The Second Assistant: A Tale from the Bottom of the Hollywood Ladder

by Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare

Book Overview

No political science degree could ever prepare Elizabeth Miller for her new job as second assistant at The Agency, whose clients include everyone you?ve never met?but you know who they?re sleeping... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670033073
• ISBN13: 9780670033072
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 321 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Entertaining!

Its a fun, easy and amusing read! I loved how realistic the book is though, I work as an asst in Hollywood and I totally related to the character and her life. So if you're looking for a funny and entertaining book, then give this one a read!

Top of the ladder in chick lit

I enjoyed this book a whole lot more than The Nanny Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada. While the three books are, indeed similar in scope and content, The Second Assistant takes the genre of chick lit to a whole new level. Our heroine, Elizabeth Miller, is a talented, educated young woman who switches from politics to the movie industry- moving from Washington, D.C. to L.A. A fish out of water, Elizabeth's character was instantly likeable to me- she was funny, fresh, and a lot of fun. While the tasks she did for her cocaine-snorting boss were quite menial, Elizabeth laughs at herself. Elizabeth never complains about the work she has to do, never treats it with contempt or a whiny attitude- always with a touch of sarcasm. From attending the hot Hollywood parties that anybody would kill to be invited to, to the movie moguls who ceaselessly stalk her, Elizabeth treats her subject with grace and humor that is unparallelled in any other book in the wide-ranging chick lit genre.

For those who tried Nanny...Prada....

Finally! This is the book that does it! If you read The Nanny Diaries and wondered why?? If you read The Devil Wears Prada and -really- wondered why?? This book will answer your questions as to why one struggles with crazy bosses, unreasonable working conditions, and industry madness all while being at the bottom of the corporate food chain.Elizabeth Miller leaves the static world of D.C. politics for Hollywood to work for The Agency, the hottest talent agency in the business. As a second assistant she quickly learns that appearances are everything and nothing is what it seems. We follow her through her dating and work related faux pas and successes, and meet some rather interesting characters along the way. What I liked best about this book is that it isn't sugar coated or completely over the top. Elizabeth and her co-workers are brilliantly written and the scenes from The Agency feel like a reality TV show all their own. The book is fast paced, funny, and a great summer read. So, if you've been looking for a break from the usual "chick lit" read, (I know, I'm tired of that label, too.) get a hold of The Second Assistant. You'll have a ball.

Not just for girls!

I was given this book. One look at the cover, and I wasn't hopeful. I read the first few pages one morning when I woke early. I didn't get up until 3.30pm, the book finished, my day shot to pieces. I thought this was going to be strictly for girls . But no. KELLS loved it.I was particularly taken by the main character, Elizabeth (or at least I wish I was). Apart from falling hopelessly in love with her, I really felt as if i was being let into the secret world of how a modern, cool girl, lives, thinks, and sees. What a treat! I would love to meet her.There's no political correctness coming from Naylor and Hare, which not only is a relief, but one of the main reasons the book is laugh out loud. Crazy Hollywood parties, people etc. are dealt with brilliantly, and all through the eyes of our wonderfully straight, easy going heroine. The authors also sail wonderfully close to the wind as to portraying real Hollywood stars.

LA and Hollywood are evil - but fun to laugh at!

Fabulously entertaining read. Not just chick lit. Deliciously written. Tells many stories that needed to be told and left me giggling away. And the authors are really hot!