‘When Life Gives You Lululemons’ by Lauren Weisberger was a North Vancouver City library book club selection for this month, January 2020. If I had not felt an obligation to read it, I would have quit in the first five pages. I am glad I didn’t, it turned into a fun and funny romp. That first impression was a portrayal of ‘The Lifestyles of the Rich and Vacuous.’ A shallow materialistic bunch of catty Connecticut house wives. And there is lots of snark. But when the reader level sets from high literature to beach reading and just goes with the flow, this is a good entertaining read.
Lululemons follows Emily Charlton from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, a movie I have watched again and again, because I think Merle Streep is outstanding as Miranda Priestly. That Ms. Weisberger created such a strong character is a triumph. The characters in Lululemons were not as great as Priestly, who makes a cameo. I felt the main characters all shared a common voice that made it difficult to differentiate them as some points. If a line didn’t have ‘Emily said’ or ‘Miriam said’ it was difficult to follow conversations. Anyone could have said it. And there were a few scenes at parties or social gatherings that I felt explored the shallowness of life rather than advanced to plot. There were a couple of points I wanted to just see what was going on with the main story but had to wade through the minor story arcs. Although these scenes are hilarious.
Spoiler: I did think there were a couple of weaknesses of the ‘Tell vs Show’ variety. We learn that Miranda Priestly affects the plot in a major way but we only see the result. I would have liked to see that scene. And the whole artificial insemination of Karolina when Graham had already had a vasectomy sounds so unethical that I expected the women to sue the doctors and clinics involved into oblivion. But nothing.
I felt it got a little sentimental and over sweet at the end. Emily and Miles had never wanted kids, but Emily getting pregnant was all good?
Something I like about reading a book by a good author is learning their points of view, listening to and enjoying their intellect and wit. Reading a novel is an investment of time, eight, ten hours or more. I want to spend that time with a writer who treats me like an intelligent adult and never condescends. If the book makes me feel I am being brought into the writers confidence, that they are sharing important intimate truths, I am pleased, and filled with some positive energy. Ms. Weisberger passes this test. This is not a book I would normally read, but that is one of the reasons I have joined a book club. I am glad I read this. A fun read and a good way to start 2020.