Friday, March 11, 2011

Book Review -- Everyone Worth Knowing



There is a certain pattern that is followed in almost all the chick-lit novels which I have read so far. There is a girl next door who works someplace cool, like a fashion house, or a glamorous PR Agency. She has a close gal-pal, she meets prince charming, they fall in love, something goes wrong--- like a miniscule fight/misunderstanding/social misfit problems, and then just as the girl is about to lose hope, everything comes together, and she and the guy live happily (not necessarily ever after though!!)


This is a tried and tested formula, and also a tiring way to write a novel, because everything is simply so predictable about the book!!


But yet, there is something adorably endearing about the way Lauren Weisberger creates this story, that makes me want to give this book a 3.5/5 :)


For starters, "Everyone Worth Knowing" is the story of Bette Robinson, who after slogging away for 5 years in a thankless banking job, quits the job in a fit of rebellion. Just when she is finally adjusting to her new life of unemployment, she is hired by Kelly & Co. thanks to her famous writer uncle.


At Kelly & Co. all Bette has to do is plan parties, party hard, check out new places and yes, get paid for it too. During one such drunken party, Bette is snapped with a notorious Playboy and from then on, all hell breaks loose, threatening to affect not only Bette's personal life and reputation, but also her parents, best friend and her boyfriend.


The book moves at an even pace, taking the reader on a colorful joyride of the New York high life; right into the world of models, socialites, playboys, members only clubs… and drugs, lies, backstabbing and utter lack of ethics.


The author etches the characters in the novel with astonishing honesty. You can identify with Bette's desperation and can feel your blood boil at Abby's viciousness!!


It does manage to keep the reader engaged, but the book kind of gets a little tedious somewhere in the middle. And this is the only flipside of the book.

I would highly recommend this one for all the chick-lit addicts out there, and also to the first time readers who want to start with something light and breezy :)


Word of caution: Serious Bibliophiles might get a strong feeling of abandoning this book mid-way, so watch out!!


My verdict: 3.5/5… Thumbs' up for this one :)


2 comments:

  1. Chick-lits are feel good books. The dangerous guy who's so wrong for her, yet she ends up falling for him. You pray that she comes back to her senses and she does 232 pages later!

    Btw I want Bette's job.

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  2. Purba: yes, there is always a set pattern for these novels and they hardly waver from it.. but somehow we keep going back to reading them again and again :) maybe its is all bcoz of the Happily ever after climax (:

    Bette's job... oh how i wish!!!

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