New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ author releases new book

- By TinaMarie Craven tinamarie.craven@hearstmedi­act.com

You probably know of Lauren Weisberger, even if you haven’t read the Connecticu­t author’s books. Weisberger’s debut novel, “The Devil Wears Prada,” was adapted into the iconic and oh-so-quotable 2006 film starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily9 Blunt.

Since publishing her first book in 2003, Weisberger has gone on to write an additional seven novels; her latest, “Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty,” comes out on May 18. It tells the story of a pair of sisters, Peyton and Skye, who seem to lead perfect lives, until a lie surfaces and wreaks havoc.

Hearst Connecticu­t Media recently chatted with Weisberger about her new book.

How would you describe your latest book, “Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty?”

Without giving too much away, I ask you to imagine what it would feel like to be on the treadmill at your gym, mindlessly channelsur­fing and fervently wishing your hellish run was almost over, when a breaking news story comes across your machine’s TV and threatens to ruin your entire life.

Your newest book focuses on sisterhood, family, and lies. What drew you to these subjects?

One of the questions that I loved exploring in this book concerns parenting, and specifical­ly parenting in these uber-wealthy and competitiv­e suburbs. How much is too much? And when does it cross the line?

What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve been wanting to write a book about sisters forever, and of course, this one is inspired by my relationsh­ip with my own sister, Dana. Who besides your sister is going to tell you that your new dress makes you look like a wildebeest, or have your back when the world of public opinion turns against you? Peyton and Skye are those sisters: the ones who tell each other exactly how it is... until they don’t.

How would you describe your relationsh­ip with your sister? Do either of you share any similariti­es with Peyton and Skye?

I actually worked really hard to not have Peyton and Skye merely replicate our personalit­ies. Peyton is super-ambitious/type-A, and Skye is more of a tortured, hippie dogooder. Neither my sister Dana nor I fit in either of those categories. Our main difference is that Dana is a raging extrovert, always up for a good time, and I’m the exact opposite—give me one person, or a good book, and I’d happily never step foot in a crowded room again. But the main way we are exactly like Peyton and Skye is our superblunt, no-holds-barred way of talking to each

other—for better or worse.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?

More than anything — especially after a year like the one we’ve all had — I hope that readers can lose themselves for a little in (“Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty”). I’ve said it before, and I think it’s worth mentioning: readers will find no politics in this book, no pandemic. I hope each person who picks up this book can find herself a little slice of peace this summer, whether that’s at a beach or a pool or a comfy couch. And she can escape! We all deserve that, and we need it right now.

Your first book, “The Devil Wears Prada,” became a bestseller that was later adapted into a hit film starring fellow CT resident Meryl Streep. Have you two ever grabbed a coffee or hung out after the film was made?

We have not, but let’s go on the record as saying that I am 100 percent available to make that happen!

You revisited some of its characters in “When Life Gives You Lululemons” and “Revenge Wears Prada.” Do you have any plans to revisit these characters again in the future?

I don’t have any immediate plans to revisit those characters, but I firmly believe in “never say never.”

What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book project?

For the first time in as long as I can remember, I have an early idea of what my next book will be. That’s usually the hardest part for me, but I’m super excited about this one and looking forward to sitting down again and starting to write.

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not penning bestseller­s?

Family time, of course, which has been enormously available these past fifteen or so months, if you know what I mean. Loads of kid activities and projects. Reading is my primary source of relaxation and renewal. I also love playing tennis with my women’s group, fishing whenever and wherever possible and online shopping. There, I said it.

 ?? Penguin Random House Mike Cohen / Contribute­d photo ?? Connecticu­t author Lauren Weisberger has written eight novels. Weisberger’s latest book “Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty” will be released on May 18.
Penguin Random House Mike Cohen / Contribute­d photo Connecticu­t author Lauren Weisberger has written eight novels. Weisberger’s latest book “Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty” will be released on May 18.
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