With her latest summer read, best-selling author Lauren Weisberger has moved on from writing about a devilish Prada-clad editrix to a tennis phenom outfitted by Nike.
“I was excited to do something different,” Weisberger says. “I’ve personally always loved tennis, I’ve played since I was a little girl.”
“The Singles Game” (available July 12) follows Charlotte “Charlie” Silver as she recovers from a devastating injury at Wimbledon then climbs back to the top of the rankings while also making drastic changes in both her personal and professional life. Charlie transforms from the girl next door to a warrior princess with a demanding coach and a gossip-worthy boyfriend.
Weisberger spent seven or eight months delving into the world of tennis and researching for the novel, something she says she’s never done before.
“I interviewed a ton of people and went to a whole bunch of tournaments,” she says. “I essentially followed the women’s tour for a while.”
This included trips to the U.S. Open and Wimbledon. The U.S. Open, she says, brings back childhood memories, but notes that Wimbledon offers a more intimate experience than the U.S. major.
While in her previous novels, including the smash hit “The Devil Wears Prada” and its follow up “Revenge Wears Prada,” Weisberger stuck closer to her roots in publishing, fashion magazines and media, she hasn’t totally abandoned the fashion realm in her new book. Weisberger makes sure Charlie stands out on the court with bedazzled tennis outfits and a Swarovski tiara.
“The fashion followed the function,” Weisberger says. “It made sense to me and was fun creatively, Charlie needed a personality change according to her coach. An image overhaul. Her clothing was going to follow suit.”
Weisberger’s novels often center on characters making changes, but realizing not all those changes are for them.
“It’s a common experience at work, in a romantic relationship, with family or friends,” Weisberger says. “At different points in life, [you’re] thinking you want something and it may not be all you set it up to be. It’s something all women can relate to.”
Lauren Weisberger will be doing a talk, signing, and reading at the Hollywood Palms Cinema, 532 S. Route 59 in Naperville, July 22 with Anderson’s Bookshop. For more information, go to andersonsbookshop.com/event/lauren-weisberger.
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