A couple of months ago, this lovely woman at Simon and Schuster contacted me and asked if I’d read and possibly review a book on my blog. Free books? Bring it.

The book – Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger.. author of The Devil Wears Prada and Everyone Worth Knowing (which I’ve also read, on a beach somewhere.. in fact, I think it was St. Lucia and I scooped the book from the hotel library.)

So, I read Last Night at Chateau Marmont in five days and have a few things to share about it, if you’re considering a chick-lit find for the holidays, either to give or to keep for yourself. It’s ideal to read as you sip hot chocolate in bed, in silk pajamas, with a firming mask on your face, and a cat in your lap and some Ray LaMontagne playing in the background. (just a thought..)

The scoop: At first, the protagonist, Brooke Alter, annoyed me. But I related to her despite that. The story is about a 30-year woman in the height of her career, married to the love of her life, a musician, Julian. The story is as much about Brooke as it is about her husband’s sudden rise to fame as a solo artist. Can’t say I didn’t let my  mind wander a bit with this story, which is exactly what a good story should do.

The dirt: Early in the book, Brooke is just a little too understanding and door-mat like for my taste . She’s wishy washy when it comes to telling her husband, or her best friend, how she feels. Maybe I just tell Rob too much, but the lack of communication in this fictitious marriage is as in your face as a firming mask on a Sunday night. Just sayin.

But the story hooks you, nonetheless.

Eventually, Brooke goes through a proverbial metamorphasis that is signature to any of Weisberger’s stories. Is it a bit predictable? Sure, however that doesn’t take away from the story’s flow, fun or readability. In other words. I couldn’t put it down! It was the perfect brain break from my usual reading choices and daily work and writing, which is always a welcomed distraction.

Weisberger has a way with her readers, extracting the very ingredients she knows they will devour. She neatly stuffs details and nuances into the pockets of her stories about marriage, love, sex, infidelity, female friendships, career aspirations and ambitious young professionals. The details are definitely the meat and potatoes in her stew. And I ate it up.

So, I’ve left the best parts of the story out, but I won’t leave you hanging! Simon and Schuster sent me a copy of the book to give to you and so that’s what today’s post is about: GIVING YOU FREE THINGS. Love.

WIN A COPY/GIFT A COPY! I decided a random draw would be best (since I’ve never really done a giveaway on the blog before). You can win it for yourself or a friend…or your rockstar, musician husband, if you have one.

Enter by leaving a comment (or emailing me) stating what your favorite Simon and Schuster book is, or fave Lauren Weisberger book is. Or, follow me on Twitter and let me know that you did. Do all three and get three entries! Do one, and get one. You get the idea…. Simple, right? I’m not hard to please, I guess.

[Editor's Note:  contest closes Tuesday, Dec 7  at noon EST...winner announed Tuesday evening!]

Have a great weekend and look out for another post… I’m feeling very “type-ish” today!

Love,

s