Review: Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger

guestreview

by Anne, guest reviewer

As this book contains just about everything worth knowing, you've probably already come across it in your literary voyages. But if you haven't, be prepared for an absolute gem. From the bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger, this tale follows the highs and lows of Bette Robinson, a newcomer to New York City's party circuit all thanks to a pell-mell job in public relations.

Everyone Worth Knowing is Weisberger's second foray into the world of fiction. Despite the plot similarities shared with The Devil Wears Prada, the book hasn’t been as well received and sales have failed to match those of her first novel. This is surprising as Everyone Worth Knowing proves to be unputdownable. It is a page-turner that'll grab you hook, line, and sinker.

Bette is a single woman battling the New York dating scene, with an unbeatable weapon in her arsenal: an obsession with romance novels. Bette uses this passion for romance novels to help deal with the obstacles she's facing in her real life by escaping into a fantasy world. In this world two gorgeous and accomplished people always manage to overcome life’s struggles and challenges, as a result of their undying love for each other.

Romantic novels also provide Bette with social support in the form of an eclectic collection of women who join her for regular book club meetings. Together they form a group of avid romance readers who build close friendships through sharing titles like Who Wants to Marry a Heartthrob? and The Very Bad Boy.

One of the highlights of the book is a passage where the teenage Bette tries to justify her 'lifestyle decision' to her parents. She hits the nail on the head: romance novels contain more than their fair share of agony, ecstasy, and happy endings in a whole variety of ways, from the traditions of chivalrous courtship to the more modern dating online in the modem epoch. In this day and age it's wonderful that such books remain popular. The two-fifths of American women who are buying at least one romance novel a year can't be wrong, especially with a $1.5 billion industry behind them.

The rest of the novel is solid, with a strong character base and plenty of quirky industry figures. But the real appeal is the modern-day fairytale qualities of the story. Will Bette get her man? You'll just have to read and see...

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Buy: Everyone Worth Knowing