Karolina who, one day, gets falsely busted for driving under the influence. Angry and scared she withers like shrunken Lululemon yoga pants. But with the help of Emily and good friend Miriam—who has an image crisis of her own passing from a successful career as an attorney to a stay-at-home chubby mom—Karolina will try to turn a new leaf and, in return, change the lives of the people surrounding her. That is, if she doesn’t get cold feet first.
The theme for this third entry is the suburbs versus the non-suburbs, through the eyes of the three women but more precisely through the character of Emily, who, of course, wouldn’t be caught dead living there. It makes for some funny encounters, not to mention cringe-worthy situations (in over-the-top parties mostly), that never fail to entertain. The three ladies are likable and you certainly find yourself rooting for them in the long run. Yes, some situations are more effective than others but the overall effect is quite addictive to say the least. As a bonus, you even get cameos from Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs themselves. All in all I would definitely recommend WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LULULEMONS. I even look forward to the continuing saga of these charming if flawed grand ladies.
Thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for the chance of reading this novel in exchange for an honest review. Until next post—Martin
