The Second Assistant

A Tale from the Bottom of the Hollywood Ladder

By: Mimi Hare, Clare Naylor

Narrated by: Ali Marsh Weller

A fast-paced, breezy story about life at the bottom of the Hollywood food chain.

No political science degree could ever prepare Elizabeth Miller for her new job as a second assistant at The Agency, whose clients include everyone you’ve never met - but you know who they’re sleeping with. A former congressional intern in Washington, Lizzie made a bid for a life change that landed her a job a world away, where ethics and First Amendment debates take a backseat to pleading the Fifth for Ritalin-snorting boss Scott Wagner. He’s the hottest young agent in Hollywood, who devotes his days to playing online poker - that is, when he’s not closing a $30 million deal for one of his AAA-list clients.

And while getting $600-highlights from Cameron’s colorist or organizing the strippers for George’s birthday party come close to causing heart failure for this East Coast girl, the real dangers lurk elsewhere. But Lizzie is a survivor, and no Machiavellian assistant, lecherous producer, or power struggle at The Agency can douse her nascent dreams of climbing up the Hollywood ladder. But first she has to run down to the Coffee Bean to pick up that triple espresso, or Scott is going to throw something....

©2004 Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare (P)2004 Penguin Audio. All rights reserved. Penguin Audio is a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Critic reviews

"[A] high-spirited sprint." (The New York Times Book Review)

"[A] wicked romp." (US Weekly)

"Make sure it is at the top of your beach bag." (Chicago Tribune)

Sweet, funny, and romantic

I love to listen to my audio books while working or cleaning the house. I listened to this book in a day and my house never looked so clean. It’s a fun book. You will really enjoy it and if you do you have to listen to the 1st assistant. Good narrator and good book.

loved it

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes easy fun listening

What did you like best about this story?

could happen to any of us

Which character – as performed by Ali Marsh Weller – was your favorite?

Lizzy

Any additional comments?

easy fun entertaining listen

Cute and Fun

Would you consider the audio edition of The Second Assistant to be better than the print version?

I would not know. I have not read the print version. I could have done without the sound effects and musical transitions... sometimes they were louder than the narrator that had not finished speaking. It reminded me of the Emmy's when they are trying to get someone off the stage.

What other book might you compare The Second Assistant to and why?

The Devil Wears Prada comes to mind. Not quite as good, but definitely in the same wheel house.

Any additional comments?

Cute, fun story. Nothing ground breaking, but still entertaining.

Great Summer Listen

This book is cute, fast and has it all, glamour, fun,Hollywood parties and love lost and found.

FANTASTIC reader...Highly recommend for a good beach listen!

Great summer listen

Fast paced and fun. If you have 20 something daughters, they'll love it too.

Good but no Devil Wears Prada

This is an entertaining story that felt a little like a Hollywood version of The Devil Wears Prada. Great for girls that want to just kick back and listen on a nice summer day.

Very entertaining

I purchased "The First Assistant" during the $5 sale, but then read that the Second Assistant was even better and should be read first, so I purchased this book. The story was light and entertaining, and gives a glimpse into the world of Hollywood which, if I were a betting woman, I'd say is (sadly) probably pretty accurate. The characters are very entertaining in their own, sad ways . . . story line is believable. If you're looking for something light and enjoyable, I recommend this book.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

I enjoyed this so much. I didn't want to stop, it was cute, funny and sweet. A great summer read. I would read every book by this author. Also, the Narrator was excellent.