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Copygirl
“A high-octane, electric look at Madison Avenue craziness from a pair who’ve been there and done that.”—Publishers Weekly
One woman attempts to beat the boys club at their own game in this wickedly funny novel that is both a takedown of the advertising industry and an inspiring story about breaking through the glass ceiling.
Twenty-something copywriter Kay Carlson has landed her dream job at the top ad agency in New York City, but it turns out life at the edgiest shop in town is less “Lean in” and more #MeToo. Talent and hard work don’t count as much as winning the approval of her hotshot creative director, Elliott, whose idea of team-building is bullying his boy tribe to tag along to the strip club. Meanwhile, Kay is stuck at the office penning puns for the cat food account none of the cool kids will touch.
When the agency's biggest client threatens to fire them, Kay realizes her job will be first on the chopping block if she doesn't find a way to outshine the old regime. Winning another account will require all her creativity and strength, but can Kay find the confidence to risk it all so she can rewrite the rules from the corner office? Or will she be on the first bus back to Jersey, too washed up to write copy for the phone book?
One woman attempts to beat the boys club at their own game in this wickedly funny novel that is both a takedown of the advertising industry and an inspiring story about breaking through the glass ceiling.
Twenty-something copywriter Kay Carlson has landed her dream job at the top ad agency in New York City, but it turns out life at the edgiest shop in town is less “Lean in” and more #MeToo. Talent and hard work don’t count as much as winning the approval of her hotshot creative director, Elliott, whose idea of team-building is bullying his boy tribe to tag along to the strip club. Meanwhile, Kay is stuck at the office penning puns for the cat food account none of the cool kids will touch.
When the agency's biggest client threatens to fire them, Kay realizes her job will be first on the chopping block if she doesn't find a way to outshine the old regime. Winning another account will require all her creativity and strength, but can Kay find the confidence to risk it all so she can rewrite the rules from the corner office? Or will she be on the first bus back to Jersey, too washed up to write copy for the phone book?
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
46 people are currently reading
3270 people want to read
About the author
Anna Mitchael
6 books139 followersAnna Mitchael is a Texas-based author who has spent the last 20 years working as a writer and creative director in ad agencies across the country, deputy editor of Magnolia Journal, and ghostwriter.
In 2018, Anna’s life took a turn when she returned to the faith she had left as a child. This experience, and the years leading up to it, became the basis for her third book, They Will Tell You the World Is Yours: On Little Rebellions and Finding Your Way. This collection of 85 vignettes tracks a fictional woman's life from birth through a spiritual awakening.
For more of Anna's writing, you can subscribe to her free substack LIttle Rebellions or visit annamitchael.com.
In 2018, Anna’s life took a turn when she returned to the faith she had left as a child. This experience, and the years leading up to it, became the basis for her third book, They Will Tell You the World Is Yours: On Little Rebellions and Finding Your Way. This collection of 85 vignettes tracks a fictional woman's life from birth through a spiritual awakening.
For more of Anna's writing, you can subscribe to her free substack LIttle Rebellions or visit annamitchael.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
January 6, 2018
Copygirl was a fairly light read about a young millennial, Kay, trying to make it in New York City at a top ad agency where she is a junior copywriter. Kay has to deal with challenging coworkers, including a boys club, flirty girls, and her (not so secret?) crush.
”It’s hard to be a writer during moments of despair. The English language has far too many words that describe failure.”
I could’ve done without the doll incorporation - for the majority of the story, I had no idea where this was headed but I did like how it finally tied back to the main story at the end. The story as a whole was beyond predictable, but even so, I enjoyed many of the modern references throughout the book.
”It’s hard to be a writer during moments of despair. The English language has far too many words that describe failure.”
I could’ve done without the doll incorporation - for the majority of the story, I had no idea where this was headed but I did like how it finally tied back to the main story at the end. The story as a whole was beyond predictable, but even so, I enjoyed many of the modern references throughout the book.
March 4, 2016
I am a big fan of Mad Men, and this book filled the hole in my heart from when that show went off the air. The heroine Kay is like a modern day Peggy, a lone skirt in a sea of bulging pants and egos. And like Mad Men's famed creative director, Kay has the chops to outdo her male coworkers. If only she had the confidence. Copygirl may be an inside look at what it's really like to work in advertising, but it's also a coming of age tale that any young girl can relate too. Life on your own in the big city can be scary, especially when all the big fish you're swimming with want to eat you alive. Authors Mitchael and Sassa paint a wonderful world filled with memorable characters that you will love, love to hate, or want to go out and get manicures with. The writing here is sharp and sharply observed. Everything I love about the best chick lit, and a wildly fun ride worth taking.
August 30, 2015
Kay is a advertisement writer and works with her best friend Ben, she is secretly in love with him but he doesn’t have a clue. So far I liked the plot and the secondary characters, but I thought Kay was so insecure and I just didn’t understand how she could be in love with Ben. I felt for Kay because I could relate to her working in a man’s world, but I thought she handle well at the end. Funny and edgy, with a touch of drama. I liked it.
Thanks to the publisher and edelweiss for sending me a copy for review.
3,5 stars
Thanks to the publisher and edelweiss for sending me a copy for review.
3,5 stars
February 22, 2022
I got an advance copy of the book because I was going to be interviewing the authors. What I enjoyed most was how it dealt with relationships between women, both in friendships and with co-workers. At the beginning I was feeling motherly toward the main character, Kay, wanting her to wake up and make better choices. But the more Kay figures out who she is and follows her passions, the more I loved it. By the end I was cheering.
January 1, 2016
Fun, fast read. Really liked that romance wasn't the main focus of this book and that Kay putting her career first wasn't demonized. I also loved how authentic Kay's development was, both physically and mentally. Kay's girl power attitude was awesome and I really recommend this one, especially to 20 somethings who like realistic fiction.
September 28, 2015
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is October 6, 2015**
This story started out slow for me however I warmed up to it at about the halfway point and was onboard to the finish line. While not a story to take too seriously it played out like rom-com movie. You know the type, girl likes boy & boy has girl stuck in the friend zone. Girl trying to make it on her own in the big city etc etc..
While the idea of Copy girl was a little weird at first as I was essentially reading about a girl playing with dolls, it grew on me. the minute it grew on me was when "copygirl" started to grow a backbone and stand up for herself. At this point the story starts to take on a really good message. One that I think is important for all women. Don't be a copygirl!
Overall a pleasant read with a few laughs and a good message
** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is October 6, 2015**
This story started out slow for me however I warmed up to it at about the halfway point and was onboard to the finish line. While not a story to take too seriously it played out like rom-com movie. You know the type, girl likes boy & boy has girl stuck in the friend zone. Girl trying to make it on her own in the big city etc etc..
While the idea of Copy girl was a little weird at first as I was essentially reading about a girl playing with dolls, it grew on me. the minute it grew on me was when "copygirl" started to grow a backbone and stand up for herself. At this point the story starts to take on a really good message. One that I think is important for all women. Don't be a copygirl!
Overall a pleasant read with a few laughs and a good message
September 9, 2015
This book was written by two women who used to work together in the creative department of an advertising agency, and is an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes, from demanding, never-happy clients to even-more-demanding, I-can-do-it-better-than-you bosses, plus all the crazy shenanigans that happen along the way. The creatives who work at fictional, award-winning ad agency STD are all tortured artists dying to express themselves and outdo each other. Copygirl Kay is a talented writer who has trouble speaking her mind, and feels lost in this world of big personalities and bigger egos. I could really relate to Kay—wanting to fit in but wishing she could just be herself. The authors really bring you in to her world of self discovery, and I found myself cheering for her out loud. The story brought a smile to my face.
December 21, 2015
Copygirl is like a pep talk in an book ! It totally lifted my mood and filled me with all the female empowerment I could handle. Along with all of its kick ass female feels Copygirl was also outrageously funny and super real ! With relatable characters that you couldn't help but route for this is definitely one of the best books I've read this year !
December 25, 2015
A truly enjoyable book, as a communications major I love reading about women working in related fields. Kay is a character that I think a lot of young women can relate to, it was great to see her character progress through each chapter.
Wish there was a second book!
Wish there was a second book!
October 21, 2015
GREAT read, I highly recommend Copygirl. I couldn't put it down, I loved the story, the characters, and the take on the stereotypical boutique ad agency types. I laughed out loud many times! Joshjohnjay....50 year olds dressing like 18 year olds and talking in raplish....I could go on. The main character is clever, doesn't take herself too seriously, and meets challenges head on...the positive attitude and what can happen with a shake-it-off I-can-do-this spirit shines through. Love that. My main problem was staying up too late, I couldn't wait to read it and had a seriously hard time cutting myself off. My wife is reading it now and she has the same problem.
September 9, 2015
From the opening page, this book had me laughing out loud with its colorful characters and witty insights. I've always thought writing commercials sounded like the coolest job in the world, but poor Copywriter Kay is put through the ringer having to come up with ideas on demand. Her slacking work partner/secret crush is no help, nor is her egomaniacal boss who is constantly threatening to "fill her seat" with someone else. Kay has to learn to believe in herself to get what she wants, both at work, and in her new life in NYC. A great reminder to be who you are instead of following the crowd.
January 24, 2016
Love, love, love!!! Everything I love in a book!! A woman finding her self with help of friends, ones she didn't even know she had, and becoming more than she ever imagined. Kay works in an ad agency full of men and needs to be true to herself and find her creativity. Perfect for a lazy weekend, snow day, or vacation.
September 9, 2015
By the end of the first chapter I was hooked! Kay is all over the map in a way that reminds me of, well, everyone I know on some days! Her journey is thoroughly entertaining and I was drawn in by the bright truths about friendship and priorities…Give us more!
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November 15, 2020 DNF @ 45%
October 11, 2015
I never watched Mad Men but I did watch The Devil Wears Prada. I have to tell you that this book is not as funny or witty as Devil. Also, if this is what having a job in the advertising world is like then I am glad I don't work in this industry or would ever want to get a job in this industry. The men in this story came off as such egotistical jerks. Plus, I was not feeling Ben. The way he acted so childish made me want to scream. In the beginning, I found Kay to be a wallflower and I also found myself screaming at her to wake up and "grow a pair". As the story progressed, she did break out of her shell. I would award her the "most improved award".
My biggest disappointment with this book is that I was hoping to find myself laughing a lot throughout this book. This did not happen. There were a couple of moments but they were far and few between and I could count the many times on one hand. One moment that I did like was when Kay was describing her mother and she said "That woman does more prying than a fireman with a crowbar." Sadly, this book does not deliver on the Mad Men meets Devil Wears Prada.
My biggest disappointment with this book is that I was hoping to find myself laughing a lot throughout this book. This did not happen. There were a couple of moments but they were far and few between and I could count the many times on one hand. One moment that I did like was when Kay was describing her mother and she said "That woman does more prying than a fireman with a crowbar." Sadly, this book does not deliver on the Mad Men meets Devil Wears Prada.
October 16, 2015
This was a fun book! I would agree with the reviewers who said it had an Mad Men type of feel. I didn't actually watch the show, but this book was all about a woman coming into her own and breaking into the "men's club" at work. It was very empowering and sends a great message about confidence and knowing in your heart that you are worth it and can do whatever you put your mind to! Add in some office drama and office romance and you've got yourself a good book!
October 9, 2015
I just finished CopyGirl, and I could not put it down. It is a well-written story of the professional and personal life of a 21st century career woman. Not only is the book a great read, but it is funny and touching. I laughed and I cried. As a 60+ year old, I now have a keener understanding of the professional world our children and grandchildren are inheriting. I am recommending this book to my bookclub.
February 4, 2016
I would very much like to read a second book with her and her relationship with Suit following her assistant creative director promotion.
unfinished
September 1, 2015(I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review)
I wanted to give this book a try specifically because it is NOT the kind of book I typically read. As a proofreader, I work very closely with copywriters and editors, so I thought this more Devil-Wears-Prada-like approach to the marketing office would be kind of interesting.
But this book is not for me. As soon as the narrator said she loved the smell of a guy's Axe body spray, I knew I could never fairly evaluate this book.
I wanted to give this book a try specifically because it is NOT the kind of book I typically read. As a proofreader, I work very closely with copywriters and editors, so I thought this more Devil-Wears-Prada-like approach to the marketing office would be kind of interesting.
But this book is not for me. As soon as the narrator said she loved the smell of a guy's Axe body spray, I knew I could never fairly evaluate this book.
November 13, 2015
A charmer
I hadn't heard anything about this book, just found it on a "recommended for you" list and chose it with no expectations. It was a great choice and left me with a smile and a positive message. Take a chance on Copygirl, I recommend it for you.
I hadn't heard anything about this book, just found it on a "recommended for you" list and chose it with no expectations. It was a great choice and left me with a smile and a positive message. Take a chance on Copygirl, I recommend it for you.
December 17, 2015
I couldn't put Copygirl down!
What a novel way to tell this story. Kay's dolls were fun. This book was fun. I loved how Kay stepped up . A successful woman in a man's world. Very empowering.
What a novel way to tell this story. Kay's dolls were fun. This book was fun. I loved how Kay stepped up . A successful woman in a man's world. Very empowering.
November 14, 2015
I loved this book! Great story of the underdog prevailing and a woman finding success in a man-dominated business. It pays to be FIERCE. Looking forward to more stories by both authors.
November 2, 2015
Original review at www.125pages.com
I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I picked Copygirl to review based on the comparison to The Devil Wears Prada and Mad Men, a book and show I really enjoyed. Sadly Copygirl is not either of those. I was disappointed by the first few chapters as I was looking for a horrible Miranda and a smarmy boozy Don and they were nowhere to be found. But as I kept reading I realized that was a good thing. Copygirl can stand on its own and doesn’t need comparisons to help elevate it. This was a smart tale of a fish out of water, featuring one of only three women working in the It ad agency of New York City. Kay is a hoodie and converse wearing smart girl with no self confidence surrounded by hipsters and glittering fashion girls. Her journey to self-discovery was, at times, trite, but was saved by a cheeky humor that is hard to find in these types of books. Was it easy it figure out who she would end up with and the basic tone of the ending? Yes, but that did not make the ride less enjoyable. Copygirl is a smart meld of chick lit, 20 something coming of age and woman’s contemporary, with a twist of snark that makes it special. So whether you like Devil or Men doesn’t really matter because Copygirl is smart enough to stand on its own.
◊ Favorite line from chapter Special Delivery – “Maybe that’s what a good relationship is – something that makes you feel like you might be in heaven even when you’re in a hole.”
I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I picked Copygirl to review based on the comparison to The Devil Wears Prada and Mad Men, a book and show I really enjoyed. Sadly Copygirl is not either of those. I was disappointed by the first few chapters as I was looking for a horrible Miranda and a smarmy boozy Don and they were nowhere to be found. But as I kept reading I realized that was a good thing. Copygirl can stand on its own and doesn’t need comparisons to help elevate it. This was a smart tale of a fish out of water, featuring one of only three women working in the It ad agency of New York City. Kay is a hoodie and converse wearing smart girl with no self confidence surrounded by hipsters and glittering fashion girls. Her journey to self-discovery was, at times, trite, but was saved by a cheeky humor that is hard to find in these types of books. Was it easy it figure out who she would end up with and the basic tone of the ending? Yes, but that did not make the ride less enjoyable. Copygirl is a smart meld of chick lit, 20 something coming of age and woman’s contemporary, with a twist of snark that makes it special. So whether you like Devil or Men doesn’t really matter because Copygirl is smart enough to stand on its own.
◊ Favorite line from chapter Special Delivery – “Maybe that’s what a good relationship is – something that makes you feel like you might be in heaven even when you’re in a hole.”
October 27, 2015
I received a review copy
On first glance, this book is right up my alley. Yes, I love pink books. But when you start throwing out comparatives like Mad Men and The Devil Wears Prada, I get even more intrigued. And this is a good one. It started out a little slow for me. I struggled to pick up the momentum in the beginning, but just before the halfway mark, I was really able to get into the story. I love reading about working girls and independent women, and though Kay needed a bit of help here and there, she was a hoot to follow. I liked the casual twists that appeared every so often, which was just engaging enough to keep my interest piquéd. And the ending was on point for me. My take? Slow start, but keep reading. It will reel you in and win you over!
On first glance, this book is right up my alley. Yes, I love pink books. But when you start throwing out comparatives like Mad Men and The Devil Wears Prada, I get even more intrigued. And this is a good one. It started out a little slow for me. I struggled to pick up the momentum in the beginning, but just before the halfway mark, I was really able to get into the story. I love reading about working girls and independent women, and though Kay needed a bit of help here and there, she was a hoot to follow. I liked the casual twists that appeared every so often, which was just engaging enough to keep my interest piquéd. And the ending was on point for me. My take? Slow start, but keep reading. It will reel you in and win you over!
January 15, 2016
This book started out with promise and then it got weird, enough for me to lose interest. My biggest issue was how clueless and childish the protagonist acted. At least it was a quick read. Definitely not like The Devil Wears Prada, as it is compared to.
Read
February 2, 2016Despite the fact we're at different ends of our working lives, since I'm already retired, I connected with Kay because of her struggle to find her voice, her place in life. It can happen to any of us. Enjoyed the book.
August 29, 2017
While I'm a huge fan of Mad Men, this book didn't have that vibe. It was what I'd coin career chick-lit, where the woman's career is front and center while the romance takes a backseat. Not bad and I enjoyed it. A tad predictable in spots but overall, a great rom-com.
My Rating: 4 stars
My Rating: 4 stars
May 24, 2019
I really appreciated how this book didn't try to pit women against each other but instead had a satisfying ending of a hardworking tribe that worked together to raise each other up.
July 26, 2016
Let me start by saying that I'm a long-time lurker on Goodreads, and I'm also a copywriter for an agency. My friend picked up Copygirl for me after reading the back cover and checking the (decent) average rating on here. After finishing this novel, I was compelled to finally get an account so I could at least do my part to make its ratings more realistic.
Copygirl was a quick read. The storyline itself wasn't really the problem, and it was definitely interesting to see someone else's dramatic take on what ad agency life is like. There are also a couple of characters who make the read bearable, and they stand out. However, that's pretty much where any joy this novel puts out comes to a full halt. There are some extremely cringe-worthy lines - "This kitty does cuddle, and I can't wait for [guy she ends up with] to hear me purr." is the last line of the book, and it's one of many statements like it.
My biggest issue with this novel is the painful set of archetypes that every single character is assigned: the CEO who spends days on his yacht saying the F word a lot, the gay character who is flamboyant and insists on manicures, the girly-girl assistant who is so stupid that everyone understands jokes and implications but her, and the resident "it girl" who wears stilettos and is always "down for a good time."
The male characters in this book are especially dull and flat, and none of them are given any character traits beyond kind or (and) asshole, from what I could tell. While I'd love to think that these men are kept vague so that readers can project characteristics onto them based on personal experience, if that's the case, it simply doesn't work. The result is that not a single male character is likable, and all of them (except for Todd) come off as boring, flaccid, and entirely interchangeable. There is no chemistry in this novel and romantic pairings don't make ANY sense because there are no real, engaging traits for characters to interact with in the first place.
The most disappointing bit is Kay, our MC, who managed to be the most unlikable character of the novel for me. Kay is smart, but through her eyes, every other female is either identified by an over-the-top racial stereotype, an extreme amount of stupidity that Kay rolls her eyes at, an interest in clothes or nails, or an intimidating physical appearance. When Kay gets to know these women, she is shocked to discover that they're ACTUALLY okay people! To her credit, Kay does go through a decent amount of character development, but it seems like development more suited to a freshman in high school. We're expected to believe that Kay is a 24-year-old professional, but her thoughts, actions, and emotions read more like someone who just passed puberty. The problem is that her flaws aren't the kind that are relatable or endearing to read about. We're expected to believe she is "insecure," but she often positions herself as far intellectually superior to the women around her. That would be fine if those women were realistic or surprising or fresh, but they're just stereotypes. And yep - you guessed it - a physical makeover for Kay is added into this mix.
All in all, this book was just a miss for me, even though I think it had a lot of potential. And as someone who loves shopping and having my nails done but manages to work as a copywriter and not end every sentence I say with a question mark, I'm still hoping for strong female characters who don't start by representing those interests as mutually exclusive.
Copygirl was a quick read. The storyline itself wasn't really the problem, and it was definitely interesting to see someone else's dramatic take on what ad agency life is like. There are also a couple of characters who make the read bearable, and they stand out. However, that's pretty much where any joy this novel puts out comes to a full halt. There are some extremely cringe-worthy lines - "This kitty does cuddle, and I can't wait for [guy she ends up with] to hear me purr." is the last line of the book, and it's one of many statements like it.
My biggest issue with this novel is the painful set of archetypes that every single character is assigned: the CEO who spends days on his yacht saying the F word a lot, the gay character who is flamboyant and insists on manicures, the girly-girl assistant who is so stupid that everyone understands jokes and implications but her, and the resident "it girl" who wears stilettos and is always "down for a good time."
The male characters in this book are especially dull and flat, and none of them are given any character traits beyond kind or (and) asshole, from what I could tell. While I'd love to think that these men are kept vague so that readers can project characteristics onto them based on personal experience, if that's the case, it simply doesn't work. The result is that not a single male character is likable, and all of them (except for Todd) come off as boring, flaccid, and entirely interchangeable. There is no chemistry in this novel and romantic pairings don't make ANY sense because there are no real, engaging traits for characters to interact with in the first place.
The most disappointing bit is Kay, our MC, who managed to be the most unlikable character of the novel for me. Kay is smart, but through her eyes, every other female is either identified by an over-the-top racial stereotype, an extreme amount of stupidity that Kay rolls her eyes at, an interest in clothes or nails, or an intimidating physical appearance. When Kay gets to know these women, she is shocked to discover that they're ACTUALLY okay people! To her credit, Kay does go through a decent amount of character development, but it seems like development more suited to a freshman in high school. We're expected to believe that Kay is a 24-year-old professional, but her thoughts, actions, and emotions read more like someone who just passed puberty. The problem is that her flaws aren't the kind that are relatable or endearing to read about. We're expected to believe she is "insecure," but she often positions herself as far intellectually superior to the women around her. That would be fine if those women were realistic or surprising or fresh, but they're just stereotypes. And yep - you guessed it - a physical makeover for Kay is added into this mix.
All in all, this book was just a miss for me, even though I think it had a lot of potential. And as someone who loves shopping and having my nails done but manages to work as a copywriter and not end every sentence I say with a question mark, I'm still hoping for strong female characters who don't start by representing those interests as mutually exclusive.
October 22, 2016
I'm disappointed. This was pitched as a modern-day Mad Men, and I love good stories about professional women, but several aspects of this book let me down:
1) Throughout the book, we're informed by other characters that the main character, Kay, is so creative, one of the best, and an amazing copywriter, but we don't actually see work that backs it up. The campaigns in the book are unconvincing, and in an attempt to make the character more relatable, we only ever see her being "awkward," which undermines her success. Also, being told by so many characters that, "Oh, no, YOU have nothing to worry about, Kay, because you're the most talented," relieves most of the tension related to her professional life.
2) The major turning point comes when the main character gets a designer handbag (cheap, because it's probably stolen!), a new wardrobe (that she doesn't have to pay for!), and a new haircut (also completely free!). It's consumerism dressed up as wish-fulfillment, and it's an infuriating cliché. Now she has confidence! Now people notice her! Thanks for the makeover, gay coworker!
3) Our protagonist casually calls another woman a whore and a slut because she thinks she's after the guy she has an unprofessed crush on. Not only is this another cliché, it's very damaging. We shouldn't be expected to find it endearing; it's toxic. I nearly stopped reading, as it happens in the very first chapter, but I continued in the hopes that she'd have a revelation about her relationship to other women. She sort of does (though it's more about how other women can help her than vice-versa), but it's not to an extent that compensates for those charged terms.
4) I'm not going to spoil the romantic subplot, but...of course.
It's a shame that a book that so strongly relies on the message of being original falls into the trap of being formulaic.
1) Throughout the book, we're informed by other characters that the main character, Kay, is so creative, one of the best, and an amazing copywriter, but we don't actually see work that backs it up. The campaigns in the book are unconvincing, and in an attempt to make the character more relatable, we only ever see her being "awkward," which undermines her success. Also, being told by so many characters that, "Oh, no, YOU have nothing to worry about, Kay, because you're the most talented," relieves most of the tension related to her professional life.
2) The major turning point comes when the main character gets a designer handbag (cheap, because it's probably stolen!), a new wardrobe (that she doesn't have to pay for!), and a new haircut (also completely free!). It's consumerism dressed up as wish-fulfillment, and it's an infuriating cliché. Now she has confidence! Now people notice her! Thanks for the makeover, gay coworker!
3) Our protagonist casually calls another woman a whore and a slut because she thinks she's after the guy she has an unprofessed crush on. Not only is this another cliché, it's very damaging. We shouldn't be expected to find it endearing; it's toxic. I nearly stopped reading, as it happens in the very first chapter, but I continued in the hopes that she'd have a revelation about her relationship to other women. She sort of does (though it's more about how other women can help her than vice-versa), but it's not to an extent that compensates for those charged terms.
4) I'm not going to spoil the romantic subplot, but...of course.
It's a shame that a book that so strongly relies on the message of being original falls into the trap of being formulaic.
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