Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel by Lauren Weisberger
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Book Reviews of Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel
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: I admire those who could finish this book
Summary: 1 Stars
After 106 pages of dribble, I finally had to put this book down. I've never read a Lauren Weisberger book, and I don't think I will ever ready anything else by this author. This book is boring, unimaginative and totally pointless, and I usually enjoy a good "chick lit" book.
The story follows the adventures of the pursuit of sex in love from three self obsessed, one dimensional, annoying characters.
Each characters vows to change there lives in the course of a year:
Adriana - Beautiful and shallow Brazilian who loves sex and likes to say "querida" alot - vows to be married by the end of the book
Emmy - Pathetic in that she likes to be in relationships with men that use her - vows to have one night stands with a man from every continent, except Antarctica
Leigh - Slightly OCD and a full on beoch, she doesn't know how to appreciate a man who truly loves her - vows to... well, I'm not really sure what she vows, but I was hoping it would be to stop complaining and waving her hand around every other paragragh(did anyone else notice this? The author always had her swirling, twirling or waving her hand, esp. when they all went on vacation together. I was like seriously, stop waving your hand!").
I would have finished this book if the characters went a little deeper, but the above pretty much sums up the main characters throughout the first half of the book. Maybe they redeemed themselves in the end, but I couldn't bring myself to read another 172 pages to find out. If you think "The Hills" is modern day Shakespeare, then you will probably love this book. If you find the above cliche, this book should be avoided at all cost, if just for the waving of the hands in every freaking paragraph alone!
Book Review: Pleasantly Surprised
Summary: 4 Stars
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. I didn't enjoy the author's second book at all, which I thought was just a clone of her first novel, the famous "Devil Wears Prada." I'm happy to report that Ms. Weisberger really branches out with her latest book, "Chasing Harry Winston." This book is nothing like her first two. It's a little slow in the beginning--I had some trouble getting into it. But about a quarter of the way through, the plot picked up, and I finished the book in two days. Yes, the ending is formulaic--but what else did anyone expect?? Also, I didn't really relate to any of the three female characters. But that didn't stop me from turning the pages and wondering what would happen next. Plus, I absolutely loved the story of Otis--what an adorable subplot!! Ms. Weisberger is a very talented writer--she certainly knows how to turn a phrase. I think some of the reviews here are unfair and harsh. This is a great summer read. I would call "Chasing Harry Winston" chick lit for intellectuals.Book Review: DON'T BOTHER
Summary: 1 Stars
This book is stupid. The characters and plot line are shallow, whining, and predictable. Don't waste your time.Book Review: Let Down
Summary: 2 Stars
After reading and loving Weisberger's first two novels, I had very high hopes for this one and boy, was I disappointed. I'm still looking for some meaning to the title in regards to the story, but at the same time, I really don't care. The plot was utterly predictable, but what bothered me more was the fact that I was counting down the pages until the ending rather than worrying if any of the characters would succeed or fail. Read this if you haven't read her Weisberger's other novels, but if you have, you may just want to wait for the next one.
Keep trying, Lauren! I have faith in you.