During the past decade a new genre of literature has emerged, referred to as 'Chick Lit'. Undeniably popular with millions of women all over the world, these novels often focus on a main heroine struggling with some aspect of her life. These struggles, whether it be her love life, career and finances, or health and weight, are usually tempered with a sharp sense of humour and insighful sensibility. You can locate them in any bookstore by the bright dust jacket colours, usually pink, and the stylized and cartoonish look to the characters.
Often criticized for being too light and fluffy, there is actually great diversity in the 'Chick Lit' genre illustrated by the wide demographics of the readership. Although many of the books tend to follow a formula, there are endless variations on the young, single career woman, anxious to marry and filled with insecurities. Marriage, divorce, infidelity, pregnancy, bankruptcy, depression and even death can be found in these books with varying levels of humour and sensitivity. These books allow the reader an outlet of identification with the main character, and can be cathartic as well as entertaining.
The term 'Chick Lit' may be a new one but the type of novel isn't. Jane Austen is the classic 'Chick Lit' author with famous books like Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and, Sense and Sensibility. Pride and Prejudice gave Helen Fielding the plot for Bridget Jones' Diary, who successfully mirrored early 19th century women's issues in a modern context. The success of Bridget Jones' Diary combined with the popularity of TV shows like Sex in the City gave modern women fictional heroines to identify and laugh with. These books are more than finding happiness through a new pair of shoes, or the attention of the right man. It's about an internal struggle that all women face, but don't necessarily want to always take that seriously. 'Chick Lit' may be considered cotton-candy literature, but it's a refreshing treat!
The following books are some great 'Chick Lit' picks. Enjoy!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A classic book turned phenomenon as a result of the BBC production starring Colin Firth. The story has been hijacked most recently in the form of:
Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding
It's a great book, with many women identifying with Bridget's foibles in life and love. I thought it was hilarious, and the sequel just as funny. The The Edge of Reason is better in book form than movie form, with memorable scenes. Give the book a chance if you didn't find the movie lived up to the hype.
Shopaholic Series By Sophie Kinsella
Confessions of A Shopaholic, Shopaholic takes Manhattan, Shopaholic Ties the Knot.. Funny books, with a main character I identified with more than I thought I would! If you're having financial woes, this is a great pick me up.
The Nannie Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
An interesting and sometimes very sad look into how the other half lives and neglects. Not hilarious as the cover reviews lead you to believe, but has it has its funny moments.
Knocked Up: Confessions of a Hip Mother to Be by Rebecca Eckler
It's a funny and honest look about fears and apprehensions that martini sipping, career women have about becoming a mom. There's also a reference to naming the baby Apple. I wonder what came first, the book or Gwenyth's baby?
Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth by Jenny McCarthy
Blunt, honest, funny and at times sweet. My sister had this book while she was pregnant and gave it to me to read. I now know exactly what to expect!
The Wife of Rielly by Jennifer Coburn
Accounting exec Prudence Malone gets engaged and stuns her friends. She's already married, and this is a big conundrum. She gets her friends to agree to help her find a more compatible mate for her current husband, which will free her to marry again. Very funny book, with an interesting premise.
The Art of Undressing by Stephanie Lehmann
Author of the books Are You in the Mood and Thoughts While Having Sex brings us another great read. The Art of Undressing is a very funny and touching book about Ginger Levine, daughter of an ex-exotic dancer who is feeling alienated from her fem side. Great characters and story development.
Jane Arnold is a freelance writer and voracious reader who loves 'Chick Lit'. Find lots more girly stuff at her website http://www.girlyside.com/girlyside.html
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