This is a review of the book "The Devil Wears Prada" by Lauren Weisberger. I don't know how I managed to not see the film yet but I prefer that as it's always better to read the book first! I now want to see the film...

In the book, the story follows Andrea (or "An-Drea-aah" as her boss shouts her all the time) who has just left college and is looking for a first job. She's always fancied writing so applies to work at the top magazines to get a foot on the ladder.

By some sheer chance she ends up as a Personal Assistant to top fashion guru Miranda Priestley at Runway magazine. She knows nothing about fashion and has never even heard of Miranda. Good job really as she'd never have taken the job if she knew what a dragon she is and what a nightmare she is to work for.

As second assistant, Andrea is office dogsbody and has to do everything from picking up dry cleaning to collecting the cat from the vets. Every whim of Miranda's is catered for and this all takes its toll on Andrea's personal life which becomes non existent.

Trying to placate her family, friends and boyfriends is interspersed with urgent phone calls from the boss at all times of the day and we discover that life at Runway is not as glamorous as it's made out to be.

I had heard of the film so thought the book would be great but I found it to be a bit of a flimsy read and whilst I enjoyed all the bitching, gossip and glamour of this world (it reminded me of Ugly Betty a bit) I also thought Andrea was weak at times and needed to be a bit tougher. She still managed to find time to smoke whilst on her urgent missions and I just found that a bit irritating!

I'd say this is a good read for those who just want to take an easy amble into the New York fashion world. It didn't blow me away but I still want to see the film at some non-urgent point!