Book Review | Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire) by Jen Glantz

Unlike most of the titles I review on here, this next one is special because I actually know the author. I met Jen back in college when she visited my sorority during recruitment as a traveling educational consultant. For anyone not familiar with greek life, recruitment is like speed dating on crack where older sorority girls try and win over new recruits to join their sisterhood. Jen’s job was basically to get us excited about the recruitment process and to help us fine-tune our “schmoozing” skills. Well, years later, Jen is now the schoomizing expert, if you will. She’s the world’s first “professional bridesmaid” and honestly, one of the most hard-working people I’ve crossed paths with. So, without further adieu, here’s my review:

This is not a manual on how to create a successful small business. More importantly, this is not a guide on how to be a professional bridesmaid. This is, however, a story about how one woman turned a closetful of bridesmaid dresses and troves of on the fly problem-solving skills into a thriving company. Jen Glantz is the “wildcard gal pal” every reader can’t help but relate to and wants to be friends with. The candid honesty and raw emotion found throughout Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire) is what makes this one of the best books I’ve read in years. Like, “can’t put it down, I ate six meals over my computer in order to finish reading this in two days,” GOOD. 

The heart of this book is obviously Jen’s impromptu Craigslist ad, turned viral sensation startup business…but beyond the makeup, hairspray, and endless amount bobby pins, this book is really an introspective look at the relationships we form with others and the love we cultivate for one another. As the chapters ebb and flow between past and present, Jen shares childhood lessons that have (or haven’t) prepared her for many of life’s challenges (think, impossible demands at work, underwhelming first dates, and all of the uncertainties in between).

Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire) is a book about how repeated failure is, in and of itself, success. Perhaps that’s a little bit how love works…you have to kiss a lot of frogs (and learn a lot about yourself in the process) before you can appreciate a Prince Charming when he shares your love for $1 street pizza and converse.

Score Card: Cover Art: 5/5     | Content: 5/5     |      Ease of Read: 5/5

I was provided an advanced e-copy of this title by Atria (the publisher) in exchange for my honest opinion about it…but I bought my own copy literally the second I finished it because it’s just that good. I’d recommend this to friends, family, and strangers alike because it’s got heart and soul unlike any other book I’ve read in a while.