Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel
by Lauren Weisberger
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Book Reviews of Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel
Book Review: Hits and misses
Summary: 3 Stars
Having read so many bad reviews, I was surprised by Chasing Harry Winston. It's actually much better than I expected it to be.
After being dumped by her boyfriend of five years, baby-obsessed Emmy (a restaurateur) decides that she'll sleep with as many random men as possible. Tired of sleeping with many men in succession, ultra-glamorous, Brazilian Adriana decides to enter into a monogamous relationship and possibly get engaged. Leigh, a book editor, is tired of her life, despite a job she loves and a (seemingly) perfect boyfriend. One evening over dinner, two of the three decide to change their lives dramatically within the space of a year.
In Chasing Harry Winston, Weisberger dumps the format she adopted for her first two novels. In some ways, this is good, and gives Weisberger the chance to branch out a bit. This is no outsider-looking-in tale told from a whiney first-person perspective. There's no hellish boss, no glamorous fashion or PR industry. The characters in this novel are surprisingly more unique than those in Weisberger's other two books; with the exception of the perfect boyfriend, I definitely found myself relating to Leigh a little bit. However, the author doesn't seem to be able to create anything new--it seems like this plot has been seen before, most notably in Candace Bushnell's Sex and the City.
The characters, disturbingly, define themselves primarily by their relationships with men; their careers and the other parts of their personal lives repeatedly take backseats to boyfriends and fiancées. Adriana, despite her "tricks" for getting men to chase her, is really the one doing the chasing. It was tough, too, for me to believe the Leigh-Russell relationship. On the other hand, the predicament Leigh finds herself in is very understandable: you find yourself dating the "right" guy, so you feel bad about breaking up with him because you're scared. It's a dilemma I think many women can identify with.
For having reached the age of thirty, these women are very immature and shallow, and overly concerned with having the stress-and-anxiety-free, "perfect" lives that no New York woman I know has. It was also difficult for me to see why these three are friends--they're all so different, but Weisberger never explains to her readers why they were drawn to each other in the first place.
Somewhere in the plot, out of place, is a trip to the Caribbean, during which the girls find themselves in a dicey Curacao airport drinking suspect alcohol bought from a card table, and popping pills. It's pretty much the only funny part of the book. I get the feeling that this is something that really happened to Weisberger or someone she knows, and she felt she just had to put it in. But the scene just didn't belong in this novel.
Although not as funny, clever, or well-written as The Devil Wears Prada, there was much more emotional depth in Chasing Harry Winston than in Everyone Worth Knowing. Keep in mind, though, that Weisberger is pretty much a one-note author.
Book Review: A Passably Fun and Utterly Forgettable Piece of Fluff (2.5 Stars)
Summary: 3 Stars
Leigh, Adriana, and Emmy are three long-time friends and NYC residents rapidly approaching their thirtieth birthdays. Trouble is, none these ladies are particularly happy about this looming milestone. Leigh is a seemingly successful, type-A editor whose "perfect life" is actually anything but. She's in a relationship with charming, handsome sportscaster Russell, whose love seems suffocating and almost depressing to her, and her new client, eclectic author Jesse Chapman, proves to be a challenging case in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, Adriana, used to relying on her Brazilian gorgeousness to seduce any man she desired and spending her days doing little more than using her parents' money, wonders if she is losing her "touch" when it comes to men. Even more importantly in Adriana's case-does the ever-approaching "30" mean that it's time to actually commit to one man only? And for Emmy, recently dumped by boyfriend Duncan and feeling increasingly desperate for a baby, does her newly single status mean it's time to follow her friends' urgings, abandon her former "serial monogamist" tendencies, and embark on a man-catching adventure that will be the opposite of anything she's ever done before? With all of the drama surrounding the love lives (and general lives) of these "ringless wonders," the year ahead of them will be anything but ordinary...
While this book is not nearly the crisp, original page-turner that "Devil Wears Prada" was, it wasn't completely terrible either. Weisenberger's writing style is still pleasantly breezy and easy to read, making "Harry Winston" a decent anecdote to whatever arduous task you're recovering from or avoiding. And, I have to admit, I found that I usually wanted to keep reading just to see how pulpy crises of these women's love lives turned out.
But speaking of the characters, it is unfortunate to say that they were not the kind that are completely lovable (or easy to relate to). Leigh frequently comes across as a joyless "fun sponge" who readers will often wish they could just admonish to break up with Russell and relax already! Adriana's silliness does entertain during some of the novel, but then again, how much can readers enjoy a character who manages to whine her way through half of a novel, despite having a limitless designer wardrobe, looks to rival Gisele Bundchen's, and all the money she could desire without working? Emmy seemed like the sweetest of the characters, but the fact that she was portrayed as somehow "deficient" because she had not slept with hundreds of men during her life was disappointing.
So, you're not missing fabulous chick-lit if you pass over this offering, but if you do check it out from the library, realize that the not-so-subtle sluttiness=happiness message and lukewarm characters will make it little more than a decent diversion. I would definitely recommend some of Jennifer Weiner's books ("Good in Bed" and its sequel "Certain Girls") if you like your chick-lit to still have a little substance and staying power.
Book Review: Use your library card if you really want to read this book
Summary: 2 Stars
As a person who is open-minded with all types of literature, I would have to honestly say that Weisberger's most recent attempt is a near-miss of her intended target.. what's sad is that this book somehow still managed to be a best seller.
Cheating boyfriends who lead you to belittle yourself and your beliefs... sleeping with vast amounts of men and viewing it as not only a testament to your attractiveness, but also to your high self-value... and even better - cheating on your significant other because you're afraid to confront the issues you have as to where you see the relationship going... WOW! Talk about a guide to living fabulously in one of the greatest cities on Earth in your late 20s - early 30s. I'm sorry Ms. Weisberger, but as cute as this attempt was, it was somewhat of a sad one.
The story revolves around three women approaching their 30s who suffer from neurotic tendencies and crappy relationships after living in New York for almost a decade. With "adventures" experienced through local and international travels, as well as "adventures" created through personal bets, you'll understand exactly how you did without... trust me. I personally don't see sleeping around nor receiving an engagement ring (ergo the title) as a symbol of personal change or a way to signify some type of all-important testament to my success. If you do, seek help (ahem, Ms. Weisberger). In fact, does anyone actually believe sex and traveling solve personal issues and problems? If you do, maybe you should consult a therapist.
Even though I don't agree with the book's apparent themes of sex and traveling as means to self-discovery and to solving problems, I do agree with the undertone of the value of treating yourself to the spoils of a spa pampering day. It does go a long way!
You know... just to let you know, I'm a born and raised New Yorker (in fact... I still live here), and somehow I find it hilarious that I manage to have a healthy successful relationship, as well as no desire to sleep with anything that has an additional appendage, while maintaining my independence. From these literary characters... one would think it can't be done... then again... isn't that the aim of the modern day chick lit formula? To give your audience the mantra "we shall overcome" through overused examples?
Hey Weisberger (and this goes for you, too, Bushnell)... STOP BELITTLING ME AS A WOMAN AND ATTACKING MY AGE GROUP! There's nothing wrong with being an independent woman in her 20s who is approaching her 30s. The women of my generation are not as self-centered or as unstable as you paint them to be.
I don't see anything wrong with reading the book, personally, but don't waste $26 or $.01 on the book... just borrow it from your local library. That's where I donated the copy I bought.
Book Review: Another Goody
Summary: 4 Stars
We've explored the workings of a fashion magazine and learned a bit about public relations, now get ready for a 180 because this time around, because the newest Lauren Weisberger title Chasing Harry Winston is nothing like its older siblings.
This story follows three friends Leigh, Adrianna and Emmy, all best friends, and all in dire need of a MAJOR life change! Each is very unsatisfied with the current state of their love lives and as they chat over dinner one night, they decide it is time for them all to stop just going with the flow and rewrite their futures. Each has a year and a major resolution to stick to. Will they make it through or lose steam quicker then they came up with the idea?
Leigh is a successful editor at the publishing firm of Brook Harris and has recently been assigned her biggest assignment to date. She will be the editor of genius author Jesse Chapman's newest book! This is a big responsibility for a junior editor, but Jesse has asked for her specifically, after hearing her take on his previous titles. Outside the office Leigh has a very trying relationship with famous sports anchor Russell. Everything should be awesome but, for some reason Leigh does not feel anything remotely romantic kind of love when it comes to him. She keeps hoping the feelings will take root, but time is starting to run out.
Adrianna, daughter of a famous model, can have any man she wants. Her stunning looks and her mastery of men (thanks to her mothers teachings) she has had many a suitor. None of them, however, has ever turned into a full blown relationship. It's always been that she pays attention for purely lustful and conquering reasons. So, Leigh and Emmy challenge her to have a full blown monogamous relationship with someone, which seems easy in theory, but not so much in practice
Emmy is in love, for five years she been dating Duncan, who she thinks is the perfect man for her. They have been together five years and she is waiting in anticipation for that meaningful piece of bling that will make her dreams come true. So, when Duncan drops the bomb that their not only breaking up, but he is leaving her for his twenty-two year old personal trainer, she is furious. Needless to say Emmy is devastated and at a complete loss for what to do next. So, her resolution the other two decide is to treat her love life more like Adrianna and not obsess that every man she comes in contact with could be the "one".
The same insight that Lauren has became famous for with her books is throughout this novel, though in different packaging so to speak. The story is a little long and frustrating in places, but definitely worth reading.
4 out of 5
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Book Review: Unbelievably bad...
Summary: 1 Stars
Three beautiful, successful women and one little problem. None of them is married. And they've all got a reason that has kept that glorious Harry Winston diamond from reaching their ring fingers. Leigh is a successful book editor. She and her boyfriend Russell have not married because of commitment issues. In this case, she is the commitment phobic. She likes her space and to have sole possession of her TV remote, doesn't want anyone -- including her gorgeous, successful and sweet boyfriend -- to invade either one. When she gets the editing job that everyone is salivating after -- working on a successful and good -looking author's next novel -- she is forced to make some changes in her life. If only Emmy had Leigh's good fortune. She has just ended her third long-term relationship. She is almost thirty, her younger sister is having a baby, and she's nowhere near finding Mr. Right. How pathetic is she? When she makes a pact with her friends to become more outgoing and have some much needed sexual escapades, she may find pleasure in single life, or will she? Adriana is a drop-dead gorgeous Brazilian with an unlimited trust fund and endless trysts with hot guys. But is she happy with her status quo? She has no job, no sense of personal accomplishment, and while she's beautiful... well, good looks don't last forever. So it may be time to give up her conquests and find a great and rich guy to marry. Luck is smiling at her, for she's found a sexy director who is crazy about her. Are things the way they seem though?
I read The Devil Wears Prada. I disliked the book, but loved the movie. Chasing Harry Winston is very run of the mill for my taste. I have read this kind of book again and again. Weisberger brings nothing new and unique to the chick lit genre. This is a book about three very one-dimensional New York women looking for some much-needed soul searching in the city. It's Sex and the City meets Lipstick Jungle, only less interesting. There is a lot of designer and celebrity name-dropping here, and the girls seem annoyingly perfect, especially Adriana, and for that reason I couldn't sympathize or relate to any of them. Some more character depth would have been nice. I like my slice of good ol' beach read as much as the next person, but this is beyond bad, and not in the good way. I'd say skip this and go for Emily Giffin or Beth Harbison instead. They bring something fresh to this otherwise overdone and cliché genre. Perhaps the film version of this, if one is made in the future, will be better, as was the case with The Devil Wears Prada.