The Second Assistant

Abridged
Author: Clare Naylor , Mimi Hare , Ali Marsh Weller
Narrator: Ali Marsh Weller
Genres: Fiction, Literature
Publisher: Penguin Audiobooks
Date: May 2004
Length: 6 hours
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 3.5/5
Formats:
  • CD

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 with. A former congressional intern in Washington, Lizzie makes a bid for a life change that lands her a job a world away, where ethics and First Amendment debates take a backseat to pleading the Fifth for ritalin-snorting boss Scott Wagner, the hottest young agent in Hollywood who devotes his days to playing online poker—that is, when he’s not closing a $30 million deal for one of his AAA-list clients. And while getting six hundred dollar highlights from Cameron D’s colorist or organizing the strippers for George C’s party come close to causing heart failure for this East Coast girl, the real dangers lurk elsewhere. But Lizzie is a survivor, and no Machiavellian assistant, lecherous producer, or power struggle at The Agency can douse her nascent dreams of climbing up the Hollywood ladder. But first she has to run down to the Coffee Bean to pick up that triple espresso, or Scott is going to throw something....

For anyone who loved The Nanny Diaries or The Devil Wears Prada, The Second Assistant is a compulsively readable novel and a gleeful skewering of Tinsel Town packed with outrageous, thinly veiled stories about the deranged, the dastardly, and the unspeakably glamorous that will have tongues wagging from coast to coast.

Reviews (11)

Ready for the First Asst

Written by Anonymous on March 12th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I was hoping to relate as an Assistant myself, but it was a little far fetched. However, it was still entertaining to listen to. The music between chapters got to me a little, but once I was able to get through that I was consumed by the story.

Funny!

Written by Anonymous on August 15th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I liked this. Am I crazy or is the narrator the actress that plays Kate on Drew Carey and Dr. Fox's wife on Srubs?

Not sure what I like

Written by Shane Nixon from Burlington, NC on July 19th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

The story is OK. The characters are predictable. The plot is jumpy. The narration is good but not great, and yet for some reason I found myself in love with this book. From the outrageous things our heroing did, to the whirlwind end I was enthralled. NOT a Prada fan, but this one is better than just good!

Fun and light

Written by Anonymous on March 3rd, 2006

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed this book, and those who have said that if you like Bridget Jones or The Devil Wear Prada you'll enjoy this are right on. A relatable character without a lot of annoying repetition. I thought there were places in the book that could have used more discussion, but all in all it was fun.

Second Assistant

Written by Anonymous on November 23rd, 2005

  • Book Rating: 4/5

If you like Bridget Jones and the Devil Wears Prada, then you will enjoy this as well. Well read and all around amusing. An enjoyable read.

Fun and interesting.

Written by Kim Townsel on October 29th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Enjoyable listen. The story line is straightforward. At first the narrator’s voice was difficult to get used to, rather nasal, but after a while Ali Marsh Weller’s voice was quite delightful and distinct. (I think I heard her doing a voice commercial for Wal-Mart.) I would listen to more work by both the authors and Weller.

Second Assistant

Written by Kim Todd from Woodbury, MN on October 29th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This was a fun read - light and "fluffy". If you like "The Devil Wears Prada" - you'll enjoy this book.

Light chick read

Written by AC on September 15th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 3/5

Same vein as Bridget Jones, so if you liked that, you should like this. Reader's voice was pleasant enough. The topics are light enough so you don't get too distracted while driving, but keep you interested through the end.

Not that great

Written by Anonymous from Bartlett, IL on August 20th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 3/5

Disappointed in this book. It seemed to go nowhere and the ending was a real let down.

Second Assistant

Written by Carolyn on July 8th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 4/5

This was a great read - was a fun and uplifting story.