Trashionista

November 10, 2009 2:30 AM

Meetup: London's Girly Book Club

I've never attended a book club, but have always rather fancied it. I might be in luck, as I've recently discovered the London Girly Book Club.

Yep, it's a book club for females only, based in (well, you guessed it) London. If you're based in the city and looking to talk about great books (over great wine!) then this is the perfect reading group. If you don't live in or around London, then worry not - meetups are held on a monthly basis, so you have time to arrange something.

How I didn't come across this sooner, I have no idea, but I'm definitely looking into attending the next one! If you'd like to take part, check out the website on meetup.com and register.

From the club's About page: The group meets once a month to discuss that months book. We read a wide variety of book types from auto biographies, fiction, prize winners, memoirs and chick lit. It's not your typical Chick book club. We have intelligent conversation over wine and the book usually gets discussed for about half of the meeting until we switch to other topics.

So, if you fancy a chat about the latest titles with likeinded females, this is the place to go!

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 10, 2009 in Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 5, 2008 10:11 AM

BOOK REVIEW: I like You: Hospitality under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

Reviewed by Diane Shipley (remember her?!)

I'd like to nominate Amy Sedaris as the anti-Martha Stewart. Although Amy has written a guide to entertaining and hospitality, it could possibly put any serious "homemakers" into an early grave. Like her brother David (who I love!) actress/author/comedian Amy is witty, intelligent... and more than a little strange.

I Like You... is made up of 29 chapters, giving advice on putting together different types of parties and get-togethers, from wakes to brunch. Plus there are recipes for quick and tasty meals for one and a number of cakes and desserts which sound positively mouth-watering. (Sedaris clearly knows her stuff: she has her own cupcake company in New York.)

Sometimes I couldn't work out whether the author was serious, such as when she talks about bringing home a group of Japanese business men she didn't know and cooking for them, or when she recommends holding impromptu twenty-five cent sales during a dinner party. But despite the sardonic tone, all of the recipes here are genuine and Sedaris is clearly enthusiastic about entertaining.

Unfortunately, the book reminded me of all the reasons I don't enjoy cooking or throwing parties (the effort, the clean-up, the small talk!) but that's a personal thing. It also made me laugh when Sedaris said she loved being a waitress, and would always rather eat at home than eat out. Reverse both those statements and you have my views exactly!

I do wonder if the wit and irony of the book might perhaps turn off people who don't realise the recipes should be taken entirely seriously. It might be better to have skipped the information on the best way to douche (!) and have made a few more concessions to conventionality... Also (picky, much?) I'd have preferred the book in an A3 format, that could have been laid flat so it was easier to follow the instructions. (I imagine...)

Despite a few reservations (and the caveat that this book is not for the easily offended!) I'd definitely recommend I Like You as a refreshingly modern guide to entertaining; an alternative to the likes of Martha Stewart and Delia Smith, who take it all too seriously for my liking.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

Posted by Aigua Media on June 5, 2008 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (6)

March 21, 2008 7:30 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Meaning of Sunglasses by Hadley Freeman

Despite having no discernable interest in fashion (I work from home, mostly in pajamas, so there's no real need), I absolutely love Hadley Freeman's Guardian newspaper column. She's so dry, funny and down to earth. I think I gave a little squeal when I heard she'd written a book.

The Meaning of Sunglasses is subtitled "A guide to almost all things fashionable" and it's certainly that. Set out in alphabetical order (which took me a shameful amount of time to work out - I kept wondering how the topics had been organised. D'oh.), the book features everything from Accessories to Yoga.

The thing I love about Ms Freeman is that she often says just what I've been afraid to admit (sometimes even to myself) about fashion (see Coats, stuck at the nexus point between dull and stressful). She's totally straightforward in her criticisms of magazines (the products are featured because the companies have paid for the advertising - I know this and yet I still always fall for those "must-have" or "products of the year" articles) and even certain designers, and she's practical about the ridiculousness of much fashion.

And yet ... I didn't enjoy this book anywhere near as much as her column. Often, either me or my husband (yes, my utterly fashion-ignorant husband loves her too) will read bits out to each other. I didn't feel the need to share any of this book with  him. Her column frequently makes me laugh out loud. The book had me smiling once or twice. Granted, I did read it straight through and it may be a better book to dip in and out of.

If you haven't read any Hadley before, I'm confident you'll enjoy it as a common sense explanation of the madness of modern fashion, but Hadley fans may be disappointed.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Fashion Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones

Posted by Keris on March 21, 2008 in Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 14, 2008 11:52 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Glamorous (Double) Life of Isabel Bookbinder by Holly McQueen

22nd May sees Isabel Bookbinder launched on an unsuspecting public. Being touted as the new Becky Bloomwood, Isabel is a chick lit by numbers character; head in the clouds, heart on her sleeve and just a little bit stupid. The book follows her attempts to secure a publishing deal and become a literary star. The only problem is she's so caught up in dreaming about the lifestyle she associates with being a 'novelist' that she forgets to actually put pen to paper. And thus the problems begin.

The novel is definitely one for Sophie Kinsella fans, as Bookbinder borrows heavily from the Shopaholic series. Not only is the character similarly infuriating at times, the love interest is very Luke Brandon-esque and the novel is broken up with Isabel's fake newspaper and magazine articles (about herself), much like the Shopaholic books were broken up with Becky's letters to her bank manager.

As fun Summer reads go, this is probably the ultimate beach novel. It's fluffy, light and easy to read. McQueen is a good writer who knows her audience and weaves together a tale that'll have you giggling and sighing with frustration in equal doses.

Sadly, I had serious issues with the title character. I loved the idea of her, I thought the faux magazine articles where she imagined herself as rich, beautiful and successful were great (ok, maybe I've done that too...) but she was just a bit too silly for my liking. At one point, I actually threw the book down in disbelief. While there are moments of sheer brilliance and plenty of laugh-out-loud funny lines, I couldn't really feel an affinity for a woman who is so ridiculous she lets herself get carried away to the extent that we see in the novel. It's one thing to daydream, it's another to ignore reality all together.

Rumours suggest that Isabel Bookbinder is set to become a series character, and I must confess, as much as I enjoyed this book for what it was - pure fluff - and could see why people would love it, I'd much rather have more Little Lady instead. Isabel was just a bit too dim and ridiculous for me.

3/5 - So much potential, but Isabel drove me mad!

PS. If you think you can tolerate the silliness, Isabel has a rather lovely website where proof copies are up for grabs. You can also pre-order the novel for £6.99 through Random House.

Posted by gcartwright on March 14, 2008 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 26, 2008 11:11 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Good Vibrations by Ayn Carrillo

Ayn Carrillo's Good Vibrations has been on my shelf for a little while, but I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it. First there's the title. Then the subtitle - "One good girl's hilarious exploration of all things bad..." Funnily enough, I spotted the US version which is titled Pornology and has a much more sophisticated cover (see it over the cut). The US is often accused of dumbing down (the title of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone being changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone springs immediately to mind), but they're certainly winning in the chick lit cover wars!

Anyway, back to Good Vibrations. When Carrillo's boyfriend accused her of being "pornophobic" she made a list - she really loves making lists - a "Porn to do list" in fact. On the list were items like "meet a porn star", "visit a strip club", "test vibrators", "check out a brothel" and more. Here's a tip: if the previous sentence offended you, you're not going to enjoy this book.

I'm not easily offended and I enjoyed this book. Carrillo has a chatty and easy writing style, in particular she's good at writing about pretty full-on stuff in a lighthearted and informative way. Having said that, even though I'm no prude and am pretty open-minded about most things, there was one bit of the book that quite literally turned my stomach. Chapter 8. Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.

As is often the case with memoir, I didn't believe bits of the book, usually bits that were meant to be funny. There's also a relationship with a man Carrillo met in a sex shop running through the book and that didn't ring true either (although, judging by the acknowledgments, the man exists, at least!). Mostly Good Vibrations is an entertaining and informative addition to the sex memoirs that have flooded the market lately. (Ew. Now I've reminded myself of Chapter 8.)

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

Posted by Keris on February 26, 2008 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 30, 2008 1:21 PM

Starlight fountain pen

This Valentine's Day I'm not after flowers, bubbly, or even chocolate. No, I've found something so desirable that the man who purchased it for me would find himself very popular indeed...

It's a Century II Starlight Midnight Blue fountain pen, made by Cross and it costs £67 from Pen Shop. Yes, I'm strictly a keyboard gal and my hand-writing, frankly, makes people wince, but still... It sure is purty.

Related posts: Lovely Penguin pencils | Reading is sexy t-shirt

Posted by Sarah Painter on January 30, 2008 in Bookish products, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty Confidential by Nadine Haobsh

I have to admit, I'm not a big beauty junkie, so I wasn't too excited about Nadine Haobsh's book, Beauty Confidential. I was, however, intrigued by the book's backstory - Nadine was a beauty editor about to start her dream job, when she was outed as the anonymous author of tell-all beauty blog, Jolie in NYC. The dream job offer was retracted ... after Nadine had left her current job. Fortunately, Jolie in NYC's popularity was such that Nadine got a book deal, plus the site is still going strong (although it's no longer anonymous).

Still, the backstory was summed up in a couple of pages and I worried the beauty stuff wouldn't hold my attention. Yep, wrong again. The thing about Beauty Confidential that distinguishes it from the generic beauty pages I flick past every month is Nadine's voice.

She's chatty, funny, down-to-earth and honest. She knows that singing the praises of Nars blush (in Orgasm) isn't going to change the world, but she also knows that if your hair looks good, your day goes better and that's not to be underestimated.

Not only did I fly through this book making mental shopping lists (and vows to spend more than one minute doing my "face"), I've actually referred back to it once or twice since finishing.

From thinking it wasn't a book for me to keeping it on my shelf as an indispensable reference book ... not bad for someone with no interest in the beauty industry. What I'm saying is, if Nadine Haobsh can fire my enthusiasm, she can fire anyone's. And if you're already a beauty junkie? Pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink and enjoy!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

Posted by Keris on January 30, 2008 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (18)

December 14, 2007 10:34 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Hopscotch & Handbags by Lucy Mangan

I love Lucy Mangan's columns for The Guardian newspaper, so I was keen to read her first book, Hopscotch & Handbags: The Essential Guide to Being a Girl and it was just as good as I expected.

In her typical hilariously dry style, Mangan looks at all aspects of what it means to be female. From early days at preschool, via senior school's obsessive collecting of stickers, keyrings and erasers (called "rubbers" when we were at school, but not any more), to living with a man (and explaining to him - at exhaustive length - why sausages are not actually a health food), motherhood and more.

Like sex, hair and beauty, exercise and health, friendship, working, and dealing with your mother.

Sometimes (and you'll probably already be aware of this if you've read her columns) Mangan has a tendency to be excessively verbose (she says with excessive, er, verbosity) and occasionally I found myself scanning a little to get to the point, but when I finished the book I still longed for more. Plus at least twice I literally laughed until I cried (once was in public and it was rather embarrassing).

Hopscotch & Handbags is one of those books you'll read out over the phone to your friends. Buy it for every woman you know (although, on second thoughts, maybe not your mum...).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try How to Bring Up Your Parents by Emma Kennedy or My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary by Rae Earl

Posted by Keris on December 14, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 24, 2007 12:07 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Behind Every Great Woman There's a Fabulous Gay Man by Dave Singleton

Is it just me? Does everyone in the world have a fabulous GBF (Gay Best Friend) except me... And if so, where can I get one?

Dave Singleton argues that every woman needs a GBF - that's why his book is called Behind Every Great Woman There's a Fabulous Gay Man. But luckily for those of us who don't have our very own Stanford Blatch, Dave is happy to advise us on how to "avoid the pitfalls of the dating game, live stylishly and be even more fabulous than you already are." Which is nice.

The book is essentially a love and style guide for women from a gay man's perspective, divided into two parts: Dating, Men and Relationships and Style, Straight Talk and Self-Esteem.

Dave begins by talking about the importance of a male gay best friend for every straight woman, and about how wonderful his female friends are. Which is lovely for them, but doesn't help those of us without a GBF, now does it?!

There are some really interesting ideas in the first part of the book, such as looking at the part you play in your unsuccessful relationships - finding out where your love insecurities come from, and breaking self-destructive patterns. There are also useful and more light-hearted tips on checking if a man 'plays for your team' or not... The second part of the book is about appearance, plastic surgery and the like and is more superficial - although Singleton advises thinking about whether you're having a procedure done for your looks or your self-esteem, which is certainly good advice.

But a lot of the advice in the book seemed to be stretched a bit thin - I felt it was a bit repetitive and could probably have been squashed into a long feature article as I'm not sure there was enough here to build a book on. Some of the chapters in the second half of the book in particular just seemed there to make up the numbers, and didn't provide much useful insight - why it's okay to wear a short skirt to work, for instance. (Do we need to be told? And I'm still not gonna...) Plus, I couldn't help feeling that perhaps the idea for the book was a bit outdated - I mean, SATC is over and GBFs aren't exactly news. This book was only published in the UK this year, but in the US in 2005, which explains a lot.

It's witty, if not particularly original, and does contain some useful ideas, but may be one to skim rather than use as your style and dating 'bible'.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Jane Austen's Guide to Dating by Lauren Henderson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 24, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance, Self development | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 23, 2007 11:04 AM

TV NEWS: Gossip Girl

Last August we brought you news that Cecily Von Ziegesar's controversial teen series Gossip Girl was to be made into a TV series by OC creator Josh Schwartz.

Now we have some more information for you and (over the cut) a video clip!

The series centres around a group of spoilt rich girls at an exclusive Manhattan boarding school, whose antics are immortalised by an anonymous blogger, Gossip Girl. As Catwalk Queen editor Kim says, "The words 'guilty pleasure' spring to mind..."

Look out for the show in the US from 17 September on the CW. And in the UK... hopefully soon!

Carry on over the cut for a sneak preview... (and if you recognise that narrator's voice, that's cos it's Kristen Bell, aka: Veronica Mars!)

[Via Catwalk Queen].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 23, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Television, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 21, 2007 3:11 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Hindi-Bindi Club by Monica Pradhan

Another book with club in the title, and hey, why not?!

The Hindi-Bindi Club is getting great reviews. Monica Pradhan's debut novel, it's about an inter-connected group of Indian-American families who face issues ranging from racism to breast cancer to infidelity, and it entwines personal stories of joy and heartache with delicious-sounding Indian recipes.

It sounds like a mix of The Joy Luck Club, Like Water for Chocolate and Desperate Housewives! First magazine calls it "enthralling".  Definitely one to watch out for (and just look how pretty the cover is!)

Related: BOOK REVIEW: The Tuesday Erotica Club | BOOK REVIEW: The Yorkshire Pudding Club.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 21, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 14, 2007 5:10 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Men! by Isabel Losada

Isabel Losada has written non-fiction books on the inner lives of nuns, finding enlightenment and saving the world. (As well as Reasons to be Glad). Her latest release is a little more down-to-earth: ‘Men!’ she exclaims. ‘Where the **** are they?’

She believes there is a national shortage of interesting, available men over the age of 35. For the purposes of the book, her definition of an interesting man is: ‘One who when you meet them you’d like to have dinner with them and, having had dinner with them you are glad that you had dinner with them and would like to see them again.’ Available means emotionally available as well as single (and married men who tell women they’re separated don’t count!) The interesting, available man should also have travelled, be independent and free from addictions and other emotional problems. Is such a man so elusive? The evidence of her own love life and those of her friends suggests he is, so Losada embarks on a nine-month quest to find out where all the interesting and available men are, and to net one for herself in the process, if she can...

To find out where the eligible men are hiding, Losada visits some all-male environments on our behalf. She attends a Harley Davidson ‘ride out’ and a weekend plumbing course before spending two weeks working as the only woman on a building site. Dispiritingly, she finds that men are often quite literally hiding from women as they prefer to spend leisure time in the company of other men. The motorbike club is mostly a chance for men to drink copiously and tell sexist and homophobic jokes. The plumbing course is not set up for women although Losada copes admirably well and the building site workers treat her as one of them (after some initiation rituals) but their views on life and love are enlightening in all the wrong ways.

So Losada vows to try more new things. She attends lectures all over London, learns to drive a motorbike and goes on a diving holiday in Egypt. She also falls for two men, neither of whom is technically ‘available’…  She’s endearingly open and frank about her romantic missteps, admitting that getting over one of these men is so hard that she wouldn’t be interested in a new relationship anyway – so her experiment is flawed on a personal level. At the end of the quest, Losada confirms her hypothesis: as she suspected, there is a lack of interesting, available men for independent, intelligent women over 35. Our author claims she was hoping to be proved wrong but the words ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ don’t seem out of place here - throughout the book it’s more apparent that she wants to prove herself right.

However she does have suggestions for changing the situation she says she has uncovered. First, women seeking men should take a new approach: ‘Doing radical and exciting things with our lives is one solution’, and something that is never a bad idea! Losada also encourages us to look at the bigger picture, postulating that the reason so many marriages are unhappy is that people lack the courage to be honest with each other and to leave without fear of recrimination when a relationship is no longer working. If more people were honest when a relationship stops working, this would mean more available men let loose.

The author claims she’s not scared to be a single woman forever if she can’t find Mr Right. But her vision of ageing single women, though (I hope) tongue in cheek, is offensive and lazy: ‘I have so many wonderful female friends… we could all move into a house together that would become a glorious celebration of being old batty females. We’d all have to wear purple. And have lots of cats… pretend to be witches and have big bonfires and make strange sounds to frighten the local schoolchildren.’ If that’s what happens to single women of a certain age it’s no wonder Losada wants a man!

At times I couldn’t help having the un-sisterly thought that perhaps her standards are too high. If a man has different views to her, she’s not interested. If he enjoys spectator sports, she’s not interested. And yet she falls for two unavailable men in the space of nine months. Wouldn’t a football fan have been better?

Also, although she talks repeatedly about not needing a man she frequently presents being alone as the third-rate option. During her research mission, Losada goes on her first dive and absolutely loves it. She comments that it’s a shame she’s on her own as it would be ideal to share the experience with a partner or friend. Is an experience only worth having if you’re with someone else?

Although intelligently-written and well-considered with a spiritual angle not often found in books about love, ‘Men!’ isn’t as new and subversive as it wants to be. It is after all another book about how women can find men (isn’t it time they found us for a change?!) While part of me found it sad that a vibrant, intelligent and (not that it should matter, but it probably does) attractive woman like Isabel Losada finds it so hard to find a lasting relationship, a larger part of me thought, ‘So?’

Still, I found the author charming and frank and her look at love has more depth than other books of its ilk.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Dating Amy by Amy DeZellar.

Read this review in full at The F Word.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 14, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance, Self development | Permalink | Comments (4)

August 13, 2007 6:52 PM

TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: Dear Holly

A couple of months ago, Keris told us about Holly Shumas's new book debut, Five Things I Can't Live Without. She'll be reviewing it soon, but in the meantime you might like to take a look at the author's excellent web site, which includes an interactive advice section, Dear Holly. Follow that link for questions from readers and answers from Holly herself on all manner of dating dilemmas.

Why don't more authors do this? I'd love Marian Keyes's advice on skincare and Sophie Kinsella's tips on shoe shopping...

Which author would you most like a Q & A with, and on what topic?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 8, 2007 11:20 AM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

It's a while since we've polled your opinions on a particular book rather than a hot topic in publishing, so today it's time to redress the balance.

Today I'm asking what you thought of Sophie Kinsella's latest, Shopaholic and Baby. Did you enjoy it, or have you had enough Becky spin-offs?

And if you haven't read it (yet) - do you want to? Why/why not? Tell us:

Is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 8, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Series, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (11)

July 27, 2007 4:30 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Rumour Has It

A chick flick based on a film that was based on a novel (are you still with me?) Rumour Has It takes the idea that the events of The Graduate really happened and are based on Sarah (Jennifer Aniston)'s family, something she only discovers shortly before she's due to get married to fiance Jeff (the lovely Mark Ruffalo) and which sends her into a tailspin. Because if the events of that book/film are true, then her dad isn't her real father, and she has to find the man who is...

The savaging this got from some critics lead me to believe this was going to be a total piece of trash, but it was actually a nice surprise. It might not hold up twenty years from now but I found it fun, engaging, a little silly perhaps, but I loved the conceit of the film and especially enjoyed Shirley McClaine's performance. I think Aniston is a great comic actress and this isn't great film, but it's far from a bad one. Enjoy!

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 27, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (2)

Is The Great Big Glorious Book for Girls... an insult to women's intelligence?

In The Guardian books blog, writer Melissa McClements despairs of a new book, The Great Big Glorious Book for Girls, which apparently is (according to the book's website): "... an irresistible celebration of girlhood, exquisitely illustrated, deliciously packaged and packed with exciting things to keep every girl, from eight to 80, entertained throughout the years ... It will take women back to a time when we made cup cakes with our grandmothers and a campfire with our friends, we played hopscotch, and domestic crafts were celebrated."

But are books like this undoing the good work of feminism by encouraging women and men to adopt stereotypical gender roles? Or should the liberated woman bake if she wants to? Is it patronising to have a book for 'girls' rather than 'women' and is it even more patronising to assume we all like the same traditional pursuits?

Also... is it wrong that I became very excited when I saw the website contains instructions on doing a proper french plait? (Finally!)

Related: Gloria Steinem on chick lit.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 27, 2007 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 26, 2007 9:05 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Queen of Broken Hearts by Cassandra King

Reviewed by Diane Johnston of Corrieblog...

Dr. Clare Ballenger is a divorce coach, helping women cope with the loss of a crumbled marraige, guiding them to start afresh and let go of the past. The only problem is, she's still recovering from a more tragic loss herself.

And she has a second chance at love with not just one man but two - but will she be able to let go of the past and move on? Can the doctor heal herself?

I've never read any of Cassandra King's work before so I opened Queen of Broken Hearts without any preconceptions. I was pleased to discover that the main character, Dr. Clare Ballenger, her best friend Dory Rogers, and both of Clare's potential lovers are my age (late 40s) or older. It's nice when you can identify with the people you meet in books. I, too, have been divorced so I can relate to that aspect of the story as well.

The book takes place in Alabama and is filled with colourful peripheral characters. The narrative is in the first person present most of the time, except when Clare takes the reader back to fill in some of the blanks that she constantly opens up. Some she fills in straight away and some take a while but be patient, they will get filled in eventually. I did find that a bit disconcerting, being left hanging at times wondering what she meant when she hinted at something that happened the previous summer or even years before.

There is a romance threading its bumpy way through the book, with all the ups and downs you might expect. The ups and downs do not include juicy sex scenes, so if you're looking for that, look the other way. In this case, the story doesn't really need it because it's not about that. It's about women rediscovering themselves as they approach middle age after their lives change completely and often traumatically. It's about women supporting each other and it's about friendship and love in all the best ways. I'm rating it a little less than perfect, though, because I did find the author's style of leaving you wondering about those blanks a bit annoying at times even though all the loose ends were tied up at the end.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try How Will I Know? By Sheila O’Flanagan.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 26, 2007 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 23, 2007 11:12 AM

BOOK REVIEW: An Absolute Scandal by Penny Vincenzi

Reviewed by freelance writer and Trashionista fan Hannah Davies...

Coming in at 768 pages in the hardback edition, and set amidst the complex financial dealings of the City in the Eighties, Penny Vincenzi's latest novel An Absolute Scandal seems a daunting prospect. Potential readers should bear in mind, however, that this is less than half the size of War and Peace. More importantly, An Absolute Scandal is a very good read overall.

All the classic Vincenzi ingredients are here: a glittering backdrop of wealth and privilege, a large and diverse cast, some energetic sex and, well, plenty of scandal. An Absolute Scandal introduces the characters as they enjoy the kind of material success that, for some, typifies the early Eighties. As disaster strikes in the form of increasing debt to Lloyds Bank, the families are drawn together by their mutual monetary woes. This device is extremely well-handled: the explanations of the financial complexities are clear and accessible, and never take precedence over the gripping human drama. The plot skips lightly from Alice bands and Ferraris in London to well-heeled Americans in Boston, the savage beauty of the Welsh coastline and the glitzy world of the celebrity hairdresser, yet never loses its hold on the reader.

The main weakness is the sudden promotion of 'feisty' housewife Debbie to prominence during the second third of the novel. Although she is clearly intended to be an 'everywoman' counterbalance to the assorted wealthy Sloanes, her character fails to convince, and her struggle to balance the duties of family with the demands of career flirts at times with tedium.

In addition, after a long and intense build-up, the ending feels rushed and somehow not entirely satisfying. Nevertheless, with its addictive plot and stylish narrative, I'd recommend this as a great holiday read. Even if you feel that it is not quite up to the standard of Penny Vincenzi's previous books, you can always use this hefty tome for impromptu arm-toning exercises by the pool. However, be prepared to take less sarongs and sandals than usual, or you might end up paying excess baggage charges!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Adored by Tilly Bagshawe.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 23, 2007 in American Authors, Bonkbusters, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 20, 2007 10:01 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

We've talked about Anatomy of a Boyfriend before, when the cover was causing a stir in America. I love the design and was very interested to read the book, which wasn't really anything like I expected: I thought it would be Louise Rennison-esque, instead it's more like Judy Blume...

Daria Snadowsky's debut novel is the story of the relationship between 17-year old Dominique and her new boyfriend Wes. Wes is a shy but sweet athletic/writerly type, while Dominique wants to be a doctor - hence the title of the book, she's obsessed with medical textbooks!

We follow the couple from their first meeting, through to their first semester at university, and all the ups and downs and those major 'firsts' that come with a first love...

This very much reminded me of a modern-day Forever (although with a little less um, description). It's certainly not for younger teenagers but the sexual stuff is realistic and appropriate in the context of the story. Easy to read and with some great emotional depth, I just wondered if the teenager's voices were entirely lifelike: Dom is a little immature at times where her best friend Amy sometimes sounds like SATC's Samantha. Also the relationship between Dom and Wes takes a while to get going, and I was a bit frustrated by that!

I did love the two girls' friendship and found the story very moving and well-crafted. It's quite an easy read, but definitely not a facile one. I was sad when I'd finished it and got quite emotionally involved with the characters so I'm definitely looking forward to more books by this new author. (In other words, thank you Luisa for the loan!)

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Good Girls by Laura Ruby.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 20, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 17, 2007 4:22 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Tuesday Erotica Club by Lisa Beth Kovetz

Four women from very different backgrounds form an unlikely writers' alliance in Lisa Beth Kovetz's debut novel, The Tuesday Erotica Club.

All have different jobs at a New York law firm when newly-pregnant Aimee decides to start a weekly writing group, which quickly becomes a weekly erotic writing group. Her friend Brooke is quick to join, as is older associate Margot, who has a reputation for being a bit scary. Secretary Lux is a latecomer to the group and with her distinct lack of writing skills, wildly coloured clothing and hair and tough attitude, isn't a welcome addition.  But she doesn't care. As the group becomes a regular fixture for all four women, all of their lives begin to change in dramatic ways and Aimee, Brooke, Margot and Lux realise they need each other's support more than they ever could have guessed...

As you might suspect from the title, there's a certain amount of erotic writing in the book, as we are treated to the women's creative efforts. It just stops short of being too much, but probably isn't for the squeamish about sex. However, the real plot of the book is about the importance of female friendship and it's a very good, well-crafted read. Unlike some other books I've read recently (e.g. this one), when the chapters alternated viewpoints, I didn't find it hard to keep them separate at all. And all the women became sympathetic characters by the end of the book, even the ones who didn't start out that way!

I just have two slight reservations: I felt that the character of Lux was maybe a little too naive at times, and I felt that maybe we didn't need to read quite so much erotica (I know, the clue was in the title!) - sex may sell, but this book doesn't need any gimmicks to keep readers hooked.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 17, 2007 in American Authors, Bonkbusters, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

July 13, 2007 6:03 PM

BOOK NEWS: 'Style from A to Zoe' by a stylist to the stars

I may be a little fashionably-challenged at times, but we do love our fashion lit here at Trashionista, so we were interested to hear that Rachel Zoe, controversial stylist to the stars, is set to put her pen to paper. I say 'controversial' because she's been accused of pushing Nicole Ritchie to lose stupid amounts of weight (which she denied). I also say controversial because the young stars she dresses (including Lindsay Lohan and Misha Barton) tend to have real 'love them or hate them' wardrobes.

Anyway, whether you love her style or aren't really bothered, her book Style from A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour will be out in October.

[Via our fabulous sister site Catwalk Queen].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

FRIDAY FLICK: I Capture the Castle

Based on Dodie Smith's iconic YA/crossover novel about  a romantic teenager with a poor and eccentric aristocratic family who all live in a run-down castle in the 1930s, I Capture the Castle captures the essence of the book brilliantly. The family are struggling to make the rent when two new landlords (Americans!) roll up at the castle.  At first the family are scared they'll be evicted, but before long they've befriended the twenty-something brothers who own their property and our heroine Cassandra and her sister Rose might even want to be more than friends with these interlopers...

17-year old Cassandra is played really well by Romola Garai and I loved Bill Nighy as her reclusive author father. While the film isn't half as charming as the book it's still a good adaptation. Fun, romance, period drama and a touch of betrayal: this film has it all, and if it's not quite a girly classic it's not that far off.

Like this, in that it's also about another poor family: Little Women.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 13, 2007 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: The Yorkshire Pudding Club by Milly Johnson

The first thing that attracted me to this book was its cover - attractive and conveying a clear 'women's fiction' message without being a pink shoe/butterfly/egg-covered cliche, it's very nice indeed. The second thing that attracted me was the title because like the heroines of this book, I'm from South Yorkshire, so I just had to read it.

The Yorkshire Pudding Club is made up of three women: Janey, Elizabeth and Helen, who have been best friends since school despite having very different backgrounds. When Helen makes them accompany her to an ancient fertility symbol in the hopes she'll fall pregnant, little do the women realise that before long all three of them will have buns in their metaphorical ovens..

But none of their pregnancies will be smooth sailing...

One of the most frustrating things about this book was how long it took to get going. It took about 100 pages for all the women to cop on about their upcoming bundles of joy ('Hmm, I wonder why I'm so tired, and my breasts are swollen and do you know I haven't had a period...' sort of thing)which was annoying and totally lacking in suspense as it's clear from the cover that all 3 women are going to have babies. I was also annoyed by the self-consciously 'Northern' nature of some of the dialogue - it got bit too "ee by gum" salt-of-the-earth stereotypical at times. More importantly, the story constantly switches perspective and I kept finding it hard to keep Janey and Elizabeth's voices separate - they were very similar.

But it wasn't all bad by any means. I found the last third of the book became more exciting and less predictable, and things ended just as I'd have liked. I also loved the support the women gave each other and think this could be a comforting/consoling read for first-time mums.

A good read but not a great one - losing about 100 pages might have helped.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 13, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 11, 2007 4:21 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, the film and literary worlds were all-a-flutter with the news that Sex and the City is to be made into a movie - after years and years of rumours and speculation it is (apparently) really going to happen. I guess Kim Cattrall decided to just grit her teeth and make nice with SJP... or something. (I'm just speculating, that's not libel!) Anyhoo, what I want to know this week is whether you think it's a good idea.

Should a good thing be left well enough alone? Or are you chomping at the bit to find out what happened next for Carrie and co.? Do TV series ever make good films - if not, will this be the exception? And if you are keen on the idea, what should happen next? (Hey, you never know who might be reading!)

In other words: SATC - the movie: is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Television, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (9)

BOOK REVIEW: A Dangerous Dress by Julia Holden

First of all, can I just say how much I love the cover of Julia Holden's debut novel, A Dangerous Dress? It perfectly captures the mood of the book (and of the dress that's the star of the show). We often compare the US and UK covers, and this is one time when (I think) the UK version is definitely superior. (Here's the original US version - what do you think?)

But what is the book like, you're wanting to know! Well, it's about a dress. Yes, really. Jane is a bored bank worker in the town of Bum****, Indiana (not its real name, but that's what everyone calls it 'cos its so boring). One day, she's contacted out of the blue by a film company who read an essay she wrote in university about the glamorous Parisian gown she found among her late grandmother's belongings. In the essay, she speculated about who might have designed it and where her grandma may have worn it, and talked about its wonderful design.

The film's production crew read her passionate essay and think she's just the person to track down a similar dress for their movie, so Jane packs her bags, hurriedly arranges a passport and catches a plane to Paris to work on a film and follow in her grandmother's footsteps... Love, excitement and glamour await her - or do they?

Well, she certainly has an interesting and exciting time, but it's a bit of a bumpy ride and things don't turn out as Jane expects ( wouldn't make a good book if they did!)

When I think about the plot of this book in retrospect, it seems a little silly but it has a fairytale-like quality that means you have to suspend disbelief as it's fairly unlikely the events of the book would take place in real life and a lot of the plot is based on coincidences and chance. But it's all so charming that I was completely absorbed in the story and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I absolutely raced through it and found Jane a charming, if naive, narrator. (A bit YA-ish if I'm honest). I was a little bit disappointed that the end didn't quite tie up all the loose ends, but a sequel would be great and I'll definitely read more by this talented new author.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Venus Envy by Shannon McKelden.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 11, 2007 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (7)

'Blah' books - let's name and shame!

A friend of mine recently read Robyn Hardyn's Journal of Mortifying Moments.

"It's okay," she said. "Very predictable and not what I was expecting."

I said the exact same thing last year, when I bought the book in the hope that it'd deliver the gossip-fest that the cute, pink and downright appealing cover promised. Did it? No. But that's not to say that it's a BAD book - just... well... not as good as it looks.

I figure 'blah' is the ultimate word to describe books like these. Take another potential scandal-fest - Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl. Judging by the blurb, this title was full of wit - yet in reality, it was completely void of laughs. And, seemingly, an ending. Pity really, as the book had SO much potential to be a laugh-a-minute read.

It was one of those dreary chick-lit efforts which make you want to jump up, grab the nearest Bic, and proclaim that your newest life goal is to write a girly masterpiece ten times better than the yawn-inducing disappointment you just read.

So what becomes of the 'blah' books? The books that have so much potential, but just don't live up to their expectations?

Do you throw it out the window? Use it as a doorstop?

Or are you like me? - I sigh heartily, put it back on the shelf and use it as an example of what NOT do to when I'm writing my own stuff. (And bitch about it on Trashionista. Like, duh.) There are some titles as to which readers have questioned publishers' sanity - Citizen Girl, anyone? - and it drives me round the bend at times to see a really good set-up wasted.

Granted, some authors have it. Some can take a small everyday situation and make it hilarious. Others? Well, we can't all be blessed with the gift of humour.But what about you?

Which books do YOU think you could have written better?

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on July 11, 2007 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Opinion, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (9)

July 9, 2007 10:30 AM

Megan Crane explains... The Concept of the "Frenemy"

Keris loved Megan Crane's new book, Frenemies... but what exactly is a "frenemy"?

The author explains...

The Concept of The Frenemy

I was suspended somewhere at 35,000 feet, on a flight from New York to Los Angeles, when I decided that I wanted to divorce all my friends. I didn't arrive at this decision lightly. The fact was, I loved my friends. I just kind of wanted to kill them all with my bare hands.

The feeling passed (perhaps it was brought on by the in-flight entertainment, or stale pretzels) but I revisited it many times as I set about writing my third book. The concept of the frenemy was something I had thought about quite a lot over the years. While I imagine men must have them too, I'm not so sure they have the kind of frenemy women do. My friends (yes, the ones I occasionally wanted to legally separate from, because I enjoy complicated relationships) and I had so much experience with various versions of this phenomenon that we gave our frenemies a name long before we heard the term "frenemy" on Sex & the City: that girl.

That girl was the one who, when you were young and didn't know any better, you admired ferociously with that specific female-only blend of anger and envy. Because really it wasn't about whether or not you liked her. You hated her. You wanted to be her. Usually all at the same time.

As you grew older, you realized that the very traits that made her that girl were the traits you identified in women you would never be close to the moment you met them. These women, simply, violated the Girl Code. Maybe they were overly-familiar with someone else's partner. Or they seemed unable to perform even the most basic steps of female intimacy rituals. A normal woman might say, "he's a complete loser" or "what are you talking about, you look hipless in those jeans." That girl was more likely to say things like, "he's not your type at all, he's all about the perfect girl, you know, who dresses well and is a size four" or "the thing about style is that not everyone looks good in the trendiest things."

(Just let them sink in. Ouch, right?)

Some other that girl 'tells': They hung out exclusively with men and were conversant on the latest sports statistics and couldn't believe other girls were so annoying about the sports thing. They failed to understand— or worse, refused to understand— about shoes. They maintained that PMS was a fairy tale and said things like it's all in your head or chocolate is such a myth, you should try a three-mile run. Meanwhile, when it suited them, they could become so helpless and afraid and trembling that they could scarcely make it up a flight of three stairs without the assistance of a big, strong, preferably handsome male.

Men, naturally, failed to see the atrocities committed by such women. "That girl is so cool," they would say. "She's just like one of the guys." Or, "I don't know why you can't be nicer to her, she's just lonely and insecure." Yeah, right. About as lonely and insecure as, say, Angelina Jolie.

I thought the very least I could do, as a sort of penance for secretly wishing to divorce my friends, was to write a book that uncovered the perfidy of that girl.

Which I did, only to make a startling realization. We were all that girl to the women who dislike us. And I suspect that many of us have been a frenemy, too. More often than any of us would like to admit.

Copyright (c) 2007 by Megan Crane. Reprinted by permission of Hachette Book Group USA, New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 9, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2007 12:49 PM

Discover the New You with Kiss and Makeup's book giveaway!

Not content with giving you books for free here on Trashionista, our sister site Kiss and Makeup is in on the action too: they have 3 copies of beauty bible Discover The New You by Ceril Campbell to give away.

Says KAMU editor Charlotte: "Although beauty junkies will probably know about most of the book's product recommendations, everyone can benefit another of her tips: remember to smile! Those who aren't so handy with a make up brush will appreciate the plethora of information on all aspects of beauty - from applying false lashes to choosing a hairstyle for your face shape."

Sounds good! (Chuck me a copy, someone...)

Click here for details on how to enter.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 3, 2007 in American Authors, Announcements, Book related, Competition, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

July 2, 2007 11:56 AM

YA star Megan McCafferty invites you to create a trailer

Big fan of (famously plagiarised) YA chick lit author Megan McCafferty?

Why not show your love by entering her contest to make a trailer recapping the plots of the first 3 novels in her famous Jessica Darling series (so that's Sloppy Firsts, Second Helpings, and Charmed Thirds). The trailer should be 3 minutes or less, and Megan will blog about entries as they come in, before picking her favourite - the creator of which will win a bag full of signed books.

So why not give it a go? - You couldn't possibly do worse than this...

More details and how to enter here. [Via Galleycat].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 29, 2007 5:34 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Who doesn't love a bit of Marilyn Monroe on a Friday afternoon? (Or anytime, in fact!?) I know our ed-in-chief Gemma is a big fan (if you ask nicely she might show you the pics of her dressed as Lorelei, Marilyn's character in this film... or she might not! Sorry, Gemma...)

Anyway! In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn and Jane Russell (Dorothy, the sensible brunette - of course) go on a cruise to have fun and meet men, and succeed in doing both, though not without the odd scrape along the way, and of course, they have to sing as they go...

It's not the best movie starring either of these iconic actresses, but it is a bit of fun, and based on Anita Loos's cult classic novel. It also features "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend", a number that's dazzling in more ways than one... (and was the inspiration for Madonna's Material Girl video, of course).

Carry on over the cut for a clip!

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Cult classic week, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

Fabulous Little Black Dress competition!

Not only is it cult classic week, not only is it a year since Keris and I started at Trashionista, it's a year since the fabulous chick lit publishing imprint Little Black Dress came into existence! Such perfect synchronicity warrants a giveaway don't you think?

We do, too! That's why the lovely kind people at Little Black Dress are offering four Trashionista readers a wonderful prize: four readers will win a selection of five LBD titles.

It's a mystery (ooh!) what you'll receive, but LBD books that we've loved include The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes, Singletini , Pick Me Up and The Men's Guide to the Women's Bathroom, so we're sure there'll be something you'll enjoy.

To enter, simply email us the answer to this question: name one of the Little Black Dress books that we've loved. Put LBD in the subject line, and your name and address in the body of the email. Again, I'm afraid this is UK only. Good luck!

And don't forget our Bridget Jones's Diary giveaway too - she's been around a while, but she's still VERY worth (re)reading!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 29, 2007 in American Authors, British Authors, Competition, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 27, 2007 5:50 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

You may have heard of this one... can anyone reading Trashionista not have read this book (if so, why?)

Although Marian Keyes's Watermelon was technically the first chick-lit book, Bridget Jones's Diary (BJD) started as a column in the Independent a year before Watermelon was published. Helen Fielding's modern (cult) classic captured the zeitgeist of a generation, introducing us to Mark Darcy, Daniel Cleaver, Una Alconbury, the concept of f***wittage and the importance of Chardonnay.

Plus it introduced us to one of the literary heroine of the nineties: Miss Bridget Jones...

In case you don't know the storyline, a quick reminder: Bridget Jones keeps a diary of her year, which starts with her being introduced to a snobbish man she instantly hates, Mark Darcy, progresses via disastrous dinner dates, job humiliations and bad boyfriends like Daniel Cleaver until she ends up with the man who was right for her all along...

I re-read the book for this review, so I could give it a fair rating and check that nostalgia hadn't made me remember it as better than it was. Not only was it at least as good as I'd remembered, it's actually got better with time: the cultural references may not be as relevant, but Bridget's insecurities and observations may be even truer now than back when this was published. (Women seem to go to even greater lengths to try to please men, for a start...) None of us know what classic s will still be in print (if we still have print books) in a hundred years time. But BJD definitely deserves to be one of them. It's a cult and a classic.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Cause Celeb by Helen Fielding.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 27, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Cult classic week, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (9)

What Bridget Jones taught us...

To whet your appetite for my review of Bridget Jones's Diary and a very special cult classic week competition, I thought I'd share: What I learned from Bridget Jones.

Here's just a few of the lessons the cult heroine shared with us. From her failures, we all can learn...

That mini-breaks are the height of romance/the ultimate test for a relationship.

Never to take fancy dress invitations too literally.

The older generation conducts extra-marital affairs via department store coffee shops.

Never wrap meat in blue string.

Always check for post under the interior doormat.

1471 is not your friend.

Lotto scratch cards, smoothies, cigarettes, mini pizzas and alcohol can all be extremely addictive...

The man called Darcy is always the hero.

Are there any  I've missed?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 27, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Cult classic week, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 22, 2007 12:24 PM

Jen Lancaster launches Mamapop's book club

I know, I can't seem to shut up about Jen Lancaster or Mamapop lately (maybe next week...?) but this I had to share: Jen Lancaster, Mamapop.com's resident author/avid reader, has just launched their book club with the inaugural (little political pun intended!) read: The Washingtonienne, Jessica Cutler's infamous blook.

If I wasn't on a book buying ban (I've got too many!), I'd be tempted to join in myself... Perhaps it's a choice for you if Richard and Judy's picks for this summer don't appeal?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 22, 2007 in American Authors, Bonkbusters, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 15, 2007 2:22 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: The First Wives' Club

An oldie (ish) but a classic (ish). Three great older (ish - OK, I'll stop!) actresses, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn starred in this divorced women's call-to-arms way back in 1996. The three play wives who've all been dumped for younger women (one of whom is played by Sarah Jessica Parker) and vow to take revenge. So they form The First Wives Club.

"Don't get mad, get everything!" is their motto and they set out to do just that. This film is frivoulous and fun as long as you don't take it too seriously or expect too much. The women would probably be better off getting on with their lives and not seeing themselves as victims, but I guess their anger is justified and writing this was probably very cathartic for the sadly now-departed Olivia Goldsmith, who based the book from which this came on her own experiences.

Ouch.

Like this, in more ways than one: Heartburn.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 14, 2007 5:50 PM

Is Kerry Katona the new Jordan?

It seems like she's trying to be, according to Galleycat: she's releasing a ghost-written novel about a "glamour" model whose life takes a downward turn... called Tough Love, it's out in October this year and er... sounds just the tiniest bit familiar.

I'm sure Iceland shoppers will be queuing in the aisles for a copy... maybe.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 14, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: The Big Fat Bitch Book For Girls by Kate Figes

This week, I read The Big Fat Bitch Book For Girls... or did I read The Big Fat Bitch Book for Grown-Up Girls? Yes, this is one of those confusing, split-in-half books that you turn upside down halfway through: one side is aimed at teenage girls, the other at women. And that's not the only confusing aspect of this book (but more on that later)...

The Big Fat Bitch Book... is an interesting and worthwhile idea: it's a look at the history of bitching in life and on the big and small screens as well as an exploration of the role of bitching in women's lives. Is it an important bonding experience - or a form of bullying that hurts far more than physical aggression? Kate Figes shows that bitching can be both.

Back to the confusion thing, though - the book is an odd mix of iconic bitchy quotes from stars like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford (those legendary feuders!) and films like Mean Girls and Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf... mixed in with devastating stories of the effect truly bitchy behaviour can have on girls' and women's self esteem. This would have been better as a study of bitchery which asked us all to be a bit nicer or as a book for teenage girls (or their mothers) about how to cope with bullying bitching. OR it could have been devoted to good-natured bitching without delving into the darker side. It's hard to read about a fifteen year-old who self harms because of the bitchy remarks of girls at school and then to laugh about Katharine Hepburn slagging off Shirley Temple, for example. It seems like Kate Figes's argument is enjoy bitching... but not too much. It's a confusing message. If your moral argument is we all need to think more about what we say, don't then glorify hurtful remarks, however iconic.

I also didn't like the two books in one deal - I think it meant some of the material was repeated and while it's a fun gimmick, again, it meant the book wasn't very (my watchword of the week!) cohesive.

While I may seem very criticial, I did for the most part enjoy this book, even as I found its messages more than mixed. (But I mean that in the kindest possible way...)

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Watching the English by Kate Fox

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 14, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Opinion, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Judy Blume

Continuing with both the Judy Blume theme and the kids's writers theme of the last week or so, it's about time we honoured Judy Blume as a true Trailblazer. A revolutionary author for children and teenagers, Blume began tackling subjects no-one wants to talk to their parents about as far back as the early 1970s.

Taking on such taboos as religion, periods, masturbation, sex, bullying and even the Holocaust, Blume had all teenagers' concerns covered and managed to write books which covered serious topics in a reassuring way whilst making the plot and characters more important than the 'message'.

Her iconic book Forever, an honest (somewhat explicit) novel about a couple's first sexual relationship, taught generations of girls and boys what to expect from their 'first time' without either scaring kids off or glorifying sex... quite a feat. Her books are well-written and always go beyond the topics they cover to create realistic people with feelings young adults can relate to. It's that, rather than any sensational reading material, that keeps generations coming back to Blume.

Unfortunately, some adults can't see beyond depictions of subjects they're uncomfortable with, and Blume's books are often banned from school and even public libraries. But her readers appreciate her, as do The National Book award people: in 2004 they gave her Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 14, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Thursday Trailblazer, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 11, 2007 3:58 PM

What's your "Judy Blume moment of truth"?

In honour of the release of the fabby-looking Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume, Beth Kendrick of  The Literary Chicks.com is asking the above question. (Your moment might be that "that all the really cute, sporty boys preferred your busty, bubbly best friend to you, just because you were a freakishly flat-chested introvert who preferred Sylvia Plath to Seventeen,"  says Kendrick). Read more here.

Did you grow up with Judy Blume? I loved Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself and Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret. Blume created teenage characters with real concerns that girls could relate (and sometimes aspire) to...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 8, 2007 1:58 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Art of Undressing by Stephanie Lehmann

After really enjoying You Could Do Better, I was looking forward to Stephanie Lehmann's new book, The Art of Undressing. Except it's not a new book at all! First released in the UK in March this year, The Art... was actually written in 2005. (Those sneaky publishers!) Anyway, the fact that this is a slightly older book might be why I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I hoped I would.

It's about Ginger, a 25-year-old trainee chef who has always felt overshadowed by her mum Coco, a former stripper who now teaches the art of seduction... with Ginger as her mortified assistant. Ginger has a lot on her plate (ha! no pun intended): her sulky teenage stepsister and cold father are still reeling from the death of Ginger's stepmother, who was more of a maternal figure to Ginger than Coco has ever been. Plus Ginger's boyfriend Ian treats her badly, but when she dumps him and tries to seduce Tom, the hottest man at chef school, she doesn't have much luck there either. Does she need to cast off her sneakers and chef's whites and learn to be sexy just like mommy?

That's what the novel can't seem to decide: whether Ginger should conform more to society's expectations of sexually available young women, or whether she should stay true to herself. Whether she's repressed and uptight, or just her own person, with different morals to her mother. At the end of the book, we're left with the tentative feeling that Ginger is starting to relax and be more true to herself without being all uptight about it, but I think the novel tries to please both those people who think stripping is just a bit of fun, and those who find it exploitative. In the end, it doesn't quite please either. And although Tom had his moments of charm, I didn't think he was good enough for Ginger!

I do like Stephanie Lehman's style of writing, she combines real emotion with a fast-paced story, and had clearly done her research on the stripping 'industry' and the food one. The most realistic moments of the book were those which focused on Ginger's complicated family dynamic. Having a "blended family" myself, I thought she portrayed that particularly well.

But I never felt Ginger really learned to feel good about herself, as her own person, and that was disappointing.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Marsha Mellow and Me by Maria Beaumont.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 7, 2007 7:03 PM

BOOK NEWS: Shoe Addicts Anonymous

Simultaneously playing into every chick lit stereotype (pink cover, shoe-theme, gang of girly mates? check, check check!) and yet at the same time looking like a dang good read, Shoe Addicts Anonymous is a new book by Beth Harbison about well, yes, a group of shoe-loving gals.

But those gals happen to be "the wife of a controlling politician, a debt-ridden eBay addict, an agoraphobic phone sex operator, and a nanny for the family from hell". Which is a bit different, you must admit! More about the book here and read an excerpt here. [Via EarlyInk.com]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 7, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 5, 2007 11:40 AM

Follow fashion at GFWlive.com!

We like a fashion-themed read as much as the next girl: from The Devil Wears Prada to Divas Don't Knit - clothes, chick lit and the fashion industry share a special bond, which may be why Trashionista's ed-in-chief Gemma Cartwright is also a fashion maven.

For the rest of this week, you can follow Gemma, Kim and the Catwalk Queen gang's take on Graduate Fashion Week at a specially-dedicated blog, GFWlive.com.

If you want to know what kind of clothes we'll all be wearing (and most likely, reading about) next season then head on over for all the gossip!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 5, 2007 in Announcements, Devil Wears Prada, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 31, 2007 2:03 PM

PREVIEW REVIEW: The Sleeping Beauty Proposal by Sarah Strohmeyer

Out on 21 June, The Sleeping Beauty Proposal is Sarah Strohmeyer's second fairytale-themed fiction, following The Cinderella Pact.

Despite its name, The Sleeping Beauty Proposal is a modern-day story about Genie Michaels, who has been dating university professor and newly successful author Hugh for four years. So when he proposes to her live on TV during a talk show interview, she's amazed but gratified, and can't wait to start planning her wedding. Until... she rings Hugh and he says he's sorry, he was proposing to the love of his life: but not to Genie.

So Genie's best friend  Patty comes up with a plan: as Hugh goes back to his native England to promote his book (with his new fiancee in tow), Genie will just pretend that he did propose to her after all. It's full steam ahead to a wedding that may or may not have a groom...

I love the concept of this novel: although it may sound a bit silly, Strohmeyer pulls it off. She also has lots of interesting points to make about the inferior way single women are treated in modern society and the way an engagement ring can open doors - even if its a cubic zirconia one you bought for yourself! (But then again, her characters seem to still want to get married rather than buck the system and be unconventional).

It was a little obvious how the book would end, but there were enough surprises along the way to keep it interesting. It made me a bit anxious to think what would happen when everyone found out the engagement was fake so I'm not sure how realistic it was that Genie would have been able to keep up the charade, but I guess truth is stranger than fiction and this is a fairytale, albeit a modern one... But why does the villain always have to be an Englishman?!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try London is the Best City in America by Laura Dave.

More wedding related gossip and news over at our sister site Bridalwave.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 31, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 3/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 30, 2007 3:30 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Joanna Barrett

Joanna Barrett's The Men's Guide To The Women's Bathroom is a great read, out now in the US and in the UK with Little Black Dress. A witty romp through ladies' bathroom secrets, it has generated a huge amount of buzz, and will be made into a movie by Hugh Jackman's production team. So without further ado, here's what Joanna had to say when we grabbed her for a chat...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom reveals the secrets behind the door marked “Women.”    

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I write everywhere!  In fact, I’m answering these questions right now in the waiting room of my dentist’s office!  (Hey, if he’s going to make me wait, I may as well get some work done!) I think Tolstoy wrote War and Peace while waiting for the dentist. 

While in the midst of a novel, I sit in front of my computer in a bathrobe.  I often do not shower nor wash my hair.  I eat takeout and stare into the refrigerator abyss for something sweet.  I tend to ignore the phone and any semblance of a social life.  It’s a lonely time.  When I finish, I like to hear the hum of the printer as it prints out all those pages.  Such a comforting feeling, indeed.  P.S.  Is this too much information? [Not at all! I know the feeling... - Diane] 

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Pride and Prejudice, of course! 

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

I like writing about women with moxie. I loved former Texas Governor Ann Richards. She was a larger than life character. She’s probably the only person in the world who could get away with telling George W. Bush that he was “Born with a silver foot in his mouth.”

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

It helps to heed the old adage “Write what you know.” Why waste time inventing a story when your story is right in front of you? Of course, the most important part of writing is to put it down on paper. It’s only an idea until it becomes words on a page! I think the best book on the subject is On Writing, by Stephen King. [I do too - Diane]

What are you reading at the moment?

I try to read a book per week. This keeps words flowing through my head in order to make my own writing better. One of my favorite books is A Widow for One Year, by John Irving.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

My second novel [Killing Carlton] is due out on Valentines Day, 2008. Its heroine, Madeline Piatro, is in a relationship with a beautiful and yet very bad man. When this man breaks her heart and steals her business idea, she hires a loveable mob hit man to get revenge. And what woman doesn’t secretly yearn to do this!

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

(I’ve never been asked this question!) That is…I’ve never been asked the question of what I’ve never been asked. Ha! Get it!

Actually, I wish someone would ask me whether I collect real-life stories to use in my novels. I have a good answer for this: yes! While writing The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom, I used some phenomenal quotes I overheard in women’s bathrooms. Please email me at jobarrett@jobarrettbooks.com if you have a fantastic bathroom story of your own!

And check out Joanna's website at jobarrettbooks.com. Thanks Joanna!

Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 30, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, Movie News, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 28, 2007 8:25 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Girls' Almanac by Emily Franklin

Emily Franklin's The Girls' Almanac covers relationships, fertility problems, betrayals, illness, death and, ultimately, friendships: how they are formed and why they last. Following the intertwining lives of Jenna and Lucy, two women who eventually become best friends, we are taken on a tour of how people’s lives cross and what brings them together. The book is written in an unusual format. It’s not linear, instead we get a snippet here and a snippet there told in a series of short stories. First up is Lucy as she comes to terms with the death of her fiance and her mother’s second marriage. The second story is also about Lucy but this time she is a young girl with a friend called Alex. Next comes Gabrielle and Andrea, both as young girls, then Gabrielle pops up two stories later as a doctor in Bogota.

There are so many stories and time frames the characters are hard to keep up with (there’s a chart at the beginning of the book just in case the reader loses track). No sooner have we met and been given the background of a character than that story ends and we hear no more about them, which gave me the impression that the book was imparting facts rather than telling a story. Some stories were interesting but there were some I just didn’t see the point of. Unfortunately the second was one of them, which didn’t bode well for the rest of the book.

It has been said that some short stories are a slice of life but the detached way in which these stories were told left me unemotional about the characters and not really concerned about how or why their lives intertwined. [Nicola Pedley]

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try The Girl’s Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 28, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 23, 2007 3:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Summer At Tiffany by Marjorie Hart

Honestly, it's some time since I've been as excited about a book as I was about Summer at Tiffany. New York? The forties? That cover? 83-year-old Marjorie Hart's memoir of the 1945 summer she spent working for the famous and glamorous store almost seemed as if it was designed with me in mind.

Along with her college friend Marty, Marjorie got a job as a Page at Tiffany, making the two of them the first women to work on the shop floor. Customers included Judy Garland and Marlene Dietrich and the job was wonderful, but poorly paid. Marjorie and Marty shared an apartment, which was used as a weekend city base for their other college friends as they enjoyed New York's sights and nightlife.

I loved this book just as much as I thought I would. Adriana Trigiani's comment on the cover, "Charming and delicious..." is spot on (and Trigiani's novel of working in a department store in '50s New York, Lucia Lucia, is equally charming and delicious). I loved all the details: joining two million people in Times Square to read the announcement of Victory in Japan, lunch from the Automat (which you may remember from That Touch of Mink), getting sunburned at the beach...

It seems like another (and despite the war, much more civilised) world. Summer of Tiffany is a book I can see myself rereading when modern life gets to be just too much.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Lucia Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

Posted by Keris on May 23, 2007 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 21, 2007 11:38 AM

BOOK NEWS: Courtney Thorne-Smith's 'Outside In'

Yesterday, I caught a few minutes of an old Ally McBeal and was feeling all nostalgic for the time when I watched the show (the early seasons, when it was actually good...)

Anyway!, it reminded me of something I'd read back in November and failed to blog about then (not the first time we've been tardy I'm afraid!): Courtney Thorne-Smith, who played Ally's love-rival Georgia on the show, is the latest actress to turn author, having written a 'comedic' (chick-lit?) novel, Outside In, which will be released (in the US at least) this September.

[Via Galleycat].

Related: Celebrity authors archives | More TV news and gossip over at TV Scoop.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 21, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 18, 2007 10:55 AM

Great books bracelets

If you're book mad (which I imagine you are), how d'you fancy a book charm bracelet?

Each bracelet features the six titles: Pride and Prejudice, Moby Dick, Huckleberry Finn, The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, and War and Peace so you'll look intelligent as well as stylish. Possibly. They cost $54.95 from Signals.

Related posts: Reading Is Sexy T-shirt | Bookish MP3 player cases | Nancy Drew stationery

Posted by Keris on May 18, 2007 in Book related, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 16, 2007 11:02 AM

BOOK REVIEW: How To Be A Budget Fashionista by Kathryn Finney

I’m no fashionista, budget or otherwise. I can’t stand most of my clothes, have no idea what suits me and can never find anything to fit, so I wouldn’t have bothered reading this book if I hadn’t been reviewing it ... and that would have been a big mistake.

How to be a Budget Fashionista is full of good, common-sense and practical advice about finding your style, streamlining your wardrobe, shopping for new clothes and getting rid of old. It’s aimed at an American audience and so many of the links to shops, references to discounts and coupons are no good to anyone outside the US, but there is plenty of other information that Brits - or anyone interested in fashion or interested in becoming interested in fashion - can make good use of.

With chapters on budgeting (of course),finding your own personal style (this was a great one for me) and everything from undergarments to accessories, outlet stores to department stores, this book will arm you with everything you need to create both a basic wardrobe and a signature style and build on it as time goes on.

I’ll certainly be using its tips as I scrap the entire contents of my wardrobe (well, I say wardrobe, most of my clothes live in a pile in the corner of the room) and start from scratch, but even if you’re an established fashionista there should still be plenty here for you too.

How to be a Budget Fashionista manages to be practical and personable without being at all patronising. Recommended. (As is Finney's website, The Budget Fashionista.)

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

Posted by Aigua Media on May 16, 2007 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

May 15, 2007 6:47 PM

Chick lit on TV Scoop

We love rambling on about chick lit, as you know, and today I'm rambling providing a useful and insightful summary of the latest chick lit TV projects over on TV Scoop.

So if you've missed any TV news over the last couple of months, this will catch you up!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 11, 2007 12:18 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Breakfast at Tiffany's

Based on Truman Capote's legendary novel (which I liked far more than I thought I would having fallen in love with the film years ago), Breakfast at Tiffany's is the story of Holly Golightly, the most iconic of all Audrey Hepburn's film roles. Holly is flighty and mysterious, a naive party girl prone to getting caught up with a bad crowd. When she moves into the apartment building of George Peppard's Paul, he feels himself magnetically drawn to her - so much so that he might even be willing to give up his own questionable lifestyle and fall in love with her... if she'll have him.

If you haven't seen this film yet, why the HECK not? It's a classic, the ultimate chick flick! Audrey is breathtaking.

Just ignore Mickey Rooney's racist portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi (please).

*DID YOU KNOW?* BaT was directed by Blake Edwards, who is married to Julie Andrews.

Like this - 'cos it's another girly classic: Fried Green Tomatoes.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 8, 2007 10:42 AM

See some stylish book reviews over on Catwalk Queen

I say 'see' rather than 'read' because lovely CQ editor Kim and her (and our) ed-in-chief Gemma have made a video in which they review some fashionable releases.

The books include The Goddess Guide and The Cheap Date Guide to Style and you'll have to watch it to see what they think.

I'm just glad no-one's asked me to make a video yet...

Fashion Lit archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Technology | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 2, 2007 6:07 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Marian Keyes *squeal!*

I wish you could have heard the screams of excitement at Trashionista HQ this time last week when we realised we had our MOST EXCITING INTERVIEW EVER! in the bag. Yes, it's really true! We've hinted, we've teased, we've reviewed her books and talked about her on and on... and now, she's really, really here talking exclusively to you, our lovely Trashionista readers:  It's Marian Keyes, the Queen of chick lit.

Enjoy...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Anybody Out There (that’s three words gone already) is a comedy about serious issues and cosmetics (mind you, nothing frivolous about cosmetics!)

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

In bed. I would never, ever get up unless I really have to. My husband comes in every few hours and turns me so that I don’t get bedsores.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

There are so many great books, so I’ll go back to the beginning (for me), and say any of the early Jilly Coopers (not that there’s anything wrong with the later ones, but maybe they’re not chick lit).

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

Robyn Hudson in the books by Sparkle Hayter – she’s intelligent, independent, feisty, sweet – she’s the woman I want to be when I grow up.

Carry on over the cut for more from Marian, including some very useful tips for wannabe writers, and news on her next novel...

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Firstly, stop talking about it and start writing it – word by word.

Formally set aside time to write – respect your book enough not to try to fit it in, in bitty gaps, around the rest of your life. Better still, try to write at the same time every day – this seems to trigger the subconscious into readiness.

Don’t be surprised if your first efforts are shockingly bad – indeed, expect to marvel at the gap between what you want to say in your head and how it appears on the page. But persevere; chances are it will improve.

Beware of setting yourself up as the ‘new’ Sophie Kinsella or the ‘new’ someone else: it’s always cringingly obvious. Instead write in your own unique voice and be proud of it.

Write what you know – and if you don’t know it, be prepared to research it.

Finally – enjoy it! If you enjoy writing it, chances are that people will enjoy reading it.

What are you reading at the moment?

As a judge on the Orange Prize, I’ve been concentrating on those books for the last few months.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

It’s provisionally called This Charming Man, and is of course a comedy – this time about domestic violence among other things. I’ve been writing it for eighteen months now, which means, I hope, that it’s near the end. I guess it’ll be published in the first half of next year.

Sounds fantastic! Thank you, Marian!

*And massive thanks to friend of Trashionista Clare Allan, email address passer-alonger extraordinaire! *

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 2, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (4)

GUEST BLOG: Sandi (Kahn) Shelton

Sandi Shelton is the author of the brilliant A Piece of Normal (look out for a review in a day or two), and is here today as part of her virtual book tour. She's written a guest blog for us on a subject close to many readers' hearts: sisters.

Writes Sandi...

It’s a funny thing about sisters. Doesn’t it seem to you that there’s always one who is oh-so-together and who knows everything about The Right Way to Do Things--eating healthy, making good choices, sending birthday cards to the aunties on time and all of that, and then there’s the other one who’s—well, maybe not so much?

It’s this other sister who’s the hell-raising, spontaneous one, the one with all the cute but dangerous boyfriends. She’s the one for whom the phone rings and the boys’ cars line up outside the house, growling and purring. And she’s always in some kind of trouble.

Full disclosure here: I was the Together sister.

My little sister staked out the reckless territory early on.

When she was three years old, she did a breathtaking thing: she tore up a layered, exquisite organdy dress that our mother had spent 47,348 hours sewing for her. Her reason: “It was scratchy and I didn’t like it.”

High school was just what you might think. The principal had my mother’s number on speed-dial. And if my parents left the house for longer than an hour and a half, forget it. My sister threw parties in which the fun was seeing who could jump off the roof into our swimming pool the most times while holding a beer bottle. Meanwhile, I was the kid with the nerdy boyfriend and the babysitting jobs and the savings fund for college. That’s me, practicing telling a lie to my mother in the mirror: “No, no. I really was at the library. They kept it open until midnight tonight! They did!” She never believed me.

So naturally, I grew up and became a novelist. At last I could make up stuff and have it turn out the way I wanted, instead of the way it usually did. But it wasn’t until I was writing A Piece of Normal, the story of Lily and Dana Brown, two sisters who are locked into their differences, that I realized that I didn’t even know half of my own past. OK, Lily and Dana definitely aren’t my sister and me, but they do have that element of one being stable while the other one is flaky. My sympathies, obviously, were with Lily, who came back home from college to raise Dana after their parents died and who sees herself as the caretaker for the whole world. She’s so conscientious that she won’t even find a lover for herself until she first finds somebody for her ex-husband to go out with. Who wouldn’t love a character who is so selfless and quirky and gently misguided? Who wouldn’t want to reach over and give her an encouraging hug?

But then a funny thing happened. It was while I was writing Dana’s character — Dana, who had run away to be in a punk rock band; Dana, who had broken Lily’s heart and made her feel like a failure — that I started to understand something about what it took to be the daring, flaky sister. She’s the one who sees the need to stir things up, who is willing to sacrifice everybody’s good opinion in order to bring deep, dark family secrets to light, and who isn’t willing to let everybody get away with pushing the past away, pretending things are perfect.

I had always intended to balance out the good and bad in the characters; I didn’t want them to be cardboard, after all. But what I learned was that I actually adored the difficult and out-of-control Dana, and even when she gets herself locked in a betrayal of Lily that it’s going to take an act of supreme forgiveness to get her out of, I was rooting for her even though she was horrible. That’s where writing a novel can be just the best thing ever: your characters tell you things you never noticed about your own life.

And for heaven’s sake, if an organdy dress scratches you, don’t wear it!

Follow the rest of Sandi's book tour via her blog.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (5)

May 1, 2007 10:20 AM

More on PS I Love You - the film

We've reported on filming of Cecilia Ahern's smash-hit novel PS: I Love You before: remember when Hilary Swank was injured?

But did you know Friends star Lisa Kudrow is in it? - I didn't! James Marsters from Buffy is also co-starring. And so is Kathy Bates, and Harry Connick Jr (last seen as the totally obnoxious Leo in Will and Grace).

News on a release date as soon as we get it!

[Via Imdb.com]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 1, 2007 in Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 27, 2007 6:36 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Miss Potter

Released this week on DVD, Miss Potter (follow that link to see the trailer) is a biopic of Beatrix Potter: showing how she became one of the most successful children's authors of all time, despite the reluctance and disdain of her publishers.

Unconvinced by her rabbit illustrations and anthropomorphic stories, her publishers foisted her off on their young, naive brother, played by Ewan McGregor - who turns out not only to be a marketing maestro, but to be Miss Potter's first suitor...

This is a light period drama that was more involving than I expected: quite a girly film, but an interesting one, that made me want to know more about Beatrix Potter - a woman of hidden depths.

Renee Zellweger seems to have transported the spirit of Bridget Jones back almost a century; not for nothing did some reviewers call this film 'Bridget Potter'! But I enjoyed her interpretation (even if the drawings-occasionally-coming-to-life thing was a bit cheesy...) This would be the perfect  Sunday afternoon film.

Like this, only more modern: Bridget Jones's Diary.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 27, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 24, 2007 8:41 AM

BOOK NEWS: 21 Proms

With the popularity of anthologies like This Is Chick Lit (and er, that other one), a teen short story anthology was obviously well overdue. 21 Proms is a collection of stories about... prom nights. (Who'd have thought?!) It features  YA authors like John Green and E Lockhart, as well as chick lit crossovers like Sarah Mlynowski.

Being an anthology, of course it has to have several feet on the cover - but it sounds like a great read!

[Via Galleycat]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 24, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance, Short Story Collections, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 18, 2007 2:15 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is author of the Austen- (and Colin Firth)- inspired novel Austenland, so she was the prefect pick for our Austen Week interviewee.

Here's what she told us about her book, her writing life, what she's working on next... and what it's like being soooo beautiful (just read it, already!)

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Austenland: Jane obsessed with Mr. Darcy. Goes to Austen-themed resort as therapy. Madness ensues.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I write on a laptop wherever and whenever my children permit. At the moment, I’m in a chair in my room while my baby girl naps and my toddler son is at preschool.

Your favourite chick lit book?

I’ve gotta do the safety dance for Bridget Jones’s Diary. She gave us all a place to groove. Go Bridget, go Bridget, it’s your birthday, go go go...

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!) and why?

Ooh, do I have to play favorites? My first loves were the romantically sassy Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), tragically sassy Emilia (Othello), and snarkily sassy Elizabeth Bennett. Others I adore: Tiffany Aching & Granny Weatherwax, Anne Shirley, Amelia Peabody, Kitty Pride (as written by Joss Whedon), Cassandra (I Capture the Castle)…I know I’m totally cheating.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

You’re a writer when you write. Stop worrying about how hard it is getting published and how little money you’d make anyway and the rejections and vulnerability and weirdness, and just start telling your stories. You’ll feel so much better once you do. Also, those pants you keep thinking might be cute again so you keep them in the closet? Time to throw them out. Seriously. [Hey, how did you know...? - Diane]

What are you reading at the moment?

Chasing the Jaguar by Michele Greene. I was at a conference with Michele recently and she’s completely delightful.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

My husband and I co-wrote Rapunzel’s Revenge, a graphic novel about Rapunzel in the Old West (she uses her long braids as whip and lasso and becomes a vigilante hero — she’s so awesome). We’re working on a sequel now while Rapunzel is being illustrated.

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

Q: Is it difficult being so stunningly beautiful? A: Why, thank you! I’m so flattered, I don’t know what to say. It’s not so difficult. I mean, there are the normal challenges that come with any unearthly beauty. I don’t need to remind you about poor Helen of Troy. But I just take it one day at a time. That’s all any of us can do.

Too true, Shannon! Thanks so much!

Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 18, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 12, 2007 4:18 PM

Cosmopolitan's Miss Write competition

Are you Miss Write? Cosmopolitan's UK edition is once again running its popular new novelist competition, and you can find all the details on how to enter and exactly what the prize involves, by clicking here.

If you want to enter, you'll need to have a synopsis of your story plus the first 3,000 words ready by the closing date, 31 May 2007. Go on - this could be your big chance! You could even see your book being reviewed on this very site - how cool would that be? (Answer: very).

Related: The Daily Mail's first novel award | Debut novels

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 12, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Competition, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 5, 2007 4:29 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Fashion Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones and Anonymous

There's something about seeing 'anonymous' on the cover of a book that makes my spine tingle with excitement... even if, as when I read Primary Colors, the author has already been unveiled. I think Imogen Edwards-Jones's mysterious collaborator will be a bit harder to track down, though: 'anonymous' is a collection of people throughout the fashion industry who provided her with gossip, information and scandal in order to make Fashion Babylon a must-read for anyone with even half an eye for fashion.

Which...um... isn't me.

So what would I make of the book?

Honestly? I thought it was fabulous! You don't have to be at all interested in fashion to find this story of a struggling British designer trying to make it big completely fascinating. In fact, the less you know about the way the fashion world works, the more this book will be a refreshing and often shocking read. I kept having to remind myself that, as the author testifies at the start of the book, everything detailed here really happened (and some of the stuff attributed to rumour probably did, too).  Hotel Babylon is the third in Edwards-Jones's 'Babylon' series (after Hotel Babylon and Air Babylon) and I'd now love to read the other two and find out the goss from those industries, too!

But the book isn't just a dirt-spilling delight, there's a storyline too, and despite the faults of the designer (who admits she likes her models as skinny as possible, to make her clothes look good - couldn't possibly design FOR a woman's figure, could she?! - and her business partner, who's a little on the drug-addled side) I was hoping their collection would do well, and cheering them on to success. My only slight criticism is that it all got a little too shallow at times, but then I was right back to caring about the characters within a few paragraphs. A great read. [DS]

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Fashion Victim by Sam Baker

Fashion Lit archives

Posted by Aigua Media on April 5, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 29, 2007 11:34 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Alligators, Old Mink and New Money: One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing by Alison Houtte and Melissa Houtte

Alligators, Old Mink and New Money: One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing by Alison Houtte and Melissa Houtte is a memoir/fashion advice book based on Alison's experiences as a model and later owner of a vintage clothes shop in Brooklyn, Hooti couture.

Each chapter begins with a recollection of a much-loved vintage clothing item, and its importance in Alison's life. The chapters then progress in a mostly chronological order, detailing Alison's journey from a clothes-obsessed teen to a model in Germany, Paris and New York and her later adventures opening a shop. It's a treat for any fan of vintage clothing (which I am, big time) and I loved reading Alison's memories of customising clothes and finding bargainous second-hand finds. It made me want to take a tour of my local charity shops (or even better, her local charity shops) post-haste. But I did have a little problem with this book...

Perhaps naively, despite the title I hadn't actually realised that Alison had no problem with buying, selling and indeed wearing vintage fur coats and alligator skin bags, which is not something I want to do - or read about. I read these sections of the book thinking "no, no, no" and hoping they'd be over quickly! But that's just a small part of an overall very enjoyable read. I also understand that not everyone shares my views on fur, and some think that vintage fur/skin is acceptable as the animal has already died (but...yuk). So although I give the author 0 out of 5 for her stance on animal products, I didn't let that tarnish my reading expereince too much (as I said, it is a very small part of the book!) - we don't all have to think the same, after all.

Moving on, the appendices at the back of the book, which include what to look out for in vintage shops/markets, and the best internet resources, are packed with detail and very useful (although understandably American-oriented, this being an American book).

All in all a good read (just don't tell PETA I said so).

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try It's Vintage, Darling! By Christa Weil

Fashion lit archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 23, 2007 12:42 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: A Cinderella Story

Based on Cinderella (yes, really!) A Cinderella Story is the big ball of cheese you might expect from a Hilary Duff (star of Lizzie McGuire) and Chad Michael Murray (star of One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek) collaboration. Aka: tween heaven!

Sam has an evil stepmother, played by the fabulous Jennifer Coolidge (from Legally Blonde and Friends spin-off Joey) who has worked her to the bone ever since the death of Sam's father. Sam has to work all hours (on roller skates) at the family cafe as all the local jerks from school come in and laugh at her over their hamburgers.  And all this while her stepmother and bitchy step-sisters pamper themselves and put their feet up. Thank goodness, then, that Sam has a secret friend she can talk to over IM every night - someone who really understands her, and isn't like all those other guys from school... (you can see where this is going, can't you?)

This film is fun (if a tad annoying) and silly and of course completely predictable. "A harmless girlie rom-com" is one of the comments on the front of the DVD, and that about sums it up - it's harmless and fluffy and tweens will probably love it, but it's the kind of film it's best to suspend all disbelief over - or the ideal watch at 2 am when you're having trouble sleeping, or at 5 pm when you're trying to cook a meal, paint your toenails and talk on the phone and just want something on in the background. (Which to be honest, is probably the best place for Chad Michael Murray and his smarmy expressions - the background...)

Like this, only better: 10 Things I Hate About You

Friday Flick archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 23, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 21, 2007 12:29 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Maggie Marr

You might not have heard of Maggie Marr yet, but you will: I have a feeling her new novel, Hollywood Girls Club, is going to be big. If you're stateside, you won't have to wait long to find out: it will be released in the US on April, and in the UK in (sob!) October (although there's always Amazon of course). We're very privileged as Maggie made time to chat to us between moving house and tending to the needs of her young toddler and newborn baby. That's dedication - thanks Maggie!

Here's what she told us...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

HGC is the intertwined tale of four friends in Hollywood trying to get a movie made. (That is 16 words....gosh that IS tough!)

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I write my books at home. Before recently moving I had a favorite brown chair in which I would sit and write - however, the chair was falling apart and quite unfixable so it didn't make it through the move. Now I have a den with a lovely window overlooking the back yard.

More from Meg over the cut, including her favourite "social climbing realist" and what she's working on next...

Your favourite chick-lit book?

So tough! I really love I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter; a YA/Chick Lit combo. I also still love In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner. She is an amazing writer.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

I have to go with Meg March in Little Women. I still to this day love her character. Little Women still resonates with me. Another character that I continue to love because she is sooo good at being bad... or maybe just a social climbing realist is Becky Sharpe in Vanity Fair.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

NEVER GIVE UP. If you truly want to be a writer...then write. Write every day, even if it's just to journal. Also find a critique group; they are invaluable for two reasons. First it is an excellent way to hear from others just what you are conveying on the page and second it creates a deadline for you. If your critique group expects 10 pages from you every Thursday night...well then you better come prepared with your 10 pages. Also, READ! Read everything. Read the classics, read what you love, read the paper, read magazines, READ, READ, READ! There is no better way to study your craft than to read...(well and to write; but I already covered that.) 

What are you reading at the moment?

Right now I am reading This Is Chick Lit. 

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

The second Hollywood Girls Club Book. I think it will be called Secrets of The Hollywood Girls Club and much more salacious than the first.

Sounds great! Thanks again!

Interview archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 21, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 16, 2007 2:44 PM

BOOK NEWS: Forget Me Not

Okay, this will be my last maternally-themed post of the week, I promise!

Forget Me Not is the new book by Isabel Wolff (her seventh!) and was released on 5th March. It's the story of Anna Temple, a 36 year old City Analyst who, after the sudden and unexpected death of her mother, is forced to re-evaluate her life. Anna decides to get a new job as a garden designer (the title's a pun, geddit?) and embrace some life-changing new developments that happen as a result of an uncharacteristic one night stand... (can you guess what?!)

PS: Is it me or is this another case of a book cover 'snap'? Carry on over the cut to see what I mean...

Isabel Wolff's pretty new covers look a little bit like Jill Mansell's pretty new covers, no?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 16, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy

Anyone who's read Fiona Neill's Slummy Mummy column in the Times will have been looking forward to the publication of The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy, her novelisation of the column. But newcomers will enjoy it, too. It's narrated by Lucy Sweeney, our eponymous heroine, whose housekeeping and organisation skills are on the lax, not to say slovenly side. Her husband despairs of her, as she turns up at the school gates in her pyjamas, locks herself out of the house, runs out of petrol at inconvenient times and loses her credit card, only to locate it later in the fridge - after it's been cancelled!

With three young sons to look after, Lucy knows she has to pull herself together, especially as the presence of Yummy Mummy and Alpha Mummy at the school gate always make her feel bad about herself. Then Sexy Domesticated Dad joins the PTA, and Lucy starts to enjoy the school run.

But it's just some harmless flirting... isn't it?

I really liked the tone of the book, but I have to say it did put me off having three young children! It very well conveys the stresses this puts on the primary caregiver, and on a marriage. I also couldn't believe one woman could be so disorganised - being a rather anally retentive control freak myself  I was squirming! I couldn't help of course wondering how much all  of Lucy's expereinces were based on the writer's own life - for her own sake, I hope it's exaggerated quite a bit!

The novel ended a bit abruptly, and tied things up in a little too much of a hurry for me, becoming a tad too farcical... but it was still a very good read and I look forward to whatever Fiona Neill writes next.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Hens Dancing by Raffaella Barker; The Only Boy For Me by Gil McNeil.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 16, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 14, 2007 11:17 AM

The Mums' book: perfect for mother's day

With Mother's Day (in the UK and Commonwealth) this coming Sunday, expect us to feature a raft, perhaps even a slew, of books relating to mums. The Mums' Book would be just the thing to show your ma just how much you appreciate her, especially as it's subtitled 'For the mum who's best at everything'.

And I love the vintage-look, kitschy orange cover, too.

Related posts: The Hot Mom's handbook | Read mum lit novel online... as it's written

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 14, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 13, 2007 4:29 PM

BOOK NEWS: Crystal by Katie Price

Yep, Jordan's at it again - or rather Katie Price is (doesn't she get confused?!)

Described as "a glittering and sexy story of passion and betrayal and one woman’s search for true love" Crystal is the dual-named glamour model's second attempt at fiction after the success of Angel last year. (Which we quite liked, by the way). Clearly designed to be another beach read, Crystal will be released on 7th June.

[Via randomhouse.co.uk ]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 13, 2007 in Bonkbusters, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 9, 2007 10:32 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The History of Lucy's Love Life in 10.5 Chapters by Deborah Wright

Lucy is dissatisfied with her life. She works in a job that's more about paying the bills than satisfaction and self-worth, she's in a relationship with a lovely bloke but can't tell if he's The One or if she'd be better off playing the field, and she's lonely. Nights are spent awake, fantasising about Lord Byron, and the days encompass endless lectures from her boss, a successful scientist.

One day Lucy arrives at work to find a mysterious parcel sent to her boss by a former suitor. The letter reveals that the suitor has been working on a time machine - included in the package - which he hopes will win the scientist's heart. Out of curiosity they build the time machine, and it does nothing.

But then Lucy loses her job, and is given the time machine as a parting gift. Determined to give it one more try, she assembles it in her flat. As is the way with technology, a swift kick is all it takes to make the time machine operational. All of a sudden, whole new worlds are open to Lucy, and she attacks them with aplomb, making friends with Byron, Ovid, and Casanova, to name but a few.

Through her travels, Lucy learns about poetry and art, and has the opportunity to reassess herself, her life, and her relationship.

While this may sound unbelievable and twee, it's not. There is some suspension of disbelief to deal with, but no more than can be found in other books, where we are told that women working as editorial assistants can afford flats with views of Hyde Park, and every girl has a best friend with a wardrobe of designer gear to be loaned at the drop of a hat.

What the book is, instead, is  a fresh take on the personal inventories we all do, and a lesson to appreciate what we have when we have it - the plot offers much more than adventures in the past. In fact, the plot offers so much more that the book could really be reviewed as two separate novels. For a bit of escapist fun with extra culture and more excitement than is found in most Boys' Own Adventure books, you couldn't do better than this. [Kate Walker]

Rating: 5 out of 5
Liked this? Try: Under My Spell, by Deborah Wright

Posted by Aigua Media on March 9, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 6, 2007 12:12 PM

TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: Holly's Inbox

Are you ready for the "Bridget Jones's diary of the digital age"?

New website Holly's Inbox is a real time novel set in the reception area of a city investment bank. When you go into the site it is like you are accessing Holly's actual inbox and reading her emails as they come in.

I've just read week one and I can see it could become totally addictive.

Related posts: Horizons Past: free online novel / Read The Mummybiz online ... as it's written / Five Chapters

Posted by Keris on March 6, 2007 in Book Websites, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Trashionista Recommends | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 8, 2007 5:25 PM

BOOK REVIEW: How to Walk in High Heels by Camilla Morton

Subtitled 'The Girl's Guide to Everything' and with a forward by John Galliano, this pink tome was seemingly designed for the Sex in the City crowd, cosmo-drinkers in search of the fashionable way to live life and get it right. And it is, to a certain extent.

Like any good fashionista, Morton name drops like it's going out of style. But like the best sort of fashionista, she doesn't do the name-dropping herself. Sections written by the likes of Kylie Minogue (How to enhance your finer assets), Vivienne Westwood (How to appreciate art and where to start), Gisele (How to look good in a photo), and Christopher Bailey (How to be inspired - gorgeous places to go to) tell you all you need to know about just how chic Morton is. And if advice from her nearest and dearest won't help you attain uber-fabulousness, then there's just no hope for you, dahling.

Or is there?

While the book is undoubtedly an amusing read, it's definitely more loo book than style bible. It's divided into sections which I called 'vaguely useful' and 'duh' in my head - can you guess which fell into which category?

* Greeting Your Public (grooming, walking in high heels, applying makeup, and hat-wearing)

* Being Socially Adept (manners, cooking, art, culture)

* Tackling Your Technophobia (gadgets, gizmos, the workplace)

* Homes and Gardens (house-buying, home economics, gardening, home maintenance)

* Joining the Jet Set (travel, driving)

I won't claim to be the best-groomed, most stylish woman out there. I'm usually quite scruffy, and I hate filing my nails. But there was nothing in the beauty section of the book that you won't have learned from friends, relatives, or [insert style bible of choice]. The more practical advice about home ownership and associated life skills will also have been passed on to you by people you know, and while it may not have been so wittily prettily presented, it's the same advice. Get a mortgage, talk to your bank, buy what you can afford, don't put offers down on 36 places at once. Gee, thanks. I never would've figured that one out for myself. And mummy and the bank manager telling me the same thing never sunk in. But now that someone in the fashion world put it in a pink book, it all makes sense. Hurrah!

But I'm making the book sound more awful than it is. It doesn't take itself remotely seriously, and that's its saving grace. This is light-hearted fluff with a few nuggets of gold (Gisele's photo advice being one), and as long as you don't pick it up expecting anything more, you won't be disappointed. Loo book, no question.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

Posted by Aigua Media on February 8, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 7, 2007 11:08 AM

Hollywood cupcake competition - the result!

Remember the Hollywood Cupcake Competition author Ellen Meister was running to promote her debut novel, Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA? Well, Ellen kindly let us in on the result.

Here's the question that was put to the women taking the survey:
 
In Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA, a Hollywood studio announces plans to shoot a major motion picture in the local schoolyard. When the women in the town learn that it means they might have a chance to meet George Clooney, decorum crumbles like a cupcake from last week's bake sale. What if this was your home town? If you could choose which Hollywood leading man you'd most like to offer your cupcakes to, who would it be?

Carry on over the cut for the shocking (at least, I think so) outcome.

The top five:
 
1. Matthew McConaughey (39%)

2. George Clooney (21%)

3. Patrick Dempsey (15%)

4. Orlando Bloom (12%)

5. Johnny Depp (9%)

Receiving less than 1% each: Antonio Banderas, Tom Cruise, James Denton, Jamie Foxx, Adrian Grenier, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington

I mean, I wouldn't say no to any of them, but Matthew McConaughey trouncing Gorgeous George? Say it’s not so. Perhaps the respondents misunderstood the question. Maybe they’d offer actual cupcakes to Matthew and something much tastier to George.

Oh, now I’m all a-fluster ...

Related posts: Friday Flick: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days / George Clooney movie news: The Innocent Man / Reading Grey's Anatomy / Johnny Depp buys books

Posted by Keris on February 7, 2007 in Book related, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (4)

February 2, 2007 4:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Think Pink by Lisa Clark

How I wish I’d had Lisa Clark’s Think Pink when I was 14.

Subtitled ‘the ultimate “go-for-it” guide for girls!’ Think Pink takes us on ‘a kick-ass road-trip to self discovery’ accompanied by 14-year-old Lola Love and her friends.

It includes advice, anecdotes and quizzes on subjects from increasing your self-esteem to making (and keeping) friends, avoiding toxic boys and making future plans, and is not only entertaining and useful, but looks gorgeous too - Holly Lloyd’s illustrations complementing the text perfectly.

The first in a much-needed series (have you looked at the teen non-fiction shelves lately? There’s nothing there!) Think Pink will show you how to ‘fill your life with sunshine-filled, candy-kissed moments.’ And who wouldn’t want that?

And it’s not just for teens, I found it entertaining and inspiring and I’m *cough* in my thirties.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Being a Girl by Kim Cattrall

Posted by Keris on February 2, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Self development, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

FRIDAY FLICK: 10 Things I Hate About You

I thought I’d go a bit more highbrow this week. I’ve noticed it’s all gone a bit smutty since Diane’s been away (there was this and this and this! See what I mean?).

So this week’s Friday Flick is based on no less than a Shakespeare play. Set in a modern high school, 10 Things I Hate About You stars Julia Stiles as Kat-the-shrew and Heath Ledger as Patrick, the hunk who tries to tame her (that’ll be The Taming of the Shrew then).

Kat’s father won’t let her younger sister Bianca date until Kat does (which he fully expects to be never). So Bianca’s prospective boyf hires Patrick to date Kat. Even if you’re not familiar with the Shakespeare, I bet you could guess what happens, but it’s such good fun that a bit of predictability doesn’t matter.

I really enjoyed this film. Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger can both actually act, which helps, and the singing scene is one of those that’ll have you grinning your head off and rewinding to watch again (or whatever you do with a DVD). I only have one complaint and that is that The West Wing’s Allison Janney was, as they say, woefully underused! She was the best thing in it for the first twenty minutes and then she was in it no more. Shame.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on February 2, 2007 in Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (5)

January 31, 2007 6:56 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Lisa Clark

Lisa Clark is the author of non-fiction teen book, Think Pink (review coming Friday). You can read all about Lisa, Lola Love, and the other stops on Lisa's Think Pink blog tour on her website. Catch her tomorrow here.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Think Pink is the ultimate go-for-it guide for girls! Did it in 11  - get me!

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I'd love to be one of those super-cool author types who sit in a coffee shop with their macs or like SJP in Sex and The City who 'couldn't help but wonder' while she tapped away in a cute vest and knicker combo, but instead, I generally sit at the dining room table in my tea-stained PJs!

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Just one? Geez...The Truth About Ruby Valentine by Alison Bond is awesome - in fact, so was her first book How to be Famous...oh, I can't choose - they're both a salacious insight into the movie industry and I love 'em!

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

Besides Lola Love - leading lady of Think Pink who I love, not because I created her but just because I think she's too-cool-for-school, I love Viva in Emma Forrest's 'Namedropper' - she's what I wish being a
16 year-old me was actually like!

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Persistance and perserverence, a good idea and the ability to toot your own horn, because nobody is going to know more about your book than you, so don't be afraid to big it up to anyone that will listen!

What are you reading at the moment?

Because I'm a multi-taskin' kind of girl I've got a few on the go right now - Cupcake by Rachel Cohn, Fearless by Adrienne Huffington* and the latest editions of Grazia, Bust and O magazine - I love me
some Oprah!

* Review coming soon - Keris

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

As well as being a newbie author type, I'm a journo-girl too so I'm constantly pitchin' and writing features for teen titles here and in the US, book wise though, I've just finished editing Beauty*licious,
the second in the Think Pink series, out June 07, I'm working on books 3 and 4 right now and I'm developing some fiction ideas for Lola and the Pink Ladies too!

What question have you never been asked, but wish you had (you can answer it too if you like)?

Q. Lisa, would you like this super-swanky apartment in New York City, a Marc Jacobs account card and a breakfast of pancakes and syrup?

A. Why, Trashionista, yes I would!

Thanks, Lisa! (Sorry we can't help with the above ...)

Posted by Keris on January 31, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Interviews, New Releases, Non Fiction, Self development, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 30, 2007 1:48 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Surf Wax & Vodka Jelly by Lucy Clarke

With a lot of twenty-something chick-lit fans at (or having already finished) university, it's about time we had some, well, 'student-lit.' Whilst not all students are part of the hall-dwelling, binge drinking stereotype that seems to have encased us, there's still a lot to university that's highly entertaining. Cue Lucy Clarke's fabulous novel, Surf Wax and Vodka Jelly.

What if Bridget Jones chronicled her first year at uni? It'd probably read a bit like this.

Josie Williams is a university fresher. Thrown into the midst of student life after the nervy preparation period, Josie is all geared up for her first year at uni. But will student life meet her expectations? Placed in a flat in South Halls with a group of strangers, Josie is forced to adhere to usual student etiquette and make friends. After all, these are the people she'll be living with for a whole year...

With her bubbly best friend Tam, the overtly chauvinist Matt, the introverted Suniti and dreamboat Ben, it seems that all is going as planned, despite the mysterious absences of Suniti. As Josie battles the deadlines, drama and general misdemeanours of her overexcited, mismatched and often drunken bunch of flatmates, her love life is also coming into play. But it could be a dangerous game, what with her love rivals in the flat upstairs in the form of a glamorous, kitten-heeled, bitchy twosome set on getting their own way.

Despite the scathing comments and embarrassing moments as Josie signs up for the Surf Club in the hope of ensnaring Ben, Josie is managing to fit in rather well. Her life as a fresher is perking up, but will downing bottles of wine before an essay deadline with Tam set her on the right path? Will her great life full of parties and new friends stay that way?

Written by former Cardiff university student Clarke, Surf Wax follows Josie on a journey through her first year as a fresher in diary form. Quite frankly, it’s a hard one to put down, whether you’ve been a student yourself or have never set foot in a university. Okay, so it’s not as funny as it’s made out to be, but there are some amusing moments. Whilst reading this, I couldn’t help but feel it had a lot more potential. Bridget Jones this is not, but many agree that it’s a downright accurate portrayal of student life. And Josie is cute to boot!

So, you all now know what to spend your next loan instalment on…

[Danielle Symonds-Yemm] Rating: 4 out of 5 Like this? Try English as a Second Language by Megan Crane

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on January 30, 2007 in Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 19, 2007 12:31 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Heartburn

Anyone who's so much as blinked at Trashionista over the last few months should have picked up on the fact that Keris and I love Nora Ephron. A lot. So it was only a matter of time before her 1986 adaptation of her classic novel Heartburn became a Friday Flick.

As in the book, it's the story of Rachel Samstat, a Washington, DC-based cookery writer and stay-at-home-mum who discovers her husband is cheating on her whilst she's heavily pregnant with their second child. Key Lime Pie-throwing ensues...

I think there's a real advantage in authors adapting their own work, as this film shows: some material is cut and situations changed a little, but it's very faithful to the book and doesn't lose much in translation. Jack Nicholson isn't quite the traitorous Mark I imagined, looks-wise, but he pulls off the role well, and Meryl Streep is pretty much perfect as the naive Rachel. Plus Stockard Channing's in it, which is never a bad thing!

Heartburn the film is not quite as fast-paced and funny as the book, but it certainly holds its own, and is a good, slightly quirky choice of chick-flick for a cosy Friday night in.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 19, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK NEWS: Isabel Losada's 'Men!'

Non-fiction author Isabel Losada, who normally concerns herself with global issues, self improvement and reasons to be glad has a new, more romantically-themed book due for release here at the end of April.

Called 'Men!' her working subtitle was 'Where the **** are they?!' but she's now settled on 'Forget the fiction! Where are the interesting and available men?' (Answers on a postcard, please...)

On her blog she discusses the vexed issue of covers, and why she picked red rather than white (less self help-looking, apparently).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 19, 2007 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Romance, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 16, 2007 3:02 PM

Lovely Penguin pencils and more

New year, new pencils ... and mugs ... and teatowels. Aren't they gorgeous? I've got a few mugs, but I really want the pencils now. There's nothing nicer than a pile of freshly-sharpened pencils, is there?

Related posts: Book bags / The Self Shelf / Reading is Sexy t-shirt / Nancy Drew stationery / MP3 player cases / Moving Sense toolkits

Posted by Keris on January 16, 2007 in Book related, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

Meryl Streep wins Golden Globe for 'Prada' portrayal

Meryl Streep's star turn as boss-from-hell Miranda Priestly in hit chick-lit film adaptation The Devil Wears Prada has earned her a Golden Globe award for best actress in a comedy film, reports the BBC.

Most deserved, I must say - good on ya, Mezza!

Devil Wears Prada archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (2)

Pulpwood Queens go Hollywood book festival

If you're in the Texas area, or can be this weekend, The Pulpwood Queens Go Hollywood! book festival ("where tiaras are mandatory and reading good books is the rule!")is being held in Marshall, Texas from 19-21 January. Excitingly for fans of Galleycat, book blog supremo Ron Hogan will be on one of the panels.

Here's a detailed schedule and more information (in pdf format).

And if you're more British-based, don't forget about Aye Write! in Glasgow this February.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 12, 2007 3:04 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Clueless

A 1995 rom-com (very) loosely based on Jane Austen's Emma, Clueless is still Alicia Silverstone's best film to date, and even twelve years later makes a great chick flick. (Not that I'm biased or anything - I saw it twice at the cinema and several times on video. And I think maybe once on TV...)

Lead character Cher's mother died in a tragic liposuction accident when Cher was just a little girl, and so she's grown up with just her workaholic dad (he married again, briefly, but things didn't work out - they did however leave her with an ex-stepbrother, Paul Rudd, later Mike in Friends, who she loves to wind up). To fill the void in her life, Cher along with her best friend Dionne, like to 'help' other people - doing makeovers, match-making etc.

But when Cher meddles in the love-life of new friend Tai (Brittany Murphy, again) and gets it drastically wrong, she vows to become a better person - and give herself an inner makeover instead...

Sharp-witted, sweet, funny and only occasionally incomprehensible (the film has its own snappy teen-speak which Silverstone says brilliantly) this film ticks all the chick-lit boxes: fun, romantic, entertaining and it credits the audience with a brain. And if none of that appeals, then you'll still be amazed by Cher's computerised, revolving wardrobe!

The ending is more unexpected however, if you haven't yet read Emma... (The one time you'll hear me advocate not reading Austen!)

*DID YOU KNOW?* Dionne's boyfriend Murray is played by Donald Faison, who now stars in Scrubs.

*DID YOU KNOW?* There was a TV series of the film, which ran for three years from 1996 and featured all of the original cast except Alicia Silverstone (although Rachel Blanchard did a pretty canny impression of her!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 12, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 11, 2007 6:40 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Dating Amy by Amy DeZellar

Amy DeZellar's Dating Amy is a memoir of, as the subtitle says, "50 True Confessions of a serial dater".

Amy went on fifty dates (although not with fifty men!) and chronicled her adventures on her website, datingamy.com. Her goal was to get some paid writing work, maybe publish a book... and perhaps even find love, too.

And we know it worked at least partly, as here's the book of the experience, which she adapted from her dating blog...

Amy goes out with men she meets via internet dating sites, meets at parties or bars, and men her friends set her up with. Sometimes I wasn't clear why she was going on a second date with some of these men, as the first one had gone so horribly! It all makes for interesting reading though. (Could that be why...?)

The book looks at some perennial dating questions: is it nicer for a man to say he doesn't want to date you again after just one date - or better to ignore you forever more? Why are some men so great on paper and a let-down in real life? And are men really all about sex and women all about commitment?

There's nothing hugely original about the concept, we've had a raft of similar books, both fiction and non-fiction, about serial daters. But this book is an enjoyable addition to the genre, and although I sometimes felt frustrated with Amy's choice of man (!) and the fact that she often said she couldn't get any paid writing work (had she sent out freelance ideas? Anything? We never find out) I'm still glad she wrote this book, and even more glad Amy dated all those men... so no-one else has to!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

From Trashionistas to fashionistas!

Who would have thought that two women who spend their lives with their heads in books and their bodies in pyjamas (the joys of working from home - although not the same home) would be fashion columnists too?

No, the world hasn't turned on its axis: we're both writing about our fashion flaws! (That sounds more like it...) Keris in Small and imperfectly formed, and me? Fashion misfit, at your service...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 11, 2007 in Announcements, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (3)

THURSDAY THREE: Desperate measures

As I mentioned last week, critics of chick lit think it’s all about finding a man and that’s just not true. Except that sometimes it is. Earlier this week we showed you the trailer for Lorelei Mathias’s Step On It, Cupid, in which the main character, Amelie, decides to try out speed-dating. It made me wonder what other lengths characters had gone to to find that elusive perfect man.

In Chris Manby’s Getting Personal single friends Ruby, Lou and Martin are fed up of failed relationships and decide to place personal ads for each other with mixed results.

The Last Available Man by Cindy Blake features follows step-sisters Georgina and Jessica, who, sick of ending up on dates with no future, decide to put their skills as head hunters - along with their lengthy client list - into action to find themselves some real romantic prospects.

Carry on over the cut for the final - and most impressive - book of the three.

It's a non-fiction book - Maria Headley’s The Year of Yes. In the bravest (or maddest) idea of the three, Maria decided to say yay to everyone who asked her for a date: the homeless, the chronically weird and - despite being straight - women, too. Now that’s dedication.

Posted by Keris on January 11, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Romance, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 10, 2007 7:40 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Take a wander over to brilliant books site bookburger to have a look at this book cover, for YA novel Anatomy of a Boyfriend.

Does it denigrate males? Is it offensive?

Or... do you like it?

Tell us: is it a Yay or Nay - and why!

Related: Judging books by their covers / Musical book covers / Colour in your own covers! / Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 10, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (7)

January 9, 2007 4:22 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Adultery Club

The Adultery Club is a new novel by Tess Stimson about... well, I guess adultery might feature! You can get a free preview of the book in this month's Red (the one with Teri Hatcher on the cover).

I haven't read mine yet, but I will as it's perfectly handbag-sized and I love cute little freebies  (more authors, take note!)

Oh, and it sounds interesting too, of course...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 9, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Beyond Chocolate by Audrey and Sophie Boss

Yes, it's that time of year again - resolution time. And the most popular resolution year after year is apparently to lose weight, which is something sisters Sophie and Audrey Boss hope to help you do with their book Beyond Chocolate.

But it's not a diet book, or even a traditional weight loss book. And no, it's not even one of those 'no diet' diet books that try and convince you the weight will fall off if you don't eat protein or only eat protein or eat porridge for every meal. No, Beyond Chocolate is part of the 'mindful eating' revolution, a similar method to the one promoted by Paul McKenna: eat whatever you want, when you're hungry, pay attention and stop when you're full. Good advice, but does it work?

Well ... I don't know. Beyond Chocolate is an excellent, practical, encouraging and, yes, liberating book, but I haven't lost any weight ... yet. Then again, losing weight isn't the most important thing, changing your attitude to food is and that is something to do in the long-term, not to be undertaken lightly just at the beginning of the year.

Sophie and Audrey write from their own experience and there are numerous examples of behaviours around food that many women will identify with. Plus there are worksheets to complete and numerous tools to help do this on the website to help keep you on the right track.

I absolutely believe that if I stick with the Beyond Chocolate 'method' then I will lose weight and change my feelings about food. Unfortunately, I'm still at the 'eat whatever you want' point and it'll probably take me a while to move on, but if one of your resolutions is to lose weight (or even to have a healthier relationship with food), I'd definitely suggest you start with this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate by Lynette Allen

Posted by Keris on January 9, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 8, 2007 1:15 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Becoming Jane

A new film, Becoming Jane is about a twenty-year old Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman, and how he influenced her in the creation of the male characters in Pride and Prejudice. It stars James McAvoy, Dame Maggie Smith, Julie Walters and - gasp! - an American as Jane: Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada star Anne Hathaway.

It should hit British screens on March 9th and I can. not. wait. to see it!

[Via The Sunday Times and Imdb.com]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 8, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Girly Stuff, Movie News, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 4, 2007 6:03 PM

Top 5 Beauty Books by our expert beauty book picker!

If you've been burying your head in a book (or reading Trashionista) far too much to even glance over at our sister site Kiss and Makeup, you've really been missing out. But you can make up for it now by heading over there to check out their Top 5 Beauty Books, as picked by beauty expert and KAMU editor Charlotte. I can never get the hang of foundation and am flummoxed by the beauty counters at Boots, so these could be some very useful guides for me!

Related post: Posh is a signing sensation .

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 4, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 3, 2007 10:18 AM

India Knight's diet book and dirty bits!

And if that title doesn't get your attention, nothing will... First, the diet book: Sunday Times journalist and chick-lit author (of My Life on a Plate, which I loved, and How do you Want Me? which I didn't) India Knight has teamed up with her friend and fellow slimmer Neris Thomas for a new book, designed to be a straightforward guide to weight loss - as reflected in the title: Neris and India's Idiot-Proof Diet Book. The Guardian does another fabulous Digested Read of the book (in the style of the original) here.

Secondly, The Dirty Bits for Girls is India's second new release, designed to raise your temperature! It's a compilation of all the memorable mucky bits from literature, for, well - girls. With a bit of commentary too, I think - if you're interested in that...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 3, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 27, 2006 4:07 PM

Top 10 young adult books

Since we’ve only fairly recently started to include young adult books in our reviews, this, the penultimate Top 10 of our Top 100 Extravaganza, consists of five books we’ve reviewed and five we haven’t ... yet. (Recommendations for numbers 10 to 6 from Luisa Plaja of teen review site, Chicklish of which I’m also a co-editor).

10 The Goddess Society by Kelly McKain

The Goddess Society is about the club that three friends form to lose their virginity 'in a non-tacky way'.

A funny, wonderfully observed account of teen life and love.

9 Let’s Get Lost by Sarra Manning

Isabel's a Queen Bee, tough and mean. She's also recently bereaved, but refuses to show any emotion about this to anyone. No one gets through to her, until she meets Smith and gets 'lost' in him, and then in herself.

I can't recommend this book enough. I found it breathtaking. It swept me away, made me laugh and cry.

8 Becoming Bindy Mackenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty

Bindy Mackenzie is a unique teenager, and you get instantly drawn into her life by Jaclyn Moriarty's unusual and gently amusing storytelling techniques and her use of pages from Bindy's special stationery collection.

An unusual, fun, heart-warming and intriguing book.

7 Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

This unusual novel starts with the death of the main character, fifteen-year-old Liz, and follows her into the afterlife.

Gently funny, occasionally sad, and profoundly moving.

6 A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl by Tanya Lee Stone

Written in verse and paying homage to Judy Blume’s classic, Forever, A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl is high quality, thoughtful and easy to read.

Carry on over the cut for the top 5.

5 The Principles of Love by Emily Franklin

The story of Love Bukowski’s attempts to create a life for herself when her father becomes the Principal of Hadley Hall prep school and she finds herself having to start over and make new friends.

“Beautifully written and Love has an interesting and original voice.”

4 I Was a Teenage Popsicle by Bev Katz Rosenbaum

Floe Ryan died in 2006 but was cyrogenically frozen until a cure for her illness could be found. Now it has, and she's been brought back to life ... but it's 2016 and things are very different ...

“This book is fun and imaginative - a great idea, executed well, even if this future isn't quite as I'd imagine it!”

3 Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

The first in a trilogy, Sloppy Firsts is about Jessica Darling, whose world falls apart when her best friend moves away.

“Sloppy Firsts is a great example of YA chick lit, but is actually shelved in the adult section too - like it says on the back cover “a good read for anyone between the ages of 15 and 99.” Recommended.”

2 The Princess Diaries Seventh Heaven by Meg Cabot

The Princess Diaries series, featuring reluctant princess Mia Thermopolis, is chock-full of Meg Cabot's trademark humour and charm and should be read by young and, um, not-so-young alike.

“For days after I finished reading this book (and I read it in a day) I found myself looking forward to getting back to it and then being disappointed to remember I'd finished it.”

1 The Boyfriend List by E Lockhart

The story of Ruby Oliver, a fifteen year-old girl who's been referred to a psychiatrist after suffering a series of panic attacks, it's a funny, moving and realistic portrayal of teenage life.

“Ruby Oliver is a believable and endearing character and The Boyfriend List is compelling, fun, and captures the spirit of teenagerdom brilliantly.”

We really loved the sequel, The Boy Book, too.

We’d love to hear your YA recommendations!

Young Adult archives

Posted by Keris on December 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance, Series, Top 100 Extravaganza!, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (10)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jenny Crusie

Jennifer 'Jenny' Crusie (she gets billed as both on her book covers and in interviews) is one of our all-time favourite writers here at Trashionista, so we're honoured to have an exclusive interview with the prolific and talented author...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Hot Toy, a Christmas novella in the Santa, Baby anthology: A woman battles a spy ring and her ex-boyfriend to get her nephew the toy he believes Santa is going to bring him.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

At my desk, in the window seat in my office, in bed, on the couch in my living room that looks out over the river, wherever it feels right at the time. Usually some place private.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

I love Lani Diane Rich's books.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

Still Sophy from Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy. I named my heroine in Welcome To Temptation after her, although I changed the spelling to Sophie.

More from Jenny Crusie over the cut...

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Read everything. Not just all kinds of books, but screenplays and play scripts and comic books and non-fiction, read everything you can get your hands on. And watch movies and listen to storytellers of all kinds, including your relatives, ask them about their lives. Get story everywhere, be a story addict, listen for it on the street, in restaurants, people are telling stories all the time, all you have to do is listen and they'll tell you the most amazing things.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

I just finished The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes, a collaborative novel with Anne Stuart and Eileen Dreyer about three sisters with paranormal powers in which we each wrote the point of view of one of the sisters. [See the collaborative blog, Well Behaved at all Times]. And I'm just this week finished Agnes and the Hitman with Bob Mayer[see the other collaborative blog, He Wrote, She Wrote]; I'm writing Agnes who's a food columnist with anger issues and Bob's writing Shane who's a hitman for the US government. Trouble ensues.

Thanks Jenny!

Related: BOOK REVIEW: Faking It / BOOK REVIEW: Don't Look Down / JennyCrusie.com / Argh Ink (Jenny's blog)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 27, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (6)

BOOK REVIEW: The Bad Mother’s Handbook by Kate Long

Having picked up The Bad Mother's Handbook for the train, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it – I’m not a mother at all, let alone a bad one, and my views on children can be easily summed up by the old joke ‘I love children, but I couldn’t eat a whole one’. The title is deceptive though, and surprisingly I found I couldn’t put down this heart-warming tale of three women, three generations of the same family, living together in chaos.

The story is told from the points of view of Karen, a harried mother, her mixed up seventeen year old daughter Charlotte, and her terminally-confused elderly Nan. Both Nan and Charlotte live with Karen and seem to conspire to make her life hell. Charlotte is going through her own traumas as she discovers sex and the almost inevitable consequences of betrayal and babies, while Nan is living in the past remembering her own childhood.

The different styles of writing used for each viewpoint give the story a very personal feel and makes you feel very involved, even if you don’t necessarily identify with any of the characters. The sections describing Nan’s childhood have a real feel of saga story about them, and you could imagine everyone groaning as an aged aunt started off with ‘when I were young I had to walk 10 miles to school in my bare feet…’ for the tenth time that evening.

There’s an interesting extra level to the story, behind the domesticity and usual love-interest when Karen discovers that Nan isn’t really her mother and goes in search of the woman who is. She finds out some things that makes her belatedly grateful for what she has, and give you hope that things might work out in the end. It’s not always a happy read, and I think it could be a bit close to the bone for anyone involved in a similar situation, but by the end of the book everything has turned out for the best. This is mainly through the arrival of Charlotte’s friend, who is more like a guardian angel than a real teenage boy – and everything is tied up very neatly all of a sudden, through a slightly unlikely intervention. I’m not sure if the end felt a bit rushed because I was keen to find out what happened, or whether it really did wind up a little too quickly but despite a ‘one year later’ style final chapter, I was left with a number of questions.

But all in all a good read, and one that makes you think past the title. [Emma Tazewell].

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Confessions of a Grown Up by Stephanie Calman; Mama Lama Ding Dong by Ayun Halliday.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 27, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 22, 2006 7:33 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Practical Magic

Based on the book by Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic is the story of sisters and witches, Sally (Nicole Kidman) and Gillian (Sandra Bullock) who live in a small town with their aunts (played entertainingly by Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing). As is often the case with sisters in fiction, they’re opposites: Sally is the free-spirited one and Gillian the more serious homebody.

A curse on the female members of the family means any man who falls in love with them will die and the curse has already done away with Sally’s husband. When Gillian gets into trouble with an abusive boyfriend (played by ER’s foxy Dr Kovac, Goran Visnjic) it brings a sexy cop (Aidan Quinn) into their lives.

This is a great girly film (and not just because of Visnjic and Quinn). It’s funny, a bit scary, a bit soppy and well-acted throughout. A good film to watch of a cold winter’s night!

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on December 22, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 20, 2006 1:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon

The title page of The Goddess Guide says ‘Gisele Scanlon, a writer, illustrator and seeker of all things stylish and eclectic, has exhausted her passport and gathered together the best of her findings into one unique collection ... From the practical to the frivolous, the fun to the profound, the stylish to the surprising ... sprinkle a little Goddess magic into you life.’ I couldn’t have put it better myself (which is why I didn’t bother.)

Chapters include Style, Beauty, Travel, Home, Havin’ Fun, Joie de Vivre and Pillow Talk and are illustrated with photographs, drawings, hand-written notes from such style luminaries as Serena and Joe from Agent Provocateur and Tracey Emin (although I can’t read her writing at all.

Absolutely packed with information and tips; it’s practically an encyclopedia of 21st Century style. It looks and feels gorgeous and it has clearly been a labour of love on the part of Ms Scanlon.

Some of the tips and recommendations are beyond me - I won’t be spending $38,000 to get my teeth done by Sarah Michelle Gellar’s New York dentist any time soon - but it’s no more aspirational than most women’s glossies and there is great advice within for everyone, whatever their age, earnings or lifestyle. Indispensible.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Shops by India Knight

Posted by Keris on December 20, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 19, 2006 2:20 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Santa, Baby by Jennifer Crusie, Lori Foster and Carly Phillips

Sometimes there's a book I just can't wait to read, and I never learn not to over-hype it to myself, in case I get disappointed... this was the case with Santa, Baby. It's Jennifer Crusie! It's Christmas themed! I'll love it, right?!

Well... maybe. Despite the cover, which gives huge prominence to the big draw that is Jennifer Crusie, this book is actually three novellas with a Christmas theme in one handy holiday volume.

And as I was reading, I couldn't help wishing that the book was another great Crusie novel, instead...

The collection opens with Hot Toy, Crusie's novella, which is light but very entertaining, well-written with an unpredictable storyline. As always, she has great ideas and tight plotting and it's very definitely Christmas-themed. It's not as good as her novels, but as a light seasonal treat, very enjoyable. Then we have Christmas Bonus by Lori Foster and Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Philips and... meh. Firstly, they could have been set at any time of the year with just a few Christmas details thrown in later, unlike Crusie's story which is seeped in a seasonal theme (with a sexy spy thrown in for good measure).

I found the two non-Crusie stories (sorry, novellas- and that's part of the problem- they were more like stories streeeetched out to become mini-novels, without the plot to back it up) very cliched and hard to believe or relate to: this is a world where you know someone intimately and make plans to be with them forever after just one night, and where a man repeatedly calling you "sweetheart" is endearing rather than deeply patronising. Of the two, I slightly preferred Naughty Under the Mistletoe, partly because it didn't have  fifty pages of sex (I'm not exaggerating- call me Prudey McPruderson but I like something left to the imagination, especially as this occasionally missed the mark- "donned a rubber"? Sounds safe, but not sexy... and flickering tongues just remind me of lizards I'm afraid!) but didn't think either of these stories were anything special or managed to capture any real emotion. And there was too much telling and not enough showing ("how could any man get inside her when she'd feared emotional closeness would result in unhealthy dependence?"- who thinks like that?!)

If you like a predictable romance story that you don't need to think about, you might enjoy them, but they weren't my cup of tea, and I'd recommend just reading Hot Toy to get you in the holiday mood- then, as with a box of champagne truffles on Christmas morning (she hinted), exercising some restraint and leaving the rest- for your own good.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Don't look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Meyer.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 19, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 3/5, Romance, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 18, 2006 5:33 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Meg Cabot

My co-ed Keris out-and-out worships (well, pretty much!) the lovely Ms. Cabot, and I think she's a darn fine YA and chick-lit author too, so we were delighted when the Princess Diaries author took part in the famous (hey, it could be!) Trashionista author interview...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Princess Diaries, Seventh Heaven, is the seventh book in the Princess Diaries series.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

On my 12 inch PowerBook G4, in bed.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

I'm a big fan of Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series, Megan Crane's English as a Second Language, Valerie Frankel's Hex and the Single Girl, Susan Juby's Alice series, and Michele Jaffe's Bad Kitty.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

Princess Leia Organa from Star Wars. Because she's socially conscious AND a dead shot with a laser gun (and she understands keeping your hair out of your eyes while shooting stormtroopers is important).

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Write all the time. Never stop sending out your stuff. And remember that the first Princess Diaries got rejected seventeen times before my current publisher finally bought it.

What are you reading at the moment?

Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

Princess Diaries 9 (there are only going to be 10 full-length books in total, so we're almost at the end), in which everything that occurs in After Eight, Princess Diaries 8 (out in January) finally sinks in. [We'll be reviewing 8, 9 and 10, no doubt!- Diane]

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

There is no question I have never been asked. There are questions I can't believe I've been asked--such as the time a guy asked me if I'm still upset, like my character Princess Mia, that my boobs are so small--but I've been asked them all. By the way, the answer no...my boobs may be small, but they are spectacular.

[That's a Teri-Hatcher's-guest-spot-on Seinfeld reference, fact fans!]

Thanks Meg!

Meg's fabulous site / Interview archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 18, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (5)

MORE ON MONDAY: Feel by Chris Heath

A few years ago I read Literally, a biography of The Pet Shop Boys by Chris Heath. It was utterly compelling, brilliantly written and totally transporting. So I was excited to see that Chris Heath had written a biography of Robbie Williams, whom I lurve.

I was a bit worried it wouldn’t meet the high standard set by Literally, but Feel is everything I expected and more. It's not just a biography of a star, it's a meditation on - and expose of - celebrity and modern culture. And it's really very funny.

Chris Heath got to know Robbie extremely well and has captured brilliantly the contradictions that, in my opinion, make Robbie such a fascinating character. For example, if Robbie values his privacy as highly as he claims, why did he agree to a journalist spending a year with him and writing a book which includes intensely private moments and emotions? You don’t get any answers (well, not many), just more questions about why anyone would choose to be famous in this age of total celebrity obsession.

Feel is a brilliantly written, thought-provoking, gripping, funny book. Whether you love, like, hate, or are indifferent to Robbie Williams, I highly recommend you read it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

More on Monday archives

Posted by Keris on December 18, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (4)

December 15, 2006 3:32 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: About Last Night

About Last Night is an eighties film based on a David Mamet play called Sexual Perversity in Chicago. It stars a very young (and quite disturbingly pretty) Rob Lowe along with Demi Moore, Jim Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins. It was my absolute favourite film when I was about 14 and I can still recite chunks of it now, even though - until yesterday - I hadn’t seen it for years.

It’s the story of Debbie (Moore) and Danny (Lowe) who meet, sleep together, fall in love and move in together. And then things start going wrong. It’s funny, sexy and cheesy in the way only an 80s movie can be (there are three of those so-bad-they’re-good musical montages beloved of the films of that decade), but it does actually have some interesting things to say about relationships.

Plus Rob Lowe takes his clothes off rather a lot (there’s a shower scene I can remember wearing out the video’s pause button on) and there's even a very early appearance by an almost-unrecognisable Megan Mullally!

If you didn’t see it at the time (and if not, why not?), watch it now. You won’t be sorry.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on December 15, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

Reading "Will and Grace"

One of my favourite shows of all time finished earlier this year: Will and Grace. Yes, it should really have been called Jack and Karen, but this show about a gay man, his best friend and their best friends was consistently funny over eight seasons.

I'm guessing that since it's only just finished, more books may be on the way, but currently there's just a guide called "Will and Grace": Fabulously Uncensored with all the usual guide stuff - interviews, deleted scenes, photos, plus the scoop on the special guests (Matt Damon was my favourite).

And I know it's not book-related, but I was excited to find out that Megan Mullally who played Karen has a CD out called Big As a Berry. Intriguing.

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading ... Desperate Housewives / Alias / Friends / Sex and the City / Angel / Dawson's Creek / The O.C. / Gilmore Girls / Veronica Mars / Grey's Anatomy / The West Wing / The Sopranos

Posted by Keris on December 15, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: In Between Men by Mary Castillo

Remember when we told you about Latina Lit (way back in August)? Well, Mary Castillo is the Latina Lit queen. Her second novel, In Between Men, is about Isa who has just been unlucky enough to be voted the un-sexiest woman alive by the students at the high school where she teaches. At first she’s not concerned - she’s got more important things to worry about than her appearance, like her job and her son - but when she meets Alex and starts receiving advice from a hallucination of Joan Collins, she realises it may well be time for a makeover.

Alex isn’t interested in Isa. He’s not interested in a relationship at all, and particularly not with the mother of one of the kids he coaches in soccer, but when Isa gets knocked out by the ball at a game, Alex feels responsible enough to take her out to dinner. And when he sees the post-makeover Isa, he starts to change his mind.

With its reluctant-to-love main characters and far-fetched and hilarious supporting characters, In Between Men reminded me a lot of Jennifer Crusie. There’s a subplot with Isa’s ex-husband which I didn’t entirely enjoy, perhaps because knowing she used to be married to such an unbelievable loser made me lose a little bit of regard for Isa (but I should give her a break because she was only 18) and I occasionally found it a little confusing and had to go back and reread certain scenes, but I think that was because there’s just so much going on.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Isa is wonderful, Alex is gorgeous and I can’t wait to read more from Mary Castillo.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

Posted by Keris on December 15, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 14, 2006 12:54 PM

THURSDAY THREE: You never forget your first love

I married my first love so there’s no chance of me forgetting him (he’s always here!), but many chick lit heroines (and some heroes) aren’t so lucky. They make the mistake of giving up “the one,” but that’s all the more fun for us because we get to read what happens when they bump into them again ...

In Lani Diane Rich's The Comeback Kiss, Finn returns to the town he grew up in and where he left his first love, Tessa, without even saying goodbye. A lot has changed, but Tessa hasn't and as soon as Finn sees her, he knows it's going to be hard to leave again.

My Favourite Mistake by Beth Kendrick is about Faith, who returns to her hometown to help her younger sister and runs into her childhood sweetheart, Flynn. Faith rejected Flynn's marriage proposal ten years earlier, but finds that her feelings for him are as strong as ever. 

Carry on over the cut for more first love ...

Emmy left her fiance while he was asleep in a hotel room. Three years later, she's forced to return home and unsurprisingly afraid of running into her ex. She does, of course ... and you can read all about it in Laura Dave's London is the Best City in America.

Have I forgotten any? Fancy sharing your own first love story with us? (Go on, it's Christmas!)

Thursday Three archives

Posted by Keris on December 14, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (4)

December 13, 2006 3:17 PM

Book-inspired outfits!

If you're struggling for inspiration for what to wear for all the Christmas parties you've got lined up (you're not really planning on staying in with a book, are you?) then look no further than our sister site, Catwalk Queen, who have brilliantly put together some book-inspired outfits.

The Babysitters Club is probably your best bet for a party, but the Nancy Drew and the Enid Blyton would be fabulous for family visits. Genius.

Related posts: Nancy Drew book bags / Reading is sexy T-shirt

Posted by Aigua Media on December 13, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 12, 2006 7:16 PM

The first chick-lit book...

What do you think it was?

Jennifer Weiner has said before (on her blog) that chick lit all started with cult '70s classic Sheila Levine is dead and living in New York by Gail Parent, but it's often said that chick lit didn't begin until the 1990s, with landmark books like Bridget Jones's Diary and Watermelon... On the other hand, some people consider Pride and Prejudice the first chick lit novel! And where does Sex and the City fit in? Or books like Heartburn and Postcards from the Edge?

What do you think- which one would you call the original chick lit, and does it matter? I've got a feeling this debate could run and run...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 12, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 8, 2006 8:09 PM

Diane's "Top 10 books I reviewed this year"

Trashionista's Top 100 Extravaganza! continues...

I've reviewed A LOT of books since I started writing for Trashionista back in July, and here are my top ten favourites - do you agree that these are some fabulous reads? What are your top reads of 2006? I'm making myself abide by two rules:

As I've already written about the top 10 non-fiction chick lit books, I'm going to stick to my fictional faves and

No re-reads or old favourites allowed - only books I read for the first time this year!

With that in mind, here's my top 10 for 2006, with what I said about each in quotes...

10. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. A classic novel with an engaging heroine and a lot to say. "Based in early twentieth-century Brooklyn, it tells the story of Francie Nolan and her family’s fight to get by in a time without electricity, a welfare system, or even windows in the bedrooms of their tiny apartment.  Francie lives with her hard-working mother, hard-drinking father and younger brother Neely in a slum neighbourhood of the city. If all that sounds depressing, it isn’t... If you want a compelling story that teaches you something, this is a great read, and despite its size, a fast one."

9. Singeltini by Amanda Trimble. Fun, fast-paced, a bit farcical but a very enjoyable read in a fabulous cover! "Singletini is pretty standard, fairytale-ending chick-lit but written in a fast and compelling style, (perhaps as a result of the author's time in advertising?) that never becomes boring... This is Amanda Trimble's debut novel - I'd definitely like to read more."

8. Twenty Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak. Great premise and a very well-written, fun story! "A fast, funny and very enjoyable love story/road-trip novel. Whilst you may be able to predict how the book will end, you won't predict how Delilah gets there - and that's the mark of a good writer. The book speeds along, and there's a lot of surprises on the way to a happy ending. I loved the fact that the main character is a risk-taker, not afraid to seem stupid- and brave in sharing her feelings. And I frequently found myself snorting with laughter at her remarks!"

7. The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner. Weiner's latest is actually a collection of short stories... and very good it is too. "Despite some stories being stronger than others, the book works as a whole and is very entertaining.  It's a treat for Jennifer Weiner fans who love her previous work, but newbies would get a lot out of it, too.  Although I raced through (er, I mean savoured slowly!) the stories, my favourite part of the book was actually the "Notes on Stories" at the back of the book, sharing some of the gossip behind the writing process."

6. Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane. Okay, so I'm cheating a little with this one, as Keris actually reviewed it - but then she lent it to me quick-smart and I adored it too! The best new chick-lit writer of the year, no doubt. Said Keris, " Full of pop culture references and more than I ever needed to know about the disgusting things wait staff to rude customers, Stupid and Contagious is extremely funny, it made me cry and when I finished it I could happily have turned back to the first page and started it again. One of the best chick lit books I've ever read." I concur.

What will the top 5 be? Carry on over the cut to find out!

5. How I Paid For College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theatre by Marc Acito. I'm allowing a man to infiltrate the sacred top 5, because this book was just so, so good! Original, inventive, fresh and packed full of sex, theft, friendship and musical theatre it perfectly captures the feeling of 80s teen flicks. "How I paid for College… is a fabulous, over-the-top, brilliantly written, laugh-a-minute American lad-lit (is that enough adjectives yet?!) novel that I can’t recommend enough to anyone with a sense of humour and a pulse."

4. The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt. Not precisely chick-lit, but with strong heroines and a killer plot, it's not to be missed.  "More than anything, this book is haunting, and stayed with me long after the final heart-wrenchingly unpredictable twist revealed the truth I'd been waiting all novel to find out."

3. A Boy of Good Breeding by Miriam Toews. A warm, funny and poignant story, wonderfully written. Nothing much happens, but it keeps you hooked all the same. "There's occasional silliness and moments of great humour, but written in a wry, observant way that's always intelligent and never carries a joke too far.  It's easy to believe in this quaint little town with its slightly unusual residents... A Boy of Good Breeding is superbly written and the kind of book you want to re-read immediately."

2. Plotting for Beginners by Sue Hepworth and Jane Linfoot. Brilliantly-written and heartfelt hen-lit for the over-50s, I loved this very funny book. "Plotting for Beginners is a wonderfully funny novel about starting again after your children have left home, your husband is AWOL and you want to fulfill your dreams...  found this an enormously satisfying, well-written and perfectly-plotted novel with a main character who's as lovable and funny as Bridget Jones - if a tad more prone to a hot flush..." Look out for an interview with the authors in the new year!

Finally, number 1 in my list, and my heart, for 2006, is...

1. Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson! The book I've been boring all my friends and family about! My read of the year hits the perfect balance between a pacey, exciting storyline and real emotion, and it made me laugh, cry and gape at the quality of the writing. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy it. "Dealing with themes of abandonment, betrayal, family loyalties and nature vs. nurture, this novel is addictive, thought-provoking reading that's practically perfect in every way.  I defy you not to fall in love with it!"

Trashionista Top 100 Extravanganza! archives / Joshilyn Jackson interview.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Opinion, Recent Release, Romance, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (5)

MOVIE NEWS: The Innocent Man

George Clooney has bought the screen rights to John Grisham's recent non-fiction book "The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town."

"The Innocent Man" is the true story of a gross miscarriage of justice that sent Ron Williamson to Oklahoma's death row for 11 years for a murder he did not commit. Clooney will produce the movie, but there’s no news yet on whether he’ll also star and/or direct.

With this purchase, Clooney has sealed himself a place on Trashionista’s list of literature-loving stars, which includes Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst and Scarlett Johanssen. Previously, Clooney’s appeared in The Good German by Joseph Kanon, The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger, Out of Sight by Elmore Leonard and The Thin Red Line by James Jones.

But if you think bringing you this news wasn’t at least partially motivated by the urge to look at a pic of George Clooney looking handsome, you’re kidding yourself.

Movie news archives

Posted by Keris on December 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 7, 2006 7:18 PM

BOOK REVIEW: What Would Murphy Brown Do? by Allison Klein

Murphy Brown was a 1990s TV show, hugely successful in the US, but less well-known in the UK. The titular character was a tough female journalist and in What Would Murphy Brown Do? Allison Klein examines not only Murphy, but a number of other strong and influential women TV characters, from Roseanne to Ellen to Rachel in Friends.

Starting with "the first overtly feminist sitcom", The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Klein looks at every aspect of women on TV, from the life of the unmarried sitcom woman to body image and ageing to women behind the scenes, supported by quotes from the shows themselves.

I found the essays "Doing 'It' for Fun: The New TV Sexuality" and "The Wonder of Womanhood: TV Friendship" to be the most interesting, but it's all thought-provoking stuff and it also means I've added Roseanne, The Golden Girls and Kate and Allie to my DVD wishlist.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Welcome to Wisteria Lane ed. by Leah Wilson

Television archives

Posted by Keris on December 7, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

Read mum-lit novel The Mummybiz online... as it's written

Fiction and non-fiction about the trials (and joys, of course!) of motherhood are hugely popular now, allowing women with children to share their feelings / read books they can relate to.

Now, as part of Time for Mum, a motherhood website, novel The Mummybiz is being published online as it's written, allowing readers the chance to influence edits and get a sneak peek at what could be a future classic of the 'overwhelmed mum' genre!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 7, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 5, 2006 8:22 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Laura Zigman

This week we turn the spotlight on Laura Zigman. Laura grew up in Massachusetts, and after graduating from university spent ten years working as a publicist in the New York publishing industry.

She spent five years writing Animal Husbandry (while working full-time) and the film rights were bought before it was even published. On publication in 1998 it became a national bestseller and (along with Bridget Jones's Diary and Marian Keyes's Watermelon) was one of the earliest books to be described as chick lit. The film based on the book, Animal Attraction (also known as Someone Like You and one of our Top 10 chick lit film adaptations) starred Ashley Judd and Hugh Jackman.

Laura’s second novel, Dating Big Bird (which, in contrast to Animal Husbandry, Laura wrote in three months!), came out in 2000, and her third, Her, followed in 2002. Her long-awaited new book, Piece of Work, came out in September this year and has been optioned by Tom Hanks' production company with My Big Fat Greek Wedding's Nia Vardalos set to both write the screenplay and star in the movie.

Laura currently lives outside Boston with her husband and young son.

Carry on over the cut for Laura’s bibliography and look out for our interview with Laura coming up in Super Interview Month!

Animal Husbandry
Dating Big Bird
Her
Piece of Work

Listen to Laura talk about Piece of Work on eyeonbooks.com

Spotlight archives

Posted by Keris on December 5, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

New York panel talks up chick lit

Book insiders Galleycat report today that "Attendees at the Small Press Center's book fair last weekend might have been surprised to see a panel scheduled for Saturday afternoon on chick lit..." 

But it sounds like a great and very positive discussion, in which authors including Sarah Mlynowski and (editor of This is Chick Lit) Lauren Baratz Logsted emphasised the wide variety of chick lit available, and the fact that it's not just about mindless bimbos who love shoes. Not that there's anything wrong with loving shoes... or writing for them, for that matter!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 5, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Me vs Me by Sarah Mlynowski

Sarah Mlynowski's Me vs Me has been compared to the Gwyneth Paltrow film Sliding Doors and the premise is similar. Just before Gabby is about to leave Arizona for her dream job in New York, her boyfriend Cam proposes. She loves Cam, but she really wants to move to New York and he won’t even consider it. Frightened of making the wrong decision, Gabby wishes she could do both and suddenly finds herself living two lives: one in New York and the other in Arizona. The difference between Me vs Me and Sliding Doors is that Gabby knows about both her lives: every night after going to bed in one life, she wakes up in the other and lives each day twice. And for a while it works out fine ...

Gabby’s New York life seems to be going swimmingly - if you ignore Heather the psycho roommate and the fact that Gabby misses Cam. She’s great at her news producing job (having only just mentioned the novelty of a chick lit heroine who’s good at her job, here’s another - I hope it’s a trend) even if her boss is getting a little over-familiar. She’s even losing weight and she’s stopped biting her nails.

Meanwhile her Arizona life gets worse and worse thanks to Cam’s beyond-controlling mother taking over the wedding plans. Arizona is a nightmare and her nails are a mess, but at least there she’s got Cam.

Gabby has literally got the best of both worlds, but before too long she realises she has to choose - in other words, she’s back where she started.

I really loved this book. It’s an original and interesting idea, entertainingly executed. I preferred the New York side of the story - I found Arizona-Gabby too irritatingly spineless (even though she’s aware that she is) plus I could happily have battered mother-in-law Alice to death with her own wedding binder (on the plus side, it takes real skill to create a character this infuriating!). The only sour note for me was Cam. In the Arizona half he is such a controlling, patronising mummy’s boy that I didn’t want Gabby to end up with him in either life.

I’ve enjoyed almost all of Sarah Mlynowski’s books, but with Me vs Me and the fab All About Rachel series, she really is at the top of her game.

Rating 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Enchanted Inc by Shanna Swendson

Related posts: See Jane Write review / Chick lit for little chicks / As Seen on TV review / CNN on chick lit

Posted by Keris on December 5, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (7)

December 4, 2006 11:51 AM

Marian Keyes on Strictly Come Dancing

Remember Diane told us about Marian Keyes on Strictly Come Dancing last week? Well it's now turned up on YouTube (as everything eventually does) and it seemed remiss not to share it with you.

In her newsletter, Marian also revealed that she'd been asked to be a contestant on I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, saying, "I’ve never been so glad that I said no. Kangaroo’s bits. God no."

Marian Keyes archives

Posted by Keris on December 4, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 3, 2006 8:43 PM

Lisa Jewell in Eve magazine

January's Eve magazine includes an advert for a "How to write your own novel" workshop to be held in London on Saturday 3 March 2007. The workshop will not only include advice from an agent, an editor and a marketing director, but also British author Lisa Jewell, who will be on hand to talk about getting started, securing an agent and the highs and lows of being an author. More information here.

And that's not all. The February issue includes a free copy of Lisa's wonderful book, Vince & Joy.

Posted by Keris on December 3, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 1, 2006 12:26 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Welcome to Wisteria Lane ed. by Leah Wilson

As you might guess from the title, Welcome to Wisteria Lane is a Desperate Housewives-themed collection of essays, by the people who brought you Flirting with Pride and Prejudice and This is Chick Lit.

Of the three books, I think this one is actually my favourite! A whole book about the inhabitants of Wisteria Lane, especially in the show's off-season (as it is now in the UK) is a wonderful treat, like curling up in front of a winter's fire with a cup of hot chocolate... which, now that I think about it, is a good way to read this book... Essays by authors including Shanna Swendson, Lani Diane Rich and Deanna Carlyle explore everything from the hazards of suburban living, to the best housewife role model, to a deconstruction of how cultural differences affect the way the show plays in different countries.

I found all of this very entertaining, and a lot of the essays made me think deeper than I expected- I came away from the book thinking that yes, Lynette is more selfish than I thought! And yes! I have been too hard on Edie, and yes! the men of Wisteria Lane are some weak caricatures... My Favourite essays were Lani Diane Rich's, "Why the best nighttime soap ever is not a nighttime soap, dammit" (about the programme's great writing), Beth Kendrick's "Growing up Wisteria" (the kids of Wisteria Lane) and Sarah Zettel's "Something familiar, something peculiar" (about why men love watching the show).

There were a couple of essays I liked a little less- including one that got too silly for my liking,  and one which got too serious- but which other people might enjoy, so it seems unfair to single them out. As a whole, it's a very strong book, providing a great, intelligent and often very fun insight into 'the Lane' that DH fans will love.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Burnt Toast by Teri Hatcher.

*DID YOU KNOW?* You can catch up with any episodes you've missed on the Channel 4 site.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 30, 2006 8:00 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Marriage and mayhem

Almost everyone I know is getting married lately, and it got me thinking about the number of books devoted to the subject of weddings- especially the ones with madness and mayhem involved! Here are three picks of the bunch- but feel free to read on and suggest your own...

Laura Wolf's Diary of a Mad Bride is a "will there be a wedding disaster or won't there?" classic. Amy vows that when she gets married, she'll be far more level-headed than her taffeta-obsessed engaged girlfriends. But when her boyfriend proposes, she finds she's just as bad as everyone else: "Marriages are made in heaven - but weddings are made in hell...What is it about getting married that can turn a sophisticated, level-headed woman into an obsessed wreck?" A great fast and funny farce- just don't use Amy as your role model...!

Carry on over the cut for more wedding fun...

The next book is about a sister of the bride, rather than a mad bride... If you hated the Debra Messing film The Wedding Date (everyone I know who's seen it does!) then don't be put off by the book it's based on- they're nothing alike! Liz Young's Asking for Trouble is about Sophy, who doesn't have a date for her sister's wedding, so asks an attractive escort to accompany her... of course, things don't go quite to plan!

Finally, Marry Me by Carey Marx is the true-life story of a comedian's quest to find true love and get married... within six months! It's very, very funny- but you'll have to read it to see if he achieves his goal...

What are your favourite marriage/wedding themed books?

Thursday Three archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 30, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK REVIEW: Daughter of the Bride by Francesca Segre

Just managed to sneak another NaNovember author review in! Francesca Segre's Daughter of the Bride features Daniella, a financial reporter on Wall Street who, unlike many chick lit heroines, is actually good at her job. She's intelligent and articulate - no Bridget Jones style snafus for Daniella. But. She's single and she really doesn't want to be, so when her mother announces she's getting married, Daniella's not sure how she feels about it. Basically, she doesn't think it's right that her mother should be getting married before her.

Daniella's family lives in San Francisco and so she finds herself flying back and forth to help her mother choose a dress and a caterer and a florist, etc. Back in New York, Daniella dates various men, always looking for her idealistic IB (Imaginary Boyfriend). At one point, one of her boyfriends tells her that she's holding back in the relationship and that he's not sure she's ready to get settle down and get serious, that she doesn't really want it, she's too busy being herself and "chasing dreams of perfection." I would have preferred to see more of this insight from Daniella instead of her immediately thinking every man she meets could be "the one" and then constantly being disappointed. I was actually quite disappointed that, although Daniella states she doesn't need a man to validate her in her work, in her personal life she definitely seems to feel like she's less valuable because she's single.

The book doesn't really have much in the way of plot and I'm afraid I was bored by all the marriage plans. (I found planning my own wedding tedious, so I was bound to lose interest in planning a fictional wedding.) There are some lovely characters though. I particularly liked Daniella's brothers, Max and Enrico, and would have liked to see more of them. In fact, I enjoyed the book more whenever Daniella was in San Francisco. There was something I found almost claustrophobic about the New York scenes.

The main problem I think I had with Daughter of the Bride was that it was strangely humourless. Searching for a man may not be a comedy topic in reality, but reading about it without the relief of laughter is actually quite hard work and I found myself scanning quite often.

That said, Francesca Segre writes beautifully so I'll definitely check out her next book and if you're planning a wedding - either for yourself or your mother! - you'll probably enjoy Daughter of the Bride more than I did.

Rating 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Why Girls Are Weird by Pamela Ribon

Francesca's guest blog / Francesca's author interview

Posted by Keris on November 30, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 29, 2006 5:12 PM

BOOK NEWS: I Want Those Shoes

The ladies over on our sister site Shoewawa were very excited to hear about a new shoe-related book that I think Trashionista fans will like, too. Obviously, we like to read about something other than shoes occasionally, but a book about why women love shoes sounds fantastic - and even more so if I can put my feet up whilst reading it, instead of hobbling around in punishingly high heels just to look good... not that I don't do that too, on occasion! Anyway, the book in question is called I Want Those Shoes and it's by Paola Jacobbi...

Visit the Shiny Fashion Forum for more hot shoe chat and buying advice!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 29, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 28, 2006 12:26 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Sarah Mason

Having just learned that she's got a new book out next year - and because we've loved all of her books so far - I thought I'd shine this week's spotlight on Sarah Mason.

Aged 25, Sarah started an enormously successful company importing gourmet popcorn from America (she was once voted one of the top five British entrepreneurs). She started writing after selling the business.

Her first novel, Playing James, was published in 2002 and Sarah became the first-ever first-time novelist to win the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year award. Playing James was followed by The Party Season and High Society. (All three books got a 5 out of 5 rating from Trashionista!)

Sarah's new novel, Sea Fever, is due out in July 2007 and is described by her publishers as "Sun, sea, sailing, and sex ... [following] the scandal, gossip, drama and fun of an America's Cup regatta."

Sarah lives in Cheltenham with her husband and daughter.

Carry on over the cut for Sarah's bibliography.

Playing James
The Party Season (Party Girl in the US)
High Society (Society Girls in the US)

See Sarah talking about High Society and The Party Season on Meet the Author.

Posted by Keris on November 28, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Romance, Series, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

Marian Keyes news- she's on Strictly and on film!

Anyone who watched Strictly Come Dancing's sister show It Takes Two yesterday will have seen footage of the lovely Marian Keyes behind the scenes on Saturday's SCD, giving her unique take on the series- inspecting the underwear arrangements inside the girls' dresses (not whilst anyone was wearing them, I hasten to add!) and screaming with such excitement at meeting Lilia - she almost provoked the poor girl to need a restraining order. Then she treated us to a little of her dancing... hmm. All in all, very entertaining. If barmy.

AND! Did you know that there's a film of her novel Last Chance Saloon? If you did, you're more informed than I am! Called ‘Au secours j’ai trente ans’ (which Babelfish translates - I suspect a little too literally - as "With the help I am thirty years old") it's a French film that sadly doesn't have a subtitled version available on English or American Amazon, but you can buy a copy via the French version of the site. A reviewer there only gave it 2/5, but Marian says in Further Under the Duvet that she thinks it's a very good adaptation - and you can't say fairer than that!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 28, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: BreakupBabe by Rebecca Agiewich

At last, a review of one of NaNovember authors' books!  Rebecca Agiewich's BreakupBabe started out as a blog, which Rebecca then fictionalised both to add a plot and - I'm conjecturing here - to avoid getting sued.  Because I am so incredibly nosey, books like this drive me mad.  I want to know which parts are true and which are made up, dammit!

Rebecca Rachel works for a software company as a technical editor.  She's just had a horrendous break-up with a guy she works with.  She's not handling it well and she starts a blog to try and process her feelings.  And the blog, as blogs are wont to do, starts to really help.  But then it's discovered by her colleagues and things fall apart.  Plus Rachel starts writing a book based on her blog.  This book, in fact.  You can see how this is confusing.   

Along with the story of Rachel's break-up (or "The Great Unpleasantness", as Rachel calls it) and her problems at work, we also hear all about Rachel's dating escapades.  These aren't the kind of so-bad-they're-funny dating stories you sometimes get; they're more real and hopeful and painful.  With each new man I was rooting for Rachel and hated seeing her disappointed over and over again. 

(If anyone has read Jennifer Crusie's Anyone But You, the BreakupBabe story reminds me a lot of the book Nina's friend is writing about her dating experiences.  Remember the publisher suggests she fictionalise it to include a more hopeful ending?)

Although I think Rebecca Agiewich is a really talented writer, I sometimes found her style a bit affected.  I also could have done with less about the medications Rachel was on, but that's probably personal preference. 

As for which parts are true, it doesn't matter, of course.  BreakupBabe feels true, and that's the most important thing. 

Rating 4 out of 5

Like this? Try I'm Celibate, Get Me Out of Here by Jo Elliott

Did you know? Rebecca is still writing the Breakup Babe blog

Don't forget! It's not too late to enter our competition to win a copy of BreakupBabe

Posted by Keris on November 28, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Plotting for Beginners by Sue Hepworth and Jane Linfoot

Despite the title, Plotting for Beginners by Sue Hepworth and Jane Linfoot isn't a writing guide, but, as the subtitle says, 'a novel for new beginnings.' Sally Howe and her husband are spending a year apart, as he wants to live in a cabin in the American wilderness and she wants to write a novel and launch a career in journalism. Says Sally, "Women reach fifty and think they're on the verge of liberation and excitement, and their broken-down men just want to stay home and fart. Or in my case, go and live in a cabin in the Rockies and fart."

On dropping Gus off at the airport, however, Sally is shocked that he considers the Rockies just the start of his overseas adventures - the year after, he's thinking of Australia! So instead of happily singing along to Fred Astaire and facing a self-indulgent year ahead, Sally spends the journey home worrying about the possible disintegration of her marriage - and its effect on her writing plans...

She soon finds out she won't be as alone as she thought, when her newly-separated brother comes to stay (and insists on keeping interrupting her writing for her opinion on his DIY), her youngest son keeps coming home for a visit and her brother's attractive single friend keeps calling in to see her...

Plotting for Beginners is a wonderfully funny novel about starting again after your children have left home, your husband is AWOL and you want to fulfill your dreams. I loved Sally's voice, the diary format, the secondary characters and the  book as a whole. Anyone who's interested in writing, or lives in the same are of the country as Sally (or both, like me!) will find it especially entertaining, but they're by no means prerequisites for enjoying the book. Please don't think that the fact Sally is in her 50s means you won't relate to her - she's so likable that anyone will, and you'll be willing her on to literacy success, and laughing out loud at some of the ups and downs of her year alone. You'll also be hoping that she'll find a satisfactory solution to her relationship difficulties...

I found this an enormously satisfying, well-written and perfectly-plotted novel with a main character who's as lovable and funny as Bridget Jones - if a tad more prone to a hot flush...

Read it!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Sue Hepworth has a blog where you can even read a short-lived blog by main character Sally, and see pictures of some of the sites mentioned in the book- very postmodern! You can also find out more about the author...

Like this? Try Having it and Eating it by Sabine Durrant.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 28, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 27, 2006 2:55 PM

A toolkit that looks like a book

Another week, another something that looks like a book, but isn't. This time it's designed by that lovely Kirstie Allsop (presenter of Location, Location, Location). Kirstie has her own range of products, called Moving Sense, which include "Toolboox" - tool kits that look like books. Do you see?

The pic is of the Starter Tool Kit, but you can also get a Picture Hanging Kit and a Sewing Kit. As delightful and old-fashioned as Kirstie herself (as they'd probably say in the Radio Times).

Related: Reading is Sexy T-shirt / Book Bags / Nancy Drew Stationery / The Self Shelf / MP3 Player Cases

Posted by Keris on November 27, 2006 in Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)

GUEST BLOG & GIVEAWAY: Jenna Bayley-Burke

Jenna Bayley-Burke is the last of our NaNovember guest bloggers (all together: ahhhh). Her book Just One Spark was written for NaNoWriMo and Jenna's been kind enough to give us a copy to give to a lucky Trashionista reader. Keep reading to find out how to win.

Just One Spark by Jenna Bayley-Burke

A fire fighter fit for a calendar caught me in the grocery store checkout line, two tantrum-prone toddlers ready to bolt. The man was a dream, both because of how he looked and because he stopped his day to talk with my boys, giving them stickers and a distraction so I could pay for seven gallons of milk. These are big toddlers, people.

Carry on over the cut for more from Jenna and to find out how to win a copy of Just One Spark.

Safely securing my beasts into the only thing that can hold them down – a five point harness car seat – I turned the radio up and headed for home, thinking that maybe that fire fighter should play a role in the novel I was starting the next day as part of my first NaNoWriMo, if only he hadn’t had a ring on his finger. No matter, I work in fiction and I had almost twelve hours to come up with a reason for the ring. Quite proud of myself I turned the radio up, Mindy McCready’s Maybe, Maybe Not coming across the front speakers (don’t want to damage the delicate eardrums of the screachers in the back) of my compact sedan.
 
What if … Mr. Hunk-of-the-Month had to explain the ring to a woman sitting on a washing machine in a Laundromat? Instantly, I was dying to write the scene. I stayed up until midnight (unheard of when you have a child who routinely wakes at four-twenty to begin his day) just to get the scene out. I didn't care about what came next, didn't plot a character arc or layer in symbolism. The story unfolded as I imagined what I would want to read if I picked the book up at the store and shelled out the change from my last trip through the Coffee People drive-thru.
 
The way I wrote False Alarm, my NaNo 2004 ‘winner’ that vaguely resembles Just One Spark, the book of the same characters now published by Mills & Boon, defies everything I’ve learned about novel writing since. If I’d known you never sell your first book, character motivation is the driving force of any story, and this is a hard business to break into, I never would have tried. Thank goodness for naivete.

Thanks, Jenna. To win a copy of Just One Spark, email us your name and address and put "Spark" in the subject line by 30th November 2006 (yes, that's the end of this week, so be quick!).

Read our interview with Jenna

Posted by Keris on November 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, NaNovember, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

MORE ON MONDAY: The Joy Diet by Martha Beck

Martha Beck is not just a life coach, she's "Oprah Winfrey's life coach", and if you need a better recommendation than that, there's probably no helping you!

The Joy Diet isn't a weightloss diet. Martha explains in the introduction that she's using the original meaning of the word diet, "a way of living or thinking," and the book's subtitle is "10 daily practices for a happier life".  The thing I love about Martha Beck is though she's that very new agey thing - a life coach - she's profoundly practical.  She's also extremely funny. 

The ten practices (or "ingredients") of The Joy Diet are "nothing" (i.e. meditation), "truth" - telling the truth about your life and situation (you should also, as Martha puts it, "offer compassion to your inner lying scumbag"), "desire", "creativity", "risk", "treats" (my favourite), "play", "laughter", "connection" and "feasting".  See, Martha is all about being good to yourself and listening to your body (and soul) to work out what's wrong with your life and how you can make it right. 

It is impossible to read anything written by Martha Beck without feeling inspired.  She recommends that you work through the practices in order, making sure each one feels like second nature before moving on to the next.  I've had the book for years and I've never managed it (she flummoxed me by putting "nothing" - which she admits is the hardest one - first) but I will often pick the book up and read whichever chapter feels most meaningful to me at the time. 

I know I sound like an infomercial or something, but I really am evangelical about Ms Beck.  I first discovered her when I read an article she'd written on "seizing the day" in an American magazine.  It's absolutely not too strong to say it changed my life.  Her book, Finding Your Own North Star, is brilliant if you're still looking for your "right life", but if you are doing what you love and yet still feel a bit "bleh" then you need The Joy Diet.  (Even if you're not doing what you love, I'd still recommend The Joy Diet, but I'd suggest you run to a bookshop - or click like you've never clicked before - and buy Finding Your Own North Star first). 

Rating 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Gulp! by Gabriella Goddard

More on Monday archives

Posted by Keris on November 27, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, More On Monday, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (1)

Mediabistro's 12-week novelist courses

NaNoWrimo is reaching its end - how are you all doing? Close to hitting 50,000 words, I hope? (My arms ache just thinking about it!) If you haven't quite made it, or you think three months is a much more sensible amount of time to write a novel in, you might be interested in the Media Bistro course, 12 Week Novelist: Chick Lit Edition. Nano specialist and friend of Trashionista Francesca Segre is teaching it, and it runs from January 10 - April 16. The only downside? You have to be living (or staying) in LA... There is a general 12-week novelist course which is available online, though.

Related posts: Introduction to NaNovember / The Three-Day novel / A Novel in a Year  / Novels that take a long time!

NaNovember archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 24, 2006 3:05 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Where the Heart Is

This made for TV movie is based on the best-selling book by Billie Letts. I'd never heard of either the film or the book so I didn't know what to expect. Natalie Portman is Novalee Nation who is abandoned, penniless and pregnant, in the carpark of WalMart by her loser boyfriend Willie Jack. With nowhere else to go she finds herself living in the WalMart for weeks, until her baby is born and she and "the WalMart baby" become local celebrities.

Novalee and her daughter, Americus, are taken in by the local community, including Sister Husband (Stockard Channing), Lexi (Ashley Judd) and Forney (James Frain) and start to build a life, interrupted by a series of tragedies (well it is a TV movie after all!).

Natalie Portman is mesmerising as Novalee. Never less than totally convincing, she's charming, independent, strong and sweet. Don't be fooled by Ashley Judd appearing on the cover of the DVD, this is Portman's movie. That's not to say Ashley Judd isn't great too; in fact there are a number of fabulous female performances : Stockard Channing, Joan Cusack and a sparkling cameo from Sally Field as Novalee's runaway mother.

We are occasionally updated on Novalee's loser boyfriend Willie Jack's whereabouts and misadventures and I actually found this unnecessary (I didn't care what happened to the fool), but that aside this is an enjoyable and intelligent feel-good film.

Posted by Keris on November 24, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

PREVIEW REVIEW: Singletini by Amanda Trimble

Normally on Trashionista, we review books that are available for everyone to buy (works well that way!) but sometimes we're lucky enough to get an advance copy of a lovely new novel, and we can't wait to tell you about it. So although Singletini by Amanda Trimble isn't available to buy in the UK until January 1st, it is available on pre-order at Amazon, so you could still pop a copy in your basket for a post-Xmas treat!

Singletini's main character Victoria Hart feels her life is a mess. At 25, she's disorganised, just lost her hated job in computer sales and is lost as to what to do next. All her friends' lives seem more sorted than hers - they have direction in their careers, and her great friend Gwynn has just got engaged, to Victoria's horror. She wants to be young, free and single - but the rate she's going fears she'll end up with nothing in her life. Then she spots an ad for a new, very well-paid job - as a "wingwoman". Her friends think it's akin to prostitution, but is it really?

Of course it's nothing quite so dramatic, but I loved the inventiveness of the idea - a wingwoman is someone a single man takes out with him to help him get dates or pull women. She breaks the ice with the women he fancies, talks him up (pretending to be a friend, sister or colleague) and when she succeeds in setting him up, gets paid very handsomely for doing so, plus expenses. But Victoria (of course!) discovers that the job isn't exactly easy money...

On top of all her work pressure, her friend Gwynn is expecting her to act as general dogsbody with all her wedding preparations (I actually got very interested in this subplot, which I thought could even have been expanded into a novel on its own, but I liked the fact that Singletini is fast and furious, with lots of storyline). Victoria's also trying to decide between two eligible bachelors - both of whom she met through work and wants for herself - and realising that she's spending most of the money she's making at her new job on upkeep for her glamorous new image.

Singletini is pretty standard, fairytale-ending chick-lit but written in a fast and compelling style, (perhaps as a result of the author's time in advertising?) that never becomes boring. The wingwoman idea is very creative and lends itself to lots of humor and interesting moral questions (none of which are really explored). What frustrated me a little about the book was a slight lack of depth - Victoria doesn't seem to have any realisation that her obsession with weight and shopping is shallow, or that 25 is too young to be worried about being alone forever, or that her friend's wedding planning behaviour (treating Victoria like a doormat) is unacceptable.  But she does make some changes in her life and becomes happier by the end of the book, and it's very entertaining escapism on the way.

This is Amanda Trimble's debut novel - I'd definitely like to read more.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella; Save Karyn by Karyn Bosnak.

Related: PREVIEW REVIEW: The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 24, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 23, 2006 6:22 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Big girls don't cry

The best kind of  weight-ishoos chick lit allows larger ladies in fiction to be empowered human beings with friends, confidence, love lives and careers - instead of sad little victims. As it's traditional stuff-your-face-day (Thanksgiving) in the US, and approaching traditional stuff-your-face-day (Christmas) in the UK, what better time to highlight heroines for whom fat is not a four-letter word... (You know what I mean!)

Classic in this sub-genre is Jennifer Weiner's Good In Bed. Cannie is a sexy, confident, attractive woman who is larger than life in every sense of the word. Sure, she has her confidence off-days (like when her boyfriend simultaneously dumps her and writes about her weightiness in a national magazine, with no prior warning). But her story isn't about weight loss, but finding happiness.

Carry on with me over the cut for more...

Louise Kean's The Perfect 10 is a bit different, as the main character has lost weight and gained a great figure - but she realises that perhaps her weight wasn't the cause of her problems in the first place... she must face up to what's really bothering her.

Conversations With The Fat Girl by Liza Palmer also explores the idea that weight loss might not be the answer to main character Maggie's happiness. Maybe she has to y'know, accept herself... then it won't mater what weight she is.

Let these women be a lesson to all of us - enjoy this holiday season, and try not to mentally beat yourself up, whatever your size!

Thursday Three archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 23, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (2)

Romance novel cover comedy

Part of the fun of romance novels is surely the fabulously OTT covers, no? Well a bloke called Longmire has had a bit of fun of his own, replacing the titles with more appropriate/descriptive/hilarious ones.

Click here and prepare to laugh until tea comes out of your nose (even if you haven't been drinking tea). Longmire has also encouraged readers to send in their own covers. (Kangaroo Gangbang is my favourite. Obviously.) [via Meg Cabot]

Posted by Keris on November 23, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Opinion, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA

Yep, another confession, but a fictional one this time. Applewood is a wealthy community in Long Island and if you're an Applewood mom you're no-one unless you're active in the PTA. When the woman of the PTA discover that a Hollywood studio is considering using the local school as a film location, they're excited about the prospects for the community. When they learn that the star of the film will be George Clooney, well, excitement is an understatement.

But the book isn't about George Clooney (although he does make the odd appearance), it's about the lives and friendships of three women - Maddie, Lisa and Ruth. All members of the PTA, all three women have problems. Maddie thinks her husband is having an affair and is considering some infidelity of her own. Lisa's alcoholic mother comes to live with her, throwing her organised life into disarray. Ruth's had enough of taking care of her husband, incapacitated after a stroke, and embarks on an affair of her own.

But the PTA is a dog eat dog world and other members are only too happy to use the movie project for their own manipulative ends. Can Maddie, Lisa and Ruth save the project and sort their own lives out?

Obviously any book about scandal in the suburbs will be compared to Desperate Housewives, but Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA reminded me more of the classic Peyton Place. Lisa, Maddie and Ruth are all interesting and entertaining characters - I loved Ruth in particular. It's a little predictable in parts, but it's otherwise a funny, compelling and well-written book. This is Ellen Meister's debut. I think her next book might just knock my socks off.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Goodnight, Nobody by Jennifer Weiner

Posted by Keris on November 23, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Will Write for Shoes by Cathy Yardley

In the midst of madness of NaNoWriMo, I'd bet my Versace specs that the chick-lit writers of tomorrow are going at it in their masses.

Writing, that is. What did you think I meant?

Being the not-so-proud owner of a feeble NaNo attempt myself, I'll admit that often, a guide book is required. It's not that the majority of us don't know our stuff (and personally I read and own so much chick-lit that I swear my cheapie Argos bookcase is about to explode and give me massive papercuts courtesy of the Shopaholic series) but hey, what's wrong with a bit of assistance?

Following Trashionista's recommendation of how-to chick-lit book See Jane Write, I must give credit to another title of similar nature: Will Write for Shoes - How to Write a Chick-Lit Novel, by Cathy Yardley.

It's pretty, it's pink, and more importantly, it's chock-full of writing tips for any aspiring chick-lit writer.

So, you want to write a girly masterpiece? Where to begin? Of course, those who read a lot of the genre obviously have a vague idea of where such a book should be heading. But if you're just starting out, Will Write for Shoes is a brilliant resource for your first-time writing needs. Yardley covers the brief history of the chick-lit genre, from its birth in the form of Bridget Jones to the recent bout of novels as the genre has burst forth with so much to offer.

There's also a handy 'Chick-Lit 101' detailing the traditional aspects of the chick-lit novel, along with advice on trends and the numerous cliches which get really old, really fast. So before you even THINK about putting that overly-camp gay hairdresser of a best friend into your novel for 'comic relief' - seriously reconsider. You have been warned.

Aside from the ever-so-handy tips on the genre itself: what it's all about, what to avoid and what can make one's novel prosper, the rest of this book reads quite like any other how-to writing guide, only with a sweet, candy-like covering. It doesn't go into immense detail but does provide some personal insights from the author, who has several published chick-lit books to her credit, and this made fascinating reading.

Topics such as agents, publishers and various steps of novel-writing are covered, each topic being well-written and fun to read. There's also a section covering various publishers, along with a handy contact list, though this is only a bonus if you're based in America. UK chicks will be forced to look elsewhere, I'm afraid! There's also a great FAQ chapter and a variety of samples (query letter, synopsis etc) to help you on your way to published success. (Although British readers beware! UK publishers usually want first three chapters, not a synopsis - so best to do your own research).

In any case, Will Write for Shoes is a fabulous addition to the bookshelf of any upcoming chick-lit writer. It can't guarantee you instant literary fame and a spot on the bestseller list, but it will certainly guide you on your way to creating a decent plot and - hopefully - a well-written first novel.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try See Jane Write by Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs; No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty.

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on November 23, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, NaNovember, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 22, 2006 12:45 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Francesca Segre

Our NaNovember celebrations continue with this week's interview with American author Francesca Segre. Francesca wrote her book Daughter of the Bride for NaNoWriMo and the film rights have been optioned for Goldie Hawn.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

29 year-old Daniella watches her mother get hitched while her own ring finger is bare.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I work at libraries or cafes on my laptop. I usually ride my bicycle to The Cow’s End, a café at Venice Beach, a mile from my house. Working at the Cow’s End is good for three reasons: 1) It has no internet access (aka most dangerous procrastination tool.) 2. There are other “regular writers” at The Cow’s End, which can be good for camaraderie. 3. A break from writing means a nap on the sand. Nice! I’d like to work at home, but I get so distracted (read internet.)

Your favourite chick-lit book?

This is not original, but I do think Good in Bed takes the cake. It was so funny, from the first scene of Cannie wolfing down M&Ms to the later scenes where she grows up and moves past the ex-boyfriend. The character was likable and fresh. The story was unpredictable and different from the generic skinny girl goes shopping and looks for boyfriend.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

While Calliope Helen Stephanides in Middlesex isn’t strictly a heroine because she is also a he, I thought s/he was a fascinating, warm, and genuine character. I wanted her/him to have an okay life and find an end to the torture and confusion of having an unidentifiable sex.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Don’t write for fame, glory, or money. Write because you have a story to tell and it will drive you (and everyone else around you) bonkers unless you get it out. Beyond that, stop procrastinating! Sit down, shut up and write.

What are you reading at the moment?

An Anthropologist on Mars, by Oliver Sacks. This is a fascinating collection of true stories about idiot savants.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

She’s a TV reporter in a small town. I’m sorry I can’t tell you more.

Thanks, Francesca!

If you haven't read Francesca's guest blog - what are you waiting for?

And don't forget that you can win a copy of Daughter of the Bride simply by emailing us your name and address (subject: "Bride") before 30th November 2006.

And as if all that wasn't enough, a review of Daughter of the Bride is coming up next week!

Posted by Keris on November 22, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 21, 2006 2:44 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of a Naughty Mommy by Heidi Raykeil

Before their first child was born Heidi Raykeil and her husband, JB, had a wild marriage (if you know what I mean). But Heidi's shocked to find that following the arrival of daughter Ramona, her libido has completely left the building. At first she's unconcerned. She's tired, she's totally engrossed in her baby, that is all she needs, but as time goes on and she realises her lack of enthusiasm is actually damaging her marriage, she decides to do something about it.

It's not as simple as a trip to that shop with the plastic knickers in the window, Heidi needs to examine every aspect of her marriage, her own attitude to - and history of - intimacy (can you tell I'm trying to write this without using the "S" word?) and what motherhood means to her and to her relationship with her husband.

And she does it with a startling and admirable openness. It's not just that she shares intimate details of her life with her husband (but she does; she really, really does), she shares intimate details of everything, which is so important because this is still an issue that is rarely discussed (although Oprah has featured it!). Heidi also writes beautifully about the all-encompassing nature of parenthood.

I really loved Confessions of a Naught Mommy. Despite the Carry On-style title, it's entertainingly written and incredibly brave. I don't doubt that all parents would find something important in it, even those of us who weren't "bouncing each other off the walls" even before we were parents!

Rating 4 out of 5

Like this? Try .. er .. The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy by Polly Williams

Did you know? Heidi answers readers questions here - not for the fainthearted!

Posted by Keris on November 21, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

SPOTLIGHT: Kate Harrison

This week's spotlight shines on British novelist, Kate Harrison.

Kate was born in Wigan but, due to her father's job, spent much of her childhood travelling around Britain and Europe (she attended more than 13 schools and lived in the Isle of Man, St Helens, Bramhall, Bracknell, Camberley, Newbury and Holland!).

While studying journalism at college in Portsmouth, Kate won the ESSO Young Journalist of the Year competition. She then held various positions at the BBC (including on-screen reporter, producer and director), but after attending an Arvon Foundation writing course, Kate started writing a novel.

At a writing conference, Kate won the ‘opening to a novel competition’ and landed a publishing deal and an agent on the same day a few weeks later!

Old School Ties was published in Autumn 2003 and chosen for WH Smiths Fresh Talent promotion. It was followed by The Starter Marriage and Brown Owl's Guide to Life. Kate's fourth book, The Self-Preservation Society, will be out next year.

Kate has recently left the BBC to write full-time and you can read about how she's getting on here.

Carry on over the cut for Kate's bibliography and more.

Old School Ties
The Starter Marriage
Brown Owl's Guide to Life

See Kate talk about The Starter Marriage at Meet the Author.  

Posted by Keris on November 21, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

Support a Trashionista Part 2

Remember last month we asked you to vote for Trashionista reader Jenny Gardiner's book, Sleeping With Ward Cleaver, in the American Title contest? Well, Jenny's made it through round one and has a message for us Trashionistas!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to vote for me in Round One of Dorchester Publishing American Title fiction contest. With your help, I have moved on to Round Two, and now have a one in eight chance of winning a publishing contract and getting this book published!

Voting for this round has begun and ends on 26 November. The easiest way to vote is via email with SLEEPING WITH WARD CLEAVER in the subject line. Or to follow the contest, go to the Romantic Times site and click on the American Title icon on the right side, halfway down the page.

Congratulations and good luck, Jenny!

Posted by Keris on November 21, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 20, 2006 4:57 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Miss Understanding by Stephanie Lessing

Miss Understanding is about Zoe Rose who is .. odd. She shows signs of having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and possibly even autism, but this isn't referred to openly (at least not that I noticed, but I could have missed it - I'll explain in a bit). She has recently been made deputy editor to Issues magazine (which featured in Stephanie Lessing's first book, She's Got Issues) and since Zoe's apparently a radical feminist and Issues is a typical women's fashion glossy, you can imagine it's not exactly a match made in heaven.

Zoe starts work at Issues and immediately gets on the bad side of a couple of Fashionistas (in a very funny bathroom scene). It has to be said, no-one is convinced by Zoe's journalistic credentials and everyone is more interested in the fact that one of her enormous boobs leaps out of her blouse in the first editorial meeting. Because that's the other thing - Zoe can't dress herself. At all. Basically the rest of the plot is typical bitchy, back-stabbing, sabotage type of stuff you would expect from a book set at a glossy magazine.

For probably the first third of the book I kept putting it down and gasping with frustration. It's predictable and obvious and far-fetched, but it's also really funny and that's what kept me reading. I have a vague idea in the back of my mind that Stephanie Lessing meant Miss Understanding to be a satire on chick lit, but then I kept stopping to ponder whether satire works if you have to be told it's satire and if a satire on chick lit is just another way of saying bad chick lit.

As for Zoe being a radical feminist, she suggests articles like 'Why Your Girl Boss Is Mean to You When You Dress up for Work!' and 'Why Girls Are Mean to Redheads, Fat Girls, Girls with Freakishly Large Breasts and Sluts!' So, um, not so much (then again it is meant to be satire .. I think). There are actually some interesting (though not new) points made about the way women treat other women, but there are also too many examples woven through the book - in general the woman are stereotypes and stereotypically mean to one another - I felt a bit like Stephanie Lessing was beating me over the head with it.

The reason I'm unsure as to whether Zoe's issues are mentioned openly, is that I found myself scanning great chunks of the book - there was just too much waffle - but I kept reading because the character of Zoe fascinated me and there were some damn good jokes in there. Stephanie Lessing can really write so I hope she forgets the satire and writes a "proper" chick lit book next time.

Rating: 3 out of 5

If you like this, try The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

Posted by Keris on November 20, 2006 in American Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

Kelly McClymer Guest Blog & Giveaway

Kelly McClymer wrote her most recent book, The Salem Witch Tryouts for NaNoWriMo "on a lark". It's Young Adult chick lit, and Kelly was previously published in historical romance so it was a bit of a departure. Kelly is writing the third book in the Salem Witch Tryouts series for NaNo this year. Well, that was the plan anyway, but as you'll see from her guest blog, sometimes life gets in the way.

NANO BLUES by Kelly McClymer

I signed up for NaNoWriMo again this year. I thought I cleared the decks, ready to do nothing but write up a storm all through November. After all, I have a book due on December 15th--I need to finish my draft by the end of November so I can spend the first weeks of December revising and polishing. Unfortunately, I've run into the problem of the perpetually-filling decks.

So far, when I should be halfway through (25,000 words), I'm at a meager 5,000. Sure, I have my story chart filled in, and my collage in a place of prominence. But the actual writing...eke is the work that comes to mind (a close cousin of eek!). What have I done instead? Hmmm.

Carry on over the cut for more from Kelly and to find out how you can win a copy of The Salem Witch Tryouts.

Electricity went out to half the house, so spent a few days panicking and reminding the kids what to do if the smoke alarms sounded in the middle of the night. Worried about thousands of dollars to rewire the house that was creatively wired in the 70s by a previous owner. Status: after one week, electrician found the problem, rewired the house...two hours, under$200, a million gray hairs.

Youngest needed to get college application ready, do campus visit and have daily lectures on not slacking off senior year. Status: campus visit completed, application essay still stuck in craw (after all, there is no one around with writing experience to help him...sigh). Lectures seeming to have some small effect.

Signed up for advanced level course for tutoring students with dyslexia in reading (got my certificate for the initial level this month...yay!). Status: reading, more reading, and then some writing. I also tutor four hours a week (each hour of tutoring takes about two hours of prep).

In short--nothing major, just life. So, I'm recommitting to NaNo today. I can reach my goal (50,000-5,000=45,000; 45,000/16=2,812 words per day). Wait! Make that I'm going to reach my goal. I'll start checking in every night, too (I've been avoiding the NaNo community out of shame).

So what if my decks are never really going to be empty? That's what caffeine is for!

Thanks, Kelly! So if you'd like to win a copy of The Salem Witch Tryouts, just email us with your name and address and "Salem" in the subject line, before 30 November 2006. The winner will be picked at random.

Introduction to NaNovember / Rebecca Agiewich guest blog & giveaway / NaNovember archives

Posted by Keris on November 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Competition, Girly Stuff, NaNovember, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 17, 2006 1:28 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Must Love Dogs

Based on the novel by American author Claire Cook, Must Love Dogs stars Under a Tuscan Sun's Diane Lane and High Fidelity's John Cusack along with Dermot Mulroney, Elizabeth Perkins, Christopher Plummer and Stockard Channing as Dolly (the most memorable character in the book, in my opinion). So it's got a good pedigree, but did it make my tail wag?

Okay, I've stopped that nonsense. Diane Lane plays primary school teacher Sara, whose family want her to start dating again after her divorce. The title refers to a lonely hearts advert Sara's sister places on her behalf. (In the book it was a newspaper ad, but the film has, unsurprisingly, updated this to internet dating.)

Sara's first date goes disastrously when the man she's arranged to meet turns out to be her widowed father. But eventually she meets Jake (John Cusack) - I'm fairly sure he wasn't called Jake in the book - and things look promising. She also finds herself getting closer to the father of one of her school children (despite the kid telling her his father is "incorrigable"). So who will she end up with? I'm thinking the clue might be on the cover.

I'm sorry to have to say that, about half an hour into the film, the DVD packed up. I read the book last year and didn't particularly enjoy it, but funnily enough it's actually stuck in my memory much more than a lot of books I liked more. What annoyed me about the book - and also in what little I saw of the film - is how pathetic Sara is because she's single. Just because you're not married doesn't mean you eat your meals standing up at the sink, does it?

Would anyone who's seen it all the way through like to comment?

Posted by Keris on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

Nora Ephron is one of my heroes. Not only is she a wonderful novelist (read our review of her novel, Heartburn), she also wrote and directed my favourite film of all-time, When Harry Met Sally. So when I sat down to read her latest collection of journalism, I Feel Bad About My Neck, I was excited.

Subtitled 'and other thoughts on being a woman', this is a slim book and I read it in about an hour, but it was a blissful hour. Chapters include 'I Hate My Handbag' and 'Anything you think is wrong with your body at thirty-five you will be nostalgic for at the age of forty-five' and every word is intelligent, insightful and often very funny.

Nora writes about her love affair with an apartment building (it sounds gorgeous), her failure to have an affair with JFK, despite working as a White House intern, and just how much time and money it takes to stay looking good as you get older (she says it's a second job). Plus her chapter on parenting offers some of the best advice I've ever read (and I've read a lot). The 'What I Wish I'd Known' chapter offers more of the kind of life tips I'd like to cut out and stick on my walls or carry around in my purse - 'If the shoe doesn't fit in the shoe store, it's never going to fit', 'The plane is not going to crash'.

It's not all funny - she writes wryly about accepting the inevitability of death and movingly about the death of her best friend - but it is all honest, beautifully written, and so true.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Confessions of a Failed Grown-up by Stephanie Calman

I Feel Bad About My Neck isn't out in the UK until 1 March 2007 (though the US version is available now). The UK version has a different, somewhat softer, cover. Which do you prefer?

Posted by Keris on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

GUEST BLOG AND GIVEAWAY: Rebecca Agiewich

Written for NaNoWriMo, Rebecca's first novel, BreakupBabe is summed up as "How I got over the worst, most humiliating breakup in web-recorded history – and became stronger, smarter, and better off without the biggest Loser on the face of the earth."

As part of our NaNovember Extravaganza, Rebecca's not only written us a guest blog but has also kindly offered a copy of BreakupBabe for you. Yes, you! If you enter the competition, that is. Read on to find out how to enter.

How to become a rich, famous and fabulous author by Rebecca Agiewich

Hear ye, hear ye, Trashionista fans, I have been asked to write a guest blog about how NaNoWrimo will make you a rich, famous, and fabulous author, just like it has made me! Now if you’ve missed me on Oprah – don’t worry – I haven’t actually been on yet, and if you didn’t see that front page review in the New York Times Review of Books, uh, well, they haven’t done one yet, but my novel BreakupBabe (which came out this past May) is out there and selling slowly but surely!
 
Carry on over the cut for more from Rebecca and how to enter the competition.

Without NaNoWrimo, I don’t think I ever would have gotten it done. That’s because writing a first draft is a painful, horrible process, and unless you get through it as quickly as possible, commando-style, you won’t get it done (or at least I won’t). Before I wrote the first draft of BreakupBabe during the 2003 NaNoWrimo, I’d been working on another book-writing the same four chapters over and over again! That’s because, as founder of NaNoWrimo, Chris Baty points out, a writer’s most important tool is a deadline.

And since most of us don’t have the luxury of a deadline imposed by a fancy publishing house, artificial deadlines must do, and NaNoWrimo provides that, along with the pressure of sixty thousand other people trying to do the same thing.
 
Besides helping me get my first draft done, a miracle in itself, NaNoWrimo also instilled in me one of the most important writing habits I have: writing every single day. In order to keep up your NaNo wordcount, you pretty much have to write every single day. I learned that morning was my best time to write, and now three years later, I still at least five mornings a week – even though I still have a full-time job (grr). It’s gotten to be like a good workout for me; if I don’t do it, I feel off for the entire day.
 
So, while NaNoWrimo is a grueling, demanding, and some might say masochistic to do, take it from this almost-famous, almost-bestselling author – it will be the one of the best thing you can do for your fledgling novelist career. It was for mine.

Thanks, Rebecca. If you'd like to win a copy of BreakupBabe just email us your name and address, put "Babe" in the subject line, and we'll pick a winner at random after 30 November 2006. Easy as that.

Rebecca Agiewich interview / Introduction to NaNovember / Francesca Segre's guest blog / Karen Quintiere's guest blog / Lani Diane Rich guest blog and giveaway / Mary Sharratt guest blog

Posted by Keris on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | Permalink | Comments (21)

BOOK REVIEW: Something Borrowed

I guess we've kind of reviewed Emily Giffin's books the wrong way round: Something Borrowed was her debut, but we reviewed Something Blue first. That doesn't matter though- these books complement each other and can be read in either order. Something Borrowed is told from the point of view of Rachel, who is about to turn thirty and having a bit of an early mid-life crisis. Her best friend since school Darcy seems to have everything: a wonderful man, a glamorous job in PR and a wedding to plan. Rachel on the other hand, feels lost and overlooked. Especially whenever she's with Darcy.

Life perks up a little when she finally realises she has great chemistry with a man she's known for years... shame he also happens to be Darcy's fiance, Dex....

You would think that a woman lusting after her more beautiful friend's man would come across as desperate and nasty, but Giffin is careful to make sure that doesn't become the case. Although sometimes I felt frustrated with Rachel, most of the time I was sympathetic to her feelings and wanted Dex to pick her!

It helps that Darcy isn't a very sympathetic character, and we want Rachel to step out of her shadow. I thought the exploration of the two women's friendship was excellent, especially the idea that your friends may be more of a habit than people you have true connections with- and the way we stay in close contact with people out of familiarity, even if they're not good for us... But also that the thought of losing a friendship, even an imperfect one, can be devastating. I think most women will relate to that. Plus, I love the New York taxi cab cover!

I better not give away the ending, although if you've read Something Blue (or our review of it, oops!) you'll already know how things turn out. Even so, it's still a great read, highly recommended. And not just by me- according to the cover Marian Keyes, Meg Cabot and Lauren Weisberger couldn't put it down either!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Something Blue by Emily Giffin; Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 16, 2006 2:11 PM

Reading Grey's Anatomy

Yes! I series I actually watch! Or did, until I missed most of the second series ..

Anyway Grey's Anatomy in a hospital drama in the ER vein, it features Patrick Dempsey as the delicious Dr McDreamy (not his real name) and it's one of Alison Pace's favourite TV shows. That's all you need to know really.

There's only one Grey's Anatomy book so far, but it sounds so good I thought I'd go ahead and tell you about it.

Written by Stacy McKee and Chris Van Dusen - both writers for the show - Grey's Anatomy: Notes from the Nurses Station and Overheard at the Emerald City Bar is two books in one. Read it from one side (Notes from the Nurses Station) and get Debbie's hospital gossip; read it from the other (Overheard at the Emerald City Bar) and get Joe the bartender’s take. Cool.

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel / Reading Dawson's Creek / Reading The O.C. / Reading Gilmore Girls / Reading Veronica Mars

Posted by Keris on November 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin

As one of the biggest chick-lit books of the last five years, and an upcoming film (starring Scarlett Johanssen, of course) I can't believe we haven't reviewed The Nanny Diaries yet. But I don't mind, I'm more than happy to do the job! I might be a bit biased though- this is one of my favourite chick-lit novels of all time. If you've read the execrable sequel Citizen Girl, don't be put off - The Nanny Diaries is nothing like. Which means it's fresh, fun, fast-paced and highly enjoyable. Nan the Nanny (yes... get over it) is studying for her master's in child education and turns to nannying for rich Manhattan families to pay the bills. Suddenly she has to juggle her studies with the ever-more demanding family she works for whilst also trying to avoid her difficult flatmate (which isn't too hard, as Nan barely has time to eat or sleep anymore!)

Demanding, unreasonable and distant, it's hard to care about Nan's employers, but they do show occasional moments of compassion... VERY occasional! Although a potential love interest enters the story, it's Nan and her little charge Grayer whose relationship is the focal point, and this is told with great love and sweetness. Nan is the only person who really seems to make time for little Grayer, although sadly she has to attempt to undo some of the obnoxious behaviour his parents have inculcated in him. The book really provides a great insight into the emotional issues around caring for children who are not your own. On a lighter note, the book also allows a great deal of "I wonder if someone really did that!" speculating, as Kraus and McLaughlin really were nannies to the rich and famous...

I loved the insight into the rich and snobby New York world of Mr and Mrs X, and I found Nan empathetic, capable and intelligent, even if I was frustrated at times by her lack of assertiveness (but assertive would equal fired in her job, so it's understandable). I raced through this book twice, and now I've been talking about it I'm thinking of reading it a third time- I know I'll enjoy it just as much.

A modern chick-lit classic.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again by Suzanne Hansen.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 15, 2006 7:25 PM

TRASHIONISTA AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jenna Bayley-Burke

Jenna Bayley-Burke is the author of Just One Spark which she wrote as part of NaNoWrimo. Here, she talks to us (and coming soon- a guest blog from Jenna!)

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Mr. Buttoned Uptight needs a girlfriend and a caterer, so decides to multi-task.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I like to write at coffee shops with my favorite coffee-of-the-month (maple latte, try it!), however, I do most of my writing in bed with my laptop, and my kidlets sleeping down the hall.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Hmmm. Favourites are overrated. Kristin Lobe's Paris Hangover for the setting and her use of description, Jane Porter's The Frog Prince for the way she layers in emotion, and Saralee Rosenberg's Fate and Ms. Fortune for the humor. You didn't really expect me to pick one? Please, that's like eating one M&M. No one does that!

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

Oh! I just read the Santa, Baby anthology, and loved Toni Larson from Carly Phillips' Naughty Under The Mistletoe. I'm always a big fan of heroines who know what they want, and take it. 

[Expect a Trashionista review of Santa, Baby, which also features a Jennifer Crusie novella, in December].

Carry on over the cut for the rest of our interview with Jenna...

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Read your favorite authors as you would textbooks. Look to see from whom you can learn emotion, setting, humor, sensuality, action, etc. And write. That's the main thing.

What are you reading at the moment?

Well... Raising a Reader, YOU on a Diet and Off Her Rocker by Jennifer Archer. Just finished an advance reader's copy of Vicki Lewis Thompson's My Nerdy Valentine last night. Fantastic!

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

My NaNoWriMo, Sure Thing. It's difficult because it uses the characters and time line of Just One Spark. It's hard, but Kate & Derek needed their own story.

Thanks Jenna! Jenna's new novel Cooking Up a Storm is released on December 1st.

Jenna's blog / Interview Archives / Nanovember archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 15, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, New Releases, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Why Moms Are Weird by Pamela Ribon

Belinda Bernstein has the unfortunate nickname of "Benny" and, despite moving to the opposite side of the country, an incredibly co-dependent mother. Benny likes her life in Los Angeles and has just entered into a new relationship (with the gorgeous Mickey), but when her mother and sister have a car accident, Benny flies home and is horrified by what she finds.

Not only is her mother dating three men at once, her house is filthy and filled with trash. Her sister is in an(other) abusive relationship and has started a collection of stray dogs. And what's even more galling is that neither of them have commented on Benny's weightloss.

With the help of a handyman to whom Benny finds herself incredibly attracted, despite the fact he tells her he's unavailable and despite not knowing where things stand with Mickey, Benny takes it upon herself to fix everything. But what Benny doesn't realise is that just because something's broke, doesn't mean she has to be the one to fix it.

I really enjoyed this book, despite becoming frustrated with Benny's inability to see that her help isn't wanted. Benny's an entertaining and intelligent (if frequently unreliable) narrator and her mother is hilarious. Plus Mickey is one of the most original chick lit heroes I've read for a long time (the scenes between them crackle off the page).

Anyone who has suffered guilt pangs at moving far from home - or who has a mother who is too close for comfort - will enjoy this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

Pamela Ribon has an enormously successful blog at Pamie.com

Posted by Keris on November 15, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 14, 2006 12:11 PM

The play's the thing (apparently)

We often feature book-to-movie adaptations, but what about books-to-plays? The London theatres seem to be full of them at the moment.

From the end of this month, Nina Bawden's classic, Carrie's War - about a former evacuee returning to her wartime home and telling her story to her children - is on at Sadler's Wells. The book has been adapted by Emma Reeves and the show is directed by Andrew Loudon (creators of Little Women and Anne Of Green Gables at Sadler’s Wells).

Coram Boy, Jamila Gavin's Whitbread award-winning children's book about growing-up, struggle, tradition and corruption, returns to the National Theatre from 29 November. Its previous run was a sell-out.

The smash-hit musical, Wicked, is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel - about the witches from The Wizard of Oz and how the wicked witch perhaps wasn't so wicked after all - is currently showing at the Apollo (not to mention New York, Chicago, LA and more!).

Susan Hill's ghost story The Woman in Black is in its 15th year in the West End at the Fortune Theatre. (A friend of mine went to see this and was so terrified she literally wouldn't go to bed afterwards - she was about 35 at the time!)

My personal favourite - Lauren Child's That Pesky Rat - opens at the Soho Theatre at the beginning of December. (The pesky rat even has a rat blog!)

Posted by Keris on November 14, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Prize Winners, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Under The Duvet by Marian Keyes

Show me a chick-lit fan, and I'll show you a woman who loves Marian Keyes (at least 99% of the time). Her book Under The Duvet was a bit of a departure for Marian though. It's a collection of pieces of journalism, opinion pieces and slices of autobiography- some previously published, some published only in Ireland and some that had never before seen the light of day. First published in 2001 (and with a sequel, Further Under the Duvet released in paperback this autumn) it seems about time we reviewed it. We 'Yay or Nay'-ed you on whether you wanted La Keyes to just stick to fiction, and the answer was a unanimous no, even from those who hadn't read about any of her Under The Duvet experiences (um, so to speak!)

So can she be as successful in non-fiction as she is in fiction? Carry on over the cut to find out.

Course she can, silly! This is Marian Keyes we're talking about! The signature humour, warmth and poignancy that we love in her novels is all here as she talks about her real life. She sets the record straight about what life as a writer is like, letting fans into her daily routine (lots of typing and banana-eating in bed, apparently!) talks about her research trips and travel experiences and why she can never get enough shoes. But this isn't just a cosy romp through chick-lit subjects. Marian comes across as intelligent and astute, very kind and very appreciative of her good fortune. She also handles more serious subjects than those I've just described, telling the story of her alcoholism, her recovery, and how she came to be a writer as a result- which is extremely moving.

If you want a book to curl up with, laugh at and just generally cherish (particularly if you're having a 'duvet day' yourself) then you can't go far wrong with this. And if you've only ever read Marian Keyes's fiction, then you're missing a treat! When I told my co-ed Keris I was reviewing this she said, "LOVE it. Doesn't it make you just want to move to Ireland, hunt her down and force her to be your best friend?" Much as that makes us sound like stalkers, it's true.

(My one complaint is that more women writers don't try this type of non-fiction collection!)

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes.

Marian Keyes archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 14, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Opinion, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 13, 2006 11:13 AM

Guides to modern manners

Yes, following the popularity of programmes like Ladette to Lady, and perhaps in some part prompted by a resurgence of interest in old-fashioned romance novelists, guides to etiquette are all the rage just now.

New releases include Jane Austen's Guide to Good Manners by Henrietta Webb and Josephine Ross and "Mr & Mrs Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen"'s A Pinch of Posh: A Beginner's Guide to Being Civilised. For lads, there's Mr Jones' Rules for the Modern Man, by GQ editor Dylan Jones.

But are these guides actually any good?  Lucy Mangan spent a week trying to live by their rules for The Guardian and it makes great reading!

Related: Jane Austen's Guide to Dating / Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne / It's Vintage, Darling!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 13, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 10, 2006 4:30 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Chocolat

The news that Joanne Harris's next book - The Lollipop Shoes - will be a sequel to the enormously successful Chocolat inspired me to make it this week's flick.

Juliette Binoche plays Vianne Rocher who, along with her daughter, arrives in a quaint French town and opens a chocolate shop. You wouldn't think that would be a problem, would you? But the religious and political attitudes of the town - and the sensual effects of Vianne's chocolates - soon serve to stir up trouble.

Juliette Binoche is perfect as Vianne and Johnny Depp is of course gorgeous as Roux, but his Irish accent's a bit hit and miss. The film looks beautiful too - the costumes, the chocolates, the village. It's romantic, dramatic, sensual, thought-provoking and intelligent (and was nominated for five Academy Awards). A perfect Sunday afternoon film (and if you haven't read the book - what are you waiting for?)

Posted by Keris on November 10, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 9, 2006 5:18 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy

Anyone who has ever looked in the mirror six months after becoming a mother and not recognised the shell of a woman looking back will relate to the gloriously funny, warm and poignant Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy by new chick on the block Polly Williams.

Amy Crane may have become a mother, but in all other respects she has lost her identity and she struggles to reconcile her love for her gorgeous baby girl Evie with old life as a career girl, lover and friend. She bounces between two groups of friends - the NCT mothers who don't feel fulfilled without a baby strapped to their boobs, and the yummy mummies with the designer prams and designer children.

Ultimately she falls under the spell of the super glamorous Alice who sets about co-ordinating 'Project Amy' - a makeover to ensure the new mum gets her groove back. At the same time she struggles to keep her relationship together with Joe, who she suspects cheated on her while she was heavily pregnant.

Will Project Amy be a success? Will  her relationship with survive? Will her eye-brows ever grow back?

Polly Williams adds enough twists and turns to keep even the most seasoned chick-lit fanatic guessing - and laughing - to the end. The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy is recommended for anyone who ever wanted a change.

Rating: 4 out of 5

[Claire Allan]

Like this? Try Watermelon by Marian Keyes

Posted by Keris on November 9, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 8, 2006 2:41 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Piece of Work by Laura Zigman

Piece of Work is Laura Zigman's fourth novel after a four year absence (which, reading this book and between the lines, I'm going to assume might be something to do with her having a baby...)

It's the story of Julia Einstein (no relation!), who gave up a stressful but stimulating job in PR to have and raise her baby boy Leo. But now Leo is three and about to start pre-school, and Julia's husband Peter has been "downsized" from his job and seems in no hurry to get back to work.

So Julia reluctantly dips her toe back into the world of work...

Laura Zigman is an intelligent writer whose characters are empathetic and relate-able. I suspect many women will understand and relate to Julia's difficulty in leaving her son after three years of being his primary carer- not to mention her jealousy at the good times Leo and Peter seem to have without her. But even women who haven't been in that situation will still feel empathy for Julia as her feelings are so well conveyed.

Peter takes to house husbandry like a duck to water and has soon streamlined the family's routine and is cooking delicious nutritious meals every day and making friends with all the mothers at school. Meanwhile, Julia is struggling with a self-sabotaging boss and a badly behaved old film star client, who she has to travel the country with. She thinks maybe returning to work wasn't such a good idea, but Peter's in no hurry to return... so they're a bit stuck.

I really enjoyed this book, finding the episodes with Julia's client especially entertaining- the woman is awful, and yet somehow very real and not a caricature. Knowing that Zigman used to work in publicity made that aspect of the book all the more juicy! It's well written, snappily-paced and moving. My only slight criticism is that the assumption that one day Peter will return to work (for the sake of his self-esteem? Do men 'have' to work full time?) is never questioned- it's always just an implicit assumption. I would have liked to have seen that turned on its head a little more. But I love the way the author portrayed a man competent at looking after the house and his son (there are too many useless men in fiction!) and the  struggles the couple went through seemed realistic. There was also an added sadness in a back story about Julia's childhood, which added a little more depth to the novel but never became depressing.

Her characters and subject matter are maturing, but Laura Zigman can still be relied upon to write great stories- however long we have to wait!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Dating Big Bird by Laura Zigman; The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner.

AND! Look out for an exclusive Trashionista interview with the author coming soon!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Rebecca Agiewich

Rebecca is yet another NaNoWriMo success story, so we couldn't let NaNovember go by without talking to her. We'll have a guest blog from Rebecca and a giveaway of her book Breakupbabe coming soon!

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Breakupbabe is a comic novel about a struggling 30-something writer who goes through a horrible breakup, begins dating like mad, and starts a blog about it all.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

A variety of Seattle coffee shops.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

The first Bridget Jones.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Get in the habit of writing every single day. Take writing classes. And ignore that voice telling you you can't do it or that you suck. Even the best writers hear that voice - they've just learned to fight by - by writing anyway.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

I'm working on another novel that takes place partly at a summer camp. I'm obsessed with summer camp since I had my best childhood moments there, and also because, as an adult and a counselor, I fell madly in love with another counselor who I've never quite gotten over.

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

What is your favourite part about being a published author? I absolutely love hearing from people who've read the book and telling me how it has touched them or changed their lives or made them feel better. Every time I hear from a reader it makes my day, and makes me feel like all the struggle to write a book was worth it.

Introduction to NaNovember / NaNovember archives / Sara Gruen interview / Interview archives

Posted by Keris on November 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 7, 2006 2:50 PM

Marian Keyes's favourite dancer/ girl crush talks to TV Scoop

Over on TV Scoop right now you can read an interview with Marian Keyes's favourite Strictly Come Dancing dancer and the subject of her "girl crush", Lilia Kopylova. Just click here!

On her monthly blog the author said: "This year: The return of SCD means that I've moved from my Summer crush on Davina McCall to my Autumn crushes on Claudia Winkleman and Lilia Kopylova." On Strictly's sister show It Takes Two last Friday she added that she loves Lilia because she likes to think that if life had turned out differently, she could have been her. Turns out Lilia is hugely flattered as she's a huge Keyes fan and wants to meet her. (Don't we all!) Surely the BBC can make it happen?!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 7, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

SPOTLIGHT: Lani Diane Rich

Since this is NaNovember, I thought I'd shine the spotlight on my original NaNo inspiration, Lani Diane Rich.

After leaving Syracuse University, Lani moved to Alaska and had various jobs including theater reviewer and freelance marketing consultant - also something to do with fish, which we won't go into!

In 2002 she decided to take part in NaNoWriMo (which we'll hear more about in Lani's forthcoming guest blog). The result was Time Off for Good Behavior. After returning to Syracuse with husband, cat and two young daughters in tow, she took part in NaNoWriMo again and produced the first rough draft of the book that would become Maybe Baby.

Along with writing more than a book a year, Lani teaches beginning television production part-time at Syracuse University. Her next book, The Fortune Quilt, is out next year.

Carry on over the cut for Lani's bibliography.

Time Off for Good Behavior
Maybe Baby
Ex and the Single Girl
The Comeback Kiss

Lani has also contributed to the following essay collections:

Flirting with Pride and Prejudice
Getting Lost
Welcome to Wisteria Lane

Read our interview with Lani and stay tuned for a Time Off for Good Behavior giveaway.

NaNovember archives / Spotlight archives

Posted by Keris on November 7, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, NaNovember, Romance, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane

I'd heard a lot about Caprice Crane's debut novel - not least that Courtney Love shoplifted a copy - so my expectations were high.

Like many chick lit heroines, Heaven Albright has a brilliant PR career until that is she's unfairly dismissed. Procrastinating about starting her own agency, she takes a waitressing job in a trendy restaurant. Independent (and unsuccessful) record company owner Brady Gilbert leaves his psycho girlfriend and moves into the apartment next door to Heaven's. Of course they don't get on at all to begin with. Heaven doesn't think Brady's all there and Brady thinks she's crazy, but from the very beginning the reader knows they're made for each other (reminding me a little of When Harry Met Sally - and I imagine Heaven's surname is a nod in that direction).

Their friendship develops when Heaven invites herself along on Brady's trip to Seattle to try and sign a Next Big Thing band and also wangle a meeting with the head of Starbucks to interest them in his invention, Cinnamilk. Plus Heaven wants to go to a vigil for the anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death.

Things, of course, don't go according to plan, but one of the things I loved the most about this book was that it was all believable. Heaven and Brady have a couple of the misunderstandings required to sustain the plot - and they both make mistakes - but they're never stupid or far-fetched and you always feel that they care for each other. Like Harry and Sally, they may not be perfect, but they're perfect for each other.

Full of pop culture references and more than I ever needed to know about the disgusting things wait staff to rude customers, Stupid and Contagious is extremely funny, it made me cry and when I finished it I could happily have turned back to the first page and started it again. One of the best chick lit books I've ever read.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Time Off for Good Behavior by Lani Diane Rich

Like Megan Crane, Caprice Crane is another member of The5Spot blog

Posted by Keris on November 7, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 6, 2006 12:11 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Woman's Best Friend edited by Megan McMorris

Woman's Best Friend is a collection essays about women and their dogs. I know, it doesn't sound like the most fascinating read, does it? But it really is, and I'm not even a dog person (I thought I was until I read this book, but now I realise I'm more of a dog dilettante).

Edited by Megan McMorris and with a foreword by the wonderful Pam Houston, Woman's Best Friend includes essays on subjects as varied as a disturbed Pug in need of "behavioral modification", dogs that talk, falling in love with a dachshund named Cutie, and being unable to fall in love with your dog at all. Of course, the essays aren't just about dogs. They are how dogs fit into lives, inform relationships and choices, teach us how to live and love.

I enjoyed every single one of these essays (actually, that's not strictly true - Rebecca Skloot's The Truth About Cops and Dogs, while brilliantly written, important and heart-breaking, really shouldn't be read by anyone not interested in serious dog attacks. I could not stop thinking about it and it continues to upset me.) Deadwood vs Dogwood by Margaret Littman describes how she fell in love both with her dog and her garden. Gail Hulnick's Sixth Sense is about Casey the keeshond, who always knew she was pregnant before even she did. Marion Winik's Seven Reasons Not to Get a Dog is funny and true (and more than convinced me).

If you love dogs, you'll love this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry. It made me reconsider my plan to get a dog (I don't want to have to get up at 5am to let it out!). Even if you don't love dogs, you'll love the writing. Highly recommended.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Pug Hill by Alison Pace

Posted by Keris on November 6, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 3, 2006 6:17 PM

BOOK REVIEW: English as a Second Language by Megan Crane

Megan Crane's debut features Alex Brennan who, bored with her life in New York - and offended when an ex claims she couldn't get into graduate school in England - heads to an unnamed UK university to get her master's in literature. There she befriends Spanish Cristina and good-time Brit boys Toby and Jason, makes an almost instant enemy in fellow American Suzanne and gets an immense crush on her tutor, Sean.

According to the bio at the back of the book, Megan Crane spent the last 5 years at university in England working on her master's and PhD in literature so I don't think it's too unreasonable to assume that English As A Second Language is at least a little autobiographical. And as exciting as I'm sure it was to live, I didn't find it particularly exciting to read about. Carry on over the cut to find out why not.

Crane is an intelligent and engaging author and recreates the atmosphere of an English university perfectly. Of all the books by American authors featuring English characters, this is the only one I've read that rings completely true. The speech patterns, habits and behaviours are all conveyed brilliantly (Alex even comments that women up North dress tartier than those down south, to which I exclaimed 'Hey!' in indignation, but - yeah - it's a fair point). Plus there's a great scene featuring Robbie Williams's Angels (even if no-one else in the US is catching on to the Robster's charm, at least a couple of chick lit authors are!) and some interesting and entertaining characters.

The problem for me was that the book has no plot. The only conflict is between Alex and Suzanne and Suzanne is such a nutcase that I just wanted Alex to tell her where to get off and not bother with her again. There's a little romantic tension between Alex and Toby (and Suzanne) but it blows hot and cold so often (and Alex seems so distanced from any possible feelings for him) that I lost interest in whether they would get together or not.

Having said all that, I did enjoy the book as a slice of student life and a reminder of my own experiences as a mature student (I didn't get up to half of what Alex gets up to though. Oh, let's face it, I didn't get up to a tenth of what Alex gets up to!) and I think Megan Crane is a talented writer. She just needs a plot.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot

Related posts: Trashionista Recommends: The5Spot / Whatever next?

Posted by Keris on November 3, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

FRIDAY FLICK: American Dreamer

I'm cheating again with this week's Friday Flick (gimme a break - it's a while since I last cheated). American Dreamer isn't based on a novel, but it is about a romance novelist. Released in 1984 (as you can probably tell from the hairdo on the cover) I'd never heard of this movie until I saw it on Jenny Crusie's list of the greatest romantic comedies. Jenny says, "Every romance writer I know loves this movie" and it's not hard to see why.

Housewife Cathy Palmer (JoBeth Williams) wins a competition to write a "Rebecca Ryan" story and the prize is a trip to Paris to meet the author of the real Rebecca Ryan books (which are sort of a female James Bond). Cathy's appalling husband (who really is so awful I couldn't imagine she ever would have married him) won't go with her so she goes alone and has only been there a day when she's hit by a car and wakes up believing herself to be ... Rebecca Ryan.

I got this far into the film and thought about emailing Jenny Crusie to ask her if she was having me on. Dated, far-fetched, ridiculous, I couldn't believe it was on her list! But I persevered (the things I do for Trashionista) and things soon start to look up when Cathy/Rebecca meets Alan McMann, the son and assistant of the author of the Rebecca Ryan novels. He's played by Tom Conti whose bewilderment and amusement at Cathy/Rebecca's behavior is perfectly pitched. Soon they're involved in a Rebecca Ryan style adventure, involving international espionage, drug-smuggling and attempts on their lives.

It is dated, far-fetched and ridiculous, but it's also great fun and that's thanks entirely to the comic brilliance both of Tom Conti and JoBeth Williams (who actually had me convinced she really was Rebecca Ryan). It reminded me in parts of Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination - by which I mean it's not quite right - but if you suspend disbelief I don't think you can help but enjoy it.

Posted by Keris on November 3, 2006 in Book related, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 2, 2006 8:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Heartburn by Nora Ephron

We've talked before about how we're big fans of Nora Ephron (expect a review of her latest before too long!) and for me, Heartburn was her finest hour. (Okay, joint finest hour with When Harry Met Sally!) The story of Rachel Samstat, a food writer whose husband has an affair with the wife of a prominent politician... during month seven of Rachel's second pregnancy. It's heavily based on Nora's own life (her husband was Pulitzer prizewinning journalist Carl Bernstein). It's also fast, funny and furious.

It's a slim volume, but it's sharp, very moving and we feel Rachel's pain. The fact that it's based on real life also adds a gossipy quality that I (being nosy!) loved. Some readers can take or leave the recipes which are dotted throughout the text (I really liked them, although I might give the sorrel soup a miss). The characterisations are deft, the humour stands up well, even twenty-three years later, and the anger never becomes bitter. And we finally get a sense at the end of the book that things are going to turn out well for Rachel, thank goodness.

Fans of When Harry Met Sally will spot some of the events and lines from the movie, which were used here first (but still made me laugh). Probably the best compliment I can give it is that I've read it at least three times- and can't wait 'til the next three! A classic of the genre, and as the quote on the cover says, "proof that writing well is the best revenge"!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher.

Related: Thursday Three: Cooking Good! / Thursday Three: In The Club / Book Review: Hanging Up by Delia Ephron / Movie News: Julie and Julia

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

THURSDAY THREE: Bitch Lit

Is it me, or is the book world getting a little bit... bitchier this year? With anthologies created purely to rail against chick-lit, and chick-lit anthologies created to show them who's boss, women writers are sparring like never before. Today's Thursday Three is about saying damn it to nice cutesy heroines, and celebrating the inner bitch in all of us...

Bitch Lit, edited by by Maya Chowdhry and friend of Trashionista Mary Sharratt, is a collection of stories about bad girls and anti-heroines, "women who take the law into their own hands, who defy society's expectations, put their own needs first and don't feel guilty," according to the blurb on Amazon.  It's a book that celebrates the fact that sometimes being powerful means being a bitch- or at least, being thought of as one.

What bitchy books will we find over the cut? Be nice to me and I'll tell you...

The title of memoirist Elizabeth Wurtzel's book Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women (follow that link to read an extract) is pretty self-explanatory. She considers why women are called bitches by the media and society, and why victim-hood is too often celebrated, rather than bolshiness! In five essays, she writes about women as diverse as Hillary Clinton, Sylvia Plath and Nicole Brown-Simpson (O.J's unfortunate ex). She draws few conclusions but asks some worthwhile questions- although she was criticized for her choice of women (!)

Back to fiction, Martha O' Connor's debut novel The Bitch Goddess Notebook [The Bitch Posse in the U.S]caused quite a stir when it was published earlier this year. The story of three friends whose lives are ripped apart by a violent crime, it also has a main character who celebrates female sexuality quite er, actively.

So what do you think- is 'bitch' a huge insult, or a word women need to reclaim? Does it mean we're seen as ambitious and powerful- or unpleasant and overbearing?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Short Story Collections, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (2)

Lisa Clark's NaNoWriMo

Author of the forthcoming Think Pink (the ultimate go-for-it guide for girls!) and all-round Pink World goddess Lisa Clark is taking part in NaNoWriMo so I dragged her away from the computer (and America's Next Top Model) long enough to ask her what she's working on.

I don't really know what my book is going to be about yet, I'm not a plot outline kinda girl. The very, very basic premise is based on an angsty English teen girl called Flo who finds herself in a hot New York City for the summer. Why she's there I don't know yet, but I do know that it will be a summer of re-invention and transformation ...

Sounds fabulous! If you want to let the world know what you're working on for NaNoWriMo (you never know, an agent or publisher could be reading!) then either leave a comment or email us.

Posted by Keris on November 2, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, NaNovember, Non Fiction, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

Anne of Green Gables anniversary

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the original publication of the classic novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, novelist Budge Wilson has been commissioned to write a prequel, to be called Before Green Gables.

Along with the prequel, there will also be a special collectible 100th anniversary edition of Anne of Green Gables featuring the original cover art, and Imagining Anne: the Scrapbooks of L. M. Montgomery will also be published. [via Galleycat]

Posted by Keris on November 2, 2006 in Book News, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reading Veronica Mars

Veronica Mars is another show I've never seen, but fully plan to catch up with on DVD (one day, when I've finished Buffy, Alias, Charmed and all the others I've been instructed to watch!). Diane mentioned a novel by a Veronica Mars writer, but what else is there for the discerning VM fan?

Well the first one I found isn't just about Veronica Mars, but it sounds great. Teen Dreams: Reading Teen Film and Television from Heathers to Veronica Mars is by Roz Kaveney. Along with VM ("Watching the Teen Detective"), she also looks at how Jane Austen's Emma became Clueless and, of course, Buffy.

And that's pretty much it, I'm afraid. There are two novelisations due out in June next year - The Case Files of Veronica Mars Book One and Book Two, but apart from that you'll just have to comfort yourself with a calendar (except it appears to cost almost £50 on Amazon UK; that can't be right ..).

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel / Reading Dawson's Creek / Reading The O.C. / Reading Gilmore Girls / Reading Beverly Hills 90210

Posted by Keris on November 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Television, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 1, 2006 2:26 PM

Posh is a signing sensation*

While we're on the subject of celebrity authors, Victoria Beckham broke store records on Monday when 3,000 fans turned up to Selfridges in London for a signed copy of her style guide, That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between.

Some fans queued for over 12 hours to make sure they got their book (described by the publishers as a “revealing and practical” guide to “fashion, beauty and style”) and Victoria stayed at the store until they had all been signed. [via book2book]

It's a bit different from Paul Burrell's recent experience, isn't it? (By the way, if anyone's starved for Paul Burrell/Diana news, you can read all about his "last Christmas with Diana" in the latest issue of Eve magazine. No, really.)

* No, not a singing sensation - obviously.

Posted by Keris on November 1, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Felicity Huffman

Not long ago, we wrote about Sex and the City's Kim Cattrall's books, including her latest - for teens this time - Being A Girl.

Now it seems - not to be outdone - Desperate Housewives' Felicity Huffman has her own book coming out. Published next January, it's snappily titled A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend: For Every Guy Who Wants to Be One/For Every Girl Who Wants to Build One and is described as a blithe, bold, and bawdy guide to building a better boyfriend (filled with humor, ribaldry, common sense, and assorted outdoor skills). Sounds, er, interesting. (But she is married to the wonderful William H Macy, so I'm happy to take her advice!)

Related posts: Reading Sex and the City / Reading Desperate Housewives

Posted by Keris on November 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Television, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 31, 2006 5:34 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Adriana Trigiani

Diane's controversial review of Adriana Trigiani's Queen of the Big Time inspired me to spotlight her this week (Adriana, not Diane).

Born and raised in Big Stone Gap, Virginia (yes, really!) to a large Italian family, Adriana graduated from college and moved to New York City to become a playwright. After founding and performing with an all-female comedy troupe, Adriana worked as a writer/producer on TV shows including The Cosby Show.

In 1996, she wrote and directed a documentary, Queens of the Big Time. She then wrote a screenplay called Big Stone Gap, which a friend suggested she turn into a novel. Hugely successful, Big Stone Gap was followed by sequels Big Cherry Holler and Milk Glass Moon. Adriana's other books Lucia, Lucia, Queen of the Big Time and Rococo have all been New York Times bestsellers.

Adriana is adapting and directing the film version of Big Stone Gap and has also written the screenplay for Lucia, Lucia. She lives in New York (in Greenwich Village, no less) with her husband and daughter (whose name is Lucia!).

Along with her sister, Mary, Adriana has written a cookery book memoir called Cooking With My Sisters. Listen to an interview with the Trigiani sisters here.

Carry on over the cut for Adriana's bibliography.

Big Stone Gap
Big Cherry Holler
Milk Glass Moon
Lucia, Lucia
Queen of the Big Time
Rococo (see Adriana talking about Rococo here
Back to Big Stone Gap/Home to Big Stone Gap

Did you know? Adriana has also worked as a cook, nanny, house cleaner and office temp.

Posted by Keris on October 31, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance, Series, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (1)

Pop! author causes controversy

I love the TV show Veronica Mars (even if I don't always know what's happening due to the labyrinthine story lines and the fact that I didn't see the first two series), so i was excited to hear that one of the show's writers, Aury Wallington, had written a new YA novel, called Pop! all about a seventeen year-old girl's quest to lose her virginity. Nothing too outrageous there (teens have been reading about sex since cavemen learnt to scrape crude drawings on caves, surely?) but rumour has it that Borders shops in the U.S won't be stocking the book... something they neither confirm nor deny, according to Galleycat.

Related: Chick lit for little chicks ; Trashionista Young Adult archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 31, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 27, 2006 5:43 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Queen of the Big Time by Adriana Trigiani

I first discovered Adriana Trigiani when Richard and Judy chose Lucia, Lucia as one of their first book club choices. After loving that book, I went on to devour her Big Stone Gap series. So I was excited when Queen of the Big Time was released last year. The story of Nella Castelluca and her hard-working farm family, the novel covers several decades of Nella's life. Trigiani weaves together a story of love, loss, heartbreak, disappointment and hope.

And yet she doesn't do it very well.

I want to state up front that this is no criticism of her writing talent- Adriana Trigiani can create an evocative atmosphere like no-one on earth, especially in her mouth-watering descriptions of food! But this is a book that covers a long time period, and where a lot happens- and yet there's absolutely no plot so I felt very unsatisfied and disappointed after reading it.  For a novel like this to work, I think it's better to centre it around one particular aspect or time of a person's life. You can't just describe the ups and downs of a person's life and call it a story. Clearly Trigiani worked hard at creating an interesting cast of characters, but then she didn't do anything with them. And her research is woeful- she has characters whose ancestry is Welsh, whom she refers to as English. (Let's just look at that map of the British Isles again, shall we? Write out 100 times, "England and Britain are not the same thing"...)

I'm also getting more than a little fed up with the Trigiani formula: young woman has to make sacrifices for her family; big family trip to Italy; lost love turns up and woman is/isn't reunited... come on, isn't it time for a change? When it works well, it doesn't matter so much that it's a formula, but when it doesn't, as in this book, it's an added irritation. I'll still give Adriana Trigiani's work a try in future, but maybe I'll wait until she's deviated from this well-worn and disappointing subject matter.

You can read an extract here (Amazon readers don't seem to agree with my assessment!)

Rating: 1 out of 5

Like this? Try The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (it's heaps better!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 1/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy, Romance, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (2)

FRIDAY FLICK: Bend It Like Beckham

Based on the young adult book by Narinder Dhami, Bend It Like Beckham is the enormously successful British movie that foisted the astoundingly irritating Keira Knightley on an unsuspecting world.

Parminder Nagra is Jess, an Asian girl who idolises David Beckham and wants nothing more than to play football. Despite the fact that her strict Sikh family is utterly against it, Jess joins a local women's football team and meets Jules (Keira Knightley). Jules's mother doesn't approve of her playing football either (believing it will lead to lesbianism!) and this, along with the girls' shared love of football and crush on their coach (played by Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) cements their friendship.

I found this quite a sweet film, but I have no idea why it was so successful - it reminds me a little of those Children's Film Foundation films we used to be shown at school (that's if you're as old as me). Mildly entertaining, but really nothing special.

Posted by Keris on October 27, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

Book stuff on Handbag.com

Handbags and books have been linked for a long time. Not only is, "A handbag?!" a famous funny line from The Importance Of Being Earnest but they're the perfect place to stash your latest read for bus journeys or a quick lunchtime catch-up.  Plus, you can buy bags that look like books.

So it's no surprise that women's website Handbag has a thriving books section- with book news and reviews and a recently-revamped books message board, which even has its own monthly book club. Plus, they're offering an exclusive free story, The Commuter, as a podcast for your journey to/from work. (The blurb uses the phrase "agony of single life" which frankly makes me blanch, but you don't have to let that put you off!)

If you want to read more bag-related news, visit our sister site The Bag Lady.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 27, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Technology | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 26, 2006 3:46 PM

Reading Beverly Hills 90210

Lord, did I ever love Beverly Hills 90210. I loved Brandon. I loved Dylan. I hated Brenda (didn't everyone hate Brenda?). I wanted to go to school there and work on the newspaper with Aaaaandrea and punch Ian Ziering in the face during the opening credits (playfully and in time with the music, of course). Ah, those were the days.

If you miss it as much as I do (although I seriously doubt you do), you'll be delighted to know there are LOADS of 90210 related books! Unfortunately, because the show's been over for so long, many of them are out of print, but I'll do what I can ...

After that introduction, I'd better start with a serious one. How about Beverly Hills, 90210: Television, Gender, and Identity (Feminist Cultural Studies, the Media, and Political Culture) by E Graham McKinley? Based on, according to Entertainment Weekly, "intense sessions of anthropological research", the book focuses on how watching the show informs the construction of identity for young female viewers. Blimey.

Carry on over the cut for more frivolous picks.

I can't see an authorised guide, but there's an unauthorised guide with a startlingly boring cover.

There are loads of novelisations, like Two Hearts, Senior Year and More Than Words.

And - oh look! - The "I Hate Brenda" Book!

There's also a book called All I Need to Know I Learned on Beverly Hills 90210 which I really want to read, but can't find anywhere. Damn.

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel / Reading Dawson's Creek / Reading The O.C. / Reading Gilmore Girls

Posted by Keris on October 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

Alison Pace's next book (and what she's watching now she's finished it!)

If you've never read the blog of Pug Hill author Alison Pace, then you've been missing out on a great read- and her latest book-related gossip. This week she revealed that she has turned in the first draft of her third novel, Through Thick And Thin, which is to be released late summer next year. She also discussed her new favourite TV show (which I can't wait to see, after watching the first ten minutes on Youtube): Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Another one to add to our list of chick-lit authors' fave TV shows!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

Chocolate and books- delicious!

There's nothing nicer than curling up by a winter fire with a big bar of chocolate and a good book, is there? Chocolate manufacturers have obviously caught on to this fact, as Aero has teamed up with Amanda Holden to sponsor their book club (current read: The Three Day Rule by husband-wife team Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees; past reads include Twenty Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak and The Accidental Mother by Rowan Coleman). Galaxy chocolate also have a book club in the pages of Glamor magazine (UK only), where recommended books have included The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult. And! Galaxy have now created a special suede book cover- which would make a very luxe Christmas pressie for any book-lovers you know. And I do mean luxe- it's £30 from Selfridges, but would hide the fact that you're reading this, or preserve your copy of this.  (Of course, if you wanted to be a lot less tasteful, there's always Flapart instead...)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 25, 2006 4:51 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Dating Big Bird by Laura Zigman

Dating Big Bird was published in 2000, and was Laura Zigman's second novel (after Animal Husbandry, which was filmed as Someone Like You. Phew!) It's the story of Ellen Franck, a clever, attractive New York woman looking for a man who wants the same things she does: stability, children and commitment. She's not having much luck. Instead, she has a sexless relationship with an older man, whom she loves but who's too scared of being hurt to commit to her. Meanwhile, her sister is happily married in the suburbs, with an adorable little girl who can't quite fill the child-shaped gap in Ellen's life...

Although it might sound like a familiar chick-lit story (same old, same old), Zigman's talent is that her books aren't that predictable. Even though this was written a few years ago (meaning she was ahead of most 'mum-lit' writers) it still feels very fresh. There's a real emotional depth to her writing, which kept me hooked. I've said before that this isn't a topic that really interests me on a personal level, but I found Dating Big Bird very moving, and it even made me cry. As well as Ellen's story, her friend Marian is in a similar situation while their boss, fashion designer Karen Lipp, is pregnant and doesn't seem to care.

Zigman is a very generous writer in that she wants the best for all her characters, and creates believable people that we care about and can relate to even if we're not in the same situation ourselves. She also works well writing about New York (she deviated to Washington for her third novel Her, which didn't work quite as well). For some reason, she doesn't seem to be as well-known here as she is in the U.S, which is a great shame, as she's a top-class chick lit author. If you've never read any of her books, this would be a great place to start.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman.

Posted by Aigua Media on October 25, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 24, 2006 2:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto

We recently told you that Marisa Acocella Marchetto's Cancer Vixen is to be made into a film starring Cate Blancett.

I was desperate to read it from the minute I heard about it and I got the chance last weekend. The word 'unputdownable' is overused in book reviews. I mean, it's not true, is it? There's no book that you literally can't put down, but there are some books that once you start reading you don't want to stop and, for me, Cancer Vixen was one of those books. I've never read any graphic novels so I opened the book not knowing quite what to expect, but it sucked me in from the very first page. Carry on over the cut to find out why.

Marisa was a successful New York cartoonist and about to get married - quite late in life, it has to be said - when she found a lump in her breast. We find out that it's cancer on page 2 and from there we're thrown straight into her reaction, and that of her family and friends. Plus how is she going to tell her fiance? And how's she going to pay for the treatment? She's freelance and she's let her insurance lapse.

Luckily Marisa's friends, family and fiance are all wonderful and she keeps her spirits up by working and making sure she wears the most fabulous shoes to all her chemo and radiotherapy appointments.

It sound stressful and sad, doesn't it? But Marisa's very funny and her illustrations add to the humour. Her drawing of 'angry' cancer cells 'magnified 3 gazillion times' giving the finger with their tongues stuck out made me laugh out loud. There are some sad moments, of course. There's a moving interlude about Marisa's experience of 9/11 and something that happens as a result of her treatment actually made me sob, but in the main this book is hilarious, uplifting and, yes, unputdownable. Read it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try My (So-Called) Normal Life by Erin Zammett

Posted by Keris on October 24, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 23, 2006 5:49 PM

BOOK REVIEW: As Seen on TV by Sarah Mlynowski

Sarah Mlynowski's As Seen on TV was one of the earliest reality TV based books of which there are now many!

When Sunny Langstein's boyfriend asks her to move to New York and in with him, she leaves Florida and her job behind. So when she fails to find work in New York and then gets the chance to audition for Party Girls, a new reality version of Sex and the City, the decision is easy.

Sunny not only has to pretend to be single, but dye her hair and change her name (to Sunny Lang). And then when she starts enjoying the spotlight and its inherent temptations a little too much it looks like her move to New York might not turn out quite as planned.

I really enjoyed this book. Sarah Mlynowski has a bright and chatty style and the details of the reality show process are very funny and, presumably, quite realistic. One question on the application form made me laugh out loud:

Are you fat? Please circle Yes or No

The issues raised by instant fame are dealt with intelligently and amusingly and the clever epilogue made the hairs on my arms stand up!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

Related posts: Thursday Three: Reality TV / See Jane Write review

Posted by Keris on October 23, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 20, 2006 10:31 PM

TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: Marie Claire

This month's Marie Claire magazine is a veritable smorgasboard of delights for the discerning Trashionista!

Not only is there an interview with Devil Wears Prada and Princess Diaries star Anne Hathaway (looking like a young Liza Minnelli on the cover, in my opinion), there's a short feature about Janet Evanovich's favourite books (she thinks the fictional hero she most resembles is Bridget Jones) and the scoop on Lauren Weisberger's favourite music (Broadway soundtracks), films (Dirty Dancing), Books (Love Story) and fashion (jeans!).

Shockingly though, Marian Keyes's column seems to have ended. Boo.

Posted by Keris on October 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Devil Wears Prada, Girly Stuff, Marian Keyes | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: The Comeback Kiss by Lani Diane Rich

The Comeback Kiss is Lani Diane Rich's fourth novel and features a couple of characters from Maybe Baby - Finn the bird thief and Babs Wiley McGregor (but you don't have to have read Maybe Baby to read The Comeback Kiss) (but you should, because it's great).

But I digress. Finn returns to Lucy's Lake, Vermont, the town he grew up in and where he left Tessa, his first love, without saying goodbye. A lot has changed, but Tessa hasn't and as soon as Finn sees her, he knows it's going to be hard to leave again.

What Finn doesn't know is that the night he left, Tessa's mother was killed in a car accident while escaping from a fire. Tessa has raised her younger sister, Izzy, despite the interference of an evil social worker, but to do that she's had to put her own life on hold. And the night Finn arrives sees another apparently accidental fire at another of Lucy's Lake's businesses.

I can't tell you anything else because I don't want to spoil it, but what I will tell you is that, like Lani's other novels, The Comeback Kiss is great fun with laugh out loud moments, romance and, um, good lovin' (I'm feeling coy today). Finn is gorgeous, Tessa is another strong female character (this author excels in strong female characters) and Babs is just fabulous, I love her. And I haven't even mentioned the talking dog. No, really.

The Comeback Kiss is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold Autumn night.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try My Favourite Mistake by Beth Kendrick

Related stories: Author Interview / Ex and the Single Girl review / Flirting with Pride & Prejudice / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Lost

Did you know? Joshilyn Jackson voted Ex and the Single Girl her favourite chick lit book!

Posted by Keris on October 20, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: London is the Best City in America by Laura Dave

You know how you sometimes read the title of a book and then make up your own mind about the storyline? (It's not just me, is it?!) Well, I had this one completely wrong: I assumed it was about an American girl who dumped her fiance and came to live in London... er, no. It is about a girl who dumps her fiance, though.

London is the Best City in America is a debut novel from Laura Dave (who wrote an excellent guest blog for us during Bafab week). It tells the story of Emmy, who left her fiance while he was asleep in a hotel room, moved to Rhode Island and tried to get on with her life. Three years later, she's forced to return home to New York State for her brother Josh's wedding, the first time she's been home in all that time. She's hoping her brother's wedding will go off without a hitch, she won't run into her ex, and she can justify her long absence to her family.

Things don't go quite as planned...

Her first big shock is that, two nights before the ceremony, her brother confesses that he's not sure he wants to get married after all. The two siblings go on a road trip back to Rhode Island, where Josh is briefly re-united with his other woman... and her daughter. Then they travel back to NY so he can decide what to do next... In the midst of all this chaos, Emmy meets up with her old high-school boyfriend, runs into her ex, flirts with Josh's best friend, and tries to make sense of why her relationship with her ex didn't work- and what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

For a novel with so much going on, however, it's told in quite a languid way. The tone is very thoughtful, ponderous (but never dull). It's as much- in fact more- about internal realisations than it is about external events. I liked that a lot, the fact that we see Emmy's progression, and feel that she's happy and knows what she wants by the end of the book. Having said that, I was occasionally slightly frustrated that just as the action got going, we stepped back into Emmy's internal narrative again. But it was always worth the wait! I liked the way the author ties everything together at the end: there's a hopeful, happy ending, but it's realistic, too.  Laura Dave's style reminded me a lot of Melissa Bank, although it's a bit less dialogue-based.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read that has something to say. The characters may not make it to London, but I won't hold that against them!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank; The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 20, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

All new Eloise stories

Fans of Kay Thompson's charming Eloise books about a six-year-old girl who lives in New York's Plaza Hotel will be excited to hear about a new animated Disney television series based on the characters.

Featuring Mary Matilyn Mouser (how great is that name?) as the voice of Eloise and Lynn Redgrave as the Nanny, 13 half-hour episodes will be shown on both the Family Channel in Canada and the Disney Channel in the United States next year (presumably they'll turn up on the Disney Channel in the UK too).

The first story in the series, Me, Eloise, is already available on DVD.

[via Feeling Listless]

Posted by Keris on October 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Movie News, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

FRIDAY FLICK: The Devil Wears Prada

We had to review DWP for Friday Flick, didn't we? After all, we've talked about it for quite some time- and even told you how to make Devil Wears Prada cocktails! (I didn't end up sneaking a flask in with me, but I did go to see it with four other girls and a large tub of popcorn, which seems the ideal scenario).

If you haven't read the book and have managed to avoid hearing about the film (how?!) here's the story: Andi wants to be a serious journalist and has moved to New York to pursue her dream. After trying to get her dream job on a big New York newspaper investigating serious issues, and repeatedly failing, in desperation she attends an interview at Runway magazine (famously based on American Vogue) where despite her lack of fashion acumen, editor-in-chief Miranda Priestley (famously based on Vogue editor Anna Wintour) hires her. And then the fun begins!

Sorry- that was sarcasm... the fun doesn't really begin at all for Andi after that. Miranda makes Margaret Thatcher seem warm and fuzzy: Andi is constantly on call to pander to her every whim, from getting the new Harry Potter in manuscript form to getting her out of Florida in the middle of a tropical storm. And Miranda's senior assistant Emily has no sympathy, and never responds to Andi's attempts at friendliness. Soon Andi's relationship with her boyfriend Nate is suffering and her friends complain they hardly see her. Her dad comes to visit her and she spends the whole night on the phone, instead. Andi says she can't stand her job. But a part of her is sucked in, too: she changes her image, loses weight and starts to fit in to this glam new world. But does she want to? And what will that mean giving up?

I really enjoyed this film- it's perfect fun chick-lit fare, perfectly placed for its target audience. Anne Hathaway is great at this kind of bumbling-awkward-girl-turned-beauty shtick (as the two Princess Diaries films prove). It's also fun to watch stuff like this and try to imagine what's based on reality (I imagine quite a lot, as the book's author Lauren Weisberger was Anna Wintour's assistant!) There are some differences from the book, though: Andi's boyfriend lives with her in the film, which actually makes more sense, and Miranda is a touch softer (although not much- I'd heard reports that suggested she was positively warm and fuzzy- not so!) The ending is also different, and I feel the book's more moral outcome was stronger. But those who haven't read the book I'm sure won't mind. All in all, a fun girly fun, perfect if you love fashion, journalism- or just a light chick-flick of a Friday night. I recommend it!

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Fashion-Lit, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie Magic, Movie News, Romance | Permalink | Comments (5)

TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: Hags, Harlots, Heroines

Hags Harlots Heroines is a tongue in cheekily named site dedicated to women's storytelling. It's free to join and you can submit your own stories or read other people's. There's also a book club, book reviews, a handy links section and lots of writing advice. The website blurb says that HH is,

"The site where you can explore and develop your creative writing skills, get your short stories and poems published online, receive feedback and writing tips for fiction and non-fiction, with particular support for writing about women, and where you can meet fellow writers."

Not bad for nothing!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 20, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Trashionista Recommends | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 19, 2006 12:40 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate by Lynette Allen

Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate? It's like Lynette Allen's taken my life and put it in a book! Luckily she's not writing about my unmentionables on the radiators and how I had four Fox's Classics for breakfast, but rather 'Life changing strategies for busy women'. Sounds too good to be true. Is it?

No, it's fab.

Obviously, laundry and chocolate issues are unlikely to fill a book (well, laundry issues anyway) and Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate basically consists of short chapters of tips, advice, inspiration for all aspects of a busy life. You can start at the beginning and read everything, you can close your eyes and pick a chapter, or you can just read the chapters relevant to your situation.

Chapters include "Green Cross Code for women - stop, listen and act!" (decision-making tips), "Calm your environment, calm your mind!" (this one is actually about dealing with your laundry pile!) and "Are you sitting just a little too comfortably?" (inspiration if you're bored with life and afraid to try new things).

Obviously with such short chapters, you're not going to get in-depth advice, but there is definitely great common-sense information and inspiration to be had - and who has time to read in-depth advice anyway? Plus the book comes with a CD of tips (read by BBC Radio 2's Janey Lee Grace) which is a great idea - you can listen in the car or even while you finally tackle that laundry!

Behind with the Laundry and Living off Chocolate (you can tell I love saying that, can't you) is an excellent book and one I'll definitely be dipping into again.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Gulp! by Gabriella Goddard or Behind with the Mortgage and Living off Plastic by Lynette Allen

Posted by Keris on October 19, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 18, 2006 5:19 PM

BOOK REVIEW: How Will I Know? by Sheila O’Flanagan

Prolific chick lit author O’Flanagan pulls another fantastic read out of the bag with How Will I Know? an occasionally thought-provoking story of the relationship between a bereaved mother and her daughter. Covering all the big ‘no-no’s’ of our age – death, divorce and drinking – this book provides a light look at how people deal with all three. The central character, Claire, met her husband Bill when they were very young and discovered her soulmate.

Following his tragic death on a family holiday, her life revolves around her daughter Georgia. Now Georgia has become a teenager, Claire’s concerned about how to give her advice on dating and the dreaded boys. This sets off an amusing and surprisingly up-to-date tale of her attempts to get back into the dating ‘scene’ whilst dealing with the deeper issues of how she feels about moving on from her feelings about the death of her husband. At the same time, her parents are divorcing after many years of marriage, and her best friend is dealing with her husband’s drink problem.

Claire has a hard time rediscovering the world of dating – and online matchmaking services – with some bittersweet experiences. But however sad the story, there’s a funny side to almost everything, particularly the experiences of her daughter getting to grips with a first boyfriend. By making sure she includes a strong storyline for the grandmother, mother and daughter, O’Flanagan has made sure that this book will appeal to a wide range age range of readers.

Of course there are the usual comforting chick lit plot elements – set in Ireland, a convenient working from home job, all tradesmen are attractive and animals are cute and fluffy. There’s a small plot twist as well, but nothing to trouble the brain cells, so all in all a very easy read. I really enjoyed this as a chill-out on the commute to work read, and found myself with tears in my eyes at some moments - perfect beach material for a late summer break. [Emma Tazewell].

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try P.S I Love You by Cecilia Ahern.

Posted by Aigua Media on October 18, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

Reading Gilmore Girls

You know we love Gilmore Girls here at Trashionista. Diane is currently working her way through the series on DVD for the first time, while I am watching it for the umpteenth. So wouldn't it be great if there were a bunch of Gilmore Girls books we could buy each other for Christmas?

Well ... there's no official guide. No unofficial guide. No calendar. No book of quotes (shockingly). No Gilmore guide to life.

There are, however, a few novelisations like I Do, Don't I?, I Love You, You Idiot and Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Looks like soap-on-a-rope again this year, Diane ...

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel / Reading Dawson's Creek / Reading The O.C.

Posted by Keris on October 18, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 17, 2006 11:14 AM

The Good Girls Kill For Money Club

Here's a great website that I've just discovered: with a name like The Good Girls Kill For Money Club how can you not be intrigued?

It's the blog of five female crime authors and recent posts include thoughts on mothers-in-law, discussions of plot, and an interview with blogging literary agent Miss Snark. I love the design almost as much as the content: the author photos are all black and white Audrey Hepburn-style poses and the banner is very 1950s kitsch, with the tagline, "Coffee, Tea or Murder?" Perfect for fans of Crusie and Evanovich style fiction!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 16, 2006 5:30 PM

Reading Strictly Come Dancing?

[Note to readers: please pardon the following self-indulgence!]

I was trying to work out a way to subtly mention that I'm now writing weekly Strictly Come Dancing updates for TV Scoop but I've realised that in life, as in the show, it doesn't do to be subtle! Both Keris and I are massive fans of SCD and if you are too, here's where to read my updates on Week 1 and Week 2. (Look out for them every Monday from now on if they tickle your fancy).

I thought that perhaps I could relate this topic to books by linking to a plethora of Strictly-related books, but no such plethora exists. There's just a kind of SCD annual (which nevertheless looks fabulous!) Here's this year's, and last year's.

If you search for "come dancing" in Amazon books, you're also offered this and this... Hmm.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 16, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

Support a Trashionista!

Trashionista reader Jenny Gardiner's humorous women's fiction manuscript, Sleeping With Ward Cleaver, is a finalist in the American Title contest (modeled on American Idol!), the prize for which is a publishing contract!

Over the next six months, voting will be conducted for two weeks per month via the Romantic Times website, with low-voting finalists being eliminated each round. Voting dates are Oct 16 (i.e. today!) -29, Nov 13-26, Dec 18-31, Jan 22-Feb 4, Feb. 19-Mar 4. So why not support a Trashionista and cast your vote today!

Carry on over the cut for more about Jenny's book (it sounds great) or read an extract here.

Sleeping With Ward Cleaver is a coming-of-middle-age novel about Claire Doolittle, who realizes her life hasn't quite met up with her expectations. Overwhelmed with the demands of motherhood and life in general, it doesn't help that the funny, romantic and thoughtful man she once married has turned into a real-life version of Ward Cleaver, the famously dull, bossy father from the 1950's sitcom Leave it to Beaver. And last person in the world Claire ever imagined having to sleep with for the rest of her life is a man whose sex appeal more closely resembles that of George Washington than George Clooney.

Throw in an ex-fiance who returns via email to try to woo Claire back with promises of what was, and a sexy young colleague of husband Jack's, whom Claire suspects of some sort of hanky panky, and you having the makings for a mid-life crisis that threatens to plunge Claire's world into chaos.

Posted by Keris on October 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Man of the Month Club by Jackie Clune

I've seen Jackie Clune on TV and found her very funny so I was excited to read her first novel, Man of the Month Club (and surprised it hasn't been promoted more). The book is about Amy who runs her own business, has a glamorous home, a flash car, great friends and basically wants for nothing. But when a baby is abandoned on her doorstep and her friends all start getting pregnant, she realises there's just one thing she does want ...

Carry on over the cut to find out what it is (but I bet you can guess!).

Yep, it's a baby. So Amy decides that she's going to spend one year having sex with whatever men she can find in the hopes that before the year is out she'll be pregnant. If she doesn't manage it, she'll give up on the entire plan. Unfortunately, though, actually getting men to sleep with her is more troublesome than she thought and a good few months have passed before she even manages that. Her friends are all surprised, but happy for her, but her friends aren't particularly well-drawn and even though there's a lot of them, I didn't really take to any of them.

Considering Jackie Clune is a comedian, Man of the Month Club made me laugh exactly once (that was a really good line though). It's not a bad book, I found it mildly enjoyable, it is very well-written and the hero is pretty sexy, but there are problems. I think Jackie Clune may have thought she was subverting both the chick lit genre and some stereotypical ideas about women and their ticking body clocks, but I don't think she succeeded with either attempt. Like all good chick lit (I'm being sarcastic) Amy's got a Gay Best Friend, but in a cunning twist, he's not sweet, funny and encouraging, he's a cynical bitchy queen - I felt like the author thought 'oh, I'll give her a gay best friend, but I'll make him mean, that'll be funnier'. It wasn't. Also - guess what? - even though Amy's shop is called Precious Little Darlings (which would've been a better title for this book), she doesn't even like children! Hilarious! (Yes, I'm still being sarcastic. I'll stop now.)

I didn't particularly like Amy and I didn't particularly like the idea that a perfectly happy and successful woman can't hit the big four oh without the urge to procreate. But the ending? Well I don't want to give anything away, but the ending kind of makes the entire book pointless. I really wanted to like this book. But I didn't.

Posted by Keris on October 16, 2006 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 3/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 13, 2006 5:30 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Pick Me Up by Zoe Rice

When I read that editor-turned-author Zoe Rice's book Pick Me Up was not only set in New York, but also featured a heroine who is mad about Robbie Williams, I knew I had to read it. Plus there's a cover comment from Sophie Kinsella - "Clever, witty and fun! Izzy is a great character. So funny!" - and who am I to resist the chick lit queen herself?

So is Pick Me Up a pick-me-up or is it all too easy to put down (sorry ..)? Carry on over the cut to find out.

Izzy works in an art gallery, has a glamorous PR best friend, wonderful clients and a cat named Robbie. She's happy with her life until the gallery's benefactor drops dead, her fabulous boss takes a job on the other side of the country and she's landed with an artist who seems not to be able to stand her .. most of the time.

I really enjoyed this book. Izzy's a charming, down-to-earth character and the supporting cast - particularly Izzy's gallery colleague, Kimmy (who I hope gets her own book one day) - are great fun too. Although I found it a little bit predictable - there was no doubt in my mind who Izzy was going to end up with - that didn't spoil my enjoyment because I was cheering for them to get together. There are laugh-out-loud moments and an enormously romantic ending. You know what I'm going to say, don't you? Yeah. Pick it up.

Rating 4 out of 5

If you like this, try Something Blue by Emily Giffin

Posted by Keris on October 13, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

FRIDAY FLICK: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Based on the enormously successful young adult novel by Ann Brashares, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants stars Gilmore Girls' Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera and Blake Lively as the four best friends who find a pair of 'magical' jeans in a charity shop/thrift store. The magic lies in the fact that they look equally great on each of the girls despite the girls' disparity in size and shape.

Separated for the summer, the girls hatch a plan to share the jeans - keeping them for a week and then posting them on, accompanied by a letter of the exciting things they got up to while wearing them.

I know, it sounds ridiculous, but is it good or is it pants? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Read on and find out.

The summer is, of course, an eventful one. Tibby, the rebellious one, is working in a supermarket and making a documentary film when she meets a much younger girl and, in the absence of her friends, finds herself spending more and more time with her. The sporty one, Bridget, is spending summer at soccer camp in Baja California and is determined to tackle one of the instructors (ha!). Lena, the shy, artistic one, goes to Greece to stay with her grandparents and, inevitably, meets a boy. Carmen goes to stay with her dad (played by Bradley Whitford, West Wing fans) and - and this is a suprise to poor Carmen - his new family.

This is all standard stuff for teen movies (and books for that matter), but the script by Delia Ephron and the charm and talent of the cast (particularly Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera) make this something special. I loved it.

Posted by Keris on October 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 12, 2006 8:27 PM

Melanie Lynn Hauser on YouTube

Diane wasn't entirely convinced by Melanie Lynn Hauser's Confessions of Supermom, but when I saw the author was reading from it on YouTube, I had to share (we've never had any film-type thingies - can you tell I'm not a techie? - here at Trashionista so I thought it would be fun).

Posted by Keris on October 12, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Series, Technology | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reading The O.C.

Who doesn't love The O.C.? Much like Beverly Hills 90210, The O.C. features a bunch of spoiled-ish rich kids hanging out, talking a lot and generally being glamorous, but this time in Orange County, California, rather than Hollywood, California - so it's completely different, see? While 90210 lasted out a good few seasons before becoming unacceptably ridiculous, The O.C. only managed one perfect season before jumping the shark.

In its favour The O.C.'s got Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) - darling of geek-loving women everywhere - not to mention Jim Robinson from Neighbours. (Apparently some people find Ryan attractive. I can't see it myself, but those people will probably like the Lads of The O.C. calendar.) While I'm on that subject, there is an unofficial biography of both Adam Brody and Benjamin McKenzie entitled Meet the Boys of Summer.

The official book is called Meet The O.C. Superstars and is apparently "a must" for fans of the show. Amazingly, I can't find an unofficial book.

There are novelisations like Spring Break and the fabulously titled The Summer of Summer (who thinks these things up?) plus, brilliantly, 'Twas the Night Before Chrismukkah but that seems to be about all. Shame.

Posted by Keris on October 12, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 11, 2006 5:09 PM

Nancy Drew Stationery

Considering she wasn't as popular here as the US, we've gone a bit Nancy Drew mad lately. Last week I told you about the Nancy Drew book bags, this week I've discovered Nancy Drew stationery.

Chronicle Books has a full range including the fold and mail stationery pictured (because when I was growing up I thought fold and mail stationery was the height of sophistication!) along with address books, journals, notecards and more. Perfect Christmas pressies for the Nancy Drew nut in your life.

Posted by Keris on October 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Lani Diane Rich

Lani Diane Rich is utterly hilarious and if you haven't read her blog posts at Literary Chicks then go there immediately (immediately after you've finished reading this, obviously). She's writes clever, funny and sexy books and is mad about Colin Firth - what's not to love?

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

The Comeback Kiss is about what happens when you get a second chance at your first love.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I like to write in an office. Because I have kids at home and no door on my office, I take my laptop into my bedroom, to the library, coffee shop, etc. - anywhere where I can put on headphones and be relatively assured that I won't be bothered. I've even been known to drive my van out to a local park and write in there!

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Ooh, tough call. I have a lot of favorites, so I'll revert to what I love to do most - pimp an upcoming book by a newcomer that I think is really fabulous! It's called The Buenos Aires Broken Hearts Club by Jessica Morrison. It'll be out, I believe, in May of 2007, and I think it's wonderful. It's about a very organized woman whose life plan fails her when she loses her job and her fiance in one day, so she gets drunk and hops the next flight to Buenos Aires. When she gets there, she has no idea how to live spontaneously, and it's really fun to watch her find herself. I loved it.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

My favorite female heroine is probably Wanda from Time Off For Good Behavior. I know it's tacky to pick one of my own characters, but I'm obviously most emotionally involved with them. I love Wanda because she just won't take crap from anyone, and woe betide the poor fool who tries to give it to her.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

My biggest suggestion is to just write. I'm the kind of person who can only learn something by screwing it up first, and I strongly believe that the only way to become a better writer is to write. Also, always come to the page thinking about how you can have the most fun. I think that attitude opens up an area of your imagination that gets shut down when you're worrying too much about rules and whatnot.

What are you reading at the moment?

Joshilyn Jackson's Between, Georgia on audiobook, and CJ Barry's Unleashed in traditional form. Very different books, but both fabulous in their own way.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

What I'm working on now is my next romantic comedy for Warner Forever, tentatively titled Hard to Get. It's about a woman who's never had to work a day in her life inheriting an inn and having to run it. Unfortunately, it comes with a small town full of quirky characters - including an unethical real estate broker who's pushing her to sell to a big chain for his own benefit, and a sexy police detective-turned-bartender who wants her not to sell... for reasons of his own.

Thanks, Lani!

See what we thought of Lani's Ex and the Single Girl. Reviews of all Lani's other books coming soon (I'm a fan).

Posted by Keris on October 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: The Boy Book by E Lockhart

I discovered E Lockhart's books via her wonderful blog, which is probably the wrong way round, but no matter. The Boy Book is the sequel to The Boyfriend List, which is my absolute favourite, non-Meg Cabot, Young Adult book! Although having said that it would probably be up there with my favourite books full stop.

In The Boyfriend List, Ruby Oliver becomes a social outcast after a former friend circulates a list she made of 'boyfriends'. But they weren't really boyfriends, just boys with whom she's had contact - still her former friends and the rest of the school think she's a tramp. Does she have any better luck in The Boy Book? Read on and find out.

With her ex-best friend Kim away for the summer, Ruby thinks she might be able to recover some semblance of her former life. Her friend Nora seems happy to hang around with her and Noel seems to like her and even her ex-boyfriend Jackson's paying her some attention, but when Kim's return coincides with a school trip to Canoe Island, it looks like Ruby's in danger of losing everything all over again.

Interspersed with extracts from The Boy Book itself (a study of habits and behaviours, plus techniques for taming them), this book is funny, sweet and so true. Like The Boyfriend List, it serves as a reminder of how appalling girls can be, but Ruby is a fabulous and intelligent heroine. I loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

If you like this, try The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Posted by Keris on October 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (6)

October 10, 2006 1:46 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Wendy Holden

Pun queen Wendy Holden was born in Yorkshire and read English Literature at Cambridge University. After graduation, she became a journalist writing for Tatler, Harpers and Queen, The Sunday Times and The Sunday Telegraph.

Her debut novel, Simply Divine, was inspired by her experiences on the glossies and was an immediate hit. After Bad Heir Day was another huge success, Wendy gave up journalism to become a full-time novelist. Her third novel, Pastures Nouveaux (called Farm Fatale in the US, it's one of Shanna Swendson's favourites), was followed by (confusingly) Fame Fatale (called Gossip Hound in the US), Azur Like It and The Wives of Bath. Her latest book The School for Husbands, has seen her titles getting cute new covers (in the UK).

Wendy Holden lives in London and Derbyshire with her husband and two children.

Inexplicably, we've never reviewed any of her books! We will set that right forthwith!

Carry on over the cut for Wendy's bibliography.

Simply Divine
Bad Heir Day
Pastures Nouveaux/Farm Fatale
Fame Fatale/Gossip Hound
Azur Like It
The Wives of Bath
The School for Husbands

See Wendy talking about Azur Like It here

Posted by Keris on October 10, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 9, 2006 5:53 PM

(Little Miss) Stella McCartney's special 'book'

Being a huge fan of Mr Men and Little Miss books as a child, I loved the news that Stella McCartney's latest fashion show invite was in the form of a specially-created Little Miss book, called (unsurprisingly) Little Miss Stella. One for my next birthday, please...

[Via Catwalk Queen].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 9, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kylie joins celebrity authors

With the release of her first children's book The Showgirl Princess, top pop star (I wanted to say "pop moppet", but this isn't Smash Hits) Kylie Minogue has joined Madonna and Julie Andrews on the shelves of the children's department.

What you may not realise is just how many other celebrities have already released books for children. John Travolta, Jamie Lee Curtis, Will Smith and more have committed their kids' bedtime stories (I imagine) to paper.

My favourite, though, is Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Carson Kressley's You're Different and That's Super.

So what do you think? Valuable additions to the children's canon or yet more celebrity cash-in nonsense?

Posted by Keris on October 9, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 6, 2006 4:30 PM

GUEST BLOG and GIVEAWAY!!: Jo Elliot

Jo Elliot is the author of I'm Celibate, Get me out of Here! which we raved about back in May ("This book is witty, fast-paced and highly entertaining... 5/5") and her guest blog for us gives us an insider glimpse into the topic of her book, about looking for the love of your life online.

AND! One lucky reader can WIN! a free copy by emailing us your name and address with Celibate in the subject line- you won't regret it!- Sorry, we love our international readers but this one's UK only.

Jo Elliot on Finding the Love of Your life... or not

Internet dating. Isn't that for freaks and weirdos? That's certainly what I thought when I inadvertently joined a dating site 6 years ago. Having been single since God knows when, I was strangely flattered when 'Handsome_Gentleman' landed in my inbox telling me I was his ideal woman. However, one click on his profile revealed that he most certainly wasn't my ideal man.

Tom Evans was, but he broke my heart in 100 places (one of them was Soho). But if at first you don't succeed, then try, try again. Surely there was someone for me in this enormous virtual meat market? And what's more, I could search for them from the comfort of my own desk. And so began a journey that sometimes made me wonder if I'd joined a joke site, and other times took me to such salubrious places as Birmingham Travelodge. Who says romance is dead?

It's just on a life support machine. My friends' hysterical laughter as I recalled my dating stories made me realise I'd be doing the rest of the world a disservice if I didn't share the amusement. So I wrote 'I'm Celibate...Get Me Out Of Here!' I'm glad I'm not Bridget Jones, with two rich, handsome men fighting over me.

I'd never have met The_Hairy_Cornflake.

Posted by Aigua Media on October 6, 2006 in Bafab, Book related, British Authors, Competition, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (27)

October 5, 2006 9:53 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston

Lolly Winston's debut, Sophie's Bakery for the Broken-Hearted (called Good Grief in the US) was a huge hit and I enjoyed it, so I was really looking forward to Happiness Sold Separately. I wasn't disappointed.

When Elinor Mackey finds out her husband Ted is having an affair it's just the most recent in a long line of disappointments. Elinor and Ted have been trying for a baby with no success and much heartbreak and their marriage has been all but dead for a while. Ted breaks off his relationship with Gina, the nutritionist at the Mackeys' gym, but then when he bumps into her and the son he didn't know she had, he finds it harder than he thought to let her go. In her husband's absence, Elinor starts sleeping under the enormous oak tree in the front garden and then, when the tree has to be cut down, she starts sleeping with the tree surgeon.

I know, it all sounds a bit far-fetched and I suppose it is. Elinor and Ted hop in and out of each other's and other people's beds, but Happiness Sold Separately is entirely believable. I've never read a book where wanting more than one person at the same time is portrayed so convincingly. I had no idea who to root for. I wanted everyone to be happy. Winston writes about the minutiae of life beautifully. So beautifully, in fact, that Happiness Sold Separately reminded me a lot of the wonderful Elizabeth Berg* and I can't pay a much higher compliment than that.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

*Someone else obviously thinks so too because the US cover styles are rather similar.

Posted by Keris on October 5, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

BUDGET FASHIONISTA GIVEAWAY!

Yep, it's another Bafab giveaway- and there's still loads more to come! This is one our friends at Catwalk Queen, Shoewawa and The Bag Lady will be salivating over... How to be A Budget Fashionista's lovely author Kathryn Finney has donated THREE signed copies to be won by three of you!

You should have got the hang of how this works by now- To win, just email us with your name and address (so we can send the book to the winner, we won't stalk you!) and "Fashionista" in the subject line.

And speaking of Catwalk Queen, go there to read what Anne Hathaway, Star of The Devil Wears Prada, has to say about her personal style... or lack thereof. (You can enter our giveaway, Anne!)

Our other giveaways: This is Chick Lit, Wedding Belles, Shanna Swendson, Queen of the Oddballs, A Faber Double, Hester Browne, Try and The Man from Perfect. (Plus we'll have more to give away later today and Friday! Phew...)  You can enter as many as you like, just send each one on a separate email and we'll pick a winner at random once Bafab's over!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 5, 2006 in Bafab, Book News, Book related, Competition, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: I Was a Teenage Popsicle by Bev Katz Rosenbaum

This book really reminded me of This Place Has No Atmosphere by Paula Danziger (a fantastic futuristic kids/teen novel about the first colony on the moon), which I read and loved as an eleven year-old, so I had fond feelings about it from the start. As the title suggests, it's teen lit, something I haven't read since I was... well, a teenager, but Keris talks about it so much (and writes it so brilliantly- stop blushing, it's true!) that I was keen to try.
And I wasn't disappointed. I Was a Teenage Popsicle is the story of Floe Ryan, who died in 2006 but was cyrogenically frozen (well, not frozen, 'vitrified', as she's keen to point out) until a cure for her illness could be found. Now it has, and she's been brought back to life... but it's 2016 now and things are very different...

This is a great plot! It lends itself to some wonderful situations, the best of which is probably the fact that Floe's younger sister Sunny, who she tortured as a teen, is now her big sister... and keen to get her revenge. There's also the whole re-adjustment angle, and the author's speculations about what life is like in the future. Plus, Floe's parents are still vitrified and the clinic where they're held is in financial and legal trouble- and Floe's fellow thawed-out popsicle (there's only two of them in the world) is a boy she really had a crush on back in 2006... so there's a lot going on, and it's written in a fun, fast-paced style that's easy and enjoyable to read.

But much as I enjoyed the book, I had some minor concerns. I found it a touch unimaginative that the author imagines that in 2016 we'll all be wearing Star-Trek style clothing. Isn't that a bit of a 1960s assumption/cliche? Not very original... although if it does happen clearly we'll have solved the problem of teenage self-consciousness by then, which is a major breakthrough! Also, the narrator contradicts herself a couple of times- such as when Floe's sister seems to be getting nicer towards her, and then suddenly isn't or when Floe says she's fit, and then a page later tells us to 'forget when I said that...' which is a bit jarring. Some parts of the story are also skipped over a little. I couldn't help thinking I would have adored this book when I was eleven, less so at sixteen- the characters seemed a little emotionally young, and I wonder if it would appeal more to pre-teens than to teenagers, who might want something a little more... racy? (Look at the popularity of books like the much more explicit Sugar Rush, for example... the characters in Popsicle won't even use a mild swear word!)

But overall, this book is fun and imaginative- a great idea, executed well, even if this future isn't quite as I'd imagine it!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Princess Diaries Seventh Heaven by Meg Cabot and This Place Has No Atmosphere, of course!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 5, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (5)

Book Bags

Thank you to Luisa for alerting me to these gorgeous bags.

They're from Rebound Designs and there are loads available, including more Nancy Drew, Pride & Prejudice, My Friend Flicka, Jane Eyre, even Harry Potter. It's a good thing Christmas is coming (hint, hint).

And if bags are your bag, then head over to The Bag Lady for bags more. I'm going back to bed.

Related posts: Reading is sexy

Posted by Keris on October 5, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 4, 2006 7:40 PM

GUEST BLOG and GIVEAWAY!!: Lily Burana

Former punk turned journalist and author Lily Burana's first book was a memoir, Strip City: A Stripper's Farewell Journey Across America. Her second book, the novel Try might not have quite as intriguing a title, but it does boast one hell of an opening line.

(And you can win a copy in hardback by emailing us your name and address with Try in the subject line- you won't regret it!- Sorry, UK only).

But now, on with Lily's fabulous guest blog-

The Rocky Road to Rodeo Romance by Lily Burana

The old maxim “write what you know” may be wise counsel indeed, but how long can you write before you reach the limits of your life experience? A writer’s only got one thinly veiled autobiographical novel in her, and in my case, my first book was a memoir, so I had already used up all my source material by the time it was time for book two. I knew I wanted to write a love story for my second book—a raw, rowdy, dare I say kinky love story, and I had been in love, so in that respect I could work from personal experience. But in my heart, I wanted to set the book in the West—not the old-school Lone Ranger Sunday matinee Hollywood fantasy place, but the modern, totally country, bikini bull ride and rodeo real-deal West.

I lived in Wyoming for a few years, and saw the drama, romance, and excitement of cowboys, rodeos, and honkytonks, but since I didn’t come from that world, I didn’t feel entitled to write about it. But the more I thought about the book I longed to write, the greater my courage grew. F*ck it, I thought, Dr. Suess didn’t live in Whoville before he wrote “Horton Hears a Who,” and Roald Dahl didn’t work in a chocolate factory before he wrote “Willy Wonka,” so why was I being such a write-what-you-know purist priss?

I got some guts and started traveling the rodeo circuit, asking all kinds of nosy questions of the cowboys and the women who loved them, and ended up with a book that several rodeo girlfriends have told me rings totally true. So my advice is to write what you’re obsessed with, and the critical details will fall into place during the process. It’s passion—more than first-hand life experience—that gets the story to stick to the page.

Posted by Aigua Media on October 4, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book related, Competition, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (8)

GUEST BLOG: Hester Browne

Hester Browne, author of The Little Lady Agency and Little Lady, Big Apple writes about the difficulties in adapting your own book for a different audience (in this case, from the UK to the US).  Come back later for a very special Hester Browne giveaway (the clue is in the theme of this guest blog!). 

From British to "American" by Hester Browne

Translation rights are the author's best friend: the thrill of seeing your book in a foreign language with none of the stress involved of writing it again. My agent has sold The Little Lady Agency in Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, and Germany, and I've got no idea how the translator is going to make the jokes about Mr Sheen work. I can't even imagine what Melissa's voice sounds like in a German reader's mind.

But when the series was sold in the US, I didn't realise that it would need a translation job and that I'd be doing it myself. 

First of all, it's not just the language that has to be translated, so much as the culture. All the references to British TV soaps, chocolate, specific places in London that tell a UK reader exactly what kind of girl Melissa is ­ they all had to be changed, or explained, or deleted. British chick-lit is stuffed with pop-culture references (another reason why it'll be fascinating to read in 100 years' time!), and though US readers apparently love the flavour of British slang, there comes a point where it's just incomprehensible. It's not such a bad thing to have to explain properly, it's kind of lazy to use LK Bennett as a defining character trait, and it really does make you look at London in a new light. You try explaining the WI to a New Yorker. Or the subtle difference between John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.

I didn't completely appreciate how subtly humour changes on the other side of the Atlantic either. British humour is sarcastic, verging on the downright cruel, and it's done on the tongue-in-cheek understanding that we don't really mean it. Like, Melissa's father, Martin Romney-Jones, MP. He's a horrendous character, who schemes, cheats and screams at his family, especially poor Mel. But in the tradition of Basil Fawlty or Edmund Blackadder, he's usually villainous for effect  we know the Romney-Joneses love each other really, because they're nice to their dogs, but they're never happier than when they're engaged in a screeching match.

Hmm. I don't think that really travelled, to be honest. American readers took parts of Melissa's story quite seriously, especially her struggles with her family, who they felt should be in therapy or possibly, in court. And when I came to write the sequel, Little Lady, Big Apple, which is set in New York, I suddenly found I couldn't bring myself to be as sarcastic about New York men as I had been about the Londoners I knew so well, because that sort of British sarkiness is just affection, inside-out. I didn't want to offend all the kind, welcoming New Yorkers I'd met, so I had to do a crash-course in NYC Male Failings. And you know what? They're grooming freaks who insist on paying for dinner, and constantly check their mobiles for messages. Try making a job for Honey out of that.

But what I did learn, after the most rigorous editing ever, was that so long as the heart of a novel is true-to-life, it doesn't matter where it's set, or which supermarket the heroine uses. And I hope useless men, ingenious women, and quality lingerie are things everyone can relate to! 

Posted by Keris on October 4, 2006 in Bafab, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (18)

Ally Carter's Audio Advice!

Chick-lit for teens author Ally Carter (whose book- I think it's I'd Tell You I Love You but then I'd have to Kill You-has been optioned to be made into a movie by Disney, aka. the people behind The Princess Diaries film!) is sharing an audio excerpt of advice for writers via her Myspace page. [Click on the third link down in the little audio player in the right-hand side- she has a lovely voice!]

She says, "I know there are a lot of aspiring writers out there, so I wanted to let you know that I've just posted an audio excerpt of the session I did at the 2006 Pikes Peak Writer's Conference on my MySpace.
The session was called "A Movie-Lover's Guide to Writing Novels" and I talked about the craft of storytelling, using some classic movies as examples.
So if you want to hear me talk about some pretty basic (but essential) stuff like plot points, characters, and conflict, check it out." [Via Myspace]

And of course, if you're a myspace member, add us to your friends!

M. Apostilina's Tips for Writers.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 4, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 3, 2006 7:18 PM

GUEST BLOG: Shanna Swendson

Shanna Swendson, author of Enchanted Inc and Once Upon Stilettos (win a copy of the book of your choice here!) explains why she can't pick just one book to buy for a friend.. she'd have to buy up almost the whole bookshop! (Been there, done that...) Talk about encapsulating the spirit of Trashionista...

I just can't pick a favourite book! by Shanna Swendson

I've never really been a "best friends" kind of girl. I'm more likely to be part of a larger group and to move between different situational groups (in the "Queen Bees" terminology, I'm a textbook case of a "Floater"). I think that has a lot to do with why I can't pick a favorite book or even a favorite author. I have a lot of "book friends" I turn to for different situations or when I'm in different moods.

When it comes to chick lit, Bridget Jones's Diary is a reliable stand-by. I can read a few pages or the whole book if I need a laugh or a reminder that my life isn't as crazy as it sometimes feels. This is also a good book for a stay-at-home New Year's Eve, since it puts resolutions in perspective. I once tried to start a Bridget-like diary for the new year, but it lasted about three days.

For a rainy Saturday afternoon with nothing on my to-do list or calendar, there's nothing better than curling up with Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes. The large ensemble cast and interwoven plot lines are perfect for a good, long, uninterrupted read.

If I need a guaranteed feel-good, I turn to Wendy Holden. Farm Fatale captures the fantasy of moving to a small English village (though why that's a fantasy for me when I'm from a small town and couldn't wait to escape from it, I don't know), and Bad Heir Day has possibly one of the most satisfying endings ever, worthy of a good fist pump and victory dance.

I seem to re-read A Promising Man by Elizabeth Young (I think it had a different UK title) every holiday season. It's a great romance with lots of fun plot twists that goes perfectly with hot cocoa and Christmas cookies as I sit by the Christmas tree and enjoy a rare peaceful moment during the busy season.

Sarah Bird's The Boyfriend School is a great summer-afternoon book to read by the swimming pool or on the back porch with a glass of iced tea handy.

So, if I wanted to give a friend a book, I'd have something for almost every friend at every time of the year (and that's just my chick lit choices -- the list gets longer if you include fantasy, science fiction or mystery!)

Posted by Aigua Media on October 3, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Girly Stuff, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: Jane Austen's Guide to Dating

Lauren Henderson is best-known as a chick-lit writer (I can't believe we haven't reviewed any of her stuff before!) but she's also a Cambridge University graduate who wrote her second-year dissertation on courtship rituals in Jane Austen. So she's well placed to bring us Jane Austen's Guide to Dating (or Jane Austen's Guide to Romance if you have the paperback!)

A mixture of case studies from Austen's novels and real people from the twenty-first century illustrate the points that Henderson has to make about dating. There are ten important principles, from 'If you like someone, make it clear that you do,' to 'If your lover needs a reprimand, let him have it.'  I've never really considered Austen's novels in terms of what we can put into practice in our own lives, so I was interested in this new angle. Plus, as a single girl, I wondered if I'd learn a thing or two...

But I'm just indulging in some minor quibbling! This book is an enjoyable opportunity to revisit Austen, and gives an insight into other people's love lifes that you may learn something from. Any Janeite would enjoy this, whether looking for love for not.

Rtaing: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Flirting with Pride and Prejudice; Getting Personal by Chris Manby.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 3, 2006 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

SPOTLIGHT: Dorothy Koomson

This week the spotlight is on Dorothy Koomson.

Dorothy started out writing, editing and subbing for various women’s magazines and national papers including Red, New Woman, Marie Claire and The Guardian. She spent her evenings writing novels and occasionally trying to get them published.

Her first book, The Cupid Effect, was published in 2003, but it was when her third book - My Best Friend's Girl - was chosen for the Richard & Judy Summer Reads promotion that she really hit the big time (My Best Friend's Girl was subsequently voted 2nd favourite of all the Summer Reads. Victoria Hislop's The Island was first.)

She now lives in Sydney and South London and works full-time on an Australian women's magazine.

Her fourth book, due out next year, is called Marshmallows For Breakfast and is about a woman who returns from Australia to England and ends up sharing a house with a divorced father and his two children.

Click over the cut for Dorothy's bibliography.

The Cupid Effect
The Chocolate Run
My Best Friend's Girl

Did you know?
Dorothy says her books aren't chick lit because "None of my main characters are desperate to find a man or have romance and weight loss as their main goals in life." [via the Richard & Judy Book Club]
But we know there's more to chick lit than that, don't we?

Posted by Keris on October 3, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Richard and Judy, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

SHANNA SWENDSON GIVEAWAY!

Yes, it's another great Bafab giveaway!

No, we're not actually giving away the respected chick-lit author, that would be silly! But she is donating one of her books to a lucky reader, and here's the great thing: you can choose which one! If you win and haven't read first book Enchanted Inc. then you'll get a copy of that, and if you have, you can claim a copy of sequel Once Upon Stilettos.

To win, just email us with your name and address (so we can send the book to the winner, we won't stalk you, promise) and "Shanna" in the subject line.

and look out for Shanna's special guest blog for us later this afternoon... it's a good 'un! (as I'm sure she wouldn't say in Texas...)

You can still enter our This is Chick Lit and Wedding Belles giveaways, too.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 3, 2006 in American Authors, Announcements, Bafab, Competition, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 2, 2006 7:18 PM

WEDDING BELLES GIVEAWAY!

Yep, we have another fab Bafab giveaway for you, dear readers! (And more tomorrow, and the day after that...)

Wedding Belles is the newest book by Zoe Barnes: Nothing is going to go wrong with Belle Craine's dream wedding... or is it? Find out by bagging yourself a free copy! (and go to Bridalwave if you're really planning a dream wedding- they can help!)

To WIN, Just email us with your name and address (so we can send it to you) and put "Wedding Belles" in the subject line. That's important, as we have a lot of books to give away this week and you can enter as many of our giveaways as you want- so you might win big!

Check out our This is Chick Lit Giveaway,too.

Posted by Aigua Media on October 2, 2006 in Bafab, Book News, Book related, Competition, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (3)

GUEST BLOG: Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Lauren Baratz-Logsted is a chick-lit and non chick-lit writer, editor of This is Chick Lit (we have a copy to give away to one lucky reader!) and of course, special friend of Trashionista. In the first of our special Bafab guest blogs, she tells us why...

I Never Set Out to be a Chick-Lit Writer by Lauren Baratz-Logsted.

I never set out to be a Chick-Lit writer. Not that I’m in denial or anything, but I simply never set out to become any particular kind of novelist; I merely wrote. In November of 2001, having written seven unsold novels, I started reading reviews of books put out by a new publisher, Red Dress Ink. The reviews weren’t universally positive, but one thing I could tell right away: the editorial sensibility behind these books would be interested in my sixth unsold novel, The Thin Pink Line, a dark comedy set in London about a somewhat sociopathic woman who fakes an entire pregnancy...

And so it came to pass: In July 2003, RDI published The Thin Pink Line as their first-ever hardcover. I’ve since gone on to write three more books for them – Crossing the Line, A Little Change of Face, and How Nancy Drew Saved My Life – with a fifth to follow next year. In the years since my first book was published it’s been hard to ignore the slings and arrows Chick-Lit has regularly been subjected to. People who have never read the genre, or who have only read a few books, dismiss the books wholesale as being empty, an error akin to dismissing all literary novels because you find Joyce’s Ulysses too dense.

The Grumpy Old Bookman - in a blog written on June 30 about the genre novelist Laurell K. Hamilton- has these wise words to offer for people looking down their noses at what they perceive to be inferior fiction: “…may I remind you of a point made elsewhere on this blog, namely that it is a fundamental error, with moral implications, to think of fiction as a hierarchy, a sort of tower block, if you will, with literary fiction at the top and the ‘lower’ types of fiction tucked away in the basement. That is a concept which has no intellectual validity. The correct way to think of the various genres of fiction is as a street of many bookshops; and in this street there are no prime sites. Each shop pays the same business taxes as any other: all shops are equal. And the smart customer places her business in different shops at different times; to the advantage of everyone, most importantly herself.”

For those open-minded readers who do not want to be guilty of committing “a fundamental error, with moral implications,” I would like to point them toward This Is Chick-Lit, a positive anthology of stories showcasing the broad range of Chick-Lit – satire, dark comedy, futuristic, paranormal, mystery, romantic comedy, metafiction and magic realism – of which I am editor as well as one of the 18 contributors.

In addition to the Chick-Lit books she’s written, Lauren Baratz-Logsted is also the author of the forthcoming books VERTIGO, a literary novel set in the Victorian era with erotic and suspense undertones, and ANGEL’S CHOICE, a serious Young Adult novel about teen pregnancy. Author website.

Posted by Aigua Media on October 2, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (4)

Discworld Wedding Cake anyone?

This is a wedding cake inspired by Terry Pratchett's Discworld: a flat world made of marzipan and fondant icing resting upon four marzipan elephants which stand on the back of a turtle created from fruit cakes and covered with more marzipan. [via Galleycat]

Once I'd stopped giggling and admiring the imagination of the wedding party (whoever they are), I started wondering ... if I was to design a cake based on a book, what would it be? Carry on over the cut to find out.

In keeping with today's More on Monday review I decided it would have to be 28 Barbary Lane. And it might look a little bit like this:

[via SimCity3000]

Posted by Keris on October 2, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (11)

The Devil Wears Prada cocktails!

As you should all know by now, this Friday sees the UK release (at long, long last!) of the film adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada so in honour of this fine occasion, one of the film's sponsors, Cointreau, the French liqueur (ooh Cointreau and liqueur are hard to spell, aren't they?- and I haven't taken a sip, I swear!) has created two special cocktails in honour of the film. Perhaps you could have some girlfriends round afterwards for a celebration? Or, y'know, you could try and sneak a flask into the cinema... (JOKE).

Check out the recipes over the cut...

Devil's Desire:

You need: 50ml Cointreau; 25ml pink grapefruit juice; 25ml pomegranate juice; 10ml passion fruit syrup; 1 wedge of lime, squeezed.

Chill a martini glass. Shake ingredients together in a shaker with ice, and strain into glass. Garnish with a spiral of orange peel.

Devil's Delight

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add in this order and stir gently: 1 wedge of lime. Squeeze over ice and drop into glass;

25ml Cointreau;

50ml apple juice ;

50ml cranberry juice.

Garnish with a slice of orange.

Simple! Enjoy...

[Via Response Source].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

THIS IS CHICK LIT GIVEAWAY!

OK! Let's get started with our first fabulous Bafab brilliant book bonanza giveaway... shall we?

We have a copy of the new, hotly-anticipated and much-talked about story collection This is Chick Lit to give away to one lucky reader! For free! All you have to do is email us with your name and address (so we can send the book to the winner, we won't stalk you, promise) and "chick lit" in the subject line.

Later today we'll be bringing you our first guest blogger of the week- This is Chick Lit's editor and chick-lit writer extraordinaire Lauren Baratz-Logsted. It's gonna be good!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 2, 2006 in American Authors, Announcements, Book News, Book related, Competition, Girly Stuff, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (3)

MORE ON MONDAY: Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

With the film version of Armistead Maupin's most recent book, The Night Listener, about to hit cinemas, I thought it was time to mention another of my all-time favourites, the Tales of the City series.

Tales of the City is the first in a series of six books set in San Franciso in the late seventies and early eighties. Mary Ann Singleton is a sheltered secretary from Cleveland when she visits San Francisco for the first time and decides to stay. Moving into 28 Barbary Lane she meets and befriends a cast of outrageous but totally believable and charming characters, pretty much all of whom I fell in love with.

Probably the most popular and best-known character of the series is Michael "Mouse" Tolliver, apparently based on the author himself. Mouse is just gorgeous, vulnerable and real, and even though he's a gay man I identified with him more than Mary Ann so I was very excited to hear that Maupin his finally signed a deal for a new book. It's called Michael Tolliver Lives and, though some other Tales characters may appear, it's primarily about Mouse aged 55 and living with HIV.

But I digress. The Tales of the City series is a modern soap opera. It's far-fetched, melodramatic, unbelievable, stuffed with ridiculous plot twists and coincidences, but I defy you not to fall in love with it. I read the first and then could not rest until I'd read the other five. I've recommended them to everyone. I exclaimed out loud - with shock or delight - when reading them (sometimes in public). Yep, as so many reviews say, I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. Really. I can't recommend this series highly enough.

Of course, if you're obsessed as me, you'll know that Tales of the City, More Tales of the City and Further Tales of the City were all made into TV mini-series (starring Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis) and are available on DVD.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Did you know? If you're heading to San Francisco you can take the Tales of the City tour (yes, I've done it).

Posted by Keris on October 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5, Romance, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (5)

September 29, 2006 12:02 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

Back in 2001, Jennifer Weiner was a single Philadelphia newspaper journalist who wrote novels in her spare time. In 2006, she's a famous and highly successful chick-lit (although she apparently hates the term!) novelist with a husband, daughter, and cash from Hollywood in her back pocket. We've reviewed all of her other books (including her latest, The Guy Not Taken), recommended her blog more times than I can count- and she's been the subject of a Trashionista Spotlight profile. So it's a little scandalous that we've never reviewed her debut novel Good in Bed.

The story of Cannie, who finds out her boyfriend Bruce has left her for another woman by reading about it in his new magazine column, it addresses issues of family, self-image and love in a way we hadn't seen in chick-lit before. Cannie isn't a Bridget Jones style diet-obsessive- she has phases where she's unhappy with her body, but generally she likes being a larger lady. And she is, we're assured, very good in bed...

If Bruce thought that their break-up was going to destroy Cannie, he was wrong. At first, she's betrayed and devastated, but gradually she starts to re-assess the relationship and realise that she's better off without him. And then he comes back into her life, bringing an added complication... But that's not all she has to think about! Bruce getting a column spurs Cannie to concentrate on her own writing, and good things start happening there, too. And then in a moment of low self-esteem she signs up for a weight-loss workshop and realises one of the doctors there seems to have taken a special liking to her...

This book is unpredictable, yet has a happy ending- but one where not everything is solved. It's more realistic than that. (In fact, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't one more final conversation settling things between Cannie and Bruce, but that perhaps wouldn't have been very realistic). On the other hand, Cannie's writing success story seems miraculous in terms of the time span of the book but gives the novel a fairy-tale aspect which I think many readers will enjoy and feel she deserves. My only real criticism of the book is that Cannie is supposedly happy with her body, with not being thin. She exercises, is confident and has a good life (when she's not being dumped in the national press, that is) but there's too much mention of how she looks and what she wears for her to come across as truly happy. She should be able to be happy with being a larger size, of course- I'd love there to be more different-sized women in chick lit who aren't desperate to be thin. But with Cannie we're not there yet... Again, maybe because Weiner wants to be realistic? Despite these slight qualms, the writing is so good that I still loved every second of this book. I laughed, I cried... and I only read it by accident!

You see, I was in one of those book clubs where you have to send in a form each month or you're sent the book-of-the-month and the month that Good In Bed was the BOTM, I'd forgotten. I almost sent it back unread but something compelled me to keep it and I'm so glad I did. It's one of my favourite chick-lit books of all time: sharply written with an aspirational yet poignant story and a lot of heart, you'd have to be a hard-nosed Trashionista not to love it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*Did you know?* A few years ago, Good In Bed was bought by HBO (makers of Sex And The City, of course) to be turned into a TV series, then... nothing.

Like this? Try Conversations With The Fat Girl by Liza Palmer; In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Television | Permalink | Comments (4)

MOVIE NEWS: Five Men Who Broke My Heart

It's been a big week for movie news this week, hasn't it. Yet another one in the pipeline is Susan Shapiro's memoir Five Men Who Broke My Heart, the screenplay of which is being written by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin, authors of the highly successful The Nanny Diaries and the highly unsuccessful Citizen Girl.

Posted by Keris on September 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Movie News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

FRIDAY FLICK: Animal Attraction

Based on Laura Zigman's book Animal Husbandry, Animal Attraction was called Someone Like You in the US. How's that for confusing? Starring Ashley Judd, Greg Kinnear and Hugh Jackman, it's the story of Jane, a producer for a daytime talk show who, after the sudden end of a relationship (with fellow producer Ray) comes up with the Old Cow/New Cow Theory based on an article about livestock she reads in the paper: whenever a man is in a relationship he starts to see the woman as an old cow and goes looking for a new cow to, um, service, never to return to the old cow.

Having really enjoyed Animal Husbandry, I must admit I didn't have particularly high hopes for this film, but it's actually very sweet; it reminded me of an extended Sex and the City. Ashley Judd is great, her best friend, played by Marisa Tomei is hilarious, Greg Kinnear is convincing both as a sweet-talking charmer and as a sleaze and Hugh Jackman .. well, Hugh Jackman is a revelation. I finally realised what all those Wolverine-obsessed friends of mine have been going on about all these years.

Despite the cliched ending - why do all chick flicks have to end with a chase? - it's a really enjoyable film (but, seriously, it's worth watching just to see Hugh Jackman shirtless).

Posted by Keris on September 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 28, 2006 5:33 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Assistant Lit

I ranted a while ago about the numerous chick lit sub-genres and then, in her review of See Jane Write, Luisa mentioned Assistant Lit. Well it may sound far-fetched, but it's actually one of the most successful sub-genres. (Laura Zigman's long-awaited new book, Piece of Work, is yet another example.)

Just in case you're unfamiliar with the term, Assistant Lit does exactly what is says on the tin - it's a book where the main character works for someone who is usually glamorous and most likely a pain in the pants.

It would be remiss of me not to start with the most famous example, The Devil Wears Prada, particularly since the film is finally out next week. I think everyone probably knows what this one's about, but just in case ... Lauren Weisberger worked as assistant to Vogue editor Anna Wintour and then wrote a book about Andrea Sachs who gets a job as assistant to Miranda Priestly, editor of Runway magazine ... and she gives her a dog's life.

Hop over the cut for the other two books.

The Second Assistant by Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare is about Elizabeth Miller who takes the job of second assistant to an executive at a glitzy Hollywood agency and soon finds it's not all glamour. Mimi Hare used to be a Hollywood executive so she presumably knows what she's talking about.

The Nanny Diaries by, yes, former nannies Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin follows the New York adventures of Nan as she attempts to take care of 4-year-old Grayer while dealing with his mother, Mrs X's increasingly outrageous demands.

So which is your favourite Assistant Lit book or *evil laugh* do you have an ex-boss you could write your own book about?

Posted by Keris on September 28, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (6)

Reading Dawson's Creek

By special request from Diane, yet another TV show I've never seen. I know! (But if you think I was too busy having a life to watch all this stuff you'd be sadly mistaken.) Dawson's Creek was supposedly about a bloke called Dawson, but all I ever heard about was Pacey and Joey (Katie Holmes before she was the future Mrs Cruise). They lived near a creek, talked a lot and all snogged each other. Does that summarise it? Diane?

And are there books? You betcha! There's an official companion to Seasons 1 and 2 and an Official Scrapbook with a foreword by the show's creator Kevin Williamson. There's even an official Postcard Book!

Read on over the cut for more, much more ...

Troubled Waters is the unofficial guide containing the usual episode and character guide. There's also a "fanatic's guide" called Way Too Much Information.

Fiction-wise there's there are some novelisations like Calm Before the Storm and Major Meltdown but there's also the Dawson's Creek Suspense Trilogy, starting with Lighthouse Legend, which sees the Joey, Pacey and Dawson solving mysteries. Kind of like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Probably. It was close, but even better than that is My Fantasy Dream Date With ... James Van Der Beek (amongst others).

Talking of James Van Der Beek, if you're so inclined there's The Boy Next Door: The James Van Der Beek story, a biography of Joshua Jackson, Girl Next Door: All About Katie Holmes (from 2000) and a more recent biography (which might be a little more interesting).

Also available - and I love this - are school curriculum materials (presumably out of date, but still) like
The Beginning of Everything Else. They come with an audio CD and you can download the worksheets from Macmillan's site. (Examples: "Here is a picture of Joey and Dawson at the end of the story. What is each of them thinking?" "Read Dawson’s movie script on pages 10 and 11 again. Dawson is going to make a movie of Pacey’s rescue of Joey. Write Dawson’s movie script ..." "A year after the end of this story, Joey and Dawson are talking together. Write their conversation.")

There's even a book of sheet music of the Songs from Dawson's Creek for "piano/vocal/guitar".

Related posts: Chick Lit Authors' Favourite TV Shows / Reading Desperate Housewives / Reading Alias / Reading Friends / Reading Sex and the City / Reading Angel

Posted by Keris on September 28, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn

Jancee Dunn has been a Rolling Stone reporter and an MTV veejay and But Enough About Me is a memoir mixed with anecdotes - often disguised as tips - about interviewing rock stars. (For example, 'It can be done: manipulating your way into the kitchen cabinet' heads the story of how Jancee managed to talk Dolly Parton into showing her around her apartment.)

Growing up in New Jersey as part of an extremely close family, Jancee never dreamt she'd one day be flying around the world interviewing rock stars for the world's most famous music magazine and after reading But Enough About Me I can't quite believe it either. Read on to find out why not.

Given her background, I expected Jancee to be cool. She's not. Well, she is in that this book is honest and funny, but not in the way you would expect a Rolling Stone writer to be, i.e. she's a self-confessed dork. She seems too nice, too sweet, too shy to have had such an amazing career and you don't really get much of an indication from the book as to how she managed it. One minute she's an assistant at Rolling Stone, the next she's got her first interview and then she's off. It's not all sweetness though, there are some dodgy boyfriends and an unfortunate cocaine episode (of course), but there's very little celebrity dirt-dishing. Funnily enough though - particularly for a showbiz gossip-hound like myself - the best bits of the book are the memoir parts rather than the rock star parts (Ha! Rock star parts. Sorry.).

Jancee has the most charming family and the bits about her sisters (whether about their childhood or their relationships as adults) and parents are lovely. In fact, rather than wishing I worked at Rolling Stone (I would never, never, want to interview Johnny Rotten, let alone have that be my first interview, as was the case for Jancee) I was left with an extreme case of family envy. The only off-note for me was that the romantic subplot (with, of course, a happy ending) seemed unnecessary. Can't we ever have a book about a strong, capable, successful woman which doesn't end with her living happily ever after with a man? Having said that, by the end of the book I felt like I knew Jancee and really wanted her to get her happily ever after.

If you're at all interested in music or journalism or even if you remember the Eighties (although if you can remember the Eighties you weren't really there, right?), you'll love this charming and funny book.

Jancee also has a great blog where you can read outtakes from the book and watch clips of her time on MTV (if you can get them to work, which I can't).

(I've included both the UK and US book covers because I much prefer the US cover for once.)

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison

Posted by Keris on September 28, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 26, 2006 12:06 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Never Say Never by Melissa Hill

Never Say Never by Melissa Hill is a fantastic read for anyone who has ever thought ‘I wonder what we’ll all be doing in 5 years time?’. Telling the story of group of friends who met at college, and are still more-or-less friends many years later, this book is set mainly in Ireland, (as about 98% of chick lit seems to be these days!) and will have you thinking in an Irish accent long before the end.

The group of friends provides all the traditional characters; the single mum, the all-work-and-no-play entrepreneur, the new mother who neglects her friends combined with childless and proud, the ‘living abroad so too good for the old town’, and explores how the experiences they’ve had over the years change their relationships for better or worse.

The three main characters, Leah, Robin and Olivia, show how fate has played a part in changing their lives. With a fantastic twist to the plot that I don’t think even the most suspicious reader would guess, nothing is ever quite what it seems until the very end. To get you there, there’s something for everyone with some very fanciable male characters and some inspiring and irritating women!

What I particularly enjoyed was understanding how the characters react to the events that shape their lives – some people can take everything in their stride and some let things wear away at them until they define who they are. It’s a good reminder that not everyone sees the world in the same way – and that it’s important to keep talking…

There are parts of the book that feel a little like the author kept her options open for as long as possible when deciding how the book should end – but as long as you don’t mind occasionally wanting to shake at least one of the characters to tell them to ‘snap out of it’, it’s a good read. [Emma Tazewell].

Rating: 4 out of 5 – another few chapters on the end and it would have been full marks.

Like this? Try Why Not? by Shari Low; Angels by Marian Keyes.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 26, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Princess Diaries Seventh Heaven by Meg Cabot

As you might have noticed, we love Meg Cabot around here, but her adult books don't sell anywhere near as many copies as her young adult books, particularly the Princess Diaries series, so we felt it was time we reviewed one. And, luckily for us, there's a new one out - the seventh Princess Diaries novel - Seventh Heaven.

Don't be put off by the fact that these books are aimed at young adults (we're certainly not) - this series, featuring reluctant princess Mia Thermopolis, is chock-full of Cabot's trademark humour and charm and should be read by young and, um, not-so-young alike. (In fact Marian Keyes recommended the Princess Diaries books when I last spoke to her .. yeah, okay, it was at a Waterstone's reading.)

Seventh Heaven sees Mia's grandmere at her Machiavellian best, Mia falling out both with best friend Lilly and boyfriend Michael (by trying to turn herself into a 'party girl') and a rejection for Mia's story No More Corn! (about The Boy Who Hates It When They Put Corn In The Chilli).

What I love the most about this series is all the characters - even minor ones like Mia's bodyguard Lars or Michael and Lilly's parents The Drs Moscovitz - feel like old friends. For days after I finished reading this book (and I read it in a day) I found myself looking forward to getting back to it and then being disappointed to remember I'd finished it. Luckily, Cabot is so prolific I won't have to wait long for the next one.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Related posts - What we thought of Meg's Size 12 Is Not Fat and Queen of Babble / Chick Lit for Little Chicks

Posted by Keris on September 26, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (11)

September 25, 2006 2:01 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris

Fans of Joanne Harris's lovely 1999 novel Chocolat will be thrilled to know that her new book, out next May, features Chocolat's heroine Vianne Rocher, now living in Montmartre, Paris.

But will Johnny Depp, um, I mean Roux, be in it ... ?

Posted by Keris on September 25, 2006 in Book News, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: You Could Do Better by Stephanie Lehmann

Recently we mentioned Stephanie Lehmann's television-obsessed blog and now she's written a television-obsessed book.

You Could Do Better is described as '... an irresistible new novel about a woman trying to choose between the man of her dreams - and her fiance ...' If you can resist a line like that, you're a better woman than me. Hop over the cut to see if the book lives up to it.

Daphne works as a curator at the Museum of Television and Radio in New York, so obsession with TV is part of her job. But she also uses TV as a way to avoid engaging in real life (who doesn't?!) - her parents are dead, her former supermodel sister Billie is a mess and sex with her boyfriend Charlie is only average.

But when Charlie proposes Daphne almost misses it because she's too busy watching a fictional proposal on TV. Luckily she catches on and accepts but then when Charlie starts to lose patience with her television habit and she meets a sexy and available TV producer, Daphne starts to wonder if maybe she's settling for Charlie .. if perhaps she could do better.

I really loved this book. Daphne could be an unlikeable character, but her worries are so relateable and understandable I didn't find her unlikeable at all. Stephanie Lehmann weaves real TV shows seamlessly into the plot - and has some interesting things to say about the history of US sitcoms - and has created a very foxy hero in Jonathan Hill.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Pug Hill by Alison Pace

Posted by Keris on September 25, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

Book News: It's Vintage, Darling!

This lovely-looking new book had me at "hello, what's this?"

It's Vintage, Darling! by Christa Weil instantly appealed to me as I'm a vintage obsessive from way back (remember when we used to call it 'second-hand'?) With tips on how to tailor your second- sorry, vintage wardrobe to suit your figure and style, rather than just having an odd mish-mash of un-matching outfits (hmm, someone's been peeking in my wardrobe, haven't they?) as well as hints on spotting classic items and inspirational stories of finding perfect outfits, it sounds like perfect escapism.

The subtitle is 'how to be a clothes connoisseur'- something the ladies over at our sister site Catwalk Queen are already experts at! Over at the new shiny forums, you can even ask the CQ girls for advice. (And there's a Trashionista section too, of course, book lovers...)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 25, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 22, 2006 8:12 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Gulp! by Gabriella Goddard

A little while ago we hosted author Gabriella Goddard on her virtual book tour to promote Gulp! Gulp! is a "seven day crash course to master fear and break through any challenge", something I sure most of us would love to be able to do.

Before I do anything else though, let me remind you of our Gulp! competition. We've got two copies of Gulp! to give away and to win one all you have to do is email us at editor@trashionista.com and tell us about the challenge you would take on with the help of Gulp! Our favourites - or those we think most need Gabriella's help - will win a copy.

Carry on over the cut to see what I thought of Gulp!

The seven day course which Gabriella outlined in her own post is explained, summarised and recapped - so even complicated issues (and there are some) are easy to understand. Each chapter ends with a practice - questions for you to complete so that you can see how the ideas apply to your situation. This is followed by an Action Plan which includes my favourite thing about Gulp! - there are different actions depending on "the size of your Gulp! and how nervous the situation makes you feel": Espresso, Mediano and Grande. This is great for someone impatient like me. I can start with Espresso and work my way up to Grande.

I've read a lot of self-help books and the problem is that it all makes perfect sense and seems inspiring when you read it, but then you stop reading, go back to life and forget all about it .. until you find yourself buying another self-help book. What I'm saying is, it's hard to say if Gulp! works, but it's certainly interesting and thought-provoking - I have marked an awful lot of pages to return to - and if you follow Gabriella's advice, I'm confident you'll be able to crack any challenge.

Posted by Keris on September 22, 2006 in Competition, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Self development | Permalink | Comments (2)

FRIDAY FLICK: Mean Girls

You may not know that Mean Girls was based on the non-fiction book Queen Bees and Wannabees by Rosalind Wiseman (I didn't until Luisa told me).

It was recommended to me repeatedly following my review of Kaavya Viswanathan's How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild and Got A Life. Unlike me, Gemma read the book before all the plagiarism accusations, but was struck by its similarity to Mean Girls. Gemma was absolutely right - the similarities are startling. But what about the movie?

Lindsay Lohan is Cady Heron who has previously been home-schooled in Africa and is facing high school for the first time. She's befriended by a couple of "misfits" - Goth girl Janis and her gay best friend Damian - but (because she's "hot") soon attracts the attention of the "Plastics" - Regina and her two dim cohorts. She agrees to spend her lunch breaks with them and report back to Janis and Damian on the stupid things they say and do, but soon she's becoming one of them - changing the way she talks, dresses, even failing "math" (which she's great at) to get closer to a boy.

It all sounds like typical teen movie fare - and it is - but it's also clever and absolutely hilarious (the screenplay was written by Tina Fey - famous in the US for Saturday Night Live and who also plays Ms Norbury).

I absolutely loved it.

Posted by Keris on September 22, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 21, 2006 11:23 AM

Chicken Lit (no, really)

Now I know these books came out ages ago, but I just saw this (make sure you click on the slide show) and it made me laugh so much I had to share.

The first book - Bitter With Baggage Seeks Same is only £3.00 on Amazon UK (plus there's a sequel).

Posted by Keris on September 21, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

THURSDAY THREE: Inspired by Nancy Drew

Nancy Drew never seemed to have as big an impact in the UK as she did in the U.S, where she's something of a cultural icon for women and young girls. I remember reading one or two of her mysteries as a "tweenie" and enjoying them, but it was all about Enid Blyton (and later Paula Danziger) for me. So what's with all the interest in Nancy Drew from U.S authors? She seems to have had a huge boom in popularity lately. Perhaps as the world seems more unstable, we get all nostalgic- if only global problems could be solved by Nancy journeying down to Mystery Creek or the haunted mansion and sorting things out...

How Nancy Drew saved my Life by Lauren Baratz-Logsted is the story of nanny Charlotte Bell, who moves to Iceland to nurse a broken heart and work for the mysterious Edgar Rawlings. Everything is not as innocent as it first seems, as Charlotte is inspired by both Jane Eyre and Nancy Drew as she tries to work out what's going on...

What will the next books be? We could send for Nancy Drew or you could continue over the cut to find out...

In Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the woman who created her, Melanie Rehak asks if truth is stranger than fiction, revealing the behind-the scenes fighting between Nancy's creator and syndicate writer Mildred Wirt Benson and tracing Nancy's development and how she reflected the feminist movement. You can read an extract here.

Finally, and taking the theme to its logical conclusion, we we have Nancy Drew's Guide to Life by Jennifer Worick, a pocket-sized summary of Nancy wisdom.

*And if you never got into the Nancy groove, it's not too late! You can buy a starter set of Nancy novels (and I see they've made efforts to update her, too).*

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 21, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (10)

September 20, 2006 12:35 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Lauren Baratz-Logsted has to be one of the hardest-working women in chick-lit. Not only does she have three books of her own out this autumn, but she's the editor of much-talked about anthology This is Chick Lit. And she somehow found time to talk to us, lovely author that she is...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer: Not fair! I have four books coming out this fall! How Nancy Drew Saved My Life: a contemporary Jane Eyre-ish comic gothic set in Manhattan and Iceland. This Is Chick-Lit: an anthology, the title of which says it all. Vertigo: literary fiction set in the Victorian era with erotic/suspense undertones. Angel's Choice: serious YA about a pregnant high-school senior on track for Yale.

Continue over the cut for more...

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

My windowless basement.  [Ah- no distractions!]

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Nick Hornby's About A Boy :)  [Aha!- although it's not really a romance book...]

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice, because she's smart and she gets Mr. Darcy.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Read, read widely, and always remember: the only person who can ever take you out of the game is you.

What are you reading at the moment?

Old Filth, by Jane Gardam.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!) I'm in limbo. I've handed in revisions for all three books I have coming out in 2007, so now I'm just working on promoting the four 2006 titles. But never fear. I'll write again soon... :)

Thanks Lauren- that's great advice. Good luck with ALL your books!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance | Permalink | Comments (15)

Yet more lookalike book covers

This is my favourite book cover lookalike yet. Jennifer Weiner's In Her Shoes and Best Fetish Erotica.

Funnily enough, I couldn't remember the title of the lookalike book so I emailed Jennifer and asked her. Being a total sweetie, she emailed me back the following day and then blogged about it herself. I inspired Jennifer Weiner. Hee.

Posted by Keris on September 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Remember when I told you about Reader, I Married Him? Well, host Daisy Goodwin got herself into a little hot water last week when she suggested that few men enjoy, or enjoy writing, romantic fiction. We occasionally take a look at chick-lit by men, and Galleycat tried to prove her wrong, but what do you think?

Today's Yay or Nay: Can men write romantic fiction as well as their female counterparts? (And if you're a male writer travelling through these here parts, don't be shy!)

Tell us Yay or Nay- and why!

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 20, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Television, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (12)

BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of a Failed Grown-up by Stephanie Calman

I loved Stephanie Calman's Confessions of a Bad Mother (subtitled: in the aisle by the chill cabinet no-one can hear you scream!) - I was relieved to find there are other mothers who are bewildered and improvising - so considering I also don't feel at all grown-up (I bet you're shocked to hear that, aren't you?) I was really excited about reading this book.

Did it live up to expectation? Read on over the cut to find out.

Stephanie is married with two children. She's (sometimes brutally) honest about her marriage, her children, her parents and upbringing and she writes movingly about her father's death, but there is a laugh (or at least a smile) on every page. Plus I lost count of the times I said, 'That's just like me' or 'Listen to this!' to my husband (who just rolled his eyes).

She doesn't want to exercise (but she really wants to eat - scoffing pillow chocolates within seconds of arriving in a hotel room), she lets her children watch Saturday Night Fever (and if I remember anything about that film it's that it's not suitable for children) and thinks about leaving her husband (but decides that once you've got the kids up and packed, it's easier just to stay), and she can't believe she's allowed to drive. In other words, she's a real woman.

Reading this book is like reading emails from your funniest friend - the one who always understands, makes you feel better and then makes you laugh until you wet yourself. Probably.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Shops by India Knight or Marian Keyes's Under the Duvet and Further Under the Duvet

Posted by Keris on September 20, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 19, 2006 9:48 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Playground Mafia by Sarah Tucker

The success of The Ivy Chronicles has spawned a whole new sub-genre in mummy-lit: school-related madness mummy-lit. (It's rather a mouthful of a sub-genre).

Unlike TIC, Sarah Tucker's book isn't based around the schools admissions process -although the narrator does makes mention of that several times- but is about an intimidating group of PTA mothers who can make a parent's life very miserable: The Playground Mafia. When Caroline moves to an exclusive suburb of London and her son Ben starts at the local infants', her best friends Heather and Eva (who handily both live in the teeny-tiny catchment area too) warn her to stay on the good side of mothers (-in both senses!) Sarah, Karin and Felicity- or else. At first she doesn't take them too seriously, but then she starts to see what the "mafia" can do...

And therein lies a problem. Not just for Caroline and her friends as they are at first overpowered by and then try to outwit the P.M (Playground Mafia), but for me too. This isn't a bad idea for a book, and in fact isn't a bad book, but it has more problems than the author perhaps intended. The most obvious one being that it's rather- well, boring! No matter how interesting a concept, trying to stretch it to 452 pages when it's more of a 252 page plot is never going to work. And any book with 'Mafia' in the title should really pull no punches and keep you on the edge of your seat- not the edge of sleep...

There's a couple of possible love interests for Caroline and a hint of intrigue here and there, but then everything works out okay in the end (surprise!) This all happens with very little suspense because the book is too long. Some ruthless editing could have improved this book by 50%, but length isn't the only problem, unfortunately. It's very cliched too, with a main character who hates her ex-husband, loves her son and shopping for clothes and has a mother who is a little on the critical side. Hmm, I've never seen that done before... But my biggest criticism and I think the reason (other than it being too long) that it drags is that the author is too far along the 'tell' end of the show don't tell spectrum.  She describes events for pages and pages, and I can tell she's put a lot of effort into doing so- but a paragraph with a little speech or a revealing action would often have been far more interesting and effective, in far fewer words.

So what are the good points about the book? Well, the nasty characters are well-created and the book is much more lively when they're around. In fact, all the characters are well-drawn, even if some of them are on the stereotypical side. I also think this could have been a fabulous story, had it been executed slightly differently (and in fewer words).

I've mentioned before that I'm not in the slightest bit broody, and so books about motherhood don't always appeal to me. But I stand by what I said then: if they're interesting enough, I'll thoroughly enjoy them anyway. Unfortunately, this book wasn't- and I didn't.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try Wife in the Fast Lane by Ivy Quinn.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 19, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 15, 2006 11:14 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Ya Yas in Bloom by Rebecca Wells

Never one to let a book fad pass me by (not when it comes to chick-lit, anyway) I devoured the book Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood back in 2000. I was less keen on its prequel, Little Altars Everywhere, which was written after the success of the first book. And now Rebecca Wells and her gang of southern belles are back, in Ya Yas in Bloom.

So... is it a Ya Ya too far?

Honestly, yes. 

Don't get me wrong, this book's nicely written and enjoyable enough, but totally and utterly unnecessary. There's really no story here, just a loosely linked series of vignettes re-telling the story from the first book (and not as well, because really, what else is there to say?) There's no narrative to speak of and really no point, but it's enjoyable enough fluff, at least... Thankfully, it's a lot less dark than Little Altars, whose hints at child abuse seem to have been quickly forgotten. 

Rebecca Wells' talent for creating a rich, evocative world is still evident- she writes great characters and I can't blame her for wanting to re-visit them. Who wouldn't like to spend a bit more time with the beguiling Vivi Abbot Walker and co.? But fans of Sidda will be disappointed as she's relegated to the background here, and Baylor is the only "tres-petite" to have a storyline- although that works as he's very sweet. I enjoyed most of the book, but it doesn't really add up to more than the sum of its parts. Cynically, I couldn't help wondering if this was a cashing-in opportunity... Wells must have other ideas and she certainly has the ability to execute them- I'd love for her to create a new and exciting fictional world.

It's  not a bad way to spend some time, and newcomers to Wells would probably enjoy it more than I did, but there are other books out there which do the same thing a lot better- Divine Secrets, for a start.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 15, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

FRIDAY FLICK: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Based on the novel by Fannie Flagg, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe stars Mary Louise Parker (seen more recently in Weeds and The West Wing) and Mary-Stuart Masterson (seen not that recently in Sixteen Candles and Benny & Joon). Because they've each got three names that start with Mary, I always used to get these two actresses mixed up. When I sat down to watch this film thinking I'd seen it before and hadn't really enjoyed it, I found I'd mixed it up with Boys on the Side which starred Mary Louise Parker along with - swoon - Matthew McConaughey (I must've enjoyed that. I'll have to watch it again.)

Meanwhile, back at the Whistle Stop Cafe ...

Kathy Bates plays the delightfully-named Evelyn Couch. Evelyn is overweight and fed up. When visiting her husband's aunt in a care home, she meets Ninny Threadgood (Jessica Tandy) who starts (completely out of the blue, actually) telling her the story of Idgie Threadgood (Masterson) and Ruth Jamison (Parker). Ninny's story is then interweaved with Evelyn's realisation that there's more to life than she's been allowing herself.

I really enjoyed this film. There's nothing new or startling (then again, it is fifteen years old) and it probably turns out just how you expect it will, but 15 minutes in, I was in tears. Like Fannie Flagg's books, this is one for a Sunday afternoon with a pot of tea and a box of biscuits (fried green tomatoes optional).

Posted by Keris on September 15, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 14, 2006 11:37 AM

THURSDAY THREE: Bridget, meet Carrie...

"Bridget Jones meets Sex and the City." Yep, that old chestnut. Sounds like it would be the perfect way to describe a chick-lit novel, doesn't it? It's pretty much an author's dream to hear their work is an amalgam of two of the most influential books in the whole genre (unless you were aiming for something a little more Martin Amis-esque, of course!) But it's been overdone. Some reviewers still seem to think it's an original remark, and trot it out at every opportunity. It's been devalued by being used about every author who so much as mentions Manhattan.  Let's stop the madness! And discuss whether these three contenders are worthy of the cliche...

First up, Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison, and this one actually IS well described as a cross between Bridget Jones's Diary and SATC- it's a memoir about a single British girl called Bridget looking for love in NYC, who has a Carrie-style relationships column in a popular newspaper. No wonder the quote on the cover is actually from Candace Bushnell herself...

Second, we have Girls' Poker Night by Jill A. Davis, this time a novel but again about a young woman in NYC who's looking for love (kind of). And playing some poker (which is more of a Desperate Housewives kinda thing, no?) This time the label "Bridget Jones Meets Sex and the City" is from Library Journal- and I'm not convinced.

What will the third book be? Read on to find out (I'll make it worth your while!)

Amy Cameron's Playing with Matches is a collection of true-life tales from herself and other women, focusing on disastrous dating. As you can see from the above link, the first line of its blurb is "Part Sex & the City, part Bridget Jones’s Diary." Quelle original! Read a wry/mocking article on this overexposed/lazy book description here.

In other Canadian book news, Leah Mcclaren's debut novel has also been described in the press as... well, take a guess! Watch this trailer for her book The Continuity girl [warning: lots of flashing lights] however, and marvel at the surprising use of the phrase "sperm bandit." Now that's not a phrase book reviewers see every day!

(These last two books appear to only be available via Amazon.ca at present).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 14, 2006 in American Authors, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion, Television, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (1)

TV News: Reader, I Married Him

Make a note in your diaries for 9pm this coming Monday (18th September) because no self-respecting Trashionista will want to miss a new three-part series, Reader, I Married Him, on BBC4. Presented by Daisy Goodwin, it focuses on the continuing popularity of romantic fiction and traces its origins. Goodwin will be speaking to Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella and Jilly Cooper about why their books are so popular, as well as looking at heroes and heroines in classic romantic fiction (that'll be Mr Darcy and Jane Eyre then...) You can watch a trailer via the website and you'll also find a quiz to test your knowledge of romantic fiction (I got a respectable 8/10 but  my ignorance of Barbara Cartland's oeuvre let me down!) and a competition to win a full set of Jane Austen's novels.

And here's a piece from the Woman's Hour archives about whether men will read romantic fiction.

Enjoy! (And let us know what you think).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 14, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Romance, Sophie Kinsella, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 13, 2006 10:47 PM

Trashionista Recommends: Heart of Tartness book club

The five romance writers who blog collectively at The Lipstick Chronicles have started a "Heart of Tartness" online book club.

Their first book is The Cinderella Pact by Sarah Strohmeyer (one of the five bloggers, funnily enough!) and the focus of the discussion is Women and Self Worth:

"Are we, like the hair color urges, worth it? What keeps us from accepting and loving ourselves just the way we are? The Pact in the book is made by three friends who vow to change their weight. Do they lose anything with the weight? Do they gain anything in return?"

Read the book, drop by, leave a comment. You know, just like you do here.

Posted by Keris on September 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Romance, Trashionista Recommends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jenny Colgan's wedding cake and more!

Over on our sister site Bridalwave today, you can find out where chick-lit stalwart Jenny Colgan got her wedding cake (and order one of your own, if you're so inclined!) Plus, a couple of weeks ago, they featured news of Trinny and Susannah's latest book: a guide to dressing for weddings.  With five of my friends having got engaged in the last year, I think I might need to take a look at that...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 13, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

I think it's time for another Marian Keyes Yay or Nay, don't you? This time we're turning our attention to her non-fiction works, Under The Duvet and Further Under the Duvet (largely inspired by the fact that I bought the latter last week!)

SO... How do you feel about one of Trashionista's firm fiction faves moonlighting as a journalist? Do you enjoy her non-fiction or should she stick to the stories- Going under Marian's duvet (so to speak!): is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 13, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (5)

Chick Lit authors' favourite TV shows

On her website Jennifer Crusie has a fabulous article entitled The Five Things I've Learned About Writing Romance from TV.  I'm fairly sure I once read she said she'd learned more about writing from watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer than from any writing guide. 

So what other TV shows do our favourite chick lit authors recommend?  Well, Stephanie Lehmann, author of You Could Do Better (review coming soon) has dedicated her blog to asking that very question.

Continue over the cut to find out what you should be watching.   

Joshilyn Jackson and Diana Peterfreund are also Buffy bonkers (sorry), while Shanna Swendson is a fan (I think that may be putting it mildly) of (Buffy creator) Joss Whedon's Firefly and Alison Pace is glued to Grey's Anatomy (and Beverly Hills 90210). 

So it seems if you have a hankering to write chick lit you could do worse than to start saving up for Joss Whedon's back catalogue (but watch Grey's Anatomy for Dr McDreamy). 

Posted by Keris on September 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Television | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich

Twelve Sharp is the latest in Janet Evanovich's enormously popular Stephanie Plum series. 

I usually like to save Evanovich's books for a long journey or holiday and then read them in one sitting and while I didn't manage that with this one, it was still great fun to find myself in the company of Stephanie, Morelli, Ranger and Grandma Mazur again.  (Do you know, I can't quite believe they don't really exist!) 

Remember Ranger has a daughter?  No?  Neither did I, but he has and in Twelve Sharp she's been kidnapped by a Ranger wannabe.  With the police after him for his daughter's abduction, the real Ranger has to go into hiding and so Stephanie finds herself both looking for Ranger's daughter and on the trail of fake-Ranger while avoiding fake-Ranger's wife (who isn't too keen on Stephanie's relationship with real-Ranger) and trying to convince Morelli that her relationship with (real-)Ranger is purely professional. 

It's not quite as confusing as it sounds and it's not quite as fabulous as some of Evanovich's earlier books, but a below-par Plum book is still considerably more entertaining than many other books out there. 

If you like this, try The Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich and Fashion Victim by Sam Baker

Posted by Keris on September 13, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

SPOTLIGHT: Andrea Semple

This week the spotllight's on British author Andrea Semple.

Hailed as 'the new Marian Keyes' (even though the old one's still going strong), Andrea Semple worked in PR, as a journalist, and in nightclub management in Ibiza before taking three months off to write her first novel, The Ex-Factor. She swiftly landed a two-book deal and wrote her second, The Make-up Girl, in nine months.

Aged 28, she lives in Leeds with her boyfriend, author Matt Haig. She's got a great website full of chick lit info ("Write like a girl") and author interviews and also publishes a handy writing tips newsletter.

Oh and she's written a fab defence of chick lit.

Did you know ... she has a namesake who teaches "the art of sensually and erotically undressing"?

Carry on over the cut for Andrea's bibliography.

The Ex-Factor
The Make-up Girl
The Man From Perfect

Posted by Keris on September 13, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 11, 2006 10:30 PM

Trashionista recommends: Zinio

Occasionally - and you'll be shocked by this - occasionally, I don't want to read a book. Sometimes I just want to sit down with a cup of tea and flick through a glossy magazine. But I favour American magazines. I don't know why. They just seem somehow more glamorous, more stylish, more grown-up than the British ones. But they're also more expensive and harder to get hold of.

Except they're not. Because at Zinio you can subscribe to US magazines and read them online. Unlike me, you may not be sad enough to get over-excited at being able to turn the page just like a real magazine, but perhaps you'll be excited about a year's worth of US Elle for $12.00. That's about £6.50 or 50p per issue! (If you are in the US, it's pretty cheap for print mags too, e.g. $15.00 for Vanity Fair for a year.)

Check out a free sample issue of Seventeen (chosen for the Justin Timberlake cover) here.

Posted by Keris on September 11, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Trashionista Recommends | Permalink | Comments (0)

CNN on Chick Lit

This interesting article on CNN.com includes a typically spirited defence of chick lit from Marian Keyes:

"I actually think it's quite a serious movement," Keyes said in a recent phone interview from her home in Dublin, Ireland. "It's articulating the concerns of this unique generation of women. I wasn't getting the answers I needed from magazines, so I started writing about people like me."

Make sure you also click on the video link to see Farrin Jacobs and Sarah Mlynowski talking about chick lit and their book, See Jane Write (in which they reveal the original title of the book was 'Like Life, But Funnier').

Posted by Keris on September 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

Veronika Asks, authors answer

Veronika Asks is a fantastic new resource for book lovers! Featuring interviews with chick-lit authors like Lauren Baratz Logsted, editor of much-talked about anthology, This is Chick Lit (we have our own interview with her coming soon!) and teen chick-lit author Michele Jaffe, as well as reviews of authors like Melanie Lynne Hauser and Apostilina, it's just wonderful.

Perhaps most impressive, you can also read the site in French if you parlez-vous Francais, and you can send in questions for upcoming authors via email if you wish.  Check out the site for more!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Interviews | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 8, 2006 8:22 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot's adult novels haven't yet achieved the enormous success of her teen books, but this year has seen the release of the first book in each of two new adult series. The first Heather Wells mystery, Size 12 Is Not Fat received mixed reviews and so did Queen of Babble, but I was dying to read it anyway.

So does it reach the usual Cabot heights? Well, in a word .. no. (Cue stunned gasps from everyone who knows me!)

Carry on across the cut to find out why not.

Lizzie Nichols is 22 and has just graduated. Some of the criticism of both Size 12 Is Not Fat and this book is that it could easily be one of Meg's teen books if it wasn't for the subject matter and I wonder if that's why she's made Lizzie 22. But even for 22, Lizzie is unbelievably immature. Oh she's sweet, but too naive to be realistic. And not just because she uses the word 'stiffy' about six times in the first fifty pages.

As the title implies, Lizzie can't keep her mouth shut. She talks a lot and she can't be trusted to keep a secret. Following a disastrous trip to London to visit her appalling boyfriend (who she's actually only previously spent one night with) she gets the train to Paris to visit a friend who's working at a French chateau and spills all her secrets to the handsome hunk in the next seat. And guess what? He's the son of the owner of the chateau. Did you see that coming? No! Me neither! (I'm being sarcastic.)

Once Lizzie gets to the chateau this book improved immeasurably. Despite being embarrassingly dopey, Lizzie is very sweet. Her friend Shari and Shari's boyfriend Chaz are great characters (as is Lizzie's grandma who sadly disappears from the book after the first 100 or so pages) and Luke (the chateau-owner's son) is gorgeous.

But .. but .. it just wasn't that special. It was sweet and funny, but it wasn't very original and I hate to say it but this type of story was done a lot more successfully by Sophie Kinsella in Can You Keep A Secret?

If you like this, try Can You Keep A Secret? or The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Keris on September 8, 2006 in American Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

FRIDAY FLICK: How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days

Based on the self-help satire by Michele Alexander and Jennie Long, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days stars the ever-gorgeous Matthew McConaughey, and Kate Hudson who I find myself liking more and more (but not in the same way I like Matthew).

Kate plays Andie, a journalist at Composure magazine who suggests a feature on the dating mistakes all women make (being too clingy, baby talk, incessant phonecalls, etc). Her editor challenges her to drive a man away in 10 days. Matthew (swoon) plays Benjamin, an ad exec who, conveniently, accepts a bet to make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days (in order to win a prestigious diamond account). Of course they end up dating each other with - yes - hilarious results. No, really.

For their first date Andie is "herself" - sexy, funny, charming - but once she's got Benjamin hooked she turns on the dating no-no's and Benjamin is alternately flummoxed and horrified, but of course he can't dump her. Kate Hudson plays kooky/crazy brilliantly and Matthew McConaughey is so effortlessly charming that it really works.

I loved this film. It's funny, looks great (not just Matthew; it's set in New York) and while there was no chemistry between Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson in Alex & Emma, Hudson and McConaughey's makes the screen crackle.

Plus it's got the line: "If I had a nickel for every time I got in a fistfight during a chick flick .." What's not to love?

Posted by Keris on September 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 7, 2006 7:47 PM

More book cover snap

I heard that lovely, "national treasure", British comedy actress Julie Walters has a novel coming out, so of course I looked it up on Amazon.

The book sounds good (she's going to be talking about it on Jonathan Ross tomorrow night, if you're in the UK) and the cover's gorgeous, but - as often happens to me - it reminded me of another cover.

Carry on across the cut to see which one.

The long-awaited new novel by Amy & Isabelle author, Elizabeth Strout.

The snow, the tree, the black coat, the red text and umbrella.

But then that one put me in mind of another book. Harriet Evans's Going Home (review coming soon!).

No red or umbrella this time, but the tree, the faded colours, the typeface and yet another back view.

They're all gorgeous covers, but it's curious, don't you think?

Posted by Keris on September 7, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reading Friends

They were there for us and then they weren't anymore and I for one still miss them, but Friends provides a pretty poor haul, book-wise.

There's the official book of the entire series, Friends... 'til the End: The One with All Ten Years, an Official Trivia Book (do you remember what Chandler did for a living?), an unofficial guide, Friends Like Us and finally The Very Best of Friends which is, I think, an official guide to the first three seasons.

And that's it! No novels, no prequels, no cultural/feminist studies. Very disappointing.

Posted by Keris on September 7, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

Thursday Three: Reality TV

Since the advent of 24-hour reality TV in the early 'noughties, the general public, filmmakers and especially authors have been fascinated with reality TV.  Here are three different literary takes on the genre...

Old School Ties by Kate Harrison satirises both the Friends Reunited trend and the cult of reality TV, as Tracy Mortimer optimistically signs up for a school reunion TV show (much like this one) only to find her fellow classmates don't remember her teenage self with as much fondness as she might have hoped...

In Sarah Mlynowski's As Seen On TV, Sunny Langstein moves to New York to star in a reality TV show called Party Girls, which follows single women-about-town. Things are complicated by the fact that Sunny actually has a boyfriend, who isn't so keen on the fact that she's found fame posing as a single girl...

Finally Lauren Barnholdt's Reality Chick is a YA (young adult- ie. teen chick lit) take on the subject in which Ally decides to sign up for a Real World-style reality show, In The House, during her first year at university.  And-would you credit it? Things don't turn out as she planned!

Are there any I've missed? What are your favourites?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 7, 2006 in American Authors, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Television, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 6, 2006 11:57 AM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin not only writes great chick lit, but has one of the most delicious-looking websites I've ever seen (where you can read extracts of all three of her books). And (and!) she happily agreed to be our third Trashionista Interviewee...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer: Baby Proof explores the question of whether there are ever deal breakers when it comes to true love.

Find out more over the cut...

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)? In my attic office. But when I get writer’s block, I venture out of the house with my laptop.

Your favourite chick-lit book? There are so many. I love Sarah Dunn’s The Big Love. She has such a fresh voice.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why? There’s something about the books that I read as a child that remain the most special to me. I adore Anne (of Greene Gables). I also love Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird and Ramona Quimby. All three of these girls had such moxie at such a young age.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers? I would suggest that they devote as much time as they can to both reading and writing. Write in a journal every day. Write what you love. And above all else, have a thick skin. Believe in yourself. Rejection is just part of the process.

What are you reading at the moment? I just finished Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson. It was excellent. I can’t wait to dive into her next book.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!) I am busy at work on my fourth novel, called Love the One You’re With, due out next summer. It is about a woman--just 100 days married--who revisits an old love.

Thanks Emily!

[Photo: Jerry Bauer]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 6, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

You all seem to love your Austen (and rightly so!) but despite Richard and Judy's book club endorsement, The Jane Austen Book Club hasn't been so universally adored and Jenni's review gave it a big fat nay.

Am I the only one who loved it, finding it entertaining, witty and well-written? *Hides under table*

Tell us: is it a Yay or a Nay, and Why?

[Don't forget to vote Yay or Nay at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 6, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Richard and Judy, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (2)

MOVIE NEWS: The Guy Not Taken

Diane loved Jennifer Weiner's new short story collection, The Guy Not Taken and now I hear Dreamworks have snapped up the film rights to the title story.

More news as and when we hear it (I know you'd expect nothing less!).

Posted by Keris on September 6, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Girly Stuff, Movie News, New Releases, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gulp!

Funny how I was just talking about Virtual Book Tours the other day and now we get a chance to host one!

Gabriella Goddard is the first UK author to undertake a virtual book tour. Read on for her top change-your-life tips and for a chance to win a copy of Gulp! : The seven-day crash course to master fear and break through any challenge.

If you'd like to win one of two copies of Gabriella's fab book (review coming soon) then send us an email telling us about the challenge you plan to take on with the help of Gulp! Our favourites - or those we think most need Gabriella's help! - will win a copy of the book.

Now on to Gabriella's excellent advice.

Just Gulp! and Get Going by Gabriella Goddard

The summer holidays are over and the grey skies of winter are looming.  But now there is a remedy for post-holiday blues – “Gulp! time”. 

Do you want a pay rise?  Is it time to change jobs?  Do you want to do something adventurous? Is it time to break up? Or is it time to start dating again?

Take advantage of your leftover summer energy and seize this moment.  Make the commitment to do something about it – right here, right now. 

Just think for a minute:

What one thing would make the biggest difference to your life over the next six months?

What is the biggest obstacle or block standing in your way?

Get started today by working through the Gulp! 7 Day programme.   And join us for Gulp! Together Week where other brave souls are pledging their Gulp! and raising money for charity at www.gulptogether.com.

After all, if not now…when?

Day 1:  Dare & Defy

The challenge is there, whether you like it or not.  So what are you going to do about it?   Face your challenge head on by writing it down and naming it.  Set yourself a deadline for achieving it and make the pivotal decision to go for it.

Day 2:  Breakdown & Breakthrough

The biggest thing holding you back is fear; fear of the unknown, fear of failure and the list of fears goes on.  Rather than tar the whole situation with the same brush, break it down and identify the specific fear trigger points.  Put strategies in place to minimise these and then focus on the positive benefits rather than the negative possibilities.

Day 3:  Centre & Connect

When you silence your mind and connect to your deeper wisdom, there is no fear.  Here there is only what is aligned to your true essence and what “feels right”.  Spend time centring yourself; meditating, taking walks in nature, doing yoga or simply breathing. Listen to what your wise inner sage has to say.

Day 4:  Imagine & Invent

This challenge could be a catalyst for really great things to come. So create “space” for new ideas and insights to emerge.  Spend some time at a café, in the park or with a group of friends brainstorming new ideas and expanding the options open to you.

Day 5:  Plan & Prepare

Now it’s time to put together a plan and start moving forward.  The C.I.G.A.R. model is brilliant for this – Current Reality, Ideal Outcome, Gaps, Actions and Review. Make sure you keep you energy levels high with good food, plenty of water and fitful sleep.

Day 6:  Focus & Flow

As you move into the “unknown”, let go of control and learn to let your intuition and instinct guide you. When you have to make a choice or a decision, tune into the situation and listen to what your gut feeling says.  As you know, it’s usually right.

Day 7:  Gulp! & Go

You’ve done the thinking and you’ve done the preparing.  You’ve even built some foot bridges.  Now it’s time to take that leap of faith.  So tie up any loose ends and just Gulp! and go for it.  You never know what’s around the corner.

© Gabriella Goddard, 2006.

Gabriella Goddard is the author of “Gulp! : The seven-day crash course to master fear and break through any challenge” (Penguin, £7.99).  A popular speaker, she is regularly featured in the national media.  www.gulptime.com

Posted by Keris on September 6, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Competition, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (9)

BOOK REVIEW: How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life by Kaavya Viswanathan

I know, I know, I'm reviewing this very late in the day, but I bought it (in Canada) after reading that all copies had been pulled and so it was selling for up to $100 on ebay. In reality, you can buy it on Amazon from £1.50. So I need to get my money's worth from somewhere.

Plus I've read a lot about the Kaavya Viswanathan scandal, but very little about whether it's actually a good book, so I decided to go ahead and read it. Hop over the cut to see what I thought.

I have to say, I really enjoyed it. Now I know chunks of it were plagiarised, but what wasn't pinched (as far as we know) was the basic storyline and, in my opinion, it's a good one. Opal Mehta has worked towards Harvard her whole life (full disclosure: this reminded me a little too much of Rory Gilmore for comfort, but let's brush that aside). The one thing Opal's never thought about is fun so when at her Harvard interview the Dean of Admissions asks her what she enjoys doing she's stumped. Afraid that the family dream is in danger, Opal's parents instigate operation HOWGAL - How Opal Will Get A Life, buying teen magazines, taping TV shows like The O.C., listening to 50 Cent and giving Opal a stunning makeover. And it works, for a time, but we all know that she's going to have to realise she needs to be herself, don't we?

I liked Opal and I really liked the love interest Sean Whalen, but the best thing about this book for me was Opal's parents. I really think they are a great comedy creation and it's a shame we'll never see them on the big screen (since, of course, Viswanathan's film deal with Dreamworks was cancelled along with her publishing contract).

It's also interesting to read this book knowing how it parallels Kaavya Viswanathan experience. Like Opal, she attends Harvard and, like Opal, she's now been involved in a scandal that surely has everyone in college whispering about her. Plus, like Opal, she should have just been herself rather than trying to copy someone else. Ha! You see, it could have all just been a clever promotional idea (if it hadn't been for all the books being withdrawn from sale).

Still - this may be an unfashionable opinion, but I feel sorry for Viswanathan. She is so young, she got a huge (and therefore hugely intimidating) contract, she was presumably under immense pressure to deliver a saleable book and she made a series of really stupid mistakes. But you'd have to be pretty heartless to read 'This is her first novel' on the back of the book and, knowing it's likely to also be her last, not feel a little bit sad.

If you like this, try The Make-up Girl by Andrea Semple or The Boyfriend List by E Lockhart (try it even if you don't like this cos it's fab).

Posted by Keris on September 6, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (8)

September 5, 2006 10:05 AM

New newsletter news!

Just like us here at Trashionista, wonderful Jennifer Weiner's got a new newsletter that you can sign up to here (as well as a new book).

And for those of you who've been a bit flummoxed when trying to sign up to our Shiny new newsletter, you just need to put your email address in that box up there on the right and then click confirm on the next page. No need to tick any other boxes so don't worry, there'll be no spamming - honest!

Posted by Keris on September 5, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sweet Dreams

Do you remember Sweet Dreams books? They were a young adult romance series in the eighties with great titles like Lights, Camera, Love, It Must Be Magic and The Popularity Plan. I was obsessed with them and had dozens (I recently picked four up in a second-hand shop and you can get quite a few on ebay).

But do you recognise the cover girl on this book? Yep, it's Courteney Cox! [via Go Fug Yourself]

Posted by Keris on September 5, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (5)

September 4, 2006 2:08 PM

MOVIE MAGIC: Twenty Times a Lady

Exciting news!  Trashionista fave Karyn Bosnak has revealed on her blog that she's been working hard putting the finishing touches to her screenplay for book Twenty Times a Lady.  It might be a little early for a Movie Magic, but we like to be first with the news on Trashionista, so let's get to picking! (Who knows, maybe Hollywood is reading...)

Love interest Colin is a sexy Irish Colin Farrell-a-like, but can you think of anyone better to play the role?  For Delilah, think a dark-haired Bosnak... and then there's her sister, overbearing mother and eccentric grandpa.  Not to mention all her past lovers!

Ideas?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 4, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie Magic, Movie News, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 3, 2006 7:32 PM

The Only Boy For Me on ITV

Gil McNeil's popular novel The Only Boy For Me has been given the prime time drama treatment by ITV.

Showing this Wednesday (6th September) at 9pm, it stars Patrick Baladi (Neil from the original version of The Office) and Helen Baxendale (who British readers will remember fondly as Rachel in Cold Feet and American readers will probably remember less fondly as Ross's annoying girlfriend Emily in Friends).

Posted by Keris on September 3, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 1, 2006 10:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: See Jane Write by Sarah Mlynowski, Farrin Jacobs

So you loved Sarah Mlynowski's novels (Milkrun, As Seen on TV, Fishbowl, Monkey Business and most recently Me vs. Me) but as you read them you had this nagging feeling. "I could write a book like this," you thought. "But where would I begin? If only a writer and her editor would share their stories and give me friendly advice..." Then - behold - you find See Jane Write, a Girls' Guide to Writing Chick Lit by Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs. Could this be what it takes to convert you from avid reader to bestselling author?

Continue over the cut to find out.

The book is full of sound advice from big names. Sarah Mlynowski is the main one, of course - she's a bestselling author who also used to work for Harlequin. The co-writer, Farrin Jacobs, is an ex-Red Dress Ink editor. Other participants, with quotes peppered throughout, include Meg Cabot, Emily Giffin, Marian Keyes and Sophie Kinsella.

Part 1 of See Jane Write contains general information such as the history of Chick Lit and advice about how to get writing and stop making excuses. Part 2 gets into the nitty gritty: writing tips, style hints and how to submit.

I found this book fun and friendly. It didn't really say anything I hadn't read in other How To Write books (except the 'What is Chick Lit' part and the section on avoiding Chick Lit cliches), but it laid everything out in an approachable and interesting way, and I loved the sidebars (especially "It Happened To Me", with anecdotes from Sarah Mlynowski's writing life). The advice on publishers etc., however, is entirely US-centric and probably not much use for a UK author (unless you're targeting US markets).

It's great to read a how-to-write book that concentrates entirely and entertainingly on this genre and doesn't tell you off for using first person present tense. See Jane Write is also worth reading for the discussion of Chick Lit labels ("Assistant Lit", anyone?) and the ridiculous prejudice against Chick Lit (quote: "Although one BBC critic attacked chick lit by claiming the novels 'merely hold up a mirror to women's lives,' we say, 'Yeah, so what?'").

Read it and... write!

[Luisa Plaja]

Posted by Keris on September 1, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

FRIDAY FLICK: Down With Love

I have a confession to make - I watched Down With Love thinking it was adapted from a real book. It was only when I came to write this review that I found out it wasn't. There is a book, but it's the book of the film. But I watched the film so I'm darned if I'm not going to review it! Well, I say review. Here's another confession. I have no idea what to make of this film. My opinions swung wildly the entire time I was watching it.

Renee Zellweger plays Barbara Novak, the author of the smash hit book, Down With Love, which suggests that if women want to be taken seriously in the workplace they have to forget about love altogether. Ewan McGregor's Catcher Block is an award-winning journalist who decides to go undercover and make Novak fall in love with him so he can expose her as a fraud. But Barbara isn't quite what she seems and Catcher gets more than her bargained for.

For the first half hour I couldn't believe such a pile of rubbish had been made. Then I started sort of liking it against my better judgment. By the end I was sitting with a daft smile on my face (this is often how I end up watching films).

I'm a huge fan of the old Doris Day and Rock Hudson/James Garner movies like Pillow Talk, A Touch of Mink, Lover Come Back and obviously this is what Down With Love is trying to recreate. But you can't really recreate a fifties film with modern sensibilities and humour. So while the more innocent bits worked for me, some of the broader humour (Novak and Block are each exercising alone in their relative apartments, but a split screen makes it look as if they're, um, engaging in other physical activities) didn't.

It may have a serious message (about what used to be called "women's lib") or it may be a satire. I don't know. It's got David Hyde Pierce though and any scene with him in was a winner. Renee Zellweger was her usual kooky/sweet self, but Ewan McGregor was totally miscast in my opinion. He's cute and funny, but he's just not old-fashioned enough for this role. George Clooney would have been better, but Intolerable Cruelty was a similar sort of film and I didn't think that entirely worked either. (According to IMDb Down With Love and Intolerable Cruelty were both made in 2003, but that can't be right, can it?)

So, in conclusion .. I don't know. Can anyone help me out?

Posted by Keris on September 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 31, 2006 1:19 PM

Waterstone's Chick Lit Book of the Month

My favourite book shop, Waterstone's (well, I did used to work there), has a new website (it used to partner with Amazon) which features a Chick Lit Book of the Month!

August's is Trashionista fave Jenny Colgan's latest, West End Girls. Read all about it (and add your own two pennorth/cents) here.

Posted by Keris on August 31, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jennifer Weiner reads from The Guy Not Taken... and there's more!

You've read the review (haven't you?!) and now you too can have a sneak peek at The Guy Not Taken before it's released.

Jennifer Weiner is reading an exclusive extract of one of her stories from the book, "Swim", here  (scroll down). You can also catch it here, along with a Book Clubs Q&A (with audio clips of Jennifer answering questions about her books) and first chapters of all her novels. Her jam-packed site's also running a competition where you can win the chance to have Jennifer visit your book club- U.S residents only, I'm afraid!

Finally, watch the ad for The Guy Not Taken here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 31, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (1)

THURSDAY THREE: Cooking Good!

I hope you're not feeling too hungry because today's Thursday Three is about hard-to-resist recipes and their place in some of our favourite fiction!

Heartburn by Nora Ephron is the story of Rachel, a food journalist who finds out her husband is cheating on her... while she's pregnant. Funny, poignant and based on the author's real-life experiences, it's a must for anyone who loves quick-witted humour and wants to know how to make the best mashed potatoes (for when you're feeling down; important tip: use lots of butter) or a great Key Lime Pie (for throwing, of course!)

More overtly food-themed is Cooking for Mr Right by Susan Volland, about a sous-chef called Kate who discovers her ex-boyfriend is getting married, and becomes determined to win him back- with her cooking...

Carry on across the cut to find out which smash hit bestseller is the third book.

A HUGE bestseller back in the early '90s (my mum refused to buy me a copy because it was too raunchy*) Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel is the sensuous Mexican-set story of Tita, whose recipes are threaded around a story of passion and magical realism.  It was also made into a film (and I didn't get to see that either!)

What are your favourite books that mix food and love?

*I should point out that I was in my early teens, not a grown woman!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 31, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 30, 2006 11:43 AM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Hester Browne

We've loved both of Hester Browne's books, The Little Lady Agency and Little Lady, Big Apple here at Trashionista, so we were very excited when she agreed to be our second interview victim. I mean, subject.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer: Supernanny-for-singletons Melissa tackles Manhattan’s men and manners – but will alter-ego Honey stay in London?

Argh. That’s very hard with this book! It’s a good exercise, though, for pitching an idea – you should be able to sum up your novel in one tantalising line. Most novels are pitched to the sales department as [popular Richard Curtis film] meets [latest internet blogging sensation] starring [current Hollywood hot actress] in [New York/London/wherever Kate Moss has just bought a house]. I’m a chronic overwriter, even for magazine copy which is even more word-count specific than novels, so I’ve got into the habit of hyphenating everything and claiming it as one word. I know. It’s cheating.

Continue over the cut for the rest of the interview.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)? I generally go out in the mornings and write or plan out scenes in a café, then come back and try to turn that buzz of ideas in to proper writing in the afternoons. What usually happens, though, is that I distract myself with eBay or email most of the day, then write 1500 words in an hour before I go to bed at midnight. Do not get Sim City or any sort of strategy game if you’re trying to write a book, is my advice.

Your favourite chick-lit book? Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes - sexy hero, hilarious heroine, brilliant supporting cast and although it seems light-as-a-feather, it's cleverly plotted, and very moving. And you can read it and re-read it and it’s still funny, which is the mark of a great book.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why? Becky Bloomwood. Isn't she everyone's favourite heroine? I even forgave her when her mean long-lost sister turned out to be from the Lake District like me – Bank of West Cumbria, indeed...

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers? You have to write what you enjoy reading - don't try to be anyone other than yourself. The more you write, the more you'll develop your own distinctive style, and that's what publishers love to discover. Read, read, read too, and analyse why you loved a book, or why you didn't quite feel it worked. It's tricky to put your finger on why someone's style draws you in, but you can see when the plot doesn't hang together, or when the pacing's off.

Though writing’s a wonderful job, to the point of not feeling like a job sometimes, it’s more usually very hard work. You have to develop a pretty thick skin to put up with constant editing, ‘suggestions’ about characters you feel you know best, and the inevitable set-backs and changes of plan that occur to every publication process. Deadlines are tough. So are snarky Amazon reviews. But having said that, there’s always room for fresh talent! Don’t feel you have to revise your work to absolute perfection before you send it out to an agent; there comes a point where you should just take the plunge and see what they think. Good agents will spot potential and help you work with it; good editors will often lift it up another level still – and though it can be painful it’s worth it, in the same way a personal trainer wrings the best out of you in the gym. (Or, um, so I am reliably informed.)

And, in short: always try to get an agent rather than sending direct to publishers; never sign up with an agent who charges you money before they’ve sold anything; phone books and local papers are great for ‘real sounding’ names; never use your novel to get your own back on the girl you hated at school because she won’t read it but everyone else you know will and will assume it’s them you’re getting at; and take a notebook with you because you will forget that brilliant idea between falling asleep and waking up again.

What are you reading at the moment? One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson; Fashion Victim by Sam Baker; Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth Anger; Rough Guide to Paris.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!) The third and final Honey book: there are princes, nightclubs, unexpected babies, sea sickness, Parisian apartments, Melissa’s barking family being even more monstrous than ever, but lots and lots of romance, and a super-happy ending!

Posted by Keris on August 30, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (6)

August 29, 2006 6:16 PM

Bridget Jones's baby

Please excuse me if this is old news and I'm the last to know, but I've just found out that earlier this year Bridget Jones had a baby. The final entry in the revived Independent column read: "Have never been so happy in entire life. Have given birth to baby who is sweetest little creature ever seen."

Bridget's creator, Helen Fielding, also gave birth to a child (her second) in June, at the age of 48. A (rather snarky) article (don't read if you don't want Bridget spoilers) in The Daily Mail suggests there will be no more columns, instead the last bunch will be collected into a third book.

So do we want more Bridget? Or were we happier with the way things were left at the end of The Edge of Reason?

Posted by Keris on August 29, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (12)

New This Is Chick Lit site

We've talked about it here and here, you can read a defence of it here (don't read the comments unless you want to be infuriated) and now you can learn more about it here. There's a discussion forum, special offers and info about the contributors.

Posted by Keris on August 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

SPOTLIGHT: Meg Cabot

This week's spotlight's on the incredibly prolific Meg Cabot.

After completing a fine arts degree at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York and got a job as the assistant manager of an undergraduate dormitory at New York University (like the character in this book). Her first published book was a historical romance written under a pen name - Patricia Cabot - because she didn't want her grandmother to read the rude bits. She's also written as Jenny Carroll and Meggin Cabot.

She really made her name with The Princess Diaries series for teens and has now published almost forty novels for both adults and teens. She also wrote early versions of the screenplay for the Disney film, Ice Princess.

Following September 11th she moved from New York to Key West with her husband and their one-eyed cat, Henrietta.

Continue over the cut for her bibliography (and, trust me, you really want to see this one!).

Adult chick lit

The Boy Next Door
She Went All the Way
Boy Meets Girl
Every Boy’s Got One
Size 12 Is Not Fat
Queen of Babble (review coming soon!)

Adult historical romances

Where Roses Grow Wild
Portrait of My Heart
An Improper Proposal
A Little Scandal
A Season in the Highlands
Lady of Skye
Educating Caroline
Kiss the Bride

The Princess Diaries - teen series

The Princess Diaries
Take Two
Third Time Lucky
Mia Goes Fourth
Gimme Five
Sixsational
Seventh Heaven

Mediator - teen series

Love You To Death
High Stakes
Mean Spirits
Young Blood
Grave Doubts
Heaven Sent

Missing - teen series

When Lightning Strikes
Code Name Cassandra
Safe House
Sanctuary

Teen historical romances

Nicola and the Viscount
Victoria and the Rogue

Teen chick lit

All-American Girl
Ready or Not: An All-American Girl Novel
Teen Idol
Avalon High
How to Be Popular

Did you know?
Meg's plans for world domination now include branching into manga. The sequel to Avalon High will be released as a three-book manga series, called Avalon High: Coronation.

Posted by Keris on August 29, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Romance, Series, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (4)

August 28, 2006 4:07 PM

Reading Chick Flicks

I love reading (of course) and I love chick flicks so how excited was I to find this site which features feminist critiques of chick flicks? (And it helps that it looks gorgeous too.)

In their introduction to these essays, Beth Gilligan and Jenny Jediny assert that "Within popular film criticism, the chick flick has yet to gain recognition beyond the glib and dismissive jargon reviewers of both sexes typically attach to this much-maligned subcategory." They then go on to review chick faves such as When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Woman and Bridget Jones's Diary from a feminist perspective.

Not only is it interesting, it's given me some great ideas for forthcoming Friday Flicks!

Posted by Keris on August 28, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: The Bachelorette Party by Karen McCullah Lutz

Karen McCullah Lutz has form: she's the co-author of the movies Legally Blonde and 10 Things I Hate About You, so if anyone should know how to appeal to a chick-lit, chick-flick lovin' audience, it's her.  Her debut novel The Bachelorette Party is about Zadie, who was recently dumped by her soap opera star fiance on the day of her wedding and now has to cope with the fact that her best male friend is marrying her straight-laced cousin Helen- and Zadie's going on the Hen Night, the last place on earth she wants to be...

For starters, can I just say that Bachelorette Party is a much more glamourous term than Hen Party?!  Although this one leaves a little something to be desired... after yoga and a vist to a juice bar, Zadie manages to persuade the girls to go a little wild, and soon she's learning that Helen might not be quite as uptight as she seems...

When I picked up this book, I thought "a whole novel about a hen night?!" and to some extent I stand by that- although it's well-written and very pacey, how much can you really say about one party?  Good job the author is so skilled at action and dialogue (I guess that's the advantage of polishing your craft on scripts first).  This is a fun read with several hard-to-predict plot twists, but there were a few things I didn't like about it...

For one, the main character is cynical almost to the point of clinical depression- rarely have you seen a blacker worldview from someone with a good job and all their limbs, living in sunny L.A.  Not only is she coarse for no good reason (I'm not a prude, but this seemed forced) she's self-pitying and very judgemental (hating anyone who does yoga, sneering at girls with the wrong manicure... and if I saw the words 'slutty whore' or 'whory bitch' one more time I was going to throw the book across the room!)  Through Zadie, the author promotes the idea that everyone should be getting drunk and having sex with strangers- or you're just no fun. (Make sure the strangers are single though, or you're a slutty... !)  Sure enough, rather than therapy the answer to Zadie's problems turn out to be drink and meeting a new man.  If only everything in life was this simple!

I think my main problem was the author was trying to hard to impress and make her book stand out by being outrageous- if she had a more relaxed style I might have warmed to the characters more.  However, if you can take this book a little less seriously than me and accept that you have to let some of the book's 'lessons' sail straight over your head, then you could find this book good escapism, with moments of humour and zest.  But in future I'll be sticking to authors who do this kind of stuff ten times better.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Like this? Try  Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie, One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. [They're much better!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 28, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 25, 2006 9:48 AM

Chick Lit for little chicks

The Philadelphia Inquirer's piece about the crossover appeal of young adult fiction [via Bookslut] reminded me of the numerous chick lit authors branching out into writing for young adults. It seems like every time I go into a bookshop I find another YA book by an established adult author (both Marian Keyes and Jennifer Weiner have expressed an interest in writing YA at some point.)

It's a natural progression: chick lit was originally about women trying to find their way in the world and that journey begins - often horribly, but also hilariously (with retrospect) - as a teenager. Read on for some YA chick lit recommendations.

The adult and teen combo poster-girl must surely be Meg Cabot, who writes for both at an exhausting rate, though she has been criticised lately for her adult books sounding too "teen". But I recently read an interesting interview with Cabot's friend Michele Jaffe in Writing magazine in which she said the only difference in writing YA is that the characters are teenagers - claiming the mistake you can make is to write for teenagers instead of about them and risk being condescending. I haven't read any of her adult books, but I really loved Bad Kitty so I'm happy to agree.

Sue Limb's Girl, 15, Charming But Insane is hilarious and I enjoyed Tyne O'Connell's Pulling Princes. I'm looking forward to Melissa Senate's Theodora Twist and Valerie Frankel's Fringe Girl, but I wasn't over-excited by Rowan Coleman's Ruby Parker Hits the Small Time (though I did love her adult debut, Growing Up Twice). And, of course, there's Sarah Mlynowski's hugely successful All About Rachel series (and a review of Mlynowski's See Jane Write: A Girl's Guide to Writing Chick Lit is coming soon). I can't wait to read Ally Carter's I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You and Lauren Baratz-Logsted's forthcoming YA debut Angel's Choice.

Don't be put off by the shelving of these books in the children's section (you can always pretend you're buying them for someone else if it makes you feel better). As Meg Cabot has proven, YA fiction can be equally, if not more, enjoyable than more 'grown-up' chick lit!

(In the interest of full-disclosure (and, um, self-promotion) I should mention that I also edit a fledgling YA chick lit site: Chicklet.)

Posted by Keris on August 25, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (3)

FRIDAY FLICK: Under the Tuscan Sun

Adapted from Frances Mayes' enormously successful memoir/travelogue, Under the Tuscan Sun stars Diane Lane who, following a bitter divorce, heads to Italy to try and learn how to be happy again. (I'm sensing a theme here.) I haven't read the book, so I don't know how faithful an adaptation this is (though a disclaimer at the end of the film would suggest not very) but is it a good film? Read on and find out.

I should probably admit at this point that I have quite low standards when it comes to movies. I'm not interested in cinematography or direction or any other technical bells and whistles, all I want is a film that entertains me, featuring characters I care about, and Under the Tuscan Sun absolutely delivers this.

It helps, of course, that Diane Lane is a wonderful actress (and annoyingly gorgeous) and that screen-time isn't wasted on the end of her marriage; we're pretty much thrown right into her heartbreak. (She moves into a short-term apartment complex populated by divorced, unhappy people. The landlord tells her everyone has different skills and when she tells him she's a writer he says she can help the other tenants with their suicide notes.)

Before long we're in Italy (which looks, of course, stunning). Frances is only supposed to be there on holiday, but she falls for a run-down house and buys it on the spot. As you do. And you know the rest. She charms the locals, makes friends, walls fall down, things/hearts break, etc. We've seen it many times. But I never stopped wanting it to work out and I never doubted for a moment that it would. There's a great supporting cast too: Sandra Oh (from Grey's Anatomy and Sideways), Lindsay Duncan and Vincent Riotta (who I totally fell in love with).

The perfect film for a Friday night with a bowl of pasta and a bottle of red wine.

Posted by Keris on August 25, 2006 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 24, 2006 7:58 AM

Judging books by their covers

I've been really enjoying the official Penguin Books blog and yesterday they had some interesting insights into book covers. I also recently discovered this site focusing on cover art. Then a few days ago I saw the cover of A Hopeless Romantic, Harriet Evans's follow-up to Going Home, in The Bookseller and gasped at its gorgeousness.

So it got me to wondering what attracts me about a cover. Continue over the cut to find out (and for more purty covers).

I've mentioned before that a sniff of New York and I'm easy so this one was a shoe-in.

I bought Lisa Jewell's Thirtynothing on the basis of the cover despite the fact that I hadn't been that impressed by Ralph's Party (I know, I need to re-read it).

And this one - cherry blossom and New York! - just makes me sigh with longing.

Apparently, I too am a hopeless romantic. But what does it for you? What kind of cover do you cross a bookstore for? (I'm guessing it's not feet.)

Posted by Keris on August 24, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (7)

August 22, 2006 10:58 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Ex and the Single Girl by Lani Diane Rich

Although I've ranted about punning titles before and this one's a doozy (though not quite as bad as Valerie Frankel's Hex and the Single Girl), I love Lani Diane Rich's books so I'll forgive it (just this once).

When Portia Fallon's boyfriend, Peter, dumps her via a handwritten note on the title page of his own unsuccessful novel, it sends her into an understandable decline. So she's in a weakened state when her mother phones and begs her to come home to Georgia and help her and the other Miz Fallons (her aunt Vera and grandmother Bev) with the family bookstore. But when Portia gets there she finds that she's not really needed - the Miz Fallons have a plan.

Getting Portia home was just a scam to fix her up with Ian, a British novelist who is in town working on his latest book. The Miz Fallons think he's perfect for a fling (or a "Flyer" in their vernacular) to help her get over Peter; Portia's not so sure Ian couldn't be more, but she's afraid that she (and the other Miz Fallons) are "Penis Teflon", i.e. men don't stick.

Like Jennifer Crusie, Lani Diane Rich is fabulous at the quirky characters and Ex and the Single Girl is full of them. Portia is funny and real and Ian is sexy (though why American authors think all British men are called Ian - there's British Ians in Alison Pace's If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend and Melissa Bank's The Wonder Spot - is beyond me). Still Ex and the Single Girl is a fun and fast read about following your heart and finding your place in the world.

Like this? Try Jennifer Crusie's Welcome to Temptation

Posted by Keris on August 22, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 21, 2006 10:04 AM

Books and Feet!

On her fabulous Snarkspot blog recently, Jennifer Weiner shared her excitement that unlike her previous book covers [and they're all lovely], The Guy Not Taken doesn't feature legs, feet, shoes or some combination of the above.  I know what she means- it seems to have become the biggest woman writer cover cliche of all time, as this article points out.  [via mimi smartypants].

I mean come on book cover designers, we do sometimes have other things on our mind besides shoes! (I said 'sometimes', don't worry Shoewawa ladies!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 21, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne

Gemma really loved Hester Browne's debut novel The Little Lady Agency so I jumped at the chance to read the sequel: Little Lady, Big Apple. Of course, me being me, I had to read the first book first so off I went to the library (where it was shelved, inexplicably, in Crime).

For those like me who haven't read it, The Little Lady Agency is about uber-efficient secretary Melissa who is made redundant and sets up her own etiquette and grooming agency. She isn't confident enough to run it herself so she creates a much stricter, sexier, alter-ego named Honey (with the assistance of foxy underwear and a blonde wig). But when she finds herself falling for her favourite client, American real estate hotshot, Jonathan, she has to retire Honey for the good of their relationship. Like Gemma, I loved it. So I fully expected to love Little Lady, Big Apple too. Read on to see if I did.

Little Lady, Big Apple finds Melissa, not surprisingly, in New York. Jonathan's returned to New York for a promotion and Melissa's flatmate Nelson's gone off to sea and is getting his apartment remodelled, so Jonathan invites Melissa over for a holiday. But stuck in New York while Jonathan works all hours and with only his friends and the spectre of his evil/perfect ex-wife for company (oh and a small dog named Braveheart) - and with her bolshy sister and scatty best-friend in charge of her beloved agency - Melissa finds it harder than she expected to leave Honey behind.

Sequels are tricky and I realised a little too late that it may have been better for me not to have read the first to see if this works on its own. I'm pretty sure it does. Browne manages to bring us up to date with what's been happening in Melissa's life without repeating great chunks of the first book, a difficult thing to do.

There were just a couple of sour notes for me: I felt Melissa let everyone walk all over her for far too long - I found myself shouting at her to grow a spine; and, like Bridget's Mark Darcy and Becky Bloomwood's Luke, Jonathan (and, for that matter, Nelson) both treats and talks to Melissa as if she's a child ("I'm really not going to tell you again.") And what's worse is that, not only does she not seem to notice, she actually responds to it.

But those concerns aside I really did enjoy this. It's a testament to the strength and charm of the characters that when I sat down to read I felt I was catching up with old friends (even though I only read the first book last week). It's fun, funny and sweet and with Melissa, her friends and her family, Hester Browne has created a crowd of memorable characters of whom I hope we'll be seeing more.

If you like this, try The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Keris on August 21, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 18, 2006 12:48 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Girls' Poker Night by Jill A. Davis

Because I've always loved that Friends episode where the girls learn to thrash the boys at poker, and the weekly poker game is where the Desperate Housewives dish their girlie gossip, the premise of Girls' Poker Night really appealed to me.

Ruby Capote moves to New York to work as a newspaper columnist, adjust to life as a singleton- and start the tradition of a weekly poker night with her three best friends...

I especially liked the fact that none of the women knew how to play poker, so at first they played with an instruction book in front of them (I'd have to do that!) It made me think this is a tradition I'd like to start with my friends.  But I like my friends a lot more than I liked the characters in this book...

What this novel really needed was some serious editing- and a lot more heart.  The realisations the main character has are pretty superficial- and the friendships between the girls are on the bitchy side.  (You know the kind of thing- you're feeling miserable and someone tells you your hair needs a re-style, that's the kind of good friends these gals are).

It's not organised into chapters but instead has different headings- I think these are supposed to be quirky and profound, but it reads like one long ramble and a disjointed one at that.  I don't think writers should veer from the conventional chapter structure unless there's good reason- or they really know what they're doing!

Having said that, it's a light, fast read with some witty moments.  I always appreciate books about New York writers but despite the cool poker concept of this one, I've read a lot better.  It's not an awful book, but it is unsatisfying.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison, The Dog Walker by Leslie Schnur.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 18, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 17, 2006 12:06 PM

SECOND CHANCE BOOK REVIEW: Fashion Victim by Sam Baker

It looks like Fashion Victim gets the double thumbs up! Camilla liked it,and just for confirmation here's what Danielle has to say...

With the pink cute-to-boot cover and title suggestive of the usual (and totally addictive, let's not forget that!) chick lit, Sam Baker's debut novel Fashion Victim appears to be a shout-out to all those who love their fashion stories. Well we do, right? We've all read The Devil Wears Prada, but this? This is ten times better....

It’s not every day I come across a book like this (though I may be biased seeing as the heroine is a journalist). With a gripping mystery and a down-to-earth yet sassy heroine, coupled with the realities of the fashion industry, Cosmopolitan editor Sam Baker is definitely one to watch in the world of women's fiction.

Fashion Victim chronicles the life of journalist Annie Anderson as she switches from hard-hitting correspondent of a newspaper to fashion editor at top magazine Handbag. Shoved mercilessly into the midst of New York’s fashion elite, Annie is just getting to grips with her new role when famous fashion designer Mark Mailer, who Annie just happens to be doing a piece on, is shot dead in a restaurant.

It appears to be the usual robbery, but somehow Annie is far from convinced. There's something amiss about the whole situation, and being a renowned investigative journalist, it's up to her to solve it. Especially as this isn't the first time a tragedy has happened in her presence...

As Annie tries to piece together the Mark Mailer puzzle whilst also having to deal with his equally-intriguing ex Patty, she is putting herself in danger of being the next fashion victim. Literally.

Straying slightly from the usual chick-lit style of office-bound girls and their humorous lives, Baker stands out with her murder mystery that's quite frankly guaranteed to keep you hooked. It's a whodunnit and sassy tale rolled into one, with suspense that'll make you not want to leave your chair. Trust me, I've been there.

So, for a more serious spin on career-girl chic; give this one a read. Bring on the next one, Sam!

If you liked this, try One For The Money by Janet Evanovich.

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on August 17, 2006 in Crime / Mystery, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tips for New Writers!

We know that many Trashionista readers are aspiring authors too- and that even those who aren't are often fascinated by the process of creating a chick-lit classic. 

Luckily for you (and for us!) chick-lit author Apostilina (Hazing Meri Sugarman, Meri Strikes Back- both of which look GREAT) has offered to share her top tips for writing a book with us!

Carry on across the cut to read her excellent advice.

"So you have decided to write a book. Yipeee! You have carved out time in your life that makes sense, either one day a week, or another plan that is realistic, one that allows you to work or go to school and have a social life, too. And you have at least a general idea for a story. How do you begin?

1) Outline
You really should outline your entire story before you begin to actually write your novel. Even if you make changes, small or big, as you write your novel, your outline will serve as your blueprint and save you lots of time and frustration along the way.

2) Research Like outlining, it will save you lots of time and frustration when you are writing your novel, because you will not have to stop the flow to get information...  It is also a good idea to research character elements or traits that may be unfamiliar to you. For example, I have one character who becomes addicted to crystal methamphetamines, something that I knew very little about. But I researched it very thoroughly, and again, the reality was a useful jumping off point, giving me a basis in reality that I could exaggerate for my purposes.

3) Character Descriptions
Not everyone does this, but I have found it to be very useful. After I have outlined and done my research, I write one page on each character in my story and break it down into short paragraphs as follows: Personality, Unusual Traits, Relationship to Main Character, Objective and Conclusion.

Remember, the above steps may seem very technical and unglamorous and dry and somewhat boring. And guess what? They are. At least part of the time. But you cannot drive a snazzy new car if you do not have an engine, and you cannot drink a fabulous cocktail unless you have all the right ingredients ready to mix. Right?

Of course, if you try the above steps, you may find that some of them work for you, and some of them do not, and you may discover other ways that are better. Great! Whatever prepares you the most in terms of knowing your storyline and your characters before you start writing your novel is going to help you big-time!"

[Excerpted with kind permission from the author's Myspace page].  Apostilina's newest novel, Dark Cindy will be out in December.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 16, 2006 12:45 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani

Adriana Trigiani is probably best-known for her much-loved Big Stone Gap series (there's a fourth book on the way) set in the mountains of Virginia, but Lucia, Lucia is a bit of a departure in that it's set in New York in 1950. So does it match up to the earlier books?

Lucia Sartori is beautiful and eligible but more interested in her career in the fashion department of a Fifth Avenue department store than in getting married, even breaking off her engagement when she learns she's expected to give up work. But when she meets John Talbot - a man who reminds her of her beloved father - she falls hard. So hard that she takes a risk that changes everything.

I love this book. The descriptions of Lucia's job (and her colleagues Delmarr and Ruth) are beautiful and evocative of a more glamorous time. Her descriptions of New York not only make me want to live there (no change there), but make me want to live there in the 1950s!

This is a gorgeously old-fashioned book, but funny, page-turning and heartbreaking at the same time. I insist you read it!

Like this? Try Love Walked In by Marissa de los Santos

Posted by Keris on August 16, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (7)

Reading Sex and the City's Samantha

When I ran through the books for Sex and the City fans, I completely forgot about the fabulous Kim Cattrall's own oeuvre!

Written with her then-husband, Mark Levinson (and containing what you may consider to be too much information about their intimate relationship), Kim's first book bears the Samantha-esque title of Satisfaction: The Art of the Female Orgasm (when I worked in Waterstone's only one customer ever asked for this and I don't know which of us blushed harder).

After splitting with her husband, Kim followed Satisfaction up with Sexual Intelligence, a sort of historical and cultural study of sexuality.

She's now bringing her not inconsiderable expertise to teens with Being a Girl: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Teen Life out at the end of September.

Posted by Keris on August 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Celebrity Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 15, 2006 11:52 AM

Rory Gilmore's Book Club

Gilmore Girls is a smart, sharp and very funny American drama/comedy* series about the lives of Lorelei and Rory Gilmore- mother and daughter and best of friends.  Anyone who loves intelligent, funny TV should be watching, despite the fact that it's been criminally neglected by terrestrial TV. (You can catch it on Hallmark at midday, but I'd start at the beginning with the DVDs -usually available at online hire places like Lovefilm, too).  Lorelei is the young, hip mother and Rory her studious, bookworm -but incredibly cool- daughter.  I can't decide if I idolise Rory or Lorelei (I think both) but now we can all get closer to being Rory: she has her own book club!  By the age of sixteen, she'd read everything from Proust to histories of punk, so there's no better fictional character to get tips from.  There's hundreds of recommended titles and the best thing is, they come in two categories: old favourites and new reads.  New Reads include The Kite Runner and My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult , as well as some new titles you may not have heard of... Older recommendations include Little Women and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  Sign up to the newsletter if you'd like regular suggestions in your inbox- and go watch the series if you've been missing out (run!)

*I refuse to resort to 'dramedy'.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 15, 2006 in Book related, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 14, 2006 2:42 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Journal of Mortifying Moments by Robyn Harding

There aren’t many of us who could raise our hands to the heavens and say, ‘I don’t like a bit of gossip.’ If given the opportunity to read someone else’s diary, would you? If it was right there in front of you, covered in a sweet jacket of bright pink and emblazoned with those delicious words, ‘The Journal of Mortifying Moments’, how could you resist?

I couldn’t. Okay, so it isn’t the scandalous diary of a best friend who has clearly been up to all sorts but instead is the debut novel from author Robyn Harding.

It’s just one of those books that has to be read. You see it, you want it. Anything with a title like that is a must-read, right? Well, I had a peek, and let’s just say it's one heck of a brilliant read.

Ad-agency worker Kerry Spence is stuck in a boring job, put down by her mother on countless occasions, and is basically having trouble with finding the perfect man. Oh, what’s a girl to do? A bit of shopping, maybe? Brunch with friends? Pfft, nope. Why do that when you can simply visit a therapist?

Kerry’s therapist has set her a task. “A diary of past encounters with men that may be contributing to your current negative and dysfunctional relationship.” A task alternatively titled The Journal of Mortifying Moments.

The journal is kept a secret is Kerry’s desk and ONLY comes out when it has to – for Kerry to jot down some well and truly embarrassing encounters. As she battles through her daily life and some downright disastrous dates, Kerry begins to gain some more memoirs to add to her horrifying collection.

The Journal of Mortifying Moments is an amusing, witty take on single thirty-something life with some highly embarrassing twists. Kerry is the knowledgable yet often silly character that a lot of us can relate to. Let’s face it, we’ve all put our foot in it somewhere along the line!

However, whilst there are some fabulous moments to make you cringe, I had expected more in the way of laughs. Don’t get me wrong, this is a great read, but it’s not as hilarious as the blurb makes out. (Then again, I could just be spoilt from reading too much Sophie Kinsella. You’ve been warned!)

If you’re looking for something gossipy and cute, go for this. It’s not a heart-warming tale of love and marriage, but who needs that when you have a diary full of morbidly embarrassing situations?

Do I even have to ask that?

If you like this, try: The Secret Dreamworld Of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on August 14, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 10, 2006 11:06 AM

The Chick Lit Calendar!

I know it's a little early to be thinking about 2007 or even*whisper it* potential Christmas presents, but this little item looked too good not to share- don't make me wait until next year to tell you about it!

The Chick-Lit calendar is filled with quotes from iconic chick-lit classics by writers including Jennifer Weiner, Candace Bushnell, Sophie Kinsella, and Helen Fielding.  Perfect for Trashionistas!  The downside is it's American, so the the significant dates will all be a little different (fancy celebrating Labor Day, anyone?)  but that seems a small price to pay for a chick lit-filled year. Order yours here (or pray that they bring out a British version by January!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 10, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (5)

August 5, 2006 6:03 PM

BOOK REVIEW- Burnt Toast by Teri Hatcher

I spent a lot of time in the '90s wanting to be Teri Hatcher- or rather, wanting to be her incarnation of Lois Lane- plus I've never missed a Desperate Housewives, so I was interested to read her new book, Burnt Toast.  Part memoir, part self-help guide, Teri uses the ups and downs of her own life to illustrate the importance of being good to yourself.  She thinks that too many women "eat the burnt toast"- that is, don't value themselves enough to make a new slice of toast when they burn some, always putting their needs last in every area of life, however big or small.  It's a good message, and is delivered with lots of warmth and humour.  But for me, there was a little something missing...

Teri's clearly an intelligent and witty woman, and I liked the ethos of this book, but I couldn't help wondering why she'd chosen to write a book that's only half-memoir...  She actually doesn't reveal very much of herself, and maybe that was the idea.   What she chooses to reveal is very selective, and at times, where she draws the line is mystifying: we learn (several times!) that she just loves her nipples (yep!) that she had no sex on her honeymoon, and that she's very insecure, especially around men...  But she doesn't share why her marriage fell apart, or what her Housewives audition involved, or more seriously, make any mention of the child abuse she suffered for several years.   I can understand her not wanting to go into any detail about the latter, but it seems strange not to mention it, or even allude to it, in a book purporting to share yourself and your most intimate feelings. 

Maybe the paradox in the book illustrates a paradox about Teri: she has a lot to share, but seems to think we'd only be interested if she dressed it up with humour and self-help lessons so it's not all about her.  At root, she comes across someone with very low self-esteem, and at times I couldn't work out if she was lying to herself or simply being disingenuous: she talks about her love of coupons and the free stuff actresses are given- doesn't she realise that comes across as spoilt and a little obscene when you're already a millionaire? (I think she genuinely doesn't see herself as a rich and powerful woman, but we all do!)   Also, she insists she hasn't lost weight since her New Adventures of Superman days, but anyone can see she has- maybe her scales are broken...

Having said that, I admire Teri Hatcher's bravery in sharing the feelings she does write about, and I certainly found her book enjoyable and entertaining, heartfelt and (mostly) honest.  But maybe she could have cared a little bit less about what people thought, and really dared to bare her soul. 

(Oh and be warned- you'll be constantly craving hot, buttered toast throughout the book!)

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 5, 2006 in American Authors, Celebrity Authors, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 3, 2006 3:56 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes

Since my reaction to Bergdorf Blondes was lukewarm, my instincts told me to give Plum Sykes' follow-up novel a wide berth. However, it landed on my doormat regardless! It doesn't really cover any new ground, sitting comfortably in the Manhattan socialite world yet again, though this time our ladies are wives and divorcees instead of single girls searching for love. Think of it as 'Sex & The City: When Carrie Married Big' and you're halfway there...

I know Plum Sykes is probably fed up to the back teeth of the Sex & The City comparisons and constant mentions of the fact she's an ex Voguette with a contacts book any fashionista would kill for. But let's face it, she's selling a lot of books because of that, and we do love to scoff over these part fact / part fiction New York women and read all about the designer clothes they wear.

The story begins when new bride Sylvie meets 'it' girl Lauren while the two are on their honeymoons. The twist? Sylvie might be on a real honeymoon (sans husband - it's a long story) but Lauren is on her 'divorce honeymoon', celebrating her singledom and making plans to make out with random men. Sylvie and Lauren become instant best friends in a way only these superficial New York women can, and the rest of the book is a whirl of parties, fashion, secrets, misunderstandings and mysterious men.

With Sylvie working for a fashion designer and Lauren a rich socialite, there's plenty of scope for exotic locations, gorgeous clothes and plenty of trashy frivolity. This is a book you read in disbelief, unsure whether this stuff actually happens. Designer labels and 'it' names are spattered across the pages throughout (as well as a lot of talk of fur when our girls end up in Russia).

Plot-wise, it skips along quite nicely, though you won't win any prizes for guessing what's going to happen. It's most entertaining because you'll read the second half knowing exactly what's going to happen, trying to stop yourself from tearing at the pages in desperation that the characters haven't worked it out yet.

Overall, while I was expecting to hate this, I found myself enjoying the escapism. It gets a four our of five for entertaining me for a couple of evenings, but it comes with a 'complete trash' warning. This is a book to dip into and enjoy when you don't want anything too taxing. Don't read it to educate yourself unless you're planning to go millionnaire-nabbing in Manhattan! [Gemma]

If you liked this, why not try Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger

Posted by gcartwright on August 3, 2006 in British Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reading Sex and the City

For some reason, it took me a long time to get into Sex and the City, but once I finally did I was hooked. (So hooked in fact that there's a lost weekend of DVD box sets and Bailey's.) And now, I miss it. I really miss it. So maybe it's time to immerse myself back in the world of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte with the following books.

First of all, of course, is "Sex and the City" by Candace Bushnell. I read it before I ever watched it and I didn't like it at all and I'm not alone. Worth a read if you're really desperate.

Then there's "Sex and the City: Kiss and Tell" , the official book of the series featuring behind the scenes gossip and loads of lovely photos. Probably the place to go for pics of Mr Big (there are some terrible photos of him online ..).

If you worried you may have missed something while watching the show (maybe you were drunk on a certain Irish liqueur or something ..) then "Manhattan Dating Game: An Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Every Episode of Sex and the City" should be able to help you out.

Finally there's "Reading Sex and the City" which is not only a cultural and feminist critique of the show, but also features reports from the "Sex and the City" Manhattan tour and a map of "Sex and the City" New York.

Posted by Keris on August 3, 2006 in American Authors, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 1, 2006 10:10 AM

The New SJP?

Since Sex and the City ended in 2003, a million new shows have been touted as "the new SATC"- and none have lived up to the promise!  But the current issue of Glamour reports on something that might have real potential: a new TV show based on Candace Bushnell's Lipstick Jungle.  Melissa George (formerly of Alias, Friends and before that, tragic Angel in Home and Away) has been busy filming the pilot in L.A.   (She's Australian but has proven she can give good accent)... Also starring is Scott Cohen, who played Max Medina in the fabulous Gilmore Girls.

Obviously no-one could replace Carrie and Big, but maybe they'll be worthy successors? (Fingers crossed!)  If you've read the book, let us know what you think: will it make good TV? What do you think of the casting?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 1, 2006 in American Authors, Announcements, Book related, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW - The Cinderella Moment by Gemma Fox

What happens when a chance meeting with a gorgeous man changes your life forever? It all depends on fate to be perfectly honest - will it be a simple happy ever after, or will fate be cruel and send you on a terrifying rollercoaster ride? This is exactly the problem facing Cass who meets the lovely James on the train. He seems perfect... or is he?

Cass is a bit down on her look. Her husband has decided to leave her (she's too irresponsible apparently) so now she must stop painting and get a job that will pay enough to support herself and her son Danny. Every city job she's applied for has ended in rejection - its bad enough she has to apply for these jobs, the least they could do is employ her! her next door neighbour, and closest thing to family, Jake has an alternative suggestion. A friend of his is looking for an assistant to help him to get back on his feet after surgery. The work wouldn't be taxing - general PA style duties plus some time helping out... in his art gallery! Life seems to be looking up at long last.

Then on the train Cass meets James Devlin. He is annoyingly nice, pretty close to perfect in fact. When he leaves his mobile behind Cass rings him to arrange for him to collect it. Unfortunately it is his wife who answers - maybe he wasn't so perfect after all. When James becomes a missing person, suspected of running off with his fancy woman (yup thats what his wife thinks of Cass) the book takes on a whole new direction. Cass finds herself caught up in the middle of a huge misunderstanding which involves her being watched by the police and gangsters. How will she ever manage to persuade them that she is innocent of anything they're suspecting her of?

The plot of this book is cleverly intertwined without becoming confusing (apart from when you try to describe it to someone else). Fox allows the story to unfold in front of you so that you feel a step ahead of the characters throughout the book. The story is well paced, and offers some laugh out loud moments. It just about keeps on the right side of believable - though it veers dangerously close to the line at times.

The characters are all well written - whilst Cass can at times come across as a little wet I found I didn't mind this because of the richness of the rest of the characters. I'd be hard pushed to pick a favourite, though I might have to go with Jake and Barney.

This is a light hearted enjoyable read that would be good for the beach or the commute.

Rating : 3 out of 5

Like this? Try 'How Was It For You?' by Carmen Reid

Posted by Jenni on August 1, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 31, 2006 11:10 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Candlewood Lake by Penny C Sansevieri

Sansevieri is an established expert in how to market manuscripts who has now turned her hand to writing fiction herself. This is her second book, and it tells the story of childhood love gorwing up. Eve, Justin and Billy have ben friends since they were young, now they're growing up Eve will marry one of them - but who?

Justin and Billy have been friends for a long time, much to the surprise (and sometimes dismay) of their parents. Justin is a bookish, quiet boy from a fairly well to do family, whilsy Billy is a sporty, popular child from the opposite side of the tracks. They compliment each other well - Justin is left well alone by the bullies thanks to Billy's popularity and in turn Justin helps to keep Billy on the straight and narrow. When Eve moves to Candlewood Lake (a beautiful country community) she forges a strong friendship with the two boys - where you see one the others aren't far behind.

Its the 1970s and the war in Vietnam is raging. When Billy's older brothers are drafted on the same day he worries their family will never be the same. His mother can't bear the thought of losing either of her babies, so when the death watch arrives to tell her that Duane has been killed the grief pushes her toward the edge. Billy now has to cope with losing his brother, and the constant state of depression that consumes his mother. Justin and Eve can only stand by, offering shoulders that Billy never seems to want.

At the same time the three children are becoming adults, moving further toward the real world. As their hormones begin to rage they see each other in a new light - which lad will win Eve's hand?

'Candlewood Lake' is a beautifully written book. It takes a steady pace through what could be a very maudlin story. It deals with love, life and death with a careful ease. The plot is believable and never feels like the author is beating a point too much.

The characters are well written, and created in such a way that you really find yourself routing for them. I have to admit I was surprised at how involved I got whilst reading the book. I'd highly recommend this lovely story.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop

Posted by Jenni on July 31, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 29, 2006 1:53 PM

BOOK REVIEW- The Between Boyfriends Book by Cindy Chupack

Cindy Chupack was an award-winning writer on Sex and the City.  (Did I need more information that that before buying and reading her book?  No, I did not!)  The Between Boyfriends Book is a collection of essays about life and love in New York, from the perspective of a single woman (as the title might suggest!)   Who better to write on this subject than an SATC writer (award-winning, no less) and columnist for U.S Glamour?  No-one, that's who...

This book is hilarious and hugely enjoyable- with topics ranging from being dumped without explanation, to flying long-distance alone, to the best and worst places to go on dates (playing a sport together turns out to be particularly bad).  Chupack introduces the concepts of  "Halloweenies"- people who break up around Halloween to save the agony of enduring the holidays together, "Sexual Sorbets"- a palate cleanser after a break-up and before your next boyfriend- and the need for a "Relationship Equivalency Exam": so you could get credit for your failed relationships and wouldn't have to start from the beginning with a new partner.  (I like that idea!)

Single women will love this book, but you don't have to be single to find it funny.  Most women will find something to relate to and laugh about (For example: "I am going on a ten-day fast. In preparation for this fast I have eaten most of the contents of my refrigerator, including leftover spare ribs (which I don't even particularly like) and the not insignificant remains of a birthday cake.  I now feel sick enough to abstain from eating for a day, if not longer.")- Sadly, I've been there, more than once...

My one criticism of the book isn't really a problem with the book at all- it's that the unmarried women Cindy Chupack writes about (herself included) aren't out enjoying themselves with their friends, or even -gasp!- alone instead of spending time on dates with men they hate  and desperately wishing, hoping and searching for a partner.  The effort and energy they put into all that could surely be put to better use- they could do charity work, or invent a new cocktail, or slob out with the TV (I'd have a Gilmore Girls marathon, but that's just me...) After all, it's a truth universally acknowledged (well, pretty much) that you'll meet the right man eventually, so why waste so much time worrying about it?  Then again, Manhattan is a hugely competitive place and the ratio of men to women in NYC is tipped against us gals, so maybe that explains it...

Of course, I wish Cindy luck in meeting her ideal partner- but from a selfish point of view, I hope she doesn't find him just yet, so she can write another book or two like this!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Read an interview with the author and more about her involvement with SATC here.

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley, Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 29, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 27, 2006 3:29 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Do You Remember The First Time by Jenny Colgan

I don't know why I keep reading Jenny Colgan books. I threw "Amanda's Wedding" across the room. "Looking for Andrew McCarthy" was okay, but nowhere near as good as it could've been (I mean, what a great premise!). "Working Wonders" was bleh. Each time I finish one of her books, I vow not to read another. Then one comes out and I go, "Ooh! A new Jenny Colgan!" It's as if she's hypnotised me. "Do You Remember The First Time" has another fab premise - what would you do differently if you were sixteen again? - and I imagine that's something we've all wondered at one time or another.

30-year-old Flora suspects her boyfriend is about to propose and thinks she might say yes, even though she's far from sure she wants to marry him. So when her childhood sweetheart turns up unexpectedly at her best friend's wedding, Flora finds herself so full of regrets about the past and worries about the future that she wishes she was 16 again. And when she wakes up the next morning she is. Only a few people remember her and so she finds herself surrounded by people who know her, but who she doesn't know. (The explanation for this is that only the people who really love her remember her, but it's actually just a convenient plot devise.)

Anyway, when Flora realises that all her adult knowledge and experience are useless - she's just as uncool and unpopular as she was the first time round - she thinks she'd like to go back to reality after all. But then, when she finds herself falling for a foxy 17-year-old, she's not certain she wants to.

I imagine Jenny Colgan was furious when the movie 13 Going On 30 came out at around the same time as her book - no, it's not the same (and I know it's the other way around), but there are definite similarities. But, just like the movie, Do You Remember The First Time is great fun and a reminder that despite worry and stress, it's actually much better to be a grown-up. No, really.

Rating : 3 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Switchcraft' by Lowri Turner

Posted by Keris on July 27, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book Review: Having It and Eating It by Sabine Durrant

Having it and Eating It is the debut novel from journalist Sabine Durrant. Sure, it was published back in 2000, but after reading this first offering there is no way this can go without a review. Durrant is certainly talent to keep an eye on, especially with a host of other novels that I’m planning on stocking up my shelves with.

Don't you just hate those girls who have it all? The ones, as they say, who have their cake and eat it. Claire Masterson is one of those. She's smart, sophisticated, immensely independent and the schoolmate who every girl wanted to be, and every boy...well, just wanted. She's a party animal with a gorgeous London flat, freedom, and a figure to envy. So when Maggie Owen bumps into her on whilst battling it out with her double-buggy one day, she's feeling little more than disheartened.

Maggie is boring, or so she thinks. Laden down with an overly-busy boyfriend and two demanding children, it seems to her as though she'll never get back all that freedom that Claire Masterson exudes with every classy breath. However, when boyfriend Jake begins to act rather strangely; a little too distant, it's so obvious that something is up.

And Maggie is sure that her oh-so-charming ex-classmate has something to do with it.

Even so, if Jake can get away with it, why can't she? When Aussie gardener Pete shows an interest in her, she decides to take the plunge. In the rush between the Tweenies, outings with the local mothers and visits to Jake's seemingly irregular friends, Maggie is managing to find time for her forbidden exploits with the young man from Down Under. Maybe a bit on the side helps to keep a marriage together? 'It's extraordinary,' says Maggie. Or is it?

Why does Claire Masterson get it all?

Durrant's wonderful writing style and witty take on modern motherhood make for a great, addictive read. I found it hard to put this book down and finished it pretty much straight away. With a fabulous and unexpected twist at the end, Having It and Eating It is one heck of a page-turner, guaranteed to keep you up all night wondering what's about to happen next. A tale of the trials of a non-working, middle-class mother, it will easy help to clear up the burning question of who can be happier, regardless of pretentious high fashion and country houses.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'I Don't Know How She Does It' by Allison Pearson

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on July 27, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 26, 2006 6:05 PM

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS : My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson

This week Richard and Judy are featuring Dorothy Koomson's novel 'My Best Friend's Girl'.

'My Best Friend's Girl' tells the story of Kamryn who unexpectedly receives a letter from her best friend Adele. They haven't spoken for two years, since Kamryn found out that Adele had had a one night stand with her fiance and that the result was Adele's daughter Tegan. Adele has written to Kamryn asking her to visit her in hospital, where she lies dying. Despite telling herself she owes nothing to the woman who wrecked her life, Kamryn finds herself going to see Adele. When she arrives she is astounded when Adele asks her to adopt Tegan, so that she will have a mother to grow up with.

Kamryn realises how much it means to Adele to know that her daughter will be looked after, and agrees to take her in. Unfortunately Tegan is the spitting image of Nate, her father, and Kamryn is unsure of how she will cope with the constant reminder of why she fell out with her best friend. Now she must learn to adapt her life to become a good mother, and finally come to terms with the betrayal.

Carry on across the cut to see what I thought about the book.

'My Best Friend's Girl' is an interesting take on the usual tale of betrayal. The story is well paced and keeps the reader's attention. combining the threads of betrayal with Kamryn's adjusting to motherhood with ease. The characters are well written, though it did feel occasionally as though Koomson was trying to hard to get the reader to love Tegan - the descriptions of what a lovely little girl she is were too frequent and unnecessary, she is so well written you can't help but love her.

I enjoyed reading this, but think that so far it is the weakest of the books featured in this years Summer Read campaign. It would make a good book for the beach, but be prepared for the fact you may need your tissues!

Rating : 4 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 26, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (5)

July 24, 2006 3:01 PM

BOOK REVIEW - Talking To Addison by Jenny Colgan

Most of us have at one time or another lived in a flat share, and many of us have had an elusive housemate. We can find ourselves wondering where they go when they're not in the house, and what they're doing that means they only leave their room to leave the house. Jenny Colgan was obviously in this situation at some stage in her life - she chose to write this book about it...

Holly is living in what many people would consider to be a nightmare situation. She's sharing a house with people who seem to live their entire lives by rotas. They're constantly on her back to wash up, clean and general follow all of their nitpicking rules. After deciding enough is enough Holly moves out of there, and into a new house with people as normal as she is. There's Josh who is too nice for his own good, Kate who is terminally unlucky in love, and then there's Addison. Holly can't work Addison out at all, she occasionally hears him leave his room, but rarely sees him. She'd love to see a bit more of him though - he's gorgeous!

Holly quickly finds herself fascinated by Addison. She longs to know more about him, and what makes him tick and so she makes that her mission. Slowly but surely she forces her way into Addison's life, trying to get to know the man she lives with. At the same time she's falling for Finn, but he's a bit of a recluse so that seems to be putting an obstacle in her path to true love.

Will she find out everything she wants to know about Addison? Will she find true love with Finn? Well you'd better read and find out!

This is standard fare for Jenny Colgan. Its a simple story with plenty of amusing moments. Its not a lengthy read, but she manages to squeeze enough into the pages to make sure you keep turning them. The plot is simple but effective, I found myself thinking 'oh thats just like...' all the way through it. The characters are well written, and reminded me of a lot of people I know.

This book is typical of a lot of chick lit fare. Its very entertaining, but it won't set the world alight with its originality. Read this when you want an enjoyable comfort blanket of a book.

Rating : 3 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Playing James' by Sarah Mason.

Posted by Jenni on July 24, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

July 21, 2006 8:16 PM

This is (not?) chick lit

The 'chick-lit: good or bad?' debate (you know which side we're on!) looks set to be re-invigorated yet again by two upcoming American books, both anthologies featuring some of the country's most respected writers- but with radically different agendas...  Next month, This Is Not Chick Lit is released- a collection of "Original Stories by America's Best Women Writers" including famous chick-lit hater Curtis Sittenfeld.  The blurb says, "This Is Not Chick Lit is a celebration of America’s most dynamic literary voices, as well as a much needed reminder that, for every stock protagonist with a designer handbag and three boyfriends [ouch!] there is a woman writer pushing the envelope of literary fiction with imagination, humor, and depth."  (This actually sounds like a great collection of stories- shame the snobby title will alienate so many potential readers).

This Is Chick-Lit, on the other hand, is a much more positive project: "The genre of fiction known as "chick-lit" has been a lightning rod for debate in the world of literature, raising questions such as Is chick-lit really literature or just harmless fluff? Is this really an accurate portrayal of the lives of modern women? Eighteen renowned authors—including Jennifer Coburn, Raelynn Hillhouse, Harley Jane Kozak, Cara Lockwood, and Rachel Pine—weigh in with the best of chick-lit—proving that this genre deserves as much, or more, respect as any other." [You said it!]

I guess the funny thing is that for all their snobbery, the women writers who allegedly don't like chick-lit or want anything to do with it are actually profiting from the term and their new book will forever be listed on Amazon amongst all those chick-lit classics they claim to hate.  You know, the ones with really HUGE sales...  Suddenly chick-lit's not the term of abuse you once thought, is it ladies?!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 21, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Opinion, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW - The Truth About Ruby Valentine by Alsion Bond

When I read Alison Bond's debut effort 'How To Be Famous' I agreed with Gemma that whilst it was a great effort for a debut the ending was an area that needed some work. There was enough promise to make me think it would be worth my giving her second book a try, and when I saw it was full of the intrigue that surrounds a Hollywood legend. It sounded like there was a hint of mystery thrown in - I couldn't wait to dive in.

Kelly lives in Wales, and feels her life is pretty quiet and boring. She dreams of the glitz and glamour she reads about in the glossy magazines, but it seems like a whole different world. Her world is turned upside down when after the world learns of the suicide of Ruby Valentine, Hollywood's favourite screen legend, her dad reveals a secret. Kelly has never known who her mother was - yup you've guessed it, she's Ruby's daughter! Unsurprisingly this revelation leaves Kelly with a whole list of questions, though the most pressing one as far as she's concerned is whether her mother really did commit suicide or whether there's something more sinister behind her death.

There's only one way for Kelly to get the answers to the questions she wants, and so she jumps on the next plane to LA. When she arrive she finds herself launched into the midst of one of Hollywoods dynasties. Family members are twisted in love, scandal and bitter disputes seem to be ten a penny. Her mother's agent, Max Parker (yup he and CMG are back in this book) tries to help Kelly find her way into this new glamorous lifestyle - after all everyone wants a piece of Ruby's long lost daughter. None of this stops Kelly in her quest though - she's determined to know exactly what happened.

This book mixes two narratives (Kelly's story and Ruby's story) with ease. Whilst the story is a little slow to get going, once the book really starts its quick paced and full of interest. There are a number of twists - though the ending brings the biggest twist of them all (for once I hadn't worked it out).

The characters are well written, and whilst a few of them tend toward to the stereotypical there seems to be a definite improvement on the characters in 'How To Be Famous'. I found myself truly convinced by this tale of the big Hollywood family.

This book impressed me a lot. I finished 'How To Be Famous' thinking that Alison Bond showed a lot of promise. With this book I feel she has proved me right - she's not perfect yet, but she's a whole lot closer than she was! This would make a great read for the beach - find yourself transported into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Saffron Skies' by Lesley Lokko

Posted by Jenni on July 21, 2006 in British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW - Cafe Tropicana by Belinda Jones

I await new Belinda Jones novels like JK Rowling fans await the next Harry Potter. Her glamorous, funny tales of love and life in gorgeous locations are the perfect summer reads, flying by like a 500 page holiday romance. However, this is the first year I've not read her latest offering on my holiday, and I do wonder if my slight disappointment was down to that fact?

In this novel, Belinda Jones transports us to Costa Rica, where heroine Ava is summoned to help her dad open a beachside coffee shop. It's a big change from her life in Bath, but running her own cafe is Ava's dream, and where better to give it a go than the home of some of the best coffee beans in the world?

Of course, things never run smoothly, and Ava has more to deal with than how to choose the perfect blend. There's her dad's new wife Kiki, her sexy and smouldering business rival Santiago, and Ryan, the thrillseeker who can seem to keep his fly unzipped when Ava is around.

As always, the star of the book is the location rather than the heroine, and you're treated to plenty of details about Costa Rica. From rainforest zip-wire trips to turles nesting at Tortuguero, Ava manages to experience it all... while two gorgeous men fight over her. Tourist boards really should start paying fees to the author, I want to go there just for the butterflies (both sorts).

All that said, there was something about Cafe Tropicana that left me feeling slightly disappointed by the end. Don't get me wrong, it's still miles above most of the trash that's rushed into publication as a 'beach read' and I still thoroughly recommend it as a great easy, entertaining read. I just didn't find myself relating to the characters as much as I have in her previous books (the main protaganist of 'The California Club' even had the same celebrity crush as me!), and it lacked the frequent laugh-out-loud moments of Divas Las Vegas.

Maybe it's just that I don't drink coffee? [Gemma Cartwright]

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'The Paradise Room' by Belinda Jones

Posted by Aigua Media on July 21, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 18, 2006 1:20 PM

Review: Everyone Worth Knowing

Owing to the success of its world-famous predecessor The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger's next offering, Everyone Worth Knowing, definitely seemed worth the read. With the upcoming movie release of Prada this October, I was curious to know what else this this lady had up her sleeve!

But as they all say - the sequels are never as good as the first. Actually, Everyone Worth Knowing is NOT a sequel - it's a new character in a whole new world of work - but with the immense similarities, it might as well be.

Bette Robinson leaves her dreary bank job in New York, and with the help of her well-known columnist uncle, lands a job for Kelly & Company; one of the biggest party-planning firms around. Jumping in at the deep end, somewhat clueless Bette finds herself immediately accosted by a vast array of celebrity clients, colleagues who think that a Birkin bag will solve all of life's miseries, and a boss who promotes partying as 'good for the company.' Okay, this job is certainly not banking. But she's getting paid to party!

However, when Bette appears in the latest gossip columns as the girlfriend of Manhattan's most wanted bachelor, everyone is clamouring to know just who she is and how she managed to snare the hottest guy around, Philip Weston. If that isn't bad enough for Bette, seeing as she is in fact NOT going out with the famed millionaire, her boss thinks it's amazing. Bette's instant fame is tripled, leaving her to suffer late nights and the prospect of having to let down her best friend.

It seems like a decent plot that would make for a witty tale of celebrity life, but Everyone Worth Knowing is far from it. Much to my disappointment, it took me two weeks to get through this when I usually finish a book in a matter of three nights, due to the fact that this is simply Prada repackaged. And not only that, it's not half as interesting as the tale of Andrea Sachs. Party-girl stories about glamour and celebs are beginning to wear a bit thin, especially when the supposed heroine is one of those 'woe is me' types. Bette came across as a constantly miserable sort who would probably always have something to mentally whine about. Basically, someone you'd want to slap with a wet fish, albeit a Gucci one.

This book dragged, it wasn't at all funny, and to be blatantly honest, it read just like Prada only without the horrid boss and bitchines which made that story particularly amusing. New York? Check. Regular girl jumps into a high-flying world of designers and celebrities? Check. Unfortunately this second offering doesn't come close to Lauren's brilliantly successful debut. Despite the fact that her books are very well-written, she needs to come up with a different plot.

And quickly.

Rating : 2 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Bergdorf Blondes' by Plum Sykes.

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on July 18, 2006 in American Authors, Devil Wears Prada, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (9)

BOOK REVIEW : Like Mother Like Daughter

Some girls have the kind of relationship with their mothers that it often feels like they're best friends. Other girls have mothers who try really hard to be their best friends and actually end up driving their daughters mad. Alice Harrison is one of those girls. Her mother, Suzie, is approaching sixty but is acting like her coming birthday is her sixteenth instead. When she comes up with a hare-brained scheme to find love for herself and her daughter Alice begins to despair - why can't she have a mother like other girls?

Alice is a life coach, though the fact that her husband left her for another man and then became her best friend makes her wonder at times how it is that she can sort everyone else's lives out just not her own. Suzie has a highly popular newspaper column that she appears to feel is the perfect venue to discuss her own life, and more worryingly Alice's. She has bemoaned the fact that Alice looks likely to remain single in this column, but even this hasn't helped her to find love. With her sixtieth birthday looming Suzie decides on a scheme to sort out Alice's life - she doesn't want any presents from Alice, all she wants is for her to have a date for the birthday party.

When Suzie announces the scheme Alice is, as you might expect, a little reluctant. Particularly when Suzie decides that she thinks she ought to join in the plan - after all she can't turn up to her own birthday party without a date! Grudgingly Alice agrees, though to be honest with her mother you can't help but give in.

Everything seems to be going smoothly when both Alice and Suzie find themselves a man early on into the scheme. Suzie meets her man on the Eurostar; he's fifteen years her junior, but who's counting? Alice meets her man at work; she's vowed never to date a client, but he's just so persuasive. When the two women discover that their new men are the same person... well you can imagine the fun!

This is a well written book with believable characters. At times I found Suzie to be completely infuriating, but I know people with mothers just like her. Alice is the more likeable character, though at times she verges on becoming a little wet. The plot itself is a little thin, though some of the dating events are quite amusing.

This is a decent book, but it's not great. I found myself wanting to get to the end of it so I could start another book, but I never once thought about not finishing it. Worth a look, though you might be better of getting it from your library.

Rating : 3 out of 5

Like this? Try 'I'm Celibate - Get Me Out Of Here' by Jo Elliot

Posted by Jenni on July 18, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 17, 2006 8:23 PM

BOOK REVIEW : Just A Little Disco On An Open-Top Bus by Candy Guard

I have to admit I was drawn to this book by the pants on the cover. No... literally. The cover shows lots of cartoon underwear in a way that made me think about Louise Rennison's teen range of books. Having loved all of these books I was sure that the contents would be equally enjoyable. The fact that author Candy Guard was the creator of animated sitcom 'Pond Life' also made me think I could be in for a treat. Oh how wrong could I be?

'Just A Little...' tells the story of Edie Dudman. Edie is completely and utterly stuck in a rut. She keeps making plans for the life she wants, but getting around to implementing them is an entirely different thing. She dreams of getting a career, but first she needs to get some qualifications behind her. That means going to college, which means registering and actually getting a prospectus or two to find the right course. Her mom and her next door neighbour just don't seem to understand how busy she is - they must spend half their lives thinking up new errands for her to run. She's got far more important things on her mind, like wondering just what she can do to get her waster boyfriend to commit.

Imagine Edie's shock when she manages to get herself a job without even trying. Soon she is the new part time sales assistant at Crusties bakers but she's not even sure how it all happened. As her days begin to hold more of a routine Edie wonders if her life is on the up... but of course fate must throw in a few more twists and turns.

This is not a good book. I found it very difficult to keep going with it, and by the end realised that there was no saving grace to be found. The plot is weak, little happens and the few events that do occur are not exciting enough to keep the attention. The characters are poorly written in general - Steve, Edie's boyfriend was particularly stereotypical as a no good waster. The only character I really enjoyed was Jarvis her one-legged neighbour. I also found it difficult to accept that this book was set 'circa 1982/3'. There seemed to be some confusion in this setting - on a number of occasions I found myself thinking 'surely that wasn't around then'.

I would struggle to recommend this book to anyone - read it with caution.

Rating : 2 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Poison Arrows' by Morag Prunty.

Posted by Jenni on July 17, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 2/5, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 13, 2006 3:50 PM

BOOK REVIEW : Conversations With The Fat Girl by Liza Palmer

If you were to ask the average female what they didn't like about their body, their list would probably be endless. The gossip mags always contain this week's trendy diet, but many of us now face these with an air of defeated contempt - if the cabbage soup didn't work then there's no chance of the smoothies being any better. So when weight and self image is a topic that dominates many girly chats is it something we really want to read about? Liza Palmer obviously thinks we do - its the theme of this, her debut novel.

Maggie weighs more than she wants to. This is nothing new, it seems as though she's been looking at other people and their perfect figures all her life. At school it wasn't so bad, she had her best friend Olivia who was also overweight. To be perfectly honest if it wasn't for their mutual weight problems they'd probably never have become friends - but the social hierarchy forced them together. These days though Olivia is a size 6, though this was after gastric bypass surgery.

Life for Olivia seems to be pretty perfect, she's just about to get married to her Mr Right. Maggie however is starting to feel like life's passing her by a little. Everyone else is a bit smarter, a bit more motivated, a bit thinner - how can she even think of competing? Her boss at the coffee shop is driving her mad, but she can put with him and the monotony of the work - all the more time to drool over the gorgeous Domenico.

As Olivia's wedding draws nearer and nearer Maggie starts to question whether Olivia's life is actually that much better than her own. Maybe the figure she is craving isn't the solution to her problems after all.

I really enjoyed this book. As a person who has had weight issues I found I could really identify with Maggie at times, though other times I found myself yelling at her to stop being so wet. I don't think though that this is a book that only people who have or who have had weight problems will enjoy. The theme that dominates is that of friendship, and of how friendship changes with time.

The plot and characters of this book are highly convincing, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read. I think this could make a great book for a reading group to discuss, or just enjoy it on your own.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'The Perfect 10' by Louise Kean.

Posted by Jenni on July 13, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 12, 2006 12:01 PM

BOOK REVIEW : Men In Aprons by Alex Mattis

This debut novel by Alex Mattis was commisioned by Elextrolux, as a way of trying to reach the species better known as the domestically challenged male. They have recognised that one of the largest groups of single person households is men under the age of 44. In an attempt to reach this population, and to help them get to grips with all things household they have created this book.

It's a story of a man who is dumped by his girlfriend because she's sick of having to do all of the chores. Will he learn his lesson and change his ways or will he simply look for a new slave?

The story tells the unfortunate tale of Dan. He has always had someone there to cook, clean and generally look after him, so when he gets home after the worst day in history to find that his girlfriend has up and left him he's not quite sure what to do. The short term solution seems to be takeaways and drinking to forget, but soon he realises he's going to need a flat mate if he has any hope of paying the rent. Enter Jackson, the true modern man. He can cook, he can clean and with the number of short cut tips he has he could write his only monthly housekeeping magazine.

In the first instance Dan is resistant to Jackson's attempts to domesticate him. However, when a famous filmstar appears on the scene he begins to wonder if there might be something in this good housekeeping. His job as a writer on a tv chat show is hanging precariously in the balance and winning this lady around may just save him.

This book is well written and fast paced. The plot is simple, and does occasionally feel a little too heavily influenced by the purpose of the book. At the end of each chapter are a list of helpful hints and tips which are pretty interesting - I have to admit I learnt a thing or two from it.

This book is designed for women to buy and give to the men in their lives. I think that the book meets this aim really well. If your man doesn't know his hoover from his houmus then get out and buy it!

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Househusband' by Ad Hudler.

You can buy the book direct from Electrolux.co.uk

Posted by Jenni on July 12, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 11, 2006 11:19 AM

BOOK REVIEW : Wife In The Fast Lane by Karen Quinn

Last year Karen Quinn's debut novel "The Ivy Chronicles" was one of the most popular choices in Richard and Judy's Summer Read 2005. I picked up her follow up novel with a slightly wary hand. It seems pretty quickly released, and I hoped that it didn't mean it would be rushed and not live up to the furor that Quinn had built around herself. This was again a book set in Manhattan, in the world of the rich and powerful - familiar territory or just beating about the same bush? There was only one way to find out, so I opened the book and read...

'Wife in the Fast Lane' tells the story of Christy, a former Olympic athlete (two gold medals to her name included) who has decided that her challenge should now come from the world of commerce. She, with the help of her friend Katherine, has set up a new business, Baby G, producing sports shoes. Her hope is to give the public an alternative to the huge corporations, getting the sponsorship deal for the next Olympic Games will only help this.

As Baby G takes off Christy begins, under the careful instruction of Katherine, to make herself into the type of woman who sh0uld be CEO of an up and coming market leader. First it's a new apartment, then a wardrobe, hair cut - you get the idea. But it is when she is invited to a conference for the biggest movers and shakers that things really take off for Christy - she meets the gorgeous (and highly powerful and rich) Michael Drummond who she falls instantly in love with. Both of them are committed to their careers, but quickly realise they can have their careers and each other. So when they unexpectedly gain an 11 year old child to care for something has to give.

This is a story set firmly in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. In a similar fashion to 'The Ivy Chronicles' it is a fascinating peep into a completely different world - some of the things that are done by the school are mind-boggling. It is a well paced read, though the reader sees what is going to happen before Christy does at times which can be unfortunate if you're reading it on the train (everyone looked at me oddly when I shouted at my book!).

The characters and plot are both well created, at times both seem a little unbelievable but then it is easy to swallow them as you realise that this is simply 'how the other half lives'. This is an entertaining book that would be great to slip into your suitcase this summer.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try "Under My Spell" by Deborah Wright

Posted by Jenni on July 11, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 10, 2006 3:50 PM

Jodi Picoult, Wonder Woman?

With the current popularity of superheroes* (X-Men 3,  Batman Returns, the new Superman film), it was only a matter of time before girl's favorite Wonder Woman got a revamp! Long before Xena: Warrior Princess and Buffy: Vampire Slayer, it was all about Wonder Woman "in her satin tights, fighting for your rights"...

According to the ever-informative galley cat, Jodi Picoult -whose current book The Tenth Circle is interlaced with strips from a comic, sorry, graphic novel- has been asked to write five issues of Wonder Woman, to be published next year.  That should be a complete change of pace from her doorstep-thick, twisty-turny, word-heavy novels, but I know I'm intrigued to see the result.  Perhaps Wonder Woman will win a whole new generation of fans...

*I blame Seth Cohen by the way- and here's the real thing.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 10, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW : Angel by Katie Price ('Jordan')

I have to admit that when I saw Katie Price was writing her first novel I was a bit dubious. Okay, incredibly dubious. When I saw the promotions for it, and realised it was a story about a young girl who turns to glamour modelling to try to earn the money she desperately needs if she is to follow her dreams my fears for the book deepened. Was this going to be yet another version of Katie's life, or would she surprise me? I have to admit I was curious as I began to read.

'Angel' tells the story of Angel, a girl who is just on the brink of finishing college with dreams of a career in fashion design. The only problem is that she doesn't have enough money to fund the art course she desperately wants to take, and her parents won't fund such an uncertain future. On top of that its been less than a year since her parents revealed that she was adopted - she's still not really sure of who she is or whether she really belongs.

Angel is tempted by a model scout to have some photos taken. When the photographer suggests doing some glamour shots she feels a little reluctant. Once she agrees though she quickly realises that this could be the shortcut to the money she wants. Angel's rise to fame as a glamour model is rapid, and all of a sudden everybody wants a piece of her. Surely something's got to bring her down again, but will she survive?

This is a reasonably written debut novel, particularly when you consider that the author has no experience of writing beyond her own memoirs. The subject matter is so familiar when you think about Katie Price that you wonder whether some of it may actually be autobiographical. Then again they say write what you know, and this is certainly what Price knows. This does make me think that we will only truly see whether Price has promise as a novelist

The characters and plot were believable, you could easily see some of them gracing the pages of the tabloid gossip pages. The ending was relatively accomplished, whereas this is an area some first time novelists appear to struggle with Price tied up all the ends neatly but without it feeling forced.

This would be perfect as an easy read for the beach this summer.

Rating : 3 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Adored' by Tilly Bagshawe.

Posted by Jenni on July 10, 2006 in Bonkbusters, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Debut Novels, Fashion-Lit, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (53)

July 7, 2006 11:33 AM

BOOK REVIEW- Twenty Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak

Shopaholic Karyn Bosnak became infamous on the internet when, after racking up $20,000 of credit card debt, she set up a website asking for help to pay back the money- and succeeded.  That adventure spawned the wonderful, funny and heartwarming memoir 'Save Karyn' but her newest book is a novel about that most sensitive of sexual subjects: your 'number'.  You know, THAT number... Delilah Darling, the heroine of Twenty Times a Lady, has just been made redundant.   Even worse (in her eyes): she wakes up after a particularly  regrettable one-night stand and realizes she's now slept with twenty men.  She's shocked, especially as she's just read that the average girl's number is half that... so she vows that she won't sleep with another man. Ever.

This leaves her with a bit of a problem really, as she's hoping to get married and have children eventually.  So she takes her redundancy payment, her hire car and her Blackberry and sets off on a journey across America to track down her lost loves- accompanied only by her brand-new Yorkshire terrier and an iPod full of Lionel Richie (for those rough moments, you understand).    After all, she reasons, surely one of her ex-lovers must be the right guy for her... her romantic instincts can't be that bad.  Can they?

What follows is a fast, funny and very enjoyable love story/road-trip novel. Whilst you may be able to predict how the book will end, you won't predict how Delilah gets there- and that's the mark of a good writer.  The book speeds along, and there's a lot of surprises on the way to a happy ending.   I loved the fact that the main character is a risk-taker, not afraid to seem stupid- and brave in sharing her feelings.  And I frequently found myself snorting with laughter at her remarks!

After loving 'Save Karyn' so much, I  wasn't sure how I'd feel about a novel by the same author- would the same big, sunny personality come across in a work of fiction? I'm happy to say it does!  Delilah seems heavily based on Karyn's own personality and I think that's why she 's so likeable.  But as to how much the experiences (and experience) Delilah has is based on reality, I guess only Ms Bosnak will ever know for sure...

If you enjoy Karyn's books, you'll love all the gossip on her blog, where there's also the chance to win a copy of Twenty Times a Lady every Friday, in her 'Love, Sex and My Ex' contest.   But I wouldn't wait for that, I'd buy it now!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Year of Yes by Maria Headley, Straight up and Dirty by Stephanie Klein.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 7, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW - Househusband by Ad Hudler

Linc Menner had it all : gorgeous career wife, Jo, spacious home, a daughter,Violet, with an IQ bordering on genius, bustling landscaping business, well-trained nanny, full checkbook, and a well-stocked refrigerator. What more could a man want? Little did Linc know his world was about to come crashing down around his well-heeled feet...

Jo Menner earned a significant promotion, along with a transfer from warm,sunny California, to the icy blizzards of the Northeast. Linc has a strong aversion to daycares, believing,not only do they rot your child's teeth and cause diaper rash and lice infestations, but also rot their brain. Nannies that are reliable and trustworthy are hard to come by, so Linc makes the monumental decision to be a stay-at-home dad. Little does he know he is entering that world where the fine line between sanity and complete mental breakdown blurs on a good day,and on a bad day is indistinguishable  - the home.

Linc fast dives into the business of being a house-husband, attempting to master potty-training and the alphabet at the same time, while searching for a 'worthy' career. Numerous challenges come his way: the hot housemama next door, the 'bum from the slum' nanny and her drug-dealing, prison-inhabiting pals, being the 'non-earner' in a distinctly masculine world, and attempting to convince the paranoid women of the town he is not out to molest innocents, but rather to train (and learn from) his daughter.

'Househusband' serves as a source of enlightenment to the male species as a whole, and a source of encouragement, hilarity, and commiseration to the female housewife population. [Shaley Melchior]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "The Ivy Chronicles" by Ivy Quinn.

Posted by Aigua Media on July 7, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 5, 2006 1:05 PM

Movie News: Then She Found Me

I have to say I don't know why Elinor Lipman's books haven't been developed for the big screen before now, but thank goodness Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt has decided to redress the balance.  According to the Imdb, her adaptation of Lipman's first book Then She Found Me will be going into production later this year, to be released in 2007.  (Hunt will be directing, co-writing and starring - busy!)

Funny, touching and surprising, it's the story of April who, whilst still grieving after the death of her parents, finds herself confronted by a selfish, flamboyant small-time TV presenter 17 years her senior... who claims to be her real mother.   Chaos ensues!

It's a brilliant book, and as Lipman is so skilled at dialogue, the script should be great. Here's hoping it makes the perfect chick-flick!

Pre-order the re-released book here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 5, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Girly Stuff, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW - The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank

I wasn't sure about reading this because of the brouhaha that followed Prep author Curtis Sittenfeld's New York Times review which began 'To suggest that another woman's ostensibly literary novel is chick lit feels catty, not unlike calling another woman a slut -- doesn't the term basically bring down all of us? And yet, with ''The Wonder Spot,'' it's hard to resist.'  Meeoww!
I really hate all this scrapping about whether or not chick lit is valuable and I didn't want to involve myself in any way.

Also I didn't adore A Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing like everyone else seemed to, but something about The Wonder Spot pulled me in (think it was the New York cover again; I'm so shallow).

Like A Girl's Guide ..., The Wonder Spot is a series of linked stories about Sophie as she tries to find a decent career, lasting love and her place in the world (which is why Sittenfeld called it chick lit). Sophie is dry, funny, charming and sweet and I know she's a character who's going to stay with me. In fact, a number of characters from this book will stay with me (I was pretty fond of the 'bad boy' she met at evening painting class).

The Wonder Spot is beautifully written and I was sorry to finish it. I have utterly no idea whether it's literary or chick lit or what. It depends on your definition, I suppose, and I just don't care that much. To me, a good book is a good book (which is why my English Lit lecturers despaired of me) and The Wonder Spot really is a good book. [Keris Stainton]

Rating : 4 out of 5

Posted by Aigua Media on July 5, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 4, 2006 12:52 PM

BOOK REVIEW - Saffron Skies by Lesley Lokko

Lesley Lokko seems to be carving herself a defnite place in the variety of chick lit authors. Her first book was set against the backdrop of apartheid in South Africa, and this one is set against a similarly politically strained period, though this one is fictional. This is a book of sisters, rivalry and love - sounds like the perfect combination for the beach...

The book follows the story of Max Sall, one of the most influential and rich movers and shakers in 1970s London. He has been married to Angela for many years and they have two children together, a daughter and a son. At the same time he's had a string of conquests on the side; it was his liaison with Francesca that brought him another daughter. His two daughters; Amber by his wife Angela, and Paola by his mistress Francesca along with their respective mothers keep Max on hsi toes at all time. Each woman is distinctly different from the rest, but they are bound together by Max.

The book focuses primarily on the daughters, and their relationships both with their mothers and their father. However when their paths cross, and both girls find themselves attracted to the same man something has to give.

This is a tale of love, betrayal and revenge. It has a rich cast of well created characters, and a plot that keeps your interest right through to the last page. I was just disappointed that it had to end!

The only word of warning I would give you is to avoid the author's note (fund at the beginning of the book) until you've read the book. It refers to an incident in the book and I found myself waiting for it to happen.

Take this one to the beach and enjoy!

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Adored' by Tilly Bagshawe.

Posted by Jenni on July 4, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 3, 2006 3:14 PM

Trashionista Recommends: Amazon extras!

If you're not a regular visitor to Amazon's American site, you may have missed out on a wonderful new gem: Amazon Fishbowl.  It's an internet-exclusive show/preview section about music, entertainment and, most especially, books! 

Hosted by American comedian Bill Maher, a new 'Fishbowl' is uploaded to the site each week.  And there's lots to interest the typical Trashionista, with the most recent episode including Desperate Housewives' Teri Hatcher (talking about her new autobiography, Burnt Toast) and on June 22, big-time Trashionista fave Janet Evanovich was the guest of honour.  They've even featured exclusive preview clips of the hugely- anticipated film adaptation The Devil Wears Prada  in the past.  (To my huge excitement!)

The show's released every Thursday night, which means we Brits can catch it on the site's main page every Friday, via amazon.com.  Or, you can check out the jam-packed, fun-filled archives at your leisure here.  (What are you waiting for?!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 3, 2006 in Announcements, Book related, Devil Wears Prada, Girly Stuff, Interviews | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW - The Dirty Girls Social Club by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez

When I hear the words Social Club, I automatically prefix them with Buena Vista. Images of the Cuban musicians suggest a whole different world, one that always seems somewhat exotic (especially on a grey and rainy day!) This book features a different Social Club altogether, 'The Dirty Girls Social Club'. The members of this club all have one thing in common, they are all Latin American. Each woman is successful in her own right, but is success all it is cracked up to be?

The group has six members; Lauren, Sara, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Amber and Usnavys. Their heritage and their professional success are the only common features they share. Some have been lucky in love, whilst others are still looking for Mr Right. Some are happy with their lot, whilst others are searching for the fulfillment they crave. The book begins with them meeting for one of their regular reunions, and introduces each of the 'sucias'. It then follows them, switching the narrative voice as it goes.

Needless to say there are key chicklit themes running through this book. There seems to be quite a number of books focusing on groups like this, looking at how a group of women faces life together. Unsurprisingly there are ups and downs, but this doesn't make for a tried book. Valdes-Rodriguez has managed to follow the path laid down by writers before her, but to take enough alternative turns to make this book feel fresh. The fact that these women are bound together by their heritage means that this is something the author can explit, and she does so in a careful and well thought out way. There is sufficient in it to make you think about culture and society, but it steers well clear of becoming an overpowering and political piece.

The characters are well created and demonstrate that whilst people may differ on the outside, deep down there are many similarities. The same things influence your life whatever your race, or religion. The plot line is well paced, and there doesn't seem to be a rush to the finish.

I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'The Reading Group' by Elizabeth Noble.

Posted by Jenni on July 3, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (6)

June 30, 2006 11:25 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Sexy Shorts For The Beach

When I got hold of this copy of the latest book in the 'Sexy Shorts...' series I couldn't wait to begin reading. It's a collection of short stories which all have a summery theme. What makes it all the more worth reading is the fact that for every book that gets sold money is donated to Cancer Research UK - a very worthy cause. In this heatwave that seems determined to keep returning it can be difficult to concentrate enough to read an epic literary effort, so maybe this collection of tales would be better suited to current climates...

One of the nice thing about a collection of stories is that you tend to be bombarded with a wide range of stories, and writing styles. Whilst you won't love every story you're bound to find some you like and some you'll want to read over and over again. This collection is no different. I have to admit that I personally found it a little difficult to get into the book, my intention was to start at the first story and finish at the last (less chance of me missing any that way). I didn't find my attention grabbed by the first three or four, and it was only my sheer determination that kept me going. Oh boy was I glad I did!

If I was going to summarise the book, I'd say there were about 10% stories I didn't care much for, 60% I enjoyed, and 30% I absolutely adored. There's a brilliant mix of styles and feels to the stories, some are amusing, some are poignant and and some are downright romantic. By the time I'd finished reading I had a beaming smile on my face.

I would definitely recommend this. Its great to be able to pick it up and read a few stories at a time. And its nice to know that by reading you can help a good cause!

Rating : 4 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on June 30, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance, Series, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 27, 2006 7:54 PM

BOOK REVIEW : The Make Up Girl by Andrea Semple

What would you do if you didn't have the perfect job? Or the perfect boyfriend? What if your proud mother thrived on thinking you worked for a top PR company and went out with the wonderful, handsome Adam? One girl certainly knows the answer: make it all up.

In Andrea Semple's fast-paced second novel The Makeup Girl, heroine Faith Wishart does exactly that.

Faith has a nasty habit of fictionalising her life in order to please her cleaning-obsessed mum. While Faith is meant to be working at a top PR firm, she's actually getting by as a makeup girl. Not a model, not a makeup artist – but a department store makeup-counter assistant. She has also invented a wonderful, caring, lawyer boyfriend named Adam, so when Faith's mum is absolutely intent on a weekend visit, it's up to her to either tell the truth – or go out find a real Adam to pass off as the original.

Well, it wouldn't be that hard to find one, would it?

Even more troubles arise when Faith's newly-famous sister arrives home from Australia with the news of her engagement to a TV star. Things are starting to look bad for Faith as she realises it's only days before the whole charade could be blown. But still, is it worth owning up? Being a store makeup girl is hardly impressive, or so Faith thinks.

The Makeup Girl is one of those read-in-a-day titles that will keep you from doing anything else until you've finished it. Therefore, you have been warned. It's a quick, light read that's funny in places (damn, I sound like a weathergirl) yet serious in others. Sure, Faith's fantasy life is hardly a believable set-up, but that's what makes this book so much fun. It's witty, with perfect little twists (and very short chapters) that make it such an addictive read, and will have you pleading with yourself, 'Just one more chapter…' to the mental tune of the Cornetto ad before devouring the whole thing in one go. (The book, I mean. Though a Cornetto would be rather nice.)

This is a bit different to Semple's first offering, The Ex-Factor, but it's just as enjoyable. If it's a funny, non-serious tale about a compulsive liar you're after, then this is most definitely the one.  [Danielle Symonds-Yemm]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try 'The Shopaholic' series by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Aigua Media on June 27, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 23, 2006 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde

Regular readers of Trashionista will know that whilst I've been serving my time at university in the South East of England for the past few years, my heart truly belongs to the countryside where I grew up. This is probably the reason why I love books set in the country, particularly those written by people who don't think all country folk wear cords and dungarees and have red rosy cheeks all year round. Over the years this is the reason that Katie Fforde has worked her way firmly into my heart and I find myself eagerly anticpating her new book. This tale of property development and rescued greyhounds was no expection...

The story centres around Anna. She's a qualified interior designer, but this doesn't mean she sounds like Linda Barker and throws scatter cushions all around the place. The job actually is far closer to being an architect - it is her job to design the interiors of buildings, including the placement of key features (such as stairs) and all of the fittings. She decides to spend her inheritance money on a little cottage in Amberford. It doesn't look much at the moment, the previous owners had gotten as far as to rip everything out of the cottage but then they gave up before they put anything back in. The only way to reach the first floor is via a ladder, and she must sleep in a sleeping bag on a roll mat for the forseeable future.

Quickly Anna begins to wonder if she has bitten off more than she can chew. She feels worse still when her next door neighbour, Chloe, mentions the fact that the row of cottages is listed and extra planning permission is required to do anything. Chloe though is a breath of fresh air. Along with her three adorable sons she lifts Anna's spirits, though Anna's not quite so sure about being landed with the care of Caroline the rescue greyhound. As if looking after a dog and effectively rebuilding a house is not enough to contend with, Anna soon finds herself crossing swords with Rob Hunter who happens to be the one person she could do with keeping on side!

This story is well paced, and holds the reader's interest throughout. Its humorous throughout, though I made the mistake of beginning to read it late at night when there were people sleeping in the next room. I had to stuff my hand in my mouth on more than one occasion to quieten my laughter! All the way through I felt like I could see the book playing out in front of my eyes, it would make a brilliant Brit Flick.

This should be on everyone's beach read list this summer!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "How Was It For You?" by Carmen Reid

Posted by Jenni on June 23, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 21, 2006 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Wedding Ring by Emilie Richards

I became very excited about this book from the moment I read the authors note at the beginning of the book and learnt that one of the central themes was quilting. I love fibre arts (this week seems to be secret confessions of a Trashionista) and was eager to get reading! I was also intrigued by the blurb describing the book as being about a woman returning to her grandmother's home to spend the summer helping her mother and grandmother to clear the family home. Was this to be a tale of secrets and revelations? I was hoping so...

Tessa and her mother, Nancy, are summoned to Helen's (that's Tessa's grandmother, Nancy's mother) home by a concerned neighbour. Over the past few months Helen has systematically removed herself from the tight-knit community in which she lives, no one has seen her leave the house in weeks. Nancy is concerned that the time has come that Helen needs to move out of the isolated mountains she has lived in all her lifetime - she's getting too old to manage on her own. Helen is stubborn and forthright, the last thing she wants is to move into the type of retirement community her meddling daughter would see her holed up in. Tessa, well she's been brought in as a mediator but she's still trying to come to terms with the death of her young daughter just three years ago.

When Tessa and Nancy reach Helen's mountainside house they are shocked by the level of disarray it has fallen into. Helen has been hoarding anything and everything - refusing to leave the old way of life in which you didn't throw away anything that might be useful. They begin to clear through the piles whilst Helen hides away, resentful of their presence in her home. Each woman is caught up in her own troubles, each has something they are trying to run away from. Living in close quarters however they start to lern to live with each other, a process that is aided by the discovery of the quilts Helen has spent her life creating. Each one contains stories and memories, and as these are shared the women begin to open up.

This is a story about family and the bonds created by it. It deals with big issues such as failing marriages, the death of a child, and the difficulties of these bonds with a general sense of ease. The book was warmly written and very difficult to put down. The characters were well written - I could see members of my own family in each of them.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a book they can really get involved in and care about. My only quibble is that it is the first in a trilogy - I don't want to have to wait for the second and third installments!!

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Beautiful Bodies' by Laura Shaine Cunningham

Posted by Jenni on June 21, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 19, 2006 2:35 PM

BOOK REVIEW - Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

Being in my twenties and a fan of bestseller Meg Cabot's much-loved teen lit, I was delighted to come across this recent release in my local bookstore. Nestling amongst the other chick-lit offerings and displaying not only a cute cover, but an interesting title and the promise of a mystery to boot – well, who was I to say no? It would beat having to sneakily conceal The Princess Diaries behind a tabloid on my daily commute, anyway.

Basically, Size 12 Is Not Fat jumped out at me like a ten-foot slice of gateau covered with chocolate sprinkles.

Mmm... Inviting...

Heroine Heather Wells is a 28-year-old ex-pop star who, after having discovered her boy band fiancée doing the dirty with upcoming star Tania Trace and seeing her mother flee the country with her manager and life savings, is forced to take a job as a dormitory – sorry, residence hall –assistant, overseeing students at nearby New York College. Despite her troubled past, as well as a complimentary weight gain, life isn't all that bad – especially as Heather has lovely private-investigator housemate Cooper to lust after.

However, when two female students are suddenly found dead in what appear to be tragic dares-gone-wrong, Heather is certainly not convinced. Because, quite frankly, 'girls don't elevator surf.'

Cue a vital desire to solve the mystery of Fischer Hall, which appears to land Heather in a bit more trouble than she actually expects. But with her pop career having taken a nose-dive and no man in tow, surely it's time for the former Queen of Teen to stop reminiscing and start concentrating on the present? Which, it seems, could land her in some serious danger if she's not careful.

Size 12 is a light, fun read, and once started, it's rather hard to put down. The book concentrates on the whole mystery rather than the past celeb life of Heather, which was one aspect I feared. Chick-lit fame tales are hardly a rarity right now. But hey, Size 12 is far from it – Heather is down-to-earth and lovable.

Still, there is one problem I came across whilst reading this. Despite Heather being almost thirty, the book reads like a teenage novel. The language used and attempts at mature wit will cause a mental debate over whether or not our heroine is actually fifteen. This of course works well with Meg's teen novels (All American Girl, the Mediator series, to name but a few) yet this adds an unfortunately childish feel to what is marketed at us older fans. Trust me, this book was not in the teen section of WH Smith. Just a warning.

Even so, it's a definite page turner and for any fan of Cabot, it's a must-read. It's cute, it's addictive, and will make you feel compelled to scour Meg's blog on a daily basis waiting for news of more (okay, maybe it's just me, then…)

But yes, once again Ms Cabot has unleashed another pleasing and downright fabulous offering into our grasp. Can't fault that! [Danielle Symonds-Yemm]

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson or Can You Keep a Secret? Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Aigua Media on June 19, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (7)

June 15, 2006 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW - The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble

This book by Elizabeth Noble focuses on something close to many of our hearts - a book group. This book is about a group of women who meet regularly to discuss the one thing they all have in common, their passion for books. Each month they read a different book, and then meet to discuss it. The group however means far more to them all, it becomes a thing of sanctuary and support no matter what is happening in their lives...

'The Reading Group' follows five main characters over the period of a year. These are Harriet, Nicole, Polly, Susan and Clare. Very quickly the reader becomes drawn into their lives, and realises that whilst on the face of it the group is all about the books and the opportunity for intelligent discussion of these books, in actual fact it means far more to them all. The boko moves month by month through the books they have chosen to read, and you get a glimpse of their feelings towards these books (it was after reading this book that I went on to read 'I Capture The Castle' - one of the featured books).

The most important theme in the book however is not the books that they are reading. Instead it is the sense of togetherness that transcends the common boundaries of friendship. As each woman faces traumatic experiences in her life, the other women flock around to offer support and a shoulder to cry on. There is no trouble that the group can not face together.

The characters and plot are well created in this debut novel. The premise of a reading group is timely and will hit a chord with many readers - if you're not currently a member of one it's likely you're thinking about maybe joining or even starting one. Even if you're not, by the end of this you may just begin to think it would be a good idea.

My only slight criticism of this book is that some people may not like the sometime level of detail that the discussions about the book goes into. I think however that Noble balances this right - it would be difficult to have a book about a reading group without some discussion of other novels.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Beautful Bodies' by Laura Shaine Cunningham

Posted by Jenni on June 15, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 14, 2006 4:25 PM

BOOK REVIEW - Everything A Girl Needs To Know About Football by Simeon De La Torre and Sophie Brown

A couple of weeks ago I told you about this book which had been produced to help girly girls get to grips with the beautiful game. I have now managed to acquire a copy of the book, and have given it a thorough going over to see whether, as I expected, it would be a tool to help some women save their relationships! As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm a big football fan, so I felt that I was in a good position to judge whether this book was worthwhile or not.

The book is organised into manageable chunks, each with a real purpose. Issues such as the various tournaments and leagues, an explanation of some of the most commonly used phrases by commentators, and how to win the perennial arguments at the pub are all well written and clear. Also present is a great chapter walking the reader through a match both watching it live at the ground, or on a screen (either at the pub or at home).

I liked the tone of the book. At times it veered slightly toward the frustrating, but I think that is more to do with the fact that it was telling me something I already knew. The information is well presented, and aims to amuse as well as to educate.

My one word of warning to anyone who is thinking about reading it (and I would really recommend that you do) is to be aware that as it was written a little while ago a couple of the teams have either been promoted or relegated, and some of the players have moved clubs. 

Rating : 4 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on June 14, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 13, 2006 11:56 AM

BOOK REVIEW : Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

When romance author Jennifer Crusie met action/adventure writer Bob Mayer at a conference and found they shared a dry sense of humour they decided to try collaborating on "romantic adventure" novels.  Don't Look Down is the first and I  hope it's the first of many.

Following a tearful phonecall from her young niece, commercials director Lucy Armstrong finds herself in the Deep South finishing a film which seems to have transformed from a romantic comedy into a special-effects laden disaster-fest.  And most of the crew have either died, quit or are spaced-out on drugs.  And her arrogant ex-husband, Connor, is the stunt-director.  But apart from that, there are no problems at all.  Well apart from a sniper, a Russian hit man, the CIA and .. well, actually that's (almost) it.

So Lucy's got her work cut out for her, but she soon finds an ally in sexy green beret JT Walsh who, like Lucy, knows all is not right with this film shoot.  Add a one-eyed alligator, some fake boobs and Wonder Woman underwear and you've got a fantastic, exhilarating, hilarious book.

I've loved all of Jennifer Crusie's books and Don't Look Down definitely feels like a Jennifer Crusie book (Bob Mayer refused to write any "yucky emotional crap"), but with the added excitement of guns and explosions and, um, pole-dancing.  It's utterly fabulous and it's inspired me to buy some Wonder Woman underwear.  You can't ask for much more than that. [Keris Stainton]

Rating  : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Welcome to Temptation' by Jennifer Crusie.

Posted by Aigua Media on June 13, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 9, 2006 10:52 AM

BOOK REVIEW : Chloe by Freya North

I only recently discovered the brilliance of Freya North, when after an unsuccessful attempt to start reading 'Fen', I eventually progressed past the difficult first chapter and am now working through her back catalogue. 'Chloe' is the third in her series of six books following the fortunes of their namesakes.

Similar in concept to Cecelia Ahern's 'P.S I love you'. Chloe travels round the four countries of the United Kingdom following instructions in letters written by her godmother before her death. From beyond the grave Jocelyn guides her round the countries in turn, and as per Jocelyn's advice she rids herself of her no-good boyfriend, then her thankless job, and proceeds to find her true self while gallivanting around the UK and living on her godmother's inheritance. The intrigue behind the secret love life of Jocelyn keeps the pages turning, and Chloe's 'man for each season' adds the necessary quota of romance.

She is guided throughout her quest, not only by the letters of her godmother, but also by the words of Mr and Mrs Andrews, a couple from a 18th century Gainsborough painting. This touch is ever so slightly disconcerting when the character suddenly launches into dialogue with her fictional friends, although by the end I actually grew to quite like them, even if they do live in a painting!

If you do start reading Freya North's books, then do them in order, not haphazardly like I did, else you'll end up unwittingly discovering the ending of her other stories as her characters are often linked. Right at the start of 'Chloe', I realised I had glimpsed her fate while reading 'Polly', and Sally, the protagonist of her fourth novel (named, you guessed it, 'Sally'), also pops up in 'Chloe'.

In 'Chloe', from the shores Loch Lomond in Scotland to the cliffs of St Ives in Cornwall, Freya North describes each country with such vivid and enticing imagery that I couldn't wait to visit them all. Her descriptions of Cornwall in particular were so accurate and enjoyable that I was practically packing my bags as I read.

Much as I wanted to read this book all at once and reach the conclusion of Chloe's round-the-UK tour as quickly as possible, the delicious depictions of Chloe's locations made me want to prolong the trip, and I treated my many brief sojourns into this book as mini holidays.  If you ever needed a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the United Kingdom, then this book certainly succeeds in extolling its many delights.

Combining lust, friendship and love in equal measures, 'Chloe' is magical escapism at its best.  [Charlotte Howells]

5/5 stars

Like this? Try 'Where Have All The Boys Gone' by Jenny Colgan

Posted by Aigua Media on June 9, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

June 2, 2006 12:21 PM

BOOK REVIEW - Tongue In Cheek by Fiona Walker

Tongue in Cheek proves that life in the country isn't all muddy boots and farmyard animals, instead it's much more suited to a category Fiona Walker likes to term 'racy rural'. She skilfully transports you into the un-put-down-able world of Oddlode, set deep in the Cotswolds countryside. In this satisfyingly long volume she delves into the lives of the inhabitants of the village, slowly and tantalisingly revealing their secrets, bit by bit.

Each of the characters has their own ghosts from the past to conquer, and unexplained fires repeatedly taunt the village itself. Walker makes you feel as if you could be sitting on the Oddlode Village green, listening in on all the scandalous gossip and breathing in the country air. Mystery and magic surrounds the secretive Gunning estate, and one by one the characters' lives are affected by the lure of the secret garden encased within it. There is something to relate to in all the well-crafted characters, be it hippy-teacher Mo, and her relentlessly unfaithful boyfriend Pod, or asexual Anke, whose desires are eventually reawakened by the magical secret garden. Or perhaps even glamorous Diana, the over-privileged girl who gave it all up for love, but whose dark secrets haunt her adult life.

Some may criticise this book for the confusing number of characters (25 in total – I kid you not), and I have to admit at times I did get a mite confused between them, but the strength of Walker's writing means each character is individually sketched out, and once you get a hold on their names (no easy task with names like Jasper, Patricia, Ophelia and then their nicknames, Spurs, Truffle and Touchy Pheely respectively) then you're sorted.

Tongue in Cheek is a mesmerising novel of rural sins, from drugs and tongue-waggling gossip, to adultery and unstoppable love. I became addicted to my Oddlode-fix and devoured this enthralling book far too quickly. Now I'm waiting for the next two instalments of the Lodes Chronicles (the other being the – also brilliant – Lots of Love). [Charlotte Howells]

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Stately Pursuits' by Katie Fforde.

Posted by Aigua Media on June 2, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 31, 2006 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW : Old School Ties by Kate Harrison

As Big Brother fever is sweeping across the UK at the moment, I was drawn to this book about the making of a reality TV programme. Whilst this isn't about a house with a random mix of 'unique' characters (Ben Elton already did that) it is instead about the other side of reality telly. You know the kind of programme, find a person and set them some kind of challenge and then film them making a fool of themselves as they try to complete it. This book by Kate Harrison takes on this side of the reality coin and features a programme about organising a school reunion.

'Old School Ties' tells the story of Tracey Mortimer. Now a downtrodden housewife, Tracey remembers her school days fondly. She was the queen of the school and everybody adored her - she had a loyal gang of followers, everyone followed her every edict and she dated the cutest boy in the school. Now life's more about making sure that both of her children get the right arrangement of spaghetti letters for their tea, and monitoring the levels of CBeebies they watch. Which is fine, but just not where she expected to end up. So when a TV production company advertises for someone to star in a programme about their school reunion she can't help herself - this is the chance she's wanted for so long.

As the production company arrives, and they start to get in touch with Tracey's old classmates a different story begins to emerge. Many of them don't remember Tracey as fondly as she thinks they do - and those that remember her fondly are the kind of good souled people who can never see the bad in anyone. Pretty quickly a different picture of Tracey is formed, but the production company realises this can only be good for the sake of the programme. After all, some of these people want to settle some scores, and who knows what skeletons may be lurking in the closets!

The story is relatively light-hearted and doesn't pull any punches. The characters are created well, and are very believable. Unfortunately I did not find anything in the book to rave about. Yes it was fairly entertaining, and had the odd laugh out loud moment, and the occasional hint of nostalgia. It's just a shame that when I finished it my overwhelming feeling was that the book "Could do better".

Rating : 3 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Dead Famous' by Ben Elton

Posted by Jenni on May 31, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 26, 2006 11:55 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl by Tracy Quan

I hate to admit it, but saucy, gossipy novels really do it for me. And when I happen to walk past one in the local bookstore, there's that brief moment of consideration before I grab it like the Holy Grail and rush to the counter. Books like that are like anonymous gossip, right? Tracy Quan's Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl has a simply irresistible cover and blurb that makes you want to want to rush home and curl up for an evening of raunchy secrets.

However, the back-cover blurb might just be exaggerating a little.

Diary is Tracy Quan's debut novel, and to be entirely honest, it's okay. Yep, just okay. Sadly, the book doesn't exactly live up to its promises, but even so, it's a nice light read. Worth a shot if you can pick it up at your local library.

Very well, so I guess the basic purpose of this book is pretty predictable just from the title, but I'll elaborate. Nancy Chan is a Manhattan-based call girl (well, duh). Of course, she loves her job and the money that she rakes in with it, but pretty soon she has to contemplate remaining in her profession (the classy end, of course) when her fiancé suggests they move in together. Not just that, but said fiancé's pushy sister refuses to shut up about setting a date. Seeing as nobody knows about Nancy's job other than her fellow prostitute friends, it seems as though her time is almost near to kick her habit of dishing out sex for countless material pleasures.

Now don't get me wrong: this would be a fabulous base for a book if only it wasn't so, well…dull. Tracy is no doubt a decent writer, but I quickly realised how much potential there actually was in this book which didn't prevail. Countless opportunities arose throughout for suspenseful moments such as family run-ins, embarrassing slip-ups and even a little bit of mystery, but I guess I was just expecting too much.

Not only that, but I personally found a lot of this book to be highly unrealistic. For example, being a call girl has been Nancy's ambition since the age of ten. Who has the childhood dream of being a hooker? Beats me. But apparently, it's normal. Needless to say, I was slightly baffled. And of course, with the book portraying the easy, designer lifestyles of the call girls, nothing really explained the dangers behind the profession. Sure, it wouldn't be a chick-lit read otherwise, but the whole thing seemed a little too farfetched for my liking.

Even so, I didn't mind it – until I reached the end, where the subplots really started to get interesting. Again, potential here for some real suspense – but alas, the book ended, leaving the plots completely unfinished and the reader terribly irritated. For a moment I assumed someone had played a nasty prank and removed fifty or so pages, but once more, I was simply being overly-hopeful.

Despite this book failing to deliver what it promises, Diary still remains a light read crammed with sexy secrets that are sure to be entertaining.

Bridget Jones this is certainly not, but a pleasing effort nonetheless. [Danielle Symonds-Yemm]

Rating : 2 out of 5

Like this? Try 'The World According To Mimi Smartypants' by Mimi Smartypants

Posted by Jenni on May 26, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 22, 2006 8:43 PM

BOOK REVIEW - High Maintenance by Jennifer Belle

I have to admit that review quotes on book covers frequently worry me. On the edition of Jennifer Belle's second book that I was holding, Cosmopolitan felt that the book "will have you rolling on the floor". Whilst I have a (in my opinion) well adjusted sense of humour I was a bit worried that I wouldn't find it lived up to this grand statement. There was only one way to find out...

'High Maintenance' tells the story of Liv Kellerman. At the age of 26 she finds herself divorced from her unfaithful husband, and even worse kicked out of her apartment. This apartment... well as far as apartments go its more than a little bit special. It has the perfect view of the Empire State Building, and Liv has devoted her tme to decking it out in a perfect blend of style and practicality. Liv's new apartment is in Greenwich Village, and to be perfectly honest leaves a lot to be desired. But even a hovel needs paying for...

A chance encounter sends Liv on a new career path. She has an eye for detail and a talent for description that makes her think that real estate could be profitable. The mandatory training course and exams are no problem for her - shame the same can't be said for the people she has to deal with... colleagues, sellers and buyers. You would be hard pressed to imagine a job that involved such a motley crew. And then there's Andrew. He's taken a shine to Liv, despite the fact he has a live-in girlfriend... and a nasty habit of biting ears!

The story follows Liv through her beginnings as a realtor and through Andrew's systematic pursuit of her. Whilst the career theme is readable and at times bears strong reminiscence to other books such as 'The Ivy Chronicles'. Sadly, the romance is frustrating at its least, and at its worst made me want to throw the book through the window. I found it hard at times to accept that Liv could be quite so weak.

I felt that this book  was a real shame. I really wanted it to be much better than it was. It almost feels worse that part of the book was so strong.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Jemima J' by Jane Green

Posted by Jenni on May 22, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 17, 2006 10:44 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Baby Come Back by Maeve Haran

This book by Maeve Haran deals with a subject many of us wouldn't expect in a chicklit novel - the search for the birth parents of an adopted child. This focusses on Joe Meredith as he decides to look for the answers to the questions that have remained unanswered for all of his life. Now that he and his wife have just had their first baby, the questions are nagging more than ever. But should some secrets remain untold...

Molly, Joe's wife has always known how much being adopted bothers her husband. Whilst his adopted parents loved him dearly he has never felt that he quite belongs. She's used to him being overwhelmed by dark times when he retreats into himself - surely if he gets the answers to the questions he's so desperate to ask, their life with their new baby Eddie will be steadier. Never one to sit and think about doing something Molly dashes straight to the library and doesn't stop until she has found the answer Joe wanted. There's just one problem... it turns out Joe's birth mother is Stella Milton, the actress plastered across the walls of every teenage boy in the country for the last twenty years.

Stella is shocked when Joe rings her... after giving him up so that she could pursue her then fledgling career she never expected to hear from him again. Its a bit of an inconveniece to be perfectly honest - it's hard enough these days persuading casting directors to give her the siren roles that have shaped her career, the world finding out that she has a grown up son... and horror of horrors is a grandmother would be the end of her. Behind closed doors though she is surprised by the feelings she has toward her son... if only she could have him without the baggage of his wife and child.

The book follows the power struggle that ensues between Molly and Stella. Stella is aided and abetted by her agent, though he's a little more keen on the publicity that a tearful reunion could bring. Molly has to rely on the support of her best friend Claire, and a few surprising co-conspirators.

This book is light hearted, but does not shy away from the issues it is dealing with. Whilst few adopted children will find that they have movie stars for their parent(s), they will more than likely experience the same highs and lows that Joe goes through. The characters are well written, and help to make this an enjoyable read.

Score : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Dancing With Mules' by Morag Prunty.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 17, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 16, 2006 10:04 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Up And Running by Holly Fox

I'm a simple girl at heart, and when it comes to books I generally only have one wish. That the description of the book in the blurb on the cover bears at least a passing resemblance to the book contained withing said cover. This book by Holly Fix, I quickly realised, did not meet that wish - the book I was expecting to read and the book I ended up reading were pretty different if I'm perfectly honest. Good job the book I ended up with was pretty good!

Meg Randall is the girlfriend of famous explorer Will Churchill-Twines (with a name like that it was exploring or politics!) but she's starting to wonder whether the fame that comes as part and parcel of the role is worth it. When it comes down to it, her existence isn't all that fulfilling - she's either waving him off to his next perilous journey, nervously waiting for news whilst he's on that journey, welcoming his broken body back from said journey, or a spectator on the sidelines whilst he prepares himself for the next journey. She's starting to think that she wants more from life, just as the news comes in that the communication link between Will and his team in the UK has broken down - he's lost somewhere in the North Pole. If all that wasn't enough, her mother has summoned her back to the family home before it is sold off for good.

Adele Buchanan couldn't have much more of a different life. She is the glamourous hostess of Hey! Today! - the nation's favourite breakfast show. It's nowhere near as glamourous as it appears though, she is under constant observation by the outside world... but that is almost bearable compared with the scrutiny she is placed under by her own bosses. She's already gone under the surgeon's life a number of times to please them - surely there's more to life than this.

The paths of Adele and Meg become crossed, as both women approach breaking point. This is where the book disappointed me. I was expecting the women to meet fairly early on in the book (as this is suggested to be the starting point of a whole heap of consequences) whereas in fact they meet well after the halfway point. The meeting is actually nowhere near as influential as you might expect, and the consequences... well they feel a little rushed and just a little far fetched at times.

So the main plot is flawed, what about the rest of the book? There is a lot of detail placed upon the supporting characters - we get an insight into the rivalry between Adele's boss and his equivalent at an alternative television station, and the author even attempts to wander into the realm of musings about the afterlife and near-death experiences. This is a lot to try and fit into under 300 pages, and by the end of it nothing feels quite right - the author seems to have tried to start too many things and ended up giving up in a state of defeat.

The characters thankfully offer some saving grace to the book. They are well conceived and created, and I found myself routing for many of them. This is a book worth a try - just don't expect too much!

Score: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Bachelor Boys' by Kate Saunders

Posted by Aigua Media on May 16, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 12, 2006 11:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: High Society by Sarah Mason

I must confess I wasn't expecting much from Sarah Mason's High Society. I'd not read any of her work before, and with a cover that showed a girl surrounded by glamorous clothes and handbags , I was expecting another predictable tale of a rich PR girl in London. So it was a surprise on reading the first chapter to find our heroine, Clemmie, was a likeable Cornish waitress with a madcap family...

High Society blends a tiny bit of mystery with lots of comic chick lit, a bit like mixing Janet Evanovich with Sophie Kinsella. Clemmie is younger sister to Holly, the girl we read about in 'Playing James' (and on that note, I suggest reading Playing James first, if only because High Society gives away the ending). With no sense of direction, the ghost of an ex-boyfriend plaguing her life and a mother who pays more attention to her pet dog and injured seagull than she does to her family, Clemmie's life is going nowhere fast.

Then a girl from Holly's office disappears and the sisters, their family and friends get thrown into a mystery which sees them travelling to tiny Cornish Islands, racing around Bristol and hiding out in the South of France. Throughout, we learn all about Clemmie, from her horrific dress sense to the odd relationship she has with Sam, her younger brother's best mate.

As always with these books, certain elements are predictable, but there are enough little twists thrown in to keep it moving along. For once, the romance isn't what keeps the book going, it's more of a sub-plot that meanders along nicely as the story moves on. The characters are exaggerated enough than you never lose interest, and Clemmie is a great protagonist who you really root for by the end. All in all, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. It's real proof that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover! [Gemma Cartwright]

Like this? Try 'The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic' by Sophie Kinsella

Posted by Aigua Media on May 12, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 10, 2006 11:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Tickled Pink by Christina Jones

At one point in 'Tickled Pink', author Christina Jones makes a joke about Katie Fforde's countryside capers. Irony is obviously not lost on this author, who's created the fictional village of Steeple Fritton for precisely the same reason, to bring us a funny tale of life in rural Britain, where people have names like Glad Blisset, Tatty Spry and Rose Lusty (apparently) and everyone knows everyone else's business.

I must admit, the ridiculous names in this novel did drive me mad. I've never lived in Berkshire but I did grow up in a village similar to Steeple Fritton, and most of the people I knew had normal names. However, you've got to admire an author who names her main characters Posy, Lola, Ellis and Flynn and still pokes fun at someone (the aforementioned Tatty) who picks unusual names for her children.

The silly names aside, Tickled Pink is a good read about a village trying to stay on its feet. It's probably not the book for you if you're used to urban tales of life in London where designer names are mentioned every couple of pages and characters happily spend £6 on a glass of wine. However, I found myself reading late at night and almost missing my tube stop in anticipation of the final chapter. What Jones does do well is keep up guessing for more than the first three pages as to who is going to end up with who and what's going to become of all the characters (and indeed the village).

Though the cast of characters is fairly large (and can be hard to keep track of because of all those funny names) the tale really concentrates on twenty-something jilted bride Posy, whose parents run Steeple Fritton's doomed B&B, and the B&B's latest resident, fifty year old Lola, a mistress mourning the love of her life. The main menfolk are young heartbreaker Ellis and American John Cusack lookalike Flynn. Together, this 'young' contingent aim to keep Steeple Fritton going by bringing in visitors. How? Well that would be telling, but it does include steam engines, a kareoke machine and a pair of ill-fitting Jimmy Choos. That's all I'm saying.

Though Tickled Pink is not the type of book I'd usually go for, I found myself really enjoying it and wanting to jump on a train and go back home to see if I could do the same to my village. Posy and Lola are great characters with faults as well as good qualities, and the mad cast of 'extras' help keep the story ticking over. All in all, it's a good escapist novel about what we all wish the countryside was like. Sadly, I don't know of a Steeple Fritton anywhere... [Gemma Cartwright]

Like this? Try Stately Pursuits by Katie Fforde

Posted by Aigua Media on May 10, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 9, 2006 11:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Skintight by Susan Andersen

  A couple of weeks ago I reviewed 'The Perfect Age' - a novel about the natives of Las Vegas. I loved that, and to be perfectly honest all mention of anything related to the mecca of glamour, glitz and gambling, so I thought I might quite like this book by Susan Andersen. It's set in... yup you've guessed it... Las Vegas, and centres around the worlds of two of the modern icons of Las Vegas - the professional poker player, and the showgirl. I couldn't wait to get reading...

Jax Gallagher is a professional poker player who has just made the biggest mistake of his playing career. After getting drunk he sat down to play, and ended up betting an IOU for a baseball autographed by the New York Yankee's most famous line up. The problem... the baseball isn't his - it currently resides with his father's widow, the glamorous Las Vegas showgirl Treena McCall. There seems to be only one solution as far as Jax can see - he must head for Las Vegas and get it back, any way he can.

Treena is not your average showgirl. Recently widowed she has forged a return into the life she left to nurse her sick husband. The major obstacle in her way is her age, as she celebrates her 35th birthday she wonders how much longer she can go on for. The troupe has younger members than her, and if she's truly honest with herself, these days their kicks are higher than hers - she just wishes they could be a little more gracious about it. When the mysterious Jax arrives in time for the major poker tournament Treena allows herself to be wrapped up in excitement of being pursued by this very attractive example of the male form.

The book takes a tour around the glamorous side of Las Vegas, but keeps a healthy level of cynicism - revealing some of the less glamorous and rarely seen faces of the city. The major theme of Jax and Treena is well conceived and written, but at times it is Treena's friend Carly, and the budding romance between the girls' neighbours Ellen and Mack that steal the show.

I enjoyed this book, but felt that the early part of the ending let it down. It felt in a couple of places as though the author wasn't exactly sure how to get the characters out of the situation she had put them in. The very ending was incredibly predictable, but then I don't mind that too much - it almost gives the book the same feeling as a comfy old jumper. Definitely one to give a try.

Like this? Try 'Love Overboard' by Janet Evanovich.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 9, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 8, 2006 11:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Mr Commitment by Mike Gayle

When I was younger, I was less determined when it came to reading. I still read and read and read, but if I found a book wasn't grabbing my attention right from the start I would give up on it and move onto the next. These days I'm a bit more stubborn - in roughly the last five years the total number of books I've started and not finished is a grand... one! I now am of the firm belief that by sticking with a book you may discover a gem that you would otherwise have discarded - I'm right for about 3 books in 10! This book by Mike Gayle is such an example. I actually did try and read this years agao and gave up after about the first 20 pages. This tmie I got to the same point... started to feel a dreadful sense of deja vu... and carried on reading. Boy was I glad I did!

'Mr Commitment' tells the tale of Duffy. He considers his life to have reached a worrying stage; his job as a temp is starting to look more and more like it will end up being permanent, his ambitions of becoming a top stand up comic don't seem to be progressing in the way he would like, all around him people are beginning to settle down... including his girlfriend Mel! Now whilst he loves Mel dearly he's just not so sure that he wants to marry her. Well its not exactly that he doesn't want to marry her, he's just not sure that it's the right thing to do. Sounds like one confused bloke? Yup thats precisely the diagnosis he'd give himself.

Duffy knows that Mel isn't going to wait for him forever. In actual fact he think's he's about to push her that one step too far, but he just can't help himself. The book follows the mess he gets himself in, and the efforts he goes to in order to try and dig himself out of the cavernous pit he seems so intent on chucking himself into.

I think this book will be a revelation to many. Men will read it and think - ah yeah, I get ya mate. Women, well they'll read it and think - I always knew he just wasn't ready to grow up yet. The beauty of this book is in it's realism. It's written in such a way that anyone will be able to put themselves in the shoes of both Duffy and Mel, and realise that the old adage 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus' is still as true today as ever.

I am really pleased I perservered with reading this book. I found myself desperate to get back to reading it whenever I was supposed to be doing something else. Definitely one to read!

Like this? Try 'The Last Available Man' by Cindy Blake.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 8, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 5, 2006 11:00 AM

Just Desserts - Book Review

I wasn't 100% sure about this book by Sue Welfare, set amongst adulterous businessmen and women, and long term housewives, it sounded as though it was a world so far from my reality that I didn't think I would be able to find anything to identify with. However, the promise of cosy cafes, freedom and revenge I decided to give it a go - I had a feeling there may be a strong "sisters are doing it for themselves" them that might be interesting.

Katherine and Harry have been married for over twenty years. Whilst he spends half his time away on "business" trips with his long-term mistress, she spends her time plotting ways to do away with him. When a glamorous location scout approaches Katherine about using the exterior of their beautiful country home, she starts to think about the future. All she can currently see stretching in front of her is endless years of getting the tea on the table, and never managing to iron Harry's shirts quite to the level of perfection that he demands. Harry has no intentions of leaving - he's quite happy having his cake and eating it too! Carol, the other woman, is relatively happy - she gets to go on a good number of trips in her role as mistress, but surely there's more to life than this.

So when Katherine finally decides to stand on her own two feet and throws Harry out, the tentative equilibrium becomes shattered. He heads straight for Carol - but she doesn't remember asking him to move in... but less asking to become his housemaid and lackey. Whilst Katherine attempts to forge ahead and build a new life for herself, Carol begins to panic and hunt for the emergency stop button! As for Harry... well he remains thick-skinned and oblivious to anything going on around him.

This book was a real surprise to me. It moved at a good pace, and didn't resort to painting either woman in a saintly or devilish light. It highlighted carefully that in a set up like this everyone has a role to play and no one is without blame. Harry however... well he's a different story. I defy anyone to like him, the best I could muster was an ocassional twinge of pity for how pathetic he managed to be. I loved the addition of Geoff and Ray, Carol's next door neighbours - they were rich supporting characters who added a lot of colour to the proceedings.

I enjoyed this book, but don't know that it would be enough to make me go out and hunt through my local bookshop for any of Welfare's other books. If I did happen across one however I'd probably give it a go!

Like this? Try 'Why Not? by Shari Low

Posted by Aigua Media on May 5, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 4, 2006 11:00 AM

The Party Season - Book Review

This is Sarah Mason's second book. Now unfortunately second books can sometimes tend to be rushed out and often signal a definite drop in standard which thankfully is resolved by the third and then subsequant books. It was with this in mind that I felt a sense of concern as I began to read this book - I really didn't want for it to fall victim to this pattern...

Isabel Serranti had the pleasure of spending some of her childhood years living on the Monkwell country estate. She and her sister Sophie grew up alongside the two Monkwell boys, Simon and Will. It all went swimmingly until one day Simon changed from the sweet boy she was so close to into a horrible bully. Now they're grown ups, and Simon receives a lot of press as a successful entrepeneur. Unfortunately this press is rarely complimentary and party planner Izzy is sure that Simon hasn't changed. So when Monty, Simon's father, asks her to help host a charity ball on the estate she worries about the past coming back.

As Izzy and her best friend Dominic arrive at the country estate she is surprised to quickly find that things aren't quite as she remembers. This coupled with the company of Monty, his mad sister Aunt Flo, the stern housekeeper Mrs Delaney and her son Harry (currently in the middle of bob-a-jobbing - no job too large or small), and Izzy's own aunt Winnie begin to help Izzy to put some of the demons of her childhood behind her. That is however until Simon returns prematurely from his business in America and Izzy finds herself face to face once more with the boy who hurt her so badly.

The plot is fast paced and surprisingly believable (if not a little far-fetched at times). I could easily see it becoming a well-received Brit Flick. The characters all work well together and you really find yourself routing for them - even the ones you don't expect yourself to.

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and conceived. Thankfully Mason doesn't fall victim to the second book syndrome - this just carries on from where 'Playing James' left off. Definitely worth a read!

Like this? Try 'Divas Las Vegas' by Belinda Jones

Posted by Aigua Media on May 4, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 3, 2006 11:00 AM

Poison Arrows - Book Review

I picked this up because of its shocking pink cover. When I turned it over and read the blurb on the back I wasn't so sure about the book - starring cupids receiving missives from above and a small Irish town named Gorrib it didn't sound like such a great read. The fact it was written by Morag Prunty however swayed me - I loved her previous two books so maybe this would be better than I expected...

Christian is an angel. More specifically he's a cupid who gets sent down to Earth to help the loveless find love. He's a little apprehensive when he receives his new assignment - to Gorrib, a small town in Ireland with more people looking for love than he'd care to have to cope with. The work isn't the problem, that comes from the idiosyncracies that make angels angelic - little things like being unable to ingest food or drink... a major problem when everyone you meet invites you for yet another cup of tea.

Christian's targets are all desperate for success in love in their own way. Mary has been in love with the same man for years and years, she's waited this long for him but is starting to wonder how much longer she must wait. Sandra left the small town lifestlye years ago for the bright lights of the city, plus there's more call for lap dancers there. She's had enough now and heads back to the small town she holds firmly in her heart. And then there's Moses and Rose, former childhood sweethearts. He has never gotten over her jilting him for her future husband, and she feels trapped in a suffocating marriage to Gorrib's answer to Enoch Powell. It certainly seems like Christian has his work cut out for him.

The book follows the progression of the major characters lives set against an archetypal backdrop of Irish life. Unfortunately Prunty throws in twists and turns through the angelic side of things - the culmination of which left me feeling utterly bemused. This is a shame however as the rest of the story, including the presence of Christian ticks along nicely. I think its another case of an author tryng too hard to be clever - if she had left out some of the extra bits then this would have been a far better book. This in itself leads me to recommend this as worth a try, though you'd probably be best getting it from your local library!

Like this? Try 'Dancing With Mules' by Morag Prunty

Posted by Aigua Media on May 3, 2006 in Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 2, 2006 11:00 AM

My Favourite Mistake - Book Review

Because Beth Kendrick is one of the authors featured on the fabulous Literary Chicks  group blog, when I spotted My Favourite Mistake in the library, I had to get it.  I hadn't had a chance to try any of her books yet, but I was sure I would love what I found.

Like Jennifer Weiner's In Her Shoes, Beth Kendrick's first book is about two sisters with opposite personalities and lifestyles.  But when the immature, flaky sister Skye calls the sensible sister Faith from their hometown in Minnesota, Faith of course drives cross-country to help her. Even though she knows it will mean running in to her childhood sweetheart, Flynn, whom she hasn't seen since she rejected his marriage proposal ten years earlier.

When Faith gets home she finds things with Skye are much worse than she expected and that her feelings for Flynn are as strong as ever.  Before long she's torn between staying in town and running away again.

My Favourite Mistake is a light, easy read.  I found myself rooting for Faith and not just because Flynn sounded so completely foxy.  There are some great scenes - a 'Free beer til somebody pees' bar competition and a dog covered in skunk-stink and tomato ketchup were my favourites - and a hilariously cute 5-year-old to boot, but, and I'm not entirely sure why, I didn't love it.  I definitely liked it enough to try her other books though. [Keris Stainton]

Like this? Try 'Maybe Baby' by Lani Diane Rich

Posted by Aigua Media on May 2, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 26, 2006 1:11 PM

How Was It For You?

This offering from Carmen Reid appeared on the face of it to be pretty standard fare - couple from the city are sick of the problems they're facing, so they decide to run away to the simple life in the country which will make it all better. Thankfully though, in a change from many of the other similar books out there, Reid doesn't rely on the plot device of moving to the country being a magic wand. Instead, our sometimes loving couple find that whilst they may have left their old problems behind, they've just run into a whole bunch of new ones...

For the last five years Pamela and Dave have been facing the nightmare situation so many of us dread. faced with the problems of infertility they have chosen to try IVF, but it has failed time and time again. When their latest cycle also ends in failure they start to wonder what the future holds. Are they as a couple strong enough t0 survive another go and if they're not, what should they do now?

Dave reveals a possible solution. He has, though this comes as something of a surprise to Pamela, always dreamed of owning his own farm. When the possibility of a small organic vergetable farm comes up he's adamant that this is the way to solve all their problems. By taking a year off from the treatment cycles, and leaving their highly stressful existences for the simple life, surely all the wounds will begin to heal? Pamela isn't so sure, but when her demanding boss pushes her one step too far she decides its got to be worth a try.

Upon reching the country, Dave and Pamela meet a whole new lifestyle complete with new people soon to become friends. There's only one problem as far as Pamela's concerned, strawberry farmer Lachlan is very attractive - she's not sure she wants to be just friends.

On the whole this book is well written and thought out. My major gripe however is in the very stereotypical farming characters - all the women wear flowery pinnies, and the children have rosy red cheeks. Sadly I don't remember a single farmer's child at my school (and there were plenty) looking anything like this stereotype - or their mothers! Whilst this is a shame, it doesn't detract from the overall book which I found highly entertaining.

Like this? Try 'Where Have All The Boys Gone?' by Jenny Colgan

Posted by Aigua Media on April 26, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 25, 2006 10:34 AM

Beating About The Bush

This Linda Taylor novel promised a somewhat frantic tale of a city girl moving to the country. I have to admit that as a country girl I quite enjoy these tales - it always amuses me how these 'city girls' find the most everyday things such a challenge. So was this tale of 'the simple life' going to cut it?

Ella Norton went into corporate banking to please her father, it was his job for all his life so the idea of doing something different never occured to her. However at 28, rich behind her wildest dreams, Ella decides that she's had enough. She's running herself into the ground and working so long and hard that she's not seeing any benefit of her wages. So she sells up and moves back to Oxfordshire, near where she grew up, buying a run-down cottage which she lives in with her two lodgers Faith and Miranda.

Faith, a veterinary nurse, is quiet, naive and unassuming wheras Miranda, a high class free-lance flight attendant, is brash, worldy and downright rude. Ella chose two housemates so different to reduce the possibility of clashes... but it doesn't seem to be working. On top of that the tutor on the horticultural course that she has signed onto is drop dead gorgeous and married. Oh and then they find a package of heroin in their bin and realise that one of their neighbours must be dealing drugs. When Jaz, abrasive detective in the local CID asks to set up an observation point in Ella's bedroom she starts to think that maybe the simple life isn't quite so simple.

This book moves along at a reasonable pace. The characters are in general believable, though at times Taylor verges toward the Jane Green school of thought in creating characters - it takes a long time to find anything endearing about either Faith or Miranda and as a result I found myself having to make myself continue reading in the hope they got better. The plot is in places sadly predictable, particularly when it comes to the love stories.

I enjoyed this book, but doubt I would find myself rushing to get hold of one of Taylor's other efforts. Whilst it filled a few hours, that is sadly all it did.

Like this? Try 'Restoring Grace' by Katie Fforde

Posted by Aigua Media on April 25, 2006 in British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 24, 2006 1:17 PM

Chasing Lily

I was drawn to this book like a magpie is drawn to shiny things. The cover is nothing original, but its bright colours and slightly cartoonish drawings really appealed to me. From the cover and the blurb on the back of the book I was expecting a fast paced book, plenty of excitement and a thrilling romantic thread running throughout. Was I going to find the book I thought I was or was I to be sadly disappointed?

Lily Redmond is on a mission. Her grandmother Lillian, for who she is named, has decided that getting old is a bit boring. To liven it up she is going to revisit her days as a Hollywood film noir starlet and try and solve the murder that brought about the end of her promising career. Lily's parents, staid, quiet, respectable, are horrified by the prospect of the scandal rearing its ugly head once more and so send her to take her grandmother on a trip to try and talk her out of it. Unfortunately when Lily arrives at Lillian's house she finds that Lillian has left already, and instead she's left the handsome form of Sam Spade Hunter handcuffed to the bed!

Sam is a private detective. His father was the bodyguard of the murder victim all those years ago (he was off duty at the time) and knows that if Lillian is going to start digging into the past that her life will become endangered once more. Very quickly Sam realises that he won't be able to continue on his mission to find and protect Lillian without Lily tagging along. The only problem is that she's the spitting image of her grandmother when she was at the peak of her career - the stuff of Sam's boyhood dreams.

And so the chase begins across America. Lily and Sam are hot on the trail of Lillian, but quickly find that they are not the only ones - there are other groups on their trail, groups eager to find Lillian and shut her up. A fantastically chaotic tale ensues, at times it feels a little like 'Wacky Races' meets 'The Godfather'. The pace moves between fast and frenetic, and the tension between Sam and Lily builds at an almost equal speed.

I could not put this book down. The cartoon style cover was an indication of the content - many of the characters are slightly exagerated in the manner of many of the great cartoons. The pace was just right, and at times I found I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I would recommend this to anyone!

Like this? Try One For The Money by Janet Evanovich

Posted by Aigua Media on April 24, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 21, 2006 10:47 AM

Playing James

I have to admit, I started reading Sarah Mason's books in the wrong order. I started with 'High Society' the sequel to this, her debut novel. I enjoyed that so much that I made it my mission to track down 'Playing James' to see what had started it all off. Whilst 'High Society' features Clemmie Colshannon primarily, this concentrates on Holly, her older sister. Holly is a journalist whose writing so far has stretched only to the pet obituary column. When she gets transferred to the crime reporters job she experiences a sense of dread - this is the job no reporter wants... what can she make of it?

The story begins with Holly's promotion to crime reporter. Eager to try and make the best of a bad situation she heads straight for the local police station to see if she can work out what on earth it is she's supposed to be doing. She's met at the front desk by Dave, the desk sergeant, who seems less than thrilled to have to stretch his finger the two inches to the door release button. Just when she's feeling like its going to be a long day she bumps into Detective James Sabine... last time she met him he yelled at her and made her feel about two inches taller - now she knows its going to be a long day. Robin the press officer is the only glimmer of hope in Holly's first day, she thinks that having Holly as beat reporter is going to be great.

Holly feels particularly stitched up when she is summoned to the Chief's office to find she has been assigned to a detective to write a daily diary about her experiences shadowing him. And yes, you've guessed it, the detective in question is James. Neither Holly or James are particularly keen on the idea, but their respective bosses think that it will be the idea way to improve relations between the paper and the police. Stuck with the situation Holly is soon following James as he begins to investigate a series of burglaries. As they totter from one mishap to another it seems like a thaw is beginning to hit their relationship, but surely that can't last...

The characters in 'Playing James' are all fantastic. Holly and James are a perfect pairing, but it is all the bit-part players who work together to make this book so enjoyable. Holly's parents, and best friend Lizzie, comined with Vince the paper's favourite photographer and James' best friend Callum all compete for the award of best supporting character - I have to admit I can't pick my favourite out of them. The plot is cleverly thought out without veering too far from the chicklit standard.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, its possibly my favourite read since... well... 'High Society'. The only thing I would advise is that for those of you who haven't yet read anything by Sarah Mason then read the books in order - whilst it doesn't make a lot of difference it will just make a little more sense. I recommend this highly - it would make a great beach read or liven up a boring train journey.

Like this? Try Asking for Trouble by Liz Young

Posted by Aigua Media on April 21, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 20, 2006 11:42 AM

Ralph's Party

Lisa Jewell is one of those authors who has found a sure-fire way of making each book a hit. The secret? She writes real life stories about real life people facing real life dilemmas. Every time you pick up one of her books you can see yourself or your friends in the story and often end up wondering how you would have reacted in that situation. So as I started reading this story about flat shares and romances I wondered who I'd see this time...

Ralph and Smith have broken one of the cardinal rules - never share accomodation with your best friend. Thankfully for them it hasn't been the stuff of nightmares we are lead to believe about flatshares, neither of them finds themselves spending all their waking minutes plotting evil ways to do away with the other (we've all been there!). But when money starts to become a bit of a worry for both of them they decide its time to get around to re-letting the third room... enter Jem. As soon as she moves in, Jem knows that one of them is 'The One' - problem is she's not quite sure which one.

At the same time in the flat above Ralph and Smith's, Karl and Siobhan are enjoying the settled, cohabiting life. It seems that nothing can spoil their non-wedded bliss... although Cheri who lives in the attic flat maybe. She's decided that she's taken a liking to Karl - and she's used to getting what she wants... girlfriend or no girlfriend.

And so begins a tangled web of lives and loves. People are falling in and out of love at almost every page turn, and there is a great mix of moments to make you laugh, gasp and outwardly cringe. I actually found myself shouting at one of the characters a couple of time - I normally only shout at people on the tv!

Jewell excels once more in this modern romance, both the characters and plot are incredibly realistic. I found myself drawn completely into this book - I couldn't put it down. Definitely one to read.

Like this? Try Getting Personal by Chris Manby

Posted by Aigua Media on April 20, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 17, 2006 11:00 AM

Written In The Stars

What do you get when you cross a group of fourteen year old girls with New Years Eve,  stolen alcohol and no parental supervision? In the case of Gemma Sinclair and her friends a time capsule, containing predictions for each other's lives, not to be opened for ten years. And what do you get when thirteen years later when that time capsule is re-discovered? A whole lot of forgotten memories and one girl's uncannily accurate predictions. She couldn't have truly seen their destinies... could she?

In order to agree with letting Gemma and her friends Nikki and Fay spend New Years Eve with no supervision, Gemma's parents insisted that they be joined by the daughter of the colleague they were going to a party with. Miranda was an enigma, dressed head to toe in black with her hair tied off her face with a long headscarf. It was she who supplied the contraband vodka, she who proposed the timecapsule, and when it is reopened she who made the predictions that scare the other three girls. For Gemma, at a crossroads in her life, it is the predictions that have not yet come true that are the most concerning. It is in her predictions for Gemma's future that Miranda cautions her against marrying the first person who asks her... but her long term commitment-phobic boyfriend Adam has just proposed... and she said yes!

Gemma feels hugely panicked by the fact that in marrying Adam she could be about to fulfil one more of Miranda's predictions. So she enters a period of doubt and soul searching whilst trying to track Miranda down to find out what she meant by her warning. Whilst the escapades don't reach the hilarity of other novels they are still entertaining, and keep you entertained and interested.

The characters are well created, and the plot is somewhat original. The ending is a little unexpected, but I did feel that the twist was a little unoriginal - it almost felt like the author herself didn't know how to get out of the tale she had spun.

This is an enjoyable read, but sadly didn't live up to the potential heights it could have reached. A bit of a disappointment really.

Like this? Try Why Not? by Shari Low

Posted by Aigua Media on April 17, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 11, 2006 4:28 PM

Alphabet Weekends

Elizabeth Noble made a triumphant entry to the world of chicklit with her brilliant debut 'The Reading Group'. Sadly her second novel, 'The Tenko Club' didn't quite live up to my expectations and I found myself wondering whether she ws to become a one hit wonder or whether she was victim of "rushed second book" syndrome. As soon as I saw 'Alphabet Weekends' on the shelves at my local bookstore I knew I had to read it - I really hoped that it was going to be as good as her first effort.

'Alphabet Weekends' begins with what is possible the world's longest prologue (please comment if I'm wrong!!) which introduces the characters within this book. Natalie is heartbroken, her fiance has finished with her just days before Christmas. Tom, her lifelong best friend, has invited her to spend New Years Eve with him back at the local pub they grew up near - its that or mope on her own. As Natalie heads along the motorway toward her childhood home she remembers a pact she and Tom made when they were younger - if they were both still single at the age of 30 then they would marry each other. Having passed the big 3-0 she decides to take him at his word and as Big Ben chimes to herald the new year she proposes in her extreme drunken state. At the same time their brothers, sisters and parents all welcome in the new year in their own ways - we get a snippet of each of these by way of introduction to everyone else featured in the story.

In true morning-after-the-night-before fashion, Natalie wakes up on New Years Day with a monster hangover, and a sense of dread in her stomach. When she remembers what she did the night before she wonders how she's going to face anyone. Tom however remembers clearly the events of the night before, and decides that he's going to take Natalie at her word. Whilst she thinks now that the idea of them becomeing a couple is completely abhorent, he thinks that given enough time he can prove her wrong. So he proposes 'Alphabet Weekends'... they will take it in turns to select an activity for the pair of them to try, following the alphabet.  And this is where the story truly begins...

The book follows Natalie and Tom as they wind their way through the alphabet. At the same time it follows the events in the lives of their friends and families, cleverly weaving the two themes together. There is a true mix of the good, the bad and the ugly - you move seamlessly from laugh at loud moments, to the more tender and poignant. I loved this about the book, it seemed so true to life.

Elizabeth Noble has definitely got herself back on an even keel with this book. Whilst 'The Tenko Club' wasn't a dreadful book, it definitely didn't reach the heights of 'The Reading Group' - thankfully this is back up there. A well created set of characters combined with a clever plot and structure makes this a truly enjoyable read. This is a great book for holiday reading, but would work equally well on the morning commute, or for a bit of 'me-time'.

Like this? Try P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

Posted by Aigua Media on April 11, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 10, 2006 11:00 AM

Goodnight Nobody

Goodnight Nobody is a bit of a change of direction for Jennifer Weiner, whose previous books include In Her Shoes (recently a Cameron Diaz film) and Good In Bed.  It's still chick lit, but it's also a murder mystery.  (Chick Lit Mystery is the Next Big Thing, doncha know?)

Thanks to a broken heart and a chance rebound meeting on a flight, Kate Klein has found herself living in a wealthy suburban Connecticut community where the women are perfect wives and mothers with no career aspirations or discernable personalities. Or so Kate thinks. But when she finds her neighbour with a knife stuck in her back and Kate's former flame's phone number written on her notepad, Kate sees an opportunity to get some excitement back in her life by investigating the murder herself and along the way learns there's more to her neighbours than she ever could have imagined.

I've loved all of Jennifer Weiner's books. She's a fabulous writer - insightful, funny and clever - and Goodnight Nobody doesn't disappoint. Kate's disillusionment and frustration with a life she never planned to have and isn't sure she wants are beautifully conveyed. Kate's former crush, Evan, is funny and sexy, and her husband Ben is unsympathetic without being wet. But, for me, it's Kate's best friend Janie who really makes this book something special. Fantastically ballsy and hilariously funny I really hope Weiner gives her her own book. Weiner also shows her skill at creating a wide range of characters - whilst in 'In Her Shoes' it was her portrayal of the elderly that was so enthralling, this time it is the children who try at every turn to steal the attention.

Don't be put off by the mystery aspect - if you've read and enjoyed Weiner's previous novels you can't fail to enjoy this. The combination of great characters and a plot that springs surprises at every turn make this a great read. In my opinion she goes from strength to strength. [Keris Stainton]

Like this? Try Welcome To Temptation by Jenny Crusie

Posted by Aigua Media on April 10, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 7, 2006 12:53 PM

Just Like Heaven

A few months ago I was sitting in the cinema waiting for something marvellously girly to begin (must have been pretty memorable as I can't remember for the life of me what it was) and the trailer for "Just Like Heaven" played. It looked like a pretty standard chick flick but definitely seemd like my sort of film so I added it to my mental list of 'films to see'. Sadly I never got around to it and it was relegated to my 'DVDs to rent' list all to quickly. Imagine then my joy when browsing around my library that I found Marc Levy's novel upon which the film was based. Released originally in 2000 as "If Only It Were True", Harper Collins reissued the book under the name "Just Like Heaven" with the film poster as the new cover. Faster than you could say 'I've got to read this' I was at the counter checking it out and rushing home to read it. But was it going to live up to my expectations?

The story begins with Lauren, a resident in a busy ER department. Delighted by the prospect of her two days off coinciding with the weekend she jumps into her car and heads off to visit friends. Sadly tragedy strikes and she crashes only a few hundred yards from her home and ends up lay in a hospital bed in a deep coma. So enter Arthur, a few weeks on, who has just moved into a fabulous new apartment. Imagine his shock when he finds a girl in his closet... a girl who is amazed that he can see her and hear her... a girl who tells him that her body is lying in a coma on the other side of town - yup you've guessed it, it's Lauren.

And so start the fun and games. Arthur is the only person who can see, and hear Lauren - very quickly his friends, colleagues and random strangers begin to think that he has lost his mind. When the doctors caring for Lauren and her mother make the decision to withdraw treatment Arthur and Lauren enter a race against time to save her.

On the surface of it, this tale of a man and 'spirit' seems at the very least far-fetched. However as soon as I started to read I found myself being drawn further and further into the magic. Levy has obviously researched the concept of deep coma thoroughly, at times I did find myself drifting off and wondering about something like this happening in real life. The book benefits from a small group of very well written characters who carry the story along at a great pace.

I loved this book, and its only made me more eager to see the film based on it. I'm fairly convinced that the two may well bear only a passing resemblence to each other - many of the events shown in the trailer for the film don't happen in the book.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone as a quick and enjoyable read.

Like this? Try Under My Spell by Deborah Wright

Posted by Aigua Media on April 7, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 5, 2006 5:30 PM

Running Away From Richard

This is the sequel to Chris Manby's earlier work 'Lizzie Jordan's Secret Life', and I realised quite early on that it probably would have been good to read the first book before diving into this one. While it was a good enough read, it was slow to start and the fun only really began when Lizzie arrived in LA (yep, 'Broken-hearted Brit goes to LA' plot ahoy!). Persevere and you'll find yourself getting into it, but this is definitely not the best Chris Manby offering...

Lizzie Jordan is the kind of character who doesn't do much to endear herself to you at first. It's not really giving anything away plot-wise to tell you that our story begins when she gets dumped by the Richard mentioned in the book's title. Lizzie is a real drama queen (and aspiring actress), and she takes being jilted incredibly badly. The first few chapters see her moaning, weeping and generally acting like a spoilt little girl. I would imagine those who've read the first book might feel more sympathy for her at this point. I just wanted to smack her.

Then, due to a few happy coincidences, she finds herself flying off to LA to begin a new life, sans Richard. Here is where the book really begins, and while there are a good few stereotypes and predictable plot points to lead us through to the 'they all lived happily ever after' ending, it's saved by plenty of laughs, the odd poignant moment and some slightly more interesting characters than we left behind in London (Lizzie's housemates Joe and Brandi are particularly fabulous).

One thing I would suggest to readers (along with reading the first Lizzie book first) is to avoid the author's acknowledgements at the beginning of the book unless you want to spoil a very important plot twist. Give the book a chance and it turns into a very funny, fast-paced LA yarn. I just wish there wasn't so much of the self-indulengent dumpee ranting at the beginning. This gets a three purely because it's not quite up there with my previous 4-rated reads. If there was a three and a half category, I'd put it there. Good, but not good enough! [Gemma Cartwright]

If you like this, try Angels by Marian Keyes

Posted by Aigua Media on April 5, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 3, 2006 11:00 AM

The Boy Next Door

This is the third effort from the writing partnership of Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees, and probably the one sitting on the most bookshelves across Britain due to its release as a magazine free gift a couple of times since its release. But does the fact that the magazines chose it make it a great read, or did this third book fall short of the mark?

"The Boy Next Door" tells the story of Mickey and Fred, childhood sweethearts - the stereotypical boy and girl next door. Inseperable, the couple share everything, until one summer they are unexpectedly torn apart. Fifteen years later they are firmly ensconced in all things adult. Fred is preparing to marry his girlfriend, the insatiable Rebecca, in a matter of weeks, and Mickey living with her son Joe is starting her own florists business. They bump into each other for the first time, and feel their stable existences begin to turn upside down.

The story of Fred and Mickey re-meeting is told alongside the story of their childhood and their separation. This is a clever tack to take - things are hinted at near the beginning of the book that aren't expanded upon until much later in the story which encourages the reader to keep reading, if only to satisfy the pangs of curiosity.

Fred and Mickey were children growing up in the 1980s, the same time much of the target readership (myself included) were growing up. There are a number of incidents that are hugely familiar, at times there is a real sense of reminiscence created.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were as real as those in Lloyd & Rees' previous books, and there is truly a sense of feeling included within the story. I found myself caring deeply about what happened to the characters, and when things I wished for the characters happened I found myself smiling broadly. There is a great balance of the poignant and the laugh out loud that means anyone will find themselves completely absorbed by this tale. Highly recommended!

Like this? Try Vince and Joy by Lisa Jewell

Posted by Aigua Media on April 3, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 23, 2006 11:00 AM

Ten Steps To Happiness

The cover of Daisy Waugh's tale of city people moving to the sticks drew me in instantly. A bag with carrots, a bread stick and a mobile made me curious as to the tale that was going to be found within. As a country girl currently living in a city this book was going to talk to me... surely?

Jo is facing the biggest change in her life. A PR girl from London, used to living a bustling metropoitan life, she has just married Charlie. He's a country lad through and through - growing up on a country estate managing livestock is something hard to leave behind. So Jo decides to turn her back on the big smoke and to start a new life in the country. She knows from her years of PR experience that sometimes celebrities experience problems that mean they need a break from the world, usually far away from zoom lenses and prying eyes. She has big plans for Fiddleford, Charlie's childhood home. Tucked away in the middle of nowhere it is the perfect haven to hide people away.

The story starts with a stark reminder of how life in the countryside isn't all sunshine and nuns running up hills and singing. The laughs start with the arrival of the first guests, each bringing their own particular collection of baggage and chaos. The addition of a public health inspector determined to bring the business to an end before it has even officially opened, and a tangled mix of romantic trysts makes this a witty, fast paced read.

At times Waugh's description of the unfolding devastation of the foot and mouth disease epidemic feels too personal - as if the reader is intruding on the event. It is testament to Waugh's writing style that she manages to balance this with light hearted moments, and keeps the reader engaged. The reflection of modern society, and the current obsession with celebrity and its failings is an accurate and witty portrayal of life today.

Waugh creates a great cast of characters, some of them are so close to the mark that you will find yourself actively thinking of how much they remind you of someone you know. You truly want for good things to happen for the nice characters and wish all the bad luck in the world on the characters who are evil through and through. It all adds up to make a cracking read, at times I found myself wishing I was on the beach whilst I was reading!!

Like this? Love Stately Pursuits by Katie Fforde

Posted by Aigua Media on March 23, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 22, 2006 4:09 PM

Why Not?

My friend passed this book onto me, and told me she would be interested to know what I thought about it. Unsurprisingly this filled me with a complete sense of dread as I opened the book and started to read. I hadn't previously come across Shari Low, but the pink cover adorned with women and wine glasses made me think that it couldn't be that bad... could it?

Thankfully it wasn't. Shari Low weaves a tale of a group of friends all in their late twenties with an ease comparable to Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees. The story revolves around Jess, a career woman with little or no thought of settling down like the rest of her friends. As more and more of her friends move closer to marriage and babies however, Jess sarts to think that maybe there's something she's not seeing. So just to be on the safe side, she decides to throw caution to the window and find herself a fling.

It wouldn't be a decent read if something didn't go wrong, and for poor Jess everything that could possibly go wrong does. Choosing a man with a wife can't be a good thing, and choosing one firmly in the public eye seems almost suicidal. So when disaster strikes and Jess is left with nothing there's only one solution... Revenge!! Enter Jess's bosum buddies Carly, Kate, Carol, and Sarah and the plotting and sceming begins.

This main plotline is interspersed with goings-on from the other women's lives, giving the reader a view of each friend. Very quickly you feel like one of the group, and you share in their highs and lows.

I felt this book was well written, and pacey. There was plenty going on to keep you interested, but nothing was dragged out. It felt very light-hearted and fun, precisely the book the cover suggests. This is definitely not a book to set the world alight, and a keen reader would probably finish it in a sitting or two - but there are times when this is precisely what you need. [Jenni Nock]

Like this? Try Come Together by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees.

Posted by Aigua Media on March 22, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 21, 2006 1:36 PM

Come Again

Those of you who tuned in last week will know that I really enjoyed reading Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees’ debut novel ‘Come Together’. My only gripe? I wanted more… and that’s exactly what I got from this, their second book. ‘Come Again’ takes up the tale just a few months later, but in what seems to be an inspired piece of thinking the focus this time is on some of the minor characters from ‘Come Together’ with Jack and Amy taking a crucial, but minor role.

Matt, best friend of Jack, is feeling a little unsure of himself with all the changes going on around him. H, best friend of Amy is starting to wonder if there’s more to life than her blossoming career. Stringer, friend to the lads, is desperate to find a fulfilling relationship – but is trying hard to hide a secret he can’t bare to even think about. Susie, friend to Amy, threat to H, finally decides that the only way she can sort out her life is if she swears off men for the foreseeable future. Their paths become intertwined as the relationship between Jack and Amy develops.

This is a cleverly thought out book, with the requisite laughs and cringeworthy moments that you expect from writers like this. However, as I read it I found myself preferring the story between Stringer and Susie, than the one between Matt and H which was clearly supposed to be the major thread running throughout the book. This didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book – in fact it made me feel that this book probably had something to offer for every reader. One of my favourite parts of reading this book was the way you could frequently see what was about to happen – but in the same way you can watch a glass of red wine spill in slow motion over your Mom’s favourite cream rug… you could only watch the events unfold in front of your eyes.

Lloyd and Rees continue where they left off with all of the characters. I loved the way in which they really developed characters who’d been firmly in the background in ‘Come Together’, and the way in which my perception of some of the changed once I knew more about them. I felt a real sense of empathy for the characters and wanted everything to turn out  well for them all.

This is a great book, both as a follow up to ‘Come Together’ and as a stand alone novel. It’s written in such a way that if you hadn’t read the previous book it would not matter – there is little of the first book that is referred to in a way that presumes you have read it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. [Jenni Nock]

If you liked this try The Three Day Rule by Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees.

Posted by Aigua Media on March 21, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 23, 2006 2:36 PM

Some Like It Haute

Meet Alex, fashionista extraordinaire and the kind of girl anyone with a Christian Louboutin fetish will hate to love. As a fashion writer with a glamorous life and a seriously enviable wardrobe, she's the kind of heroine you'll only be able to cope with if you devoured novels like The Devil Wears Prada and Fashionistas. If their vacuous fashion-speak drove you mad, give this one a wide berth. Though it's well-written and, in places, laugh-out-loud funny, it's also so fashion, dahhhling that you can barely turn a page without the mention of a designer name...

What makes Some Like It Haute exciting for bloggers like us is that author Julie K. L Dam is also a blogger, running the eponymous blog under the pseudonym of the title character. Taking a look at the blog - which puts daily entries up against photographs of the footwear of the day - gives you a good idea of what to expect from the novel. It's easygoing, fashion-filled and fun with a capital F.

The story takes place in Paris, where Alex is covering the shows (or not covering them, as the case may be) and trying to get the scoop on a top new design talent who disappears straight after his amazing debut show. Intertwined with the mini-mystery is the requisite romantic subplot (with cute anti-fashion boy Nick) and lots and lots of name-dropping. As I said before, if you're not a fashion fanatic, you may find the constant talk of shoes, couture and models too much to take, but designer divas will lap it up.

What impressed me most about this book is that Dam manages the impossible task of making Alex a likeable character, despite the fact that we have a million reasons to be jealous of her. She's sickeningly nice, she's beautiful, she has a killer job to go with her wardrobe and she has a love interest who seems too good to be true. On top of that she's best mates with the PR for Dior (jealous, us?) and gets on wonderfully with her mother (a woman who can afford Chanel couture). All this adds up to the kind of character we'd think 'who cares?' about. But despite all of this, you do find yourself rooting for her.

This is definitely a beachy read, or the kind of thing you dip in and out of on the train / bus to work. It's not for those of you who like to be challenged by their books. It's unapologetically fun and fashiony, aimed at those who rarely read books in between copies of Vogue.

If you liked this, try Beyond The Blonde or Bergdorf Blondes.

Posted by gcartwright on February 23, 2006 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 13, 2006 4:08 PM

The Undomestic Goddess

Like most, I’m a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella’s excellent ‘Shopaholic’ series. However, I found her first non-Becky book, ‘Can You Keep A Secret?’ very weak in comparison. So it was with some trepidation that I purchased the second non-Shopaholic offering; ‘The Undomestic Goddess’. Would it be a winner like the Shopaholic series, or an also-ran like ‘Can You Keep A Secret?’

Firstly, it's worthy mentioning how incredibly same-y Kinsella’s work can be. Several things link all of her main characters and all of her plots develop in quite a predictable way. However, that doesn’t necessarily make a book bad, but beware if you've read all her other stuff, as there's not much new ground here!

‘The Undomestic Goddess’ tells the tale of stressed City lawyer, Samantha Sweeting, after she loses her precious job. She somehow ends up as a housekeeper for the nightmare Geiger family, all of whom seem to think keeping up with the Jones’ is the most important thing in life. Initially, Samantha tries to explain that there’s been a mix up and she isn’t a housekeeper, but she never quite gets round to it.

So we follow Samantha as she begins to enjoy the simpler things in life, like having weekends off and the time to get her hair cut and styled. At first she stumbles at every hurdle when it comes to housework, but with the help from friendly neighbour Iris – and a love interest in the form of Iris’ son, Nathaniel – Samantha begins to see that being a lawyer isn’t all life is about. So when her old firm want her back – what will she do?

In truth, I found this book a little hard to take. I am all for authors being adventurous with plots, but this one is just a little too outrageous (and, if I’m honest, utterly ridiculous) for my liking. The end is sugary sweet and typical Kinsella. This book lacks the charm of the ‘Shopaholic’ series, which Kinsella will – unfortunately – spend the rest of her career trying to better.

This book is an enjoyable read as long as you detach yourself from reality and enjoy it for what it is. If you want an excellent, hole-free plot that is pacey and intelligent with a great main character who you cheer for, this isn’t the book for you. If, however, you want some light froth to read on a cold winter’s night; give this a try. [Toni Kelly]

Posted by gcartwright on January 13, 2006 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 11, 2006 1:02 PM

Beyond The Blonde

Beyond the Blonde does for the world of hairdressing what The Devil Wears Prada did for the world of glossy magazines. If you like fun and frothy novels that lift the lid on the glamorous (and not so glamorous) aspects of the world of style, this is the novel for you. If not, you might find yourself drowning in the vanity of it all. It's unapologetic fluff with a capital 'f'!

Written by a hot New York hair stylist Kathleen Flynn-Hui, you get the impression this easygoing story of life in a top big apple salon is probably partly autobiographical. Georgia is a smalltown girl who grew up sweeping the floors in her mother's hair salon, only to fly the nest for New York when the bright lights came calling. With best mate and fellow hair afficionado Patrick in tow, she gets a job at SalonJean-Luc, a style hotspot full of colourful characters (staff and clients). And that's where the real story begins.

I say 'real story', but this book isn't going to impress you with a complicated plot full of twists and turns. It's all fairly straightforward stuff, and you'll guess the ending halfway through. However, the pages fly by thanks to the requisite bitchy backstabbing, beautiful men and a group of clients who'll do anything to secure the prime appointment times. The main emphasis here is less on plot and more on revealing anecdotes and funny stories that reveal (albeit glossed over for the sake of fiction) what it's like to be a top stylist.

Women who love fashion and frivolity will no doubt enjoy this book for being funny, frank and easy to read. But if you're not a closet fashionista, you'll probably find your time better spent with something with a less predictable plot and more character development. It's not going to set the world alight for it's literary brilliance, but it'll keep you occupied on a long train journey!

If you liked this, you might like Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes.

Posted by gcartwright on January 11, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 5, 2005 4:47 PM

Divas Las Vegas

Frequent readers will know I am a big Belinda Jones fan. Her books are reliably hilarious, escapist and frothy, and make perfect no-nonsense beach reads (or at this time of year, curled-up-in-front-of-the-fire reads). As far as I'm concerned, she's one of the queens of chick lit, and Divas Las Vegas (her first novel) definitely ticks all the boxes...

Jones' books always take place in glamourous locations and it will come as no surprise to know that in this one Jamie and her best mate Izzie leave dull Devon for the bright lights of Las Vegas. And their aim? To find menfolk in a city where the atmosphere is (according to the blurb) 70% oxygen and 30% confetti. They're both leaving their dodgy romantic pasts in Blighty and are on the hunt for a husband. And what a hunt it is!

In order to facilitate the plot, the girls are a little larger than life, and it doesn't take long before they've found potential mates, new friends and fabulous outfits. They're the type of women who'll strike up a conversation with a stranger, stalk a sexy man on the strip and accept the offer of a hotel suite from a hillionnaire they've only just met. It's all a little far-fetched, but this is Vegas, and anything can happen!

How much you love Divas really depends on how much you love Vegas. As well as being a great, feel-good read, the books also serves as a fabulous travel guide. I went to Vegas last year, and the information in this was far more useful than the Rough Guide! The author is a big Vegas fanatic herself, and it shows in every gushing description of the home of all things tacky-fabulous.

The plot is possibly not as strong as later offerings from Jones (The California Club, for example) but the book still plods on with great pace and serves up some fantastic one-liners, and is a great read if you like your chick lit fun and frivolous. Jamie is a sweet, funny and self-deprecating lead character who you'll adore, and frizzy-haired man-eater Izzy is just as wonderful. And then there's the men - if Belinda Jones does one thing well, it's in creating sickeningly perfect love interests. It's just a shame they don't exist in real life!

If you liked this, you might like to try The Paradise Room by Belinda Jones.

Did you know?
Belinda Jones' next novel is set in Costa Rica, and is due out in July 2006. You can pre-order the bound-to-be-fabulous Cafe Tropicana already!

Posted by gcartwright on December 5, 2005 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 1, 2005 11:00 AM

Something Blue

I’ll begin my first ever Trashionista review by saying, simply, that I love chick lit. My shelves are stacked with all the Keyes, Green, Parks et al you could ever need. So it is with gusto that I search Amazon for the latest chick lit offerings. Thanks to Heat magazine, I came across a review for Emily Giffin’s ‘Something Blue’, a love story with a difference. I bought it, read it, and here's what I thought...

When we first meet Darcy, our main character, she doesn’t do much to endear herself to the reader. The Manhattan Queen who thinks looks are everything begins the book by discovering her fiance, Dex, is cheating on her with her long term best friend (the deputy to Darcy’s star), Rachel. Why do we immediately not sympathise? Darcy’s been having an affair as well.

Dex leaves her, and through a series of unfortunate events and encounters she eventually finds herself pregnant and alone. For the first few chapters of this book I thought Darcy was a cow who deserved everything she got. But slowly but surely excellent writing turned our superficial heroine into someone you wanted to cheer for.

The story kicks in when Darcy visits an old friend, Ethan, in London. At first she’s the same old girl who drinks alcohol despite being pregnant, spends all of her money on designer clothes that won’t fit in two months time and bullies the introverted Ethan into letting her stay longer.

Of course, this isn’t much of a story so far, and the crux of this book is seeing how Darcy changes and develops into an all-round more loveable person. Her story is one of sadness that ultimately becomes hope.

All in all, I found this a delicious read that I couldn’t bear to put down. Considering this is only Emily Giffin’s second book, her writing style is fast, well-paced and attractive, but she also manages to build interesting and complex characters. As the ad said, it is different from normal chick lit, but that makes it all the better. [Toni Stokes]

If you liked this, you might like Solo by Jill Mansell.

Posted by gcartwright on December 1, 2005 in Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 28, 2005 1:37 PM

Asking For Trouble / The Wedding Date

Elizabeth 'Liz' Young's feel-good modern romance is the perfect easy read. It's the tale of Sophy, a woman who hires a male escort to pose as her boyfriend at her sister's wedding, just to keep her mother happy. The ensuing chaos fills 350 pages with great jokes, witty prose, loveable characters and loads of love and laughter...

You may recognise the plot of this book as being similar to the Debra Messing film 'The Wedding Date'. That's no surprise, since the film is based on the novel, and the book was recently re-released under the new title 'The Wedding Date'. However, the name is really where the similarities end. In my humble opinion, the book far outshines the film and the plot is so far removed you'd be excused for thinking the shared 'girl hires escort for wedding' theme is down to pure coincidence.

Sophy is a typically average Brit (fabulously described 'size 13 and three quarters') and  she's perfectly happy with her singleton lifestyle (sort of). But her pushy mom is desperate to see her settled down (if only to keep her end up with the neighbours) so Sophy invents Dominic - the ideal boyfriend - to keep mum happy. It's all going fine until the invitation to her baby sister Belinda's wedding arrives...addresses to Sophy and Dominic. Desperate to keep her mother happy, Sophy hires male escort Josh to play Dominic for the day, and from there the lies spiral completely out of control...

Liz Young writes with great wit, and both Sophy and Josh are well-described and believable characters who you quickly grow to love. Great support from a Bridget Jones-esque pushy mother, fab flatmates Alex and Ace and Tamara, the slightly crazy old schoolfriend, keep everything ticking over nicely. Obviously, this isn't a groundbreaking piece of literature, but it is great unassuming chick lit that exceeds your expectations. You'll love so much you'll read it twice (I did)!

Asking For Trouble - Liz Young £6.99 (also sold as 'The Wedding Date')

If you liked this, you might like The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

Posted by gcartwright on November 28, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 18, 2005 4:51 PM

Stately Pursuits

Hetty Longden has a broken heart. After her boyfriend decided the best way to reveal his affair was for her to find him in bed with the other woman, she needs some time out to wallow, eat chocolate and remember why she doesn't need a man. Her mum has the solution - her Great Uncle Samuel has to go into hospital, and his crumbling stately home needs a housesitter. What better place to get some time to herself than a country house in the middle of nowhere?

When Hetty arrives at the house she starts to think that maybe this plan had a few flaws. Like the fact that in only a matter of weeks the house is to be opened to the public - a yearly event that seems to be the highlight of the village's calendar. And then there's the small case of Connor, Samuel's heir who seems hellbent on turning the house and its land into a theme park. Between thwarting his attempts to seize power whilst getting the house ready to open she's surely not going to have any time to get her life back together.

This book is full of strengths. The plot is one that holds your attention, and is just sitting nicely on the side of believable. The characters are all well written, and you find yourself caught up in the goings on to the extent you can almost start to believe you're a member of the village community.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its not the fastest paced book, but you don't feel as though it drags - it just meanders along nicely. Definitely one for the beach or tube. [Jenni Nock]

Stately Pursuits - Katie Fforde £6.99

If you liked this, you might like Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde

Posted by gcartwright on November 18, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 15, 2005 3:38 PM

In Her Shoes - as good as the book?

So there we were. Two Trashionistas, forced to spend our Friday night watching Cameron Diaz mince around in Jimmy Choos. The things we do in the name of research! We'd been looking forward to In Her Shoes for ages. Since the last decent chick lit movie adaptation was (arguably) Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason, this film had (excuse the pun) big shoes to fill.

One of us had read Jennifer Weiner's hefty novel, the other hadn't (though I think it's safe to say she's probably at least halfway through by now). We loved the book... but would the film live up to it?

The first thing we noticed about this film was that, unlike many 'based on the novel by...' movies, this one stuck fairly close to the book. In fact it's a testament to Weiner's writing that much of the dialog was lifted almost directly from the novel. Funny moments that had everyone laughing had me turning to Trashionista number two to whisper "that's in the book!"

That said, In Her Shoes is a very long book, and though the film was over two hours in length, a lot of stuff was cut. The big shame was the complete omission of Maggie's (Cameron Diaz) time spent at Princeton 'pretending' to be a student there. This was one of my (and many other people's) favourite sections. However, they needed to get to Florida to introduce the character of Ella (Shirley MacLaine), the girls' grandmother as soon as possible, so Princeton was sacrificed!

The bits of the novel that did change (the name and sex of the dog, some elements of Rose and Simon's relationship, Maggie's job in Florida etc) were done so with good reason. Making Maggie work in the assisted living centre in Florida (instead of a bagel shop) allowed her to be introduced to the ex-professor who encouraged her to read more - thus replacing the role that Princeton played in the book.

I wasn't sure on the casting at first. Cameron Diaz made Maggie more giggly and 'little girl lost' than she appears in the book (a little grating at times), and let's face it, Toni Colette is fabulous, but she's also too thin (even with her weight gain) and too pretty to really be Rose, but both managed to make the characters their own by the end. I thought Mark Feuerstein was too attractive to play Simon (who in the book is plain, short and has bad curly hair) but this is Hollywood, and everyone is more beautiful in films. He did a great job of bringing across Simon's charisma (and persistence) and it was easy to see why Rose would fall for him.

All in all, the film stays close enough to the book to please devoted fans, but it has been given that typical Hollywood gloss. It's long, mushy and obviously aimed directly at a female audience. This is one to go and see with your girlfriends, not your man!

Posted by gcartwright on November 15, 2005 in Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 12, 2005 12:02 AM

In Her Shoes

If you're fed up of every women's fiction book you pick up being a soppy romance with an unbelievable heroine, In Her Shoes might be a refreshing change. The characters are flawed, the romance is only a sub-plot, and Jennifer Weiner manages to cram a whole lot into the 500-odd pages...

To steal a line from the blurb for the new film version of this novel, Rose and Maggie Feller are two sisters with very little in common besides their shoe size. Rose - a lawyer - is reliable, serious and hardworking. Her younger sister Maggie is frivolous, flirty and trouble with a capital T. She flits from job to job, steals money from her family while staying with them rent-free, and uses her looks to get her way. She blames her learning difficulties for all her problems, and believes they give her carte blanche to act like an irresponsible child.

The story really begins when Maggie goes a step too far and leaves her sister with no choice but to throw her out. Their forced estrangement causes both women to take a good look at their lives and discover what really matters. And that's where the book really begins

Jennifer Weiner writes with great pace and the pages of this book fly by. The sisters are wonderful characters, especially Maggie, who despite her faults is still loveable. Rose has the usual problems of those 'reliable, dull and successful' chick lit heroines; she spends so much time working that she doesn't look after herself, and as a result she's that terrible combination of fat and single. But not for long...

The real strength of this book is in the way it examines the family dynamic. A lot of secrets spill out as the chapters go on. The character of Ella, the girls' grandmother, is as interesting as either of the two young women, and her assorted crew of fellow OAP's have some of the best one-liners in the book.

The book manages to be funny, tragic and a little bit schmaltzy all at the same time, and it's easy to see why it was chosen to be made into a film. There are some great set pieces and loveable characters, but don't expect a storyline full of twists and turns. It's fairly straightforward and as predictable as the rest of the books in the genre, but it's definitely a worthwhile way to spend four quid!

In Her Shoes - Jennifer Weiner (£3.99)

If you liked this, you might like The Three Day Rule by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees

Posted by gcartwright on November 12, 2005 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 10, 2005 5:34 PM

Based on the novel by...

Tomorrow is In Her Shoes day at Trashionista, as we're off to review the film and see if it's as good as Jennifer Weiner's bestselling book. Look out for the book review in the morning, and pop by late at night for our thoughts on the film. For those of you who can't wait that long, we're sparing you the book reviews today in favour of our rundown of some of our favourite girlie films to be adapted from novels.  We're sure to have forgotten plenty of fabulous films, so by all means comment with your additions...

Chocolat (based on the novel by Joanne Harris)
- Chocolate and Johnny Depp. What more does a girl need? Try a sacharine sweet storyline, some gorgeous clothes and a quaint French setting. This is a magical film for the romantic inside of all of us.

Legally Blonde (based on the novel by Amanda Brown)
- Pure girlie indulgence as Reese Witherspoon plays the ditzy sorority girl turned law student who goes to Harvard in order to win back her man, only to 'find herself' while she's there.

Clueless (based on the novel 'Emma' by Jane Austen)
Any true chick lit fan will have recognised the plot of the 90s teen classic as being lifted directly from Jane Austen's classic novel about a matchmaking rich girl who can't seem to sort out her own love life.

Little Women (based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott)
Good Wives is my favourite book of all time, and the most recent film adaptation, starring Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder and a very young Kirsten Dunst just about does justice to the coming of age tales of the March sisters. Christian Bale helps, too...

The Wedding Date (based on the novel 'Asking For Trouble' by Elizabeth Young)
- Not as good as the book, but a good way to waste an hour and a half when you've nothing better to do, Debra Messing stars as the woman who hires a male escort to pose as her boyfriend at her sister's wedding. Oh, and it has Jeremy Sheffield. Enough said!

The Devil Wears Prada (based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger)
- Ok, so it's not actually been released yet, but something tells us this is going to be a good one. With a stellar cast that includes Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and a supposed cameo from Valentino, this is set to be a gorgeously glam girlie flick.

Pride & Prejudice (based on the novel by Jane Austen)
- Whether you're a Colin Firth diving into the lake kind of girl, or a Matthew MacFadyen in the rain fan, Jane Austen's best-loved novel - the original chick lit - has inspired some great scenes and a fantastic heroine in Lizzy Bennett. You can't help but love it.

Breakfast At Tiffany's (based on the novel by Truman Capote)
- Apparently, Truman Capote never wanted Audrey Hepburn to star in the movie adaptation of his tale of a call girl with a fabulous sense of style and a slightly off-the-wall way of living. It's hard to imagine now, when you think of the classic scenes in this gorgeous little film. She seems born for the role.

Bridget Jones Diary (based on the novel by Helen Fielding)
- It doesn't get better than this! Laugh yourself silly and swoon over Colin Firth and Hugh Grant as the hapless singleton Bridget tries to find love in London. It's Pride & Prejudice for a modern audience, and it's actually funny.

Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire (based on the novel by J.K Rowling)
- Yes, yes. It's not technically a 'girlie' film, nor have we actually seen it yet, but a quick survey of the Trashionistas and it was clear that this is our most highly anticipated film-of-a-book (and we're all adults who should know better). Rowling knows how to craft a good tale, and the fantasy world of witchcraft and wizardry looks amazing on the big screen. Book those tickets soon!

Posted by gcartwright on November 10, 2005 in Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 8, 2005 12:39 PM

Fair Game

At just over 500 pages in length, Liz Young's Fair Game is one of the lengthiest chick lit books I've read in a long time. To some people that would be a bad thing...but I like a book I can sink my teeth into. The only worry I have is that the story isn't going to be strong enough to fill the pages, and that I'll get to the end of the book and wish it had been 100 pages shorter, without the excess padding. Thankfully with this book the story filled every last page...

Harriet lives in a dusty old house with Sally and Jacko, two of her oldest friends, and Tom - Sally's baby son. Their lives create plenty of drama, so Harriet is happy to have as uneventful a life as she an - she really doesn't have enough time for problems of her own. This all changes when, in a chance encounter, she meets John. He is gorgeous, there's just the small problem that he's going out with Nina - who Harriet went to school with. But they weren't exactly friends... and he only suggests a quick drink... so it wouldn't be breaking any rules... would it?

The book follows the development of the relationship between Harriet and John... as hard as she tries to keep her distance and not get involved with another woman's boyfriend, the more fate seems to force them together. Many of the incidents are pretty amusing, though these range from the type that bring a smile to your face, through to those that make you laugh out loud (especially great on the train).

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are all well written, including all of the supporting characters. The ending was a nice surprise - whilst it wasn't completely unexpected, it wasn't the most obvious of routes for Young to have taken, for the lead characters or the supporting cast.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting a well-written book that has the length and depth to keep you entertained for days. [Jenni Nock]

Fair Game - Liz Young

Did You Know?
Elizabeth 'Liz' Young also wrote 'Asking For Trouble', the tale of a woman who hires a male escort to pose as her boyfriend at a family wedding. It was eventually adapted into 'The Wedding Date', a movie starring Will & Grace's Debra Messing and Cutting It's Sarah Parish alongside the gorgeous threesome of Dermot Mulroney, Jeremy Sheffield and Jack Davenport. We've read the book and seen the film and - eye candy aside - we have to say the book is better!

If you liked this, you might like The Last Available Man by Cindy Blake

Posted by gcartwright on November 8, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 4, 2005 6:42 PM

Three Wishes

This is a tale of triplet sisters Cat, Lyn and Gemma. Identical to the eye apart from the colour of their hair, their personalities could not be more different. The story starts with their annual birthday meal... but what should be a celebration quickly turns into a disaster when a disagreement becomes heated and ends with two of the sisters being rushed to hospital. But what started the argument?

The bulk of the story follows the three sisters through their childhood into adulthood, and gives us a clear insight into the events that have led up to the argument. Despite the clear differences between the sisters, their lives remained intertwined no matter how far they try to move from each other. The story is then interspersed with brief snapshots of the girls as they are seen by other people.

The characters are all very well written. Each sister is likeable, though like all people they have characteristics that make you want to scream. At the hands of some authors this is a recipe for disaster, but Moriarty pulls the realism off with ease. You find yourself enjoying the fact that these characters are like your friends.

The plot of the book is well thought out and the writing makes it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Anyone looking for a fast paced, action packed steamfest will probably not like this book. It is what my mother would be probably describe as 'a nice book' - which sums it up pretty well. It relies on having a good plot and being well written rather than being sensationalist, which to me is a refreshing change. Definitely one to give a go. [Jenni Nock]

Three Wishes - Liane Moriarty (£7.01)

Posted by gcartwright on November 4, 2005 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 3, 2005 5:27 PM

Restoring Grace

This novel from Katie Fforde moves her a step closer to being crowned one of the queens of British chick lit. She is one of those reassuring authors - pick up one of her books and you know you'll get a thoroughly enjoyable escape from reality. But isn't that just a nice way of saying that she's predictable? Thankfully not...

Ellie is starting to feel a little down on her luck. The combination of an unplanned pregnancy and a boyfriend who seems to care little about looking after himself let alone a baby means she needs to take stock of her life, and soon. By chance (because what would a good book be without fate's intervening hand) she meets Grace, who is equally down on her luck. Grace is the proud owner of Luckenham House, a crumbling mansion without heating or mod cons... thank goodness there's running water. Whilst the two women are very different; in background, life experience and attitudes to life and coping, they quickly realise that they can help each other to make the best of a bad job.

The supporting characters add to make the perfect blend of sub-stories. The addition of Flynn Cormack - hunk with a heart, and Randolph Frazier - artiste extraordinaire, as love interests for the two women add the romance element perfectly. Demi, Grace's ex-step-daughter (I promise it makes sense) adds comedy, and the entirity of Grace's family add the moments where you want to scream out loud and ask if people can really be like that.

So what makes the book great? It ticks all the boxes - the plot is entertaining, supported by a great selection of subplots, the characters are well written and believable (even the ones you don't want to believe), and for the time you read it you really do escape your own reality. Yet again Katie Fforde produces a great read. [Jenni Nock]

Restoring Grace - Katie Fforde (£5.59)

Posted by gcartwright on November 3, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 25, 2005 3:14 PM

P.S I Love You

What happens when young love ends too soon? That is the fundamental theme of this stunning debut novel from Cecilia Ahern. Holly and Gerry had the type of love many of us can only ever dream of; childhood sweethearts who grew up together and became best friends, lovers and soulmates. So you can imagine Holly's grief when at the age of 30 Gerry is tragically taken from her, the victim of a brain tumour. Ahern carefully chronicles the time after Gerry dies, and Holly has to learn to live again, with a guiding hand from above...

In the years Holly and Gerry were together, they often joked that if he went first Holly would not be able to cope. The solution was 'the list' - Gerry decided he'd better leave a list of instructions and guidance for Holly. Of course when they were joking about this they never dreamed that they were be parted so prematurely.

At the time the story begins, Holly is starting to face life without Gerry. This seems to her to be an insurmountable task - how is she supposed to live without him? Then her mother reminds her that there is a letter waiting for her at her parents house...when she mentions it has the words 'The List' on it, Holly finally decides to have a look. Inside the envelope she finds a letter from Gerry and a set of envelopes - one labelled to be opened on a specific day each month. Each message ends with the line 'P.S. I love you'.

The story centres around these envelopes, and the tasks they contain. They range from the simple to the extravagant, from the touching to the downright hilarious. Supported by a range of well written characters and events, this original plot creates a fantastic book. It is one of those books you can not help but enjoy - at the moments it makes you laugh out loud, and the moments you have to reach for the tissues you realise its been a long time since you've read a book this good. Whether you want a beach read, something to travel with, or just a good book to kill some time with, this book should be top of anybodys' 'to read' list. [Jenni Nock]

P.S I Love You - Cecilia Ahern (£3.99 or from 75p used)

If you like this, you might like Under My Spell by Deborah Wright.

Posted by gcartwright on October 25, 2005 in Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (8)

October 24, 2005 5:35 PM

The Jane Austen Book Club

I have to admit before I started writing this review I had a peek at the comments about it on Amazon. The reason - despite this book being part of the Richard and Judy bookclub list, and being tipped to be a summer blockbuster, I was left completely underwhelmed by it. Was it just me? Or did other people feel the same way...

The concept of the book is simple - 6 people form a book club and read the works of Jane Austen. The book is split into six sections, each concentrating on a different character hosting the meeting, and a different Austen classic. Throughout the timespan of the book we get to see both the meeting, and a hint of the characters' personal lives.

The book is not a straightforward disaster. It would probably be easier to review if I could just say that there was not a single redeemable feature. The truth is that the plot is a great idea, and the characters all seem to have worth. The major failing of the book is that it just doesn't do enough. The plot is undeveloped as are the characters, by the end of the book you still don't feel like you know much about anyone, and that the surface has only been scratched.

The book is also a little deceptve in its size. The last 30 pages or so don't actually contain the story, instead they contain brief synopses of the books, and discussions. Maybe for the Austen enthusiast this is a good thing, but to me it seems more in keeping with a study copy of a classic text.

This is one of those books that I'd recommend giving a go, but don't expect too much. There are much better books that focus on book clubs, and for Austen... well read Austen. [Jenni Nock]

...oh yeah, and the discerning readers on Amazon felt the same way too.

The Jane Austen Bookclub - Karen Joy Fowler Don't fancy it? Try The Reading Group instead.

Posted by gcartwright on October 24, 2005 in American Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 1/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 19, 2005 12:58 PM

The Shops

After bashing out two successful chick lit novels, India Knight managed to pursuade someone to let her write a book about shopping. 'The Shops: How, why and where to shop' is an unashamedly self-indulgent gem filled with tales of the author's shopping excursions and littered with product recommendations, shopping favourites and gift ideas. If you love shopping, you'll love this...

Though essentially a non-fiction shopping guide, the narrative thread running through 'The Shops' makes it as easy to devour as any good girly novel. How much you get out of it depends on how much you agree with Knight's shopping habits, but regardless of that, her tales of early shopping trips (throwing up after drinking Dr Pepper, a secret passion for cheap chocolate, finding the 'Pants of Steel') are described in such a laugh-out-loud, relatable fashion that you feel like you're reading an email from a good friend, choc full of secret shopping tips 'just for you'.

Where India Knight succeeds in constructing a good shopping guide is that she doesn't just relay the same information as every magazine in the country. There are a lot of online finds, which is great considering most of Britain is still scared to shop online and needs some serious education. Even a seasoned shopper will find herself discovering new secrets when reading this book. Knight obviously loves being pampered and enjoys life's little luxuries, and spends pages discussing the perfect way to shape an eyebrow, how to lose pounds without going on a diet (it's those Pants of Steel again) and why kareoke is so brilliant. The product and gift recommendations, though generally expensive, are great. This was one of the first places I read abou Liz Earle's unfaultable cleanse and polish hot cloth cleanser, and I love the idea of buying a live butterfly or bug farm (from insectlore.co.uk) for a child!

Whether you're a seasoned shopper or the kind of person who dreads a trip to Oxford Street, this book is a mine of information and a great read to dip in and out of. It covers everything from maternity clothing to organic food, and is full of top tips, personal recommendations and silly stories. Invest in it now and halve your christmas shopping time!

This book is also available in paperback for £5.59

Posted by gcartwright on October 19, 2005 in Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 14, 2005 4:47 PM

Under My Spell

For true fantasy, escapist chick lit you could do a whole lot worse than Deborah Wright's modern magical fairy tale. Cara, a 25 year old witch, is desperate to escape the clutches of her batty mother and applies for a live-in nannying position with the Wilkins family. She’s delighted to get the position, and even more sure that this is the right move for her when she meets her gorgeous next door neighbour Sean. There’s just one thing that could go wrong…

Cara must remember all day, ever day, to act normal. If anyone finds out about her secret double life she’ll lose it all. The combination of normal world disasters and conspiracies of the magical world mean pretending to be normal is nearly a full time job in itself, and that's what makes this book so successful.

At a fundamental level this could be any middle of the road story of girl-meets-boy and (after a few false starts) true love prevails. However, when you add the other standard chick lit theme of girl-works-as-nanny-for-highly-dysfunctional-family, and the theme of girl trying to escape her domineering, highly eccentric mother, you could easily be looking at a disastrous mishmash of plots and end up with a highly confused, not to mention contrived book. But perhaps witchcraft has had more than one role to play in the product of this novel! Deborah Wright must have waved a magic wand over her manuscript and watched with delight as the plot and subplots weave together with the utmost of ease and then become enriched by the addition of witchcraft. The result is a highly enjoyable and entertaining book that you can’t bear to put down.

If you want a well written book, with plenty of laughs, and a cast that jump off the pages to you then this is definitely the book for you.

Buy 'Under My Spell' by Deborah Wright for £4.79 (or used from 1p).

If you enjoyed this, you might enjoy The Little Lady Agency!

Posted by gcartwright on October 14, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 13, 2005 11:43 AM

The Last Available Man

This book by Cindy Blake is everything you could ask for in good chick lit. The story follows step-sisters Georgina and Jessica, who decide that they are sick of ending up on dates with no future. They feel the solution is to put their skills as head hunters into action to find themselves some real romantic prospects...

With their lengthy client list, and the help of Sadie their trusted PA, Georgina and Jessica begin their search. This leads them to cross the Atlantic and suffer more twists and turns than the scariest white knuckle rollercoaster. The ending is just one twist after another, which may take a little concentration but is so unexpected you really won’t mind.

Some of the initial dates will make everyone cringe – even if you haven’t been on a date that bad, you will remember one similar or know a friend who has. The nature of the book with all its twists will again make you cringe, if this book was made into a film or tv series its definitely one you’d end up screaming at the screen!

One of the nice things about this book is that even the smallest of characters is well written and believable, and Blake’s writing instantly conjures a mental image of each new scene and character. This combined with many genuine laugh out loud moments makes this book a really great read. Its definitely one you could take on the beach, the tube, or even sit curled up with it and a cuppa and box of chocolates in the middle of winter and still enjoy it. [Jenni Nock]

Buy The Last Available Man from 1p a copy!

If you liked this, you might like Getting Personal by Chris Manby.

Posted by gcartwright on October 13, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 10, 2005 11:32 AM

Bergdorf Blondes

Bergdorf Blondes tries very hard not to be a replacement for 'Sex & The City', but essentially, that's what it is. Fashionista Plum Sykes' first novel is a comic tale of a superficial New York socialite's search for the perfect partner (and the perfect pair of Chloe jeans). It's littered with fashion jargon and written with a sharp wit that suggests she's been there, done that and bought the (designer) t-shirt...

Beware! This book falls smack bang in the middle of the 'love it or hate it' category. You really only need a little knowledge of who Plum Sykes is (Vogue fashion royalty, and a woman who thanks fashion designers and stylists in her acknowledgements) to work out whether you'll enjoy this book. Fashion is a big element of the book, so unless you can imagine those Balenciaga minis, Valentino gowns and McQueen cocktail dresses, you might find yourself giving up after a couple of chapters. Feminists should definitely give this one a wide berth! The women in this novel are silly, flighty and ridiculous, but they're not half entertaining!

Our nameless heroine (and narrator) is a 'champagne bubble of a girl about town'; the kind of New York woman who writes the odd feature for a magazine yet dresses in the best designer clothes. Her best friend is uber-socialite Julie Bergdorf, heiress to the Bergdorf Goodman fortune and generally self-obsessed (perfect) blonde bimbo. Together, they're on the hunt for a potential husband (a PH).

Though the men are entertaining enough, the romantic plot isn't really what keeps this book going. It almost takes second billing to the clothes, the ridiculous women and the set-pieces (an attempted suicide, a 'book club', a Chanel sample sale...) that have you laughing in disbelief. Basically, this is a book which pokes fun and lifts the lid on the little intricacies of the NY social scene. There's a wonderful description of what a 'muse' to a fashion designer really does, and some hilarious takes of interior decorating. It's a silly, silly book and no mistake, but Sykes just about saves it by writing with a tone that insists "yes, this happens, but not to me."

It's not going to set the world on fire, but it's a funny, silly story that'll have you feeling very intelligent in comparison. It's worth picking up if you miss Sex & The City and love laughing at the social elite, otherwise you might wonder what you wasted your money on. None of the characters are especially endearing, even our narrator. After all, it's hard to find sympathy for a woman who gets on a private jet with a man she's known for all of three seconds, just because she can't stand to fly economy!

Bergdorf Blondes - Plum Sykes

Posted by gcartwright on October 10, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 6, 2005 2:40 PM

Getting Personal

Chris Manby explores the world of thirty-something London dating in this great easy read. It's an overused topic, but she manages to add a good twist to the tale and make the whole issue fresh again. Single friends Ruby, Lou and Martin are fed up of failed relationships and decide to 'get personal' - by placing personal ads for each other...

Despite being quite long, the pages of this one fly by. This is down to some great characters. You follow the lives of three very different friends with very different ideas on dating, and no doubt you'll find something to love in all three of the main protaganists. Martin may be hopelessly attracted to pretty young things with no brains to speak of, but deep down he's a real romantic. Ruby constantly falls for men from the Daniel Cleaver school of fictional love interests - fast-talking city boys who like fast cars and fast women - and you'll find yourself screaming 'he's no good for you' at her throughout, even though you know you'd fancy them too. And Lou just can't seem to find that one missing element that makes a perfect relationship. Why can't she settle, even with a man who's 'perfect' in all her friends' eyes?

The plot doesn't stray too far from familiar chick-lit territory, and certain elements are a little unbelievable (what are the chances of Lou's very first date being the 'perfect' man?) but a cast of fabulous co-stars and some great one-liners and set pieces make up for that.

The ending will make or break this one for you, however. One strand of the story is obvious throughout, and lulls you into a false sense of security about how the book will finish. If you're anything like me, you'll find yourself relying so heavily on one thing happening that you'll likely never guess the actual twist. It's very clever, if a little bit disappointing in the way it's carried off (I was so surprised I had to re-read a few paragraphs to clarify what was going on).

This one is definitely worth adding to your collection if you're a fan of the Bridget Jones-esque genre, and if you're bored of predictable love stories, see how you get on with this ending!

Posted by gcartwright on October 6, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 27, 2005 11:12 AM

The Marrying Game

'The Marrying Game' is one of my favourite reads of this summer. Kate Saunders weaves a cast of highly entertaining characters through an occasionally believable plot in such a way that you really can’t bear to put it down. Meet the Hasty sisters, Rufa – eldest, sensible and practical, Nancy – voluptuous femme fatale with a heart, Lydia – hopeless romantic, convinced her ex-husband still loves her, Selena – typical rebellious teen, and their eccentric mother Rose...

The girls' father, named only as ‘The Man’, has died and they are faced with massive debts and a near derelict family mansion that frankly would give even the Extreme Makeover team nightmares. After much soul searching, the solution is found; Rufa and Nancy will move to London and play ‘The Marrying Game’. The rules are simple – find the richest man and marry him. Enter a supporting cast of equally quirky characters, and a modern fairytale is born.

This book is thoroughly enjoyable. On first impressions it could appear a little daunting, at a lengthy 544 pages (paperback version), but as soon as you begin reading you forget this and find yourself transported into pure escapist fantasy. The storyline frequently teeters on the boundary of what is believable, but that only adds to its appeal. If you like your chick lit to be entirely realistic and full of Jilly Cooper-esque raunch then this isn’t going to be for you. However, for an entertaining read with laugh out loud moments add this one to the top of your list. [Jenni Nock]

The Marrying Game - Kate Saunders

Posted by gcartwright on September 27, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 22, 2005 2:58 PM

The Little Lady Agency

'The Little Lady Agency' may be Hester Browne's debut novel, but she can already count the likes of Sophie Kinsella and Chris Manby as fans, and with good reason. This is a great read with adorable characters and a fabulously witty writing style that pulls you in instantly. Our heroine Melissa lacks any kind of self confidence, so when she loses her job at an estate agents she invents Honey, a sexy alter-ego with a blonde wig and a killer wardrobe to run 'The Little Lady Agency'...

Honey's job is to help hapless men by doing all the things women do best - shopping, socialising and generally charming the pants of people. She's a rent-a-girlfriend of sorts, getting gay men off the hook with their mothers and buying christmas presents for difficult secretaries. But the line between Melissa and Honey gets blurred when she meets the gorgeous Jonathan, who just happens to be the roundabout reason she started the agency in the first place. Chaos ensues as she tries to keep her business running, cope with her overbearing dad, justify her job to her best mates, and keep her ex-colleagues off the trail.

This is the kind of funny, fast-paced book you'll devour in one sitting, and it has just enough twists and turns to stop you predicting the ending the moment you finish the first page. This one is definitely near the top of the pile as far as this year's new releases are concerned, and a must-have addition to any chick lit collection!

The Little Lady Agency - Hester Browne

Posted by gcartwright on September 22, 2005 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (7)

September 21, 2005 4:55 PM

The Paradise Room

I've been a fan of Belinda Jones ever since she wrote about hairdos for 'Looks' magazine. She's not afraid to write unashamedly feel-good fiction, and her novels are always great reads that take place in the most fabulous locations. Jones has such a good descriptive style that you instantly want to visit the places she writes about (not that I went to Las Vegas after reading 'Divas Las Vegas' or anything, honest) and to top it off, her characters are believable, likeable and (most importantly) human.

Her latest offering takes us to Tahiti, and islands so beautiful they even melt the heart of Amber Pepper, a woman who's usually much happier with a brolly than a bikini. The novel is a great read, as well as being a 482-page excuse to book a tropical holiday. Without giving too much of the plot away, our troubled heroine is dragged to paradise on the arm of her jeweller boyfriend Hugh, and despite her best efforts she begins to fall in love - and not just with the location. It's in Tahiti that she really begins to find herself, and that means a few very important decisions need to be made.

Fans of Belinda Jones will know her knack for mixing fact with fiction, and in this book it's the musical group 'Soul Desire' - who Amber discovers at the bar that gives its name to the book - who actually exist off the page. There are loads of pictures on the Paradise Room website, but I strongly suggest you read the book before ruining the surprise and browsing the photos of the real Tony and Tezz!

The Paradise Room - Belinda Jones

Posted by gcartwright on September 21, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 14, 2005 4:40 PM

Where Have All The Boys Gone

Jenny Colgan has gone for a tried-and-tested (dare I say it) chick lit formula for her sixth novel. There have been a lot of 'city girl moves to the country' books over the last couple of years, and this is another of the same vein. London PR girl Katie is tired of the lack of good men in the City, so when she moves to the Highlands of Scotland to save a forest and ends up in a town where the men outnumber the women by 16 to 1, it's got to be good.

With her best mate in tow she encounters sexy journalists, moody bosses and even Ewan McGregor as she organises a posh benefit, fights the town's teenagers and shares a train with a piglet. Though it's not exactly covering new ground plot-wise, it's a funny, easy beach read and Colgan's witty, fast-paced writing style will have you laughing despite yourself.

Those who enjoyed Colgan's earlier novels ('Amanda's Wedding', 'Talking To Addison' & 'Looking For Andrew McCarthy') will enjoy the simplicity of the plot and the fast-paced prose. Brain surgery it is not, but the last time Colgan tried to go for something a little more original (with 'Working Wonders') it wasn't very well received. This is one for the fans, and as one I'm glad to see Colgan back to doing what she does best. Simple, fluffy and fun. There's nothing wrong with that!

Where Have All The Boys Gone - Jenny Colgan

Posted by gcartwright on September 14, 2005 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)