Adventures of a Gala Guru by Donna Vessey is a witty, sometimes chaotic, always entertaining dive into the world of event planning, where disasters are just opportunities for comedic gold. The story follows a seasoned event planner named Donna navigating high-stakes parties, wild personalities, and enough behind-the-scenes drama to rival a reality TV show. Between the eccentric clients, the unpredictable mishaps, and the heroine’s sharp, self-deprecating humor, this book keeps the energy high and the reader thoroughly entertained.

The writing has this breezy, conversational flow that makes you feel like you’re having drinks with a friend who just happens to have a treasure trove of outrageous party-planning stories. Take the opening scene, for example, Donna is stuck filming an antacid commercial, lamenting how far she’s fallen from the glamorous days of youthful, fresh-faced advertising gigs. It’s funny, a little ridiculous, and completely relatable for anyone who’s had to adjust to life not going exactly as planned. The way Vessey writes these moments, blending snark, self-awareness, and vivid imagery, makes even the mundane feel hilarious.

Then there are the characters. From Sam, the no-nonsense best friend who seems to be the voice of reason (but also the first to drag Donna into trouble), to the outrageous socialites and diva clients, every person in this book is larger than life. One of my favorite moments is the wake-turned-party scene, where a deceased man is the literal centerpiece of his own send-off. It’s absurd, it’s a little macabre, but it’s also an unexpectedly sweet moment that underscores the book’s theme; life (and event planning) is unpredictable, so you might as well laugh at the madness.

If you think your job is stressful, try planning a high-end wedding where the mother of the bride is a control freak, the bride herself is a manipulative whirlwind, and the shrimp needs to be flown in fresh from Louisiana, or there will be hell to pay. There’s something deeply satisfying about reading someone else’s work nightmares, especially when they’re told with this much flair. The scene where our protagonist juggles high-maintenance demands while trying to keep her team from murdering difficult clients had me grinning the entire time.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves stories about behind-the-scenes chaos, think The Devil Wears Prada meets Party Down. If you’ve ever worked in events, hospitality, or anything customer-service-adjacent, you’ll probably find yourself laughing (and cringing) in recognition. It’s light, fast-paced, and full of charm, making it an ideal pick for anyone who needs a fun, escapist read. If you like your humor sharp, your characters wild, and your disasters entertaining, Adventures of a Gala Guru will be right up your alley.

Pages: 301 | ASIN: B0DS9YTPDH