Last Night at Chateau Marmont

Lauren Weisberger (of The Devil Wears Prada fame) does this sort of "fish out of water" genre better than just about anybody, and her newest novel does not disappoint. Brook and Julian Alter are a happy New York couple - he's a singer/songwriter, she's a nutritionist. She works 2 jobs to support his musical career, but she loves him and doesn't begrudge him a thing. Then Sony gives him a record deal, his first album debuts at number 4 on the charts, and they are instantly thrown into a life for which they are utterly unprepared.

What I love about this novel is that I feel like Weisberger is giving me the inside scoop on "celebrity" and all that goes with it. The preparation instructions for Brook just to attend the Grammies are priceless, as is the hours long primping and dressing just to walk down the red carpet. And the supporting character - the managers and PR people - all have a believable sliminess and hardness. And I love that Brook tells her friend that all of the celebrities look, "thinner, and invariably older" in person.

This novel is an entertaining peek into a world I will never be part of, and that's what makes it enjoyable. And I can totally see a movie being made, with Amy Adams playing Brook... not sure who would play Julian though.

Last Night at Chateau Marmont: A Novel