I guess we come for the author's brand-dropping. This time it's more dermatology than fashion. The husband and daughter's stories were more interesting than the protagonist's. Most people will find the book satisfying.

Sweet Child O’ Mine is the best song by Guns N’ Roses.

Rounding out the Top 3 are Welcome to the Jungle, then Patience. And then Paradise City is 4th. CHANGE MY MIND!

Unfortunately Lauren Weisberger’s latest novel Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty, which takes its name from a verse in my #4 GNR pick, won’t make it onto any of my Top 3 lists either. I’ll get to my reasons, but first let’s break down how the plot about Peyton and Skye, two sisters that are knock-knock-knockin' on 40's door, ties to Paradise City’s lyrics:

“Take me down to the paradise city” = Much of the book takes place in a Stepford Wives-like suburb of New York called Paradise.

“Where the grass is green and the girls are pretty” = Everyone tries to keep up with the joneses, and the women will do anything to maintain their youthful glow including gross experimental beauty treatments.

“I’m your charity case so buy me something to eat, I’ll pay you at another time” = One of the main characters has massive credit card debt from trying to establish a residence for less fortunate girls.

"Rags to riches or so they say, Ya gotta keep pushin' for the fortune and fame” = Peyton’s ambition took her from a community college start to co-hosting a national morning talk show.

"Ya treat it like a capital crime, Everybody's doin' the time” = Someone broke the law by trying to bribe Princeton to admit their daughter, and that someone is going to jail for it.

It’s an interesting idea, isn’t? Breaking down a song’s lyrics to inspire a novel’s plot. I don’t know that Weisberger specifically did that here, but if not it’s quite a happy coincidence. What she does say she did in the Author’s Note is write it during a global pandemic and shortly after the devastating passing of her longtime editor. “Tapping into any small shred of creativity - especially for a book that’s supposed to be a beach read - felt impossible.” Plus, she was homeschooling her kids and dealing with social isolation, as so many were in 2020. After reading that, it all made sense.

You see, the book just isn’t any fun. I thought her last novel, When Life Gives You Lululemons, was a blast, and that’s what I was hoping for here. Instead it’s a by-the-numbers (lyrics?), ripped-from-the-headlines plot with vapid characters and an eye-roll ending. Plus there are some questionable “white savior” elements that may offend some readers.

It’s not all bad, though. The teen daughter is a truly likable, admirable character with an enjoyable storyline, and fans of morning TV (and particularly “The Morning Show” series) will find that aspect entertaining. I also got a kick out of the chapter titles, which show Weisberger still has some pep left in her step.

But ultimately can you forgive a book for just having a bad case of the 2020’s? I’m inclined to, which takes my 2.5 rating up to a 3 here. I’m rooting for the author to bounce back with a follow up beach read that feels a little something more like a trip to chick lit paradise.

My thanks to Lauren Weisberger and Random House Publishing Group for providing an advance copy via NetGalley for review. Where the Grass is Green and the Girls Are Pretty is scheduled for US publication on May 18th, 2021.

As usual, Lauren Weisberger has her finger on the pulse of modern life. I enjoyed seeing a bit of a different perspective of an all-too-familiar story: how a college admissions cheating scandal might affect the college-bound teen.

While not the first book about the college admission scandal this is certainly a great one filled with lies family drama and a bit of glitz and glammer . Perfect distraction book. This book was graciously provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The title is from the song "Paradise" which is where part of this story takes place. I felt like that is a title I would have come up with when I was younger. I felt the same about the names in this book. They didn't fit the characters so much as they seemed like cute names that the author liked. The actual story was fine, nothing interesting or outstanding. The entire time I kept thinking this was a book written for a class. Sure there was a complete story, but it was uninspired.

Get ready for a scorching school scandal that leaves readers questioning what they would do in a similar situation. In an era of parents paying to secure their children's admission to sought-after schools, Lauren Weisberger pens a novel that's filled with twists and turns up to the final page.

On the surface, Peyton Marcus appears to have everything. Co-host of a popular TV show, surrounded by fine things and beaming with pride that her daughter has perfect grades and is preparing for Princeton. Behind the sparkling veneers, Peyton doubts herself and will do anything to have her daughter succeed. Skirting a fine line, she accepts a guest's expert advice and donated money to provide Max a better shot at Princeton.

Peyton's ivory tower comes crashing around her as Isaac is charged and Max's Ivy League acceptance is in question. As she looks on in horror, the family decides to let Isaac take the fall for Peyton's crime. As America's darling, she has more to lose than a slap on the wrist. Will she be able to let her loved ones pay for her misguided mistake?

Thank you to #NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the early edition of Lauren Weisberger's #WheretheGrassIsGreenandtheGirlsArePretty in exchange for an honest review. When Peyton's makeup starts cracking, that' reveals the real woman and her lack of self-confidence. At that point, readers are able to bond with the protagonist. That carefully-constructed aloofness and leading lady persona is a façade. When Peyton casts asides society's expectations, she's able to be herself and embrace Max's dreams.

While the novel centers around Peyton's actions, her sister, Skye and daughter were my favorite characters. Despite their flaws, I rooted for them to succeed and overcome Peyton's obstacles. Weisberger's fans will fall in love with her latest good read.

The characters are flawed and believable, the topic is relevant
For fans of The Morning Show and anyone with a sister or a child who has applied to college

I really enjoyed this book. Like other Lauren Weisberger books, this one is extremely current and full of tons of pop culture references. The book follows Peyton and her daughter Max, who has just been accepted to Princeton. What Max doesn't know is that her mom paid for her admission. The story is very similar to the college scandal that occurred a few years ago, and with specific references to Lori Laughlin and the entire situation. Overall a very good read, very quick and easy to read.

I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't my favorite of Lauren Weisberger's. The story was interesting but I couldn't connect with most of the characters, which was probably my own fault: Max was my favorite character but I felt like she was unrealistically much more mature than I was at her age, and I don't have a sister so I wasn't able to identify with Peyton and Skye's bond (plus, I'm very lucky that my brother and I are very close and we rarely fight).

I thought the concept was super interesting, because who wasn't tantalized by the college admissions scandal? But there were sections where I felt like some details were missing, and while, without spoiling anything, I can see why the author made that choice in most places, but that made this book not work as well for me as her others have. I enjoyed this book but I don't think I would read it again, which is a big change from her other books. I must have read The Devil Wears Prada, Everyone Worth Knowing, and Chasing Harry Winston at least five times each, and her other books at least twice each, but this is the first one I don't automatically want to reread.

Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty by Lauren Weisberger is an excellent book by an amazingly readable author, This book showcases the redemptive power of love. Weisberger has the perfect elements to keep the reader absolutely enthralled —- tragedy, long held beliefs questioned, conflicted relationship dynamics, real life scandals, and relatable characters. Seriously, this is a book that you will start and finish all in the same day. Carve out some time so you are ready!

The book features multiple strong female characters which Weisberger excels at. Peyton is the morning news anchor much loved by all, Skye is her sister and the stay at home mom with big dreams to change the world, and Max is Peyton’s daughter on the cusp of starting college at Princeton who is a talented videographer. All seems to be going well with the family until the FBI gets involved by accusing Peyton’s husband, Isaac, of paying for admission to Princeton for his daughter.

This obviously sends shockwaves into their well ordered plans and what occurs afterwards will have you riveted. As this college admission scandal was played out in the news by well known celebrities recently this book was especially timely. You were provided a bit of insight into why such choices might have been made. All the characters are forced to navigate a whirlwind of emotions and drama to find their new normal.

As always, Weisberger has outstanding storytelling with a few twists and a satisfying conclusion to much of the internal struggles, She tells this story with exquisite detail and you feel true empathy. You know you are invested in the characters fully when you can’t help but ponder how you would handle this situation and if you would ever deviate so radically from your values to help your child succeed.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Random House Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review on Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

Where the Grass is Green and the Girls are Pretty is a tough read to sympathize with since it's being released during the Covid pandemic. The main sisters are both wealthy and entitled and one deals with being caught buying her daughter into college, while the other is hiding overspending. This becomes a tone-deaf story to read while the majority of Americans are still handling schools being closed, worry about finances and fear of getting ill.

I stuck with it though, even when I wasn't enjoying a word of it. Then the main character is getting an over-priced facial and doesn't want the one she got before where it made her look like she had AIDS. That's right, looking like you have AIDs is a fun snide remark. Those were the last words I read because I was horrified by those horribly insensitive and offensive words.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.

REVIEW - 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 🌟


I have always loved Lauren Weisberger’s books! I started with the Devil Wears Prada, and since, I have devoured everything she has written. So, when I saw she had a new release, I could not wait to read it and I am happy to say that it did not disappoint!

Peyton Marcus is a national news anchor who seems to have it all. She is at the top of her career, has a loving husband, and her daughter, Max, is headed to Princeton in the fall. Her sister, Skye lives a privileged life with her husband and daughter in the suburbs - literally named “Paradise” (had to chuckle at that one…) Max, who dreamed of film school, has set aside those dreams to attend Princeton, her father’s alma mater. Max has struggled fitting in during high school, and can’t seem to live up to the aspirations her mother has for her.

Ripped from the headlines, a college admission scandal sends the lives of all three women and those around them into a tailspin. Can the relationships between husband and wife, sister and sister, and mother and daughter survive the fallout of Peyton’s actions? Having followed the recent admissions scandal closely in the news, I was drawn in by the way Weisberger took the story and used it as a central line in women’s fiction.

This book was escapist reading at it’s finest. As a girl from rural Arkansas, I didn’t always relate to the opulence of the lives of the main characters, but that is part of what made fun. I finished this one on a nine hour flight, and the time passed quickly as I was completely engaged in the lives of Peyton, Skye and Max. Recommend to anyone looking for a great summer read!

Note: Thank you to Lauren Weisburger, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren Weisberger is a must read for me! Her book The Singles Game is one of my comfort reads. This wasn’t my favorite of her books but reading how both main characters were forced to reckon with their problems. It was so relevant due to the Varsity Blues/College Admissions scandal and I liked the three perspectives angle.

{Thank you to Random House for my gifted copy.}

First off, can you read this book title without singing it?? I tried, but I can't! And if you also enjoy the "adults behaving badly trope" with a story ripped right from the headlines, this just might be the book for you!
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I read The Devil Wears Prada, also by Lauren Weisberger, many years ago and was in a very different stage of life (I was in college!)⁣ have found that with some authors, my reading preferences have matured beyond their content...I mean there is only so much talk about Botox, Lululemon, and perfectly manicured lifestyles one can take!

But I was looking for a lighter read and after reading and loving Girls With Bright Futures, which also took on the college scandal element, I decided to give this one a go, and it was such a great read!
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One of the things Wiesberger excels at is creating characters that at first glance, come across as a bit unlikeable, but she presents them in a way where you truly can see them from different vantage points. A beach read with a bit of dimension is my kind of weekend reading and I highly recommend adding this one to your summer reading list.

I couldn’t finish this. Sad to say because I love the authors but the characters were so unlike able. I felt it tried too hard from the beginning.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for ARC to read and review.

This was my first Lauren Weisberger novel, however I have seen the movie The Devil Wears Prada.

The author delves into the college admission scandal world through the lives of two sisters. I just felt no sympathy/empathy for these two. They live in such a high state of privilege and they both manage to make terrible choices that hurt the ones they love the most.

Couldn't finish it.

Bestselling author Lauren Weisberger's newest beach read, Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty, is a fun, satirical, and sometimes heartfelt read that follows morning TV sweetheart Peyton Marcus and her family as they navigate the fallout from a poor decision Peyton makes. Peyton's entire family is affected by what she does, and we see the impact on each family member. Most affected are Peyton's daughter Max, sister Skye, and husband Isaac. While the main plot of the book is pulled from the headlines, this book gives us a look at how these scandals may happen. Peyton justifies her actions based on her desire to help her daughter have a better future than her own past. As the story unfolds, we see the superficial pretenses of families with a certain lifestyle and how Peyton evolves and discovers what is most important. The author has a gift for making fun of that lifestyle while also making the characters human. I couldn't wait to Lauren Weisberger's latest novel, and it did not disappoint!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the Advanced Reader Copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

It was interesting to read the acknowledgements at the end of this book as they referenced how hard it was to write this book during the quarantine for the COVID-19 pandemic. I'd imagine! We were all in a place we had never been before, dealing with all new challenges and mentally strung out. That said, I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't my favorite Weisberger. The story line felt a bit convoluted and there were times I really didn't understand character motivation or actions. There were a few things that never really got addressed or resolved. The ending seemed a bit abrupt. The novel does cover many issues with society today - the stress and pressure on the whole family to get into a good college, the stereotype of the rich suburban mom, growing up too fast, etc. It's an interesting story but the flaws did bother me.

Lauren Weisberger really knows how to draw you into a story and I adored her new novel. It talks about family and struggle and love and redemption and I just love every character she puts on a page. A current novel with a very serious undertone, I highly recommend this read.

Weisberger’s new novel is a thoughtful read. Peyton is a successful talk to host while Skye is a stay at home mom, bored with all of her activities. Max is anticipating heading off to college. Until one thoughtless action creates havoc. I thought Peyton was clueless about consequences for a good portion of the book. Skye’s pressing issue was not resolved. I liked Max the best. She was genuine and kept in character the entire book. I also liked globetrotting Claudia who dispensed advice which neither of the daughters listened. It’s a absorbing read.