I recently read the book Everyone worth Knowing by the Lauren Weisberger. Many of you have probably heard of her, as she is also the author of the well known novel The Devil Wears Prada. I have not read very many of Weisberger’s books, but I was drawn to Everyone worth Knowing because it tells the story of a young woman, Bette Robinson, who begins a Public Relations Career in Manhattan. Since I am currently a PR student, this topic was of great interest to me.
I was extremely excited to start reading this book. I remember thinking to myself, “This will give me a glimpse into what my future as a PR professional will be.” I was so wrong. As much as I loved this book, I don’t think it gave a very accurate portrayal of what it will be like to work in PR.
The main idea of the novel was that the main character, Bette, gets a new job at a boutique PR agency in New York. She had no previous experience, but somehow she ended up working with many high profile clients. It seemed like her whole job consisted of going to parties ever night, and being forced to date one of the most desirable bachelors in all of New York in order to increase his own publicity and the publicity of Bette’s PR agency.
From everything that I have learned so far in school, PR is about so much more than going to parties and hanging out with celebrities. This book seemed to glamorize the career and it didn’t do a very good job of showing what PR is really about.
However, with all of that aside, I really did like this book. It was funny and very engaging. One thing that I really liked about the novel was the high amount of character development. Bette especially was a very complex and likable character. She seemed like a real person, and someone who I would want to hang out with.
I hope that all of you check out this book. I would be interested to hear some of your opinions about it.
Happy Reading
Do you think that the writer may have taken the image of Samantha from Sex and the City as her basis for what someone in PR does? Sounds like a good book though.
ReplyDeleteI wish that my life as a PR practitioner will be that exciting, but you are right, I highly doubt it. I am interested in reading it still.
ReplyDeleteYou have really inspired me to start reading again, ever since I have been in post secondary school I have really lost interest in reading because of all the text books. I plan to read some of your suggestions this summer for sure
ReplyDeleteI read this book a couple of years ago and well, it has been my favorite ever since. Lauren Weisberger is a great author. Right now I am actually working on her third novel after Chasing Harry Winston. I have been working on it for a while now, not because it can't keep my interest but rather because I don't have enough time to pick it up and finish it.
ReplyDeleteI actually got into PR after reading the back of this book. Though I was disappointed to learn my life would not be like Bette's, I am still interested in the profession. I suppose next time I will have to read the whole book, and am now intrigued because I've always enjoyed books which focus on character development.
ReplyDeleteI think that every outlet glamorized the PR profession in every aspect. However, there are times where PR can be glamorous and it is quite fun rubbing shoulders with celebrities and very important industry people. It is always better to share the high points of a career rather than the stressful periods.
ReplyDeleteI'm not usually into chick lit, but this one sounds interesting because the subject is something I'm actually interested in. I might just have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteLaura, I love chick lit as well, and Lauren Weisberger. I will have to pick up this book for sure. I read "Chasing Harry Winston" and couldn't put it down, as with most books in this genre. Thanks for all of the great reviews, they have given me a long list for summer reading!
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis about how this book inappropriately glamourizes public relations. I can't help but wonder how many people have been misinformed about the nature of the career through fictional depictions, only to be disappointed when they learn that the glam PR jobs comprise such a small percentage of what's out there.
ReplyDeleteI love when PR is glamorized, I wish it was like this is real life. Sounds like a good book.
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