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sanjeevp's review against another edition
1.0
On reading this book, the first question that arises is how can someone publish a book about the boring, mundane details of running a fashion magazine? What did the publisher find in this book that I am missing?
Regretfully, I found nothing interesting in prosaic details like going to work, having coffee, talking to friends etc.
Regretfully, I found nothing interesting in prosaic details like going to work, having coffee, talking to friends etc.
sueellen61's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed reading this book but was hoping for more juicy details about the fashion industry. Interesting read.
bristoni74's review against another edition
3.0
This "novel" had some fascinating insights into the fashion and magazine industry, however, whilst marketed as set around a fictitious magazine, it was obvious which magazine it was and I'm sure anyone in the industry could have clearly seen through the "fake" names. I did enjoy this book, however, there were some mixed messages and contradictions by the author, for e.g. at one point she claims not to like vintage clothing as she doesn't like the thought of wearing "dead people's clothes" but towards the end of the novel, when talking about the style of young people today and their obsession with designer labels, she claims when she was twenty something she "bought her clothes at vintages markets, army disposal stores or ballet-wear outlets". Recommended for anyone with a love of fashion and/or magazines.
astridandlouise's review against another edition
4.0
I was expecting this book to be much more than what it was and was pretty disappointed when at the beginning I noticed numerous grammatical errors which I did not expect or want to see.
It did get better but I was expecting more of a fictional novel than what I found myself reading.
Some of the faux names given to people throughout the book were easy to decipher; overall it wasn't what I was expecting. I still enjoyed the content but something about the whole combination seemed a little off and a little rushed. Unsure as to whether clement's publisher wanted to release another book quickly after the success of her first (which I believe to be true even if it hasn't been said) I feel the book could have been given more love and attention before a hasty release.
It did get better but I was expecting more of a fictional novel than what I found myself reading.
Some of the faux names given to people throughout the book were easy to decipher; overall it wasn't what I was expecting. I still enjoyed the content but something about the whole combination seemed a little off and a little rushed. Unsure as to whether clement's publisher wanted to release another book quickly after the success of her first (which I believe to be true even if it hasn't been said) I feel the book could have been given more love and attention before a hasty release.
samstillreading's review against another edition
3.0
I received this eARC from Net Galley and Melbourne University Publishing.
Tongue in Chic is a book that’s been hovering on the edge of my radar for some time. Not only does the paperback come in lots of pretty colours, but I do love a book set within the world of magazines. When it came to reading this book though…I have mixed feelings about it. I simply could not put it down (I read this in one day) but even though some bits were fascinating, some were just awkward.
I was expecting a fictional novel set in the world of magazines from the blurb. As I started reading, I got a little confused. Kirstie herself is the major character (nothing wrong with that), but then I got confused as to what was fiction and what might have been real but disguised. (I like magazines and fashion, but I’m certainly no insider). Living the high life during Fashion Week was loads of fun to read, but some of the conflict with others was uncomfortable. There were also some funny moments (people trying to get an interview/job in all sorts of outlandish ways) but some bits (mainly in regard to labels) came across as snobbish to me. I’m sure a watch from a discount store tells the time just as well as a designer one.
There are some very interesting parts about the demise of magazines with the rise of the internet. As a blogger (albeit a book one, not a fashion one), I was a bit offended – I have no desire to take over the London Review of Books (ha!) or even the review section of the local rag. Bloggers didn’t set up as direct opposition to magazines purposefully, it’s a labour of love for 99% of blogs. (Plus, nothing beats magazines for creating wishlists, looks and inspiration boards). The section on advertising and product placement was fascinating and did make me a bit more cynical as to which ‘products we love’ are loved by the accounts department or the staff themselves.
The gossipy, tell all nature of this book is what kept me reading, wondering if I was correct in my assumption that X character was really well known Y as well as the insights into the work behind the scenes. Other parts just didn’t work for me very well. I wonder if the book had been marketed as a sequel to The Vogue Factor (rather than fiction) if that would have changed my opinion. (Perhaps, but then possibly the stories the book contained wouldn’t have been as outlandish for fear of reprisal). I’d suggest borrowing this one from the library if you want to know more about the magazine industry both in its heyday and in the internet age.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Tongue in Chic is a book that’s been hovering on the edge of my radar for some time. Not only does the paperback come in lots of pretty colours, but I do love a book set within the world of magazines. When it came to reading this book though…I have mixed feelings about it. I simply could not put it down (I read this in one day) but even though some bits were fascinating, some were just awkward.
I was expecting a fictional novel set in the world of magazines from the blurb. As I started reading, I got a little confused. Kirstie herself is the major character (nothing wrong with that), but then I got confused as to what was fiction and what might have been real but disguised. (I like magazines and fashion, but I’m certainly no insider). Living the high life during Fashion Week was loads of fun to read, but some of the conflict with others was uncomfortable. There were also some funny moments (people trying to get an interview/job in all sorts of outlandish ways) but some bits (mainly in regard to labels) came across as snobbish to me. I’m sure a watch from a discount store tells the time just as well as a designer one.
There are some very interesting parts about the demise of magazines with the rise of the internet. As a blogger (albeit a book one, not a fashion one), I was a bit offended – I have no desire to take over the London Review of Books (ha!) or even the review section of the local rag. Bloggers didn’t set up as direct opposition to magazines purposefully, it’s a labour of love for 99% of blogs. (Plus, nothing beats magazines for creating wishlists, looks and inspiration boards). The section on advertising and product placement was fascinating and did make me a bit more cynical as to which ‘products we love’ are loved by the accounts department or the staff themselves.
The gossipy, tell all nature of this book is what kept me reading, wondering if I was correct in my assumption that X character was really well known Y as well as the insights into the work behind the scenes. Other parts just didn’t work for me very well. I wonder if the book had been marketed as a sequel to The Vogue Factor (rather than fiction) if that would have changed my opinion. (Perhaps, but then possibly the stories the book contained wouldn’t have been as outlandish for fear of reprisal). I’d suggest borrowing this one from the library if you want to know more about the magazine industry both in its heyday and in the internet age.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
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