This kind of thing is delicious fun to read about, though not as well written as its obvious antecedent, The Nanny Diaries. And therein lies the essential problem of the book. Andrea's goal in life is to work for The New Yorker--she's only sticking it out with Miranda for a job recommendation. But author Weisberger is such an inept, ungrammatical writer, you're positively rooting for her fictional alter ego not to get anywhere near The New Yorker. Still, Weisberger has certainly one-upped Me Times Three author Alex Witchel, whose magazine-world novel never gave us the inside dope that was the book's whole raison d' etre. For the most part, The Devil Wears Prada focuses on the outrageous Miranda Priestly, and she's an irresistible spectacle. --Claire Dederer --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly
Most recent college grads know they have to start at the bottom and work their way up. But not many picture themselves having to pick up their boss's dry cleaning, deliver them hot lattes, land them copies of the newest Harry Potter book before it hits stores and screen potential nannies for their children. Charmingly unfashionable Andrea Sachs, upon graduating from Brown, finds herself in this precarious position: she's an assistant to the most revered-and hated-woman in fashion, Runway editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. The self-described "biggest fashion loser to ever hit the scene," Andy takes the job hoping to land at the New Yorker after a year. As the "lowest-paid-but-most-highly-perked assistant in the free world," she soon learns her Nine West loafers won't cut it-everyone wears Jimmy Choos or Manolos-and that the four years she spent memorizing poems and examining prose will not help her in her new role of "finding, fetching, or faxing" whatever the diabolical Miranda wants, immediately. Life is pretty grim for Andy, but Weisberger, whose stint as Anna Wintour's assistant at Vogue couldn't possibly have anything to do with the novel's inspiration, infuses the narrative with plenty of dead-on assessments of fashion's frivolity and realistic, funny portrayals of life as a peon. Andy's mishaps will undoubtedly elicit laughter from readers, and the story's even got a virtuous little moral at its heart. Weisberger has penned a comic novel that manages to rise to the upper echelons of the chick-lit genre.
Copyright 2003 Reed business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"A British rock critic obsessed with America, Barney Hoskyns brings a genuine love as well as an outsider's keen eye to the rise and fall of the California scene in the sixties and seventies. This is a riveting story, sensitively told."
—Anthony DeCurtis, Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone

"Comprehensive and lively, Hotel California offers a front-row seat on the wild ride—fueled by drugs, sex, and lots of cash—that took Southern California singer-songwriters from hot tubs and local bars to sold-out stadiums, private jets, and the bestselling album of all time."
—Alan Light, author of The Skills to Pay the Bills: The Story of the Beastie Boys

"One of our finest pop historians reappraises a neglected and often maligned milieu. Barney Hoskyns deftly evokes not just the decadence but the sense of discovery rooted in 1960s idealism and fostered by a gaggle of record industry mavericks who, for a brief period, managed to make art and business coexist."
—Simon Reynolds, author of Rip It Up and Start Again

Guesthouses: A new accommodation category is included for the first time, symbolized by the pictogram I or I for the most pleasant establishments. The development of guesthouses in France has been an important trend in recent years. Reflecting a desire for peace, quiet and a return to basics, these establishments provide a good alternative to hotels, especially since today’s guesthouses offer high-quality amenities. The Michelin Guide France 2006 lists 336 guesthouses, notably in areas where hotels are scarce. Most are in quiet locations—manor houses, chateaux, farms or chalets—and generally offer three to five bedrooms. Their carefully chosen decor, personalized welcome by the owners and friendly atmosphere are intended to make the customer feel at home. Meals, if offered, are served around a large dining table and include local produce, family-style dishes, homemade jams, fruit from the orchard and vegetables from the garden.

22 regional maps: To make reading easier and more enjoyable, the Guide now includes an appendix with 22 regional maps showing localities, especially those with hotels or restaurants that have received special distinctions, such as stars or the Bib Gourmand and Bib Hotel awards. These maps help readers quickly find the most convenient locality for their route or trip.

"Rising stars": Highlighted in red, "rising stars" have been launched in 2005. They represent the best in their present category. They have the potential to rise further, and already have an element of superior quality: as soon as they produce this quality consistently, and in all aspects of their cuisine, they will be hot tips for a higher award. .

The Michelin Guide France 2006 in a Few Figures

-Nearly 8,900 establishments selected, of which more than 3,690 are restaurants and more than 5,170 are hotels and guesthouses -336 guesthouses -26 three-star restaurants -70 two-star restaurants -425 one-star restaurants -481 Bib Gourmand, of which 65 are new -276 Bib Hotel, of which 32 are new -Price: €24, including VAT - The Michelin Guide France 2006 goes on sale on Wednesday, March 1, 2006