THE SECOND ASSISTANT

Author: Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare ISBN: 0452286107 4/2005 FICTION Publisher: PLUME

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 six-hundred-dollar 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....

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE SECOND ASSISTANT is a quirky and humorous look at the craziness and wackiness that make up a world apart from all others: L. A., California. With stylish writing and a plucky heroine, this glimpse into the chaotic life of a second assistant is entertaining, enlightening, and loaded with juicy bit parts.

A transplanted Easterner and former political worker, Elizabeth Miller takes a job as a second assistant to an agent at The Agency in L. A., where she must make the switch from the former political atmosphere she's used to, to the craziness and high-pressure shenanigans of the Hollywood scene, maneuvering her way around spoiled starlets, neurotic office heads, and a myriad of snakes-in-the-grass and slithering toadies. Of course, no one wants to stay a second assistant forever, and Elizabeth doesn't either, so she develops a plan she hopes will some day see her producing her own movie.

There's an infinite amount of characters that come in and out of play here, and I did enjoy much of the book. You can't help but admire Elizabeth's determination, drive, and pluck, especially when dealing with the moguls and important people that make up the movie making scene. The romance part arrives late in the story, but that's okay, because considering she's in the city where fidelity and commitment aren't found in the California dictionary, it's nice to see that there's still one good guy left in that part of the country for Elizabeth to hook up with.

If you're looking for a fun and enjoyable, quick-paced read, then be assured that THE SECOND ASSISTANT easily makes the grade.

Nancy Davis