Member Reviews
So fun! The Devil Wears Prada moves to the suburbs. Emily is now an image consultant to the stars who helps a former supermodel navigate her scandalous public divorce. Guilty pleasure beach read.
Oh, how nice it was to have Emily Charlton back in my life; she’s just as bitchy and demanding as ever and I loved every second of it! From the moment I started reading, I was addicted…I couldn’t put this book down. This is a classic Lauren Weisberger book; it’s perfect in every way. “When Life Gives You Lululemons” chronicles the lives of three women, Emily: the bitchy, genius fixer, Miriam: the NYC bestie who now lives in the suburbs of Connecticut, and Karolina: the gorgeous former super model-turned Senator’s wife, who all get caught up in a whirlwind of drama. From cheating spouses, to secret off-the-books medical procedures, to run-ins with the police, to sex-toy parties; this book has it all. There’s suspense, loads of drama, tons of excess, laugh-out-loud moments, twists and turns, and I could not get enough. I truly hope this book is made into a movie like “The Devil Wears Prada” was; it will be a smashing hit!
Drama, Drama, Drama!!!! At first I thought that this book would be just a fun, mindless girls story that I've read a million times, enjoyed and then move on, but this story is soooo much more than that!
Of course the book is meant to be about the infamous Emily from Devil Wears Prada, Miranda's assistant, but she is only one of the main characters. Karolina, former Victoria Secret model and married to a senator Graham (total jerk, btw), begins the book by getting pulled over for a DUI with children in the car and the drama just rolls from there.
Miriam is an attorney, married to a wonderful man Paul, and has stepped back from legal work to raise their family. When Karolina's life spirals out of control, Miriam and Emily step up to help her get her reputation back. This book has a little bit of everything; I was laughing, angry, happy, proud, and some parts almost could bring you to tears.
Yes, Miranda makes a couple appearances as well...
I really enjoyed this book and would defintely recommend it.
**Special thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Lauren Weisberger, for allowing me an advance read copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Loved it! I loved the Devil Wears Prada and the sequel so I was super excited to receive an ARC of this one from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So funny. The characters are awesome, Emily, Miriam and Karolina. You really feel for Karolina especially and you want revenge for her. I love how the takedown eventually happens too. This was a quick, fast beach read, perfect for summer!
Emily Charlton, former assistant to the Prada-wearing devil herself, Miranda Priestley, is back!
Emily has hit a bit of a speedbump in her PR career and decides to take some time to hide out in the suburbs with BFF Miriam. While there she decides to take on an image rehab for Karolina, former model and now disgraced soon-to-be ex-wife to a powerful Senator.
I started this one expecting a light, fluffy, fun read and that is exactly what I got. Definitely a contender for 2018's best beach read.
This is the perfect book to read when you just want to get lost. A fun fast paced totally unrealistic book that keeps you laughing so hard and shaking your head. A perfect tie in to the Devil Wears Prada and such a great group of characters that you want to hate but can't.
The Devil Wears Prada was a great summer read ten plus years ago when the movie came out, although as I've aged I've both found Andie's friends to be dislikable and found myself curious about the Emily not seen through Andie's lens, and as such picked up Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns| a few years ago and hated it (#DNF)
I had higher hopes for this book, which I received through Netgalley. However, I found that the book failed on a number of levels: the strange switch to third person narration changes the way the characters are viewed and the story is told. While the original was peppered with many classic references (such as Miranda's Hermes scarf), this is peppered with of the minute references that will become dated and some may have already--the new Bieber? Really?).
In short, did not finish, would not recommend.
A perfect beachside read, Weisberger’s latest is name brand escapism at its best. Loved the female empowerment and friendships at the center of this one.
3.5 stars!
While my expectations were set high (see: The Devil Wears Prada) I was not disappointed! While nothing will ever live up to the greatness that is The Devil Wears Prada, this is a light, fun read in that same world. The writing is fast paced and well structured, sassy yet serious (cheating, alcoholism, eating disorders all make an appearance). If you're looking for a feel good book this is it.
RATING: 3.5 stars
I have to admit that my expectations weren’t very high for this one. I’ve been following Lauren Weisberger’s career since the beginning. The Devil Wears Prada is one of those iconic, everyone can quote it (if not from the book then certainly from the movie) pop culture phenoms. It’s the book/movie that defines my first early adulthood years in NYC while working in media; and therefore holds a very special place in my heart.
Sadly, the following books in Weisberger’s roster just didn’t do it for me. Over and over again, I hoped she would rekindle the magic and each time I was left more and more disappointed. Even her first attempt at returning to this fictional world – Revenge Wears Prada – was underwhelming and honestly, felt like a last ditch attempt to recreate that original success.
Color me surprised when my lack luster interest and journey into her latest novel, When Life Gives You Lululemons, turned out to be a pleasant one! In WLGYL, we revisit the character of Emily Charlton, 'the' original bad ass assistant to Miranda Priestly. Emily is now married, living in LA and running her own business as Hollywood's number one 'fixer'. Unfortunately, her career is on a downswing with her clients dropping her left and right, her marriage is getting just the tiniest bit stale, and Miranda is knocking on her door wanting Emily to -gasp- return to Runway!
Needing to shake things up now more than ever, Emily accepts a job to remake the image of Victoria Secret model/senator's wife Karolina Hartwell; who just so happens to be close to her childhood friend. Suddenly, Emily is living the suburban life - ensconced in Greenwich, CT; trying not only to remark Karolina's life, but her own.
WLGYL was a fun and entertaining read! While I felt the connection to The Devil Wears Prada was a stretch (and really only thrown in to draw back those loyal readers), I think I would have enjoyed this book even if it was a one off. Definitely something to pick up if you are looking for a light, beachy read as we get closer and closer to summer.
Imagine sitting poolside with the most refreshing salt-rimmed lime margarita you’ve ever had. THIS is what this new book coming out in June is like.
This is the book I didn’t know I needed in my life until I read it! Reading it was like taking the biggest chill pill in life! The writing was so exquisite and fun that I constantly lost track of time and found myself choosing to read this book instead of watching a drama on Netflix.
Apart from being a very fast and fun read, When Life Gives You Lululemons follows the stories of three very strong and intelligent women whose lives end up intertwined for a common purpose (Think First Wives Club for a second). We get to peek behind the curtain of their respective lives/struggles and end up learning A LOT of that much-talked-about suburban life, hence the title. I was DELIGHTED to find twists and turns that literally kept me gasping throughout the entire book. There wasn’t a single chapter that bored me. Also, it was great to see the book written so beautifully, with no confusion to be found anywhere (each chapter is dedicated to a particular character). Lastly, this book had a solid ending that not only resolved all the conflicts the author presented in the beginning but also let me be a part of each character’s happy ending (I swear, I almost felt like the characters were my friends by the end of the book).
One of the main characters in this book is Ms. Emily Charlton, former Runway assistant to Ms. Miranda Prisetly herself (Cue The Devil Wears Prada). We get to see Ms. Charlton’s highs and lows and even get to see her become what she never thought she would be! No need to worry if you’ve yet to read The Devil Wears Prada, this book stands on its own! Definitely earns a 5/5.
When you read a book that tries to follow a blockbuster like The Devil Wears Prada, there is always the risk that it just won't live up to expectations...but When Life Gives You Lululemons I think she knocked Prada right out the door.
In this multi-faceted novel the reader becomes reacquainted with Emily, who was the devilish Miranda's assistant. Emily is now in her late 30's and has run into some career issues as the younger crowd wants to be represented by one of their peers who can manage all facets of social media with apparent ease. Frustrated and pouting, Emily visits her friend Miriam in Greenwich and faces the world of the rich and bored housewives in the posh suburbs.
Miriam's friend Karoline enters the story when she has a disastrous run-in with the police, and Emily takes on Karoline's case and the exploits of the rich and famous are fair game when it comes to love and war.
There is a lot more heart to this book than I expected initially. The friendship between the women, and the relationships between these women and their husbands are finely written, and readers who love the dish of "Real Housewives" will find that there is something even better offered by Miriam, Emily and Karoline.
It's been a while since I read a Lauren Weisberger book that I enjoyed and didn't roll my eyes while reading, but here it is! This book took me back to the glory days of the first Devil Wears Prada. The novel focuses on Emily, Miranda's snarky first assistant, years later. There were a few too many cultural references that were funny (but obviously completely false), but the fictional account of "fixers" in Hollywood, and stay-at-home moms in Greenwich made for an entertaining read. Everything wrapped up in a bow that was a little too neat and pretty for me, so but so it goes with fiction! Would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoyed (any) of Weisberger's previous books.
I truly enjoyed this spin off of Devil Wears Prada, where Emily Charlton is now a publicity manager to celebrities. Lately though, a competitor has been stealing her business causing her to have somewhat of a midlife crisis. Fortunately, her longtime friend, Miriam introduces her to Karolina, a previous model who has been blackmailed by her senator husband, and needs Emily's help. Together, the 3 ladies, learn about life in Greenwhich, CT, support each other through at times, laugh out loud, cringe-worthy embarrassing , and super sad moments. I like that the story is narrated by all three ladies that highlights each of their own personalities. I rally enjoyed this book and recommend it to all lovers of Devil Wears Prada. Thank you to #netgalley and #Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this book in exchange of an honest review.
This book was everything and more. It brought light how powerful women can be in life, love and business. Following the stories of these three incredibly independent women as they overcome their struggles and surpass it all.
Lauren Weisberger is back with yet another Devil Wears Prada novel and it’s a catty, hysterical page turner. It’s likely that if this book is on your radar, you’ve either read Lauren Weisberger’s other books or are at least familiar with the film version of TDWP. This stays true to her style and is full of snappy one liners, over the top characters and my favorite – sarcasm.
Emily Charlton, former first assistant to Miranda Priestly (as if you could forget the devil herself), has made a name for herself as a sought after image consultant. She’s married, living in LA and making a living keeping Hollywood’s starlets out of hot water. She’s at the top of her game until a younger, hipper version of herself begins poaching her clients. Where better to gather her thoughts and nurse her wounded ego than at her friend, Miriam’s, house in the suburbs of Connecticut?
Miriam thought moving to the suburbs would be a great way to raise her young family in a safe, family friendly environment. The only problem? She has nothing in common with the uber-wealthy, plastic surgery savvy, lululemon clad housewives of Greenwich, Connecticut. After having left her high profile job in the city, she’s about one goldfish cracker away from actually going crackers.
Enter Karolina Hartwell – former supermodel turned Senator’s wife (how very Kennedy-esque) who finds herself in jail for a night after being pulled over for a DUI. Who could need Emily’s image consultant prowess and Miriam’s legal aid more than Karolina, whose life is now turned upside down after such a public arrest?
When Life Gives You Lululemons is full of the snark and sass that we would expect from Weisberger’s cattiest characters. It’s a quick, laugh out loud read with a few cringe worthy moments thrown in for good measure. Pick this one up for your book club/cocktail night with the girls, your next trip or just for a fun weekend read. It’s plenty of fun and perfectly suited for readers who prefer lighter fare in their reading. I would expect nothing less from this author and look forward to her future novels.
When Life Gives You Lululemons is an amusing read. It's chock full of pretension, manipulation, bored suburban housewives trying to be relevant and three women who need each other. I only saw the Devil Wears Prada movie, but am familiar with Emily and Miranda Priestly. Emily is hilarious in this book, as the. No nonsense fixer who doesn't understand what all the fuss is about over Any issue, although she can be often insufferable. Miranda makes several appearances and is just as imperious as usual. I'm sure fans will snap this latest installment faster than Emily quaffs wine.
After the disastrous follow up to The Devil Wears Prada, I was really skeptical about this one. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This is basically everything I look for in chick-lit- fun characters, quirky plot, a little bit of drama, fast read, and not too much thinking. Definitely a great "beach read" or just something fun to pick up if you are feeling stressed.
I should add that I mostly found this enjoyable because I could clearly see Emily Blunt as Emily and Meryl Streep as Miranda- I mean, how could you not?
I loved author Lauren Weisberger’s THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. I even admit to seeing the movie endlessly. Seriously. So I was very excited to get an ARC for WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LULULEMONS. It was fun, fast, surprising and a joy to read. One of the best characters from the PRADA book, Emily, is center-front in this one and she continues to be as entertaining and bitchy as ever. She is joined by a lifelong friend, an uber-attorney turned hausfrau and a former top model turned senator’s wife. This threesome alternate between which one is doing the rescuing, which is being rescued and which is practicing bystander intervention. There are a few plot twists that don’t hold up and a few details that never seem to be explained. In the overall scheme of things, they don’t diminish the book’s overall enjoyment but they keep it from being perfect. That said, who cares? Not me, actually. I had a romping good time reading it and recommend it for anyone wanting respite from our overly serious times. This is the very best brain candy available, sugar rush guaranteed. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley and I am most appreciative.
This book was a good mix of funny and drama. I loved having another book featuring Emily and this book had me hooked.
Emily has left Runway and is now in the business of saving celebrities after messes they find themselves in. When Emily is called on New Years Eve to go to NYC immediately she is found turned away and losing clients left and right to what she sees as a younger model of herself. She is no mood to return to LA because her husband will not be home for weeks. She decides to visit and stay with a friend, Miriam, who lives in the suburbs. The twist comes in when Miriam's friend Karolina, who is a senator's wife, finds herself being arrested with her step-son and his friends in the car for a DUI when all she has had to drink was half a glass of wine. Now her life seems to be spiraling out of control and can't seem to put the pieces to this puzzle together. Good thing she now has Emily on her side.
This was such a good story of women coming together and a funny look at what life in the NYC suburbs is like!