The Cocktail Hours [Paperback]

Margaret Rose Lester (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 27, 2009

Set against the backdrop of Hollywood, The Cocktail Hours tells the story of a young woman, Charlie Sommers, coming into her own. The literal hours of her life are divided between cocktail waitressing, hustling with L.A.'s power elite, and trying to revive a lost relationship. Caught between Nic, her college boyfriend turned successful screenwriter, and Autumn a fellow actress/waitress who plays everything off her sexuality, Charlie quickly learns that making it in Hollywood means doing things you’re not proud of. Maybe even some things you pray no-one will ever discover. The further she gets inside the world of celebrity the harder Charlie tries hanging on to her principles, but realizes that “as long as you don’t know what you’re missing, life doesn’t seem that bad, but all it takes is one little glimpse of what you could have and suddenly your life is in shambles.” The Cocktail Hours is a candid exploration of an emerging generation. The rules we’re given to live by. Determining how much of our souls we’ll trade for success. And the balancing act we do while searching for our identity.

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (April 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 143922093X
• ISBN-13: 978-1439220931
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,470,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born and raised in Toronto, Margaret moved to the U.S. to attend Northwestern University where she studied Communications and English. After a brief stint in journalism, she began pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, which ultimately meant becoming a waitress. After working at a number of clubs on the Sunset Strip and in Hollywood, she realized that she was in fact using her journalism background to research the hospitality industry sub-culture in L.A. and ultimately write her debut novel The Cocktail Hours: a Hollywood insider tale. Los Angeles has been a big influence for Lester and her favorite authors include Bret Easton Ellis and Joan Didion. She continues to live in Hollywood.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charlie is our Bridget Jones!, May 8, 2009

By 

SRobinson "SMARTSHOPPER" (Charleston SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cocktail Hours (Paperback)

Charlie, a recent college graduate comes to Hollywood to chase her dreams of being an actress. Like many before her she starts working at the hottest nightclub in town and is engulfed in the vapid world that is L.A.
leading her to question how far she'll go for success.

I will not spoil the ending for you, but will say I saw myself in this character and identified with not only her flaws and secrets, but also trying to find oneself when everyone around you is questionable.

Would be a great Book Club read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great read, ready for more!, July 11, 2010

By 

Karla - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cocktail Hours (Paperback)

I'm a little late in writing my review. I had a baby and just didn't get around to it but here I am nonetheless! I thought this book was great! I read it very quickly and had a hard time putting it down. I'm definitely looking forward to a sequel so we can find out what happens to Charlie!

5.0 out of 5 stars VIP Access behind the scenes of Hollywood, January 25, 2010

By 

R. Ndubaku - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Cocktail Hours (Paperback)

This is a backstage pass behind the glitter and glam of Hollywood into the real nature of the beast. The storyline is catchy and the character Charlie Sommers is real and unapologetic. Ladies: read and learn from Charlie and make sure to follow the "Rules" if you truly want to make it in Hollywood! If only more cocktail waitresses had a story to tell....