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aliwang's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Fatphobia, Racism, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Silicon Valley gets the Devil Wears Prada treatment in this entertaining and relatable glimpse into the elusive world of tech startups, industry wide elitism and male dominated work culture our protagonist, Zoe finds herself faced with.
I found this a fun and engaging read with a protagonist, whose path to rediscovering herself (and redefining her identity outside of her career) was soo compelling. I loved how strongly Zoe champions diversity (especially as a fashion loving, plus sized reader myself.) And felt her ability to challenge traditional (euro-centric) beauty standards— by fighting for what she believes in, made her such a strong and endearing character that many readers are gonna adore.
It actually wasn’t until I finished that I found out that author, Kyla Zhao, has a background in fashion herself (previously writing for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar in Singapore) and now works for a tech company in Silicon Valley— which definitely makes Zoe’s own experiences even more thought provoking.
Sexism and workplace harassment are two of the main focuses of narrative but I did enjoy the slow-burn romance we see develop between Zoe and love interest Damien. Though I do warn if your only here for the romance then you might be a little disappointed as it does take a back seat to the Zoe’s juggling of her workload, her friends back in New York and burgeoning friendship with consultant turned stylist Bernadette. If you’re new to romance however, then this is definitely a great starting place.
The supporting cast weren’t as in depth as I would’ve liked but their interactions were still incredibly engaging and entertaining. Lillian’s portrayal was especially interesting and I did enjoy getting to know her a little better.
Overall, a fairly quick and fun read that would be perfect for a readalong or Bookclub (especially as the UK edition contains questions at the back to help get discussions started.)
Also, a huge thank you to Headline for the PB copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body shaming, Racism, and Alcohol
Minor: Infertility and Sexual assault
ajacobs590's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
If I had to pick the theme of this book I would say female empowerment! When Zoe leaves the fashion industry for the tech industry she learns how different these worlds are. Throughout this book you see Zoe find her voice and to stand up for what she believes in.
I really connected with this book as well. Zoe deals with issues that many women deal with in both society and the workplace. She is even told that women are emotionally and their word isn't as strong as a man's. I'm glad that she fights through that and shows what women can do! Coming into her new role and having her coworkers think less of her because she knows fashion and not tech. Then she ends up really showing how she can thrive with her work.
This book dealt with real issues that happen in the workplace. There is also a trigger warning at the beginning of the book because there is some conversations about sexual harassment in this book. So please be mindful of that when picking up this book.
I felt like the characters were wonderfully written. I did get frustrated with Cassie and Bjorn. They were so focused on Zoe's raise that they made it seem like nothing else could be wrong in her job. That made Zoe feel isolated and they she couldn't talk about issues she was facing. She was able to find someone to talk about everything but in the meantime she felt alone.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I think it is worth the read and as a woman it makes you realize you aren't alone with the world wants to make you small and fit into a box.
I really connected with this book as well. Zoe deals with issues that many women deal with in both society and the workplace. She is even told that women are emotionally and their word isn't as strong as a man's. I'm glad that she fights through that and shows what women can do! Coming into her new role and having her coworkers think less of her because she knows fashion and not tech. Then she ends up really showing how she can thrive with her work.
This book dealt with real issues that happen in the workplace. There is also a trigger warning at the beginning of the book because there is some conversations about sexual harassment in this book. So please be mindful of that when picking up this book.
I felt like the characters were wonderfully written. I did get frustrated with Cassie and Bjorn. They were so focused on Zoe's raise that they made it seem like nothing else could be wrong in her job. That made Zoe feel isolated and they she couldn't talk about issues she was facing. She was able to find someone to talk about everything but in the meantime she felt alone.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I think it is worth the read and as a woman it makes you realize you aren't alone with the world wants to make you small and fit into a box.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment
fromjuliereads's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I had to think on this one for a while for what my rating is and how I felt. I admit that I struggled with this one when I read it for a few reasons. There were aspects I liked but things I struggled with as well.
I liked that this was set in the world of IT. I liked a few of the characters, the friendships, that there was a romance but it definitely wasn't the main plot. And I loved that this showed the ability to make a big change in your life for your life and career, how you can switch into something but use what you know.
I also want to acknowledge that of course I cannot speak to the rep, and I believe some parts of this story could be taken from the author's experiences - but I might be wrong.
The things I struggled with.
The interactions with the only female coworker and other coworkers. The main character is determined to believe the worst in all of her new coworkers, except for 2 people - one who does turn out to be the worst of all. And the only other woman in the office? She worries about being judged by her, but all she does is judge and misunderstand the other woman. She doesn't even try with her, just takes literally everything personally.
She never stands up for herself. I have no idea how this character would have survived in the fashion world when all she did was take time off work and cry when things came up. It was a bit hard to root for her between this and the above point.
I think the biggest struggle I had was that I work in IT. I don't work in Silicon Valley or at a start up for an app, but I have worked in IT for over 6 years. This book felt a bit determined to show the worst sides of it which I was a bit surprised by. Sure, there are struggles to it and some of these things can happen at any company or job, but a lot of this book just felt so negative towards... well everything.
Anyways I think there were some truly important conversations brought up in this book and there were elements that I truly loved - like I said, the friendships, and definitely the way everything wrapped and the epilogue. Fantastic. It just isn't a book I could recommend highly.
I liked that this was set in the world of IT. I liked a few of the characters, the friendships, that there was a romance but it definitely wasn't the main plot. And I loved that this showed the ability to make a big change in your life for your life and career, how you can switch into something but use what you know.
I also want to acknowledge that of course I cannot speak to the rep, and I believe some parts of this story could be taken from the author's experiences - but I might be wrong.
The things I struggled with.
The interactions with the only female coworker and other coworkers. The main character is determined to believe the worst in all of her new coworkers, except for 2 people - one who does turn out to be the worst of all. And the only other woman in the office? She worries about being judged by her, but all she does is judge and misunderstand the other woman. She doesn't even try with her, just takes literally everything personally.
She never stands up for herself. I have no idea how this character would have survived in the fashion world when all she did was take time off work and cry when things came up. It was a bit hard to root for her between this and the above point.
I think the biggest struggle I had was that I work in IT. I don't work in Silicon Valley or at a start up for an app, but I have worked in IT for over 6 years. This book felt a bit determined to show the worst sides of it which I was a bit surprised by. Sure, there are struggles to it and some of these things can happen at any company or job, but a lot of this book just felt so negative towards... well everything.
Anyways I think there were some truly important conversations brought up in this book and there were elements that I truly loved - like I said, the friendships, and definitely the way everything wrapped and the epilogue. Fantastic. It just isn't a book I could recommend highly.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Attempted sexual harrassment on page, sexual harrassment to a side character recounted (act off page)biteychan's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
This is a sweet romance that can honestly barely be called that because it’s not as saturated throughout the book like most romances. But the story was enjoyable. If you’ve read about Silicon Valley or worked in it, this book makes your skin crawl at all the appropriate parts. Author did a great job capturing the culture.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment
hesticht's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
christinax92's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
arireadsitall's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really really enjoyed this one!! Zoe is a girl boss (and not the annoying kind)! Like her first book this is very fashion and social media heavy. But it’s also very take down the man (which we love)
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment
wrenl's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
An average women’s empowerment story. There isn’t anything unique or new in this book. It reinforces ideas about how to break into a boys’ club like tech. It’s a very girl power story with a side of romance and lots of friendship heaped on top. Nothing new but still a quick and light hearted read.
But I did enjoy all of the tech lingo. It felt very real, and you can trust because I also work in tech
But I did enjoy all of the tech lingo. It felt very real, and you can trust because I also work in tech
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault
ruby_kitsune's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A fun read that delved into the struggles of working in fashion and in tech. If you love "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Princess Diaries" I feel like this will be the book for you. There were some things that irked me about this book, if you really struggle with naive protagonists and/or secondhand embarrassment this is probably not for you, but despite that I did have a lot of fun with this. The audiobook was well done, and I definitely want to read more from Kyla Zhao.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Racism
Minor: Infertility