Author: Erin Duffy
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publish Date: January 24, 2012
Source: TLC Book Tours
Why You're Reading This Book:
- You're a fiction fan.
- You like stories a bit off the beaten path.
From Goodreads.com: "When other little girls were dreaming about becoming doctors or lawyers, Alex Garrett set her sights on conquering the high-powered world of Wall Street. And though she's prepared to fight her way into an elitist boys' club, or duck the occasional errant football, she quickly realizes she's in over her head when she's relegated to a kiddie-size folding chair with her new moniker—Girlie—inscribed in Wite-Out across the back.
No matter. She's determined to make it in bond sales at Cromwell Pierce, one of the Street's most esteemed brokerage firms. Keeping her eyes on the prize, the low Girlie on the totem pole will endure whatever comes her way—whether trekking to the Bronx for a $1,000 wheel of Parmesan cheese; discovering a secretary's secret Friday night slumber/dance party in the conference room; fielding a constant barrage of "friendly" practical jokes; learning the ropes from Chick, her unpredictable, slightly scary, loyalty-demanding boss; babysitting a colleague while he consumes the contents of a vending machine on a $28,000 bet; or eluding the advances of a corporate stalker who's also one of the firm's biggest clients.
Ignoring her friends' pleas to quit, Alex excels (while learning how to roll with the punches and laugh at herself) and soon advances from lowly analyst to slightly-less-lowly associate. Suddenly, she's addressed by her real name, and the impenetrable boys' club has transformed into forty older brothers and one possible boyfriend. Then the apocalypse hits, and Alex is forced to choose between sticking with Cromwell Pierce as it teeters on the brink of disaster or kicking off her Jimmy Choos and running for higher ground."
My Two Cents:
I really, really liked this book. I was intrigued by the synopsis but wasn't sure how a book about a young woman who's dream is to become a bond trader. Different strokes for different folks and all that but that world just does not appeal to me. Duffy makes the world of bond traders seem almost glamorous (almost being the operative word; I'm still not ready to move to Wall Street). You definitely get to see why Alex is so drawn to that world though, at least at first.
Alex is a girl after my own heart. She's known what she wants to do with her life from a pretty early age (so totally me) and went for it right out of college. There's a lot to be said for that! She copes a lot better with the sort of trials and tribulations that she deals with throughout the entire book. And she makes one of the hardest decisions ever for a young person just getting into their career.
Duffy's writing is great. Alex has such a great characters. She's witty, funny, and smart. She has some fantastic one liners. Duffy really makes you care for Alex. You feel for what she's going through and why she makes some of the decisions that she has to make.
This book really had all the makings of a great summer read. In summer, I find myself drawn to books that are a little lighter and more fun. Add a pinch of romance and a bit of drama and I'm sold!!!
Bottom line: Good main character, good read!
Don't Forget to Follow the Rest of the Tour:
Tuesday, July 17th: Girls Just Reading
Wednesday, July 18th: Life In Review
Thursday, July 19th: Seaside Book Nook
Monday, July 23rd: The Book Garden
Tuesday, July 24th: Twisting the Lens
Thursday, July 26th: Life in the Thumb
Monday, July 30th: Kritters Ramblings
Tuesday, July 31st: A Bookish Affair
Wednesday, August 1st: Stephany Writes
Thursday, August 2nd: Walking With Nora
Wednesday, August 8th: Reflections of a Bookaholic
This isn't one that I thought would appeal to me. Wall Street is really not my thing. But it actually sounds very interesting. I'll be checking this ine out. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteIt focuses less on Wall Street than on the interactions between all of the various characters!
DeleteI've had my eye on this one for a while -- and now I definitely want to grab it soon! The cover seems quite "Devil Wears Prada" to me, and I think this book has been compared to that one -- but moving from the fashion industry to Wall Street? Interesting!
ReplyDeleteYes, I can definitely see the comparisons to DWP. This book is much more about being a strong woman in a traditionally man's world.
DeleteI really liked this book too, and wow, what a crazy world Wall Street is right?!!
ReplyDeleteAll I know is that I would not fare well there!
DeleteThis DOES sound perfect for summer, especially for a weekend getaway! Thanks for being on the tour.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a great vacation book!
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