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A review by tessa_talks_books
Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino
5.0
What’s it about (in a nutshell):
Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino is thought-provoking, relatable, and realistic story about the current work conditions for young twenty-something professionals trying to get their break in their chosen careers.
What I Enjoyed:
I enjoyed several aspects of the novel, but I loved the sisterhood of the main characters–Olivia, Cate, Lauren, and Max–the best. They aren’t biological sisters, but their bonds can withstand as much as any genuine sister relationship. They hug and fight, agree and disagree, but in the end, they will always be there for one another through thick and thin. I loved the genuineness of the small nuances that create the complete picture. I even love that they keep secrets from one another because… well… don’t we all have those parts of ourselves that we don’t share unless we must?
This story made me think for a long time after I finished it. I contemplated the state of the work world today regarding harassment and toxic relationships with bosses compared to how it was in the 80s and the 2000s. It saddened me that things, even though they have improved somewhat, still are relatively the same as they were in those decades when such movies as 9 to 5 and The Devil Wears Prada sought to illuminate how badly bosses treat assistants. Here we are in 2022, sexual harassment runs rampant, and the toxicity still exists between some employers and their assistants. I think we can learn lessons from this story to make an even more significant dent in improving work conditions for all but primarily disproportionately targeted women.
I loved the fast pace of this third-person narrated story. The pages just sped by from beginning to end, flipping at break-neck speed the closer I got to the conclusion. I wanted the four young women to win… to come forward and say, “Yes, I am calling out my boss for bad, and in most cases illegal, behavior because I know if I don’t do it, those with the power to do such things will sweep it under the rug.” The women's empowerment just exudes off of the pages, and I couldn’t help but be swept up in their much-needed movement.
Characters:
The four main characters are incredibly well-developed, with different backgrounds, issues, and personal challenges. I particularly loved Lauren because of the complex challenges that only she faced-challenges stemming from race and skin color and problems of growing up without a father. Her character stood out to me because she was usually the dissenting voice among the four, and learning what made her tick taught me so much. I spent a lot of time telling her to take a leap of faith and just do it. Lol. If ever you talk to characters in a story, this one will be it. Cate is the most like me, Olivia is the least, and Max, sweet, quiet Max, I just wanted to hold her hand through the chaos and help her get to the other side. Then rejoice with her over her accomplishments.
Reminds Me Of:
It reminded me a lot of 9 to 5 and The Devil Wears Prada–every bit as horrifying, rallying, and relatable.
What I Wish:
The only technical issue with this story is that I had trouble keeping names straight. I’m not sure why that was since the characters are very well-developed and utterly different. But, yet I did.
To Read or Not to Read:
If you are looking for a fast-paced, thought-provoking story that will have you cheering for the underdog, then this is one you will want to pick up as soon as possible.
Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino is thought-provoking, relatable, and realistic story about the current work conditions for young twenty-something professionals trying to get their break in their chosen careers.
What I Enjoyed:
I enjoyed several aspects of the novel, but I loved the sisterhood of the main characters–Olivia, Cate, Lauren, and Max–the best. They aren’t biological sisters, but their bonds can withstand as much as any genuine sister relationship. They hug and fight, agree and disagree, but in the end, they will always be there for one another through thick and thin. I loved the genuineness of the small nuances that create the complete picture. I even love that they keep secrets from one another because… well… don’t we all have those parts of ourselves that we don’t share unless we must?
This story made me think for a long time after I finished it. I contemplated the state of the work world today regarding harassment and toxic relationships with bosses compared to how it was in the 80s and the 2000s. It saddened me that things, even though they have improved somewhat, still are relatively the same as they were in those decades when such movies as 9 to 5 and The Devil Wears Prada sought to illuminate how badly bosses treat assistants. Here we are in 2022, sexual harassment runs rampant, and the toxicity still exists between some employers and their assistants. I think we can learn lessons from this story to make an even more significant dent in improving work conditions for all but primarily disproportionately targeted women.
I loved the fast pace of this third-person narrated story. The pages just sped by from beginning to end, flipping at break-neck speed the closer I got to the conclusion. I wanted the four young women to win… to come forward and say, “Yes, I am calling out my boss for bad, and in most cases illegal, behavior because I know if I don’t do it, those with the power to do such things will sweep it under the rug.” The women's empowerment just exudes off of the pages, and I couldn’t help but be swept up in their much-needed movement.
Characters:
The four main characters are incredibly well-developed, with different backgrounds, issues, and personal challenges. I particularly loved Lauren because of the complex challenges that only she faced-challenges stemming from race and skin color and problems of growing up without a father. Her character stood out to me because she was usually the dissenting voice among the four, and learning what made her tick taught me so much. I spent a lot of time telling her to take a leap of faith and just do it. Lol. If ever you talk to characters in a story, this one will be it. Cate is the most like me, Olivia is the least, and Max, sweet, quiet Max, I just wanted to hold her hand through the chaos and help her get to the other side. Then rejoice with her over her accomplishments.
Reminds Me Of:
It reminded me a lot of 9 to 5 and The Devil Wears Prada–every bit as horrifying, rallying, and relatable.
What I Wish:
The only technical issue with this story is that I had trouble keeping names straight. I’m not sure why that was since the characters are very well-developed and utterly different. But, yet I did.
To Read or Not to Read:
If you are looking for a fast-paced, thought-provoking story that will have you cheering for the underdog, then this is one you will want to pick up as soon as possible.