Trashionista

October 17, 2009 12:29 AM

Saving Face: a chick-lit novel in real time

Writing a novel is hard work. As NaNoWriMo begins next month, thousands of people across the world will race to complete a personal deadline of 50,000 words in the space of a month. Writing a book is no easy feat, and most likely even harder when your novel is released to the world, in real-time.

Which is what Dahlia Lithwick is aiming to do. Aside from her writing at Slate, Dahlia is attempting a chicklit novel, called Saving Face - a novel in real time. Saving Face will be updated chapter by chapter as Dahlia writes.

Chicklit fan Dahlia writes: 'Next month, I will start covering my 10th Supreme Court term for Slate. That seems an apt time for some very serious reflection. Or maybe not. When we were told to take time off from our everyday beats to do some kind of ambitious, long-form journalism, my first instinct naturally was to do something legal. Then I thought I'd like to do the hardest thing I could imagine. Which is writing a novel and filing it chapter by chapter as I go. And that's what I'm going to do, with you watching and helping. And I'm going to try to finish in less than four weeks.'

Saving Face, a 'mommy-lit' novel, will be updated here and also on Facebook, where Dahlia will ask for suggestions and keep the novel going. You can help by adding Saving Face on the Facebook site.

Dahlia aims to finish the book in four weeks. Can she do it? Go here to start Saving Face from the beginning.

Think you can write a novel in a month? Check out NaNoWriMo.


[Pic from Slate.com]

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 17, 2009 in Modern Fiction, NaNovember | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 8, 2009 6:25 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Shadow by Karin Alvtegen

Karin Alvtegen is a Swedish crime writer with a string of one-word titles (Shame, Betrayal, Missing) to her name.  Shadow was actually my first foray into crime fiction (particularly Swedish crime fiction!) so I wasn’t sure what to expect. 

Would it all be down to the Muppet Chef in the kitchen with the meat cleaver?

Well, no. 

The story starts in 1975, with a small boy abandoned on the steps of an amusement park with just one note to explain his presence: “Take care of this child.  Forgive me.”

The action then skips forward to the present.  A solitary old woman has died, leaving a social worker of sorts to piece together the old woman’s life story.  It turns out that she was the family housekeeper of a Nobel prize-winning author. 

As the social worker seeks to uncover the old woman’s history, she unwittingly unlocks a series of devastating family secrets.

Shadow has no main character but several major players whose histories interweave to tell the story.  In less skilful hands this would just be a dry series of character biographies, but Alvtegen deftly weaves all the strands together to create a compelling study of human motivation. 

Although this novel suffers a little of what I always find with translated fiction – the prose seems a little stilted, and I can never tell if that’s a deliberate storytelling device or an effect of the translation process – it did flow very well, and at times I forgot that it wasn’t originally written in English. 

Alvtegen bravely delays the plot twists and conclusion to great effect – this is no cut-and-dried crime novel, and the journey through the characters’ motivations is as rewarding as the results of their decisions.

A great read.

Rating: 4/5

Posted by on March 8, 2009 in Books, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 22, 2009 4:32 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Importance of Being Emma by Juliet Archer

I seem to be reviewing a lot of books with ‘being Em...’ in the title.  If there is a book out there called ‘Being Eminem’, feel free to send it to me.  Anyway...

The Importance of Being Emma is the first in Juliet Archer’s “Choc Lit” series, which will bring Austen characters and plotlines and plant them firmly in the 21st century.  Can you guess which one this is based on?

This book casts spoilt rich girl Emma Woodhouse as the eponymous anti-hero, the daughter of a food magnate returned from various adventures (some of which she enjoyed at Harvard Business School) to revitalise her father’s flagging industry with her radical marketing ideas.

The trouble is, her father has also brought in the cut-throat skills of one Mark Knightley, on whom Emma had a teenage crush, and who her father tasks with mentoring his daughter.  Of course, his daughter thinks she can do just fine on her own, thank you, and wishes Mark would treat her less like a clumsy kid sister and more like a... like a... well, she’ll get back to you on that.

The story is told from both Mark and Emma’s point of view, which does a great job of building the tension, but also had me shouting, “come on would you?!” every few pages.  Both characters are painted brilliantly as both proud to the point of arrogance about their own shrewdness, yet blind to what’s in front of them.

And, as soon as they almost get it together, one of them does something to rub the other up the wrong way (and not in the right way, either).  It’s very irritating, but it keeps you turning the pages.

Tangled into the weave of this would-be love affair are some red herrings in the form of Flynn Churchill, who catches Emma’s eye, and Emma’s ditzy PA, victim of Emma’s attempted makeovers and mismatched matchmaking.  Plus some brilliant one-liners from Emma’s increasingly hypochondriac old maid-like father.

This is a good read and a clever reworking of the original (only with more sex), despite the somewhat broad brushstrokes applied to the secondary characters, and the slightly clichéd view of modern gentry sensibilities (it seemed a bit far-fetched that Emma, with all her experience and her Harvard education, would be so flummoxed by her PA’s Estuary vernacular). 

But, as I said, both Mark and Emma are characterised really well, and the plot is cleverly and effectively structured to keep you hooked till the end.

Perfect for a holiday read!

Posted by on February 22, 2009 in Books, Brand new authors, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK REVIEW: Being Emily by Anne Donovan

Being Emily is the second novel from Anne Donovan, whose debut – Buddha Da – was listed for both the Orange and the Whitbread First Novel awards. I haven’t read Buddha Da yet but have just ordered a copy on the strength of Being Emily, which is a beautifully written coming-of-age story.

It’s told in the first person, and in a broad Glaswegian brogue (which aids rather than hinders the story) by Fiona – a young girl growing up in the tenements of Glasgow. 

We first meet Fiona when she’s a child – dreamy, obsessed with Emily Brontë (the Emily in question), an aspiring poet, but happy amid the noisy clatter of her Catholic family – mother, father, brother and twin sisters.

The second time we meet her it is four years later.  Fiona’s mother has died in childbirth and the family has become fragmented – each one lost to his or her private grief and coping strategies – her brother has left home for gay London; her father half-vanishes into alcohol, and her almost psychotically irritating sisters immerse themselves in their dance routines. 

After being a lively if preoccupied child, Fiona now seems to be a vague, still-waters sort of teen; doing well at school, dating Jas, an intellectual Sikh, and trying to figure out what to do with her life.  She’s like a sponge, sharply observing those around her but almost drifting through her own life, still underlining her experiences with comparisons and escapes into the world of Emily Brontë.

But Fiona’s life deviates sharply from any Brontëesque comparisons when she callously drops Jas for his slightly fey musician brother, Amrik, whose attention she can never fully capture no matter how she tries.  As a series of tragedies befall her, Fiona takes up multimedia art and creates dramatic, almost violent installations as she tries to express the turbulence inside her, before starting the long journey back to a sense of equilibrium.

Being Emily is a gorgeous, languorous and lyrical novel which treads the fine line between a realistic “real” life and a confused, fantastic “inner” life well.  And I love how it shows how a childhood obsession can echo and vibrate down one life into adulthood.

Beautiful.

Posted by on February 22, 2009 in Books, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 11, 2009 10:32 PM

Penguin leather-bound classics

Here at Trashionista we love us some paraphernalia from Penguin Books - so much so that I've privately started calling it "Penguinalia".

Now Penguin Books have collaborated with leather goods designers Bill Amberg to produce six modern paperback classics bound in soft calves' leather.

The titles are

• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• A Room with a View by E.M.Forster
• The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald
• The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
• Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
• Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

Leather is usually used to bind hardback books, but these soft bindings have been specially designed to "become more beautiful" each time they are handled!  Each book comes with a leather bookmark, and you can buy them for £30.00 apiece.

Related Penguinalia: Penguin deck chairs | Penguin book bags | Lovely Penguin pencils

Posted by on February 11, 2009 in Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Trashionista Recommends | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 27, 2009 1:36 PM

OPINION: What do we look for in a female protagonist?

I remember reading a book years ago – I can’t remember who it was by, what it was called, or what it was even about (bear with me!). All I can really remember is that it was written in the first person, and it was about a woman who was beautiful and witty, with a great job.  All her friends were beautiful and witty, and also had great jobs.  And that was really it.  At some point the heroine found herself in mild peril, at which point it became apparent that she was not only beautiful and witty, but also brave.

Which is where I stopped reading.

There was nothing to hook me into the story – no foibles, character quirks or situations I recognised.  Everyone had razor-sharp cheekbones and “silvery” laughs – it was all was too glossy, too perfect for me to relate to.

Which has set me wondering – what do we look for in a female protagonist?  Let’s have a look at some who have proved popular so far...

1. Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding
Oh dear.  Not beautiful (at least not in her own eyes), occasionally witty.  Goodish job.  Wine-swigging, fag-smoking, calorie-counting obsessive.  Disaster magnet.  Tummy control issues.  Far too attracted to bad boys for her own good.  But we love her.

2. Maggie Walsh from Angels by Marian Keyes
Staid, sensible, “good with money” (although not to her own standards) and with a personality described by one of her sisters as “plain yoghurt at room temperature”, Maggie Walsh is no one’s idea of a wild child.  And yet we cheered her on as she jetted off to Hollywood to prove everyone wrong with her adventures, and never really thought too much, at the end of the book, about how those adventures weren’t that wild.

3. Emma Woodhouse from Emma by Jane Austen
Now, Emma is beautiful.  And rich.  And meddlesome.  And a bit of a snob, in fact.  But those characteristics only make the situation funnier when Emma’s slightly smug attempts at matchmaking spiral out of control, and she’s forced to confront her own feelings.  Plus, underneath that snobby exterior Emma is ultimately very sensitive to the feelings of the people around her, which makes her much more endearing.

So, after this whistlestop and slightly generalised tour of female literary characters, it seems we like flawed women, women who buck the trend, and women who either have to come down off their pedestals or dig themselves out of tricky situations with guts and imagination. 

Female characters have come a long way since Emma’s day – now they have to progress in their careers, raise families, have friends, find love, be occasionally fabulous and have personal lives, which means the situations are only going to get trickier and the books more interesting.

But what do you look for in a female protagonist?  Who are some of your favourites, and why?  Let us know in the comments!

Photo by DasLive, Flickr.

Posted by on January 27, 2009 in Modern Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (10)

May 28, 2008 9:54 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Accidental Wife by Rowan Coleman

Rowan Coleman is one of those writers where you think, how does she do that? At least I do anyway. The Accidental Wife is Rowan's sixth full length novel since her first was published in 2002 plus she has written a novella and writes the Ruby Parker series for teens (which, by the way, I adore).

The Accidental Wife, a story of friendship and betrayal, is written through the eyes of two women. Each think they may have the wrong life. Catherine, soon to be divorced with two children in a dead end job wonders if she would be happier if she had married her first boyfriend, Marc. Alison, Catherine's former best friend, is actually married to Marc with three children and wondering if she would have had a better life if she had married her school girl crush, Jimmy. Who also happens to be Catherine's soon to be ex husband.

When Alison and Marc move back to the town they ran away from when Alison was sixteen and find Catherine and Jimmy are still there they find out the answers to their questions.

I really enjoyed The Baby Group which was Rowan's last novel so I had high expectations for this one. First off I would say this is not as action packed as The Baby Group. It is gripping but in a more quiet and understated way. Rowan's writing is colourful adding depth to the dialogue - which there is quite a lot of, because after Alison steals Catherine's boyfriend she has a lot of explaining to do.

Rowan obviously knew her characters very well and this comes across. We uncover the layers that make up Alison and Catherine and I changed my perception of both throughout the novel as I discovered more about them.

I do have a criticism and I thought this of The Baby Group too (and the title of that book, but that's another story). It is the book cover. The story inside is a lot more sophisticated and in depth than the pastel cover implies. If I were just browsing the book shop I don't think I would have picked this up. Which would have been a real shame as it is a great read.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Switchcraft by Mary Castillo

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 28, 2008 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 5, 2007 10:18 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Imagine This by Sade Adeniran

Reviewed by Belinda Whitehead

Imagine This is a beautifully written coming of age tale about Lola Ogunwole, a young girl whose father relocates her and her elder brother Adebola to their native Nigeria from England without so much as an explanation for his actions. Sent to live in a remote village with her aunt, and surrounded by a whole host of relatives she has never met before, Lola struggles to settle into her new life in Idogun.

Adebola, meanwhile, is himself suffering at the hands of his cruel uncle Joseph, and through their correspondence the two children dream of running away together to a better life.

Unable to come to terms with her abandonment, Lola starts acting up in school as a ploy to force her father to come and get her, but succeeds only in getting herself into more trouble with her relatives and provoking her father’s anger. When things eventually come to a head, Lola finds that even when it seems life can’t get any worse, it does.

 

This book does more than just tell a story, it takes the reader on a journey of discovery, provoking empathy towards Lola as she endures the many hurdles life throws her way, coming to terms with life, love and, the hardest thing of all, loss.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

Posted by Keris on November 5, 2007 in Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 19, 2007 12:12 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

I added Mary Lawson's Crow Lake to my Amazon wishlist *years* ago on, if memory serves, Jennifer Weiner's recommendation (via her blog, we're not actually friends ... except in my imagination). Despite that, I never actually bought it because it didn't really sound like my kind of book. Too depressing. Too (old) Oprah. But then on holiday I was stuck for something to read and Crow Lake had been left behind by someone else so I picked it up and ... lost about two days.

Set in Northern Ontario, Canada, it's the story of the Morrison family: Kate, who narrates the story, her older brothers Matt and Luke and their younger sister, Bo. At the beginning of the book their parents are killed in a car accident and when Kate reacts incredibly badly to the idea of the siblings being separated, the oldest brother, Luke, decides to give up his chance of teacher training college and take care of the family himself.

The story of Kate's childhood is mixed with the story of Kate as an adult. Apparently repressed and regretful, Kate is an academic, living far away from her brothers and sister and unable to get over the events of their childhood. Not just the loss of their parents, but the loss of the future in academia her brilliant brother Matt (yes, Matt, not Luke) had to give up, for reasons we don't learn until almost the very end of the book.

I found Crow Lake utterly compelling. While not exactly depressing, it is dreadfully sad, full of regrets and missed opportunities, but also somehow life-affirming and encouraging. The characters of Bo and Matt are both wonderful, plus Lawson writes evocatively about the lakes of Northern Ontario. I know the characters and events will stay with me for a long time.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Afloat by Jennifer McCartney

Posted by Keris on October 19, 2007 in Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 16, 2007 2:35 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold

"When all is said and done, killing my mother came easily."

Nothing like an eye-popping opening line to draw a reader into a story, and man did that one draw me in! The Almost Moon is a very different book from Alice Sebold's last novel, The Lovely Bones, but I predict it will make as much of a stir. While Lovely Bones traded on our fears about child murder, abduction and paedophilia, The Almost Moon tackles the difficulties of aging, divorce, and parents with dementia. It's a more mature book, with a less sympathetic narrator, but it's no less compelling. When this was offered to me for review back in July, I didn't care that it wouldn't be out until October, I grabbed it and dug straight in.

The opening chapters were pacy, tense and very dramatic, with an almost palpable tension. But then... things tailed off a little as Helen, our narrator (and mother-killer) reflected on her past. The story slowed down and I was in danger of becoming bored. Thankfully, the pace picked up again, and I was drawn into this dark (yet somehow not depressing) story.

It's all set in a twenty-four hour period, but with flashbacks to Helen's childhood which explain her relationship with her mother, her father's death, and the strange life her mother has been leading for many years. We also start to realise that Helen's moment of madness when she kills her mother is not isolated: she's been slowly unravelling for some time. Although this isn't a murder mystery, there is a sense of mystery and uncertainty: what will happen to Helen, will she cope, will she maybe even get away with what she's done? She somehow becomes a sympathetic character and Sebold's writing about people's private motivations and strange thought processes is brilliantly evocative - a real class act. I am now convinced that Alice Sebold will be writing hit books for a long time to come.

However... the ending of the book still disappointed me a touch, as I felt the author pulled her punches. But maybe she's just more forgiving and humane than I am! Either way, this book is hard to forget.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

**PS: I've just seen what looks to be the final, UK cover - here.  Hmm. What do you think?**

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 6, 2007 5:06 PM

GIVEAWAY: I Married A Pirate

A few weeks ago we featured an interview with journalist and debut novelist Samantha David, as part of our Summer Special.

Today: the chance to win not just a copy of her book, I Married a Pirate, but a signed copy! (UK only I'm afraid)

Carry on over the cut to find out how to be in with a chance to win...

Entries should be sent to our usual address - subject line: PIRATE - and please include your name and address (so we can send you the book if you're picked at random). Closing date is midnight GMT next Friday, 14 September. Good luck!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 6, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Competition, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 31, 2007 10:40 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers

In the tradition of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Harry Potter and His Dark Materials, Alice Kuipers' debut has been released in both teen and adult editions.

It's the story of Claire and her mum who are both so busy they barely get to spend any time together and instead the majority of their communication is done via notes on the fridge door.

When Claire's mum is diagnosed with breast cancer, we learn their reactions to it via the notes. Of course, both Claire and her mother are shocked and devastated, but they also struggle to cope - not only with the diagnosis, but with each other.

Because many of the notes are short, I read Life on the Refrigerator Door in less than an hour. I found that because I'd spent so little time with these people and knew so little about them (it's hard to convey much backstory in notes on the fridge door), it wasn't as involving and moving as it could have been.

I'm actually a bit annoyed that this book has been treated as a "serious" book about "serious" issues (and Kuipers' introduction doesn't help) when I've read much more moving portrayals of both cancer and mother/daughter relationships in so-called "fluffy" chick lit books.

The above probably sounds more negative than I mean it to be. I did enjoy this book (as much as you can enjoy a book in which one of the main characters has breast cancer), but I would have liked to get to know Claire and her mum a lot better and without gimmicks.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acochella Marchetto

Posted by Keris on August 31, 2007 in Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 27, 2007 12:28 PM

TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: Some lad-lit blogs

How could I not know that Nick Hornby had a blog? Perhaps because it's fairly new - that's my excuse anyway... If you're as in the dark as I was, read it for yourself here. He hasn't updated in a little while, but the rest of his website is a worthwhile browse, and hopefully he'll blog more soon...

Non-fic lad lit fave Dave Gorman, on the other hand, has been updating like billy-o (as my mum would say). Read his blog here, and find out all about what he's been up to, the music on Homes Under The Hammer and the deterioration in quality of a well-known chocolate egg. It's good stuff.

Finally, sometime Gorman collaborator Danny Wallace has a website, where he doesn't blog, but does post occasional news and... 'titbits' might be the right word. There's also the chance to download some video podcasts of the author/TV presenter/head of the Karma Army...

Related posts: Top 10 lad lit | From book to blog. 

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 27, 2007 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Technology, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 23, 2007 11:31 AM

(Quite a lot of) Caprice Crane news

Caprice Crane has been a big fave of ours since her fabulous debut Stupid and Contagious (it wasn't the former, but definitely was the latter!)

Next Wednesday, in honour of the release of her new book Forget About It (which Keris is reading at the moment - jealous!) Caprice will be the star of our author interview. (Buy the book from 27th August in the US/on Amazon or from 4th October in the UK).

In the meantime, you can watch a short film, Passing the Time, created as a sort-of trailer for the book (which will be turned into a feature film by Disney, starring Scarlett Johansson - and which meant Crane couldn't make an actual trailer proper for copyright reasons. Or something.)

Finally, if you're quick and in the Santa Monica area, you might be able to catch Miss Crane at a Barnes and Noble signing today. [Via Galleycat].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 23, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

BOOK NEWS: Love, Stargirl

Last week, our interviewee Holly Shumas name-checked Stargirl (of the novel of the same name, by Jerry Spinelli) as her favourite female character in fiction.

This week, I was browsing Amazon and found that there's a recently-released sequel: Love, Stargirl. The cover alone makes me want to read it! (But what's new?)

Related: YA archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 23, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 22, 2007 12:31 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Just yesterday I wrote about a new book with 'club' in the title, and here at Trashionista we've reviewed (brace yourselves!):

The Tuesday Erotica Club, The Yorkshire Pudding Club, The Jane Austen Book Club, The Friday Night Knitting Club, Man of the Month Club, The Dirty Girls' Social Club, The Second Wives' Club and The Adultery Club.

There's also The Sunday Night Book Club, The Naked Drinking Club and - to be a bit different - The Book Group.

So is it time to call time on the word 'club' and ask authors and publishers to think of different titles... (there have to be other ways to bring disparate characters together) or don't you care as long as the story is good?

'Club' in the title - 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 22, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (6)

BOOK REVIEW: There's a (Slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell by Laurie Notaro

Ever since Keris highlighted news of Laurie Notaro's debut novel, I'd been longing to read it. So much so, I even paid to get my hands on a copy (yes!)

Subtitled: 'a novel of sewer pipes, pageant queen, and big trouble' and of course, called There's a (Slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell, it sounded nothing if not intriguing (also: I love the cover!)

The book tells the story of Maye, who moves from a scummy-sounding suburb of Arizona to the leafy, gorgeous small town of Spaulding, Washington State. At first, things seem idyllic: Maye and her husband Charlie have found the perfect house, Charlie has a fantastic job, and the area couldn't be prettier. But Maye has a little trouble fitting in: she embarrasses herself hugely at one of her husband's work functions, joins a book club that turns out to be a coven, and has no luck meeting nice, normal people to be friends with.

Then she hears about the annual Sewer Pipe Pageant, a talent show that anyone in Spaulding can enter. Winning the crown at the pageant is a ticket to respect and popularity and so Maye decides she must sign up. She's going to need a little tutoring though: and that's where she decides to track down a legendary former Pipe Queen who was driven out of town decades before - Maye must solve the mystery of why, find the pipe queen and prepare to win the pageant. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Luckily her freelance writing career has hit the skids, so Maye has plenty of time!

I've always enjoyed Laurie Notaro's essay collections, but on the basis of this book, I think she's even better at fiction. There's a (Slight) Chance... is intelligent, witty, fun, hopeful and a bit poignant, too.  There's a credible mystery woven in to a story about trying to fit in, and it all works really well. I loved reading this and didn't want it to end.

And as Notaro herself moved from Arizona to a small town in Washington with her husband, I can't help wondering if any of the incidents in the book really happened...

But what I really want to find out is when is Notaro's next novel coming out, and can I sign up for my copy now?

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 22, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

Romance authors, Mills and Boon... and more unoriginal chick lit insults

Australia's Sydney Morning Herald recently featured this interesting article on romance novels, the popularity of Mills and Boon and why romance authors just can't get no... respect.

I learned about the article from a begrdging Bookninja - I love that site, but *wow* they don't love us...

"Romance as the cougar to chick lit’s fox? I think of it more like the laundry lady to chick lit’s halfwit yuppy."

Oooh - zing!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 22, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Romance | 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 20, 2007 8:48 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Mere Anarchy by Woody Allen

I suspect unlike most Woody Allen fans, I first appreciated the great director's humour through his short stories rather than his excellent films (Manhattan, Annie Hall, Play it Again Sam, Hannah and Her Sisters, Manhattan Murder Mystery et al.)

His last original collection of fiction was released in 1983 and so Mere Anarchy, a slim volume which still squeezes in 18 stories, was well overdue. But does he still have the golden touch?

I have to be honest, at first I wasn't sure. I'd forgotten that Woody's wordplay can sometimes be dazzling to the point of baffling, and wished often that I knew where my dictionary was...

But once I'd got into the swing of things, I found his way with words entertaining and witty, although wry smile-funny rather than split-your-seams hilarious. The subjects these stories tackle are mostly rather ridiculous - from a man kidnapped because he looks like a famous film star to a someone who loses money after investing in a musical about the adjustable shower head. Other subjects, like nannies selling stories on their employers and the difficulty of getting a child into the right New York pre-school, are bang up to date (even if chick lit did there get first...)

One of my favourite stories was The Rejection (the pre-school one) , which made me laugh out loud. Lines like, "If Mischa could be denied this, there was no meaning in life or all of existence " effectively puncture the bubble of NYC pre-school hysteria. Strung Out, a contemplation on physics and the laws of the universe was very funny too: "I awoke on Friday, and because the universe is expanding it took me longer than usual to find my robe." But Above The Law, Below the Box Springs really made me howl with laughter - it's about some thieves who cut the tags off mattresses and it's just so silly and funny, a great cheerer-upper. (Yes, that is a word...) I'm just not sure why some of the stronger stories in the collection are towards the end of the book.

Although I read the collection straight through like a novel, as I needed to finish it for MoM, I think it would be better savoured in small morsels - the writing is so rich in wordplay it can be better appreciated in small doses and it's a shame to rush through it.

I don't know either non-Woody Allen fans would enjoy the collection or not - you have to have a certain sense of humour. In fact, I might recommend one of his earlier collections first for 'beginners' (Without Feathers contains my fave ever Allen story, The Whore of Mensa.)

But for anyone with a sense of the silly, a great vocabulary and a penchant for Woody Allen-esque humour, this is a great new book. It's nothing new and exciting, just more of the same after a long break - but that's still saying quite a lot.

Rating: 4/5

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

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 20, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 17, 2007 6:58 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Pursuit of Alice Thrift by Elinor Lipman

Have I mentioned I'm a big Elinor Lipman fan (just three hundred times or so)?

The Pursuit of Alice Thrift was released before My Latest Grievance, Lipman's most recent novel, and I must admit, I liked it a touch more. The main character, Alice Thrift, is fairly unsympathetic: as a surgeon, she's used to science and cold hard facts, and finds interacting with people when they're not under anesthetic to be quite a challenge. But when Ray Russo waltzes into her consulting room looking for a nose job (and maybe more...) Alice and he fall in love. Or Alice thinks they do...

A reviewer on Amazon described this book as being about the poor decisions people sometimes make to alleviate loneliness, and that's true to some extent: we learn early on in the book that Ray turns out not to be the man of Alice's dreams - if she'd ever do anything so romantic as indulge in daydreams about love, that is. Alice's formerly very boring, flat lifestyle becomes a lot more interesting - but not always in the ways she would have wanted. She does, however, begin to loosen up a little and make some friends.

At first, I wasn't sure I could read a whole book about a lonely, socially inept middle-aged woman. (Doesn't exactly scream 'fun!' does it?) But I loved this book. Where Elinor Lipman is so talented is that she can turn Alice into a sympathetic character that we care about by the end of the book - without actually changing Alice's personality too much! I found this a page-turner of a read, and only wish the author could churn her books out a little bit faster...

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 17, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 16, 2007 2:08 PM

Keira Knightley 'too pretty' for Atonement?

Ceri Radford of The Telegraph's books blog can't decide if she's looking forward to the adaptation of Ian McEwan's World War Two-set modern classic Atonement or not. On the one hand, she loves a period drama, on the other hand... there's Keira Knightley. That alone would put me off (me-ow!) but Radford's specific problem is that the pouty one is "too pretty"  for Cecilia, who is described in the book as "plain".

Does it matter that actresses look like the characters they're playing, or is a little artistic licence understandable - we are talking about Hollywood after all!

What do you think?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 16, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Opinion, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (8)

BOOK REVIEW: No! I Don't Want to Join a Bookclub by Virgina Ironside

Better known as an agony aunt, Virginia Ironside is also an experienced journalist and now a novelist, too. No! I Don't Want to Join a Bookclub is about Marie Sharp, who's single and just about to turn sixty and has decided to start a diary, Bridget Jones-style.

Kind of.

Unlike many people of her generation, Marie is not trying to recapture her youth, doesn't want to take evening classes, expand her mind, keep active, or god forbid, join a book club. What she wants to do is cover up her bingo wings, drink a lot of wine and enjoy being old. But being old doesn't mean doing nothing - in fact Marie has a pretty jam-packed time even though she has retired. She becomes a granny (or, as she inexplicably writes it, grannie) for the first time (something she talks about with such joy, I was incredibly moved and almost wanted to be one myself - although at 28 I think I might be a little young...) Her first love also comes back into her life, one of her oldest friends becomes very ill, and Marie has a young French lodger to keep a motherly eye on.

Although sometimes a little too cynical and curmudgeonly for my tastes, Marie is a very well-drawn and likeable character and I found this a fast and enjoyable read. It was refreshing to read about an older heroine and especially one who is both single and happy about it and happy with her age.

However, I'm not sure I'd want to be like Marie when I'm older - I don't see what's so wrong with salsa dancing and bungee jumping post-retirement if you fancy it, and sometimes Marie sounds more like 80 than 60!

But don't be put off if your age is nearer 20 - this is a good read for any age. I'd just love for a book club to pick it...

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Plotting for Beginners by Sue Hepworth and Jane Linfoot.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 16, 2007 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: Julian Clary's Murder Most Fab

Following the success of his double entendre-stuffed memoir, A Young Man's Passage, Julian Clary is the latest celeb to bring out a novel - Murder Most Fab has a Janet Evanovich-esque cover and according to Janet Street Porter in Marie Claire is, "A very funny novel that charts the progress of a gorgeous boy from drama school, through to working as a rent boy and telly stardom. En route there are several murders, loads of drugs and masses of sex..."

It's out today.

[Via Woman magazine and Amazon.co.uk]

Related: BOOK REVIEW - How I Paid For College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theatre by Marc Acito.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 16, 2007 in Bonkbusters, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Television | Permalink | Comments (6)

August 15, 2007 4:57 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Well, we didn't get a huge number of answers to last week's Yay or Nay, but you made up for it in quality - we have some very intelligent readers out there! (Maybe flattery will induce you to be more chatty this week? *Looks pleadingly*)

Today I want to ask you what you thought of another book, by another doyenne of chick lit, Mz Marian Keyes. It's her latest, Anybody Out There? Which you've all had plenty of time to read as it's been out in hardback since last year and paperback for... ooh, a good few months!

Did you like it? (Will anyone dare say no?) - Why/why not? And if you haven't read it, do you want to? (Will anyone dare say no?)

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 15, 2007 in Book related, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (8)

More Shiny employees catch the book bug

We Trashionistas are not the only book-obsessed Shiny Media employees, you know - oh no.

John of Shiny TV site TV Scoop was even on BBC Four book programme The Book Quiz last night, talking intelligently about literary thriller Perfume as part of one of the programme's featured book groups. Unfortunately, watching it back didn't make for a fun experience, as he reports...

In happier news, Alex of Shiny Shiny is writing a new column for our sister site Dollymix about Women in Fiction, and it's fascinating reading.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 15, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Holly Shumas

We like to strike while the iron is hot, so no sooner did Holly Shumas get in touch to tell us about her new website, than we grabbed her (in the nicest possible way) for an interview about her book, Five Things I Can't Live Without, and a few other things too...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

A woman approaching thirty needs to get out of her head and into her life.

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

At my desk at home.  I want to be one of those cafe writers, but I'm just too distractible.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

The Big Love by Sarah Dunn.

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

Stargirl, from the book of the same name by Jerry Spinelli.  It's classified as a young adult novel, though if I could write the world a syllabus, it would be required reading for everyone. She shows how magical it can be to completely inhabit your own skin. [Okay, totally adding that to my Amazon wishlist now! - Diane]

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

It's been said a million times, I know, but it's just so true: Read often, and read widely.

Study the genre you want to write in, but read outside of it, too. Figure out what your gifts are as a writer, and cultivate them.

What are you reading at the moment?

I'm almost at the end of "Then We Came to the End" by Joshua Ferris, and I'm so sad about it. It's a phenomenal book, especially if you've ever spent significant amounts of time in a cubicle. If you haven't, I think you'll like it anyway because it's so spot-on about human nature (and so funny, too!) but I'm not making any promises.

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

I'm working on a novel about a woman who discovers her seemingly devoted husband has been involved in an emotional affair for the past year. It deals with the question of whether emotional infidelity is better -- or maybe worse -- than sexual infidelity. Grand Central's 5-Spot imprint (which also published Five Things I Can't Live Without) has bought the book; now I've just got to finish writing it...

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 the question "What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been?" the hardest question you've ever been asked?

A. Yes!

Ingenious answer, Holly - thanks so much for chatting with us!

Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

MORE ON MONDAY: The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith

I love Alexandra McCall Smith's Botswana-set No.1 Ladies Detective series. I always think each book is going to be the last and then, before I know it, there's another.

Good Husband - the eighth in the series - continues in the same vein as the other books, i.e. not much happens. Mma Ramotswe actually doesn't do much (if any) investigating in this book, instead her assistant, Mma Makutsi, and the good husband himself, Mr JLB Matekoni decide they'd quite like to do some investigating of their own, with varied results.

Mma Makutsi's case involves stationery stealing and Mr JLB Matekoni is instructed by "the rudest woman in Botswana" to find out who her husband is having an affair with. No, it's not exactly Law & Order, is it?

But there is a little bit of drama - although drama is too strong a word really - a couple of the regulars are looking to move on. Charlie, one of Mr JLB Matekoni's apprentices (he's the owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors) has decided to set up on his own and Mma Makutsi realises that now she's getting married she doesn't need to work at all and hands in her notice.

It's the mellowness of this series that I love, but this latest book is so mellow it's almost unconscious. I enjoyed it - what's not to enjoy? - but it's probably the weakest of the series, which is a shame. In putting Mma Makutsi and Mr JLB Matekoni to the fore, it's almost as if Smith has forgotten the heart of the book. This series belongs to Precious Ramotswe and the stories should always be hers. Fingers crossed she's back in the driving seat (of her little white van) in the next book.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexandra McCall Smith

Posted by Keris on August 13, 2007 in British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 10, 2007 11:38 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Summer Psychic by Jessica Adams

Keris talking about Australian authors the other day has inspired me to dig out Jessica Adams's The Summer Psychic for a review - she's Australian, you see. And this book also ties nicely into our summer special (ongoing 'til the end of this month, peeps).

The Summer Psychic is Jim Gabriel, an Aussie resident of Brighton who gets visions when he looks into any expanse of water (although his favourite method of fortune-telling is peering into water in the bucket from a child's bucket-and-spade set - well, why not?)

When local reporter Katie Pickard is sent to interview him about what will happen in the following year, she's skeptical to the point of being uninterested. Until Jim makes a surprising prediction: next summer, he and Katie will get married.

But Katie promptly falls in love with Pete, local musical hero (with more than a touch of the Pete Dohertys about him) and they embark on a whirlwind, if not always that romantic, relationship. Meanwhile,  Jim's predictions start to come true, and the paper Katie works for stitches him up with an untrue and unkind exposé. And Jim's colleague Courtney, a witch, seduces Katie's boss and causes all kinds of unpleasant things to start happening.

The book is full of quirky, strange characters, most of who (except Courtney) have an odd kind of charm, but I didn't really believe in any of them. When Katie falls in love with Pete, we're told about it rather than shown her love develop (or given any reason for her falling or such a waster - she's may be on the rebound from a tragic relationship, but still...) Things seem to happen in rather jumpy scenes rather than there being any kind of sophisticated progression.

One thing I was hoping for was some kind of explanation of Jim's powers, but it was all a bit wishy-washy, 'we can't possibly know how it works'-type stuff, which frustrated me. I couldn't really buy into it and I found the book's conclusion a bit sudden and the storyline rambling. Unimportant dialogue was extended and important stuff rushed over.

It's not all bad, though - Katie is an endearing narrator and Adams can write, I'm just not sure about her ability to hold a story together over the length of a novel. I'd like to see her have a go at a story with a far less complex conceit, 'cos for me, this one fell flat.

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try An English Psychic in Hollywood by Lucinda Clare.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 10, 2007 in Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 8, 2007 2:43 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Alice Kuipers

Alice Kuipers' book, Life on the Refrigerator Door, is causing a bit of a stir. Published in both adult and teen editions, it's a compelling tale about the effects of breast cancer on the relationship between a mother and a daughter, told entirely via notes on the fridge door. A review is on the way.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

During a tragic year, Claire and her mother learn to make time for each other.

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

I write on a laptop which I bring with me wherever I travel.  Right now, I'm working in my office in Saskatoon.  Next week, I'll be working on my mum's kitchen table in London.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

I loved Bridget Jones' Diary when it came out.  I think Helen Fielding is a terrific writer.

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

My granny is 92 years old and was just in a Muller Light ad.  She's my hero.

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

If any of you are writing, I'd suggest that you keep going and keep going and then write a little more.  It's hard to get what you want to say on the page, it's hard to get published, it's hard to get up every day and write, but if you want to do it then don't let anyone stop you.

What are you reading at the moment?

I just finished the new Harry Potter.  I enjoyed it - I think JK Rowling has done an amazing job with those books.  I'm reading a novel called Steppenwolf now by a German writer called Herman Hesse.  He's one of my favourites.  Not an easy read but very beautiful.

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

I'm working on several projects.  One is a novel about a baby that falls out the sky onto someone's doorstep.  One is a short story about a woman who is having an affair.  I just finished a short story about a doctor who wants to save a patient who's 94 years old.

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 was having lunch with some other writers who live here in Saskatoon and someone asked, "Why do you write?"  I think I write because I can't do anything else; I write because the only way I can understand the world is to put it on the page.  I liked thinking about that question and I'd never been asked it before.

Thanks, Alice.

Posted by Keris on August 8, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (7)

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)

BOOK REVIEW: The Myth of You & Me by Leah Stewart

I hadn't heard of The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart before, but while I was browsing Amazon.com I noticed it got fantastic reviews. Also, the cover is purdy. (Reminded me of this). So when I spotted a cheap bargainous copy on sale, I had to take a look!

When the teenage Cameron moves to a new town and meets Sonia, Sonia literally saves her life, and the two quickly become the best of friends, with a close, unshakeable bond they assume will last forever. But then Sonia does something that Cameron can't forgive, and she abandons Sonia and their friendship, never to return.

But then... Cameron's boss, the reclusive elderly author Oliver Doucet, who she lives with and cares for, suddenly dies. With no more ties in the world, and a present that Oliver posthumously asks Cameron to give to Sonia, Cameron sets out on a reluctant road trip...

Flashbacks alternate with the present day storytelling as Cameron goes on a quest to find Sonia and what happened between them years ago (and why) is revealed. I was equally interested in the present day story and the past, and the two blended seamlessly together. I couldn't wait to find out what had happened between Cameron and Sonia, and what would happen next. I wasn't disappointed, although maybe I would have liked the ending to have been a bit more conclusive, but it was realistic, kind-of happy, and in one way, rather surprising.

Anyone who knows what it's like to have an all-consuming friendship, to lose a friend, to be jealous of a friend's boyfriend, to be in love with a friend's boyfriend or to ponder the nature of life (so that's pretty much everyone, then) will find something to relate to in this book. And if you're anything like me, you'll probably shed a tear or two, too.

It's a story of friendship, loss, grief, forgiveness and re-creating your past, and it's terrific.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Girls by Lori Lansens.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 8, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (4)

Booker Prize longlist announced

No sooner do I mention the Booker Prize in passing than longlist is announced for the British literary establishment's biggest prize. Nothing that I've read on there (which to be honest, doesn't make a change) but at least there are a few women nominated...

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan is the bookies favourite to win but, as we've said before, that doesn't always mean much!

The winner, announced in October, will bag a healthy £50,000. (And, if they're lucky, increased sales too.)

Carry on over the cut for the full list.

The Booker Longlist:

Darkmans by Nicola Barker

Self Help by Edward Docx

The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng

The Gathering by Anne Enright

The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

Gifted by Nikita Lalwani

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn

Consolation by Michael Redhill

Animal's People by Indra Sinha

Winnie & Wolf by A N Wilson

Prizewinners archive.

[Via BooktradeInfo]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 8, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 7, 2007 6:07 PM

Alice Sebold interview

I have in my sweaty (seriously - it's way too humid!) little hands an advance copy of Alice Sebold's new book, The Almost Moon. I've had a little look  at the first page and synopsis and am *very* excited to start reading it soon. Very!

We'll have a review for you nearer the time of release (October) but in the meantime, we have permission to re-print this interview with the author, which I think you'll find interesting. Enjoy!

What was it like to sit down to write a second novel after the success of The Lovely Bones?

I think all novels are a struggle, and after a big success, that still holds true. I think the plus for me was that I could pay my bills, which is huge, and people need to state right off if they've had any level of success. I can get ready-made sandwiches from a good deli instead of eating Goya chickpeas from the can. The other side of it is the increased pressure to follow up your success with another. But my definition of success has always been to write a book I believe in and to stay true to character, so no matter what, I feel very solid going out with Moon. As a writer you are responsible only for what is between hard covers. The rest you can't control. I had a subject that was haunting me, and I waited for the voice of my main character to run clear so I could tell it. As soon as I had Helen, I had my engine. Then it was just the daily unpredictable hell ride from that point forward to get it right.

What do you hope readers will take away from The Almost Moon?

I want readers to enter the reality and experience of my main character, Helen, and to take the ride with her, as it were, even if it takes them into uncomfortable or unimaginable places. To have those unimaginable and dark places more fully queried and understood by the end of the novel. The Almost Moon is asking some pretty intense questions about the relationship between love and duty, what you owe to others versus what you must do to have your own identity in the world. It is a book very much about the dangers of self-erasure.

Helen Knightly is a very different character from Susie Salmon. How was the experience of writing her different from writing Susie? Do you think readers will find it more challenging to embrace her?

Helen is a complex character. Though her actions are, on the face of it, hard to understand, the challenge for me was that, if done right, the reader might be able to see how she had gotten to this place and have compassion for her. I love Helen as I loved Susie, and I see her as I did Susie — someone strong and outside my own creation somehow, even though obviously I wrote the book and I created the character and her world. She is funny, wry, strong, and very broken in what I hope will feel like an utterly human way.

Both of your novels start with a shocking first chapter and a strong voice that hits you right away. Did you write them this way intentionally?

I believe the story should invite a reader in immediately, so my books begin directly. Neither Susie nor Helen has a lot of time to waste, and they let you know right off who they are and how they got there. Maybe this reflects my own hatred of small talk in real life. I've always preferred someone who answers the question "How are you?" with a response like "I feel like hell. My wife left me yesterday." This allows us to get to the heart of the matter, which is what human communication is about. In the book Helen says she hates the phrase "No worries," and every time I find myself using it, I think of how Helen would detest me for it! Who has no worries? It is such a lie!

Both books deal with family — troubled or dysfunctional. Why is family such a concern for you in your writing?

Though modern fiction is full these days of what I think of as high jinks narratives that splice and dice and somehow put family on the back burner, family is who we are. I don't mean this in a reverent or saccharine manner but in the idea that, for good and for bad, we cannot escape our family. They define us even if we work against what they give us or tell us or how they behave. It is a brutal reality: there is no escape, and in encountering that truth, I think writers have endless possibilities to encounter central human truths about identity, love, hate, loneliness, loss, and joy. All of it, every truth we eventually experience, exists within the idea of family first, and how it, or the lack of it, has shaped an individual's mind.

Originally published online here. Reprinted with kind permission.

Author interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 7, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 3, 2007 12:32 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Momzillas

I have to admit to being completely superficial: the thing that grew me to Momzillas by Jill Kargman was... the pretty pink and black cover! It also reminded me a bit of The Nanny Diaries which I *heart* so if the novel itself was awful, I was going to be really disappionted. And at first, I did question the need for this book: semi-autobiographical novels about competititve parenting in Manhattan are not new, but I'd yet to read one I really enjoyed, so I was hoping this would be the one. Luckily, it was! (There must be something in that judging by cover thing after all...)

Momzillas follows San Francisco transplant Hannah Allen's attempts to fit in with the New York society mamas who are married to her husband's new NYC colleagues - and friends with her rich and frosty mother-in-law. Suddenly she's thrust into a world where $350 is a modest amount to spend on a birthday present for the child of someone you hardly know, and staying in the city over the summer (or worse, going on the subway!) just isn't done. Struggling to keep up with the snobbery, but feeling that she has to mingle with women who look down on her in order to get her daughter Violet into the right pre-school and to help her husband's career, Hannah despairs of ever feeling less lonely. So when her old Art Histroy professor from university, the one she had a mega crush on back in the day, asks her to meet up and visit museums with him, that's a perfectly reasonable thing to do, right?

As Hannah's relationship wobbles, so does her certainty that she's done the right thing in moving to New York. She also starts to care a bit less about what the ultra-posh mothers in the posh playground think of her and tries to find a niche for herself and a pre-school for Violet that isn't run by Neo-Nazis...

Can her marriage survive her re-ignited crush on her professor and her husband's crazy hours? And can she break free from all the stupid demands of Momzilla society and enjoy her new situation?

I knew that things would surely work out OK for Hannah in the end, but I enjoyed reading about how she got there. Hannah is a very likeable character (and her daughter Violet couldn't sound cuter!) and Jill Kargman's writing style is snappy and witty. I also liked the fact that Hannah's husband Josh was sympathetic rather than cruel or pathetic, as in other books of this type! I felt the book's ending was a little rushed - too much was summarised rather than shown to the reader - and I was aggravated by the narrator's description of single life as almost a fate worse than death! But I'd definitely recommend this as a great holiday read.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McClaughlin.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 3, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

More summer reading recommendations!

Despite the weather for the last two months resembling winter (here in Britain, at least) we've still brought you lots of summer-related goodness, including competitions and summer reading recommendations from Jen Lancaster, Marian Keyes and Jennifer Weiner and er... Philadelphia.

There's still a few weeks of summer left, and as sun to bask in is in short supply, why not bask in another set of reading recommendations, this time from Salon? Here's their suggestions for summer 'chic lit' (<-- I never know if that's a clueless misspelling of chick lit or a play on words... let's assume the latter and give them the benefit of the doubt!)

What are you reading this summer? Have any summer reading guides prompted you to try a book?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 3, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 2, 2007 11:32 AM

Vintage Twins pairs up old classics with newer releases

We've covered books about women who are twins and men who are twins, but never before have we written about... BOOKS that are twins.

Say what?

Publishers Vintage have had the new (and I think ingenious) idea of packaging two books together: one an old classic, the other a classic of the future - a book they think matches the old classic perfectly. 'Twins' include Middlemarch and Possession; Crime and Punishment and Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland next to post-modernist Haruki Murakami's Wind-up Bird Chronicle. They're calling it Vintage Twins, of course.

Guardian blog readers are (as ever!) unimpressed, but what do you think? I think it's a great idea and could be very popular at (shh) Christmas...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 2, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 1, 2007 5:16 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

On Yay or Nay this week: a non-death related question for you! Woo-hoo...

Mediabistro reports that the publicity for Elizabeth Buchan's latest novel The Second Wife will be a little different from the norm. Instead of  running up a huge advertising budget, Publishers Penguin are instead recruiting 1000 volunteers, who all get a free copy of the book, to talk it up to their friends, colleagues and family members. (Plus anyone else they come across!) The volunteers get a pack with suggested topics to discuss and the campaign will run until the end of summer. If it's successful the strategy could be used to promote other books too, harnessing that all-important word of mouth.

But does 'buzz marketing' like this work for you - do you want your friends to have an agenda when you chat? Or is it the way of the future and just an extension of recommending books to each other, i.e perfectly harmless? Are the volunteers being exploited - 1000 books is much cheaper than the cost of advertising after all - or doesn't it matter as long as they're keen to participate?

In other words... Is this whole idea 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 1, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (6)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Samantha David

Samantha David is a journalist who has written what could be the perfect summer read: I Married A Pirate is her debut novel and she'll tell you about it below, along with talking about what she's reading now, and women who prefer dogs to men (really)... And yes, we will be reviewing her book at some point, of course!

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

An original, intelligent, irreverant, quirky, laugh-aloud romantic comedy about Bohemia, personal freedom and love. [Ooh, good one! - Diane]

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

At my desk, in front of my computer, preferrably after midnight when I won't be disturbed. (I spend my days at my desk, in front of my computer, being a journalist.)

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos.

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

Flora Poste (from Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons) because she makes me laugh. Tessa Sanger (The Constant Nymph by Margaret Kennedy) because she makes me cry.

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

JDI - Just Do It.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Lady of Shalott (Tennyson), Northanger Abbey (Austen) and Scotland Street (Mccall Smith).

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

A romantic comedy about the most charming, intelligent, handsome, sexy man in the world and Rosie - who is stunningly beautiful but prefers dogs to men...

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!)

Where shall we send the cheque?

Hee... sorry, we're not asking that either, but thanks, Samantha!

Author Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 1, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Interviews, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Summer Special | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 31, 2007 4:27 PM

EXCLUSIVE 'Be Mine' giveaway!

Be Mine by Laura Kasischke might be a good option for your summer hols if you like a touch of mystery and don't mind being a bit scared on your sun-lounger.

Keris called it "thrilling, thought-provoking, exciting and erotic" (oo-er!) and we have 2 copies to give away to 2 lucky Trashionista readers.

Carry on over the cut to find out how to be in with a chance of winning...

Simply email us your name and address (so we can send you the book if you win), putting "Laura" in the title. We'll pick 2 names at random after the giveaway closes on August 1st.

Posted by Aigua Media on July 31, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Competition, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: The Two Mrs Robinsons by Donna Hay

Reviewed by Bag Lady extraordinaire Nicola Pedley...

In Donna Hay's latest novel, The Two Mrs Robinsons, Oliver Robinson dies, leaving behind two women who love him: the ex-wife he hasn’t divorced and the girlfriend he hasn’t married. The uneasy truce that exists between the two women is stretched to the limit when Eve, the ex-wife, decides to run his restaurant while Anna, the girlfriend, thinks they should sell it.

When an unexpected turn of events forces Anna to change her mind it is soon obvious the two women will not be able to agree on how the business should be run. Anna thinks Eve is stuck in the past and Eve accuses Anna of trying to turn Oliver’s into a fast food joint. Throw in a couple of shady employees and a bit of bad advice and the restaurant soon starts to lose money, much to the women’s horror.

Desperate to turn things around the two women find they have to compromise and soon start to grow closer as they look out for each other. I enjoyed the way Donna Hay explored the grief of her characters. Eve completely falls apart, even though she and Oliver have been separated for five years, while Anna relies on pills to hold her world together. Eve’s teenage children have to cope with their mother’s grief as well as their own, and Anna’s three-year-old son, Charlie, has no concept of death and happily tells people his daddy’s dead with a big grin on his face.

This is a good read about a difficult subject – the death of a loved one and the feelings it leaves behind. The emotions are sensitively handled and joy and pain both have their place in this story of grief and recovery.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try How Will I Know? By Sheila O’Flanagan or Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes.

[Reviewed by Nicola Pedley]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 31, 2007 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 30, 2007 11:44 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Back on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

Reviewed by Diane Johnston of Corrieblog...

Judging from the blurb, I thought Debbie Macomber's Back on Blossom Street would be right up my alley. A group of women come together for a knitting class and we find out about their lives as they become friends. Well, um...I can't say the book lived up to my expectations. This book is the third novel set on Blossom Street, a little Seattle neighbourhood. Blossom Street is lined with little shops and the main narrator of this book, Lydia, spends a lot of time filling us in on the shop owners' past events, along with a good majority of the lives of the customers of those shops as well.

Lydia herself is the owner of the Yarn shop where the knitting classes take place. This book revolves around the current life crises of knitting students Alix, who's about to be married but whose wedding organizing has been overrun by her future mother-in-law and another friend, and Collette who is widowed but recently pregnant by her ex-employer. Lydia's sister also has a family crisis which affects her whole family. The story follows the three women's events.

I wanted to like this book but I didn't really. I like a bit of spice in my book, a bit of sex and humour. This had none of the first and not a whole lot of the second. Lydia, in particular, drove me to distraction. Even though she purported to be worried about her sister's family's problems, you never really felt that anxiety. It was all told almost off-handedly. She is supportive, understanding, reasonable, a great wife and mother, a great cook, advisor to everyone that knows her, confident, generous, and... well, you get the picture. She's perfect. To the point where I found her sanctimonious and boring. The other two women are flawed, make bad decisions for the right reasons, but it all works out in the end for them too.

The book has an overtone of Christian spirituality and forgiveness which makes me wonder if that was the main target audience. (There are, as well, two knitting patterns included for prayer shawls, which is the project that the students are knitting). That's not a criticism, it's just not my type of book, that's all. If you've already read Debbie Macomber's books and loved them, then you will like this one too. It's more of the same. Amazon.com calls it "saccharine prose" and that hits the nail on the head for me. It's not badly written, it's just too sweet and nice. The characters and the dialogue don't feel "real".

I want sex. I want bitchy repartee. I want to laugh out loud and maybe even sniff back a tear or two. I want to identify with at least one of the characters.

I didn't get any of that with this book, I'm afraid. Your mileage may vary.

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 30, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 27, 2007 4:05 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Another Man's Life by Greg Williams

The concept of  Another Man's Life by Greg Williams is pretty interesting: twin men with very different lives (one is a single, hot-shot rich businessman, the other a stay-at-home-dad ever since he was made unemployed) decide to swap lives and to find out how the other half lives, if the grass is greener on the other side... and all that jazz.

So they hatch a plan to pretend to be each other for two weeks, during which Tom (the stay-at-home-dad)'s wife will be away and Sean (the single, hot-shot rich businessman) will be off work. Or that's the plan, anyway.

What could possibly go wrong?

Of course LOTS could possibly go wrong, and in fact does - Sean meets a woman he could fall in love with, but is posing as a married man; Tom is shocked to discover how little he misses family life. And both men realise that yes, in many ways the grass is greener on his twin's side of the fence.

A quote from GQ editor Dylan Jones on the front of this book calls it 'Nick Hornby with knobs on', so I was expecting big things. Unfortunately it didn't quite deliver. The brothers narrate alternating chapters but I found little to tell their voices apart, and kept having to flick to the front of a chapter to remind myself who was telling the story! While the moral implications of such a life-swap were dealt with pretty well in the narrative, the characters still came across as a bit unsympathetic at times. And it just isn't as funny and clever as it thinks it is. (Jokes are often punctuated with a "she thought I was really funny" - type comment as if to impress the reader, which doesn't work).

However, I did enjoy the concept and liked the book more as it moved towards its conclusion. I liked the happy ending but just didn't feel I'd read anything particularly special.

As it's 'lad lit', I wonder if a man would have enjoyed it more...

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Mr Nice Guy by Thomas Dowler.   

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 27, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 26, 2007 12:08 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Truman Capote

Yes, I know he's not a woman! But he's still a Trailblazer, and he created Holly Golightly so even though he was WRONG about Audrey Hepburn (he hated her as Holly and wanted Marilyn Monroe in the part) I forgive him.

The author of Breakfast at Tiffany's of course, he also wrote other novels, short stories, plays and a musical but his best work is probably In Cold Blood, the meticulously-researched (sometimes a bit too closely, perhaps!) work of 'faction', which inspired hundreds of writers to turn their pens to narrative non-fiction. The book is compelling, stark, brutal and perfectly evocative of the horrible murders it describes. It lives with the reader for a long time.

On a lighter note, Capote was a legendarily fabulous party host and gossip, and lifelong friend of Harper Lee, who used him as the basis for the character of Dill Harris in To Kill A Mockingbird. He was also openly gay in an era were being honest about homosexuality was much rarer than it is today.

Unfortunately in his later years, Truman descended into depression and alcoholism, dying at just 59, but his great works live on.

Thursday Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie

Reviewed by Bag Lady extraordinaire Nicola Pedley...

Victoria Laurie is a professional psychic who uses her gift to help police investigations. Her character, Abby Cooper, is a professional psychic who finds herself using her gift to help police investigations. Victoria Laurie lives in Massachusetts with her dachshunds, Lilly and Toby. Abby Cooper lives in Detroit with her dachshund, Eggy… Frustrated by clichéd representations of psychics as kooks and crooks, Ms. Laurie has (clearly!) drawn on her own experiences to create the character of Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye.

Abby Cooper is looking for some excitement because she feels so vanilla – she needs a bit of hot fudge topping. Most people would think that being a P.I., Psychic Intuitive, would be exciting enough but it’s not until a client winds up dead that Abby realises that hot fudge isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Despite helping solve white collar crimes Abby has never offered information to the police, and with good reason. When she inadvertently relates her visions of her clients murder to Detective Dutch Rivers she soon becomes the prime suspect. After all, there are no such things as psychics so how else could she possibly know all the details of the crime???

In most cosy mysteries the heroine solves the crime because she has an amazing run of luck and is privy to all the local gossip and by putting the two together she solves the mystery and saves the day.

Ms Laurie’s neat little twist – giving Abby visions – is, in my opinion, a nicer solution. Of course, her ability isn’t infallible and Abby often ignores her intuitions - she’d go crazy if she listened to them all the time, and the mystery would be solved about half way through the book. But with a nice supporting cast: the potential cop boyfriend, rich businesswoman older sister, and Dave the handyman, not to mention Eggy the dachshund, this is a really enjoyable read and Ms Laurie gives us an insight into being a professional psychic.

And if you really enjoy the book you can contact Ms Laurie via her website to book a reading of your own!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris or One For the Money by Janet Evanovich.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 26, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (3)

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 25, 2007 5:15 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

I found this piece on the Guardian books blog interesting, as it reflects some of my own uncertainty about books like The Lovely Bones. Although I enjoyed that book (or found it a very good read; 'enjoyed' is probably not the right word for a novel about a murdered teenager...) the parts of the novel set in 'heaven' didn't ring true to me - how could they? No-one knows for sure what heaven is like, or if it even exists. Chris Power, who wrote the Guardian article agrees, saying that Lovely Bones is a very readable book but "Susie's narration softens the facts of her horrific death and throws open the door to mawkishness."

So what do you think: does a narration from beyond the grave give a book an added mystique? Or perhaps make the death in the book less harrowing? Or can it ruin things for the reader?

Is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

Yay or Nay archives. - A more cheery topic next week, I promise!

[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 25, 2007 in Book related, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Supernatural, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: The Washingtonienne by Jessica Cutler

Jessica Cutler is probably the most notorious of all the people to have been fired for blogging at work. Not only did she work for a senator in Washington, D.C but she wrote about the six different men she was having sex with and all of their sexual peccadilloes... and her own. She blogged anonymously, but was found out through word-of-mouth (and eventually, hard disk evidence) and unceremoniously 'let go' from her job. Instead of hiding in a dark corner, she decided to capitalise on the subsequent media attention she received, and used it to get a book deal (with a 6-figure advance). The Washingtonienne isn't her blog in book form, however; it's novel based on her experiences.

Jackie Turner is a New York transplant in America's capital, working for a senator, having her apartment paid for by two wealthy men she sleeps with, one of whom pays her for the privilege. Then she starts a blog, which causes a huge scandal.

'Semi-autobiographical' doesn't quite seem to cover it!....

I must admit there were times I forgot I wasn't reading a memoir. I always find it hard to get a handle on novels based heavily on the author's experiences - I always want to know exactly which bits are true. If the lawsuit against her is anything to go by, however, Cutler's debut is very close to the truth.

It's witty and readable but the narrator has a very dark world view and it's full of drug-taking and sordid sex (which on one occasion seemed uncomfortably close to rape to me) and the narrator's presumption that most people live like her (those that don't are stupid/boring) and that these things are what constitute 'fun'. Yet puking purple bile into bushes on the way to work and snorting drugs off - well, you'll have to read the book - doesn't sound much fun to me. Although I did feel a bit jealous that she could watch Law & Order all day...

This is definitely a novel in the anti-heroine trend, saved from being appalling by the snappy writing and (finally!) the narrator's insight into her behaviour towards the end of the book. Not everyone will enjoy reading this, some people will find it shameless, I just found it left me with a bit of a nasty taste in my mouth at times. And yet I kind of enjoyed it (she said, in horrified disbelief) and it was certainly entertaining. If anyone else has read it (perhaps for Mamapop's book club) I'd love to know what you thought.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 25, 2007 in American Authors, Bonkbusters, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (9)

BOOK REVIEW: Marked by PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Reviewed by Trashionista reader Angela Richardson...

This book is the first in the House of Night series, where P.C & Kristin Cast have created a world where vampires have always existed. For all Buffy addicts like me who have been suffering from the void of losing their favourite series… we may have been sent a form of methadone from our American friends.

Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has been Marked, to the disgust of her friends, who watch her become sicker and sicker in daylight hours. She is rushed to the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampire. That is if she survives the Change. Not all of those chosen do. It’s tough being away from all that she knows and on top of that Zoey finds that she’s no average fledging. The vampire goddess Nyx has marked her as special. When she discovers the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must find the courage within herself to set things back to the way they should be.

Okay this is probably teen lit but I tell all you parents now, keep it for yourself and only when you finish it wrap it up as the present you intended. Parents will also be pleasantly surprised at Zoey’s moralistic side to her character that, to cut a long story short, tells teens it’s not cool to be a slut or a drunk.

The only annoying thing about this book is the similarities to Harry Potter. Zoey hates her family and gets whisked away from her horrible life to a magical school, okay it’s for vampires and not witches and wizards, but you get the point. Plus she is separated out from the other pupils as special by a different mark on her forehead… now we’re getting a bit too close to Harry’s scar. This is a shame because the plot is much better than Rowling’s over hyped books. [Ooh! - Diane]

Of course this was always going to be compared to Buffy as it is a teen novel that contains vampires, but I see this as a good thing as there are no other similarities in the plot. It’s like Buffy’s arch-enemy vampire has written a book to show the world that they aren’t all nasty blood sucking fiends, but have a gentler side too: awww!

Overall this was fast paced, funny and exciting. It held my attention all the way through and Zoey grows into a feisty heroine who’d I’d definitely want on my side. (That is if I ever got into a fight between vampires… yes I know I’ve been watching way too much sci-fi.)

Go give your self a well-needed mental holiday from all the everyday stresses and strains and read this book. I guarantee you’ll come away refreshed and ready to fight another day.

Rating: 5/5.

Like this? Try Carpe Demon by Julie Kenner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 25, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Series, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (16)

July 24, 2007 1:50 PM

BOOK NEWS: Fitness Kills by Helen Barer

Here's another good reason not to go to the gym: you might get murdered...

The first in a new series by Helen Barer, Fitness Kills is a mystery in the same tradition as books like Steamed.

There’s been a murder at an elite spa in Baja, California and no one is safe, especially Nora Franke, a New York food writer who came to the spa to make over its menu. But she didn’t count on murder as the main course.

Carry on over the cut to find out more...

Nora’s life is in desperate need of a change and when the opportunity arises to become a menu consultant at a ritzy fitness spa she jumps at the chance to get out of town. Nursing a broken heart and hoping to drop 30 pounds in the process, Nora heads off full of hope. When a spa guest is found dead, she realizes she got more than she bargained for.

Unless she can solve the mystery of who’s behind the death of two of the guests, Nora might just be the next victim. As Nora digs into the spa, its history, and its curious guests, she finds more than she expected on her plate, including a second guest who dies right in front of her eyes. Then, when her ex-lover comes to her rescue, she knows she needs to solve this mystery – or die trying.

Read an excerpt here.

Related: Book news archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 24, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

More summer beach read giveaways from Bookreporter.com

Continuing our summer special-theme, "It wouldn't be summer without sun, surf and sizzling reading," says Bookreporter. So they're offering one reader a week the chance to win a beach bag of goodies, including a great summer read each week until August 24th.

The current book choice is Second Choice by Jane Green, and past books include The Manny and Anybody Out There? So you could find some great reading recommendations over the next few weeks, whether you win or not!

And don't forget we'll be giving books away every week for the rest of the summer, too!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 24, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Competition, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

The best days to sell books?

You might think that the day the new (last) Harry Potter was released would be a bad day to try and get readers interested in buying any other kind of book, but you would be wrong.

That's according to Elaine Viets of The Lipstick Chronicles blog. In a recent post, she explains why Harry Potter nights can be one of the very best days to sell books.

Find out more here (and don't forget to check out the rest of this excellent blog!

Related: Book websites archive.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 24, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Modern Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 12:51 PM

WIN! A beach read with Dorothy Perkins

100 copies of The Seven Year Itch, out now in paperback, are up for giveaway in a Dorothy Perkins beach read prize draw.

The latest book from husband-wife writing team/phenomenon Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees, The Seven Year Itch is about, well... that fabled seven year itch of course. According to the Dotty P website:

It's seven years since Jack and Amy got married, they're still in love, they've got a son, they're happy... except, the grass is beginning to look a little greener on the other side. Witty and honest, The Seven Year Itch is the perfect beach read for anyone who's ever asked: "Is this it"?

Carry on over the cut to find out how to win a copy.

Simply click here, fill in your details, and cross your fingers - good luck! Entries close 1st August.

Related: Summer special!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 20, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Competition, Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

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 19, 2007 11:32 AM

GUEST BLOG: Allison Winn Scotch

I loved Allison Winn Scotch's debut novel, The Department of Lost and Found so much I asked the author to do a guest blog for us, and she very kindly agreed to tell the background to her book, or...

The Story Behind The Story by Allison Winn Scotch

When people ask what my novel is about, I mutter something about a young woman who is diagnosed with cancer and wait for the inevitable reaction:  horror.  It's as if their brains are flashing, “There is no way in freaking hell that I'd read a book about cancer."  I mean, truly, it's painfully and incredibly obvious.

So then I offer up my caveat.  "But it's really funny!  And it's not really about cancer, it's more about a young woman's journey to self-discovery, and the cancer is just the catalyst."

They nod their heads and look at me unconvinced.  You're probably reading this and thinking the same thing.  Yeah, right.

So let me rewind and explain how I got here.  Over two years ago, I lost one of my closest friends to breast cancer.  She was 31, a mother to a three-month old at the time of her diagnosis, and one of the most vibrant and tenacious women I'd known.  Her diagnosis was shocking, swift and brutal, and six months later, she passed away.  It all happened so suddenly that I literally barely had time to register that she was sick, much less gone.  Even today, I still sometimes think that I see her on the street or forget entirely that I can't call her or email her to share some news.

(Ahem, I know.  You're wondering, when does this get funny?  Hang in there.)

After the funeral, I didn't know where to put my grief. I mean, how do you box up the devastation of the most painful experience of your lifetime? Where do you put it? How do you move forward? The answer is, or at least, my answer was, to write.

A month or so after her funeral, I woke up one morning with a vision of a character who would soon become my protagonist, Natalie. She was a ferocious 30-year old whose cancer diagnosis would throw her world on end but ultimately, wouldn’t beat her. And so, I sat down in front of my computer and wrote. And wrote and wrote and wrote. Until three months later, not only did I have a completed manuscript, I'd also wrestled with a good amount of my grief. Which brings me to the funny.

As I was writing, it became clear that I was using the book as a tool for healing, and because of this, never once did it occur to me to drag the prose or the plot down in maudlin, heavy-handed themes. Because, come on, as anyone who has ever been touched by cancer knows, the last thing you need in this situation is something else to remind you of the horror of the experience. So instead, I placed Natalie in humorous situations (her first experiences smoking pot, her increasing obsession with The Price is Right, her top 5 list of celebrities she wants to sleep with), and showed (I hope) that you can keep your sense of humor (and your sense of life) even while battling this insidious disease.

Since The Department of Lost and Found has come out, I've received notes from a variety of people whose lives (for better or worse) have been affected by cancer, and nearly all of them have told me that the book has helped them heal in some way. And most of them delighted in the fact that while I still took the time to highlight the difficulties that cancer can wreak, both physically and emotionally, I also made the point that it doesn't have to break your spirit. And that, in fact, it can even bolster it.

So to cancer I say, screw you. If I can eke a laugh out of the disease, then I'm certain that it's not unbeatable. A cure can't be too far behind.

(c) Allison Winn Scotch 2007

Related: Cancer Vixen

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 19, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Guest blogs, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (6)

July 18, 2007 5:09 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

The big lit news of last week (it happened after last week's Yay or Nay Wednesday, okay?!) was that Sebastian Faulks has taken over Ian Fleming's gig as writer of the James Bond novels. The new Bond book, which was kept a closely-guarded secret until it was finished, will be released in May 2008 and is called Devil May Care. Its release will mark 100 years since Fleming's birth. [Via The Guardian].

But what do you think to the concept of taking over a popular series after the writer's death - is it a heart-warming tribute or close to sacrilegious? Are there any great series that should be revived, or should they always die with the author? And if you're a writer, do you care what happens after you die or do you want your work left alone?

SO: passing the literary baton: 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 18, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Series, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (4)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jessica Gregson

Jessica Gregson's debut novel The Angel Makers sounds like a fascinating read. It's about the women in a small Hungarian village at the time of the First World War who spontaneously start murdering their menfolk. Incredibly, it's based on a well-documented true story. (Of course, we'll be reviewing it). Here, she answers all our questions...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Based on a true story about some very strange events in a small Hungarian village…

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

Mostly in bed, to be honest, last thing at night, though I’m not above sneaking in a couple of thousand words while I’m at my day job!

Your favourite chick-lit book?

I don’t read a lot of chick-lit, but I absolutely love Marian Keyes, and was really impressed by her latest book, Anybody Out There? My all-time favourite book by a woman would probably have to be The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter.

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

This is a difficult one, and a fairly obscure choice, but I’m going to go with Lucia Barclay, from Janette Turner Hospital’s book, “The Last Magician”. I read the book when I was sixteen, and it had an enormous affect on me – it was the first time I can remember finding a character that was so easy to relate to.

Carry on over the cut for more!

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

It’s a bit of a cliché, but: just write. I was talking to a friend about this the other day, and I think it’s very easy for new writers to get hung up on things like form and structure, the idea that there’s a Right or Proper way to write a novel – but really, there’s not. Tell a story from beginning to end, and don’t worry if you think it’s awful as you’re going along: the most important thing for a first draft is to finish it – anything else can be fixed later. I spent years trying to write that perfect first chapter, or even first paragraph, but that sort of approach is a waste of time.

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m in the middle of about five or six books, actually! The one I’m carrying with me to read on trains is “The Buddha of Suburbia” by Hanif Kureishi, which I’m thoroughly enjoying.

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

My second novel is also based on a true story about the experiences of some Turkish immigrants in Australia during the First World War. In some ways it deals with similar themes to The Angel Makers, particularly the experience of being an outsider, but it’s proving to be a very different book to write. I’m also working on a completely unrelated PhD in international development!

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!)

Why do you write? It’s a fairly fundamental question but one I’ve never been asked. And I think I write for the same reason as I do almost everything – because I’m absolutely fascinated by people, their motivations and the strange and wonderful things that they do.

Thanks Jessica!

Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 18, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

Guardian disses JK Rowling; her publisher disses Asda

(Now is not the time to point out that 'diss' isn't the hippest of vernacular - and no, nor is 'hip'; I'm a writer not a rapper).

Nicholas Lezard is pulling Potter to pieces in his latest piece on the Guardian books blog. As someone who got bored 50 pages into Order of the Phoenix, I'm not the hugest JK fan (although I think she seems lovely and is very very clever). But saying her prose is "toxic" seems a bit much, no?

If you're of the opposite opinion to Lezard, make sure you don't head to Asda for your copy when it's released worldwide on 21 July - i.e. this Saturday! Potter Publishers Bloomsbury claim the supermarket chain has unpaid bills dating back 3 years and so it will not be supplying the shop with precious copies of the latest installment.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 18, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Series, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

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 16, 2007 4:40 PM

Hmm... looks like Janet Evanovich collaborative novel is off, for now. Boo!

After telling a rather complicated tale of rumours and suspicions, Galleycat revealed today that the Jenny Crusie/Bob Mayer-esque collaboration between Janet Evanovich and Stephen Cannell has fallen into trouble.

Said Janet to the 'cats, "Steve [Cannell] and I ran into scheduling problems. We still have an active partnership but the project is on hold right now. As of right now we haven't a publishing date."

But not to worry, as a self-proclaimed workaholic, I'm sure she'll bounce back with another book before long!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

Maria McCarthy's writing for publication workshop

Put Saturday 8th September in your diary if you're interesting in going to Cardiff for a writing workshop with journalist and author (of The Girls' Guide to Losing Your L-Plates, which Keris loved) Maria McCarthy.

Maria says she'll be giving advice on getting fiction, non-fiction and journalism published including developing feature ideas, approaching editors, getting an agent and copyright and business matters. The workshop will be held from 2-4pm at Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff  and costs £10 (£8 concessions).

For more information or to book a place, check out Maria's website.

Related posts: Review: Wannabe A Writer? | Review: See Jane Write

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 16, 2007 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 13, 2007 5:48 PM

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 12, 2007 9:25 AM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Helen Fielding

Of course. Couldn't really leave her out seeing as she started all this chick lit lark! (Maybe).

Whether you think Helen Fielding, Jane Austen, Nora Ephron, Gail Parent or even Janet Evanovich invented the genre, what's pretty clear is that Helen Fielding helped make it what it is today. Her newspaper columns detailing the life and loves of one Miss Bridget Jones made both her and Bridge cultural icons and had publishers on both sides of the pond jumping on the chick lit bandwagon. It has to be the best-known and most-loved chick lit novel of all time, ever. (And it's the number one choice for fave chick lit novel in our author interviews!)

Fielding's inspired lots of modern-day writers and even many years later her best-known book is still a touching and brilliantly witty read. Bridget Jones's Diary is everything a chick lit book should be: funny, satirical and entertaining with a main character we can relate to.

And that's what makes Helen Fielding a Trailblazer.

Thursday Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 12, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (1)

MOVIE NEWS: Evening

I must admit I hadn't heard of the book Evening by Susan Minot before I saw adverts for the film. But the ads definitely caught my eye: this new adaptation of Minot's book stars Claire Danes, Toni Colette, Meryl Streep and Glenn Close, among others! According to the film's website, it's about a mother-daughter relationship... which I'm guessing doesn't always go smoothly (or else why make a film about it?!)

No news on a UK release date yet but we'll keep you posted.

Movie news archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 12, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

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 6, 2007 11:02 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Starter for Ten

I started reading David Nicholls' debut novel, Starter for Ten in Waterstone's one day and absolutely loved it. I thought it was going to be one of those novels that's just so funny and familiar and fabulous. I was actually a bit disappointed - it didn't live up to the promise of the first chapter, but even so I was pleased to see it had been made into a film.

Set in 1985, Brian (McAvoy) heads off to Bristol University and is excited to find they're putting together a team to go on the TV show University Challenge. Brian used to watch it with his late father and it's always been his ambition to compete.

As he and his teammates prepare for the show, he falls for the gorgeous and posh Alice, befriends cynical and political Rebecca, struggles to continue a relationship with his best friend from back home and tries to deal with his mother's new relationship.

Funnily enough, the University Challenge part is the best bit. It's genuinely exciting and Mark Gatiss is brilliant as Bamber Gascoigne. (I still can't accept that they teams aren't really on top of each other though.)

James McAvoy is cute and charming and he carries the film really. Yes, it's perfectly predictable, but it's also perfectly enjoyable.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on July 6, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2007 1:27 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski

As soon as I heard the concept of Jill Smolinski's The Next Thing on my List, I was hooked:

June Parker's life is plodding along nicely (or so she thinks) when she has a car accident on the way home from a Weight Watchers meeting (she just has one or two pounds to shift, you see). Her passenger, Marissa, who she barely knows, tragically dies, and June finds in her possessions a list, entitled “20 Things to Do By My 25th Birthday.”

Full of guilt over her Marissa's death, June decides to take on the challenge of completing the list in her memory...

But it's not easy: some of the things on the list are pretty challenging "Change someone's life", for example. Others, like "make Buddy Fitch pay" are simply puzzling - who is this mysterious Fitch man, and what does he need to pay for, exactly? And how?!

Still, June is committed to her task, and with just a few months to go before Marissa's birthday, she speeds into action to finish the 18 items on the list that Marissa didn't get round to - finding her own life is totally transformed in the process.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was a fun, entertaining read with some depth to it, too. And its message, that we should all dare to do the things we want to do (but are scared of) before its too late may not be a new one, but it's presented in a throughly readable, endearing way. I recommend you read it!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Twenty Times a Lady by Karyn Bosnak.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 3, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

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)

Jordan/Katie Price gives birth

Call her what you will (glamour model, TV 'star', 'author'), but Jordan/Katie Price has given birth to her first daughter by Caesarian section at London's famous Portland Hospital. [Via Star Trip].

And! her second novel, Crystal has just been released, too: good timing!

Reports that her baby girl would be named after her new book were pooh-poohed by Jordan/Katie and her husband Peter Andre.  (Anyone know what name they did go with?)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 2, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (3)

MORE ON MONDAY: Michael Tolliver Lives by Armistead Maupin

I love Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series more than any other books. Not only are they funny, shocking, entertaining, moving, thrilling, they (along with Barry Manilow albums ... what?) got me through a very difficult time in my life. I reread them periodically and, though I'll never enjoy them as much as the first time, they're still fabulous, brilliantly-written novels.

So when I heard Armistead Maupin had, after 20 years, written another book that, while supposedly not a continuation of the series, featured its main character, Michael "Mouse" Tolliver, I had mixed feelings. While I was desperate to know how things had turned out for Michael (and perhaps pick up some clues about the other characters too), I was worried it might disappoint. I should have known better.

Now in his sixties (how can that be?), Michael works as a gardener and is blissfully happy with his much younger husband (they married at City Hall on the day civil partnerships became legal), Ben. Still living in San Francisco (of course), he remains close friends with Brian and - and this made me blissfully happy - Mrs Madrigal.

Apart from the fact that Michael's mother is dying, leading him to return to his childhood home of Orlando, Florida and discover a shocking family secret, very little happens, but it didn't need to. I was surprised at how emotional I found it meeting these characters again. I know it's a cliche, but it really was like catching up with old friends. I hadn't realised I'd missed these people so much. It was so wonderful spending time with them again.

The only problem I found was that I kept confusing Michael with the author. Perhaps because I know some of the experiences Maupin gave Michael were actually based on his own (as they were in the originally series, but I didn't know that then), but I did keep having to force my brain to picture an older Michael rather than Armistead Maupin. Funnily enough, each time I did it, it gave me a little sigh of pleasure and recognition.

I've read a couple of reviews that claim Michael Tolliver Lives is pointless and I suppose it is ... unless you love the Tales of the City books. I have no idea whether it would stand up as a novel on its own - it's impossible for me to separate it from the series - but I don't care. I loved it. After this, I'll be reading the Tales books again and then I'd like some more please, Mr Maupin. And don't wait 20 years either.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Tales of the City, of course!

Posted by Keris on July 2, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (4)

June 29, 2007 5:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York by Gail Parent

I'd wanted to read Gail Parent's 1972 novel Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York for some time, ever since Jennifer Weiner classed it as her favourite chick lit novel on her blog, in fact. It could certainly be called a cult classic: those who know of it seem to love it, but it's out-of-print (though available second-hand on Amazon) and pretty under-appreciated.

Our eponymous heroine Sheila has moved to New York after graduation and is pretty much living the Sex and the City dream: working, partying, young free and single... but she's desperately unhappy. Not only is she a touch chunky, she's - wait for it - she's single. The SHAME. And in fact, never having heard of feminism, she's so depressed by the fact that she has no hubby to take care of her, that she's planning her funeral already. For when she commits suicide. Yeah - that'll show 'em!

You might think that the storyline of the book is entirely satirical, and at first I thought so too - but then I read the quotes from reviews at the start of the book, calling it "real" and "sad but true", as if all single women in their twenties are so desperate for a man and kids that they'll kill themselves rather than get it. I can't imagine reading this book in the early 70s - I imagine the black comedic feel was probably a revelation back then but reading it in 2007 was a strange experience and I found I didn't relate to the novel at all. Sheila is too self-deprecating to be releatable and the only sad thing here is how much she hates herself.

Rather than the chick lit novel I expected, Sheila Levine's sense of humour is re-he-ally dark. There's no denying this book is funny and that Gail Parent is a very talented writer with a quick wit. But I wish she'd put it to another use instead and never even suggested that women of her era felt this way.

I expected a good laugh, an interesting plot and a dash of nostalgia. I was disappointed: I got a character who hated herself for no good reason and a book that left me with a bit of a nasty taste in my mouth.

Mainly for the quality of Parent's writing, I'd give it..

Rating: 3 out of 5

But I'd rather read a Weiner!

Like this? Try Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher or Girl, Interrupted.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Cult classic week, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Me and Bridget Jones: Then and Now

AKA: Why I'm feeling nostalgic now cult classic week is drawing to a close, by Diane...

I remember hearing the buzz about Bridget Jones's Diary almost a decade ago.

In the autumn of 1997, I was a fledgling student of English Language and Bridget Jones, the paperback, had landed in the bestseller charts (not for the last time). "Hmm," I thought, "I might like to read that..." so, cheapo student that I was, I asked for it for Christmas. I loved that it started at Christmas/New Year, with Bridget bemoaning the exact post-Xmas anticlimax I was experiencing. I may never have tasted a sip of Chardonnay (still don't like it), been to Cafe Rouge (I finally made it last year!) or had the pleasure of Una Alconbury's turkey curry buffet (!), but I identified with Bridget, even as I knew she was exaggerated: a satirical version of all women's insecurities.

Most of all, BJ made me feel better about myself. Like her, I'd often woken up fuzzy-headed from a hangover with all my clean tights in my washing basket and the good looking but smarmy men never took ME seriously either... (but good riddance!)

Re-reading BJD recently, I was full of trepidation: would I enjoy it as much a decade on?

Thank goodness, I did. I'd forgotten how funny Helen Fielding really is (Olivia Joules put me off her for a while!) and what a charmingly confused character Bridget is. And I hated Daniel and loved Mark's Darcy-ness all over again. I read it whilst in the grip of a horrible virus, and it was the perfect pick-me-up. It was also a big nostalgia-fest: full of pop culture references from the late '90s, a time I remember very fondly. Remember when the lottery was shown during Blind date? In fact, remember Blind Date?! And Gladiators (ugh - Bridget didn't like it either).

It didn't seem like it then, but it really was a more innocent time, and we were all full of optimism abut the new government and the future of Britain.

I wonder when we'll recapture that again - and what Bridget would think of Gordon Brown...

WIN! Your copy of the book here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 29, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Cult classic week, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (5)

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 28, 2007 10:10 AM

BJD TV: What would Bridget watch?

All is revealed (thanks to the power of conjecture) over on TV Scoop!

Related:  Review: Bridget Jones's Diary | WIN! Bridget Jones's Diary.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 28, 2007 in Cult classic week, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 27, 2007 6:32 PM

WIN! A copy of Bridget Jones's Diary

You've read the review (haven't you?!), you've probably seen the film and read (and watched) the sequel, but would you like to win a brand spanking new movie tie-in version? Yes? That's good, 'cos we have five to give away thanks to the lovely people at Picador!

Here's what to do to be in with a chance of winning: just send us an email with "Bridget" in the title, and your name and address in the body of the email (so we can send you a book if you win). Sorry, UK only.

Look out for more fabulous giveaways in the next few days - there's something for everyone, coming up on Trashionista! 

Posted by Aigua Media on June 27, 2007 in Announcements, Book related, British Authors, Competition, Cult classic week, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

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 26, 2007 5:53 PM

TUESDAY THREE: Future classics

As you know, it's Cult Classics week at Trashionista this week (although it's slightly on hold since poor Diane currently has no electricity thanks to the inclement weather!) So for this week's Tuesday Three, I'm looking at future chick lit classics.

Since Jennifer Weiner is the chick lit author most likely to cross-over, her debut novel, Good In Bed, is destined to be a future classic. It's is 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. Weiner's debut 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...

Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper perhaps suffered a bit for being a Richard & Judy bookclub choice. While being picked by the twosome is a huge boost for earnings and profile, it pretty much guarantees you a critical mauling. Jodi Picoult's books, though, are brilliantly written, topical, moving and entertaining and surely this will be recognised at some point in the future.

Thirteen year-old Anna is a human pincushion, who's been through countless invasive surgeries and blood transfusions to help save her sister Kate, who has leukaemia. She was never given a choice in this - in fact she was born for this very purpose. But now she's had enough. She's taking her parents to court to ask that they stop harvesting her body to help her sister. As you can imagine, this tears an already disparate (and desperate) family apart...

We haven't actually reviewed the final book in the three - Rachel's Holiday - but I couldn't possibly leave it out, since, as the chick lit readers' and writers' favourite, it's surely a future classic. Marian Keyes' third book is the story of Rachel Walsh, whose love of a good time lands her in Ireland's answer to the Betty Ford Clinic. Rachel is hopeful, expecting spa treatments and celebrities, instead, she finds a lot of group therapy, which leads her, against her will, to some important self-knowledge and a man who might actually be good for her.

Which books do you think are classics of the future?

Posted by Keris on June 26, 2007 in American Authors, Cult classic week, Debut Novels, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (5)

June 25, 2007 8:15 AM

Jennifer Crusie's tagline competition

Jennifer Crusie is asking for help from her readers for the sequel to Don't Look Down.

The book within the next Agnes book needs a catchy tagline: can you think one up? (I can't,  slogans fox me - I'd be terrible in advertising!)

If you think you can help the great Ms Crusie with your brilliant word power, click here to find out more. [Via Nicola Pedley]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 25, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

BOOK REVIEW: Fly On The Wall By E Lockhart

Fly On The Wall is one of my favourite YA books, and just about the only one of E Lockhart's novels that we haven't reviewed! The subtitle, How One Girl Saw Everything, gives a clue that the title might actually be literal - and it is. Gretchen is studying Franz Kafka's classic story of alienation, The Metamorphosis, for her English class and thinking that it might not be so bad to be a bug for a while and get a different perspective on her boring (yet typically teenage-angsty) life. Her wish is granted, and she gets the chance to be a LITERAL fly on the wall of the boys' locker room. Where yes, she does see everything... and learns a lot about the opposite sex, and about the things she appreciates about her life in the process.

It takes a great author to carry off such a far-fetched storyline, and E Lockhart is that author. I liked this book even more than her 'earthbound' novels, with its echoes of Kafka, myths and superhero storylines as well as the realistic portrayal of the daughter of separated parents. This is another book that both teenagers and adults will love - and you don't have to be a fly on the wall to see that.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Boyfriend List by E Lockhart.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 22, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 21, 2007 7:03 PM

PREVIEW REVIEW: Dedication by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin

I approached Dedication, the new novel by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin (release date 2 July), with a mixture of excitement and trepidation: excitement, because I loved their first book, The Nanny Diaries. Trepidation, because I hated their second, Citizen Girl.

Dedication features a slightly older heroine than those two novels, and the storyline runs a little deeper this time, too. It's the story of 30-year old Kate, whose high-school boyfriend and love of her life Jake left town without a word just before the prom... and then became one of the biggest recording artists of his generation, with a series of songs about their relationship. When Kate's best friend from home Laura calls to tell her Jake's home filming a TV hometown special, Kate seizes the chance she's been waiting twelve years for, and goes back to confront him.

I loved the premise of this novel, and found Kate very relateable. The book switches between the present day and the past, as we find out about Laura and Kate's high-school experience and how Kate and Jake got together. The depictions of being a teenager in the 90s rings very true, and the re-creation of school days is excellent: just that little bit nicer than school days really are, so it reads as nostalgic and bittersweet. I was gripped, and often a little disappointed to have to come back to the present day, as the parts of the novel set in the past are definitely stronger - up until the end, and the confrontation, when I was gripped again.

Dedication is very different to both of Kraus and McLaughlin's previous books, so whatever your opinion of those, I recommend putting it aside and giving Dedication a whirl.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 21, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

June 20, 2007 9:37 AM

Jen Lancaster's summer read recommendations

Hot on the heels of The Philadelphia Inquirer's recommending beach reading, the very funny and fab Jen Lancaster gives her selection of great summer reads, and hints at what she'll be talking about next. (Here's one clue).

You can find out more from this post at great pop culture blog Mamapop.com (You don't have to be a mama to love it, I'm a biiiiig fan.)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 20, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 19, 2007 12:40 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch

Ever since I heard about Allison Winn Scotch's debut novel, The Department of Lost and Found, I've been looking forward to reading it. It's about Natalie Miller, political assistant to the senator of New York (shades of Hillary Clinton!) who's a total workaholic. Then one day her boyfriend Ned discovers a lump in her breast and... I'm trying not to use a cliche like 'her whole world turns upside down' but honestly, her whole world does go A over T.

Not only does Ned pick the time immediately post-diagnosis to confess he's been planning on leaving her for another woman, but coping with chemo knocks Natalie for six, and her relationships with those closest to her start to change, too. It's scary stuff.

But that doesn't mean this book is downbeat: it's thoughtful, it's informative about breast cancer treatment, and I often read it with a lump in my throat. But it's also funny and silly at times, and Natalie is endearingly flawed. Sometimes she's more worried about getting the answers on The Price is Right, or why her big love Jake left her than the fact she has cancer. But other times she stares death head on, and wonders what she's given to the world and if she's ready to die.

Allison Winn Scotch wrote this book after her best friend died of cancer, in the hope that writing a slightly happier ending would be cathartic. I hope for her sake that it was, but she certainly did her friend justice with this very entertaining and yes (another cliche) heartwarming read.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Lady Luck's Map of Vegas by Barbara Samuel

*Allison Winn Scotch's late friend, Elizabeth Anne Prostic, has a foundation in her name - visit www.metacancer.org to find out more.*

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 19, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 18, 2007 11:21 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: In Search of Adam by Caroline Smailes

Caroline Smailes' debut novel In Search of Adam is the first novel to be released by The Friday Project, who were set up to discover books via blogs.

It's the story of Jude who, aged six, finds her mother dead from an overdose and  a note that reads, "Jude. I have gone in search of Adam. I love you baby." Written in the first person, we learn how Jude struggles without her mother, wonders about Adam and suffers physical, sexual and emotional abuse from both family and strangers. The abuse leads Jude into obsession, compulsions, self-harm and bulimia.

In Search of Adam made me cry, it made me furious. It made me wonder how anyone can bring themselves to write such a painful book. (I couldn't read it in the evenings because I knew I wouldn't have been able to sleep.) And then reading the notes at the end I discovered that there was so much more to the book that I hadn't even understood and it made me admire the author even more.

I ached for Jude. I wanted to take care of her. Or at least I wanted someone, anyone to take care of her. I almost cheered when she got a teacher who understood and treated Jude with kindness and respect, and I wanted the teacher to take on Jude's parents, but then Jude moved through school and had no-one again.

Another reviewer has said that In Search of Adam will do for child abuse what Mark Haddon did for autism. I agree. I also think it's an incredibly important book. I see great things. They're all deserved.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

Posted by Keris on June 18, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

June 13, 2007 6:42 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

In last week's Yay or Nay you were unanimously opposed to the idea of dissing your ex in print ("Get a shrink and get over it already!" as Lucie very validly said).

Also last week, the winner of the Orange prize for Fiction was announced... but should she have been?

Do we need a literary fiction prize just for women, or are mixed prizes like The Booker enough? Does women's fiction need a special prize of its own, or can we compete amongst the men (and win) without discrimination?

What do you think: The Orange Prize - Yay or 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 June 13, 2007 in Book related, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (7)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant

We've had a mother-son interview before, but this is the first mother-daughter writing combo to talk exclusively to us at Trashionista! And I'm excited they did, as I loved their books - Steamed and Simmer Down - and can't wait for the next in the series (Turn up the Heat, out March '08). In the meantime, we have this great interview...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Jessica: Humorous and romantic culinary chick lit mystery set in the Boston restaurant scene. Recipes included!

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

Jessica: I write in my office surrounded sticky notes with book ideas scrawled across the yellows squares. I have visions of becoming totally organized and working in a neurotically neat space, but I suspect that will never happen. For reasons I don’t understand, there is no overhead light in my office, but I do have a grow light for my plants which casts a bizarre pink glow throughout the room, so that makes for an interesting atmosphere. (The neighbors must wonder if aliens have landed their ship in our house.)

Susan:  Outdoors, often on the back steps.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

J:  simply adore The Hazards of Sleeping Alone by Elise Juska. (By the way, this is one of those books where the cover doesn’t match the story.)

S:  Pride and Prejudice. Or maybe Emma. Yes, is Jane Austen the true mother of chick-lit?

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

J: Charlotte from Elise’s book is such an interesting and endearing character and her faults make her progress all the more meaningful. I love flawed characters; I mean, who wants to read about somebody completely perfect?

S: Elizabeth Bennet, who married the eternally irresistible Mr. Darcy.

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

J: Start writing! It sounds obvious enough, but I know many “writers” who have yet to put anything down on paper. Don’t hem and haw over everything you write because you can always go back later and edit, delete, or expand on whatever you’ve written. I hate writing the first few paragraphs of a book so I often just skip ahead and write the opening lines later, otherwise I might sit poised over the keyboard for days waiting for some brilliant line to come to me... Do not try to copy another author’s style or your writing will be disastrous. I love Elinor Lipman’s books [me too! - Diane], but never in a million years could I write the way she does - I can only imagine how hideous my attempts would be. Show your work to someone. Anyone. As terrifying as this is to new writers, you must have someone else read what you’ve written. Be open to feedback and constructive criticism because that is how you improve!

S: If writing does not come naturally to you, quit trying. Read instead!

What are you reading at the moment?

J: Pick Your Poison by Leann Sweeney.

S: Anne Tyler’s Digging to America.

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

J: I’ve been busy gathering materials for our website and am itching to get writing again. My mother and I are getting ready to sign a contract for two more books in the Gourmet Girl series so we will start plotting the fourth mystery very soon.

S: I was outlining my second cat lover’s mystery, but Holly Winter’s malamutes leapt in and shoved the cats aside, so I am writing my nineteenth dog lover’s mystery.

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!)

Jessica: Your husband is a chef so you must eat like a queen all the time, right? A: Yes, it’s foie gras and fancy chocolate cakes for dinner every night. Okay, not exactly, be we do eat well. My husband, Bill, works most nights so I’m often left to fend for myself. When he is home and cooking, his food is always spectacular.

Susan: What is a Harvard-Radicliffe summa doing writing dog mysteries, cat mysteries, and chick-lit? Answer: Having fun.

Thanks so much, Jessica and Susan!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Interviews, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 12, 2007 7:48 PM

JK Rowling honoured with Blue Peter special!

Surely all wannabe women writers relate/aspire to JK Rowling's rags to riches story, especially as she seems like such a jolly nice lady (sorry, went a bit Enid Blyton there).

Blue Peter obviously thinks highly of her too as they're honouring the famously reclusive author with a special edition of the kids's programme (but you can watch it too, we won't tell..) Children can even enter a BBC competition to attend the filming - find out how here if you know someone who might be interested.

The programme will air on 20 July, the day before the next Harry Potter is released.

[Via TV Scoop].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 12, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Series, Television, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

Karin Slaughter latest writer to get graphic with her next novel

Crime writer Karin Slaughter is the latest female author to sign up to produce a graphic novel. The number one bestselling author will produce The Recidivists for Arrow.  [Via Book2Book]

Should be interesting (and perhaps gory...?)

Related posts: Jodi Picoult, Wonder Woman? | Wuthering Heights gets graphic!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 12, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 11, 2007 10:07 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Afloat by Jennifer McCartney

I didn't know what to expect from Jennifer McCartney's debut novel, Afloat. The cover's rather downbeat and the book features parallel narratives: a young Bell working on Mackinac Island for the summer and Bell 50 years later (reflecting on her life. Just to make it even less appealing, the Mackinac narrative is set in the present day (ish) and the other narrative in the future. But it was far from what I expected, in fact it was brilliant.

Um. Not much actually happens really, but it's beautifully written, evocative and compelling. The earlier narrative is really good fun: Bell and the friends she makes on the island work hard and then spend their nights drinking, falling off their bikes (no automobiles are allowed on the island), and falling in love, and the later narrative in which Bell is clearing her house while waiting for a visit from someone from her past, is moving, scary and uplifting.

The characters are wonderfully drawn and real and the horrors of the future are more subtle than you often find in dystopian novels (not to say Afloat is entirely dystopian, it's utopian too), but they're totally believable.

A really impressive first novel. I can't wait to see what Jennifer McCartney does next.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Posted by Keris on June 11, 2007 in Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 8, 2007 6:04 PM

Oprah's book news - a new book club pick and a traitorous relative

After much speculation, Oprah has picked the not-exactly-new (but critically acclaimed) Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides as her next book club pick. Anyone read it? I hear great things...

Also, you may have heard this already but it bears repeating: Oprah's Dad is writing a book. About Oprah. That he "forgot" to tell her about. Nice man. [Via Galleycat].

Related: Oprah chooses The Road.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (7)

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)

Deborah Moggach on the Tulip Fever adaptation

In an article in The Times, author Deborah Moggach explains how the film adaptation of her novel, Tulip Fever, became a bit of a 'mare.

Related posts: Adaptation | Based on the novel by... | Deborah Moggach on the new Jane Austen covers

Posted by Keris on June 7, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Nora Ephron

Back in the early '80s, before anyone else thought to put together food-themed semi-fictional novels, Nora Ephron brought out the irresistible Heartburn, about a betrayed pregnant wife who cooks to stay sane. It's very funny, even over twenty years later.

Nora was always something of a pioneer: she was an early feminist and wrote on this and other hard-hitting topics for Esquire magazine as well as writing lighter articles on a range of subjects, which later were turned into essay collections including Crazy Salad and Scribble, Scribble.

She's also fiercely funny and clever, the screenwriter of my favourite film When Harry Met Sally, mother of two boys, an excellent non-fiction writer and blogger and a big player in Hollywood. What more could you ask for in a Trailblazer?

Read this: Heartburn.

Watch this: When Harry Met Sally.

Don't mention this: Bewitched.

Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 7, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie scoops The Orange Prize with Half of a Yellow Sun

I wish I was more of a gambler as I'd been saying for weeks that this would win: Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (right) has been named winner of the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction, for her novel Half of a Yellow Sun (also a Richard and Judy pick). She scooped £30,000 along with her award - nice!

Meanwhile Canadian author Karen Connelly won the 2007 Orange Broadband Award for New Writers for her debut novel The Lizard Cage. (And that's 10K for her, if you're interested).

[Via BBC News; Image: BBC]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 7, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Recent Release, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 6, 2007 10:53 AM

US Vogue editor Anna Wintour champions Fiona Neill's 'Slummy Mummy'

A more unlikely pairing I have yet to hear of! The perfectly-groomed Anna "Nuclear" Wintour, inspiration for the boss in The Devil Wears Prada, couldn't be much further from Lucy Sweeney, the heroine of Fiona Neill's The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy, who's often to be found in a state of utter frazzlement.

Yet the latest issue of Vogue features an excerpt of the book, with Wintour saying it "plays with the chaos and comedy of 30-something metropolitan maternity and brings it to an unexpectedly moving conclusion". The book is out in the US on 5 July, and couldn't have had a better endorsement. [Via The Independent, via Booktrade info].

I told you chick lit and fashion were inextricably linked!

Fashion Lit archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 6, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 5, 2007 3:59 PM

GUEST BLOG and GIVEAWAY!: Katie Fforde

Katie Fforde, veteran chick lit writer, writes exclusively for  us about her new book, Going Dutch (find out how to bag a copy over the cut!) and...

Why sailing floats my boat by Katie Fforde

Ideas for books sometimes take you by surprise.  Going Dutch is a combination of two ideas, neither of which I'd really considered before.

The first idea came when I was chatting with some other writers about older heroines.  Although I didn't say so at the time I thought the last thing I wanted to do was to write about a women who was fifty.  Wondering why, I felt it was because I am quite settled in my life at that age and therefore wasn't interesting material.  Then I thought about the many women whose lives change drastically at that age and suddenly I did want to write about one.

We've had Accacia, our Dutch barge about five years now and I knew one day I'd have to write about her, but for me settings like that have to 'cook ' a bit in my mind before they're ready to be put into books.  When I'd had the idea about the older women, which I was worried could be a bit too similar to many other books if I wasn't careful, I thought, 'put the poor woman on a barge to make things a bit different!' 

There's a lot of Jo in me, or should that be the other way round? I love our barge, love all boats really, but only when they're safely tied up and I'm drinking a gin and tonic or something. The last thing I would ever want to do is go for a sea voyage in one. Going down the Thames and up the Medway was quite exciting enough for me. (It really was exciting coming home when there was a very thick early morning mist and we couldn't see a thing.)

It was after we'd got to Chatham that I endured the boat inspection bit which I put in the book. I was frantically editing at the time, perched on a high stool in my little cabin. Every time I heard anyone approach I leaped off my stool, closed the lid of my laptop and emerged with a smile on my face, wondering what had happened to the saloon since I’d last tidied it. I’d rather foolishly bulk bought Roses’s chocolates at an outlet store and had them sitting round in bowls for people to eat. No one was allowed off the boat without a handful, but we still didn’t win the Best Barge competition. It was a bit like comparing your very ancient, ill kempt old mongrel to a thoroughly groomed Afghan hound at a dog show.

If that's whetted (or wetted - ha ha) your appetite, email your name and address to editor@trashionista.com (with 'Katie' in the title) and three lucky readers will be chosen to win a copy of Katie Fforde's latest, Going Dutch! SORRY - UK only this time.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 5, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Guest blogs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 4, 2007 1:19 PM

Beach read recommendations from Philadelphia

I've been saving this 'til June as I thought any earlier might be too soon for us Brits! Jennifer Weiner's old stomping ground The Philadelphia Inquirer gives its summer reading recommendations, with some great-sounding books by women, including The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch, whose novel turns cancer into a fun topic to read about (I don't know how, either, but we will be reviewing it later in the season).

What do you want to read this summer?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 4, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 1, 2007 5:48 PM

BOOK NEWS: Michael Tolliver Lives by Armistead Maupin

Yes, I know it's not chick lit (although it would be if Michael was a woman, wouldn't it?), but the Tales of the City series is my favourite series of all time (and, individually, some of the books in the series are my favourite books of all time!) and Michael Tolliver Lives is out this month!

According to Armistead Maupin, it's not actually part of the series, but Michael's in it (and apparently Brian too) and that's good enough for me.

But (why is there always a but?), the cover on the left is the US cover. I absolutely love it and think it's perfect for the series, but the UK cover... well, hop over the cut and tell me what you think?

Posted by Keris on June 1, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Modern Fiction, Series | Permalink | Comments (8)

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)

BOOK NEWS: 'Abduction' (book tour cancelled)

After the sad case of missing four-year old Madeline McCann hit the news, the UK book tour for Barbara Gowdy's novel Helpless, which is about the abduction of a nine-year old girl, has been cancelled.

The book has been out in hardback since March in the US and is released on 7th June in the UK, where it might hit a bit too close to home for some readers. [Via Galleycat].

Book news | Book related.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 31, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (10)

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 29, 2007 3:30 PM

BOOK REVIEW: My Latest Grievance by Elinor Lipman

Frederica Hatch is the happy but precocious daughter of two university lecturers, brought up on campus at the small (although not very well-respected) Dewing College. She's always been doted upon by her loving parents, and treated as an equal rather than a child - so she's surprised to find her father's been hiding the secret that he was once married once before.

When Frederica turns 16, she finds out the truth as her dad's ex wife, the glamourous and incorrigible Laura Lee French gets a job at Dewing and proceeds to manipulate everyone around her...

This is the eighth of Elinor Lipman's novels, and definitely one of her best. As ever, Lipman is witty, stylish and unpredictable and I loved the turns this book unexpectedly took. It even made me  cry towards the end! Lipman is simply a great writer, so despite the name, My Latest Grievance was nothing but a pleasure to read. (Boom boom!)

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | 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 25, 2007 1:25 PM

BOOK NEWS: Lost for Words by Lorelei Mathias

Lorelei Mathias, author of Step On It, Cupid (the book with the best trailer we've seen!) has a new book out now in hardcover and out in July in paperback. Called Lost for Words, it's the story of Daisy, who knows she's in love - she just doesn't know who with! Sounds like fun...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 25, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Steamed by Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant

Yes, I did read these the wrong way around! I enjoyed Simmer Down so much I wanted to go back and read the first in the culinary-mystery series by by Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant, Steamed.

Steamed takes place a little earlier in the same year as Simmer Down. Chloe Carter has just started at Social Work Graduate school and is having trouble getting to grips with the right social worker mentality especially as Naomi Campbell (not that one!), her boss at her work placement, is a bit too touchy-feely.

Chloe wouldn't mind finding a man to do a bit of touchy feely (snarf) with, but she's having no luck in the boyfriend department: first her fling with her downstairs neighbour ends badly, then she goes on a blind date with a pompous bore called Eric who takes her to a restaurant he's thinking of investing in... until he gets murdered halfway through their date, that is.

Having found the body, Chloe is both terribly shaken and desperate to know who the murderer was. Especially as the prime suspect is a rather tasty chef she wouldn't mind getting to know better... providing he's innocent, that is. However, for some reason Eric's parents have her down as his serious girlfriend, so there's that little mess to sort out too...

I thoroughly enjoyed Steamed, and just wish there were more in this series for me to read - they're addictive, fantastically escapist and well-written with a witty main character. And delicious recipes, too! What more could you want? (An interview with the authors, perhaps? Watch this space... we'll have one with you soon).

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Simmer Down by the same authors, or The Food of Love by Anthony Capella.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 25, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 22, 2007 10:03 AM

The Daily Mail book club features Julie Myerson (and more!)

It may not be my favourite newspaper (no offence to its readers!) but the book coverage at the Daily Mail keeps getting better. Their book club choice for May is The Story of You by Julie Myerson, and you can read more about the book and its author here.

If you want to get ahead, their June pick is The Vanishing Act Of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell and upcoming authors include More on Monday favourites Bill Bryson and Marina Lewycka (with her new novel, Two Caravans).

Don't forget you still have until July 2nd to enter their first novel competition, too.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 22, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 11:01 AM

BOOK REVIEW: The Men's Guide to the Women's Bathroom by Jo Barrett

In Jo Barrett's debut novel, former lawyer Claire St John has left New York after divorcing her cheating husband Charles. She's now back home in Austin, Texas to write her bestselling book. About what, she's not quite sure... Then she hits on a brilliant idea: she'll demystify women for men. She'll call her book The Men's Guide to the Women's Bathroom. After all, the bathroom (by which she means public toilets - thank goodness for American euphemisms as that wouldn't make a snappy title!) is where Claire has received all the best (sometimes drunken) advice and where women mull over some of their biggest decisions, from 'shall I keep this baby?' to 'do I want to sleep with him tonight?' (Yes I know, those should be the other way around...)

As well as re-adjusting to life in Austin, ignoring her mother's dietary advice and running up and down the road in a bikini (don't ask), Claire is also falling for Jake Armstrong, a sexy food entrepreneur. But should she? A few discussions in front of the mirrors under harsh florescent bathroom lighting should help her decide...

In a similar way to A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, there's a book within a book here as we read both the novel and the book our heroine is creating. I enjoyed this book-within-book much more than the tractors one, though! Not only is Jo Barrett a smart, witty and talented author, but her heroine is too. The novel is full of great banter and memorable characters, and I'm sure it will translate brilliantly to the big screen.

Click here to read a sample chapter.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Time Off for Good Behavior by Lani Diane Rich.

PS: Do you prefer the American cover? I think it suits the book better.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 18, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Melissa Nathan award for Comedy Romance

Chick lit fans may know that tragically, popular author Melissa Nathan died in April 2006, aged just 37.

Before she died, she lay out the terms for a prize to be awarded in her name:  The Melissa Nathan award for Comedy Romance shortlist has now been announced.

The finalists include Jill Mansell, Polly Williams, and of course... Marian Keyes.

Carry on over the cut for the full list and more details.

The award ceremony will be held in London on 13th June 2007, and you can read the full list of nominees here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 18, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Prize Winners, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 17, 2007 4:37 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Lorrie Moore

This week's Trailblazer is a real personal favourite. J'adore Lorrie Moore.

Lorrie Moore was writing intelligent, witty, poignant and insightful short stories (and one novel) about life, love and relationships as far back as the early '80s She satirised things like America's self-help culture before most of us even knew it existed. She's smart, savvy, always ahead of the curve - and a brilliant writer, too. If I could write like anyone, it would be Lorrie Moore. (She's one of Nick Hornby's favourites too, so I'm in good company).

Moore's first book, the story collection Self-Help, was published when she was twenty-six. As well as her books, she has been published in The New Yorker, The Paris Review and in the anthology The Best American Short Stories. She now teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which may be why she hasn't published a book for nine years (since Birds of America) - a situation I hope is remedied soon. 

Read this: Self-Help, or Who Will Run The Frog Hospital?

What do you think - and who's your favourite trailblazer?

Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 17, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Short Story Collections, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 16, 2007 4:38 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Gil McNeil

Having recently really enjoyed Gil McNeil's fourth novel, Divas Don't Knit, I'm delighted that she's chatting with us today. Find out her favourite female heroine, her tips for aspiring writers and what she's working on next by reading on...

Please describe your latest book [Divas Don't Knit] in 15 words or fewer:

Can you knit yourself a new life when your old one starts to unravel?

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

Mostly at home at my kitchen table, or in my office upstairs but pretty much anywhere I can find a pen.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Usually the one I’ve just finished, but my favourite writers (who I return to whenever I want a treat) include Jane Austen, Anne Tyler, Nancy Mitford,  Jilly Cooper, and Mary Wesley.

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

Again, too many for a neat list, but definitely Bridget Jones, Miss Marple, and Elizabeth Bennett.

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

Read as widely as you can, and stick at it.

What are you reading at the moment?

When I’m writing I tend to read non-fiction. At the moment I’m reading a mixture of travel and knitting books.

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

The sequel to Divas Don’t Knit.

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!)

Would you be interested in all-expenses paid trip to a luxury hotel somewhere fabulous so you can tell our readers how lovely it was?

Yes, no one's ever asked me that, either... Thanks Gil!

[Photo © Jerry Bauer]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 16, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Fashion-Lit, Interviews, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

"Unconfident and hideous"? You too could be a writing success story!

I loved this quote from The Guardian's interview with literary novelist Charlotte Mendelson: "I wasn't posh and I wasn't confident, and I was really hideous".

Isn't it comforting to know that even published authors who are critically revered have their crises of confidence too, and don't necessarily have an easy life? (Although I have to say she hardly looks hideous now...)

Her book When We Were Bad is out now.

Related: Book related| Author interviews

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 16, 2007 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: Snowbooks

We don't usually recommend particular publishers, but Snowbooks is definitely worthy of a special mention. They're a small press, so turn out just a handful of books each year - but they're all of very good quality. So far we've reviewed Taking The Plunge, Drugs are Nice, Mama Lama Ding Dong and one of my favourite books of last year, Plotting for Beginners.

Not only that, but Snowbooks have a beautifully designed website, with a very interesting blog.

And you can catch up with them on Myspace and Twitter, too!

Related: Literature... on Twitter? | Trashionista Recommends.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Trashionista Recommends | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 11, 2007 11:41 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon

Kalisha Buckhanon's Upstate is an epistolary novel (and I was twenty-seven before I knew what that meant, so for my fellow duh-brains, it means it's told in letter form) telling the love story of twentieth-century Brooklyn-based Romeo and Juliets Antonio and Natasha.

The couple, aged 16 and 17 at the start of the novel, are at high school and in love and planning for the future.

Then one night Antonio is arrested for the murder of his father, found guilty and sent to jail.

The young lovers's world is turned upside down, but they vow to write to each other and to never let their love die...

At first, I worried that some of the Brooklyn teenage dialect would get on my nerves, but it seemed authentic and didn't disturb my enjoyment of the story.

I found this book incredibly moving and gripping - I read it in less than a day, almost forgetting to breathe at times! It's definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman

PS: Upstate also has butterflies on the cover! BUT they are relevant to the story... Whatever next?!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK NEWS: Khaled Hosseini's new novel

If you loved The Kite Runner as much as our former Trashionista ed Jenni, you'll be equally as excited to know about Khaled Hosseini's new book: A Thousand Splendid Suns.

It's an Afghanistan-set story of betrayal, redemption and love. [Via Glamour] So, like The Kite Runner then! It's getting some great reviews and it's out on May 22nd...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 9, 2007 9:08 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Accidental It Girl by Libby Street

I read the beginning of Libby Street's Accidental It Girl, and was hooked:

People hate me.

Some of them openly despise me.

I'd bet a couple dozen would cheer if I were maimed.

People. Hate. Me.

And why do people disapprove of our narrator/heroine Sadie Price so much?

Because she's a member of the paparazzi, of course.

When she's involved in a chase in which she totals her car and gets on the wrong side of Hollywood bad boy Ethan Wyatt, she thinks the damage is only physical. Wyatt decides to try to turn the tables on Sadie, and give her a taste of her own medicine...

I loved the theme of this book - it was interesting to read about a woman paparrazo for a start, and even more interesting to imagine what it would be like to be followed by the paps, and to learn about the tactics they use. I certainly think I'll be more sympathetic when I see grumpy-looking celeb shots in future (the photographer's probably just called them a bitch and insulted their loved ones, not to mention followed them for miles).

The outcome of the story was easy to predict, but I still enjoyed it a lot. (My one small complaint about the book is Sadie kept saying she was 'a paparazzi, when the word for one person is 'paparazzo'... but I'm a bit anal like that so don't let me put you off!)

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Fashion Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones and Anonymous.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 9, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

Simon & Schuster to launch author videos site

Publishers Simon & Schuster are to launch a new video website with news and insight from some of their best-loved authors (Jennifer Weiner, perhaps?)

Called BookVideos.tv, it will launch in June. [Via Galleycat]

Technology archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 9, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Technology | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 8, 2007 11:48 AM

BOOK REVIEW: More Than Love Letters by Rosy Thornton

As the title of Rosy Thornton’s debut would suggest, More Than Love Letters consists of letters, emails, newspaper articles, minutes of meetings, and more. I love Meg Cabot’s epistolary novels - including Boy Meets Girl - but could More Than Love Letters match up?

In a word, yes. Margaret Hayton is a primary school teacher saddled with what she thinks is an old person’s name. Her name helps her local MP, Richard Slater, assume she’s an interfering old biddy who feels compelled to write to him about everything from dog muck in the local park to VAT on sanitary protection to the EU Emissions Trading Directive. Once Richard realises that Margaret’s actually young - and gorgeous - he becomes more interested in both her and her causes.

Interspersed with the story of Margaret and Richard's burgeoning relationship is that of the girls living in the women’s refuge Margaret volunteers at (called, fantastically, Women of Ipswich Together Combating Homelessness or "WITCH"). Domestic violence, bereavement, immigration and asylum seeking all are touched upon in a genuinely thought-provoking way.

Like A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, More Than Love Letters manages to balance serious issues with being the funniest book I’ve read for a while (since this one, in fact). I don’t quite know why it hasn’t been given the same attention as Marina Lewycka’s novel (actually, the chick lit cover - featuring, yes, butterflies - probably has something to do with it), but I highly recommend it!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian (non chick lit) or Rachel’s Holiday (chick lit)

Posted by Keris on May 8, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

WIN 'A Piece of Normal' in our Sandi Kahn Shelton giveaway!

Yes, I said we'd do this yesterday, but I forgot it was a UK bank holiday! I bet you were all out sunning yourselves stocking up at B&Q, weren't you?

So! you read Sandi Shelton's guest blog and my review of her book A Piece of Normal last week (didn't you?)

This week, you have the chance to win a copy of this great read! Simply answer this question: Name the sisters in Sandi's book (clue here).

Email us your answer, with "Sandi comp" in the subject line and your name and address in the body of the email, so we can have the book sent to you if you win.

Good luck!

PS: Shiny Media employees may not apply. Sorry gang.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 8, 2007 in American Authors, Announcements, Book related, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 7, 2007 10:21 AM

Shanna Swendson's new book: Damsel Under Stress

Lovely author Shanna Swendson, a long-time friend of Trashionista, has a new book out now called Damsel Under Stress, the third in the series which began with Enchanted, Inc and continued with Once Upon Stilettos.

In honour of the release of her new book, she's featured on Joshilyn Jackson's fabulous blog this month: read what she has to say here.

Related: Valerie Frankel talks to Joshilyn Jackson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 7, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 4, 2007 11:24 AM

BOOK REVIEW: A Piece of Normal by Sandi Kahn Shelton

I promised you I'd be reviewing this week's guest blogger's book, and now: I am! (Stay tuned on Monday for a chance to win a copy).

A Piece of Normal by Sandi Kahn Shelton is the story of Lily Brown, who's happy with her life. (She thinks). She works as an advice columnist for the local paper, lives alone with her four year old son Simon and is still on great terms with her eccentric ex-husband Teddy.

Then her sister Dana, who's been missing for the last ten years, turns up out of the blue, and her sudden appearance shakes up Lily's cosy existence more than either of them could have imagined...

I really enjoyed this book. It's well-written, the characters felt real to me, and I found it very witty (especially at the start of the book, before the emotional trauma begins!) I also found myself really identifying with Lily and getting incredibly angry with Dana, which has to be the sign of a good story. I couldn't believe some of the things Dana did! I wasn't sure how Shelton could make her even half-way sympathetic by the end of the book, but somehow she managed it.

I still cried at the end, though. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 (although it's a 4.5 in my heart)

Like this? Try In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 4, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, we asked: DO men really (as Waterstones staff claim) write better novels than women? and you answered: You don't think so! I have to say, I've read some wonderful books by men, but tend to prefer women's fiction and about 80% of my reading is authored by women - I gravitate naturally towards it (and review it for work, of course...)

ANYWAY! THIS WEEK, I'm inspired by the book I'm reading and the book I've just reviewed, both of which were written by good friends working together, as was another one of my favourite chick lit read of recent years, The Nanny Diaries.

So, what I'm wondering is: would you like to write a book with a close friend? Would you and your best pal bicker too much, do you think friends working together is a recipe for disaster, or does it sound like fun and the prefect way to ensure the long process of writing a novel doesn't become too lonely.

Writing with your bestest friend: Yay or Nay - and why?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 2, 2007 in Book related, Modern Fiction, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

BOOK REVIEW: Simmer Down by Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, never having read a culinary-themed mystery before. Would it be a delicious blend of genres, or a recipe for disaster? And would I stop thinking in culinary metaphors? Time would tell...

Simmer Down is the story of social work grad student Chloe Carter, who's happily loved up with chef boyfriend Josh and looking forward to the opening night of Simmer, the new restaurant where Josh is about to start work.

But on New Year's Eve, at a local gallery's benefit to support the anti-harassment group Chloe works for, at which Josh is cooking, things spiral out of control. Not only does Chloe's ex, Sean turn up out of the blue, but so does Josh's less than pleasant previous girlfriend Hannah, who'd working for a rival restaurant chain. And when Oliver, one of the bosses of that rival group is later found murdered (bludgeoned to death by Josh's supersized food processor), the suspects start piling up...

Could it be the bitchy Hannah? Oliver's wife Dora? Or even his business partner Barry? Or maybe even an unknown business rival? No-one knows, but Chloe thinks that for the sake of Josh's future career, she should be the one to find out...

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I'm not generally a fan of genre fiction, and worried that this book's kitschy cover (like a modern-day Nancy Drew) could be an attempt to hide less-than-quality writing. But I read the first page, and loved it, and then the second... and before I knew it I'd devoured the whole book. This would be the perfect summer read, and was interesting, witty and unpredictable (with mouthwatering descriptions of food and even recipes for said food at the back of the book). I'll definitely look out for the next delicious novel by this mother-daughter writing team.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this?  Try Faking It by Jennifer Crusie.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 1, 2007 8:24 PM

Something exciting: Wednesday on Trashionista!

And not just one exciting thing either - it's going to be a brilliant day tomorrow!

First, Sandi Kahn Shelton is going to be stopping by on her blog tour with a special blog post related to her book, A Piece of Normal, which we'll review later in the week.

As if that wasn't enough, we have OUR MOST EXCITING AND SPECIAL interview yet lined up for tomorrow afternoon - who could it be...??

Carry on over the cut for a clue.

She's Irish.

:)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 1, 2007 in American Authors, Announcements, Book Websites, Book related, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (8)

BOOK REVIEW: The First Assistant by Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare

I loved The Second Assistant, so when I heard that the authors of that book had written a sequel, catching us up with Lizzie Miller one year on from the end of that book... well, I snapped up a copy quicker than a very snappy thing indeed.

So how is Lizzie's life looking twelve months later? Well, she's been dating producer Luke Lloyd for most of that year, has been promoted to first assistant and is great friends with her predecessor Lara, who also happens to be her boss's wife. Heck, she's even made up with Jason Blum, the screenwriter friend who screwed her over.

But there are a few things stopping Lizzie from being truly happy...

First, there's evil Amber, the new second assistant, who's snotty, underhanded and - of course - British. Is she out to sabotage Lizzie, and if so, how? Then there's a new client at the agency, LiLo-esque actress Emerald, who Lizzie's being sent to Thailand to babysit. AND on top of all that, Lizzie isn't sure if she's ready to settle down with Luke without establishing a career and cash flow of her own first. It's going to be an interesting few months...

I don't know if it's ever possible to enjoy the sequel to a successful first novel as much as the original, and I didn't like this book quite as much as The Second Assistant. But the authors haven't had a sophomore slump, either - this is a perfectly entertaining book, and definitely kept my interest. I was pleased that it ended in a more Hollywood fairy-tale way, which was lacking from the previous novel. That makes the ending a bit unrealistic, but in a novel about Hollywood, who wants gritty realism?

It seems like the last we've seen of Lizzie - I hope we've left her to enjoy her happy ending - so I am interested to see where Naylor and Hare turn their attentions next.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try The Second Assistant by Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 1, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

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 30, 2007 11:11 AM

MOVIE NEWS: The Jane Austen Book Club

I seem to be the only Trashionista writer who loved The Jane Austen Book Club , but obviously people somewhere agree with me, as Hollywood quickly snapped up the rights for a big screen version of the novel.

Emily Blunt, who played the English first assistant (based on Plum Sykes?) in The Devil Wears Prada, stars, along with Amy Brenneman from (one of my faves) Judging Amy. Hugh Dancy, who will also star in Bronte (it's in 'pre-production' now) is in it too - but there's no news on a release date yet.

We'll keep you posted.

[Via Imdb.com]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 30, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Recent Release, Richard and Judy, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 27, 2007 6:32 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Heart-Shaped Box

It might not surprise you to hear that Stephen King's son, Joe Hill, is apparently a super-talented thriller writer, just like daddy. And he's following in his dad's footsteps by having his first novel, Heart Shaped Box, turned into a film, reports Variety.

Veteran Irish filmmaker Neil 'The Crying Game' Jordan will direct.

Movie news archives | Friday Flick archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 27, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Movie News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Divas Don't Knit by Gil McNeil

We've already told you that 'knit lit' is hot news, and here's another example of the subgenre: Divas Don't Knit, by Gil McNeil. Jo Mackenzie is a widow with two young sons, and she's had enough of London.

Needing a change to get over the shock of losing her husband (even though he was about to leave her), she takes up her grandmother's invitation to move to the country and take over the running of the family's wool shop.

I'm a big fan of all Gil McNeil's novels: there's something so warm and comforting about them, and I was impressed with the way she made knitting - not really one of my personal passions - so interesting! Her characters were convincing and I enjoyed the storyline: not much seemed to happen, it was more about Jo moving forward over the course of about a year, but I was never bored.

However... McNeil's books could justifiably be accused of being a bit samey. This book is very like her first novel, The Only Boy For Me, which I loved. (Though the TV version I was less keen on, giving up halfway through). She then wrote a sequel to The Only Boy... and then another similar book, and now she's working on a sequel to Divas... There's always an eccentric family, a country setting, a single mother and a sophisticated potential love interest. There's definitely nothing new here, and it would be nice to see this writer step out of her comfort zone a little. But her characters are so likable and her plots so nicely (ha ha) woven, you couldn't hate this book if you tried.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 27, 2007 in Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 26, 2007 8:49 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Janet Evanovich

Yes, the great lady said it herself: she probably did, to a large extent, inspire the invention of chick lit: in the US, at least. So Janet Evanovich is the first living author to be featured in our Thursday Trailblazer series!

She started out writing romance novels, which  were moderately successful. But she really found her voice (and a million-selling career) when she invented Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter extraordinaire. Her first foray into smart, snarky, first-person narration, Stephanie is strong, kicks ass and is never afraid to speak her mind. She also looks fabulous (I'm sure). In short, she's an inspiration: and Janet is too, turning her career into a family business (her daughter, son and husband all work for/with her!) - although she has admitted she barely gets time to breathe...

Her novels are obviously inspired by great authors like Elmore Leonard, but Evanovich's own influence is clear in writers like Jenny Crusie and Lani Diane Rich.

Read this: One For The Money.

What do you think?

And who's your favourite trailblazer? Let us know!

Thursday Trailblazer archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (1)

Another cover 'snap'!

Trashionista writer Danielle thoroughly enjoyed Sara Manning's Let's Get Lost, a book that's won almost as many plaudits for the coolness of the cover as the fabness of the story...

Here's the coolness in action:

Pretty, no? And unusual looking, too... So imagine my surprise when I found another young adult author has almost exactly the same cover:

Carry on over the cut to see...

...the cover of Sarah Dessen's new book Just Listen:

Don't even try to tell me that's not "inspired by"! I know it's the publishers fault, never the author's, and Sarah Dessen's book, a newcomer to my toppling review pile, looks very interesting. But really!

At least Puffin have time to pull their socks up and change the cover: it's not released until July...

Related: Are Butterflies the new feet? | Musical book covers | Judging books by their covers

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Opinion, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK NEWS: The Next Thing On My List

Jill Smolinksi's new novel The Next Thing on My List sounds like a great concept: June Parker's life is plodding along nicely when she has a car accident. Her passenger, Marissa, who she barely knows, tragically dies, and June finds in her possessions a list, entitled “20 Things to Do By My 25th Birthday.” June decides to take on the challenge of completing Marissa's list in her memory...

According to Random House's website:

"Funny, engaging, and heartwarming, The Next Thing on My List features a lovable, relatable heroine and a story with plenty of humor and heart." Of course, they would say that, but I must admit, I'd love to read it. Personal quests like that always inspire me! (Plus reading about someone else's means I don't have to start my own...)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 25, 2007 8:45 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, we talked about whether a new Sense and Sensibility was a good thing and scored a big fat yay from my co-ed Keris and a slightly more reluctant yay from our editor-in-chief Gemma.

This week, I'm getting controversial. Waterstones recently published its top 100 books of the last twenty-five years as decided by 5000 of the book chain's staff ... and only TWENTY-SEVEN of them are by women! Whaaa...?

Is it possible that they're right: do men write better books than women?

Tell us what you think: 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, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

[Picture courtesy of Getty Images].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 25, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (5)

Melanie Lynne Hauser news: Supermom sequel and new e-book

According to the ever-informing-me Galleycat, Melanie Lynne Hauser, author of Confessions of Supermom not only only has a sequel to that book out now: Supermom Saves the World...

But she is going to release an older novel, Jumble Pie, as an e-book.

Find out more here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 25, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: The Manny by Holly Peterson

It's apparently the latest, hottest trend in Manhattan: more popular than the Birkin bag, better than Jimmy Choos: it's The Manny, or male nanny...

Jamie Whitfield is at the end of her tether with her husband Philip, an overgrown spoiled rich kid who can never have enough money and who spends all his time at work, away from Jamie and their three children. Oldest son Dylan has begun to resent the lack of attention from his father, and has started to act strangely as a result - sitting down in the middle of a school basketball game and bursting into tears, for example...

His mother decides something must be done: so she hires Peter, a specialist in child' education, who'll hang out with Dylan and be something of a father figure for him. The only problem is, Jamie doesn't want Philip to know...

Actually that's not her only problem, just one of many : Jamie's trying to break a huge national story in her job as producer at a major news network and it's not going smoothly. More importantly, the problems in her marriage are brought into stark relief by her growing attraction to Peter...

I liked this book, although I think it would have benefited from one final round of edits: it was a bit too long. Also, although Peter started out quite charismatic, he became rather arrogant and the way he talked to Jamie often seemed rude although was supposed to be just cheeky. Jamie keeps telling us how charming Peter is, but this wasn't shown very often! Compared to Philip however, he's wonderful: The author doesn't seem to realise that having Jamie complain so much about her husband makes her look like a bit of a weak character. And having Jamie say she hates the upper-class snobbery of The Grid, the exclusive area of Manhattan she lives in seemed a bit hollow: she is also very taken in by it - and Peterson lives there herself so she can't hold it in that much contempt!

I also felt the story was needlessly slow at times - but as Jamie's work storyline hotted up, I was gripped (this was probably the most exciting part of the novel, and Holly Peterson's own experience as a producer was clear - although for her sake I hope she had a better time in that job than Jamie does in hers...) The book ended a little suddenly, but I was pleased with the denouement.

I think I would have just liked Peter to have been more Mary Poppins-ish...

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try The Nanny Diaries by The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 25, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 24, 2007 5:59 PM

Touchstone's competing "Blonde Brit Bombshells" in Chicago

US Book publishers Touchstone are apparently touting Rachel Johnson (of Notting Hell and Boris Johnson's sister fame) and Santa Montefiore (of The Gypsy Madonna and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson's sister fame) as their "Blonde Brit Bombshells" competing over book sales whilst on tour together in America.

They've been in Chicago recently, partaking in very stereotypical British customs like high tea (in the middle of a bookshop, natch).

[Via Galleycat]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 24, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

Interview with Aury Wellington...

No, not on here (unfortunately): editor of controversial anthology This Is Not Chick Lit, Elizabeth Merrick launched a new series of author interviews on Bookslut this week. Her inaugural interviewee is Aury Wellington, author of controversial YA book Pop!

Find out how she writes, what her big break was (clue here) and why her mum always wanted her to join the army... all by reading the interview.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 24, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Interviews, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Television, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 19, 2007 8:46 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Notting Hell by Rachel Johnson

I wasn't sure if I'd like Rachel Johnson's debut novel, Notting Hell. I wasn't overly keen on her first book The Mummy Diaries, finding it a bit smug (you can't moan about 'having' to go on holiday, can you?)

But the author's description of this book (something about the "haves and have-yachts") made me laugh and full of nostalgia for that film (as the residents of this book call Notting Hill), I gave it a go.

It follows a year in the lives of two women, Mimi and Clare, both of whom live on a street with access to a private communal garden - a luxury in London. Mimi has three kids and a part-time journalism career whilst Clare is a garden designer and feng shui obsessive. Whilst Clare are her husband Gideon are super-rich, Mimi and her hubby... are not.

The book's all about the inhabitants of the square from the alternating viewpoints of Mimi and Clare, which allows us to see things that each character does not. But Mimi is the only really sympathetic adult character here, and she has some big flaws... We learn about life on an exclusive communal London garden and the petty rules, silly jealousies and extra-marital affairs that occur. (I'm dying to know how much is based on true events - and if any of it's based on anyone I might have heard of, tee hee!)

It suffers from the same slight smug problem as her earlier book, and I couldn't help feeling books like this are so unconnected from the real world as to be a bit frustrating. But Mimi is a great character and I enjoyed the pace of the book, most of the time - there are occasional interludes when things are getting exciting and the narrator takes us back in time to give us the background story - grr, get on with it!

Still it's a good read (a nice one for summer, with some good moments of humour) if not a great one.

Although if you'll get second home envy or private school bile at the thought of reading about the super-privileged, it might best to steer clear... I find it rather fascinating, though.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy by Fiona Neill

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 19, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | 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 17, 2007 11:08 AM

Orange Prize shortlist announced

Yep, Marian Keyes and co.'s hard work is nearly over! The Orange Prize for the best book by a woman in the last year... is nearly here.

In the meantime, the shortlist has just been announced - carry on over the cut to read it!

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Half of a Yellow Sun

Novel Rachel Cusk - Arlington Park

Kiran Desai - The Inheritance of Loss

Xiaolu Guo - A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers

Jane Harris - The Observations

Anne Tyler - Digging to America

[Via Booktrade info]

Opinions, anyone? I'd bet on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 17, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jane Austen and Stephanie Laurens

The next essay in our special Austen Week series comes courtesy of Stephanie Laurens: why does she think so highly of Jane?

The potent magic of Regency-era romances transcends time. To this day there is no more compelling hero than a Regency gentleman, no feistier heroine than a Regency miss - the continuing popularity of Regency romances testifies to this. (There are few women in the world who would turn down a waltz with Mr. Darcy, regardless of whether they can waltz or not. )

Austen invented the subgenre, and countless storytellers, myself included, have followed in her wake. Jane created the stage on which I, a modern-day storyteller, walk – and If Jane Austen hadn't written her books, I can't imagine I would have written mine.

Stephanie Laurens's new novel 'The Truth About Love' is out now.

Jane Austen and Julia Quinn

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 17, 2007 in American Authors, Austen Week, Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 13, 2007 12:28 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman

I'd been wanting to read something by Alice Hoffman for quite some time and just never got around to it. So when she released her latest book The Ice Queen and it started getting great reviews, I quickly snapped up my local library's copy!

When the nameless first-person narrator (catchy name, eh?!) of this book is eight she is upset with her mother one day, so when her mum goes out for the evening, she wishes for her never to return. She doesn't: she dies in a car crash and TNFPN and her brother Ned go to live with their grandmother. From then onwards, our narrator is convinced she has a gift: when she wishes for something bad, it always happens - but she can't seem to stop herself from wishing. In adulthood, she half-heartedly wishes to be hit by lightning, and then she is. It has strange and devastating  physical consequences including colorblindness, limping and pain. But in other ways, it begins a new and exciting chapter in her life - especially when she meets mysterious fellow lightning strike survivor Lazarus Jones - a man who is literally too hot to touch...

Although this book has an ethereal, ghost-story quality to it, it's told in simple, easy to read language rather than being all airy-fairy! The events are sometimes strange and there's elements of fairytale and magical realism here, but it's all kept tethered to the ground by great writing and a strong and constantly unpredictable (but believable) storyline.

Simply put, it's a wonderful read that made me realise that by missing out on Alice Hoffman all these years, I've really been missing out.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Read the opening of the book here.

Like this?

Try A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (5)

April 12, 2007 8:35 PM

TRASHIONISTA'S MOST BRILLIANT PRIZE PACKAGE EVER!

I'm not even exaggerating a little bit when I say this is the best prize we've ever had, ever!

Here is what's on offer for ONE LUCKY TRASHIONISTA DEVOTEE:

DVDs:

ITV's Mansfield Park

ITV's Northanger Abbey

BOOKS: 

Going Home by Harriet Evans

A Hopeless Romantic by Harriet Evans

It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Scandal’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens

The True Darcy Spirit by Elizabeth Aston.

Plus, three runners-up will win one copy of each book! Carry on over the cut to find out how to enter...

We're sorry but this comp is only open to UK residents - and employees of Shiny Media may not enter (dammit).

To be in with a chance of winning, simply email us the answer to this question, putting "Austen" in the subject line:

Which well-known American chick-lit author edited the book "Flirting With Pride and Prejudice"? Clue: we reviewed it last July. Don't forget to include your name and address, too - in case you win! Entries close at midnight BST on April 20. Good luck!

And look out for lots more Austen-themed goodness next week, when Trashionista turns all regency on you! Austen week, all week long - it's gonna be gooooood!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 12, 2007 in Announcements, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Competition, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sophie Dahl devotes herself to writing (again)

The lovely Kim, editor of our sister site Catwalk Queen, informs me that Sophie Dahl, model-turned-author-turned-model... is to turn author again, with two new books on the horizon - a novel and a food memoir. (Of the latter, Kim adds: 'I'm curious; will it be a book on how to avoid eating food? Miaow!')

Well, someone had to say it...

Celebrity authors archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 12, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 11, 2007 10:30 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Let's Get Lost by Sarra Manning

Taking a break from the usual chick-lit titles, I thought I'd review something different. Okay, so it is chick-lit I suppose, only for youngsters. And before you roll your eyes at me and say, 'Hey - aren't you, like, twenty?!' then let me tell you that basically, we're all young at heart. And I'm twenty-two. So there.

And let's face it, it's hard to resist a beautifully-written crossover, which can only briefly describe Sarra Manning's Let's Get Lost. Author of other teen tales such as Guitar Girl and Pretty Things, Manning has a wonderful ability to portray teenage issues in a way that's compelling for teens and adults alike.

High-school bad girl Isabella is best known around school for her bad attitude and personal army of tag-along friends. With a father she finds relatively easy to control and a life of doing practically everything she wishes, Isabel is the girl that everyone else wants to be. However, haunting her daily is the death of her mother: something she feels responsible for and something which will, it seems, never leave her.

When she meets the seemingly wonderful - and not to mention older - Atticus Smith at a party, Isabel is immediately mesmerised. A university student, his freedom and contentment reaches out to Isabel the sad rebel who cannot get away from the fact that everyone knows about her mother's death.

Throughout the book, Isabel and Smith become closer, and sometimes not so close again, as Smith struggles to uncover just what makes Isabel who she is. With trouble brewing in school, and friends gradually beginning to grow apart, Smith is the only thing Isabel has to hold onto. But will everything stay the same?

Despite being aimed at teenagers, Let's Get Lost is a fabulous read for absolutely anyone, touching on the subject of bereavement and how it can affect everyone someone so young. A tale of young romance and a secretive girl almost lost in her many layers that will either make you yell out 'I told you so' or... well... cry.

Admittedly it's not the funniest book out there, but frankly? It doesn't need to be. Sharp writing and a moving tale is what makes this book unique. So I'd recommend it to anyone who is in need of something cute yet serious. Manning certainly has a gift for compelling writing and she demonstrates it beautifully throughout this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Boy Book by E Lockhart.

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on April 11, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (5)

April 10, 2007 7:00 PM

More on Jodi Picoult and Wonder Woman

If you're a regular Trashionista reader you'll know that bestselling author Jodi Picoult is to write a five-issue run of iconic comic Wonder Woman.

Here's an interview with the author, and a bit more information about the whole project...

enjoy!

[Via Bookslut]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 10, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

Faber's book club guides

Here's something useful, whether you're in a book club or not: publishers Faber have produced a series of online guides (in PDF format) to some of their most popular books, including A Complicated Kindness and The Bell Jar.

Just clicky here to peruse them...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 10, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 9, 2007 8:34 AM

BOOK NEWS: Dedication

I'm half-excited and half scared to read this new book: it's the latest (third) offering from Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. Will it be as fabulous as The Nanny Diaries, or a total stinkeroo like Citizen Girl?

I guess there's only one way to find out... it's out in hardcover in the UK and US on 5 June .

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 9, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

April 4, 2007 11:34 AM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Libby Street

This week, we have a fabulous two-for-the price of one deal! Author Libby Street is (shock, horror!) actually two different women, working as one. And here Sarah and Emily aka: Libby Street, talk exclusively to Trashionista.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Accidental It Girl: A female paparazzi and Hollywood's hottest bachelor get a lesson in how opposites attract.

Where do you like to write your books?

EMILY: I do a lot of the preliminary, story development stuff with a spiral notebook on the couch. (Usually with Murder, She Wrote or The Golden Girls playing quietly on the TV. Embarrassing, but true.) The actual writing goes down at a desk - just me and my laptop.

SARAH: I don’t know. In my old apartment, I sat at my kitchen table which was in my living room. Manhattan apartments are fun that way. I have recently moved into an apartment with so much more space, I’m not sure what to do. We’ll see where I end up working the best! Right now, that same kitchen table (which I have turned into a desk) is the front runner...

More from Libby Street over the cut!

Your favourite chick-lit book?

EMILY: It's not original but… Bridget Jones's Diary. The first, the best.

SARAH: I agree with Emily. I just reread it recently and, MAN!, it’s really great.

Your favourite female heroine? And why?

EMILY: Fanny Price from Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. She never wavers in her beliefs, no matter the cost. Of all Jane's heroines, I think Fanny is the least mutable. I admire her enormously, probably because I can be such a flake sometimes.

SARAH: Elizabeth Bennett from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. She is confident and smart, but willing to recognize that she has faults. I want to be just like her.

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

EMILY: Write the story you've always wanted to read. And, most importantly, never give up.

SARAH: Don’t be discouraged when things aren’t going well. Just keep on plugging away.

What are you reading at the moment?

EMILY: Nothing terribly fun, I'm afraid. I'm currently reading Robert McKee's Story for about the thousandth time. I find that whenever I begin a new project I like to go back to basics and remind myself of the essential elements of a rock-solid, compelling story.

SARAH: I’m reading Traveler’s Tales: India. I am going there in November and I can't stop reading about the place! Traveler’s Tales is a series of books composed of excerpts or essays written by (obviously) writers and/or travelers. If you are going to a new place, I would highly recommend these books. They offer a much more in depth perspective on the character of a place than many of the guide books I’ve read. In fact, I wouldn’t classify it as a guide book, but I am using it to plan my whole trip.

What are you working on now?

We're working on several concepts for new novels. We haven't quite decided which one to pursue yet, but we're leaning toward a story that would be a new direction for us - an older young adult. (The characters would be just starting at university.) We think it'll be a lot of fun to write, which is almost as important as it being really fun to read.

Sounds good to me - thanks ladies!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 4, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Interviews, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 3, 2007 4:36 PM

Are butterflies the new feet?

  (...And other weird questions you'll only find at Trashionista!)

We've been talking a lot about book covers lately: are UK ones nicer than their US counterparts? (Interestingly, we're most split down cultural lines on that one, so publishers are doing something right!) Why do so many books look like those of another author? And of course - what's with all the feet on chick lit books?

Well, if these two book covers (and others like them - this seems to be a trend) are anything to go by, feet may be about to be ousted by butterflies! It's obvious really - what are modern women interested in apart from shoes and insects? Seriously though, I welcome the change but would like a little more variety in cover design... What do you think?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 3, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 2, 2007 5:12 PM

Valerie Frankel talks to Joshilyn Jackson

Joshilyn Jackson can always be relied upon for interesting reading material - from gods in Alabama to Between, Georgia to her fantastic blog.

Each month she hosts a different member of The Girlfriends Cyber Circuit, a group of authors who arrange virtual tours around each other's sites to help promote each other. This month, she's asking Valerie Frankel about her new book, about a woman who's jilted (almost) at the altar and as ever, it's a fun read.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: sneak peek of the cover

So apparently, there's this famous series of books about a wizard - you may have heard of them?

Those desperate for some, any, news about JK Rowling's new and final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, might be sated for a little while by a look at the brand new UK cover.

Hop over the cut to see it:

[Via Galleycat]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 2, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Series, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (7)

The woman behind the Richard and Judy book club

Yes, those of you in the UK are probably at least vaguely familiar with the name Amanda Ross - Richard and Judy's producer and the woman behind their famously successful Oprah-inspired book club.

The Telegraph recently ran a profile/interview of Ross, which explains how the books are chosen, her personal taste and the book she enjoyed best of all the book club picks. Basically, it's a look at the woman behind the book club.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 2, 2007 in Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 30, 2007 3:43 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: White Oleander

Based on the wonderful novel by Janet Fitch (which I LOVED - and I'll be reviewing her latest, Paint it Black, soon) White Oleander is the story of Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) a beautiful but manipulative single mother who is sent to jail for murdering her ex-lover, leaving her teenage daughter Astrid (Alison Lohman) to shuttle from foster home to foster home with often disastrous consequences.

Astrid finally finds a happy home with Renee Zellweger, who she really clicks with - but soon her jealous mother has found a way to destroy that, too...

The story of a mother too selfish to let her daughter (or anyone else) be happy is moving and convincingly acted (nice to see Pfeiffer being coolly evil for a change, she does it well!) But there's no way this could match up to the brilliance and subtlety of the book, and it's not a particularly great film, although it's not a bad one, either. The choice of Billy Connolly to play Ingrid's ex struck me as odd - not what I was expecting from that character, and hard for British viewers not to see him as a comedy figure! Alison Lohman is very talented though, and hopefully destined for bigger things.

Like this, but with Angelina Jolie (and no murder): Girl, Interrupted

Friday Flick archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 30, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: Taking The Plunge by Stacie Lewis

Taking The Plunge is an antidote to those happy, fluffy, "isn't planning a wedding a wonderful dream" type books that so often grace chick lit shelves. Not that there's anything wrong with those books per se, but they are escapism, aren't they? As anyone planning a wedding (and about five people I know currently are) will tell you, it's a stressful experience at the best of times.

And Stacie Lewis's debut novel certainly does not describe the best of times...

A touching and jaw-dropping account of one woman's pre-wedding calamities (that makes a great case for elopement!) this is the story of Bernie, an American in London who gets engaged to her British boyfriend and is deliriously happy about it - until she tells all four (yes) of her parents, and they start to make her life a misery...

And I really mean a misery: because both her parents are divorced and re-married, arguments and power struggles ensue about everything from who pays for what to the wording of the invitations. And because Bernie is in London, she doesn't have as much control over her big day as she'd like - is the venue really okay? Surely she doesn't have to have the cheapest dress available? And she can choose her own rabbi to perform the service, right? Everything becomes a struggle, and more than once Bernie and Sam think about eloping.

At times, all this tension is funny but as it becomes more dramatic it's just horribly sad that something supposed to be a happy event is hijacked by the selfish attitudes of the bride's parents, who are old enough to know better. What's really sad is that this is based heavily on Stacie Lewis's own experience (how she managed to forgive her mother for something that happens later on in the book, I don't know, although I do admire her for it).

The structure of the book is a little odd, as "Wedding Truths" are included at the beginning of each chapter. These good, although very cynical observations are made by the author (and this is where it's made clear that the events of the book really happened). I think I'd have preferred the whole book to have kept one narrative voice - or it would also have worked brilliantly (better?) as a memoir.

Saying that, I found this a compulsive and enjoyable read - a fast, easy read made even more intriguing by the fact that a lot of it is based on the author's real experiences, although if I wanted to get married, I'd think two or three (hundred) times about having a big wedding after reading Taking the Plunge. And I won't be passing it on to my stepsister or my engaged friends until after they've tied the knot!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Wedding Belles by Zoe Barnes. [-- That comp, though, is now closed - sorry!]

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

March 29, 2007 11:55 AM

Marian Keyes wins popular fiction award at the 'Nibbies'

We've told you before about the Nibbies (or the Galaxy British Book Awards as they're more properly known) and now we're delighted to bring you the news that much-loved Queen of Chick Lit Marian Keyes won the award for popular fiction - way to go, Mazza! (As she'd probably loathe me to call her...)

It was also great chick lit news for Lauren Weisberger, who won Television and film book of the year for The Devil Wears Prada (of course).

Find out the other winners  and who called Ricky Gervais names (!) over the cut...

But if you'd rather not know the goss and find out the winners when the awards are on TV, then you don't have long to wait - they're on tomorrow night at 8pm on Channel 4 .

List of winners:

Book of the year: Conn & Hal Iggulden, The Dangerous Book for Boys

Popular fiction award: Marian Keyes, Anybody Out There

Decibel writer of the year: Jackie Kay, Wish I Was Here

Television and film book of the year: Lauren Weisberger, The Devil Wears Prada

Biography of the year: Peter Kay, The Sound of Laughter

Children's book of the year: Ricky Gervais, Flanimals of the Deep [Gervais's video-linked acceptance speech apparently provoked a "foul-mouthed rant" from Richard Madeley, co-host of the event (with wife Judy, obv.) Is it me or is Mr Madeley losing the plot a little bit? *Allegedly*]

Crime thriller of the year: Ian Rankin, The Naming of the Dead

Sports book of the year: Steven Gerrard, Gerrard: My Autobiography

Newcomer of the year: Victoria Hislop, The Island

Reader's Digest Author of the year: Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion

The Richard & Judy best read of the year: Jed Benfeld, The Interpretation of Murder 

Lifetime achievement award: John Grisham

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 28, 2007 6:48 PM

BOOK NEWS: To My Dearest Friends

Patricia Volk's Stuffed has to be one of my favourite memoirs of all time, about her adventures growing up with a food obsessed family (they ran a restaurant). So I'm delighted that she's releasing a new book soon: To My Dearest Friends is a novel which sounds deliciously Elinor Lipman-esque, and it's out in hardback here on 17 April.

Not long to wait!

[Via O magazine]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 28, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 27, 2007 4:18 PM

Love in the book signing queue

Maybe it's just the crowd I run with, but whenever I've been to book signings or author readings, it's usually been women of all ages and the odd (sometimes very odd) older man - not exactly the ideal breeding ground for romance. The lucky couple in this picture met in the queue at a signing of bestselling American crime author Lisa Scottoline's book Dirty Blonde, and by the time they'd reached the signing table, had arranged to meet for coffee. A year later, they're still together!

So next time you're at a book event, you might want to take a good look around for any viable prospects, ladies...

[Via Galleycat].

Related posts: Posh is a signing sensation | In defence of romantic novels

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 27, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

In defence of romantic novels

At the risk of incurring the wrath of literary snobs (as I did a couple of weeks ago when I blogged that chick lit... could be good), Guardian books blog writer Henrietta Clancy is today standing up for that frequently maligned genre, the romance novel. In particular, Mills and Boon.

Do we have any big romantic fiction fans out there? I'd always prefer chick lit and, to be honest, romance doesn't appeal to me (maybe I'm just not very romantic) but, of course, I won't sneer at anybody who enjoys it! Unlike some people.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 27, 2007 in Book Websites, Book related, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 26, 2007 5:21 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Revolutionary Road

Mega books blog Galleycat reported on Friday that Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are apparently to be reunited on screen for the first time since a little film called Titanic (maybe you've heard of it?)

The film, Revolutionary Road, is an adaptation of Richard Yates' 1961 novel about a young married couple. Winslet's husband Sam Mendes is set to direct and the film will apparently be made in association with the BBC. Filming will start this summer, so hopefully we can Friday Flick it before too long!

Movie News archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 23, 2007 12:59 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Dear Zoe by Philip Beard

Dear Zoe has been compared to The Lovely Bones (which unlike some people, I found a brilliant read) but I'm going to state this right now: it's much, much better.

It's narrated by Tess, in the form of one long letter (divided into chapters) to her three-year old sister Zoe who died in a car crash almost a year earlier - on September 11, 2001.

It includes her recollections of the past and details of where her life is now, leading up to her attempts to get down on paper what happened the fateful day that Zoe died - and her own part in what went wrong.

It's intended to be a young adult novel, I think, but anyone could read and enjoy it. It's the best YA I've ever read, totally unputdownable. It's subtle and poignant and heart-rending, but doesn't layer the sentimentality on with a trowel, which The Lovely Bones (much as I loved it) did. I also thought the exploration of private grief on a day associated with public grief was compelling and heartbreaking. It made me think of all the people whose loved ones died on that day, both in the Twin Towers attack and for unrelated reasons. I'm not ashamed to say I cried. A lot.

But this is by no means a depressing book - it concentrates a lot on normal teenage life. At times, I found myself thinking it really was written by a 15-year old girl, rather than a grown man! Philip Beard has perfectly captured the life of a teen girl and the inner workings of a teenager's mind. He must have done some research into the grooming rituals of an image-obsessed teenager, as he has this down pat.

He's created a flawed but intensely likeable character in Tess. He's also created a very vivid and true-seeming depiction of a family's loss and I highly (highly!) recommend it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 23, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

The Daily Mail's first novel award for aspiring literary stars - could it be you?

The Daily Mail's book club has been a popular addition to their paper and website and now news reaches Trashionista Towers that The Daily Mail has teamed up with Transworld Publishers to launch the Daily Mail First Novel Award. Transworld will offer the winning author a publishing contract of £30,000 and publish the winning book in April 2008.

The prize will be judged by a panel of book experts including authors Joanne Harris and Lee Child.

If you want to enter, you don't have long: only until 2nd July 2007, in fact. All entries must be original, previously unpublished works of fiction on any subject in any genre. And as the title suggests, it must be your first novel!

Go to the site for more details on how to enter.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 23, 2007 in Book related, Competition, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 22, 2007 12:08 PM

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Sylvia Plath

Yes, she was a depressive who killed herself, and I'm not suggesting that action should pave the way for other female authors, but it's a shame the way Sylvia Plath died has come to overshadow her wonderful writing.

I'm sure you'll have heard of her first and only novel, The Bell Jar, the story of one young woman's summer in New York, working as an intern at a magazine, and the mental breakdown that follows... It's not a happy story, but it's well-written and evocative and sadly, many young women can relate to that kind of depression - reading this book they'll know they've not alone. Plath was also a very talented (if often bleak) poet, with her collection Ariel probably her best-known and most-respected work. Her diaries are also published and show more of the inner workings of her mind. Perhaps most surprising is that Plath also wrote a children's book, Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams. Let's try to remember her for her writing, and not for how she died...

Read this: The Bell Jar

Who's your favourite trailblazer?

Thursday Trailblazer archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 22, 2007 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (7)

BOOK REVIEW: The Sweetheart Season by Karen Joy Fowler

Unlike some people (okay, a lot of people), I found Karen Joy Fowler's The Jane Austen Book Club a throughly enjoyable read, so I was really looking forward to her next book, The Sweetheart Season.

It's the story of Irini Doyle and her colleagues at a small-town cereal factory, who form a baseball team after World War Two, when all of the men of Magrit (their small town) have died or, having seen a bit of the world, decided to stay away. The team will give them the chance to travel the country and meet some eligible bachelors... or at least, they think it will.

That's ostensibly the storyline, although actually the baseball theme take a while to get going. We learn about the history of Magrit, the cereal factory and its founder, Henry Collins and many other things too! Fowler has certainly created a very believable small town from her imagination, but perhaps she's created it in a little too much detail - although her writing is always wry and often funny, there's just to much of it, and the book could have been made much snappier and more enjoyable with a less rambling plot. I was disappointed that the baseball storyline took a while to get going, but when it did I was reminded how boring (and to a Brit, incomprehensible) baseball is. I also didn't understand why the narrator of the story was Irini's daughter, who admits at the start of the book that she might be embellishing... it's already fiction, I see no reason to pile an unreliable narrator on top! (And the afterword spoiled the ending, too - pure self-indulgence.)

My discrepancies made sense, however, when I found out that this book was actually written in 1996, but not published until last year. I'm sure Karen Joy Fowler's next book will be as crisply edited as The Jane Austen Book Club, and all the better for it.

Here's an enjoyable but slow read in the meantime!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Ya-Yas in Bloom by Rebecca Wells.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 22, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 21, 2007 12:42 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, we decided that accuracy and great writing were more important than having been to the place you're writing about - thanks for all your great responses!

This week, Muriel Grey, chairwoman of the Orange Prize judging panel has really been stirring things up by claiming that women's fiction is dull, concentrating on trivial concerns and lacking in grand literary ambitions. (Read more of her opinions here - and an excellent rejoinder here).

Do you agree - should women be attempting more epic literary works, or is that not what women want to read? Are books about political coups inherently more worthwhile than ones about single motherhood? Should men and women be writing the same kind of books? Does it matter what a book's about, as long as it's good? And finally...

Is Muriel right? - Tell us what you think: Yay or Nay, and why?

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 March 21, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Opinion, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (7)

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)

BOOK NEWS: Rhona Cameron's 'Naked Drinking Club'

Remember Rhona "the moaner" Cameron from I'm a Celebrity... Get me out of here! a few years ago? Moany, wasn't she? None of which has anything to do with the fact that the Scottish comedian/presenter/journalist/ has written a new novel.

Intriguingly named The Naked Drinking Club, it's set in 1980s Australia and is apparently a rather wild coming of age story. It was released on 1st March and is her first novel, although not her first book - Rhona's literary debut was an autobiography, called 1979: A Big Year in a Small Town (which I always wanted to read for the vain reason that I was born in 1979...)

Book news archives | Celebrity authors

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

March 20, 2007 5:41 PM

BOOK REVIEW: A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers by Xiaolu Guo

As  it featured on the Orange longlist, released yesterday, I thought a review of A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers by Xiaolu Guo would be timely!

It's the story of Zhang, known as 'Z',  who comes to London from a small Chinese town, in order to improve her English and learn about the culture. But she doesn't find the UK all she expected - people are unfriendly, it's cold and she's lonely. Then she meets a man and the two quickly become lovers, and then move in together - the result of a misunderstanding. (Z says she wants to see his house, he says "be my guest" and she takes it literally)... It begins in hilariously broken English ("sorry of my English" says a note at the beginning of the book) which improves as the story progresses...

The book is chronologically told, divided into months telling the story of Z's year in the UK (and later Europe).  It's narrated by Z, but as if she's talking to her lover, and it shows the misunderstandings that pervade their relationship. Each chapter begins with a definition, hence the title, and these are very revealing, often having a deeper or double meaning.

Only a Chinese writer could pull off writing in broken English without seeming xenophobic/racist, and that makes it OK to laugh at the silly misunderstandings caused by Z's lack of knowledge. The writer presumably had the same problems learning English herself, but clearly she's got the hang of it now: this is Xiaolu Guo's first book in English. It makes you realise how difficult English is, and I enjoyed all the cross-cultural references a lot. The book itself is very good, although it starts off very funny and becomes a lot more melancholy as Z loses her innocence (both socially and sexually). I didn't quite feel that this dark mood at the end of the book was entirely necessary - I wasn't  sure Z enjoyed much of her time over here at all, and that seemed a shame for such a likeable character (as well as from a British tourism perspective!)

But it's definitely an unusual and charming read, and I'd recommend it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Empress Orchid by Anchee Min.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 20, 2007 in Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Prize Winners, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

TUESDAY THREE: Mothers and daughters

I was inspired by Mothers’ Day last Sunday (in the UK and Commonwealth) to have a look at some fictional mothers and daughters for this week’s Tuesday Three. Let's face it, apart from sisters, there are few relationships likely to provide better fodder for humorous fiction!

Jane Sigaloff’s Like Mother, Like Daughter features Alice, whose 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?

When her mother and sister have a car accident, Belinda “Benny” Bernstein flies home and is horrified by what she finds, in Pamela Ribon's Why Moms Are Weird. 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.

Benny takes it upon herself to fix everything, but what she doesn't realise is that just because something's broke, doesn't mean she has to be the one to fix it. 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.

We couldn’t choose focus on mother/daugher relationships without including Postcards from the Edge now, could we? Former Hollywood actress, recovering alcoholic and drug addict with a famous mother Carrie Fisher’s novel about a Hollywood actress who's a recovering alcoholic and drug addict with a famous ... well, you get the idea!  Postcards is a cult classic - a book to be read and re-read, gawped at and laughed over. And the film's pretty great too.

Posted by Keris on March 20, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 19, 2007 12:41 PM

Orange Prize longlist announced

My favourite literary award of the year is one step closer to being decided with the announcement of The Orange Prize long list. As we told you before, Marian Keyes is among the women on the judging panel, and she's been chronicling her adventures in reading on her monthly blog/newsletter (in February her reading was broken up by a trip up the Amazon).

Anyway, the long list is rather... long (no!) so I'll post it over the cut:

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Poppy Shakespeare by Clare Allan

Arlington Park by Rachel Cusk

The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

Peripheral Vision by Patricia Ferguson

Over by Margaret Forster

The Dissident by Nell Freudenberger

When to Walk  by Rebecca Gowers

A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers by Xiaolu Guo

The Observations by Jane Harris

Carry Me Down by M J Hyland

The Girls by Lori Lansens

Alligator by Lisa Moore

What Was Lost by Catherine O’Flynn

The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

Careless by Deborah Robertson

Afterwards by Rachel Seiffert

Ten Days in the Hills by Jane Smiley

Digging to America by Anne Tyler

The Housekeeper by Melanie Wallace

Lots there I'd love to read (especially Jane Smiley and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's books) , but only one that I have - Xiaolu Guo's A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers.

How about you?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 19, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Prize Winners, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (2)

WIN! Love in the Present Tense plus 4 months' supply of Galaxy chocolate!

Galaxy are running a competition in conjunction with the British Book Awards and Richard and Judy book club selection Love in the Present Tense by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Simply enter your details here for the chance to win a copy of the book and four months' supply of chocolate (ooh, that would be nice in time for Easter!)

You have until 31 March.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 19, 2007 in Book related, Competition, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

MOVIE NEWS: The Men's Guide to the Women's Bathroom

JoAnna Barrett's new novel, The Men's Guide to the Women's Bathroom has been generating a huge amount of buzz before its release on 27th March - not least because the lovely Hugh Jackman has already optioned the book for his very selective production company (they only choose three projects a year; this is their comedy) so it must be worth a read! Of course we'll bring you our review asap...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 19, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Movie News, 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)

FRIDAY FLICK: Postcards From The Edge

What could be better for Mother's Day weekend than a Friday Flick which celebrates a dysfunctional/realistic mother-daughter relationship?! Based on the cult novel by Carrie Fisher, which we LOVED, Postcards From The Edge (the film) takes this relationship front and centre.

It tells the story of Hollywood actress Suzanne Vale, who has to move in with her mother after an accidental drug overdose, as she tries to get her life and career back on track...

Meryl Streep plays Suzanne, and does a great job at capturing her bewildered post-rehab state, although at times she's a little more subdued than I would have expected. But the show is really stolen by Shirley McClaine, playing Doris - surely a very thinly-veiled version of Carrie Fisher's own mum, Debbie Reynolds - the similarity is very striking (apparently Reynolds was incensed to audition for the role and be turned down!)

It's not quite as good as the book, but it's a quality film and one of my favourite adaptations ever. And the tag line is fabulous:

"Having a wonderful time. Wish I were here."

*DID YOU KNOW?* If you get the DVD, one of the highlights is Carrie Fisher's rambling (in a good way) and deliciously indiscreet ("I was having an affair with him") commentary. She also points out which parts of the story really happened to her... unmissable.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

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 5:37 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Thanks for the great responses last week, when we tried to figure out if 'literary' is a term of endearment or abuse! (Not sure what we agreed, but none of us liked lit snobbery).

This week... Stef Penney had good reason to not visit Canada whilst researching her Costa award-winning novel* The Tenderness of Wolves: she was agoraphobic.

But in general, what do you think about writers, for example, setting their books in a country they've never been to, making up geographical details (as Jenny Colgan admitted to doing with her novel Working Wonders) or otherwise not letting accuracy get in the way of a good story?

In other words... is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

*Guess I was wrong about there not being a woman on the shortlist - slapped wrist for me.

Yay or Nay archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 14, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Prize Winners, Recent Release, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (11)

BOOK REVIEW: Hot and Bothered by Annie Downey

Annie Downey is an intelligent, funny writer with a healthy dose of quirk. She regularly contributes to alternative parenting magazine Hip Mama and Hot and Bothered is her first novel.

Her heroine is a single mother of a young girl and teenage boy and she's dealing with looking after them plus the fallout of a messy divorce and her own lack of motivation and enthusiasm for life. She's cynical, funny, rather ditsy and somewhat lacking in self-belief...

and very charming.

The book has a chronological narrative but is divided into chapters with different themes, all of which begin "A week..." ("...from hell" and "...of merriment" are two headers). Each chapter is then divided into short (ranging from one sentence to a page and a half) paragraphs, making this a snappy, focused read with very little waffle. It's also an often unpredictable read, and I found many moments in the book hilarious - such as when the main character goes for a walk, meets a woman outside her house, invents that she's a professional dog walker and lands herself a new job walking the woman's dog and cleaning her house...! It's such a funny scene, and by no means the only thing I laughed out loud at - but the book is very warm and contains real emotion, too.

It was also just a tad odd - the main character (whose name we don't learn 'til the end of the book, so I'm afraid it hasn't stuck in my brain! I know, I'm getting old) is obsessed with pink clogs, but aren't clogs the least comfortable footwear ever? And she makes frequent references to being small and midget-like, but it turns out she's the same height as the lovely Keris... who as we know is in perfect proportion - ish. Maybe the author feels a little height disadvantaged, I don't know... Also, the main character's best friend Kip is more than a bit mean, but I came to like her by the end of the book!

Definitely not your usual mummy/mommy lit - this story's a good bit more complicated, and a little bit more quirky but it's a very fun read I found hard to put down.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Only Boy for Me by Gil McNeil.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 14, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Romance | 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)

Galaxy Book Awards shortlist announced

The Galaxy British Book Awards, formerly just The British Book Awards (those ones that Richard and Judy present where they always shout slightly embarrassing 'impromptu' interviews across the stage to the people giving out the books, I'm sure you've seen them on TV) have announced their shortlist. And they're now calling themselves The Oscars of the Book World. Posh!

Carry on over the cut to see the books in the running and for details on how to vote (for Marian Keyes!)...

The full list, with several categories, is very very long (despite the name 'shortlist'!) so it's better viewed via the awards' website. Perhaps of most interest to Trashionistas is that Marian Keyes's latest, the wonderful Anybody Out There? has been nominated for Sainsbury's popular fiction award. To vote for Marian, or any other book, click here. (Go now - hurry!)

Related: Richard and Judy archives | Prizewinners archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 12, 2007 6:49 PM

Read Sisterwife for free

Acclaimed suspense author Natalie R Collins is giving away a free download of her book, Sisterwife, on her website. Here's the blurb:

Prophesied to be the catalyst in a modern-day Armageddon, Kelsey Waite flees a life in Utah, freeing herself from a polygamous lifestyle and abusive father. She is forced to return to the state, and face her demons - and the charismatic cult leader who believes she is destined to be his second wife - when her daughter is kidnapped.

Sounds intriguing.

Related posts: Free online novel | Kate Thompson's Love Lies Bleeding

Posted by Keris on March 12, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

Books the British public just couldn't finish!

Normally at Trashionista we concern ourselves with those books you just can't put down, but today we're talking about books you struggle to pick up again after reading a few pages/chapters...

The book world is all a-flutter today about a new survey which shows the most frequently abandoned reads: top of the list is 'challenging' Booker Prize winner Vernon God Little by WBC Pierre, which 35% of 4000 surveyed readers apparently gave up on.  It was joined by Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses and classic of the impenetrables: Ulysses by James Joyce. The only female author at the top, and the biggest surprise, is that 32% of adult readers couldn't make it through Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (although, actually, you can add me to that list - Quidditch World Cup? Snoozeathon! Pick up the pace, JK...)

If any of those books are on your personal unfinished list, The Times helpfully tells you how they end, and The Guardian digests them for you.

So... what's the book you just couldn't finish? Find out mine over the cut!

For me it's William Faulkner's famously difficult The Sound and the Fury.  (With no differentiation in tenses and no idea which character is talking, it's a 'puzzler', to say the least). On the other hand, I managed to get to the end of the execrable Citizen Girl - but wished I hadn't bothered!

How about you?

Related post: Lovely Bones and Jane Austen on publishing insider's list of books NOT to read

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 12, 2007 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (11)

March 9, 2007 5:12 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Cold Mountain

Based on the critically acclaimed novel, by Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain stars Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger (who won an Oscar for this role).

Law plays a confederate soldier who, disillusioned with the Civil War, sets off on foot to return to Cold Mountain and Ada, the woman he loves. Of course, things haven't exactly been a picnic for Ada while he's been away ...

I must admit, I haven't seen the film because, despite being beautifully written, the book was far too slow-going for me. Anyone seen it?

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on March 9, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

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 8, 2007 2:48 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Adultery Club by Tess Stimson

In the beginning of the year we got excited about previews of The Adultery Club being given away with Red magazine. Tempted by the teaser - and the ubiquitous tube and rail advertising - I decided to put to one side my contempt for all things adulterous and read the book with an open mind.

Rather than a stereotypical novel with a narrator of sorts, The Adultery Club is narrated by the three main characters - Mal, the wife; Nicholas, the cheating husband; and Sara, the mistress - each taking it in turns to pick up the narrative thread from their point of view. 

I would have expected a book written in this fashion to be equally sympathetic to all characters, and judging by the reviews on Amazon, many readers found that to be the case. But while I felt more sympathy for Nicholas than I expected to, this was mostly due to the character of Sara, who was painted as a scheming harlot who did everything she could to ensnare a man she knew to be the married father of small children, persevering after refusals she could tell were difficult to utter.

Despite hating one of the characters, however, I didn't hate the book. Rather, I enjoyed it. A lot. Stimson is a talented writer who really gets inside the heads of her characters, meaning we do too. While this made me dislike Sara, it gave me sympathy for Nicholas, as the reader follows his moral waverings - while he is weak in the face of Sara's relentless pursuit, he initially and repeatedly tries to do the right thing.

As a portrait of the suffering that betrayal causes for all involved, The Adultery Club is a worthy three-dimensional read. It's also an involving book, and one that will stick with you once you've read the final pages. Anyone considering embarking on an affair would be well-advised to pick it up, as it eloquently describes the heartache, loneliness, and self-hatred that betrayal causes for all involved - even the innocent parties.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Liked this? Try: Getting Rid of Matthew, by Jane Fallon

Posted by Aigua Media on March 8, 2007 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 7, 2007 10:32 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Motherland by Maria Beaumont

I must admit I wasn’t particularly thrilled at the prospect of Maria Beaumont’s Motherland. Despite being an obsessed mother myself, I’m a bit bored by all the Mummy Lit crowding the shelves, but Motherland is different.

Fran used to have a fab career as a voiceover artist. She used to be madly in love with her husband, Richard. She used to be cool, calm and in control. And then she had kids. Frightened half to death at the idea of going back to work, cutting herself off from her two best friends and alienating her husband - plus the small matter of drinking so much that she forgets to pick her kids up from school - Fran hits rock bottom and then drags herself back up again.

Fran is a lovely character. Sarcastic, facetious, bitter and depressed, she still manages to be funny and endearing. Her descent into depression is written so sympathetically that I found myself feeling anxious on her behalf. The bitchy mothers at Fran’s children’s school are charicatures, but intentionally so (one has a wart on her nose, for heaven’s sake) and, in my experience, those type of mothers are all the same anyway.

Beaumont does something clever with the chapter numbers too (I know, how clever can you be with chapter numbers? But trust me, I was very impressed when I (finally) noticed) and it only added to the thrill of watching Fran get her life back.

Despite it being the kind of story that’s been done many times before, Beaumont’s writing and humour make Motherland a hugely satisfying and enjoyable read.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy by Polly Williams

Posted by Keris on March 7, 2007 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 6, 2007 12:20 PM

BOOK REVIEW: I Love Capri by Belinda Jones

Trashionista makes no secret of our love affair with Belinda Jones. She's a master of writing fluffy escapist fiction set in glamorous locations, and I Love Capri is no exception.

Kim is down on love and down on life. Having had her heart badly broken a few years before the book begins, she healed herself by retreating from the world - lots of nights in and dodgy telly in place of a jet-set lifestyle and exciting trips abroad as a professional translator. Making matters worse is her mother, who is never happy with Kim's appearance, and who has a worrying tendency to meddle in her daughter's love life.

Following the death of a grandfather she's never met Kim inherits £5,000, which she plans to spend on liposuction for her and her long-suffering flatmate. Before she can book an appointment, however, her mother whisks her off to Capri, home of the deceased grandfather, to do the translating as her mother prepares to take over her grandfather's boutique.

Initially terrified of leaving her comfort zone, Kim finds that life in Capri is better than she could have imagined. Despite being surrounded by high-end designer goods and miles of bling too ostentatious for J.Lo, Kim feels energised, not intimidated. Add to the extra energy a gradually improving relationship with her mother, more male attention than she knows what to do with, and a growing affection for the island and its inhabitants, and Kim finds herself to be a whole new woman.

But self-discovery isn't all that Capri has in store for Kim. Oh no. After all, it wouldn't be chick lit without a love affair, and spokes in wheels, and heartache, and more love, and extra suitors - inappropriate, natch - hiding in the wings. The difference between this novel and standard chick lit, though, is all in the quality of Jones' writing. The plot hinges on a fresh spin on an age-old question, one that will leave you reassessing your moral compass. Making it even more unique, I Love Capri doesn't end predictably, although the ending is entirely in keeping with the characters you've grown to love. [Kate Walker]

Rating: 5 out of 5
Liked this? Try: Divas Las Vegas, by Belinda Jones

Posted by Aigua Media on March 6, 2007 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

March 1, 2007 1:04 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Girls by Lori Lansens

"I have never looked into my sister's eyes. I have never bathed alone. I have never stood in the grass at night and raised my arms to a beguiling moon. I've never used an aeroplane bathroom. Or worn a hat. Or been kissed like that...So many things I've never done, but oh, how I've been loved. And, if such things were to be, I'd live a thousand times as me, to be loved so exponentially."

So begins Lori Lansens' The Girls, one of the books chosen for Richard and Judy's 2007 bookclub. Who could fail to be moved by such a tender and evocative beginning? And it just gets better and better.

Rose and Ruby Darlen are as close as sisters can be. Born joined at the head, they have lived a life full of spectacle, ridicule, love and wonderment. Now approaching 30, the girls are telling their own story in two contrasting styles, capturing all the hopes, fears, crashing disappointments and ordinary yet tender moments in two extraordinary lives.

I found Lori Lansens' evocative tale deeply affecting. It’s a long time for me since any fictional characters leapt from the page like Rose and Ruby, remembering their beloved Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash.

As a mum of two eight-year-olds, I'm no fan of stereotypical portrayals of twins in fiction (and there are a few about – they’re not all pairs of good or evil you know) so the warm and subtle storytelling in this for me, unforgettable book, comes like a breeze of fresh air over a sea of mediocrity. I've savoured every page - reading passages aloud to my mum or partner, as I go. At turns laugh out loud funny, heartbreaking and shocking, The Girls is an absolute gem – a book I could read and re-read.

I even found myself nodding in agreement when it came to Aunt Lovey’s musings about three different types of people in this world - those who love children, those who love their own children and those who hate children but call their pets "Baby." Oh that sounds familiar. I think I’ve met a few of that last lot. [Linda Jones]

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Posted by Aigua Media on March 1, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (4)

February 23, 2007 10:27 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: The English Patient

Based on Michael Ondaatje's Booker-Prize-winning novel, The English Patient won 9 Oscars.

Juliette Binoche is Hana, a nurse caring for a badly burned Englishman (Ralph Fiennes) at a deserted Tuscan monastery. As he's dying, the patient tells Hana how he fell in love with a married woman (Kristin Scott-Thomas) whilst working in the Middle East. The relationship had tragic consequences and we see these scenes in flashback.

As you would expect from such a great cast (including - yes! - Colin Firth), the acting is brilliant if a little cold. The film looks incredibly beautiful and it is tragically romantic, but I found it pretentious, while, at the same time, being totally transfixed.

I would suggest reading the novel after watching the film. If I hadn't seen the film first I would have found the novel completely inpenetrable.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on February 23, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 19, 2007 11:07 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Frank Cottrell Boyce's debut children's novel was made into a film directed by Danny Boyle, but the book is far superior. Set at an unspecified date in the near future, two boys discover a bag of stolen money that's been thrown from a passing train. The trouble is it's Sterling and the Euro is due to come in any day, making the cash obsolete and unspendable, so the boys go about trying to get rid of it as fast as they can without attracting the attention of any responsible adults, not least their father and the thieves themselves.

As if the above wasn't enough to cope with, their mother has died and 9-year-old Damian deals with his grief by hiding in a cardboard box "hermitage" and obsessing over saints. The boys' father has no idea how to deal with this or indeed his own grief.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's entertaining, innovative, exciting, sweet, funny and well-written. The boys' grief is dealt with sensitively and also amusingly (which I know sounds odd, but trust me). I'd imagine it'd be an excellent book to read to children from about 8 years old. I really loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Bee Season by Myra Goldberg

Posted by Keris on February 19, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 16, 2007 4:26 PM

GUEST BLOG: Levi Asher on 1970s chick lit

During our Top 100 Extravaganza, I compiled a list of chick lit precursors, i.e. books that could have been described as chick lit had chick lit existed. Yesterday I read an article by author and founder of Literary Kicks, Levi Asher, on the books he read in the '70s that could perhaps be considered chick lit. I thought you might like to read it too.

Great Chick-Lit of the 70's (or, the Books That Raised Me) by Levi Asher

The industry is buzzing about chick-lit again. I don't know much about this whole phenomenon, except in a strange way I do, because I was raised on chick-lit. As a kid in the 1970's, the first grownup books I read (and really enjoyed) were the racy, funny and wise novels that my grandmother, my mother and my older sister left lying around the house. These books had a big influence on me, and I wonder if the chick-lit of today could possibly be as good.

1. The first adult book I ever read was Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York, a hilarious but sensitive sex comedy about a single Jewish woman hunting for the love of her life while slumming with some clearly unsuitable replacements. This novel came straight off Grandma Jeannette's shelf in Miami Beach, and I do believe I even smuggled it back home in my little suitcase so I could finish reading it when summer vacation ended too soon. I learned a lot about human sexuality by reading this book (a bestseller at the time), and I distinctly remember asking my sister to explain words like "diaphragm" and "orgasm", which is hilarious in retrospect since my sister probably didn't know what these words meant either.

Sheila Levine's gimmick is that the book is a suicide note, because the narrator has given up on finding a man and has decided to kill herself (she doesn't succeed, and the novel ends with Sheila's epilogue to her suicide note, in which she worries about whether or not her rescuers put her apartment door back on the hinges after they broke it down to save her life). I wonder what happened to Gail Parent? I liked Sheila Levine so much that I bought her follow-up, David Meyer is a Mother, but it wasn't as good. I remember hearing that Gail Parent wrote scripts for the show "Rhoda", which makes a lot of sense since Rhoda Morgenstern and Sheila Levine are basically the same character. I also remember a terrible-looking film version of Sheila Levine coming out with Jeannie Berlin in the title role. It ran for about two days in theatres and has since disappeared from the face of the earth, even though Roy Scheider was in it just before starring in Jaws.

The book is still in print, but I don't like the shiny new cover anywhere near as much as the old one.

2. I think I picked up Sue Kaufman's Diary of a Mad Housewife from my Mom's collection. This is a brilliant, sharp satire about the miserable, unappreciated wife of an social-climbing Manhattan lawyer. In the book's best moments, such as the climactic cocktail party that collapses into a faux-pas-ridden disaster, Kaufman's sharp and observant narrative takes on a Dostoevskian intensity. It's not for nothing that the title evokes Nikolai Gogol.

Diary of a Mad Housewife also beat the odds when it was made into an absolutely great film starring Carrie Snodgress as timid Tina Balser, Richard Benjamin as her jerk husband and Frank Langella as a ratty suitor. Here's some surprising Mad Housewife trivia: Neil Young saw this movie and wrote the song "A Man Needs A Maid" about it:

Now I'll go somewhere, I don't know when
I was watching a movie with a friend
I fell in love with the actress
She was playing a part that I could understand

Neil Young then went on to meet, date and marry Carrie Snodgress, which shows that he must have really liked the movie. The strange thing about all this is that the song "A Man Needs A Maid" expresses a man's plaintive desire for a submissive woman, whereas the book and the movie are clearly attempting to skewer the notion that submissive women can be happy in relationships. No wonder Neil and Carrie got divorced a few years later.

Sue Kaufman's novel is still available in a new edition with an introduction by spoken-word poet Maggie Estep (this book's hip credentials are through the roof). Incidentally, Diary of a Mad Housewife should technically be categorized as chick-lit of the 60's, but I didn't read it until the 70's, and I like the way the title "Great Chick-Lit of the 70's" sounds.

3. My sister turned me on to Kin-Flicks, an absolutely wonderful literary bestseller by Lisa Alther that inspired me as both a reader and a writer.

Kin-Flicks is about the phases in the life of a southern girl, Ginny Babcock, who we meet as a lusty cheerleader with a jock boyfriend. But she quickly switches gears after the town hoodlum steals her away from the jock, after which she escapes to college and becomes a tweedy intellectual under the guise of a stern and matronly philosophy professor. Ginny then goes on to morph into a sex-crazed vegetarian lesbian, a dutiful country housewife and several other original life forms before she finally exhausts herself from all the changes.

Back in her hometown, where her mother is sick, a mature Ginny peers at cells dividing under a microscope, and begins to understand the cycle of dependency and rejection that has dominated her entire life to this moment. Kin-Flicks is, among other things, the most Taoist book I've read since the Tao Te Ching, but the book is as funny and engaging as it is wise. Kin-Flicks is still in print as well, again in a trashy looking cover that doesn't do the work justice.

Now that I've talked about these three books, I may as well come clean; the whole concept of this article is admittedly offensive, and I don't really think it makes sense to categorize books as varied as Sheila Levine, Diary or Kin-Flicks as prototypes for a commercial genre. These books are not chick-lit ... and yet it seems clear that they were marketed as guilty pleasure reading for largely female audiences (plus one nerdy kid on Long Island who didn't know better).

So, is it possible that among the pink stacks of today's "Women's Category Fiction" shelves there exist writers as timeless as Gail Parent, Sue Kaufman, Lisa Alther? Well, I don't know the answer to that question, because I don't read chick-lit. I haven't since the 70's, anyway.

What about you?

Posted by Keris on February 16, 2007 in Book related, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (26)

February 12, 2007 10:15 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Taming the Beast by Emily Maguire

Emily Maguire's debut novel could be described as literary erotic fiction. It's the dark tale of a fourteen-year-old who is seduced by her English teacher one day at school, and of the life-changing chain of events that this unleashes for the heroine and everyone close to her.

Sarah is obsessed with Mr Carr, sex and literature - in that order. But how far will she, and the people who love her, go for the sake of devotion and obsession? In some ways, the character of Sarah was not easy to identify with - she was ruthless, often cold-hearted, and she treated herself and others with little respect. But somehow Emily Maguire made her oddly sympathetic. Mr Carr, who I expected to hate, came across as human too - albeit a terribly flawed, damaged individual. There was something compelling about the story of Sarah's exploits, and I found it very easy to care about Sarah's friend Jamie, her longtime friend and admirer.

Throughout this book, Emily Maguire explores the complexity of relationships. There are no easy answers. This is sometimes an uncomfortable read, but a worthwhile one. The descriptions of Sarah's violent sex life were graphic but not gratuitous, though not particularly erotic, either. The focus was on the emotional state of the characters, and the book was both disturbing and thought-provoking. It is worth reading for a no-holds-barred look at the extremes of female sexuality, and the study of where the true power lies in relationships. There were parallels drawn with Jane Eyre which, though slightly hard to get a grip on initially, gave the book an interesting focus on unconventional heroines, and a feminist slant. A dark and original book. [Luisa Plaja]

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller

Posted by Keris on February 12, 2007 in Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

February 9, 2007 10:33 AM

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

We’ve had a few books about book clubs and now knitting clubs are popping up on chick lit shelves everywhere, as Diane mentioned a while ago. Kate Jacobs’ The Friday Night Knitting Club has already secured a movie deal (with Julia Roberts, no less).

It’s the charming story of Georgia Walker - single mother to a mixed-race daughter, Dakota, and proprietor of a knitting shop in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Encouraged by Georgia’s mentor, Anita, and assistant, Peri, local women begin to gather in the shop on a Friday evening to chat, knit and eat treats cooked by 12-year-old Dakota ... and The Friday Night Knitting Club is born.

But then Dakota’s father James reappears on the scene wanting a relationship not only with Dakota, but with Georgia too. Georgia’s former best friend, Cat, also turns up, unsatisfied with her glamorous life. Everything seems to be changing and Georgia’s not sure she’s ready.

Woven in (or should I say knitted in?) with Georgia’s story are the stories of the other members of the group: Anita is embarking on her first romance since the death of her beloved husband; pompous academic Darwin is struggling to complete a dissertation while her husband works on the other side of the country; filmmaker Lucie is undertaking single motherhood.

The women are not given equal time - this is certainly Georgia’s book - but they are all interesting and it might be fun for at least a couple of the women to get their own books in the future. The author’s habit of using description in place of names - "the white haired woman said," "The TV producer left the office door open" - drove me to distraction, but that might bother anyone else.

The Friday Night Knitting Club is a lovely, warm, evocative, book that also made me cry. It was perhaps all a bit too perfect and neat (I wasn’t entirely convinced by James’s reasons for staying away, but, at the same time, it was certainly possible and, if true,* believably painful). And, yes, it did make me want to try knitting (again).

* Yes, I know it’s not true, it’s a novel, but you know what I mean. Don’t you?

Rating: 4 out of 5 (I’d like to give it 4.5, but since I can’t it’ll have to be 4)

Like this? Try Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

Posted by Keris on February 9, 2007 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 6, 2007 3:49 PM

Irish book awards

Cecelia Ahern and Marian Keyes are going head to head in the Irish Book Awards, the shortlist for which was announced last week. A Place Called Here is up against Anybody Out There in the popular fiction category. Also shortlisted are Maeve Binchy, Ross O'Carroll Kelly and John Banville (writing as Benjamin Black).

The overall winners will be revealed on March 15. [via Irish Independent]

Posted by Keris on February 6, 2007 in Book News, Cecelia Ahern, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Step On It, Cupid! by Lorelei Mathias

After seeing the vid-lit for Lorelei Mathias' Step On It, Cupid! I just had to give it a read. Granted, I'm not usually one for tales of dating (I'm a meanie who'd much love to see our heroines end up alone with twenty cats. Okay, joke!), but this one just seemed cute. Not only that, but the Little Black Dress series is wonderful (Spirit Willing, Flesh Weak is another great read, but we'll save that for another time.) Anyway, on with the review.

Sassy twenty-something Amelie (yep, just like the film) has a fabulous job in advertising, and after vowing to make her work the centre of her life for the coming year, she's determined to succeed when she and best friend Duncan are handed one heck of a task - an ad campaign for Fast Love, Britain's upcoming and already widely popular speed-dating company. The task at hand is to come up with a brand new strategy - but SPEED-DATING? Of all things!

Passing off speed-dating as a tool for the utmost in desperate, Amelie is stumped when she finds herself dragged along to speed-dating nights as research for the Fast Love project. And after being introduced to countless impossible suitors, maybe it's time to give up on the whole romance thing? Speed-dating couldn't possibly work...or could it?

Step On It, Cupid! is cute, romantic and definitely a joy to read if cutesy, romantic books are for you. However, despite the lovable Amelie and plenty of humour in places, I did think the whole concept (overworked ad girl with demanding boss finds love) is starting to become a bit overused. It may be dotted with cliches, but the speed-dating theme does bring a whole new, original twist to it. Needless to say, I enjoyed it, and as previously mentioned, I usually give the overtly lovey-dovey ones a miss.

In all, it's a fun, light read, that'll keep you guessing. And for once, the ending isn't TOTALLY obvious, either.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try The Bachelorette Party by Karen McCullah Lutz

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on February 6, 2007 in Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 2, 2007 5:28 PM

The Bad Mother's Handbook on ITV

A dramatisation of Kate Long's The Bad Mother's Handbook will be shown on ITV later this month. As you can see the book's been give a new - and very pink - tie-in cover.

With a fantastic cast including Catherine Tate and Anne Reid, it sounds like must-see TV. Read more about filming (and have a look at the pics) at Kate Long's website.

And we'll let you have more details as soon as we know them ourselves.

Posted by Keris on February 2, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 1, 2007 2:06 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Second Wives Club by Jane Moore

Modern marriage is more disposable than institution, according to any sociologist looking to get press clippings on a slow news day. Papers fill their lifestyle sections with treatises on 'starter marriages', divorce rates are on the up, and compound families of step-everyones have fast become the norm in modern-day Britain.

Or so they said last year. This year's press has been peppered with the odd piece on falling divorce rates, the acceptance of marriage as a meaningful declaration of life-long love, and the pursuit of happiness amongst our feckless youth. Which could cause problems for Jane Moore, whose Second Wives Club is due to be published in paperback this April.

At least, it could if the book weren't a fun read.

The Second Wives Club opens with the dramatic crashing of a dream wedding by the - horror! - first wife who had been told her ex was taking the kiddiewinks to the park for the day, not dressing them up in their Sunday best and making them play pageboys.

Ghastly. But every cloud has a silver lining, and for second bride Alison, that silver lining comes when a guest at the wedding invites her to join the second wives club, a place where trophy wives, former mistresses, and self-effacing childcarers join together to bitch about the horrors of being a second wife and all of the social politics such a position entails.

All of the club's members have relationship troubles of sorts, with children from the first marriage, difficult starter wives, and - naturally - the husbands themselves. During their meetings they conspire to fix these troubles, with varying degrees of morality and success.

I'd like to end the review like this: Essentially this is a light-hearted romp, with enough drama to keep you absorbed. The characters are all interesting people, although not all are likeable.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Being honest, however, I have to end it like this: The only two downsides for me were thus: first, reading the book instilled me with an overwhelming sense of deja vu. I know I've not read the book before, but I have. I knew the characters, I knew the essence of the plot turns, if not the details, and I knew exactly how it was all going to work out in the end. And not in the cosy familiar sense I get with most chick-lit, where the familiarity breeds enjoyment, but in the predictable dull sense. Second, (and I know this is very -ist of me) I can't quite bring myself to enjoy a novel where two of the main characters actively pursued married men and took them from their wives and children. It goes against everything I'm made of.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try Getting Rid of Matthew by Jane Fallon

Posted by Aigua Media on February 1, 2007 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 29, 2007 1:54 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Bitch Lit edited by Maya Chowdhry & Mary Sharratt

Maya Chowdhry and Mary Sharratt have edited this collection of short stories all having the general theme of women anti-heroes. Bitch Lit is apparently an antidote for all the Dick Lit we’ve had to endure in the past.
 
The blurb claims that all these stories are tales of women and power, the opposite of cautionary tales. Bitch Lit is a celebration of women who take the law into their own hands, who defy society’s expectations, put their own needs first and don’t feel guilty.

Unfortunately when they say ‘take the law into their own hands’ what they actually mean is break it. The characters in these stories serially murder, steal, commit adultery and fraud or, if you’re lucky, are just extremely selfish or mean spirited. They’ve attempted to describe this book as feminist, but that’s like saying Hitler was male so if the world was a fair and righteous place we should have a female dictator who commits genocide and tries to take over the world. It’s just wrong!

As with any book of short stories there will be a mixed bunch. Some are better than others, but all of these left a sour taste in my mouth and stole some of the faith I had that human nature was basically good and kind. Ironically the authors who wrote the shortest stories were the most successful in fitting in a complete tale. Some of the longest ended leaving me confused and wondering what happened. It seemed they’d reached their maximum word count and just stopped. They might as well have stopped mid sentence for all the sense some of the endings made.

One thing this book does achieve is in provoking a reaction. I can imagine people who enjoy looking at a rubbish bag or an unmade bed as a new form of modern art would find this book extremely interesting.
 
If you’re like me and prefer to recycle your rubbish, do yourself a favour don’t buy this book and save a tree. [Angela Richardson]
 
Rating: 1 out of 5

Like this? Try This Is Chick Lit edited by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Posted by Keris on January 29, 2007 in American Authors, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 1/5, Recent Release, Rubbish Books, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

Free online novel

Author and journalist Bill Stephens is publishing his novel, Horizons Past, online for free. Along with a new chapter each week, the website also features a forum where you can "comment, critique, offer plot revisions, or just chat."

Stephens calls his style "Nicholas Sparks with a sense of humor" and the book’s premise sounds entertaining:

Take "Notting Hill" (1999 movie with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant - Hollywood actress falls for the owner of a small travel book store in London's Knotting Hill area) and set it on the Texas Coast, add substance, a sand poet, intrigue, a hurricane, and a pinch of Anna Karinina (sic), and you have the story line. Cultures collide and humor abounds when the movie star (think Sandra Bullock) encounters the reclusive Texas beach sand poet (think Harrison Ford).

[via Publishers Lunch]

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

Posted by Keris on January 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: My Lucky Star by Joe Keenan

Joe Keenan was a scriptwriter for Frasier, which might give you an idea of his kind of humour. My Lucky Star is his third book featuring Gilbert, Philip and Claire, a trio of screenwriters (well, Philip and Claire are, at least) who manage to get themselves into the most unlikely of scrapes (generally thanks to Gilbert). I enjoyed the first (Blue Heaven) and haven’t yet read the second (Putting on the Ritz), but it didn’t hinder me from enjoying My Lucky Star to the fullest.

Gilbert (the loose-cannon of the three) has been out in LA and has, against all expectations, managed to drum up interest in his screenplay. He invites Claire and Philip out to LA to assist him in adapting a novel for a major producer. They’re understandably suspicious, but assume Gilbert has passed off one of their scripts as his own. They’re wrong, it’s not one of their scripts Gilbert has appropriated, but the script of ... Casablanca (with a few identifying details changed).

Claire and Philip are horrified by the prospect of exposure as unwilling plagiarists, but for various reasons too convoluted to explain here, they stay to help out and find themselves embroiled in ever more outrageous, disastrous and hilarious scenarios.

Like a demented cross between early Jackie Collins, Tales of the City and Will & Grace, My Lucky Star is enormous fun. I laughed out loud loads of times and actually went back a few times to re-read the funniest jokes (and laughed again). It’s intricate and clever and must have been incredibly difficult to write (it took Keenan ten years, fitting it around his all-consuming day job).

There are some fabulous characters (Monty was my favourite, but I love Gilbert too), brilliantly amusing situations, even a bit of Hollywood satire. Plus - and this may put some of you off - if it was a film it would be a 15 (R or even NC17 in the US, I think) due to a number of gay sex scenes, and though they are fairly graphic, Keenan’s dry humour imbues every scene. Plus they’re essential to the plot. No, really.

I loved this book and never picked it up without smiling (and, frequently, saying “I love this book” to the consternation of my ignored husband). If you like dry humour and Hollywood farce, you’ll love it too.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try How I Paid for College by Marc Acito

Posted by Keris on January 29, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 25, 2007 6:59 PM

A novel in txts

Earlier today I mentioned Meg Cabot’s Boy Meets Girl, which is made up of emails, text messages and other sundries, now there’s a novel in which the entire narrative consists of text messages alone.

Published earlier this week in Finland, The Last Messages by Hannu Luntiala is the story of an IT-executive who resigns from his job and travels throughout Europe and India, keeping in touch with his friends and relatives via texts (roughly 1,000 of them altogether). [via Book 2 Book]

So is this the future and, if so, should we be worried?

Posted by Keris on January 25, 2007 in Book News, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: A French Affair by Susan Lewis

Susan Lewis has written many best selling books. In her latest book A French Affair she has used her favourite theme of motherhood. Something that I didn’t think would interest me, as my maternal instinct is about as large as a microbe.

Jessica had a seemingly perfect family - three children, a famous husband and her own successful career in television. That was until her daughter was killed in a freak accident. Jessica instinctively knows there was more to her daughter’s death, but her husband Charlie is so paralysed with the horror of losing a daughter that he refuses to even discuss his wife’s suspicions.
 
When their marriage is rocked by yet another terrible shock, Jessica decides to go back to the house in France where her daughter died to get some answers. When she reaches the idyllic vineyard she soon finds a great deal more than she was expecting in a love that is totally forbidden and a truth that will almost certainly devastate her life.

It’s very difficult to describe this book as it tries to be a little of everything. The story is mainly about relationships and how events can change your feelings about everything, but it’s also a mystery as Jessica is investigating the mysterious circumstances in which her daughter died.
 
The plot is very good, but the majority of it was squished into the last quarter of the book. The first half was so slow that I found myself falling asleep in embarrassing places – on the train, the bus, in the car (luckily I wasn’t driving… that would be illegal!). It reminded me of when you go to a restaurant and the plate of food is so large that however much you eat there’s still loads left on the plate. The more time I spent reading this book the longer it seemed to get until I reached that magic halfway mark where Lewis stored away most of the story.
 
I think this would be a good summer read. It was set in hot foreign climes and had a very lazy atmosphere. However, it was a little too slow to keep my attention. [Angela Richardson]
 
Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
 

Posted by Keris on January 25, 2007 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 19, 2007 12:57 PM

Dawn Annandale: another author bends the truth

Well, who'd have thought it?! Another day, another "non-fiction" writer's truth-telling credentials called into question...

Dawn Annandale, author of the sensational memoir, or rather 'memoir' Call Me Elizabeth (about her time working as a prostitute in order to get out of debt), has admitted that she lied to police about a rape charge in an attempt to delay court proceedings against her.  A nifty trick which cost the taxpayer a cool £15,000...

Annandale's next book, Call Me Madam, is out later this year and will apparently not surprisingly now be marketed as FICTION.

Related: Augusten Burroughs latest author to face accusations of lying   

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 19, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release | Permalink

BOOK REVIEW: A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews

I loved Miriam Toews's earlier novel, A Boy of Good Breeding, so I was excited to pick up A Complicated Kindness, which I'd heard a lot of great things about, although I had no idea of the storyline.

It's set in a Mennonite community in Canada in (I think) the early '80s (dates are deliberately sketchy). Mennonites are a religious sect of the 'are they a cult or aren't they?' variety and as Toews was brought up Mennonite I can only assume she is drawing heavily on her own experience with this story of a disillusioned sixteen-year old girl, fed up of her isolated life in a dead-end town in which all forms of fun and self-expression are heavily frowned-upon.

To add to main character Nomi's sense of alienation, her mother and sister ("the better looking half of our family") are missing, her best friend is bed-bound in hospital and she feels disconnected from her boyfriend. Plus she's failing in school and her only prospect for a future career seems to be snapping necks at the local chicken factory...

Cheery, no?

I was surprised by how different this was to her earlier book - it's a much bleaker story and although it has first-person narration instead of third-person as in A Boy... I felt much less connected to Nomi than the characters in that book. I was also disappointed with the way not much seemed to change, and nothing really happens!

It's all pretty gloomy, although intelligently written with great use of language and some wonderful moments of black humour. I also totally believed in the characters and admired the way Miriam Toews created narrative tension out of very little action! But I felt let down by the book's ending.

I wanted to love this book, but instead I just liked and admired it, in a slightly detached way.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try A Boy of Good Breeding by Miriam Toews.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 19, 2007 in Book related, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 18, 2007 11:44 AM

Eva Mendes needed big boobs for comic book role - apparently

Actually, I think the word she used was "bajoongas"...

Bookslut is scathing of  the choice of Mendes for the upcoming* film adapatation of  graphic novel Ghost Rider. Especially as the gorgeous star recently admitted she'd put on weight for the film specifically to enhance her chest size:

"The original Roxanne was blonde and blue-eyed, but also had huge bajoongas... I figured since I can't be blonde and blue-eyed, I'll at least have her bra size. So the bajoongas got big. They were out of control!" 

Don't say we don't bring you the need-to-know news, people!

*February in the US, March in the UK.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 18, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: Cause Celeb by Helen Fielding

Helen Fielding put her pre-novelist experience working for Comic Relief to good use by writing a book about aid work in Africa (don't worry, it's not as worthy as it sounds!) Cause Celeb was her debut novel, and never captured the public imagination in the same way Bridget did, but it still boasts the same humour and charm as her Miss Jones novels...

Rosie Richardson is tired of her Daniel Cleaver-ish TV presenter boyfriend and so makes the dramatic decision to chuck it all and head off to work in Africa. But after four years helping to keep a refugee camp going, disaster strikes when drought and famine hit the region. She has no choice but to return to London, and try to use her former 'connections' in television to put together a star-studded celebrity charity appeal...

Although perhaps a little far-fetched at times, this storyline certianly works better than Olivia Joules, where I didn't feel a chick-lit girly girl and a terorist plot blended at all well...

Here, Fielding's knowledge of the subject shines through, and she has some serious points to make, which she does in a very non-zealous way, meaning the reader really learns something. This is a book with much more to say than Bridget Jones's Diary, which is perhaps why it didn't do as well! But I think all Fielding fans will enjoy it as it's witty and very well-written, and has a touch of romance too - something of a hidden gem, in fact.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Sundowners by Lesley Lokko

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 18, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 17, 2007 1:58 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Back on Monday, I told you that Anne Hathaway will play Jane Austen in an upcoming film about the classic author's young life called Becoming Jane.

So we now have Americans portraying Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter and ultimate chick-lit heroine Bridget Jones.

But should they? Is it necessary in order to pull in crowds at the box office? Does it matter, as long as the accent - I mean performance - is good? Or should we be giving British actresses more of a chance? (And if you're American, what do you think?)

Americans playing classic English heroines - tell us, 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!]

Photo courtesy of BBC online.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 17, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Movie News, New Releases, Opinion, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (7)

Book clubs - not just for books?

Anyone who knows me will laugh/nod their head in recognition when I say that I'm far too much of a control freak to be in a book club and have other people set my reading list. Plus, I have way too many books lined up to review! But there's no denying their popularity, and I have enjoyed some of the books about book clubs. (This one more than this one, which I found shocking in its pro-life propaganda - but that's anther story!) And if it's good enough for Rory Gilmore, it can't be a bad idea...

But a recent post on the Galleycat book blog suggested that book clubs are more about gossiping, or wine-drinking, or problem solving than actually talking about books! I can see that might be the case if you're with a group of good girl friends, but perhaps not so much if you're part of a group at say, your local library... Apparently clubs are now evolving to include meals, movie adaptations and other social activities (so more of a get-together than a 'book club' then...)

Are you part of a book club? Do you actually read and discuss the books, or does your attention wander? We'd love to know!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 17, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Everyone Else's Girl by Megan Crane

I wasn’t entirely convinced by Megan Crane’s debut novel, English as a Second Language, so I picked up Everyone Else’s Girl with a bit of trepidation. I needn’t have worried though, the writing was just as great as Megan’s first book, but the main character, Meredith, was nicer, the love interest hotter and ... well, I’m getting ahead of myself.

When Meredith McKay goes home to New Jersey for the hen night/bachelorette party of her brother’s fiance (and Meredith’s former best friend), Jeannie, she has no plans to stay any longer than strictly necessary. She’s got her own life in Atlanta with an apartment, job and boyfriend she loves.

But when her father has a car accident on the way back from driving Meredith’s mother to the airport for a dream trip to Europe ... and neither Meredith’s older brother nor younger sister have any intention of looking after him (or his collection of tropical fish), Meredith finds herself stuck in the life she’d tried so hard to escape.

The funny thing is, not much seems to have changed since she left. All of Meredith’s old high school embarrassments, tensions and humiliations are just waiting to catch up with her. As is Scott, formerly the butt of the McKay family’s jokes (which he knows all about, by the way), now a seriously sexy lawyer out for revenge on Meredith (sexy revenge, as Homer Simpson would say)!

But Meredith’s already got a life in Atlanta, she wouldn’t be interested in making one in New Jersey, would she?

I LOVED Everyone Else’s Girl. Meredith is sweet without being a pushover (most of the time) and I totally identified with her mixed feelings about her home town, her family, even her former friends. Every part of the book felt realistic and true to me. The supporting characters are great (particularly Meredith’s cooler sister, Hope who should get her own book) and it’s funny and painful and have I already said true? Loved it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Why Moms are Weird by Pamela Ribon

Read our interview with Megan Crane

Posted by Keris on January 17, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 16, 2007 1:23 PM

MOVIE NEWS: The Time Traveler's Wife

What have directors Steven Spielberg, David Fincher and Gus Van Sant got in common? They’ve all considered - and rejected - the film version of Audrey Niffenegger’s novel The Time Traveler’s Wife. German director Robert Schwentke (who directed Jodie Foster’s Flightplan) is now apparently on board. [via Reuters]

Mean Girls’ Rachel McAdams is in negotiation to star as Clare. Still no sign of a male lead. Any ideas?

Posted by Keris on January 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

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)

Five chapters

Five chapters is a new, free internet-based way to read great fiction. A story is published every week, with a chapter every weekday. And! You can submit stories for publication, as well as reading them...

Find out more.

Related: The neverending story...

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

January 15, 2007 11:03 AM

Lovely Bones and Jane Austen on publishing insider's list of books NOT to read

Okay, I can understand that some people didn't love The Lovely Bones, it certainly has its flaws... But topping a list of Books you shouldn't bother to read? No. No no noooooooo. And Austen too?!

Although I do agree about Brick Lane, as I got bored half-way through and took it back to the library - life's too short.

What's on your "don't bother" list?

[Via Galleycat].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Rubbish Books, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (12)

January 12, 2007 6:07 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Special Topics in Calamity Physics

Marisha Pessl's hugely successful and hugely hyped debut novel (nothing to do with the author's looks ... probably) has been optioned by no less than Miramax Films (and producer Scott Rudin). David Hare, who adapted Michael Cunningham's The Hours, is writing the screenplay.

No clues as to casting yet, but since the main character is a teenage girl, I'm thinking Lindsay Lohan or Keira Knightley, as usual. [via Galleycat]

Posted by Keris on January 12, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

Can I offer you some Seduction, for free?

Ha - bet that title woke you up on a dreary Friday afternoon (if not, nothing will...)!

I loved Catherine Gildiner's very funny memoir of her unusual Canadian childhood Too Close to the Falls, and now she's written a novel, called Seduction, which for some CRAZY reason isn't available in the UK yet. But you can read an excerpt on this website here, and I think it reads a bit like a Jennifer Crusie novel... which can only be a good thing.

Let's hope it hits these shores shortly!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 12, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Meri Sugarman, Psycho Queen by M. Apostilina

M. Apostilina's Meri Sugarman, Psycho Queen is another book that changed its name as it flew over the Atlantic: in America, it was called Hazing Meri Sugarman. But the story is the same: when Cindy Bixby moves away to university, she thinks that joining her mum's old sorority will be the perfect way for her to make new friends and to bond with her mother.

But although she knows getting into the sorority will be tough, she has no idea HOW tough, as the clearly psychotic sorority president Meri puts the wannabe sisters through their paces in a series of humiliating, outrageous and at times illegal dares, challenges and stunts. Cindy's torn between wanting to impress Meri, and wanting to challenge her supremacy, until Meri takes her humiliation a step too far, and Cindy vows to bring her down...

This is a really fun and very fast, well-written, snappily-paced novel which even manages to fit in a nice romantic sub-plot but it's only fair to warn you that the storyline is pretty farcical. Although the heroine is a university student, it reads much more like YA than grown-up chick lit. Which isn't to say it's not enjoyable all the same...

I wasn't that keen on the way Cindy kept putting herself down, but she grew in confidence by the end of the novel. What I did really like was the way everything was pretty nicely tied up in the last chapters - and yet there are sequels already on release in the US. I hate it when authors wimp out on a proper ending to make for the  sequel (Louise Rennison!) so I'm glad this is a good read in its own right.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Secret Society Girl by Diana Peterfreund.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 12, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (6)

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)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Sue Hepworth and Jane Linfoot

Today*, a twofer! *(I was going to say 'for the first time...' then, but actually it's the second. But still exciting!)

Lovely authors Sue Hepworth and Jane Linfoot of Plotting for Beginners fame (which, if you've been paying attention, you'll remember I LOVED) are today's special double-feature in the one and only Trashionista author interview...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Sue: An intelligent comic novel looking wryly and drily at everyday domestic life and long-haul marriages.

J: Wry domestic novel, designed to make intelligent readers laugh and feel happy - chick-lit for hens.

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

S: In an empty room, in an empty house and preferably in an empty street.

J: In the kitchen/living room surrounded by domestic chaos.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

S: Bridget Jones' Diary (also Heartburn by Nora Ephron, written before chick-lit was invented.)

J: Bridget Jones' Diary (is that what everyone says?) [Diane - yep! see above... and also this]

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

S: Miss Piggy, because she is feisty, funny, passionate and glamorous, and she goes after what she wants, no holds barred.

J: Eddie from Ab Fab because she carries it off so brilliantly.

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

S: Write every day, learn to take criticism, and never give up your dream.

J: Go to Writing Workshops/Creative Writing Classes/a Writers' Group - you will gain invaluable stimulation and support from writing friends. When starting out write about what you know; this will give your writing an immediate authenticity. (You can get more ambitious later.) Go for it - you will be able to do it.

What are you reading at the moment?

S: Footfall by Christine Poulson - an atmospheric whodunnit set in Cambridge.

J: Back issues of Enjoy Your Bike Magazine.

Carry on over the cut for more from the talented twosome!

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

S: A Sheffield-based romantic comedy with quirky characters, but which has a serious side as well.

J: My love life, clearing out the garage, the plot for a new novel, and a piece on Cycling in France for Enjoy Your Bike Magazine.

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!)

S: Which book (by someone else) do you wish you had written? Leaving Home by Garrison Keillor, because it's funny, warm, wise, humane and timeless.

J: What did you enjoy reading as a child? I loved Enid Blyton.

Thanks Jane and Sue!

Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 10, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harry Potter tipped to die (sob)

As you all surely heard just after Christmas, JK Rowling has announced the title of the seventh, and final, Harry Potter novel. According to The Guardian, bookmakers are convinced that she'll - say it isn't so! - kill Harry off in this final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Don't do it, JK!

PS: Of course you can pre-order the book already, and see a preview of the new HP movie, due July 7th, via Amazon UK's 'Harry Potter store'...

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 10, 2007 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Series | Permalink | Comments (3)

See Notes on a Scandal for free

The current issue of Heat magazine (13-19 January 2007) has details of how you can see the movie adaptation of Zoe Heller's best-selling novel, Notes on a Scandal (titled What Was She Thinking? in the US) for free.

The film stars Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench and Bill Nighy and screenings take place next Tuesday (16th January) at Odeon cinemas across the UK.

Posted by Keris on January 10, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

Reading "24"

With Day 6 of 24 coming soon to Sky One (in the UK), I thought I'd see if there are any books on offer (I watched the first series, but haven't watched any more since I got so fed up of the female characters - particularly Jack's wife and daughter - being so pathetic. Do like Kiefer though.)

"24": Behind the Scenes by Jon Cassar, the show's Director/Co Executive Producer and features a behind-the-scenes DVD as well as everything you would usually expect from an official guide.

There's a biography of Kiefer Sutherland and an official companion to seasons one and two, plus - yes! - some novelisations, like Operation Hell Gate and Veto Power. There's even something called 24: The House Special Subcommittee's Findings at CTU.

Blimey. Smell that testosterone.

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 / Will and Grace

Posted by Keris on January 10, 2007 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Series, Television | Permalink | Comments (5)

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)

The Crusie/Mayer writing workshop

This is exciting news: one of our all-time favourites Jenny/Jennifer Crusie and her collaborator Bob Mayer have launched an online writing workshop, set to run throughout the whole of 2007! (If that doesn't inspire you to write a brilliant chick-lit novel, what will?)

It's free to participate and you can ask questions and make relevant comments on each virtual lesson. Find out more here. The authors freely admit they're using the opportunity as prep for an upcoming writing book they're going to produce - but I don't think that's any bad thing!

Here's the course syllabus - scroll down for recent lessons.

[Via author Kate Harrison's blog].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 9, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 8, 2007 3:35 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: Story of My Life by Jay McInerney

I didn't think I would like Jay McInerney. He was part of an '80s group of writers (along with the more famous Bret Easton Elis - author of American Psycho - and the less famous Tama Janowitz) known as the (literary) 'Brat Pack', who chronicled life in Manhattan in the decade of greed. I've also seen him in interviews and assumed from them that his books were anarchic but vapid, shallow cocaine-glorifying romps. Story of my Life proved me seriously wrong. Not that it isn't about drug use and shallow people - the novel features a lot of both - but it doesn't glorify either and offers some hope of escape by the end. It's also brilliantly sharply written and very, very funny.

Alison Poole is a twenty-year old aspiring actress living in New York City. Her rich father is supposed to be funding her education, but keeps flaking on her, so she has to survive on her wits (which she does brilliantly, if not always morally). She's quick-witted, clever, promiscuous and a regular drug-user who has seen and done too much, too young. Ye somehow McInerney also makes her sweet, charming and a wonderful narrator for this slice-of-life story...

Alison bursts onto the page and into your mind from the first sentence: "I'm like, I don't believe this s***." Then she holds your attention completely throughout this short but sweet (and occasionally sour) novel. I'm not someone who relishes reading about drugs and sex and cocaine (I edit a chick-lit website after all), so trust me when I say this book is brilliant. And it doesn't take things too far either - it might occasionally border on crude but is so funny and relate-able you don't care. Mostly it's about the emotional impact of such a lifestyle and it certainly doesn't glorify living the way Alison does.

It's bold, intelligent and as I said before, very very funny. It's definitely a different read to the books we usually cover, but I think most chick-lit fans will love it: it's about a strong, bright female heroine making her way in the world, despite the obstacles of her past. And who can't relate to that?

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK NEWS: Good in Bed sequel

Exciting news hot from Jennifer Weiner's blog. She has finished a draft of the the sequel to her enormously successful debut novel, Good In Bed.

Entitled Certain Girls, the book picks up Cannie, Joy and Peter’s story twelve years after Good In Bed ends and, according to Jennifer, "deals with, among other things, over-the-top bat mitzvahs, ungraceful aging, blended families, and what it’s like to go from being a writer to being written about."

No date yet, but I for one can't wait.

Related posts: Spotlight on Jennifer Weiner

Posted by Keris on January 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 5, 2007 6:21 PM

Richard & Judy bookclub 2007

Yes, they've been announced! The titles of the books that are going to be flying off the shelves for the rest of this year:

The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld
The Testament of Gideon Mack by James Robertson
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This Book Will Save Your Life by A M Homes
Restless by William Boyd
Love in the Present Tense by Catherine Ryan Hyde
The Girls by Lori Lansens
Semi-Detached by Griff Rhys Jones

They'll be officially announced on Richard & Judy's UK TV show on 31 January and you'll be able to buy them from the website. [via Galleycat]

I've only heard of two of the books and three of the authors, so I have to disagree with Mark Lawson's assertion that the couple choose books that would have done well without their help.

So what do you think? Is it a good list? Have you read any of them? Do you want to read any of them?

[Richard and Judy archives]

Posted by Keris on January 5, 2007 in American Authors, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Richard and Judy, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 4, 2007 5:23 PM

Love is... by Mike Gayle and Emlyn Rees

Joining two of Company magazine's regular male writers in the latest issue are lad-lit authors Mike Gayle and Emlyn Rees, getting all soppy as they talk about "Love is..." (their definitions of love, that is, not the kitschy/sickly cartoons of the same name). Mike Gayle apparently learned a lot about love from Oprah. Bless 'im.

Emlyn Rees and his wife and writing partner Josie Lloyd's newest book, The Seven Year Itch, will be released in hardback on 18 January.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 4, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

THURSDAY THREE: "Torn between two lovers ...

... feelin' like a fool, lovin' both of you is breakin' all the rules." Sorry, got a bit carried away with an oldie there. Chick lit is often criticised for being all about the heroine finding a man. And that's rubbish. Sometimes she finds two men and then has to choose between them!

My first pick of course has to be Bridget Jones’s Diary.* Daniel or Mark, Mark or Daniel? Who will she choose? (Indeed, who did she choose?) To begin with Bridget was attracted to her sexy but naughty boss over the much more reliable (yet equally sexy) Mark Darcy. She picked Mark, but then Daniel came back on the scene ...

* I was surprised to see we’ve only reviewed the film, not the book - but you’ve all read it anyway, haven’t you?

Janet Evanovich’s One for the Money is the first in the Stephanie Plum series (which has now reached Twelve Sharp). Along with introducing us to Stephanie, her wardrobe of spandex shorts, her pet hamster Rex and her highly dysfunctional family, we also meet Ranger, a fellow bounty hunter, and Joe Morelli, Stephanie’s first love. And, yes, eleven books and countless adventures and near-death experiences later, Stephanie is still trying to choose between them.

What will the third book be? Carry on over the cut to find out.

Jane Green’s Mr Maybe features Libby who is desperate to find a suitable man. She's not fussy, just as long as he's drop dead gorgeous, filthy rich, owns a large house and drives a flashy car. But then she meets Nick. He’s gorgeous enough - and he makes her laugh - but he's dirt poor. Just as she's beginning to despair, Ed walks in and it seems to Libby that her prayers have been answered. He ticks every box on her list ... and so what if he has a moustache - she can cope with that can't she? The story centres around Libby's relationships with the two men, and her struggle to decide on what actually matters in making a successful relationship.

Thursday Three archives

Posted by Keris on January 4, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Jane Green, Modern Fiction, Series, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 3, 2007 6:48 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky

Mindy Klasky’s debut novel is the first in a series about Jane Madison, a librarian who discovers a secret room full of magical books in her new home. Inspired by an apparently successful love spell and encouraged by her “familiar,” Neko, and watcher, David, she decides to learn about witchcraft.

And if that wasn’t enough to be dealing with, Jane also learns that the mother she thought died when she was a baby isn’t dead after all and wants to get to know her.

I really enjoyed Girl’s Guide to Witchcraft. Jane is a believable and entertaining character and I enjoyed the twist on the chick lit staple of the gay best friend (Jane’s familiar, Neko, is a cat turned homosexual human!).

Jane is a little naive, falling for her Imaginary Boyfriend (a man she’s liked from afar) and believing him to be her real boyfriend after only two dates, but that’s a minor quibble. With a cast of eccentric and interesting characters along with a fun premise, Girl’s Guide to Witchcraft is an intriguing debut.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Enchanted Inc by Shanna Swendson

Posted by Keris on January 3, 2007 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Zoe Rice

We loved Zoe Rice's first novel, Pick Me Up, so we were delighted she agreed to answer our questions.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Izzy hilariously navigates the glamorous NY art world and the difficult men in her life.  

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

I always write in my "office," which is right next to my "living room." As any young New Yorker will tell you, we don't' have much space to live in here, so the office is the right side of the love seat, while the living room is the left. :) 

Your favourite chick-lit book?

I was greatly inspired by working with Sophie Kinsella on her US publications. Can you imagine anything more fun than researching her second novel by traipsing around NY's SoHo eating chocolates and buying designer clothing? Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (or Shopaholic Abroad, as the UK called it) would have to be my favorite. To have been a part of Sophie Kinsella's first three novels was hands down the most fun I ever had as a junior editor.

Carry on over the cut for more from Zoe ... trust us, you want to hear about her cat!

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

I'm sure that I am in no way alone in this choice, but my favorite will always be the very first chick-lit heroine: the feisty, intelligent, warm-hearted, and witty Elizabeth Bennett of Pride and Prejudice.

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

The best advice I can give is to let yourself be edited. If you know of a writing workshop, or you even just have a group of friends who also like to write, get together with them and see what notes they have to improve your writing. And don't be afraid to delete!

What are you reading at the moment?

I just finished the first Gossip Girl novel, which is aimed at an older young adult audience. It's gotten so much press, and sold so many copies, I just had to see what the fuss was about!

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

I'm actually working on 2 novels right now and trying to decide which one I'd like to pursue to the end first. The chick lit novel centers around a heroine who works in television marketing, and the young adult novel features a privileged group of Brooklyn private schoolers.

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

Hmmm, I've been asked a lot of questions, so this one is hard! But I'll choose this: "Was Robbie, the cat in Pick Me Up who's named after Robbie Williams, based on an actual cat?" Zoe's answer: "Why yes, Trashionista, however did you know? I fully admit that my kitty Jasper is one of the loves of my life. He performs tricks like speaking on the telephone and pointing to himself when asked: Who's the cutest kitty in the world? Next, I will teach him to slow-dance to Robbie Williams' famous "Angels." (Too much information?)

Thanks to Trashionista, one of the most rocking chick-lit sites I know! xx

And thanks to you too, Zoe, one of the most rocking chick lit authors we know!

Posted by Keris on January 3, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Interviews, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 2, 2007 6:35 PM

BOOK NEWS: Forever In Blue

January 9 sees the release of Forever In Blue, the fourth and final book in Ann Brashares Traveling Pants series.

The first book of the series, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (we loved the film adaptation), was released in September 2001 and was a bestseller, as were the sequels The Second Summer of the Sisterhood and Girls in Pants. So far sales for the three books are more than six million copies in the US alone!

[via Publishers Weekly]

Posted by Keris on January 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tips for new novelists

If your New Year's resolution (sorry, I said that dreaded word!) is to finish the book lingering at the back of your sock drawer/hard drive (or in my case, to think about starting one... baby steps) then author Laura Lippman's excellent advice should help. I love her tips on finding an agent:

"Finished? Time to find an agent. Yes, you need one. Even if you manage to sell your book on your own, or win a contest that ends in publication, you'll need an agent. Spend a day at a library or well-stocked bookstore. Surf the Internet. Find books that are similar in genre, story and/or tone with your (now-finished) book. Check to see if the writer mentions the agent in the acknowledgement section. If so, this functions as a pretty good reference, don't you think? Do you publicly thank people who did a crummy job?"

I also love the fact that she admits to stealing the tips idea from Jennifer Weiner, whose wonderful advice can be found on her website.

So get to it, potential authors! But not before you're finished reading today's posts on Trashionista, obviously.

Related: Tips for new writers! / Ally Carter's audio advice.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

SPOTLIGHT: E Lockhart

Since E Lockhart's book The Boyfriend List was our favourite young adult book of 2006, it seemed fitting she should be our first spotlit (exclusively) young adult author.

First things first - the E stands for Emily!

After attending both an art school and a prep school, Emily - like Megan Crane - went to Vassar before going on to attain a doctorate in English Literature at Columbia.

Her first YA book, The Boyfriend List, sold on proposal and Emily followed it with Fly on the Wall (the story of a girl who is turned into a fly and can observe her classmates unnoticed) and The Boy Book (a sequel to The Boyfriend List). Emily’s fourth book, Dramarama, will be released in May.

Carry on over the cut for Emily’s bibliography.

The Boyfriend List
Fly on the Wall
The Boy Book
Dramarama coming soon (as is a review!)

Did you know? Emily’s favourite chick flick is Gregory’s Girl! [via Lara Zeises]

Posted by Keris on January 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Spotlight, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (4)

January 1, 2007 1:37 PM

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all our wonderful readers and a huge THANK YOU for all your comments and contributions this year - you make this site what it is and we couldn't do it without you! We hope you had a great festive season and wish you a fabulous year to come!

We hope you'll stick around in 2007, as we have plans to make Trashionista bigger and better than ever. This week alone, expect a movie news round up, more on memoir scandals, chick lit book updates... and review after review after review!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 1, 2007 in Announcements, Book News, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Movie News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 29, 2006 7:24 PM

Top 10 chick lit books of all time

For the final Top 10 of our Top 100 Extravaganza we had to be strict. We wanted to include our own all-time favourites and the books we think are the best chick lit books, but we thought the most influential and successful - the books that, for whatever reason, define the genre - should be included too. Following a flurry of emails (Diane: “We need a Weiner!”), we have our Top 10 Chick Lit Books of All Time. Let us know what you think.

10 Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell

I didn’t actually manage to finish Sex and the City the book, although of course I love the TV series. We’ve included the book because it’s been highly influential, although perhaps not in a good way. Many of the critics of chick lit who claim that it’s all about shoes, shopping, drinking and searching for a man are actually thinking of Sex and the City, the TV show, and not chick lit at all. Annoying, but what can you do?

Anyway, it gave us Carrie Bradshaw, so we have to love it, don’t we?

9 Thirtynothing by Lisa Jewell

Thirtynothing is probably my second favourite chick lit book of all time. Like all of Lisa Jewell’s books, the setting is perfect, the characters realistic and believable and it also has one of my favourite ever first chapters. Lisa Jewell is a glorious writer and Thirtynothing is a delightful book. If you haven’t read it, you really should.

8 The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin

One of the most successful books in the Top 10, The Nanny Diaries was so popular its two authors scored an incredible $3 million advance for their second book, Citizen Girl, which they had to return when it turned out to be a stinker. Proof that it’s not that easy to write chick lit after all.

The film adaptation of The Nanny Diaries is due out in April in the US.

7 The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

I haven’t actually read this one yet (I must, I know), but clearly it is the most successful chick lit book of the last few years. The title has become a household name, the book sold millions of copies in hardback, stayed on the New York Times Best Seller list for six months and has since been translated into 27 languages and the film’s been both a critical and commercial success. And they say chick lit’s dead. Sheesh.

6 High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Ooh, a controversial one. Yes, I’m aware that Nick Hornby isn’t a woman and that High Fidelity isn’t chick lit, but it’s close enough and influential enough that it has to be here. Plus it’s the book that inspired Lisa Jewell (amongst others) to start writing and that’s good enough for me.

Fever Pitch is often credited as the book that created Lad Lit, but, as I’ve already mentioned, Fever Pitch is non-fiction. High Fidelity was Nick Hornby’s first novel and is the brilliantly written and hugely entertaining story of Rob Fleming’s relationship history. While it is a great book, Nick Hornby has gone on to be critically acclaimed and accepted as literary, unlike any chick lit author I can think of. Now that can just be because he’s a man ... can it?

Carry on over the cut for the Top 5.

5 Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

Welcome to Temptation was Jennifer/Jenny Crusie’s third mass-market (i.e. not romance) novel, but it’s a favourite of anyone who reads Jennifer’s books. Actually, you don’t read Jennifer Crusie’s books, you devour them. Welcome to Temptation has all the essential Crusie ingredients: a feisty heroine, a sexy hero and an arguably even sexier anti-hero in Davy Dempsey. This was the book Diane insisted made it into the Top 10!

4 In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

My favourite chick lit book of all time, In Her Shoes has got everything - the antagonistic sisterly relationship so popular in chick lit, a love story, personal growth, humour (of course), even an evil stepmother. Plus Jennifer Weiner is the woman most likely to emulate Nick Hornby and be accepted by the literary establishment. But don't hold your breath.

3 The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

This, the first book in the enormously popular series, is yet another example of how much skill is involved in writing an apparently simple book. Kinsella came up with the perfect chick lit conceit: if chick lit is all about shopping, then what about a character who is, quite literally, all about shopping? And it worked. Becky Bloomwood is a charming and hilarious heroine, just on the right side of irritating.

(Look out for the latest Shopaholic book, Shopaholic and Baby, due out in February 2007.)

2 Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes

The Marian Keyes connoisseur’s favourite Marian Keyes book and the chick lit connoisseur’s favourite chick lit book*, Rachel’s Holiday is the story of Rachel Walsh - one of the Walsh sisters who also appear in Watermelon, Angels and Anybody Out There? For anyone who thinks chick lit is lightweight, meaningless and obsessed with shoes and shopping, here’s a book about drug addiction, alcoholism and anorexia (although it was still described as “fluffy” by one of the broadsheets!).

* Both Megan Crane and Hester Browne chose it as their favourite in our author interview.

1 Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

Bridget Jones’s Diary may not have been the first chick lit book, but it’s certainly the most famous. Spawning a sequel, two films and introducing “singletons” and “smug marrieds” into the vernacular (not to mention increasing sales of big knickers), Bridget remains the “face” of chick lit. It is also v. v. funny.

Bridget is also the most commonly referenced book and heroine in our weekly author interviews, cited by Laura Zigman, Janet Evanovich, Kelly McClymer, Rebecca Agiewich, Sara Gruen and Deanna Carlyle!

So what do you think? Have we got it right or are we completely wrong? Is your favourite missing or a hated book included? Let us know!

Posted by Aigua Media on December 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Sophie Kinsella, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (19)

FRIDAY FLICK: Primary Colors

Primary Colors (the book) caused a furore when it was published in 1996. Attributed to Anonymous, it’s an apparently fictionalised account of the real 1992 Democratic primary. We now know the book was written by Joe Klein, a Washington DC reporter, and we also know that the exploits of the Clinton-esque Jack Stanton weren’t a patch on what the real President Clinton would eventually get up to.

I haven’t read the book but, after seeing the film, I’ve added it to my list. The film is interesting, entertaining and intriguing (part of the fun, of course, is guessing who each character is based on and how much of it is true), with great performances from John Travolta (doing an impressive Clinton impersonation), Adrian Lester as the naive staffer who wants to believe Jack is “the real thing,” Emma Thompson as Jack’s wife Susan (she doesn’t do an impression of Hilary, but she does do an American accent that I thought was a bit patchy) and Kathy Bates. There’s even a brief but memorable appearance by Allison Janney, The West Wing’s CJ. In fact the film is rather like an extended episode of The West Wing, but without the humour (like seasons 5, 6 and 7 of The West Wing then).

Well worth a watch.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on December 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: Light on Snow by Anita Shreve

Anita Shreve's Light on Snow is a great read for this time of year, as it's set before Christmas in the snowy surrounds of a tiny and remote New Hampshire town, where 12 year old Nicky and her dad relocated to three years earlier following a family tragedy. Out walking through the snow one day, they hear a strange sound, and go to investigate. To their surprise, they find a newborn baby abandoned in this isolated part of the woods. For a while, they are brought closer by caring for the baby- taking her to the hospital, looking after her temporarily... but then the baby is found a foster home and father and daughter go back to their separate grief-filled lives.

Until the mother of the baby tracks them down...

I loved this novel. It's atmospheric, moving and perfectly conveys the sorrow of grief. I also love its realism- there's real hope by the end of the novel, but this springs organically from the story- there's no surprise happy ending, nothing that seems too unlikely. In short, it's like real life. The way it's written, in spare, clear prose suited the story and stopped it being too sentimental. Shreve also effortlessly captured the voice of a 12-year old girl and should be studied by anyone who wants to do the same!

Gripping, poignant and hopeful, it's not lighthearted, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Recommended.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve; Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 28, 2006 1:21 PM

THURSDAY THREE: A little surprise

We’ve heard that mommy lit is the new big thing and we’ve looked at busy single mums, but what if the bundle of joy is a bolt from the blue?

Adele Parks’s Larger Than Life follows Georgina’s unplanned pregnancy. As her pregnancy progresses, her character develops from being the type of self absorbed city slicker most people would prefer to hide from in the toilets than speak to at a function, to being a more thoughtful and considerate woman with a redeeming feature or two.

Something Blue by Emily Giffin is the sequel to Something Borrowed in which Darcy’s best friend fell in love with her boyfriend. Something Blue now follows Darcy, as she takes herself and her surprise pregnancy to London to make a new start.

Carry on over the cut for the third bouncing baby ... I mean, book.

Jill Mansell’s Solo centres around Tessa, a strong-minded young painter, who finds herself in trouble after an ill-considered one night stand. The bulk of the novel is taken up with her life after this point, and (of course) lots of interesting encounters with the father-to-be.

Thursday Three archives

Posted by Keris on December 28, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (7)

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)

December 26, 2006 3:00 PM

Top 10 Lad Lit

Our Top 100 Extravaganza continues with a look at the boys' version of chick lit: lad lit.

10 Dead Famous by Ben Elton

Ben Elton’s books are hugely successful and Dead Famous, with its Big Brother show style setting, was bound to be a hit. The back cover reads "One house, ten contestants, thirty cameras, forty microphones, one murder... and no evidence." Who wouldn’t want to read that?!

"The idea is brilliant, but unfortunately the book itself just doesn't live up to expectations. It is not Ben Elton's finest effort, but for those who can persevere with it the ending is pretty good."

9 Just Like Heaven by Marc Levy

Released originally in 2000 as If Only It Were True, Marc Levy’s debut was reissued under the name Just Like Heaven to coincide with the film adaptation. It’s the story of Lauren, a resident in a busy ER department and what happens when she ends up in a coma following a car crash. Arthur moves into her former apartment and finds ... Lauren.

"I would definitely recommend this book to anyone as a quick and enjoyable read."

8 A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby

Nick Hornby is arguably the father of lad lit. It all began with Fever Pitch (which is ironic, since it’s non-fiction). Anyway, it’s New Years Eve and four people have gathered on the roof of Topper's House with the intention of ending it all. Instead, they end up talking about their lives and getting to know each other.

"I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. I don't think its quite up there with some of his previous efforts, but it is still definitely worth a read."

7 The Three Day Rule by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees.

Yes, I know Josie Lloyd isn’t a lad, but Emlyn surely is and it didn’t seem fair to leave him out. The book follows the Thorne family, unhappily spending Christmas at their father's house on a remote Cornish Island.

"I truly wasn't expecting anything amazing when I opened this book, but a couple of pages in and I was already hooked. I'd go as far as to say that this is one of the best books I've read this year. It doesn't try too hard, it touches on a lot of issues without ramming them down your throat, it’s equal parts funny and tragic, and it all ties up nicely at the end in perfect 'happily ever after(ish)' Christmas style. Definitely recommended for escaping your family this Christmas!"

6 Mr Nice Guy by Thomas Dowler

Fed up of getting rejections on his manuscript, Thomas took things into his own hands self-published, giving away his debut novel as a free e-book and audio book, via his website.

"It's written in a very pacey, snappy style ... and there were some unexpected twists and turns ... it wasn't predictable but it did deliver the happy ending I hoped for."

Carry on over the cut for the Top 5. Any guesses on who might be at number one? (Here's a clue: it's not Marian Keyes.)

5 Mr Commitment by Mike Gayle

Mike Gayle is another lad lit success story and Mr Commitment tells the tale of Duffy, whose life is not going to plan. So he decides to marry his girlfriend. As you do.

"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!"

4 Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About by Mil Millington

I know we only reviewed it earlier today, but it’s so great we couldn’t leave it out.

"Yes, it is sarcastic and facetious, but it somehow manages to be charming and sweet at the same time. Most of all though, it’s just really, really funny. Read it. You won’t be sorry."

3 The Food of Love by Anthony Capella

Anthony Capella’s debut is a modern-day re-telling of the classic story, Cyrano de Bergerac, set to a backdrop of gorgeous Italian cuisine.

"This book is a great read but beware, it's written with such passion that it makes you want to eat, so make you have stocked up on all the ingredients for a good Italian meal prior to reading because you will suddenly become convinced that you can cook."

2 How I Paid for College by Marc Acito

Edward, a high-school senior in 1980s New Jersey, is desperate to study acting at the prestigious Julliard in New York City but his overbearing father has refused to pay and his flaky mother is incommunicado. And so Edward hatches a number of outrageous schemes to fund his college education.

"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."

1 The Family Way by Tony Parsons

Tony Parsons is probably the most high-profile lad lit writer after Nick Hornby. The Family Way focuses on three sisters, all reaching the time of their lives when children are on the agenda. The book follows the trials and tribulations of all three sisters as they follow the path their hearts have set them.

"This is a book that will take you through a complete rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I even shouted out loud at a couple of points - would have been great if the characters could have heard me! I would definitely recommend this book very strongly to anyone. It has something for everyone, irrespective of age or gender."

So what do you think? Have we included your favourite lad lit tales or is there a book you think we've missed?

Posted by Keris on December 26, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Romance, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (3)

SPOTLIGHT: Melissa Bank

I realised too late that Melissa Bank’s The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing should have been included in the Top 10 chick lit precursors after reading a 1999 Salon.com interview that included the question, "Do you think its getting lumped together with these single-women books is pure marketing, or does this signal an emerging genre of young women's fiction?" - so I’ve decided to shine our weekly spotlight on her instead.

Born in 1960 in Philadelphia, Bank holds an MFA from Cornell University. While working as a copywriter, she refusing promotions, telling her boss she was only interested in a writing career. She won the 1993 Nelson Algren Award for short fiction and her stories have been published in numerous distinguished publications.

The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing - a collection of interlinked stories - took Bank 12 years to write, but it was worth it, it became a bestseller both in the US and the UK. And, as we told you back in September, the movie version, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar is due out next year.

Five years later, Bank followed The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing with The Wonder Spot and found herself in the centre of a controversy when author Curtis Sittenfeld’s review of the book 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." Ouch.

Carry on over the cut for Melissa’s bibliography.

The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing
The Wonder Spot

Read about Melissa’s favourite books, music and films at Barnes & Noble

Spotlight archives

Posted by Keris on December 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About by Mil Millington

Mil Millington’s debut, Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About, was inspired by his enormously successful website, but it’s been fictionalised - so Mil becomes Pel and his German girlfriend Margret becomes Ursula and adventures, rather than just arguments, are had. That’s not to say there aren’t arguments, because there are - many, many arguments and each is hilarious.

Pel works in a university library and spends his time trying to avoid doing any work at all. When his supervisor disappears he’s asked to “act up” in the role, while still doing (or rather, not doing) his original job. While working hard to avoid doing either job, he discovers that there are scary, dodgy and downright dangerous things going on at the university and, of course, he tries desperately not to get involved with any of them. And fails miserably. At the same time, Ursula has decided they must move house and this, of course, just adds to Pel's woes.

None of the above is really important. Yes, the book has a plot, but it’s far-fetched and unbelievable and it really just serves to string together the constantly fantastic jokes and dangerously funny set pieces (do not read the scene when Pel gets stuck in the loo window in a public place, trust me). This really is the funniest book I’ve ever read and I also spent a lot of time waving the book at my husband and saying, "Listen to this! This is just like you!"

Yes, it is sarcastic and facetious, but it somehow manages to be charming and sweet at the same time. Most of all though, it’s just really, really funny. Read it. You won’t be sorry.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Marry Me by Carey Marx

Posted by Keris on December 26, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | 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)

BOOK REVIEW: Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

Megan McCafferty’s debut novel received perhaps unwanted publicity earlier this year when it was one of the books embroiled in the Kaavya Viswanathan plagiarism scandal.

It’s about Jessica Darling, who is devastated when her best friend Hope moves away, leaving her with just the “Clueless Crew” (Manda, Bridget and Sara) for company. With her mother caught up in the plans for Jessica’s sister’s wedding and her father unable to communicate except through Jessica’s running, she feels alone in the world. Until, that is, druggie dropout Marcus Flutie starts talking to her. Not only is he the bad influence of all bad influences, he was best friends with Hope’s brother who died of an overdose, so Jessica can’t even confide in Hope about him.

When a new girl at the school turns out not to be what she seemed and Jessica starts writing for the school newspaper, she starts to work out what it is she needs from her friends, family and herself.

Taking place over a full year in Jessica’s life, Sloppy Firsts will take you back to high school and remind you how happy you are not to be there anymore. Jessica’s intelligent and angst-ridden voice is entertaining, funny and painful by turn. I found myself reading quicker and quicker to find out how things turn out for her, but since this is the first book of a trilogy, the ending left me wanting more.

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.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Boy Book by E Lockhart

Posted by Keris on December 22, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 21, 2006 4:12 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Threesomes

The theme of this week’s thursday three is threesomes. No, not like that! Books with three main characters. Sheesh.

Louise Bagshawe’s The Movie features naive, overweight Megan Silver, studio exec Eleanor Marshall (her mentor), and superbitch supermodel Roxana Felix (her rival) in a Jackie Collins-esque sex-fest.

The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes is about Gemma and Lily - best friends turned worst enemies - who are both intent on writing a best-seller. The threesome’s rounded out by Jojo, an agent on the hunt for her next money-spinning novelist. All the humour and emotion we’ve come to expect from lovely Marian.

Carry on over the cut for the final book.

Alison Bond’s How to be Famous follows Lynsey, Melanie and Serena: three women looking to make it in Hollywood. A no holds barred look at the cut-throat world of film, fame and being fabulous

What’s your favourite threebie*?

Thursday Three archives

*made-up word.

Posted by Keris on December 21, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK REVIEW: A Place Called Here by Cecelia Ahern

To some, Cecelia Ahern is a modern weaver of fairytales and her fourth book A Place Called Here certainly has a touch of magic about it.

It tells the tale of Sandy Shortt, a private detective in charge of a missing persons' bureau, who is obsessed with searching for people and possessions which have mysteriously disappeared. While investigating the disappearance of Donal Ruttle she finds herself in a place called 'Here', which just so happens to be the very place lost things go - be it the odd sock from the washing machine, your much needed passport, or any one of the hundreds of people who just vanish each year.

'Here' is where the reader really has to wilfully suspend their disbelief.  To be honest, the concept that everyone and everything that has ever gone missing just happens to exist in a parallel village just didn't quite work for me. But, in the spirit of giving Ms. Ahern the benefit of the doubt, I ploughed on.

While 'Here' Sandy meets up with many of the people she has spent the last 24 years searching for and in turn sets about seeing if she can find herself. While all this is happening Donal's brother Jack is searching for Sandy in the real world and finding out all about her sometimes troubled past.

With this book you keep waiting for it to get great. The potential is there, but it never quite kicks off. Imagine if the Wizard of Oz ended with Dorothy's house landing on the wicked witch and you get an idea of how frustrating this story is.

From a writing point of view, it sometimes smacks of 'trying too hard'. There are moments of wonderfully beautiful prose, but other sections are clumsy and disjointed.

Nonetheless it is unoffensive and if you really can make belief in an alternative universe (or village) then A Place Called Here could be for you.

[Claire Allan]

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell

Posted by Keris on December 21, 2006 in Cecelia Ahern, Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 2/5, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (7)

December 20, 2006 5:05 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Laura Zigman

Laura Zigman hasn't released a book in four years, but we found her latest, Piece of Work, well worth the wait! So we're delighted she agreed to take part in the Trashionista Author Interview...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

It's about a stay-at-home mom who goes back to work and has to publicize a has-been actress. In three words: It's about failure.

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

Now that I'm wireless, all three.

Your favourite chick-lit book? Bridget Jones' Diary

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why? I guess that would have to be Bridget Jones. Because she was truly funny.

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

Just get it out; you can fix it later.

More from Laura over the cut...

What are you reading at the moment?

From Here to Maternity: The Education of a Rookie Mom by Beth Teitell. She interviewed me for the Boston Herald and she is absolutely hilarious in person and on the page. That's why she's my NBF (New Best Friend).

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

A novel about a family who lives in the suburbs on a cul-de-sac that's full of really annoying neighbors. As usual, it's semi-autobiographical...

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!)

"Don't you ever get tired of fictionalizing your own life?" And the answer would be...

"Actually, no."

Thanks Laura!

Author Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 19, 2006 4:15 PM

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

Our Top 100 Extravaganza continues with my favourite books of the year (read Diane’s list here). Like Diane, I limited myself to books I read for the first time this year and, because I’m doing a Top 10 Young Adult list, I didn’t include any young adult books here.

Don’t forget to tell us about your favourite books of the year.

10 Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne

The sequel to The Little Lady Agency, Little Lady, Big Apple follows Melissa’s adventures with her etiquette and grooming agency. As you can guess from the title, she’s off to New York.

"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."

9 Pick Me Up by Zoe Rice

Pick Me Up is the story of Izzy who works in an art gallery and loves Robbie Williams. Clearly, I was destined to love her. And I did.

"I really enjoyed this book. Izzy's a charming, down-to-earth character and the supporting cast is great fun too. There are laugh-out-loud moments and an enormously romantic ending."

8 Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston

The follow up to the enormously successful Sophie’s Bakery for the Broken-hearted brilliantly chronicles the breakdown of a marriage.

"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."

7 Ex and the Single Girl by Lani Diane Rich

I hate to compare Lani Diane Rich to Jennifer Crusie - because everyone does - but I have the same confidence in Lani’s books as I do in Jennifer Crusie’s. I just know I’m going to get an entertaining and involving story and Ex and the Single Girl didn’t let me down.

"Portia is funny and real and Ian is sexy. Ex and the Single Girl is a fun and fast read about following your heart and finding your place in the world."

6 Me vs Me by Sarah Mlynowski

Sarah Mlynowski is an author at the top of her game and Me vs Me is her first foray into chick lit paranormal. Unable to decide whether to stay in Arizona and marry her boyfriend or move to New York for a great job opportunity, Gabby wishes (on a star) that she could do both. And she does.

"I really loved this book. It’s an original and interesting idea, entertainingly executed."

Carry on over the cut for the Top 5.

5 Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie

Jennifer Crusie is one of our Top 10 chick lit authors and her books are always a cause for celebration. Anyone But You is one of her simpler stories, but it’s full of her usual humour, romance and great sex.

"A lovely, charming, sweet and romantic book. I loved it."

4 Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocello Marchetto

A bit of a departure, Cancer Vixen is a graphic novel and non-fiction so it really shouldn’t be in this list at all, but it’s amazing and inspiring and I couldn’t leave it out.

"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."

3 Love Walked In by Marisa De Los Santos

Marisa De Los Santos’s debut novel tells, in alternating chapters, the stories of 30-year-old Cornelia and 11-year-old Clare and what happens when their lives intertwine.

"Love Walked In is a beautiful, magical book. It's old-fashioned, cleverly crafted and constantly surprising. The characters all seem utterly real - they are flawed, intelligent and interesting."

2 Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane

I heard a lot about Stupid and Contagious before reading it - it was probably the most-recommended book of the year. I was worried I’d be disappointed. Far from it.

"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."

1 Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes

Marian is a chick lit goddess and number one in our Top 10 chick lit authors list. Her latest book, Anybody Out There?, is also, in my opinion, her best.

"Anybody Out There? made me laugh out loud. It also often gave me that trying-not-to-cry pain in the throat. And once I gave up and sobbed. It made me think. It made me want to move to New York. It's a wonderful story with brilliant, believable characters and a truly satisfying ending."

Top 100 Extravaganza archives

Posted by Keris on December 19, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Romance, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (8)

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)

High Fidelity, the musical closes

Only last month, Diane wrote about how Nick Hornby's book High Fidelity had been turned into a Broadway musical.

Sorry to say it only lasted ten days before closing and, to add insult to injury, critics have voted it one of the top five musicals that should never have been made. [via BBC News]

Posted by Keris on December 19, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

SPOTLIGHT: Joshilyn Jackson

Inspired by the fact that Diane adored both of her books (and even chose Between, Georgia as her favourite book of the year), I thought I'd shine this week's spotlight on Joshilyn Jackson.

Joshilyn was born and raised in the Deep South of the US. After dropping out of college to pursue a career in acting, she worked in regional repertoire and travelled with a dinner theatre troupe, but after a few years realised she preferred writing plays (including Another Snow White and Screwing Lazarus) to acting in them.

She went back to college to study English literature and graduated with honors from Georgia State. After moving to Chicago she earned an MA in English from the University of Illinois. She then taught English at the same university, before returning to her home town and marrying the boy next door.

Joshilyn says she's been writing for as long as she can remember and - even though novels are her first love - her first success was with short stories. She says now, “It took seven years and three manuscripts from the day I grew enough of a spine to take a serious run at a career in fiction to the day I sold my first book.”* This book was gods in Alabama and it was a bestseller, as was her second novel, Between, Georgia.

Joshilyn lives just outside of Atlanta with her husband, their two children, and a cat named Franz Schubert, and is currently at work on her next novel, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, the story of a good mother who is visited by a drowned girl's ghost.

*[via Barnes & Noble]

Carry on over the cut for Joshilyn's bibliography.

gods in Alabama
Between, Georgia

Did you know? Arlene Fleet, the main character in gods in Alabama, briefly appeared in a short story Joshilyn wrote ten years ago. It's called Little Dead Uglies and you can read it on her website.

and

Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants is one of Joshilyn's favourite books.

Related posts: Joshilyn Jackson arrested! / Joshilyn Jackson video

Posted by Keris on December 19, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 18, 2006 5:35 PM

Losing Gemma on TV tonight

UK-based Trashionistas may well be interested in a two-part drama starting on ITV1 tonight (9pm). Losing Gemma is based on the best-selling novel by Katy Gardner - about two friends who go backpacking in India and what happens when one goes missing. It concludes tomorrow night, also at 9.

Posted by Aigua Media on December 18, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

December 15, 2006 1:54 PM

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 5:03 PM

Top 10 chick lit precursors

Can you remember a time before chick lit?

We’ve sort of established that chick lit began in 1995 (with Marian Keyes's Watermelon), but there have always been books about strong women trying to come to terms with their place in the world, haven’t there? They just weren’t called chick lit before. We’re calling them chick lit precursors and here’s our Top 10 (along with a recommendation of their more recent chick lit "cousins").

(The following list is, of course, entirely subjective; my only rule was that the books had to have been originally published before 1995.)

10 Postcards From the Edge by Carrie Fisher (1987)

Suzanne Vale is an actress trying to recover from drug addiction, resume her career and get on with her life, while dealing with her difficult relationship with her mother. Like a lot of good chick lit, Postcards From the Edge is written in the first person, it’s also stuffed with Carrie Fisher’s trademark humour.

Chick lit cousin: Why Moms Are Weird by Pamela Ribon

9 Heartburn by Nora Ephron (1983)

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 as hilarious and insightful as you’d expect from the writer of When Harry Met Sally.

Chick lit cousin: Watermelon by Marian Keyes

8 Sheila Levine is dead and living in New York by Gail Parent (1975)

As Diane reported, Jennifer Weiner reckons this was the first chick lit book, so who am I to argue? Sadly out of print, it’s the story of Sheila Levine, a Jewish girl living in Manhattan, her search for Mr. Right, and her struggles with her weight. Certainly sounds like chick lit!

Chick lit cousin: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

7 Jilly Cooper

Yes, an author rather than a book, but I’m specifically thinking of her "girls' name" books: Emily (1975), Bella (1976), Harriet (1976), Octavia (1977), Imogen (1978), Prudence (1978), Lisa and Co. (1981). More romances than the bonkbusters Cooper has become known for, these books are funny and romantic and have been reissued more than once with more chick lit style covers (most recently last year).

Chick lit cousin: Jill Mansell or Katie Fforde

6 Fear of Flying by Erica Jong (1973)

Fear of Flying created a sensation in the seventies with is frank descriptions of women's sexual appetites. The author Henry Miller said of it, "This book will make literary history ... because of it women are going to find their own voice and give us great sagas of sex, life, joy, and adventure." [via Erica Jong’s website]

Yep, that’s a chick lit precursor alright!

Chick lit cousin: Freya North (for the sex)

Carry on over the cut for the Top 5 (once again, number one might not be what you think!)

5 Forever by Judy Blume (1970)

The author Sarah Mlynowski says, “People always call Helen Fielding the mother of chick lit, but I think it’s Judy Blume. She’s who we all (chick lit writers) grew up reading, and she’s the one who helped shaped our consciousness.” [via Deanna Carlyle]

As if to prove Sarah's point, next June sees the publication of Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume , a collection of essays from authors including Trashionista faves Meg Cabot, Megan Crane, Diana Peterfreund and Alison Pace and Sarah herself.

I’ve picked Forever because it’s the Judy Blume book that had the most impact on me (stop sniggering) and it’s still causing a stir today, being one of the most challenged books in schools and libraries (it wasn’t shelved in my library growing up; you had to ask for it “under the counter”).

Chick lit cousin: The Boyfriend List by E Lockhart

4 Nancy Drew (from 1930)

We’ve mentioned the influence of the Nancy Drew books a few times, and the “girl detective” remains as popular today as ever. Nancy has gone through a few incarnations over the years, but has always been intelligent, brave, talented and independent. An excellent chick lit heroine!

Chick lit cousin: Stephanie Plum

3 Dorothy Parker (from 1926)

A commonly quoted important chick lit characteristic is “snark” and they don’t come much snarkier than Dorothy Parker.

In her review of the Parker biography What Fresh Hell is This, Diane wrote, “One of the founder members of the Algonquin round table - an influential group of writers in 1920s and 30s New York - Dorothy Parker was a gossipy journalist, well-known short story writer, clinical depressive with a tendency to suicide attempts - and a famous wit.”

Chick lit cousin: Wendy Holden

2 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

Ha! Bet you thought this would be number 1, didn’t you? As I'm sure you know, Pride and Prejudice is the story of the Bennet family, particularly Lizzie - who would make a perfect chick lit heroine even today - and Mr Darcy (on whom the best chick lit heroes are inevitably based).

In my review of Flirting with Pride and Prejudice, I wrote, "It is a truth universally acknowledged that if Jane Austen were writing today, she would be considered a chick lit author" and Austen’s influence on chick lit (not least Bridget Jones’s Diary) is well-known. She wasn’t first though. Oh no.

Chick lit cousin: Bridget Jones’s Diary, of course!

1 Evelina by Frances Burney (1778)

Beating Pride and Prejudice by 35 years is Frances Burney’s Evelina.

Written as a series of letters, this is the story of innocent Evelina's entrance into London society. “Evelina, comic and shrewd, is at once a guide to fashionable London, a satirical attack on the new consumerism, an investigation of women's position in the late eighteenth century, and a love story.” [via Amazon]

That’ll be the earliest chick lit book then!

Chick lit cousin: Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot

So what do you think? Do you agree? Have I missed any? We’d love to hear from you.

Top 100 Extravaganza archives

Posted by Keris on December 14, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Romance, Series, Top 100 Extravaganza!, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (8)

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)

BOOK REVIEW: Copycat by Erica Spindler

Erica Spindler is well known for her thrillers. She has won the Kiss of Death Award in the past and I think that gives you a clue as to the type of books she writes.
 
Copycat is about a killer who suffocated three little girls in their beds leaving them posed as if they were sleeping. This earned them the name the Sleeping Angel Killer. They left no clues or witnesses. The crime remained unsolved until the killing started again five years on.

Kitt Lundgren, the lead detective from the original investigation, is overlooked for the case. After all, the last time it had pushed her over the edge and she had hit the bottle. It had taken her years to become sober again and now she’s only trusted with the lowliest of cases. That is until she spots a difference. A tiny variation in the killings that opens terrifying new possibilities.

The first thing that hit me about this book was the title. It immediately made me think of its namesake, the 1995 movie Copycat starring Sigourney Weaver. Considering the name, it’s ironic that there are so many similarities between the two. They both contain serial killers that may be copying the handiwork of others and washed up alcoholic investigators who are traumatised by the original murders. The whole book came across as very formulaic. But then I’m sure Spindler thought ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’!

Apart from the lack of originality, this book works. It’s exciting and keeps you reading. The main characters are likeable strong women, although their home lives are too full of woe at times. There are a few plot twists that keep you guessing who the killer is until the end. It’s a great read.

I’m sure this will deliver to the crime buffs out there, but don’t expect anything new. [Angela Richardson]
 
Rating: 4 out of 5
 
Like this? Try Bloodstream by Tess Gerritsen 

Posted by Aigua Media on December 14, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 13, 2006 5:30 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Janet Evanovich

Janet Evanovich, firm Trashionista favourite and author of the famous and fabulous Stephanie Plum series of novels that began with One For The Money, is a busy, busy woman. So we're very grateful she made time for a brief Trashionista interview, although as you'll see, brief might be the operative word... (good things come in small packages!)

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer: Some adventure, some cussing, some pizza, some sex and a bunch of good people in Trenton, New Jersey.

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

Office.

Your favourite female heroine and why?

Bridget Jones. She's very human.

More from Janet over the cut...

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

Go for it.

What are you reading at the moment?

I seldom get a chance to read. I find it too distracting to read while I'm writing ...and I'm always writing!

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)    Plum number 13.

Thanks Janet!

Related: Review of Twelve Sharp / Yay or Nay: One For the Money / Review of Love Overboard

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

The most overrated books of the year?

Current affairs magazine, Prospect, asked contributors to nominate their most overrated books of 2006. [via Book 2 Book]

The top three were:

1 The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
2 The Blunkett Tapes by David Blunkett
3 Everyman by Philip Roth

But it was broadcaster David Cox's response which made me laugh (don't sit on the fence, David, say what you mean!):

"The Night Watch, Sarah Waters. An imitation Catherine Cookson for dim but pretentious lesbians. The Inheritance of Loss, Kiran Desai. A typically box-ticking, offence-avoiding Booker winner whose supposedly innovative structure is more sensibly viewed as narrative incompetence ..."

So what are your most overrated books of 2006? And, for the sake of positivity, your favourites?

Posted by Aigua Media on December 13, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Prize Winners, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (7)

BOOK REVIEW: My Fat Brother by Jim Keeble

Reading all this chick lit is, of course, fabulous, but sometimes I fancy a bit of testosterone and it was with that in mind I picked up Jim Keeble’s My Fat Brother. Jes is the fat brother of Scott - a popular poet with a gorgeous girlfriend. The brothers are friendly, but not particularly close.

But then Scott’s girlfriend dumps him and while his professional life seems to be going from strength to strength, his personal life is going from bad to worse and this, coupled with a family tragedy, leads Scott to question everything, try to repair familial relationships and, um, assault a penguin.

My Fat Brother isn’t a bad book - I enjoyed it to a certain extent - but it’s similar to quite a lot of books I’ve read recently in that it takes forever to get going and the reader seems to be expected to care about the characters from page 1. I’ve actually given up on a couple of books because even by page 100 I didn’t care. It’s just lazy writing.

For example, Scott’s devastated when his girlfriend finishes with him, but I’d seen so little of their relationship and had so little insight into his feelings about her (apart from the fact that he once vaguely thought about what it might be like to marry her and he’d never thought that about a girlfriend before), that I just didn't care. About halfway through the book something happened that made me cry and I realised I really felt for Scott, but halfway through is too late.

Plus a lot of the action in the book seems to take place for comic effect rather than there being any genuine motivation. And it’s funny. A bit. Just not funny enough. It’s a shame, because there’s some good stuff in here about the odd and competitive relationship brothers often share, but it’s hidden under a lot of, in my opinion, irrelevant, unoriginal, and insufficiently explained subplots. A shame.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try The Family Way by Tony Parsons

Posted by Keris on December 13, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | 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)

BOOK REVIEW: The Ex-Factor by Andrea Semple

The Ex-Factor is Andrea Semple's wonderful debut novel and Semple's talent for writing addictive, hilarious tales works wonders with both her first books. Even though I'll shamefully admit that I've yet to read The Man From Perfect, it's there on my wishlist nonetheless. And when it arrives? I'm likely to devour it in a matter of hours. As soon as I'd read The Makeup Girl, I was out in search of The Ex-Factor, and due to her quick and witty writing style, Andrea is one of my favourite chick-lit authors.

The Ex-Factor's Martha Seymore is an agony aunt. You know the sort: women who seem to know it all relationship-wise. They answer your questions, give you hearty advice and what's more, they're experts. At Gloss magazine, Martha's column is highly successful, though when she discovers that her OWN relationship is ... well, doomed ... the realisation that she didn't 'see the signs' starts to hit her. Hard.

Cue a stay with a best friend, nights out to nurse the pain away and a flatmate by the name of Jacqui; a coke-snorting fan of casual sex who lives in a church.

And of course, old classmate friend Desdemona who was highly renowned for getting exactly what she wanted ...

With a cast of funny yet intriguing characters and the irony of Martha's situation, The Ex Factor is a fabulous read. Despite not being as fast-paced as The Makeup Girl, it's fabulously fun and guaranteed some giggles. As Martha pieces together her relationship history, she realises that she might not be that different from her horde of readers after all ...

But is that really a bad thing?

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

Related posts: Andrea Semple's Spotlight / Andrea Semple's new column

[Danielle Symonds-Yemm]

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on December 12, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

SPOTLIGHT: Sarah Mlynowski

Sarah Mlynowski was born in Montreal, Canada in 1977. After graduating with an honours degree in English literature from McGill University, she moved to Toronto to work in the marketing department of romance publisher, Harlequin.

Her first novel Milkrun sold over 600,000 copies and following publication of her second novel, Fishbowl, Sarah moved to New York to write full-time. Since then she has published three more adult chick lit books, started a young adult series, All About Rachel (about a girl whose mum and sister are witches), and written the first guide to writing chick lit, See Jane Write.

She lives in New York with her husband and wishes she had naturally straight hair.

Carry on over the cut for Sarah's bibliography.

Adult chick lit

Milkrun
Fishbowl
As Seen On TV
Monkey Business
Me vs Me

Young adult

Bras & Broomsticks
Frogs & French Kisses

Anthologies

American Girls About Town
Sixteen: Stories About That Sweet and Bitter Birthday

Non-fiction

See Jane Write

Did you know? Sarah's favourite film of all time is The Goonies.

Related posts: CNN on chick lit / Chick lit for little chicks / Spotlight archives

Posted by Keris on December 12, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Romance, Series, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 11, 2006 2:00 PM

Top 10 chick lit authors

Our Top 100 Extravaganza continues with the Top 10 chick lit authors chosen from our weekly Spotlight feature.

10 Belinda Jones

Belinda Jones has carved herself the best career ever - she travels the world and writes always-entertaining chick lit books based on her adventures.

9 Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell’s Thirtynothing is one of my favourite books of all time and her latest, Vince and Joy is wonderful too.

8 Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin is one of the new breed of chick lit authors, scoring huge sales in an allegedly dying market.

7 Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot may be better-known for her young adult novels, but her adult chick lit books are entertaining and very funny.

6 Jennifer Crusie

Jennifer Crusie (pictured) was writing chick lit before it was called chick lit and she just keeps getting better.

Carry on over the cut for the Top 5 and find out who's number one (it might not be who you think!)

5 Sophie Kinsella

The Shopaholic books are chick lit classics and rightly so. Plus Can You Keep A Secret has one of my favourite ever chick lit heroes. (Look out for the latest Shopaholic book, Shopaholic and Baby due in February 2007.)

4 Lauren Weisberger

Had to be Top 5 due to the enormous success of The Devil Wears Prada (the only book to get its own Trashionista category!). Weisberger’s debut brought the chick lit debate back with a bang.

3 Jennifer Weiner

One author who has apparently begun to transcend her chick lit label. Graduating from an Ivy League school and writing short stories has probably helped.

2 Helen Fielding

Nope. She’s not number one, but she had to be up there. The one who - arguably - started it all with Bridget Jones and still the author still most associated with chick lit.

1 Marian Keyes

Why? Because her first book, Watermelon, came out in 1995 - a year before Bridget Jones’s Diary - making her arguably the originator of chick lit. Plus she’s published a further seven gorgeous novels and two wonderful books of non-fiction. And because she’s a goddess.

Posted by Keris on December 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Devil Wears Prada, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (8)

MORE ON MONDAY: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

The Cloud Atlas Sextet is a piece of music written by one of the characters in David Mitchell’s award-winning book and it's described as follows:

... 'sextet for overlapping soloists': piano, clarinet, 'cello, flute, oboe and violin, each in its own language of key, scale and colour. In the 1st set, each solo is interrupted by its successor: in the 2nd, each interruption is recontinued, in order.

Overlapping and interruption is also the structure of the book. It begins with a diary interrupted by a series of letters from the above composer. This is taken over by Half Lives: The First Luisa Rey Mystery which in turn is interrupted by The Ghastly Ordeal of Timothy Cavendish followed by An Orison of Somni and Sloosha's Crossin' an' Ev'rythin' After. Each is set in a different historical period (the last two are set in the future) and each is written in the style of that period.

I've been intrigued by David Mitchell's books for a while but always thought they looked like extremely difficult reads. Cloud Atlas isn't difficult, but it does reward attention. I didn't particularly enjoy the middle - the futuristic part. It was interesting, but I’m not a science fiction fan and I found it difficult to become emotionally involved.

My favourite parts were undoubtedly The Luisa Rey Mystery and Letters from Zedelghem. I also enjoyed The Ghastly Ordeal of Timothy Cavendish.

Entirely gripping, Cloud Atlas is a dazzling achievement. It's more than a stunning book: it's six stunning books.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Posted by Keris on December 11, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 4/5, Richard and Judy | 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)

BOOK REVIEW: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Another one I can't believe we haven't reviewed yet, My Sister's Keeper is the novel that Jodi Picoult is best-known for. After it was picked as a Richard and Judy book club selection in late 2004, it snowballed in popularity, largely due to the brilliant and intriguing premise of the story, which is, as the cover's tagline has it: "If you use one of your children to save the life of another, are you being a good mother or a a very bad one?"

Thirteen year-old Anna is a human pincushion, who's been through countless invasive surgeries and blood transfusions to help save her sister Kate, who has leukaemia. She was never given a choice in this - in fact she was born for this very purpose. But now she's had enough. She's taking her parents to court to ask that they stop harvesting her body to help her sister. As you can imagine, this tears an already disparate (and desperate) family apart...

The book moves from perspective to prospective, and kept me hooked as it explored all the possible implications of the upcoming trial, and each member of the family's feelings about Kate's illness and Anna's life. At first, I didn't think I could ever be persuaded to side with Anna and Kate's parents, but reading their chapters I had compassion for them, if not always agreement with their choices. I would imagine for someone who has children, this aspect of the book would have even more depth.

Some people don't like the ending - you certainly won't expect it! - but I thought it was sad and moving and a good conclusion to the story.

If you haven't read this book, you should. It's definitely the best Picoult I've read, and an intriguing, suspenseful, thought-provoking story that will stay with you for a long time. Oh, and if you don't cry copiously, you have no heart...

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult.

Related posts: Spotlight: Jodi Picoult / Jodi Picoult, Wonder Woman? / My Sister's Keeper: Yay or Nay?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (3)

Marian Keyes on Orange Prize judging panel

Yep, it's all Marian, all the time here lately - we do like some other authors too, I promise! But this is big news so I had to share. In her monthly newsletter, the lovely Ms Keyes announced that she's been picked as one of the judges for prestigious literary award The Orange Prize, which celebrates women's fiction. Past winners include We Need to Talk about Kevin and Small Island.

Says Marian, "Naturally my joy will be corrupted by snobby types complaining that if a chick-lit author is judging the Orange Prize, then the barbarians are at the gate, my dears. But my response will be a mature and dignified one. Yes. TOUGH *****, SNOBBY AMIGOS! THEY ASKED ME AND THEY DIDN'T ASK YOU!!!!!"

Well put.

More info on the judging panel here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 8, 2006 in Book related, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 7, 2006 8:00 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Christmas is coming

...In literature, as in real life! You might not have a great deal of time for reading just now, so what are some light Christmas reads for you to enjoy as the season approaches? Here's three to start you off...

One of the big Christmas releases this year is Santa, Baby, three short novels / long stories by different authors, in one handy volume. The big draw is Jennifer Crusie's Hot Toy (read an excerpt here), and you can read our review, as well as our exclusive interview with Ms Crusie, later this month.

A Redbird Christmas is another fairly short novel, by Fried Green Tomatoes author Fannie Flagg. It's a fable about Oswald T. Campbell, whose health is so bad he's warned he'll die if he doesn't move to Florida, far away from the cold Chicago winter. Miracles ensue!

What will the third seasonal-themed story be? Carry on over the cut to find out!

Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich (you can also expect an exclusive interview with her later this month!) is a special Christmas-themed Stephanie Plum story. Amazon reviews are very mixed of this one, but might be worth a try if you're a die-hard Plum fan!

What's your favourite holiday read? (Whether specifically Christmas-themed or not!) Perhaps you'll get a new fave this xmas? I know I'm hoping to put my feet up with a good book on Boxing Day...

Thursday Three archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 7, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Romance, Series, Short Story Collections, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (2)

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 6, 2006 5:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Hens Dancing by Raffaela Barker

Raffaella Barker's Hens Dancing isn't the newest of chick-lit books (it was published in 2000) and, appropriately, it's more hen- than chick-lit, but it's still a darn good girly read!

The story of Venetia Summers (yes, she's rather posh) whose husband leaves her and their three kids to shack up with his masseuse, it's told in diary form and covers a year of Venetia's life - from nits to bathroom conversions to unexpected guests, and most importantly, to her learning to cope with being a single mother with an irascible ex.  So basically it's about life-changing disasters, small triumphs and everything in between...

At the time this came out, Venetia was compared pretty heavily  to Bridget Jones, and if you imagine Bridget a little older, a tad wiser, with kids and an estranged husband, it's a pretty good description.

But Hens Dancing is a great book in its own right. I loved the memorable characters, like Venetia's eccentric mother and of course, her funny and very lively children. It's very well-written, funny and sharp and made me laugh out loud several times - and sympathise hugely with Venetia at others.

I highly recommend it!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Only Boy for Me by Gill McNeil.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 6, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jodi Picoult

Launching Trashionista's super-special Super Interview Month, Jodi Picoult talks exclusively to us! Woo-hoo!! Over to Jodi...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

[The Tenth Circle is] the story of a father dealing with the aftermath of his daughter's date rape - and the rage that it creates.

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

At my desk, upstairs in my house.

Your favourite chick-lit book? Anything by  Sophie Kinsella.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why? Scout Finch, from To Kill A Mockingbird - because she's honest and real and will grow up to be an amazing woman who changes the world.

More from Jodi Picoult over the cut...

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

DO IT. Carve out a bit of time each day to write, and even if you write garbage, stay there and keep going - you can always edit garbage; you can't edit a blank page.

What are you reading at the moment?

A galley of a book that will come out this summer called Turpentine.

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

Just this week I wrapped the first draft on a manuscript called Change of  Heart. It's about a man on death row who decides he wants to donate his heart to the sister of his victim, who needs a transplant -- which means that he can't be executed via lethal injection, but instead by means of a less humane form of execution. Then he begins performing miracles...and that some people think he might be Jesus...but the things he says are NOT in the Bible, yet DO come nearly verbatim from a gospel (the Gospel of Thomas) that was rejected by the Church as heresy - and is still considered heresy today. The book questions why we believe the things we do - because they're right, or because it's too frightening to admit we don't have all the answers?

Thanks Jodi! (That sounds great!)

Look out for more Super Interviews all month long! Coming soon: Meg Cabot, Jenny Crusie and Janet Evanovich (really!)

Interview Archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 6, 2006 in American Authors, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

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 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 2:05 PM

Trashionista's Top 100 Extravaganza!

December is shaping up to be an exciting time to be a chick lit fan, Trashionista readers...

Not only is it Super Interview Month, but we'll also be sharing chick-lit themed top 10s (like our favourite chick lit books-turned-movies, or our top 10 'lad lit' choices) culminating in our top 10 chick lit books of all time on December 31st. Keris and I will also each share our favourite books we've reviewed this year, so your Christmas book shopping should be sorted.

We're calling the whole thing Trashionista's Top 100 Extravaganza! and we want you to join in by telling us what you think of our choices- in fact, we can't wait! All the fun starts on Mon (sorry, coudln't resist a rhyme to help you remember!)- see you then!!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 1, 2006 in American Authors, Announcements, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (1)

December is Super Interview Month!

Because we have some super interviews for you this month, and lots of them!

You want exclusive Trashionista interviews with Jenny Crusie, Janet Evanovich, Meg Cabot and more? You got 'em!

Stay tuned throughout the whole of December to make sure you don't miss out!  (Can you tell I'm excited?!)

It all starts on Wednesday, December 6th, with an exclusive interview with Jodi Picoult (*squeal!*)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release, Romance, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sara Gruen guest blog

No, I didn't forget about this one! I saved it to take the sting out of the end of NaNovember! If NaNoWriMo's put you off writing for a while, lovely Sara Gruen's got some tips ...

Sara’s Tools for Avoiding Writing by Sara Gruen

I began this morning as I do every other work day, which is to say I sat down with my cup of tea and immediately glanced around the room seeking reasons not to write.

I paid the bills yesterday. Ditto with watering the plants. I called the piano tuner and made the kids' orthodontic appointments and checked that they were up-to-date on their vaccinations. Hmmm, let me see... I could work my way through the pile of manuscripts I've promised to blurb. I could swap out some of my desk fish’s water. I could update my Web site. I could figure out how to get music onto this iPod I've had since July. Then I remembered I promised to do this guest blog! Elation!

As you may have gathered, I have procrastination down to a fine art. Even though I have two deadlines, one self-imposed (NaNoWriMo - let us know how you got on, Sara!) and one publisher-imposed, I can’t seem to help myself. As such, I’ve decided to share my wisdom and experience:

1. Email. One of the very best tools, and even better if you have multiple accounts, because while you're checking one, something might be arriving in another, so you have to go back and check. This loop can keep you occupied endlessly.

2. E-bay. Haven't you always needed—yes, NEEDED—a sequined paisley clutch bag from the early 60s? Clearly you need it more than that hateful Snoopy123 person who keeps bidding you up. Remember to stay poised on the Refresh button for the old swoop-and-scoop at the very end. It’s all about winning!

3. Google yourself. Yes, virtual naval gazing. Frightfully egocentric (and occasionally just plain frightful), yet very effective for procrastination. You'd be amazed at what turns up! Pages and pages of it!

4. For the truly desperate, there's always housecleaning, furniture rearranging, and interior wall painting. My family room sags under the weight of the five colors I’ve applied (it turns out to be difficult to get just the right shade of orange) and the windows are hermetically sealed, having gone from white to green (don’t ask) to purple (again, don’t ask) to dark brown and finally, back to white. Gardening is also good. I once went out with a pair of shears and butchered my lilac down to a third of its original size and something resembling a shape. When I saw what I’d done, I was horrified. Fortunately, it appears to be impossible to kill a lilac.

I joke about procrastination, but it is a real problem—and I suspect not just for me. My personal low was the time I sorted my rubber bands by size. This was while I was avoiding writing Water for Elephants, and the result was that I asked my husband to move my desk into our walk-in closet, I covered over the window, closed the door, and wore noise-reduction headphones. No internet access, no view, no telephone—nothing but me and my laptop. I spent more than three miserable months in that sensory-deprivation pod, but when I staggered forth into the daylight, I had a finished book.

I now know myself and my writing habits well enough to allow myself limited procrastination. I give myself about half an hour to get caught up on my e-world when I sit down at my desk, and then I open my file. My theory is that if I stare at it long enough, I’ll eventually start writing or editing, and so far I’ve been right.

And if I ever find myself pondering wall colors again, I’ll move back into the closet. I won’t like it, but I’ll do it.

Thanks, Sara! Now, excuse me while I clean my keyboard with a paperclip and a cotton bud ...

Posted by Keris on December 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Opinion | 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)

Watch Madonna talk books

Well, it makes a nice change from hearing her talk about adoption, Africa, etc etc etc! She talks about her hugely popular The English Roses book, and its new sequel The English Roses: Too Good To Be True. And she makes some great feminist points about books for young girls!

The interview is in four parts, all on YouTube.

[Via Book Trailer Park].

Related: Kylie joins celebrity authors.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 30, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Series, Technology, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 29, 2006 8:09 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Hi, Yay or Nayers! Last week you were pretty much agreed that it's OK if your partner doesn't read your writing... better than him/her reading it and making lukewarm/disparaging comments, at any rate! (But I think I'd want my boyfriend to read and love my masterpieces - if I had a boyfriend. Or any masterpieces.)

This week, the question is simple, if controversial. (And in several parts...) You may have heard all the outcry about the proposed OJ Simpson book (worst taste idea of the year), which has now thankfully been dropped by the publisher. Found not guilty in criminal court of the murders of his ex-wife and her boyfriend, OJ was nevertheless found guilty in a civil trial. And although he's not in the same league, disgraced ex-politician Jeffrey Archer has a new book deal (oh joy) and indeed released a book from prison. Great! On the other hand, this prison diary is one of the best books I've ever read.

So what I want to know is this: should books by convicted criminals ever be published, and should they receive money for them? Does it depend on whether the book draws on a crime they've been found guilty of? Is it only okay once they've served their time? Should it be taken on a case by case basis (eg. Jeffrey Archer - bad writer but not in bad taste, OJ - bad to the bone *allegedly*?) What do you think?

To answer all or any of that(!), 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, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Opinion, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (9)

BOOK REVIEW: The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt

I have a confession to make: My natural tendency is that I hear 'historical fiction', I think zzzzzz... so it takes a really great book set in the past to get me hooked. The Vanishing Point is just such a book.

Mary Sharratt 's third novel is the story of May Powers and her sister Hannah and it begins in Gloustershire, England in 1689. Known as the local 'trollop', 22-year-old May discovers one day that she's been promised in marriage to her father's cousin's son all the way across the pond in Maryland. She leaves her sister, father and housekeeper/surrogate mother Joan behind, not knowing if she'll ever see any of them again, and makes the trip to start her new life in the USA.

When she gets there, she's unimpressed by what she finds: touted as tobacco farmers, her father's cousin's family own little land and only very basic property. They live in the middle of nowhere, and work from dawn til dusk - and she now must, too. What's more, her new husband is four years younger than her, inexperienced, shy and unimpressive. In the face of such disappointment, and the temptation of some charismatic Irish farm workers, May finds it hard to curb her wanton ways...

When Hannah arrives to join May two years later, after the death of their father, she finds the cabin where she's expecting to see May almost deserted - what has happened here, and where is her sister?

All this happens within the first 100 pages, so I could give away a lot more of the plot, but I won't because all the plot's unexpected twists are a large part of the enjoyment of this novel. It's so well-written (dispelling any idea that historical novels are boring or old-fashioned), well-researched (but not in a way that forces facts down the reader's throat) and brilliantly-plotted. It's also easy to read and understand, with just the right mix of historical and modern language so that it's realistic but never stuffy. And turns out people were pretty bawdy back then!

I learned a lot from this novel (do you know what the traditional red and white-striped barber's pole used to represent?!) and really got a feel for life in the 17th century. I'd never thought about how hard it must be for emigrants from England to America, who would d never see their families again and have to start all over in a place that had a  far less advanced civilization (living conditions were much more basic, and someone with kidney stones would certainly die, due to the shortage of doctors, for example). Sometimes this book is brutal, and violent, especially the descriptions of animals being slaughtered, but it's never gratuitous.

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.

You don't have to be interested in history to love this book - you just have to read it. It's a book that doesn't seem to have received the coverage it deserves in the UK, but I'm crossing my fingers that the Orange panel gives it some serious consideration...

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory; Property by Valerie Martin.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Romance | 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 10:34 AM

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)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Karen Quintiere

We're in the enviable position of having more NaNo author interviews than there are Wednesdays in NaNovember, so today's bonus interview day!

If you read Karen Quintiere's guest blog, you'll know that her book, Designing Bitches, is out next month. Read on for Karen's interview and then carry on over the cut to find out how you can with a copy of her book.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Designing Bitches is coming in December from Triskelion Publishing. It's my first novel and I couldn't be more excited or terrified.

My main character, Peyton Doucet, is a middle school Art teacher whose dreams of being a fashion designer were cut short when her best friend ripped the couture rug out from under her. Now married and living in Washington, DC, she gets a second chance to make her dreams come true.

(That's more than 15, Karen, but I'll let you off cos it's Friday!)

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

I write on my Sony Vaio - it's Raspberry Red and totally cute. I don't really have a preference as far as where I write - my notebook travels wherever I do.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

I adore Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. Becky Bloomwood and I have a lot in common, which is both good and bad, I suppose!

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

As much as I love Becky Bloomwood, I have to say Scarlett O'Hara, who, in my opinion, is the original Chick Lit heroine. 

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

I started a few years ago on a fan fiction site, which opened up a whole world for me that I never knew existed.  Through the site, I was able to create my own characters, invent storylines for them, and put my work out there for a lot of people to see. I also met a wonderfully talented group of writers who support and encourage me at every turn. I think it's a great place for any writer to start because it is an anonymous forum for lots of people to see your writing and give you feedback.  The first time I got an email from a stranger who'd read and loved my writing was one of the best days of my life.  My only other advice is to read, read, read, from as many different styles and genres as you can.

What are you reading at the moment?

I tend to read several books at once - I'm a voracious reader and my tastes are fairly eclectic.  Let's see..

Echoes of a Distant Summer by Guy Johnson (Maya Angelou's son)
Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

I think I'll stop at three, otherwise I may give the impression that I don't have a life!

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

Right now, I'm working on the follow-up to Designing Bitches, which is tentatively titled, Bitches in Bikinis.

I'm having lots of fun with it so far - the girls are on vacation in Morella, a very cool spot I found in the lyrics of a U2 song and promptly Googled. I'm about 7,500 words in so far and have most of the scenes plotted out. 

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

What superhero power would you like to have, and why?

I would love to have the power to turn invisible - I am super nosy and the chance to spy on others is too good to pass up. Of course, if there is any sort of superhero hyperspeed metabolism available, then I'll just have to be nosy in the usual way.  Being able to eat whatever I want and have it burn right up? That would be the best thing ever. 

Thanks, Karen! For your chance to win a hot-off-the-press copy of Designing Bitches, just email us with "Bitches" in the subject line and your name and address in the body of the email (so we can send you the book - we won't send you anything else, honest) before 30 November 2006.

And don't forget there's still time to enter our other NaNovember competitions: The Salem Witch Tryouts, BreakupBabe, Daughter of the Bride, Time Off For Good Behavior and Sara Gruen (three books!)

Posted by Keris on November 24, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Competition, Debut Novels, Fashion-Lit, Interviews, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | 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)

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)

Karyn Bosnak's new YouTube videos

Karyn Bosnak is the latest author to hop on the YouTube bandwagon, with a new series of video posts she's calling 'Storytime'. Watch the first one here and find out about her friend Mark, her lazy eye, and even a bit about her novel, Twenty Times a Lady. She's a natural! (Much like our Shiny media colleagues, who've been at this YouTube lark for ages now- such trendsetters...) Word on Karyn's blog is that a new Storytime is due very soon.

Related: Melanie Lynn Hauser on YouTube / Meet The Author / Expanded Books

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 23, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Technology | Permalink | Comments (2)

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 2:18 PM

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)

Novels that take a long time!

To write, rather than read, that is- although in some cases it might be both! It seems that while the frenzied atmosphere of Nanovember is great inspiration for some authors, others need a lot more time to hone their craft...

Mary Sharratt told us last week that researching and writing her tour de force novel (review coming soon!) The Vanishing Point took ten years, a real labour of love. Bestselling author Donna Tartt also took ten years between smash hit The Secret History and its follow-up, The Little Friend (meaning the so-so reviews for the latter must have been especially galling- that's the sophomore slump for you!)

Meanwhile, in the latest issue of Mslexia, Jane Harris explains why her debut novel The Observations took a massive thirteen years to come to fruition. So if you're a budding novelist, I  guess it doesn't really matter how long it takes... as long as you get there in the end.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 21, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

High Fidelity- the musical!

Yes, strange as it may sound, Nick Hornby's 90s lad-lit classic High Fidelity (which was made into a film in 2000) has now been adapted into a musical for the Broadway stage! The show opened yesterday to a flurry of hype and some mixed reviews... if you're interested, buy tickets or find out more via topfivebreak ups.com.

Related: The play's the thing (apparently) / Movie news archives.

[Via Vanity Fair].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 21, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News | 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)

MORE ON MONDAY: Holes by Louis Sachar

Louis Sachar's Holes is one of those books described as 'crossover', meaning it was written for children, but it's so good that adults ended up buying their own copies, too.

A miscarriage of justice sees Stanley Yelnats [notice the palindrome?] sent to a detention centre for young boys called Camp Green Lake. There, he and his fellow inmates are forced to dig a hole a day, every day in the dried up desert, with only very limited supplies of food and water. Their holes must be- five feet wide and five feet deep and there's no escape as they're in such an isolated area... The Warden of Green Lake describes thier back-breaking labour as "character building."

But what's really going on? Stanley is determined to find out...

Obviously I'm not going to give away the plot, but suffice it to say that Stanley gets to the bottom of the holes (metaphorically speaking) and manages to turn his history of bad luck around. Part adventure story, part morality tale, Holes is a fantastic and exciting read for any age group!

Rating: 4 out of 5

DID YOU KNOW? Holes was made into a 2003 film starring Sigourney Weaver.

Like this? Try The Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

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)

BOOK NEWS: Perfectly Plum

Who doesn't love curling up with a good Plum? A Stephanie Plum book, that is... Janet Evanovich's series of books about Stephanie Plum, Bounty Hunter (the latest of which, Twelve Sharp, came out this year) have been one of the most popular series ever. Their kick-ass, take-no-prisoners heroine has become a female icon and the books are simultaneously fun, inspiring and edge-of-your-seat dramatic. So it's not surprising that BenBella books, publishers of This is Chick Lit, Welcome to Wisteria Lane and Totally Charmed have an upcoming anthology devoted to all things Plum. Called Perfectly Plum (subtitle: Unauthorized Essays on the Life, Loves and Other Disasters of Stephanie Plum, Trenton Bounty Hunter) it will be released in June.

And the best part? Trashionista's very own Keris Stainton is one of the contributors, with an essay on Stephanie's relationship with her sister- you won't want to miss this!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 16, 2006 5:01 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Books that aren't what they say!

If you're thinking, "Huh?" don't worry, all will become clear! I'm talking about books whose titles are purposefully misleading, obscure or don't describe what the story is actually about in any way.

First up has to be A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewczykca, which found itself housed in the non-fiction/agriculture sections of book shops around the country. It's actually the fictional story of two sisters and their irascible Ukrainian immigrant father, who's just married a gold-digger from the motherland and is trying to complete his masterpiece- a pamphlet about a history of tractors, written in Ukrainian... (incidentally, the mix-up hasn't had disastrous results- the book's sold well and and won awards).

What will the other two quirkily-titled books be? Come with me over the cut to find out...

You might not have heard of this next book yet, but you will... Special Topics in Calamity Physics has been a big hit in the States and with literary critics. Marisha Pessl is a name you'll be hearing again and again... A long and complex book modelled on the structure of a literary course (with a final exam at the end), it certainly sounds different. And nothing at all to do with physics, of course.

Finally, the book that could be said to have started this naming trend in women's fiction: The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing. When I told people I was reading this, Melissa Bank's debut, back in 2000, they all thought I was mad "But you're not into hunting or fishing..." No, I'm not. So it's lucky this book is a collection of linked stories about life and love centered around a woman named Jane, instead...

Are there any I've forgotten? What's your favourite book  that doesn't do what the title describes?

Thursday Three archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Prize Winners, Recent Release, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (7)

FRANCESCA SEGRE GIVEAWAY!

Francesca was our first NaNovember guest blogger and she has kindly donated a copy of her novel Daughter of the Bride to a lucky Trashionista reader.

When her mom calls to say she's getting married, Daniella is both thrilled and devastated. Mom, who's pushing sixty, is about to walk down the aisle for the second time, and Daniella, at twenty-nine, hasn't come close to saying "I do" once. Even worse, Mom insists Daniella help plan the big bash: white gown, band, caterer, the works.

Between cake tastings, dress fittings, and ring shopping, Daniella struggles to make sense of her own frustrating love life-all while juggling her high-pressure TV job and hectic dating adventures. And it isn't long before she realizes she's going to have to make some changes in her own life-or never walk down the aisle herself. [via Amazon.com]

Carry on over the cut to find out how you can win a copy.

To be in with a chance of winning, just do the usual - that's email us your name and address and put "Bride" in the subject line. We'll pick a winner after 30 November 2006. Good luck! (And don't forget you can still enter our Sara Gruen and Lani Diane Rich giveaways.)

Intro to NaNovember / NaNovember archives

Posted by Keris on November 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Competition, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

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 8:00 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Well, last week you were pretty unanimous: you hate the idea of novels which turn real people's lives into fiction (in that case, Jackie Kennedy into a spy). I think Shanna had the best idea- why not loosely base it on a famous person (i.e make it a book about a famously stylish president's widow)? Seems classier, somehow...

Anyway! Today's Yay or Nay isn't about a moral dilemma, more a book world bust-up: the literary community is divided over whether graphic novels should be included in the running for major lit prizes. Some call it sacrilege, some call it progress... Before reading the wonderful Cancer Vixen I would have been very against the idea, but now I'm not so sure...

But what do you think: is it a Yay or a Nay- and Why?

Related: Yay or Nay archives / Manga Romance / Wuthering Heights gets graphic! / Jodi Picoult, Wonder Woman? / Movie News: Cancer Vixen / Book Review: Cancer Vixen

[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 November 15, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (3)

MARY SHARRATT GIVEAWAY!

Loved Mary Sharratt's guest blog? Intrigued by the sound of her book? Well, we have one copy of The Vanishing Point (which I'm loving just now!) to give away to one lucky UK/Europe-based reader!

Simply email us your name and address with "Mary" in the subject line to be in with a chance to win!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 15, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Competition, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

SPOTLIGHT: Sara Gruen

Yep, another NaNo-centric Spotlight. I hadn't heard of Sara Gruen until quite recently and now I'm kind of fixated on her (a rumoured $5million advance will do that to me!).

Born in Vancouver, Canada, Sara went on to study English Literature at college in Ontario. In 1999 she moved to the US for a technical writing job and has subsequently become a citizen. After Sara was laid off from the tech writing job, she decided to try writing fiction full-time.

Her first novel, Riding Lessons, was published to critical and popular acclaim. Sara then wrote Water for Elephants, but her editor turned it down and asked for a sequel to Riding Lessons instead. The sequel, Flying Changes, was then followed by Water for Elephants. Her new novel, Ape House, is due in 2008.

Carry on over the cut for more about Sara and her bibliography.

Sara lives in Northern Illinois with her husband, three sons, two dogs, three cats, two goats, and horse in an idyllic-sounding environmentalist community (the residents live in energy-efficient homes and share an organic farm and a charter school).

Sara donates a portion of the earnings from all of her books to various animal charities. You can find links to some of the charities and info on how you can help here.

Don't forget you can win a copy of each of Sara's books by emailing us with your name and address and "Sara" in the subject line (before 30 November 2006).

Riding Lessons
Flying Changes
Water for Elephants

Read our interview with Sara / Introduction to NaNovember / NaNovember archives / Spotlight archives

Posted by Keris on November 14, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

GUEST BLOG: MARY SHARRATT

As part of our NaNovember celebrations, Mary Sharratt, a fave of Joshilyn Jackson and loyal friend of Trashionista, talks about how long it took her to write her book The Vanishing Point- and why she set it way back in the past...

Mary Sharratt on... why timing (and research!) is everything.

Back in the early 1990s, long before the whole NaNoWriMo phenomenon began, I wrote the first draft of my novel, The Vanishing Point, as a novella. The writing didn’t take long—the story itself flowed out of me in the form of a dark fairy tale. Full of love and longing, deception and betrayal, the narrative was informed as much by folklore and tragic ballads as historical research. The setting in the Maryland wilderness was in place, as was the skeleton plot, including the sleight of hand twist and revelation at the end.

Then it occurred to me that in order to do justice to this plot, the story had to be much bigger than a novella. To fully develop the characters and setting, I would have to do a significant amount of research. This proved daunting, as I was living in Germany at the time, in what for me, at least, was the pre-internet era. The old chestnut, “Write What You Know,” reverberated. But what did I know about 17th century Maryland tobacco plantations? I had no connection with that region. But my two 17th century sisters would not leave me in peace.

Abandoning my safety zone, I leapt into the void and researched the novel for over a decade. Why go to all this trouble when I could have made my life easier by writing something contemporary? Because writing is at its most addictive when it becomes as escape for the writer, as well as the reader. Historical fiction is my mode of time travel. By setting my story in the distant past, I hope to evoke the same sense of timeless wonder and “otherwhere” that is found in fairy tales. It’s my great challenge to make that historical world as real and alive for the reader as it is for me.

[I've just started the book and so far, it's fabulous, and seems brilliantly well-researched- but not boringly so!- Diane].

Thanks Mary!

Related:  Author Interview: Mary Sharratt / Mary Sharratt's dressed-up book tour / Mary's website.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 14, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Opinion, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 13, 2006 7:22 PM

The Galaxy Book Awards

Call me psychic, but last month I talked about the delicious connection between books and chocolate and now it's been announced that the new sponsor of the British Book Awards will be...  Galaxy! A perfect combination as far as I'm concerned, but some publishers have suggested that the partnerhsip might be too woman-centric and turn men off (because men aren't allowed to eat chocolate by law, obviously...) [Via Galleycat].

The British Book Awards (known as "The Nibbies") are hosted by Richard and Judy every year around Easter.

Related: Richard and Judy  Christmas book party / Richard and Judy archives / Prizewinners archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 13, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

MOVIE NEWS: The Possibility of Fireflies

YA author Dominique Paul is about to make her directorial debut with an adaptation of her own book, The Possibility of Fireflies . Kelly Preston (aka Mrs John Travolta and Tom Cruise's nasty ex in Jerry Maguire) is to star and the team behind Monster will produce the film, the story of a single mother and her two daughters.

Related: Pop! author causes controversy / Ally Carter movie news / Young Adult archives / Movie News archives.

[Via Galleycat and The Hollywood Reporter]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News, New Releases, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 10, 2006 6:17 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Sleep With Me by Joanna Briscoe

The characters in Sleep With Me by Joanna Briscoe are selfish, self-indulgent, snobby whining thirty-somethings who are hard to relate to and even harder to care about. But it's okay; they're supposed to be. This is a haunting, creepy, slow-moving novel that builds to a dramatic crescendo. It's subtly sinister- an uncomfortable read for no reason you can put your finger on.

Told from the alternating viewpoints of Lelia and Richard, a London couple who are perfectly happy together, the action begins at a Christmas party after they've just conceived their first child. Happy and glowing, they barely notice the presence of a new member of the group, Sylvie, who appears mousy and uninteresting. And yet slowly over the next few months she starts to make her presence felt...

Seducing Richard and leaving Lelia alone with thoughts of a past that haunts her, Sylvie becomes an addictive presence in the couple's life, but one that is never acknowledged between them. I can't say too much about the plot without revealing the story that a reader must allow to unfold for themselves, but this is a very compelling read.

The alternating viewpoints narrative works well, and as we reach the end of the book, allows certain plot points to be put together without our discovering them earlier. It also gives us a real insight into these people's heads- I think one of the reason the characters seem so unlikeable is that as narrators they're so emotionally honest, and tell us more than we need to know about themselves- often things we wouldn't wish to know about another person! Joanna Briscoe is a very talented and sharp author to be able to achieve this, and it shows a great understanding of human nature- its weaknesses and foibles (with an emphasis on human sexuality and how we deal with grief), which is really what this book is all about.

If that sounds like a super-serious read, it isn't- Sleep Wit Me isn't full of humour but it's not a hard book to work through; you'll want to race through it. A quote on the front describes it as "a great summer page turner..." Great it may be, but set in winter, with some very dark themes, there's nothing summery about it. I'd say it's a great winter read, if you don't mind feeling a little discomfited while you're reading- and for a few days afterwards...

I'm just not sure Briscoe intended for me to dislike her characters as much as I did- they're rather stuffy, cold and formal, although I had sympathy for them, especially Lelia, towards the end of the book.

The book feels a bit like a more modern Patricia Highsmith, where an undercurrent of menace is created out of very little, so it could be a creepy classic of the future!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 10, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Day Shift Werewolf by Jan Underwood

We told you about the three-day novel earlier, now read our review of the 2005 winner...

Jan Underwood was the winner of the 28th Annual International 3 Day Novel Writing Contest in 2005 with this, her first novel Day Shift Werewolf. As you’ve probably guessed, the novel was written in three days and it weaves together eight stories that are connected by the town of Stevens’ Ferry.

Each story is about a supernatural being who has become disillusioned with their lot in life...

Warren, the werewolf of the title, realises he doesn’t like meat, but he does have an slight obsession with apostrophes (Steven’s Ferry? Stevens’ Ferry? Stevens Ferry? Don’t worry, Warren will sort it out...) A minor demon decides he’d rather be a four-year-old girl and a Norwegian Gnome tries to claim political asylum. My favourite story was the first in the book. Ms Underwood slowly unravels the story, revealing a little bit more of her characters with every page until the picture is complete. The humour is very subtle and giggle-to-yourself funny.

The novel is short (well, it was written in three days), but I really like the idea of such a short novel. It’s great for reading on a train or in a café because it’s just the right size for a handbag. Even a small handbag. [Nicola Pedley]

For further information check out www.3daynovel.com.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try the other winners of the 3 Day Novel Contest; Enchanted Inc by Shanna Swendson.

Supernatural archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 10, 2006 in Book related, Competition, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

Small Island to be given out free

Following the news that Zadie Smith's debut novel White Teeth had been added to the school syllabus, I asked which other modern novels you thought should be studied. Diane suggested Andrea Levy's Whitbread Prize winning book, Small Island, saying, "students could learn about race issues in the 50s, immigration, World War 2 and read a good book all at once!"

Well, it's just been announced that, as part of an initiative to mark the 200th anniversary of the Slave Trade Abolition Bill, 50,000 copies of Small Island are to be distributed free to libraries and schools next year. The participating cities - Bristol, Liverpool, Hull and Glasgow were all involved in the slave trade and the campaign for its abolition. [via Publishing News]

Posted by Keris on November 10, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (0)

How NaNoWriMo can pay big bucks

Well, maybe not. But Sara Gruen who wrote her second novel Flying Changes for NaNoWriMo has recently moved to a new publisher in a two-book deal worth an estimated $5.2million! [via MediaBistro]

Sara doesn't mention the figure on her website, but she does admit to having celebrated the deal by adopting ten infant bonobo apes (along with exceedingly cute pic).

You can read our interview with Sara here and don't forget to enter our competition to win all three of Sara's books here.

NaNovember archives

Posted by Keris on November 10, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

Lionel Shriver loves snooker!

Author of We Need To Talk About Kevin Lionel Shriver admitted to a fondness for snooker at a recent reading in Sheffield as part of the city's Off The Shelf festival.  Her next novel, The Post-Birthday World (due in March next year) will even feature a scene at the world snooker championships at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.

As a native of Sheffield and a big fan of Shriver's novel, this made me feel inordinately proud... shame I hate snooker, though.

[Via The Sheffield Telegraph].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 10, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, New Releases, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 9, 2006 5:54 PM

Who is Lucy Jackson?

Her novel Posh will be published in January, but her identity is such a mystery that even her editor doesn't know who she is.

According to her publishers, Lucy Jackson is an alias for 'an acclaimed short story writer and novelist', who they claim dropped the manuscript off in the lobby and only communicates via telephone and email. [via Publishers Weekly]

Some think it's a publicity stunt, others suggest she needs to protect her privacy because of her connection to the world she's writing about - no, not Mrs Beckham - New York City prep schools.

The article also comments on the similarities between the cover of Posh and the cover of Curtis Sittenfield's book, Prep. Carry on over the cut to see what you think.

Posted by Keris on November 9, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

Kate Madison's NaNo

Kate Madison's NaNo novel sounds very intriguing. Kate is co-authoring it with her friend Malia Jacobs - they will each be writing the part of a different sister.

Two sisters, both alike in vanity, in fair California where we lay our scene…

Paige Miller has always been the responsible one. But while reeling from a devastating break-up, Paige decides to let loose and experiment—a decision which ultimately results in a host of unsuitable suitors, far too much alcohol consumption, and the title “Ho of the Year.”

Marisa Miller is a flighty New Age lesbian who’s allergic to commitment. But when Marisa finds herself homeless, jobless and on the road to single motherhood, suddenly a little security doesn't sound so bad.

Spilled Perfume is a story of sex, sisters and killer scents.

Intro to NaNovember / Kathleen O'Leary's NaNo / Lisa Clark's NaNo / NaNovember archives

Posted by Keris on November 9, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | Permalink | Comments (1)

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 5:50 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Eve Pollard, the mother of Claudia Winkleman and an ex-newspaper and magazine editor has now written a new book called Jack's Widow, in which JFK's widow Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is depicted in fictional form as a spy for the CIA.  According to Galleycat, the Kennedy family is upset about the novel and Patrick Anderson of the Washington Post denounced it as a "ghoulish piece of trash."  (Ooh).

So what do you think- is it okay to use famous dead people in a novel? Is the key factor whether they have any surviving relatives? Do we need to be more respectful of the deceased, or is this a way of keeping their memory alive? Is it only all right when they've been dead for hundreds of years (like Shakespeare)?

So many questions, but it only really boils down to one: 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, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 8, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (9)

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)

Sara Gruen giveaways

If you read last week's interview with Sara Gruen, you'll know that she wrote her enormously successful book, Flying Changes, for NaNoWriMo.

So as part of NaNovember, we've got a copy to give away. But that's not all! Sara has kindly offered a copy of each of her three books to one lucky Trashionista reader! That's Riding Lessons, Flying Changes and Water for Elephants. We spoil you, we really do.

To be in with a chance to win email us with the subject line "Sara" and including your name and address (so that we can, you know, send you the books) before 30 November 2006.

Sara Gruen interview / NaNovember archives

Posted by Keris on November 8, 2006 in American Authors, Competition, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (2)

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 10:47 AM

Dirty Blonde- Courtney Love's new book

As Keris just mentioned, Courtney Love "allegedly" made off with a copy of  Stupid and Contagious recently, without you know, paying.

Now she's released a book of her own: out this week, Dirty Blonde is a collection of diary entries, poetry, song lyrics and photographs from the singer/actress/alleged book thief. Perhaps she'll offer Caprice Crane a free copy...?

[Via Bookslut].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 7, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction | 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 11:37 AM

MORE ON MONDAY: The Woman who walked into Doors by Roddy Doyle

The Woman who walked into Doors by Roddy Doyle is not the most enjoyable or pleasant book you'll ever read, but it is probably one of the very best.

It's the story of Paula Spencer, a working-class Irish woman whose husband and father of her children Charlo subjects her to appalling physical abuse throughout their marriage until finally, and violently, he dies. (I'm not spoiling the plot here- that's made clear in the first few pages).

It's also emotional, incredibly real and often gut-wrenching.

It's hard to believe this book is written by a man as the first-person narrator, Paula, is so real and vivid and the narration is always believable, even as it becomes more horrifying. We learn the history of her relationship with Charlo- how he made her knees go weak when she first met him, to the horrific abuse he dealt out. We also learn about Paula's childhood and upbringing and her family background and there are moments of wonderful although dark humour, too.

Doyle has a particular gift for capturing cruelty and realism, and it's used to great effect here. The scenes of abuse are genuinely disturbing and frightening and although it's not a true story, obviously (unfortunately) it's a story that will ring true with many people and that makes the emotional impact stronger.

It's a dark book, not a read to cherish or 'enjoy' as such, but one that's so addictively well-written you can't help devouring it to the very end. And when you do, the reward is that things are starting to look up after Charlo's death; finally Paula has the chance to move forward. We have to believe she'll take it.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* Ten years on from the publication of this book, Roddy Doyle has brought out a sequel, Paula Spencer, which is getting very good reviews.

Like this? Try We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

More on Monday archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 6, 2006 in Book related, Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kathleen O'Leary's NaNo

Kathleen O' Leary, aka Kat of the Kitty Can Scratch blog and the editor of fabulous new online women's magazine Fetch (full disclosure: I'm a contributor), says of her fledgling NaNoWrimo novel:

"Harlan Pruitt, age 23, is one year out of college and living in an over-the-garage apartment in the sleepy Upstate New York town where she went to high school. In spite of her degree from a top-twenty school, she is working as a sales associate at a local boutique, a position with little room for upward mobility. Her upper middle class family is mortified by her life choices and is not quiet about this fact. I hope to have some semblance of a plot, involving a yet-to-be-determined catalyst that will spur Harlan out of her zombie-like state, and then she’ll, um, do something. It’s all very preliminary at this point. "

Sounds good to me! Thanks Kat!

Lisa Clark's Nano / Intro to Nanovember / Nanovember archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 6, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | 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)

Another Janet Evanovich collaboration

Not content with the enormously successful Stephanie Plum series, the fledgling Metro Girl series, the re-released romances the Full series written with Charlotte Hughes, and a how to write manual, Janet Evanovich has now signed a deal to co-write a series of adventure novels with thriller writer Stephen J. Cannell. (Although I read somewhere - sorry can't remember where - that she motivates herself by spending her money before she's earned it, so that could be a contributory factor!)

Perhaps inspired by the success of Bob Mayer and Jennifer Crusie's (we're Crusie crazy today!) Don't Look Down, the books will be set in Orange County and follow the adventures of a former Special Forces operative, Benjamin Cannon. (Hang on a minute. Now I'm thinking less "inspired by" and more "rip-off of". It's not just me, is it?) The first book, No Chance, will be out at the end of next year.

Related posts: One for the Money review / Twelve Sharp review

Posted by Keris on November 3, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jenny Crusie on being a "quote whore"

Yesterday was a momentous day in Trashionista history, as my co-ed Keris and I actually... met! in person! (And swapped a frankly immodest amount of books). And we chatted about books quite a bit, too... (well, what did you expect?!)

"Have you seen Jenny Crusie's latest blog?" she asked me. I hadn't, but I checked it when I got home, and it's very entertaining (and informative). Called Confessions of a Reformed Quote Whore (!) it's about the practice of giving author quotes for new releases. If you've ever wondered if an author really enjoyed the book they're raving about on the cover, find out there!

Next month we'll (very excitingly!) have an interview with Ms Crusie *squeal* and a review of her latest, too. (It's Christmas-themed...)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 3, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

A novel in a year

During November, which we've re-named NaNovember, we're of course exploring the idea of writing a 50,000 word novel in a month. But a month might not be the right timescale for everyone...

In The Telegraph (in print and online) experienced novelist Louise Doughty is running a creative writing class via the newspaper, with a lesson each week bringing you to the goal of a novel in a year (still an impressive feat if you're a beginner, no?) She's already on week 43, but all the archives are online and make a great resource no matter how long it takes you to finish your novel! There's a message group so you're not alone (there's apparently been a huge response) and an introduction to the whole concept here.

Next week, we'll look at the experience of writing a novel in just three days- and review the results!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 3, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | 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)

November 1, 2006 6:04 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Sara Gruen

As you can see from her picture, Sara Gruen is an animal lover. So it's not surprising that her latest book is called Water For Elephants (find out what it's about, below).

Before that, Sara wrote the novel Flying Changes for Nanowrimo and we have a copy to give away! to one lucky reader (for what would NaNovember be without giveaways aplenty?!) - check back soon to find out more! For now, find out more about Sara and her books...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer: Water for Elephants is a love story involving a man, a woman, and an elephant.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)? My favorite place to write is anywhere that overlooks a body of water. My most effective place to write, however, is my walk-in closet with the window covered!

Your favourite chick-lit book? I'm old-school--I ADORED Bridget Jones.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why? It's probably bad taste to choose one of your own characters, but my favorite female heroine is Rosie, my elephant- because I fell in love with her, and with all elephants, and because she prevailed against terrible circumstances.

Carry on over the cut for Sara's writing tips and the question she prefers not to answer...

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers? I'm a great believer in the seat-of-the-pants rule: apply the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair. I'm very, very lucky in that I get to do this full-time. If you also have a job and children and a house to run, it must be incredibly difficult to carve out time to write. I think my advice would be to set aside, say, two hours on Saturday and/or Sunday, announce that this is your writing time, and insist that everyone--including yourself--respect it.

What are you reading at the moment? Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. It's gorgeous.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!) I'm just about to start my new book, APE HOUSE. As in, at midnight tonight when the clock starts ticking for NaNoWriMo! All I can say is that it involves bonobo apes, reality TV, and hi-jinx all around.

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 my age. And I think I'll decline to answer! ; D

Thanks Sara!

Interview archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Interviews, Modern Fiction, NaNovember, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Time Off for Good Behavior by Lani Diane Rich

As you may know, I love Lani Diane Rich's books and have done since I read her first, Time Off for Good Behavior which was originally written - under the title of Boom! - for NaNoWriMo 2002. (We're going to be giving a copy of Time Off for Good Behavior some time during NaNovember - so don't miss that!)

You'd think that ending up in a coma after falling down while attempting to hit a lawyer would be enough, but Wanda's also got an abusive ex-husband and estranged parents to deal with. The ex, George, has taken to phoning Wanda frequently - either to beg forgiveness or threaten to kill her. When he turns up in Tennessee, things become even more serious (and he is genuinely scary).

And that's not all, Wanda is also being driven crazy by a piece of music she can't identify and can't get out of her head. So when she finds herself falling for Walter - another lawyer, but a total sweetheart - she realises she needs to sort herself and her life out before she makes a mess of his too. So she goes to confession (even though she's not Catholic), puts an advert in the paper, and writes her to do list on post-it notes which she sticks to the wall (they include 'get a new haircut' and 'do something meaningful').

I loved this book. Like all of Lani's books, it's very funny, but it's also sad and - I thought - painfully true. The supporting characters are great, but the best thing about this book is certainly Wanda herself (and Lani admits Wanda's her favourite chick lit character). She's bright, brash, bolshy and ballsy. And she swears like a docker. But she's also vulnerable and real. I loved her and I really wanted it to work out for her.

Time Off for Good Behavior is a great book and an excellent introduction to a wonderful author.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

Related posts: The Comeback Kiss / Ex and the Single Girl

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

October 31, 2006 5:43 PM

MOVIE NEWS: The Undomestic Goddess

We mentioned a while ago that Aline Brosh McKenna, who wrote the script of The Devil Wears Prada movie, was working on Allison Pearson's I Don't Know How She Does It.

Now it seems that she's also working on a screenplay of Sophie Kinsella's The Undomestic Goddess for Universal Pictures. [via Variety]

Posted by Keris on October 31, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

BOOK REVIEW: Bee Season by Myla Goldberg

Unlike The Secret Life of Bees, Myla Goldberg's Bee Season actually is a book about bees, although not the buzzing black and yellow kind but the culturally-entrenched American tradition of spelling bees. Eliza Naumann is a mediocre pupil and unremarkable in every way until one day, aged eleven, she discovers a sudden talent for spelling. Her father Saul, a Jewish cantor and scholar of Kabbalah (the serious,  mystical orthodox version rather than Madonna-style Kabbalah lite) who's never paid her that much attention before is suddenly her biggest fan and mentor, and together they travel the country as Eliza's prodigious talent grows.

But back at home, Eliza's brother Aaron is feeling neglected and finds an unusual way to cope and Miriam, Eliza and Aaron's mother, is reverting to an unhealthy compulsion that she thought Saul's love had cured. Maybe Eliza's new-found talent isn't quite the blessing she once thought?

With elements of mysticism/magical realism plus explorations of faith, mental health issues and family dynamics, this is a book that simultaneously manages to be very deep and very readable. Myla Goldberg's style is witty yet understated and unpretentious and this is a book which handles several issues whilst never becoming depressing. It's poignant yet funny, sharply drawn but sympathetic and the characters are very believable. It's a great example of 'show don't tell' writing, in which characters' motivations and feelings are revealed through the smallest actions and the reader is credited with the intelligence to understand them. It's also interesting to get an insight into spelling bees, a curiously American phenomenon which most of us have heard of yet never participated in! [The film Spellbound is worth a watch for the same reason, incidentally].

Much more than a coming of age story or a book about spelling, Bee Season deserves the buzz (sorry!) that its publication recieved.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* Bee Season was made into a film in 2005, starring Richard Gere, Juliette Binoche and Kate Bosworth.

Like this? Try We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 31, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (2)

GUEST BLOG: Francesca Segre

I know that it isn't yet November and NaNoWriMo doesn't start until tomorrow (or rather, a minute past midnight tonight) but in case anyone was still on the fence about whether or not to take part, our first NaNovember guest blog from author Francesca Segre may inspire you. (Look out for more from Francesca during NaNovember!)

Over to Francesca ...

November. Ah, what a special month. Three years ago this month I did what I did not know was possible. I wrote a book. Yup. I sat down on November 1, 2003 and four weeks later, I had written approximately 200 pages. Within six months, I had an agent, and in March of 2006, my novel Daughter of the Bride was born.

The novelty of writing in November has everything to do with a great program organized by Nanowrimo.org (National Novel Writing Month,) which encourages writers around the world to dedicate November to making 50 thousand words of their novel happen. Nano sent me encouraging emails throughout the month, provided an online graph to chart my word count progress, and created a community of other masochistic writers with whom I could commiserate. If you want to write a book but can’t muster the discipline, this is a great kick in the pants. And there’s usually a cool T-shirt to boot.

I admit, my Nano experience of writing, getting published, and landing a movie deal with Goldie Hawn is not the average Nano occurrence. But I’d argue that if happened once, it can probably happen again, and I’m not one to pass up an opportunity.

I’m doing Nano again this year on the off chance that I get lucky twice. How about you?

Posted by Keris on October 31, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, NaNovember | Permalink | Comments (5)

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)

Laurell K. Hamilton essay

Happy Halloween! As today is October 31st, I thought it was a good time to bring you this essay from Laurell K. Hamilton, which she wrote for the wonderful books site/shop Powells. It's about dealing with rejection- and how a determined writer should never give up!

Not very spooky perhaps, but her books are a little more Halloween-appropriate, as discussed in last week's Thursday Three.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 31, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 30, 2006 12:18 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Little Children

I absolutely loved Tom Perrotta's Little Children. I found it interesting, or rather irritating, that it examined a lot of the same issues as Jennifer Weiner's Goodnight Nobody, but while that book was dismissed as chick lit, Little Children was lauded as literature. Funny that. (Yep, I'm on my hobby horse again!)

Anyway, the film's out soon, stars Kate Winslet, and looks great.

Posted by Keris on October 30, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (2)

Writers talk about writing- all day long!

Writers FM is a twenty-four hour radio show broadcast over the internet. You can listen to it via the website (all day long, should you wish!) or download it in podcast form. It features author interviews, writing chat and even music, too. When I tuned in, there was an interesting discussion on writer's block.

Another great writing-related radio show now available in podcast form is Writers on Writing. Upcoming guests include the wonderful Kate Atkinson and Oprah fave Janet Fitch and past guests include... well, pretty much everyone (check out the list on the site, and the teeny writing they had to use to cram in everyone's name!)

Related posts: Meet the Authors at Barnes and Noble / Expanded Books / Meet The Author videos / Free Audio Books.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 30, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Technology | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 27, 2006 6:05 PM

Ghost writers are in the money

We've talked about ghost-written books before, mostly agreeing we feel a bit sorry for the authors who don't get credited for what they've written, whilst celebrities like Jordan get lots of cash and are hailed as "authors". (Of course, if writers want to take on that kind of writing gig, that's their lookout). This week The Scotsman reported that ghostwriters are now earning a hefty chunk of those huge advances paid to celebrity "authors" (as they should, right? Or will that encouarge the trend to continue?)

[Via Galleycat].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 4:02 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Spooky Stuff

Witches and vampires and werewolves, oh my! As it's Halloween on Tuesday, I thought it was the ideal time to do a ghoulish Thursday Three...

Enchanted Inc by Shanna Swendson is a gentle introduction to the theme, as it has a paranormal setting, but is good old-fashioned very readable chick-lit. It's the story of Katie, who moves to new York from Texas and finds that not only is magic real- but she's immune from its effects and the fairies and elves of NYC need her help...

Hold on to your hats- we'll go further into fiction's dark underbelly over the cut... (making ghostly "woooh" noises is optional).

Bitten by Kelley Armstrong is the story of Elena, the only female werewolf on the planet. She wants to make it in the 'real world', trying to fit in as a human, but comes to realise that you can only ignore who you really are for so long...

Laurell K. Hamilton is the queen of spooky stories, and with titles like The Laughing Corpse I'm not surprised! Heroine of her stories is Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter. When Anita finds vampires, she kills them and re-animates their victims. She also investigates grisly murders and basically saves the world in ass-kicking Buffy style... so you know who to call if you have any trouble come October 31st!

Thursday Three Archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Series, Supernatural, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend by Alison Pace

Since, as Diane's just pointed out, Alison Pace has finished writing her third novel, I thought today would be a good time to review her first: If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend.

Gallery manager Jane Laine is sent on a five-month international art fair tour with British artist, Ian Rhys-Fitzsimmons (as we have seen, American authors think all British men are named Ian). Unimpressed with his art, Jane thinks Ian's a fraud and isn't impressed with the assignment either. In fact, Ian makes Jane nervous, but, as they travel to London, Rome, Chicago, Santa Fe, she finds that there's much more to Ian - and to his art - than she originally thought. Can you guess what's going to happen?

I really enjoyed this book. Jane is sweet and relateable and Ian is quite the fox. Alison Pace has been an art researcher and worked at Sotheby's and it shows - the art and art fairs are interesting and convincing. Jane's boss, Dick Reese of the Dick Reese Gallery is fabulously awful and with relevant Andy Warhol quotes heading up each chapter and a cameo appearance by Owen Wilson, If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend is an original, fun and funny read. Roll on Alison's third book!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Pick Me Up by Zoe Rice

Posted by Keris on October 26, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | 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 7:08 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, you were all in favour (although Gemma was a little reluctant!) of the new Jane Austen covers. I have to say I agree with you, I think they're fab!

This week, I want to ask you about something completely different... Novelisations. There's something strange about  adding '-isations' on the end of the word novel, isn't there? And yet they're huge sellers. As Keris has pointed out, there's a lot of them relating to teen shows like Dawson's Creek and The O.C.

In case you're unfamiliar with the term, a novelisation is a book created after the fact: a novel re-creating or expanding the storyline of a popular film or TV series. Keris has confessed to reading a Gremlins novelisation (hey, there's no shame in it!) and I had one or two Beverly Hills 90210- themed novelisations back in the '90s... But what do you think about them: are they a great way of prolonging the pleasure, or a sad attempt to extract money from the susceptible tweenage market? In other words...

Is it a Yay or a Nay, and Why?

Yay or Nay Archives.

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.

[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 Aigua Media on October 25, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Series, Television, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (5)

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)

Authors love Shiny's sites!

We know that authors like Hester Browne, Laura Dave, Mary Sharratt, Shanna Swendson and Lauren Baratz-Logsted (to name just a few!) are big fans of Trashionista, but now it seems that published authors can't get enough of Shiny's other sites, either... Today, Corrie Blog reports on their own best-selling female fiction writer fan. (Though they might have phrased it more succinctly!) Perhaps she'll pop by Trashionista soon...

Authors and non-authors among you- which of our sister sites do you also enjoy? (I love Shiny Shiny and Corrie Blog despite knowing very little about gadgets or Coronation Street!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 25, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 24, 2006 5:31 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Lauren Weisberger

This week we turn our attention to arguably the most successful chick lit author of the last few years - Lauren Weisberger.

Lauren was born in 1977 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Cornell University in 1999 she backpacked around Europe and Asia before moving to New York to work as Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour. Amazingly, it was the very first job she applied for.

This experience inspired her first novel The Devil Wears Prada, which was published in 2003 to great fanfare and enormous popularity. It was subsequently made into a film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway (see what we thought of it) and is soon to be a TV series too!

Lauren's second novel, Everyone Worth Knowing (for which she received a $1million advance), was published in October 2005 and was also a New York Times bestseller, despite the general consensus being that it's not quite as good as her debut (USA Today declared it "a major letdown").

Lauren lives in New York and is working on her third novel (yep, another $1million advance).

Continue over the cut for her bibliography and more

The Devil Wears Prada
Everyone Worth Knowing

Click here for a list of Lauren's favourite books.

Did you know? Lauren's a huge fan of Grey's Anatomy (like some other of our favourite authors!)

Posted by Keris on October 24, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Fashion-Lit, Modern Fiction, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

Remember Meg Tilly?

Because I'm a dork, I mostly know Meg Tilly from Masquerade (starring Rob Lowe), but she's appeared in plenty of more successful films including The Big Chill, The Two Jakes and Valmont, and received a best-supporting actress nomination for Agnes of God.

What I didn't know is that she's no longer acting - she's now a novelist. She's recently released a book called Gemma plus a 1995 book, Singing Songs, has been reissued. She's currently working on a young adult book.

[via Galleycat]

Posted by Keris on October 23, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Celebrity Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 20, 2006 7:42 PM

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)

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)

October 19, 2006 4:30 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Vanishing Points

When I was looking for Mary Sharratt's book The Vanishing Point on Amazon last week (so I could link to it) I found something strange: there are a heck of a lot (86 in fact) of books with the words Vanishing Point in the title! So I decided to explore, and find out a bit more about what's on offer...

Unsurprisingly, most books called (The) Vanishing Point have a mystery theme. Judith Van Gieson's Vanishing Point is one of a series featuring a rare books expert/amateur detective called Claire Reynier. VP is about the disappearance of Jonathan Vail, a talented young writer who goes missing. Thirty years later, his journal is recovered... what happened to him?

Don't you vanish! Carry on over the cut for more...

Vanishing Point by Patricia Wentworth is also a mystery story (I know because it says 'a Miss Silver mystery' on the front) whose cover reminds me strongly of Nancy Drew. It seems Patricia's real name was Dora Amy Dillon Turnbull, and she died in 1961. Her V.P tells the story of a girl who disappears from a quiet village in mysterious circumstances... I'm guessing Miss Silver gets on the case...

The Vanishing Point by Louise Hawes is a bit different. It's a work of historical fiction for children and teenagers about the Italian Renaissance painter Lavinia Fontana. New York Libraries picked it as one of the best "books for the teen age". Which is nice.

Other Vanishing Point books include those by Carol Smith, Marcia Muller and Pat Flower.

Related: Thursday Three archives; Crime/Mystery archives; Mary Sharrat interview.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 19, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Series, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hollywood cupcake competition

Ellen Meister, author of Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA has a fantastic contest on her website.

In the book a Hollywood studio announces plans to shoot a major movie in the local schoolyard. When the women of the town learn that the star of the movie is George Clooney, inevitably "decorum crumbles like a cupcake from last week's bake sale".

You can win a basket of books for your school library (US only) by choosing "which Hollywood leading man you'd most like to offer your cupcakes to". Choices include Mr Clooney himself (of course), Antonio Banderas, Matthew McConaughey and Brad Pitt.

Posted by Keris on October 19, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Competition, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 18, 2006 7:36 PM

Courtney Love's a chick lit nicker

You know the title of Caprice Crane's debut Stupid & Contagious* comes from a Nirvana song, right? So what do you think happened when Courtney Love (former wife of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain) spotted the book in a shop?

Well, according to E! Online, she sang the entire chorus of Smells Like Teen Spirit (after asking "You guys do realize what this says, right?") and then walked out of the shop with the book, but without paying for it.

Caprice happily reports the incident on her MySpace page. You can't buy that kind of publicity!

* review coming soon!

Posted by Keris on October 18, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (4)

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)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Lily Burana

Lily Burana has been a punk, a stripper and a non-fiction writer (not to mention a Trashionista Guest Blogger!), but now with her fictional debut Try, she's a novelist, too. Here's what she had to say in answer to our probing interview Qs...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer: Young Western artist returns home, meets a rodeo cowboy and discovers what "passion" really means.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)? I wrote most of Try propped up in bed, with my laptop. That is, when I wasn't scribbling notes in a speeding truck traveling between rodeos. I like music or television in the background when I'm working, but I can't stand hearing people talk.

Your favourite chick-lit book? I liked Emily Giffin's Baby Proof because it dealt with a pretty heavy issue--whether or not to have children. I thought that was very original and she kept the character sympathetic throughout.

Carry on over the cut for more!

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)? I wrote most of Try propped up in bed, with my laptop. That is, when I wasn't scribbling notes in a speeding truck traveling between rodeos. I like music or television in the background when I'm working, but I can't stand hearing people talk.

Your favourite chick-lit book? I liked Emily Giffin's Baby Proof because it dealt with a pretty heavy issue--whether or not to have children. I thought that was very original and she kept the character sympathetic throughout.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why? I liked Bone from Bastard Out of Carolina. She was tough and smart and looked unflinchingly at how the world worked, even though she was just a girl.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers? Limit the amount of sharing you do with your work while it's in progress. Pick one or two people whose opinion whose feedback you really trust (probably not close friends or family members who won't want to hurt your feelings), and don't get discouraged when faced with rejection. It happens to everyone--truly.

What are you reading at the moment? I'm reading stacks of magazines for a change! It's so nice to come out of the writer's zombie state to read about current events and all the great shoes I've been missing by not reading anything but books and my own manuscripts for the past year or so.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!) I'm hoping to write something about being an Army wife, though I'm just kicking around ideas at the moment.

Thanks Lily!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 18, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Interviews, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 17, 2006 2:35 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Secret Society Girl by Diana Peterfreund

Anyone who read Diana Peterfreund's brilliant defence of chick lit would surely want to read her novel and I was no exception.

Secret Society Girl is the first in a series (the second book, Under the Rose, is out next year) featuring Amy Haskel who is unexpectedly 'tapped' into her university's most prestigious (and, of course, secret) society, Rose & Grave. The members of Rose & Grave allegedly control all aspects of the media (including the winners of American Idol), the police, even the government. Getting tapped by them is a pretty big deal, in other words. The only trouble is, Amy doesn't seem to fit the profile and can't understand what they want with her.

Amy's best friend and roommate Lydia has also been tapped, but we don't find out who by (not in this book at least). Her 'friend with benefits' Brandon isn't interested in all the secret society business, but he is interested in becoming more serious with Amy. The trouble is, once Amy's initiated into the society she forgets about everything else, including her studies (though that doesn't matter because Rose & Grave has an archive of past papers). And when Amy finds out why she was chosen, things get even more out of control.

I really loved this book. Diana Peterfreund has a chatty, witty, intelligent writing style and a brilliant way with cliffhanger chapter endings. I don't think I finished a single chapter without at least reading a couple of pages of the following one. There are a couple of problems: Amy's decision on whether or not to keep schtum about the society seems to shift depending on the requirements of the plot and Brandon's not exactly consistent either, but they're small issues. Secret Society Girl is a fast, funny, original read and I'm looking forward to the next book.

Rating: 4 out of 5

If you like this, try Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

Related stories: Ivy League chick lit

Posted by Keris on October 17, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (50)

SPOTLIGHT: Tony Parsons

I thought it was about time we branched out with our spotlight and tried a male author. Nick Hornby is arguably the originator of "Lad Lit", but Tony Parsons certainly took the concept and ran with it.

Born in Essex in 1955, Parsons started out as a writer for music paper the NME before turning freelance and writing for publications including The Face, Marie Claire, The Daily Mail, Arena, The Guardian, Elle, The Daily Telegraph, The Spectator, The Sunday Times, GQ and Red along with a couple of books of cultural and music criticism and a few failed novels.

He famously (or perhaps infamously) married Julie Burchill, a fellow NME journalist, and they had a son, Bobby, before divorcing acrimoniously (in fact, I'd say they took acrimonious to new levels). This relationship was the inspiration behind his fourth novel Man and Boy which became a publishing phenomenon, selling two million copies in 36 countries.

Parsons' subsequent novels - One for My Baby, Man and Wife and The Family Way were all number one bestsellers. His most recent book is Stories We Could Tell. Writing in the Guardian newspaper, Suzie Mackenzie said Parsons books 'are characterised by an utterly personal choice of subjects - parenthood, friendship, love, betrayal, men trying to juggle their commitments - and an utterly personal way of telling them.'

He has now re-married, and lives in London his second wife, Yuriko, and their daughter, Jasmine. He still writes a popular, if controversial, column in the Daily Mirror.

Related posts: Can men write romantic fiction? / The Family Way

Carry on over the cut for Tony's (fiction) bibliography.

Man and Boy
One for My Baby
Man and Wife
The Family Way
Stories We Could Tell

Did you know?

Man and Boy was made into a TV movie starring Ioan Gruffudd

Parsons also wrote Bare, the 1990 authorised biography of George Michael. (They were friends at the time, but fell out when an interview Michael had given to Parsons was published in the Daily Mirror, apparently without his permission).

Posted by Keris on October 17, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 3:38 PM

MORE ON MONDAY: We Need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver

This is one of the most controversial books I've ever reviewed for Trashionista, a real 'love it or hate it' novel (many of my friends fall into the latter category, but I know a lot of people who really enjoyed it too- if 'enjoy' is the right word for such a bleak story). It won the Orange Prize in 2005, and deservedly so. But what's all the fuss about?

We Need to talk about Kevin is narrated by Eva Katchadourian in the form of letters to her estranged husband, Franklin. Their son Kevin is in prison for mass murder and Eva is struggling to pick up the pieces of her life. Shunned by the community and feeling isolated from her family, she's also lost her business and can't see any kind of future for herself. So she looks to the past, going over the events of the last twenty years to try to make sense of why her life ended up this way. She wants to know why Kevin turned out the way he did: was it nature or nurture?

That's a question that the reader has to draw their own conclusions about and one of the things I loved about this novel was this moral ambiguity- although Eva wants a child for all the wrong reasons, can she really be blamed for the way Kevin turns out? She isn't a likeable character, and yet at times I identified with her and understood why she came to hate Kevin. At other times, it's clear she loves her son very much- and a terrible mother surely wouldn't, after all he's done. There's lots to think about and debate here: when does a parent stop being responsible for their child's behaviour? Is an overbearing parent better or worse than a slightly detached one? Who sees Kevin's true character, his mother or father? How reliable a narrator is Eva? I've got a feeling that multiple readings of the book would yield new interpretations and layers of meaning.

I also admired the way Shriver created a story in which none of the characters come across as at all likeable, and she skilfully controls the reader's reactions- at times I was sad for Eva, at other times I disliked her intensely, and I hated Kevin almost from the beginning but had to remind myself that I wasn't hearing about him from a necessarily reliable narrator. It's a complex book, very well-structured. By about half-way through you know how it will end, and yet the ending is still a shocking and compelling read.

I can see why some people wouldn't like it: it's not a pleasant story, and I'm sure it makes parents rather uncomfortable! It's also rather slow to get started, and takes concentration in the early chapters to pick up on what the narrator is talking about. But then it takes off, and you're gripped! It's a hugely affecting story that stays with you long after you've finished reading, and one of the best books I've ever read.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* Lionel Shriver changed her name to sound like a man's, as men have greater literary success...

Like this? Try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 16, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

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)

Meet the authors at Barnes and Noble

Yes, I guess if you're lucky enough to live near a Barnes and Noble, you might regularly get the chance to see best-selling authors in their natural habitat. But anyone who doesn't need not miss out any longer, as Barnes and Noble has a Meet the Authors podcast, featuring audio and video interviews with well known authors such as Jennifer Weiner, Sue Monk Kidd and Armistead Maupin.

All the instructions and links you need can be found on the site.

Told you it was a techie day! (For more tech-related stuff, you can always go to our sister site Shiny Shiny, for technology with a girly slant- and panda videos).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Modern Fiction, Technology | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book Trailerpark- for book trailers news!

I've talked about blogging this week and last, and we've told you about the popularity of book trailers before. I guess the logical amalgamation of both these things is Book Trailerpark, a new blog about book trailers. It's only been running since October 9th, but it's fascinating already- although they could include a bit more about women's fiction... I'm sure they will soon! Anyway, here's a trailer they recommend, for Julie Powell's fabulous Julie and Julia (vegetarians beware...)

[Via Galleycat].

(Clearly we're in a techie mood here today!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Technology, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: This is Chick Lit edited by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

As I said on Wednesday, This is Chick Lit was created when its editor, the lovely Lauren Baratz- Logsted, read about the creation of an anti-Chick Lit book, This is Not Chick Lit. Thinking that sounded bizarre (no-one calls anthologies This is Not Sci-Fi, do they?) not to mention mean-spirited, she decided to help create a positive book showcasing great chick-lit writers.

This is Chick Lit is the result.

Featuring stories from authors including Johanna Edwards, Stephanie Lehmann, Karin Gillespie and Deanna Carlyle, it's fair to say that to British readers at least, we're talking up and comers or well-known but not super-famous chick-litters.  A small part of me felt that maybe a more mighty response to the "not" book would have included titans of the genre like Jennifer Weiner and Marian Keyes, but that's not to undermine any of the great writing found in this volume.

I found the book fun and easy to read, and unlike many short story collections, where I need to stop and read something else in between, I raced straight through this one, wanting to savour the next story, and the next. I really liked most of these stories, particularly Cafe Con Leche Crush by Heather Swain, Takeoffs and Landings by Johanna Edwards and Dead Friends and other Dating Dilemmas by Julie Kenner. I also really enjoyed the fact that at the start of each author's story was a brief paragraph of what chick-lit means to them, a celebration of the term. And Lauren Baratz-Logsted's introduction is positive, empowering and inspiring!

Unfortunately, I found the first story, about two writers on opposing sides of the chick-lit battleground, a great idea but handled in a rather heavy-handed way. I also felt the collection ended on quite a negative note, with a story about a spoiled whiny woman who no-one wants to marry...  (Bit cliched, no?) But there's mould-breaking fiction here too, and experimental pieces like Confessions of a Three Eyed Freak by Ariella Papa demonstrate that there's far more to the genre than shoes (although there is one on the cover!), sex and shopping.

A great effort, and a more than worthy defence of Chick-Lit, if such a defence is needed.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Romance, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

BOOK REVIEW: gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson

Yes, the small 'g' is deliberate, and yes, this is a great read. gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson (whose blog I was just recommending!) is the story of Arlene Fleet, who left a dark secret back in Alabama and ran away to Chicago after leaving high school ten years ago. When she left, she made a deal with God-with-a-big-G that she would be an exemplary human being: never lying, fornicating or returning to Alabama as long as God made sure that nobody ever found out what she'd done. But now she's under pressure to return for an important family party, not just from her relatives, but from her boyfriend Burr, too. As he's black, and many of her relatives are racist, Arlene has more than a few things to worry about as she makes the journey home to confront her past...

What a great set-up, and what a thoroughly entertaining read! I can't say too much about what happens when Arlene returns to Alabama, but I was hooked as I found out why she'd left and her family history, and at no point did I guess what might happen next or how the book might end. I'm really not sure what genre I'd put this book into: it has the complicated texture of literary fiction, the entertainment value, romance aspect and sassy heroine of chick-lit and the excitement and pace of a wonderful thriller (which Joshilyn Jackson apparently reads a lot of, so no surprise there).

Books set in the deep south seem to have so much atmosphere, and gods is no exception. It was Jackson's debut novel, and a very confident and throughly well-written debut it is. My only slight criticisms are that the story is a little far-fetched, although it's a sign of Jackson's writing that she makes it seem so believable it's only afterwards you think 'but that wouldn't really happen...?' Also, although this book is great, her second book is superlative, so I can't give this one full marks in comparison! (If you've never read her work, start here and work up). Still, a great read that I highly recommend.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson, Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie; The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 12, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

THURSDAY THREE: From book to blog

Last week's Thursday Three looked at bloggers who became published authors, and this time: the reverse! That's authors who set up blogs after becoming successful writers (to the glee of their readers!)...

First up has to be Jennifer Weiner, whose Snarkspot site is hugely popular and has been name-checked once or twice (or 500 times) on this here site. She not only discusses latest events in her life (and keeps you up to date with all her tour dates, book readings etc) but she takes a healthy interest in book news and issues- defending women's right to write whatever kind of fiction they want.

What will the other two sites be? Carry on over the cut to find out...

Faster than Kudzu is Joshilyn Jackson's fantastically funny and entertaining web log, where she discusses her writing, random pop culture events and bizarre twists of fate. Always witty, unpredictable and a guaranteed cheerer-upper.

Finally, we couldn't leave out the lovely Marian Keyes! Hers is not a blog as much as a monthly newsletter which you read via her site, but it's like reading several lovely blog entries all at once, as she shares her writing news and personal news in her eminently likable, chatty way. Fans can sign up for the newsletter by email, too.

What are your favourite author blogs? (Yes, any published authors reading - you can share your own!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 12, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 11, 2006 5:50 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

I'm reaching the end of This is Chick Lit, which I'm going to be reviewing soon (later this week, in fact!) and it's inspired this week's Yay or Nay.

The book was created as an antidote to This is Not Chick Lit, designed to offset the negativity of that title and showcase the variety and talent of chick lit writers. An admirable idea- but what do you think? Is it better to confront and perhaps out-do your bully, or to ignore them and not dignify them with a response?

Do you like the idea of creating a book in response to another book, or not? Tell us: is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?   

Our other Yay or Nays

[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 October 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Short Story Collections, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

Mary Sharratt's dressed-up book tour

When we interviewed Joshilyn Jackson, she told us she was reading (and "really digging") The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt*, so it was natural that we'd want to interview Mary, too. Mary's something of an innovator- instead of taking her book tour high-tech, she went way low tech: inspired by the seventeenth-century setting of her novel, she undertook a tour in historical clothing! Read a fascinating tour diary here or visit Mary's site for more info- where she's promoting her latest book, the decidedly modern-sounding collaborative effort, Bitch Lit...

*Which was one of the recommendations on the Bafab home site, incidentally.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 11, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

Knit Lit?

I'm sure you all know how popular knitting is with models and Hollywood actresses (as well as my predecessor Jenni and our ed in chief Gemma!) So I knew there HAD to be at least one novel involving knitting out there, and here it is: the intriguingly titled Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton is a 'knitting mystery' (who knew?)

The majority of knitting books are unsurprisingly non-fiction, but Stephanie Pearl-McPhee writes knitting memoir/advice books that sound funny and interesting whether you can knit one, pearl one (like Julia Roberts) or not (like... me). Her latest is Knitting Rules and despite my lack of knitting know-how, I'm still tempted to read it! Her blog, Yarn Harlot however, is pretty hard core knitting natter, but a good read all the same (and includes four free patterns, too).

Are there any other knit-heavy novels out there?

Oops! I almost forgot about the timeliness of my post- it's actually National Knitting Week in the UK from this Saturday, 14th October, when there will be a Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. More on Knitting from Catwalk Queen.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 11, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Fashion-Lit, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (4)

October 10, 2006 2:15 PM

Waters for the Booker?

Last month, I told you about the Booker Prize shortlist and today we'll finally find out who's won!

Sarah Waters' novel The Night Watch (which I believe my co-ed Keris found a tad disappointing...?) is the current bookies' favourite to win, with odds of 6-4. But this is one prize where the favourite is often pipped to the post by something completely unexpected, so we'll have to wait and see. (I'm just glad to see women outnumber men on the shortlist for a change! Especially as they include Kate Grenville, a huge fave of mine...)

Anyway, the winner -whoever he or she may be- will be announced during the 10 O'Clock News on BBC1 tonight, and you can catch further coverage later on Newsnight, News 24 and Radio 4, if you're so inclined.

[Via Publishing News and The Man Booker Prize website]

UPDATE!: What did I tell you?! The Booker was once again predictable in its unpredictability- congratulations to Kiran Desai!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 10, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Television | Permalink | Comments (3)

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)

The unexpected bestseller...

What would you guess the twenty-second most popular book on Amazon UK would be?

This? This? Maybe this?

It's actually this! Hmm... maybe more engineers should be reading Trashionista for some more exciting ideas?!

[Via Galleycat].

Posted by Aigua Media on October 10, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 9, 2006 6:24 PM

Amazon shorts and plogs (explained)

I know, I'm always bringing you news about what the 'folks' (as George Bush would say) at Amazon are up to (like this, this and this) but it's not my fault they're so darn innovative! So at the risk of becoming an unpaid stooge, I wanted to share a couple more of their good ideas with you. (Yeah, I sound like I'm on staff over there, but I'm really not):

Amazon shorts are short stories available for download for 49 cents each at Amazon.com (I'm not sure whether non-US customers can download them, but it's worth a try!) Authors include Lauren Baratz Logsted, Richard and Judy fave Audrey Niffenegger and Paul Reiser, who I'm slightly obsessed with after belatedly discovering Mad About You via cable TV- but you don't need to know about that...

Amazon Plogs is another Amazon.com service, this time for published authors- a blog that is seen by anyone who looks at your book(s)- so you can use it to provide your loyal readers with insider news like tour information or just have a gossip! It's free to anyone with one book or more for sale. Read the FAQ here.

Hopefully all of these wonderful American Amazon innovations will be making their way this side of the pond very soon... please?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 9, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

That was the week that was!

Anyone who visited our site last week couldn't fail to have picked up on the party atmosphere! Wasn't Bafab just brilliant? We had a great time, and we hope -and suspect- you did, too! Maybe we even inspired some of you to buy a friend a book... if we did, tell us about it!

We have to thank all of our lovely readers for helping make the week such a brilliant success, as well as the Shiny team for promoting us and for answering our question "If  you could buy a friend a book, which would you choose and why?"

And of course, the week would have been nothing without Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Shanna Swendson, Hester Browne, Lily Burana, Laura Dave and Jo Elliot, our wonderful guest blogging authors, for generously writing for us AND donating a book each. PLUS, we had very generous donations from Snowbooks & Seal Press, Faber, Andrea Semple, Kathryn Finney and... I hope I haven't forgotten anybody!

You can still enter our giveaways over the next couple of days, if you were silly- I mean unlucky- enough to have passed us by last week... Check out the Bafab archives for a full list.

Here's to another great week on Trashionista this week- we may not have quite the star line-up of Bafab, but we can promise you great book news and reviews all delivered with our trademark sense of fun. So stick around!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 9, 2006 in American Authors, Announcements, Bafab, Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Competition, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (5)

TV NEWS: Wide Sargasso Sea

Admittedly, we were a bit late in telling you about the BBC's production of Jane Eyre, but we're just in time to tell you about Wide Sargasso Sea. Based on the Jean Rhys novel (which, as the story of Rochester's wife Bertha, was inspired by Jane Eyre) it starts tonight on BBC Four tonight at 9pm and concludes on Sunday 15th at 10pm.

You can read more about it and watch clips here.

Posted by Keris on October 9, 2006 in Book related, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Television | 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 12:15 PM

More "If we bought a friend a book" for your delectation...

Kat, editor of The Bag Lady says: "The books I would recommend to anyone would be Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel, and the sequel, More, Now, Again [follow those links to read extracts] - although both are not particularly well-written, it's more the subject matter which interests me, mainly mental illness and drug dependence.

They're a must-read for anyone who lives in the 21st century, when 1 in 3 are going to go through some form of mental illness in their lifetime. It really gives you a perspective on what it's like to be in that situation. And, for those affected by depression or drug dependence, it's a relief to know that other people of the same age are going through the same traumas, and that yes, you too can pull through as well. I'd also recommend Vice's 'Do's and Don'ts', a capsule of all their best do's and don'ts over the years - only for the young at heart and those  who have a strong sense of humour. A real leave-in-the-toilet book that will have you bursting out laughing whilst on the job, to the worry of your housemates!"

Stuart writes for lots of Shiny's technology and pop culture sites, including the hugely popular Tech Digest. What does he recommend?

"Peter Ackroyd's London: The Biography. It's an amazing warts'n'all (and there are LOTS of warts) biography of the capital, organised by themes rather than chronologically. The best thing I can say about it is that it makes you want to get out there and explore the streets and locations he talks about, from wandering along the route of the old London Wall looking for old bits of masonry, to poking around where Newgate used to be or wondering if you can get a whiff of the noxious River Fleet. As someone brought up on the edge of London, I never really had much interest in its history, but this book really brought it alive. And even though it's huge, the writing crackles along with real pace, so it's never dull."

Meanwhile, John of TV Scoop says.... "OK, you said it's a "generic friend" so I don't know whether they're a lover of sci-fi/fantasy or not, but I am, so maybe I'm trying to convert them;) In which case... I would have to pick something well written, well known, well loved (as in I've reread it many times) and epic in scope. It also helps that it's the first of a trilogy and the world it inhabits is explored in two further trilogies, one set after it in time and one before. Heck if I was feeling generous I might even BAFAT (Buy A Friend A Trilogy). It's The Many-Coloured Land by Julian May, the first book in the Saga of the Exiles series" (No, I'm not sure what's going on in that photo, either...)

Finally, Gemma, our lovely editor in chief and head honcho at  Shoewawa and Catwalk Queen (for starters!), is on a business trip to Las Vegas all week (not for the first time- and she's off there again in January, lucky woman!) so it's not surprising that she suggested Divas Las Vegas by Belinda Jones...

Want to know more? Remind yourself what Mof and Keris, Star, and I all said in answer to the question. Or check out the Bafab archives... it's been quite a week!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 6, 2006 in American Authors, Bafab, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Opinion, Series | Permalink | Comments (13)

FRIDAY FLICK: Crazy in Alabama

Based on the 1994 novel by Mark Childress, Crazy in Alabama stars Melanie Griffiths and was directed by Antonio Banderas. (I think they may have met while making this movie.)

I have to admit, I went a bit wild ordering DVDs of films based on books for the Friday Flick and when this one flopped onto the mat my heart sank. Melanie Griffith drives me crackers. I'd read the book years ago, but couldn't remember anything about it except it involved a man's head in a hatbox, so I sat down to watch it with a heavy heart. I expected it to be rubbish. Read on to see if I was right.

Lucille (Melanie Griffith) turns up at her mother's house to drop off her seven kids cos she's off to Hollywood. Her husband said she couldn't go so she killed him and cut off his head. And, look, here it is in this tupperware container. This is how we know that Lucille might not be dealing a full deck. Her nephew Pete Joe thinks she's incredible and so tries to protect her and not let the local sheriff, played by Meat Loaf (yes, really) know where she's going and what she's done. But when Pete Joe sees the sheriff kill a black boy for swimming in the whites-only pool, the town's racial tensions and Lucille's future become linked and, frankly, things don't look good for anyone.

So is it rubbish? Well .. it's a funny one. I don't think it's a particularly good film and I imagine it got some dreadful reviews. It's full of cliches. The tagline is 'sometimes you have to lose your mind to find your freedom' which is nonsense in itself. The ending is ridiculous. But. I really enjoyed it. I thought Melanie Griffith was amazing. I completely forgot she was annoying Melanie Griffith and totally believed in the character and I have to admit I shed a tear at the end.

Posted by Keris on October 6, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

THURSDAY THREE: From blog to book

With the news last week that Catherine Sanderson of the Petite Anglaise blog is the latest in a long line of bloggers to be offered a book deal (I'm sure the publicity when she got sacked for blogging earlier this year didn't hurt!), today's Thursday Three couldn't be much more timely: Blooks. That's blogs turned books, of course...

Julie and Julia has to be up first, as it was the inaugural winner of The Blooker Prize earlier this year. It's about Julie Powell's attempts to to cook every recipe in classic American chef Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, within one year. Funny, frank and educational, it's about so much more than cooking... The original blog's no longer active but you can read the archives (including a very moving tribute), here. Ever the blogger, Julie also has a new blog.

Continue over the cut for more, dear bleaders (that's blog readers, apparently...)

No mention of women bloggers turned authors would be complete without featuring Jessica Cutler, whose sensational Washington-based 'sex blog'  propelled her to literary fame. Perhaps because of the delicate nature of some of the material, her book The Washingtonienne is firmly filed in the Fiction section. But how fictitious is it really...?!

And finally, a huge favourite of mine! Mimi Smartypants is a wonderfully witty and intelligent blogger (even though she prefers to call it her 'online diary'), whose book The World According to Mimi Smartypants she is typically (and erroneously) self-defacing about. It's wonderful!

Which blogs would you like to see made into books? (And don't just say your own!)

Other blookers: Abby Lee and the wonderful Angela Nissel.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 5, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Non Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

October 4, 2006 6:31 PM

HESTER BROWNE GIVEAWAY

The Bafab giveaways just keep on comin'!

If you read Hester's guest blog earlier, you'll know I promised you something exciting.

Hester has donated an advance US reading copy of Little Lady, Big Apple (which isn't published until February next year) along with the final UK copy too so you can spot the difference! And if that wasn't enough, she'll sign them both to the winner.

To win, just email us with your name and address and "Hester" in the subject line.

Plus you can still enter our A Boy of Good Breeding & Arlington Park, This Is Chick Lit, Wedding Belles, Shanna Swendson, and Queen of the Oddballs giveaways, too. We spoil you, we really do.

Posted by Keris on October 4, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Competition, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: e-luv by Dave Roberts

Subtitled "An Internet Romance", e-luv is the story of Trevor - and his online alter-ego Lord Brett Sinclair - as he starts to live his life entirely online.

When agoraphobia coupled with a mysery illness result in Trevor losing his job, he finds himself more and more attracted to the internet. Chatrooms, dating sites, online poker. He can be whoever he wants to be and no-one needs to know he can't go out. Except, that is, when they want to meet him in the "real world".

And they do. Amazingly, a number of different women turn up at Trevor's door, never suspecting that he can't actually get through it. One woman even comes from the US, leaving her husband, but bringing her child. Women send him underwear through the post. He receives so many phonecalls from his various online girlfriends that he's forced to come up with a cunning way of establishing who's calling without offending them by asking outright.

Eventually though Trevor starts to realise he needs to step away from the computer and out into the fresh air and with the help of, yes, a woman he meets online, he's able to do just that.

I really enjoyed e-luv. Yes it was funny, but it was also compelling in a slightly disturbing way. I had to keep reading to see just how far Trevor would go and how low he would sink. The only criticism I have of the book is that it doesn't read like fiction at all. I have no idea how much is real (though reading the author's very funny blog, it would seem like quite a lot) and I think this book may have worked even better as a kind of comedy confession book.

Still, it serves as a warning that too much time online can really damage your health!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try The Yes Man by Danny Wallace

Posted by Keris on October 4, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

YET ANOTHER FAB BAFAB GIVEAWAY!

Are we good to you, or what?

First, remember how much I loved A Boy of Good Breeding? Well, you can find out for yourself what a great read it is by winning a free copy!

AND the good people at Faber are so generous they gave us another great new read to give away- Arlington Park, the new hardback release from Whitbread Prize winner Rachel Cusk.

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 "Breeding" or "Park" in the subject line. You can enter for as many giveaways as you want this week- just make sure you send each entry as a separate email!

Our other giveaways: This is Chick Lit, Wedding Belles, Shanna Swendson and Queen of the Oddballs (plus we'll have more to give away later today, tomorrow and Friday! Phew...)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 4, 2006 in Bafab, Book related, British Authors, Competition, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (4)

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)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Rachel Johnson

Rachel Johnson (sister of Boris!) is the author of memoir The Mummy Diaries and new novel Notting Hell (which I suspect of being somewhat based on real life as she lives in Notting Hill...) Anyway, we will be reviewing it (all in good time!) but first, she spoke to us about her favourite books, where she writes and all those other nosy questions we can't help wondering about...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer: A naughty romp through the houses and lives of London's haves and have-yachts in lush Notting Hill. Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)? I write at a desk in my mum's flat. The telephone trills the whole time, but at least I know it's not for me.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)? I write at a desk in my mum's flat. The telephone trills the whole time, but at least I know it's not for me.

Your favourite chick-lit book? I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. More than chick lit. Better. I read it once a year.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why? I have a weakness for all Jilly Cooper heroines, Bella, Octavia, Emily etc but as a podge in my formative years, my vote goes to the heavenly Taggie Campbell-Black.

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

What are you reading at the moment? Be Near Me by Andrew O' Hagan.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!) The sequel to Notting Hell, set in a West Country village colonized by swanky, wanky second home owners.

Thanks Rachel!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 4, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (3)

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)

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 4:45 PM

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)

Borders Book Club

First it was Barnes & Noble, then Waterstone's and now Borders has its own book club.

The first book to be featured is the new one from Mitch Albom (author of Tuesdays With Morrie), For One More Day. The site features a film of a book club discussing different aspects of the book with the author present (which would inhibit the discussion somewhat, I'd imagine). The site also contains recommendations for further reading and other books you might like, information on how to start your own book club and even recipes for food to make and take along to your own club meetings.

Posted by Keris on October 2, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, Interviews, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

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)

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)

September 27, 2006 4:09 PM

Movie News and Trashionista news!- London is the Best City in America

Laura Dave's debut novel, London is The Best City in America, has had a lot of buzz since its release this summer- not least because Reese Witherspoon has optioned the rights and plans to turn it into a movie! [Via Bookburger- a wonderful site!]

And the good news for you (and us, of course!) is that Laura is among a select group of chick-lit authors who are guest-blogging exclusively for us next week- so stay tuned!

And of course we'll be reviewing the book!- When 'we' get some time to put our feet up and read it instead of gazing at it wistfully on 'our' desk, that is... Read more about Laura at lauradave.com

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

11-year-old signs book deal

An 11-year-old Chinese girl has signed a publishing deal after emailing her manuscript to the chief executive of HarperCollins!

Swordbird, Nancy Yi Fan's fantasy novel about tribes of warring birds, is to be published worldwide in English next year.

Written in response to learning about the war on terror while Nancy was at school in New York, Swordbird is about local woodbird tribes, the Cardinals and the Blue Jays, who find themselves pitted against each other in a search for precious food supplies - some of which have mysteriously gone missing. Fighting breaks out and an evil hawk turns the tribes against each other as part of a plan to take over the forest. He enslaves captives from surrounding tribes and is forced to build an impregnable fortress in which to confine all the woodbirds. [via The Guardian]

If you like the sound of it, but can't wait until next year, carry on over the cut for an alternative.

Clive Woodall's One for Sorrow, Two for Joy is about a land where Magpies rule, their dominance achieved by systematic genocide and slaughter. To stop them, Kirrick, a lone robin who witnessed the massacre of everything he loved, must undertake a journey beyond all reckoning. Through danger and deceit, Kirrick soars to all corners of the land, rallying those who would fight to save Birddom. In an epic conflict of bloodied beak and razor-sharp talon, of undaunted courage and unspeakable evil, of love, loyalty, and wings of honor—the battle for very soul of Birddom is about to begin. [via Penguin]

Yep. It seems Bird Lit has arrived.

Posted by Keris on September 27, 2006 in Book News, Book related, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Mary Sharratt

Mary Sharratt is an American writer currently living in England. A review of her third book, The Vanishing Point - for which she's undertaken a book tour in costume (hence the photo) - is coming soon.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:
 
Summarizing a 369-page book in 15 words is very difficult, but I'll try!
 
"A 17th century woman searches for her sister who has vanished in the Maryland wilderness."

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?
 
I write in my study, which looks out on a sheep pasture. In the background, there's Pendle Hill, famous for its legends of the Lancashire Witches and of George Fox, who climbed the hill to receive the vision that inspired him to found the Quakers. The surrounding area was also the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. There's so much history here, which is a real inspiration for my historical fiction. When I'm blocked, I can go down to the fence and commiserate with the sheep who come in hope of treats. If sheep could read, I would have a huge cult following.

Often my writing process is aided by mind-altering substances, such as strong coffee and chocolate. Especially chocolate. There is always a bar of Cote d'Or in my desk. I write my first drafts longhand with a Lamy fountain pen. I love the physicality of writing and the sound of pen on paper. And with all that physicality, you need chocolate.

Your favourite chick-lit book?
 
This may or may not count as chick-lit, but Mary McCarthy's novel, The Group, seems like the prototype of the "girls about town" narrative. Originally published in 1963, the novel concerns a clique of eight women who graduate from Vassar in 1933 and how their lives evolve. The book covers the ins and outs of dating, sex, birth control, career, marriage, and child-rearing. The tone is light and satirical, and the book addresses issues that feel fresh and contemporary. One of the characters, for example, appeases her "progressive" pediatrician husband by submitting to a tyrannical breastfeeding regime. It appears there's nothing new about the breast vs. bottle debate, or about young parents allowing child rearing manuals written by "experts" to silence their own natural instincts.   

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?
 
There are so many heroines I love, so it's tough to pick just one. Lily Briscoe in Virginia Woolf's novel To the Lighthouse has a special place in my heart. She's an artist struggling to find herself and take herself seriously as a painter in a society that diminishes women with artistic ambitions.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?
 
Sit down in a chair and write. Try to write every day. Most people, if they cut out the time-wasters in their life, can commit to an hour or two a day, even if they have to write on the train to work or during their lunch break. Books and classes can help, but it all boils down to how much time and effort you are willing to commit to your own writing. Develop a schedule you can stick to. Enjoy the process as much as you can. It's so much more rewarding than watching bad television!

Writing groups can be wonderful, but try to find one with people in it who actually write and don't just talk about writing. And don't forget to read. Our greatest teachers are other authors who get it right. Buy books and give them to friends. You want to support the industry that you hope will one day support you. If every aspiring writer bought one new book a month, not just best-sellers but work by new  and less famous authors, the publishing industry would go through a sea change and be encouraged to publish more new writers.  

What are you reading at the moment?
 
Emma Darwin's lovely debut novel, The Mathematics of Love, which I'm reviewing for the Historical Novels Review. I'm enjoying it.  

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

My current work-in-progress is a ghost story called The Art of Memory. Inspired by the 19th century English gothic novel and pre-Raphaelite paintings, the book is set in and around Manchester, England during the Industrial Revolution and the present day. The theme is that the past never dies—the souls lost in the tumult of historical progress and change keep haunting and exerting their influence on contemporary lives.   

The novel concerns a dysfunctional American family that experiences a devastating blast from the distant past when the father, Will, goes to Manchester on business. He encounters a mysterious young woman who calls herself Angel. She lures him into her flat, serves him drugged tea, and then steals not his money or his credit cards but snapshots of his wife and daughter. When circumstances force Will to relocate to Manchester, his 16-year-old daughter begins to receive mysterious communications from a stranger who speaks to her deepest dreams and desires. It is up to Will to try to disentangle his daughter from this web. In doing so, he must unravel Angel’s true identity and purpose.

Posted by Keris on September 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Interviews, Modern Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 26, 2006 12:21 PM

SPOTLIGHT: Emily Giffin

This week's spotlight shines on a new chick lit superstar, Emily Giffin.

Emily was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and got a law degree before moving to New York where she worked in litigation. 

After moving to London just after 11 September 2001, Emily gave herself six months to make a go of writing.  Within a year she'd not only found an agent and signed a two-book publishing deal, she'd also got married.

A return to the US was followed by the birth of identical twin sons, Edward and George, and her first book Something Borrowed was followed by Something Blue (featuring the same characters, but from a different perspective).  

The recent release of her third novel Baby Proof has confirmed Emily's popularity.

The movie rights to Something Borrowed have been sold (to both Drew Barrymore's and Reese Witherspoon's production companies) and Emily apparently wants Patrick Dempsey to play Dex (I'm totally on board with this suggestion!).

Did you know? Emily was student manager of a basketball team whose members included actor Marc Blucas who played Riley in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Continue over the cut for Emily's bibliography (but don't forget to read our interview with Emily).

Something Borrowed
Something Blue
Baby Proof

Posted by Keris on September 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Romance, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (5)

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)

The Times gears up for an all-male Christmas

Two days ago, The Sunday Times previewed the books they think will be big this Christmas. As we told you yesterday, celeb memoirs are especially big this year- something the newspaper acknowledges, mentioning Stephen Gerrard, David Hasselhoff, Rupert Everett, Peter Andre (!) and Gary Barlow. As for fiction, although there's a token mention of Janet Fitch and Margaret Atwood releasing books for the American market, it turns out that the big names to look out for in Britain this autumn are:  "Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton, Charles Frazier, John Grisham, Robert Harris, Stephen King, John le Carré and Thomas Pynchon."

I can't work out if the blokes at The Times are sexist or just a bunch of old fogies, but I don't for one minute believe that literary quirk Thomas Pynchon or Charles "Cold Mountain" Frazier will outsell Marian Keyes or Lauren Weisberger this Christmas! Come on Sunday Times writers- How about you do another article highlighting all the great books by women that have been released this year?

Update: The ever-insightful Galleycat sees my point!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 26, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Devil Wears Prada, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

MORE ON MONDAY: Out of Sight by Elmore Leonard

If you've never heard of Elmore Leonard, you'll doubtless have heard of Out of Sight, made into a 1998 film starring J-Lo (before she was J-Lo) and the Cloonster. Or you might have heard of some of his other books: Get Shorty, Jackie Brown, Be Cool...? Leonard is a living legend. His books have inspired Tarantino and many other movie makers, and with their fast pace, snappy dialogue, pop cultural references and just general hipness, it's easy to see why.

Out of Sight is the story of Jack Foley, a career criminal who's become a celebrity in the bank-robbing business and who's hatched an elaborate plan to break out of jail and evade the law. He makes it out of jail, but deputy US Marshall Karen Sisco is smarter than the cops he usually has to give the slip to, and she's not about to let Jack go without a fight...

Like all Elmore's books, this one is so cool! It's very cinematic, with little description and lots of talk (he's one of the masters of dialogue) and lots of action (never a dull moment). There's violence and bad people in Out of Sight, but it's not dumb violence- it's always integral to the story and adds an air of authenticity. And Elmore always stops before it gets too much- which is perhaps why his books appeal to as many women as men. This is the kind of book where you're actually cheering on the 'bad guys', but you feel for the good guys too. I love this mix of moral complexity and escapism. The characters are morally complex, too- Karen Sisco's job is to bring in Jack Foley, but after being taken hostage by him for a few days, she feels herself falling for him, and is conflicted about putting him back behind bars...

I read this book after seeing the film years earlier, and I'm glad I did it that way round- I imagined Sisco and Foley as Lopez and Clooney (they allegedly hated each other, but it made for great sexual tension, which is a large part of the book too).

A quote from The Guardian on the back of the book says, "Out of sight contains all the best qualities of Leonard's writing: humour, black and good; timing; just the right amount of action, and major cool."  Too right. Leonard is one of the coolest writers of all time- effortlessly conveying the struggles of the criminal underworld. It almost spoils the illusion to discover he's an eighty-something white guy from a posh area of Georgia...

Rating: 5 out of 5

*Did you know?* Out of Sight was the inspiration for Karen Sisco, a short-lived TV series that was actually not half bad (ITV1 used to show it at around midnight) and which starred Robert Forster (Max Cherry in Jackie Brown).

Like this? Try One Shot by Lee Child.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 25, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 22, 2006 11:46 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Mr Nice Guy by Thomas Dowler

Just two days ago, I was asking if men can write romantic fiction and now I get to weigh in with my opinion as I review Thomas Dowler's debut novel, Mr Nice Guy. The story of the book is as interesting as any fiction: we covered it a few weeks ago, but to recap- fed up of getting rejections on his manuscript, Thomas took things into his own hands and is self-publishing, giving away his debut novel as a FREE! e-book and audio book, via his website. It's also available to buy, and being an old-fashioned sort (I much prefer books in paper form), that's the format I chose to review...

The story of Dan Fisher, who is dumped by girlfriend Claudia for being "too nice", and re-thinks his outlook on life and love as a result, it's an attempt to move into Nick Hornby/Mike Gayle/Tony Parsons territory... But does it work?

Well, yes, pretty much! I'd say this book is more on the Mike Gayle side of things, but I certainly enjoyed it more than Tony Parsons' latest. If I had one criticism it would be that Dowler seems to be trying to appeal to everyone- without being too stereotypical, most women (or women like me, anyway) don't want to read the detail of a football match or know about anyone's toilet schedule, or worse, their masturbation schedule.  (This is only a VERY small part of the book, but more than one reference to each bodily fluid should be an author's limit, in my opinion!)

I just think if the author had tailored the book slightly more to what a female audience wants to read, it would have been straight-up chick lit from a bloke's perspective rather than trying to appeal to men and women. Men might still enjoy it too- but "know your audience" is what I'm saying, I guess!

That makes it sound like I have reservations about this book, but I really don't. The main plot and sub-plots were well-written, the characters well-drawn and likeable except where they're not supposed to be, and Dan is a nice guy- but not unbelievably or sickeningly so. It's written in a very pacey, snappy style, with short chapters which I enjoyed and never felt jarred by. In fact, I felt the book was brilliantly paced as I never got bored or wished we were with another character. I enjoyed the fact that I knew what would happen at the end of the book- but I was still kept guessing a little, and there were some unexpected twists and turns... it wasn't predictable but it did deliver the happy ending I hoped for.

As to why a publisher hasn't jumped all over this novel, I'm really not sure. It's certainly better than several of the books I've read in the last two months (mentioning no names...) and I can see lots of people enjoying it. I wish Thomas Dowler lots of luck in the future, and if anyone's looking for a male perspective on love, I'd happily direct them to Mr Nice Guy.

Can men write about romance? You betcha!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Mr Commitment by Mike Gayle.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 22, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

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)

September 19, 2006 10:27 AM

Best book in the world

No, I'm not going to tell you what it is! (But you can tell us...)

Fantastic idea for a site The Best Stuff in the World has a book section, where you can vote for your favourite. Current contenders include Pride and Prejudice, 1984 and Richard and Judy prizewinner The Time Traveller's Wife. Plus ten people are bringing down the tone with the not entirely earnest suggestion of "boobies." (That one might just clinch it if we don't all go and vote ASAP!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 19, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fan fiction pays big

For years, fan fiction (or 'fanfic' if you're in the know) has been a dirty little secret on the internet (no, not that kind of dirty- that's 'slash fanfic' and you can find out about that on your own!- just secretive and looked down upon). It's totally understandable that avid Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings fans want to re-write and re-live aspects of the stories they love, adding new scenes and  characters and sharing them with other fans in online forums, usually anonymously. But isn't it a little, erm- sad?

Apparently not, now that fanficcers (OK I made that word up) are getting $150,000 book deals for writing about the continued adventures of the Pride and Prejudice clan or Harry Potter's grandparents. Plus, apparently Meg Cabot used to have a go, too!

Hmm... publishers, have you seen my vignette about Bridget Jones's mother's uncle? It's really good...

[Via an admittedly sceptical Galleycat].

Update: Miss Snark has the right idea!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 19, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

MOVIE NEWS: Starter for Ten

David Nicholls's very funny debut novel, Starter for Ten has been made into a movie starring Shameless's James McAvoy and comic actress Catherine Tate.

Starter for Ten was one of those books I started reading expecting to love it, but found myself slightly disappointed, but if it can make Jeremy Paxman laugh, there must be something to it! The screenplay has been adapted by David Nicholls himself (well, he is pretty experienced, having written Cold Feet and all!).

Looks like it might be out at the end of October anyway.

Posted by Keris on September 19, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

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 18, 2006 9:30 AM

M. Apostilina is finally released in the UK

...Or rather, her first book is, at long last! She's the lovely author who shared her excellent tips for new writers with us last month, but up until now her books haven't been published in the UK.

Meri Sugarman, Psycho Queen (the first in a series set in a university sorority house) will be available from October 2nd, but you can pre-order it now.

Interestingly, the book's undergone a name-change for a British audience- they obviously think we're not sufficiently familiar with the term 'hazing', not having that cruel tradition at our universities (we just drink 'til we throw up, instead... much better).

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 18, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

Booker Prize shortlist- predictions proved wrong (again)

The shortlist for The Booker Prize, the biggest event in literary luvvies' year (at least in the UK) was announced yesterday.

Not for the first time, the judges have confounded expectations, with previously short-odds authors like David 'Cloud Atlas' Mitchell out of the running. For your information and delectation, the shortlist is...

The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

The Secret River by Kate Grenville

Carry Me Down by M J Hyland

In the Country of Men by Hisham Matar

Mother's Milk by Edward St Aubyn

The Night Watch by Sarah Waters.

For what predictions are worth, Sarah Waters is the new favourite to win the prize, worth £50,000 (and an increase in book sales, of course!) The lucky author will be named on October 10th- and we should be prepared for anything...

Have you read any of the nominated novels? Tell us what you thought: editor@trashionista.com

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 15, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tolstoy Lied: Putting the Lit in chick Lit?

A review by Michael Dirda in the Washington Post begins with the following assertion, 'Any genre, no matter how seemingly common or commercial, may serve as the foundation for a work of art. Perhaps even chick-lit.' Chick lit as art? Say it's not so!

But, yes, Tolstoy Lied by Rachel Kadish is the tale of Tracy, a young New York professional woman who has problems at work (a colleague has taken a dislike to her) and worries about her love life (a "dependable" ex-boyfriend is marrying someone else). She has a "well-meaning" family and a "nosy aunt" who are suggesting it's time for her to settle down. She's got both a female best friend who's about to get married and - yes! - a gay best friend. It's written in a "brisk sassy first-person".

Sounds like chick lit, yes? Well, no. Carry on over the cut to find out why it's (apparently) not.

According to Dirda:

'Kadish clearly aims to give all these stock items an intellectualized twist. Naturally, Tracy's best friend at work is a witty, gay guy, but he's also a hot professor of British Literature. Tracy's graduate student Elizabeth is not only sensitive and brilliant, she's diligently writing a dissertation on Emily Dickinson. When the new lovebirds go on their first date, it's to a play based on the poet H.D.'s infatuated and doomed relationship with Freud. Back at the office our heroine keeps a photograph of Zora Neale Hurston on the wall.'

So it can't be chick lit because these characters aren't brainless? I see. But don't get too worked up just yet. Even though it's better than chick lit, Dirda's still not impressed: 'Perhaps my view of Tolstoy Lied as an attempt to "transcend" the chick-lit genre is simply an aggressive, masculinist misreading.' You see, he thought the 'Lied' of the title referred to a German word for an art-song, so is disappointed to find it refers to Tolstoy's assertion, at the beginning of Anna Karenina, that 'happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.'

He thought it was going to be 'wise and mournful' but found it was just 'a reasonably entertaining academic chick-lit novel' after all. What a shame.

But why did he expect it to be anything else? Because Rachel Kadish is a graduate of Princeton University and earned her M.A. in fiction writing at New York University. She has received a Koret Award, a Pushcart Prize, and citations in the 1997 and 2003 editions of The Best American Short Stories. In other words, she's a 'serious' author. And yet, apparently, she's writing chick lit. Imagine.

Posted by Keris on September 15, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Opinion | 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 4:51 PM

The Book People's bargains

British bargain books site The Book People has some special offers at the moment that might interest Trashionista readers- all six of Richard and Judy's summer reads 2006 for a measly £14.99 (a saving of £27, apparently), the first four Ma Ramotswe stories for a total of £7.99 and all six of Jane Austen's books (the new re-releases with pretty covers) for just £8.99. They also have Jordan's latest, if you're so inclined...

Order online by 9th October using the code 146F and delivery is free.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 14, 2006 in Book Websites, Book related, Classic Novels, Memoirs, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 5:14 PM

BOOK REVIEW: A Boy of Good Breeding by Miriam Toews

I unabashedly adored A Boy of Good Breeding. Oops! Think I'm supposed to keep you in suspense about my verdict for a little bit longer, but when you read something this great you want to tell everyone about it as quickly as humanly possible! A fugly cover and a quirky story with some oddly-named characters (you'll see) might not sound like the makings of a modern literary classic but trust me, they are.

Mayor Hosea Funk is intent on keeping the population of Algren down to 1500, so it will officially be Canada's smallest town and the Prime Minister will pay them a visit on July 1st, Canada Day. But with all manner of new arrivals coming to town and some older residents stubbornly refusing to die, his plans look set to be shaken. Young single mother Knute and her daughter Summer Feelin' (yep!) are just the latest to arrive...

Hosea's ledger of "newly moved to town" and "dead or dying" is going to need some careful juggling, as he has Knute and S.F's arrival to balance along with the insistent pleas of his girlfriend Lorna, who's about to dump him if he doesn't show some willingness to move in together. The story also focuses on S.F, Knute and and her family, including her parents Dory and Tom (an old friend of Hosea's who isn't doing too well, and may be about to make an appearance in the "dead or dying" column himself...)

If any of this sounds slightly farcical, that isn't at all how it's written. As the book progresses, we learn more about the character's motivations and the novel is heartfelt and moving. 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, as the characters are never as weird as they sometimes initially seem.

A Boy of Good Breeding is superbly written and the kind of book you want to re-read immediately. It didn't surprise me to learn from the inside back flap that every one of Miriam Toews' books (and some of her journalism) has won awards.

A recent Guardian article pondered whether there's been a scarcity of good "Can Lit" (ie. Canadian books from talented authors). As long as Miriam Toews around, the answer is clearly no.

Rating: 5 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* A Boy of Good Breeding was originally published in 1998. It was re-released recently after the huge success of Toews' last novel, A Complicated Kindness, last year.

Like this? Try Between Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 13, 2006 in Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 12, 2006 5:50 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

This book is the first in the Otherworld series, where Kelley Armstrong has created a world where your neighbour could be a witch, werewolf or who knows what else. It’s probably best we don’t know! (I must warn you that this is categorised under horror in the bookshops, but don’t let that put you off, I’ve seen a lot worse on Jerry Springer...)
Bitten concentrates on Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf on the planet. She’s determined to make it in the real world away from her pack. She’s trying to play at being human. It’s only when her pack leader calls her back to help with an uprising that she realises what she’s been missing and what a bad state her pack are in.

So it’s up to Elena to save the day.

This is probably the best book in its genre, mostly due to the amazing love story that in revealed between the action. It makes you want it for yourself, apart from the werewolf bit of course! Her imagery is so good that the characters expand in front of you like holograms. So it’s not surprising that it’s going to be made into a film in the near future. My only complaint is that the end of this book leaves you gasping for more. So it’s lucky for us that the next book, Stolen, is waiting on the bookshelves, also featuring the lovely Elena. If you want a gutsy female heroine that can kick ass better than her male opponents and have a good laugh at them while she does it, then this is the book for you. [Angela Richardson]

Rating of 5 out of 5.

Like this? Try Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 12, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Series, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (1)

MOVIE NEWS: Perfume

Perfume by Patrick Süskind was a huge bestseller in 1989 (and is Martine McCutcheon's favourite book, as she's said in more than one interview!) but as The Guardian reports, it was always considered unfilmable until now, as it's about a detective with an extraordinarily sensitive sense of smell- something that's not that easy to portray on film!

Getting the rights to the film from the reluctant author had also been a problem... Uber-directors Martin Scorsese and Stanley Kubrick (before his death, I assume) were both lined up to direct at different times, and pulled out- but now it's finally been filmed in its native Germany starring Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman, and was released a few days ago in Germany to a mixed critical response. See it in the UK from September 14th.

[Via The Scotsman.]

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 12, 2006 in Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 11, 2006 9:00 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud

Set in New York mostly before, but also just after, the attacks of September 11th, Claire Messud's fourth book, The Emperor's Children has been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

Read an extract and an interview with the author here.

Posted by Keris on September 11, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 8, 2006 12:08 PM

Bloomsbury is 21

To mark the classic publisher Bloomsbury’s 21st birthday next year the company is issuing 21 special paperbacks to represent Bloomsbury through the years.

The books will feature an interview with the author, an introduction by a fellow writer (for example Alexander McCall Smith on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) and a reading guide.

The list includes all-time classics such as Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex, Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson and Jenny Colgan's favourite book John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, alongide future classics like Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark, Donna Tartt's The Little Friend and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

[via Publishing News]

Posted by Keris on September 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: The Great Indoors by Sabine Durrant

I agreed with Danielle that Having it and Eating It, Sabine Durrant's first novel, was a great page-turner, witty, fun and with something to say.  The Great Indoors, however, is a little different... It's story of Martha Bone, a lonely, perfectionist antiques store owner, and her two sisters who are all reunited after the death of their step-father.  Secrets and people from the past start to turn up again and Martha's past comes back to haunt her- and makes her realise she wants more from life than her sheltered existence. 

I know that sounds like a great platform for some interesting fiction, but the truth is- it isn't.

I was very disappointed with this book.  Yeah, it's got a kitschily-cool Cath Kidston cover (and you know how important covers are to Trashionista!) but focusing on a staid and socially inept main character- and worse, telling her story in the third person so we relate to her even less- just doesn't work. Martha seemed like an extreme and rather unkind caricature, and I wasn't sure what the author was trying to say about her: that antiques store owners are all fuddy duddies? That women who don't want children are sad and lonely?

There are flashes of the fun and humour we saw in Durrant's first book -I liked the way the chapters were organised into rooms, which added to the story- but a lot of sadness and sentimentality, too.  She's still a witty and talented writer, but this book left me hugely unsatisfied and feeling rather depressed.  Keris wrote about the "sophomore slump" (bad second book syndrome) and this is unfortunately a prime example.  I see Durrant's third book, a teen chick lit title, is getting much better reviews on Amazon than this one did, so hopefully she shook off the slump and moved on to better things! I won't give up on the author, but I'd be happy never to see this book again...

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? You'll like Having it and Eating It by Sabine Durrant a lot more! And for an author who can write unsympathetic characters wonderfully, try The Pursuit of Alice Thrift by Elinor Lipman.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 8, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 2/5, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

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)

Laura Zigman Interview

Laura Zigman writes great American chick-lit (especially her New-York set novels) but doesn't work fast enough for me. (What? You mean my reading speed isn't her first priority?!) I raced through her first three books, Animal Husbandry, Dating Big Bird and Her and so since early 2002 I've been waiting for something new. At last, it's almost here! Piece of Work is due September 25 and deals with the problems of returning to work after adjusting to life as a stay-at-home 'mom'. And I'm going to savour this one... just in case.

Read an interview with the talented (and slow!- sorry) author here, courtesy of mediabistro.com. (And get excited!)

AND, if you follow that first link to her website, you'll find out that Piece of Work has been commissioned by Tom Hanks' movie company (before it's even on sale! Impressive), to be made into a film starring Nia Vardalos.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 7, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

Young Writers Alert!

Mark Peter Hughes, British teen chick lit author (now living in Massachusetts) is offering prizes-and presumably internet fame- for teen writers (anyone aged 13-19 on January 1, 2007) in his Wallpaper Writing Contests.  For rules and to find out more, check out his website for details.  You have until April 30th next year- so plenty of time to perfect your poetry! (or short story...)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 6, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Competition, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

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 7:09 PM

MOVIE NEWS: The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing

Around the turn of the millennium the hot book to be seen with was The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank (it wasn't really about hunting or fishing, but about a young woman called Jane and her lives and loves told in a series of collected stories).  Francis Ford Coppola bought the Rules-parody title story and sold it to Reese Witherspoon's film company as a vehicle for the Legally Blonde star. Then...nothing.

Now, finally! Sarah Michelle Gellar is starring in a new version of the film, with the main character's name changed (to Brett- Brett?!) and by the sound of things, very loosely based on the original.  Marc Klein, who wrote the screenplay, was also responsible for good-natured but sappy Serendipity, so I'm expecting more of the same... which means, of course, that I can't wait!

[Via Glamour and Imdb].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 5, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Movie News, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson

Anyone who read our interview with Joshilyn Jackson will know we're huge fans of her work, and anyone who reads this book will know why. Between, Georgia is the story of Nonny Frett, adopted into the Frett family when her fifteen-year old mother Hazel Crabtree abandoned her shortly after delivering her on the Frett's living room floor. Unfortunately, her adoption by her birth family's most hated rivals inevitably worsened the resentments that festered between the two clans, and in a town of only ninety people, it was only a matter of time before the tiny town of Between was taken to the brink of disaster by the burgeoning intra-family feud...

Nonny finds herself literally and metaphorically Between and doesn't know what to do. To add to her confusion, she's mired in indecisiveness: should she stay close to her family, continue avoiding her maternal grandmother and settle down for good with her loser-ish husband Jonno?  Or is there something (and someone) better out there if she dares to go for it?

Joshilyn Jackson's first book, gods in Alabama was a great book, but this is ten times better. Jackson has matured as an author and keeps the reader hooked without any fancy tricks or flashy revelations- which isn't to say there aren't deep-seated secrets, none of which I guessed at. This novel is tightly-bound unpredictable and pacey, but thoughtful and intelligent too. There are so many interesting characters, like Nonny's adoptive mother Stacia, who's deaf-blind, and Stacia's twin sister Genny, who is highly neurotic. It's clearly been meticulously-researched but that's never shoved down the reader's throat.  The book lovingly but truthfully recreates the deep south, a place totally unfamiliar to me but now deeply intriguing.  I think the author's love and knowledge of place is a huge factor in making this book so captivating. 

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!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Liked this? Try The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 5, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

SPOTLIGHT: Helen Fielding

I was amazed to find that we haven't yet shone our light on the chick lit queen herself, Helen Fielding!

Helen was born in Yorkshire in 1958 and gained an English degree from Oxford. She worked as a BBC TV producer and journalist and before attaining moderate success with her first novel Cause Celeb, but it was Bridget Jones who made her really famous.

Bridget originally featured in an enormously popular column in The Independent and The Daily Telegraph. The columns were then collected into a best-selling book, Bridget Jones's Diary, and a sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and the chick lit phenomenon we've grown to love was born (imagine a time before chick lit; dark days indeed).

Both books were made into incredibly popular films (see what we thought of the first and the second) starring Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth.

Helen's first book after Bridget Jones, Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination, was of course released with enormous fanfare, but was a critical and commercial disappointment (though what wouldn't be after Bridget Jones's Diary sold 10 million?!).

Helen now lives in Los Angeles (with neighbours said to include Jennifer Aniston, Keanu Reeves and Leonardo DiCaprio) with her partner, comedy writer Kevin Curran, and their two children (a boy and a girl) and is, apparently, semi-retired, though there are rumours of a third Bridget book.

Continue over the cut for Helen's bibliography.

Cause Celeb
Bridget Jones's Diary
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination

Posted by Keris on September 5, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Modern Fiction, Romance, Series, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

MORE ON MONDAY: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

This week's More on Monday isn't a book I've just read - it's my favourite book of all time: Bryce Courtenay’s first novel The Power of One.

It's the story of Peekay, a white boy growing up in South Africa in the 1940s. We meet him first aged five and at boarding school where he is mercilessly bullied (‘I had had no previous warning that I was wicked and it came as a fearful surprise’ ), his only friend a rooster he names Granpa Chook. You won’t be surprised to hear that the chicken doesn’t make it to the end of the book. But Peekay - Peekay becomes a champion boxer - and I, for one, fell completely in love with him.

I have two memories of reading this book. The first: on a train, breathless and shocked by the brutality of Peekay’s first boxing match, glancing around the carriage expecting the other passengers to look as bright-eyed and enthralled as me. The second: lying on my bed forcing myself to slow my reading and savour the last few pages, but still finishing all too soon and in tears. I dreamt about Peekay after finishing the book - the first, last and only time I’ve dreamt about a fictional character.

The Power of One is gripping, funny, sad, inspirational. Everyone should read this book.

If you like this, try The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Did you know? The Power of One was made into a (quite good, but not as good as the book) movie starring Stephen Dorff and Morgan Freeman.

Posted by Keris on September 4, 2006 in Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

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)

August 31, 2006 10:56 AM

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)

PREVIEW REVIEW: The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner

Yep, it's not even out yet and already we have a review for you- how good are we to you ? (Clue: very). The Guy Not Taken is out next Tuesday in the U.S (September 30 via Amazon in the UK), and... I highly recommend it!  A collection of stories formerly stuffed into shopping bags in Jennifer Weiner's spare room(!) her agent suggested she might want to think about maybe... publishing them. (After a little updating, of course!)

And thank goodness she did!  They're full of Jennifer Weiner's trademark humour, warmth and poignancy and the majority are very real and entertaining.

The collection opens with a trilogy about the Krystal family at different times of their lives, the first of which was written while Weiner was at university, the last very recently to tie up the loose ends.  It's fascinating to see the threads of her novels in the earlier two stories- I noticed aspects of both In Her Shoes and Good In Bed.  There's also a story (called Good Men) about Bruce and Cannie, the main characters of Good In Bed, which is told from Bruce's point of view.  I loved this insight into the author's creative process, and the fact that she's sharing these steps in the development of her writing.  There were one or two stories I didn't feel would stand alone as narratives, however...

Dora on the Beach seemed very unlikely and quite silly and the eponymous heroine is weedy to say the least- 62 is too young to be acting like a little old lady! Some of the stories are slices of life where nothing much happens and I can see that they'd be better suited to being part of a novel, although they're still very well-written.  The best two stories in the book are Oranges From Florida, a very moving story of divorce from a father's perspective which is gently heartbreaking, and The Mother's Hour- a pacey and slightly shocking tale.

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.  I'd love to have read even more of this and would like to formally suggest to JW's publishers that her next between-novels project be a work of non-fiction essays about her life and writing (they don't even have to pay me for the idea!)  It's certainly whetted by appetite for her next novel, and left me wondering if any of the ideas from her more recent stories will be showing up in her future work... you can bet I'll keep reading to find out.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank, In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 31, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (7)

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)

BOOK REVIEW: Husbands by Adele Parks

Adele Parks makes her characters very difficult to like. In fact this is the main reason I gave up entirely on Playing Away, as I actively despised Corinne, who seemed to have no redeeming features, and was cheating on her self-professed 'perfect' husband for no apparent reason.

Husbands still has its fair share of women you might not want to be closest chums with, namely Bella, who has committed bigamy by being married to both her best friend's boyfriend, and her current husband, at the same time. But obviously none of them know it yet.

Luckily the other characters in Husbands are its redeeming quality. Laura, still hurt from a nasty break up, is a quietly determined single mother who falls head over heels with a busker she meets on the tube. It's just unfortunate he also happens to be married to Bella. Then there's Bella's mate Amelie, who despite being recently widowed, is by far the most optimistic character of the book. The cast is completed by Phillip, Bella's doting older man, and her second, non-legitimate husband.

The book charts some fairly major coincidences as the lives of Bella, her two husbands, and Laura become rather too entwined for comfort. They end up at an Elvis convention in Las Vegas, where most of the book is set, and we get a whistle stop tour round the sites of the city while Bella tries to decide which husband she likes best. Eventually Bella starts to display some more attractive qualities, and I actually started to enjoy Husbands.

I'm not sure I'll be rushing out to read another of her books, but this has convinced me that I can finish one, and it was a vast improvement on Playing Away. The sort of dilemmas Parks' characters face are the kind that give you that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach the moment you wake up, and personally I'd rather read something that lifted my spirits rather than bringing them down. Recommended for days when you can't stand to read another happy ever after and you're sick of flawless characters with sugar coated lives. [Charlotte Howells]

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Other Women by Kirsty Crawford.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 30, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Which Brings Me To You by Steve Almond & Julianna Baggott

I was so excited about this book after reading Steve Almond's Candyfreak. It's written by both Almond and Julianna Baggott and is a series of alternating letters written by John and Jane after they meet - and almost have sex - at a wedding. They decide instead to get to know each other first by writing confessional letters about their relationship histories to see if they might have a chance at more than a coatroom fumble. Sounds great, right? Read on to see if it was.

This book reminded me a lot of Melissa Bank's The Wonder Spot. Basically the majority of John and Jane's letters serve as a complete story about one of their past relationships, all of which - like Sophie's in The Wonder Spot - both end badly and serve to give us background on the characters. So we learn that not only did John used to be a "surf dude", he also, further along the line, worked in an advertising agency and voted Republican. We learn that Jane worked in a bookstore and had a relationship with both members of a married couple.

The problem with the book for me was that I never really warmed to John and Jane. Partly I think it's because, even though the book was written by two authors, John and Jane's voices seem very similar - occasionally I would start reading a letter thinking it had been written by the other character. For this book to have really worked, for me, I would have wanted to be desperate for them to get together at the end, convinced that they were soulmates. I didn't get that feeling - rather, as my mother-in-law says, at least they won't spoil two houses.

Having said all that - it is an extremely well-written and entertaining book. It's a good read, really. It just seemed to me to be an unfortunately cold read too.

(I have to also mention the fact that the back cover blurb says 'But they live on opposite sides of the country'. John lives in New York and Jane lives in Philadelphia. Not only are they on the same side of the country, but there's less than 100 miles between them. I know I'm pedantic, but that kind of thing annoys me.)

If you like this, try The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank (for a similar story) or Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer (for a book written by duelling authors)

Posted by Keris on August 30, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Recent Release, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 29, 2006 12:04 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Mr Starlight by Laurie Graham

Laurie Graham used to write about ordinary working-class folk with wit, humour and pathos (Dog Days, Glen Miller Nights being a wonderful and sadly out-of-print example) but now she's carved out a new and very successful niche: Brits in America.  Mr Starlight is a typical example- the story of Liberace, if Liberace had a touch of the Des O' Connors about him and was raised in a townhouse in Birmingham, that is... 

Self-styled 'Mr Starlight' and king of the working men's clubs, singer Selywn Boff is determined to make it big- and that means America.  Dragging his reluctant piano player/older brother Cledwyn behind him, the Boff brothers begin to make their mark on the States- but not quite as fast as Sel would like.  He decides Cled is holding him back- and Cled decides he can do without his bossy upstart of a brother- it's not as if Sel's ever going to make it really big!

Is he?

Well, a good-looking man with charisma, an exotic (well, to Americans!) accent and whose crooning drives the girls crazy is never going to be down on his luck for long- let's put it that way!

This is a wonderful book, with great dialogue, vividly-drawn characters and a great pace.  Although what happens to Sel is beyond the dreams of most people who grew up with a tin bath and an absent father in the Midlands circa World War Two, Sel's rise to fame seems realistic within the context of this novel.  The surrounding characters are kept reassuringly down to earth, for example when Cledwyn returns home after five years away, his 'mam' is in a bad mood because he didn't let them know he'd be coming: "You'll have to have shop bought biscuits," she strops, with, as his sister says, "a face like a trod chip."

The book is told from Cledwyn's point of view, which makes for added irony, as he's not quite the reliable narrator. Completely oblivious to Sel's secret sexual preferences (well, the spangly suits and non-existent girlfriends weren't really a clue, were they?!) and in denial about his own talent and popularity with women, he's spent his life in Selwyn's shadow.

The book roves from 1928 up to the early 1990s, and kept me hooked throughout.  The ending is funny, sad and poignant and I'm not ashamed to say I shed a tear.  I almost felt like Mr Starlight was real, and he's one of those few characters who'll stay with me long after I've finished the book. I highly recommend you let him charm you, too.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try The Prizewinner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 29, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 28, 2006 12:42 PM

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)

MORE ON MONDAY: Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith

Blue Shoes and Happiness is the seventh in Alexander McCall Smith's enormously popular No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. I have read and loved each of the previous books even though once I've read them I find I don't remember much about them, except an urge to smile every time I think about the world of Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi and Mr JLB Matekoni. If you haven't yet discovered the series, well, you've got a treat in store. If you have then read on to see if this latest story meets expectations.

Mma Ramotswe is a "traditionally built" (i.e. large) woman who runs the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency (Botswana's only ladies' detective agency). Her assistant, Mma Makutsi graduated with 97% from Bostwana Secretarial College and her husband, Mr JLB Matekoni owns Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and tries to control his two apprentices.

In Blue Shoes and Happiness there's a crisis for Mma Makutsi when she reveals to her fiance that she is in fact a feminist, a doctor tampers with his patients blood pressure measurements, a cook sneaks government food out to feed her husband, and Mma Ramotswe starts to think she might be too traditionally built and should, perhaps, go on a diet!

The cases brought to the detective agency are usually very mild and don't take much detecting (as Mma Makutsi points out in this book, most of them are solved by Mma Ramotswe asking someone a direct question), but you don't read these books for the intrigue, more for the descriptions of Botswana and the gentle humour and charm of the stories.

I enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed them all. They're perfect books for curling up with and just drifting away to another place.

Posted by Keris on August 28, 2006 in British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 25, 2006 10:23 AM

Mr Nice Guy gives away his novel

Thomas Dowler kept getting "close but no cigar" rejection letters from publishers, which frustrated him.  So he decided to take matters into his own hands: he's releasing his first book, Mr Nice Guy, as a free e-book and podcast.*  The story sounds suitably Mike Gayle-esque to me: a man is devastated when he's dumped by his girlfriend for being "too nice". 

Dowler's hoping this project will gather enough momentum to get him a nice publishing deal for his second novel, Jealous Guy. The author briefly had interest in a screenplay of his first novel but if this project works, he could be writing the screenplay of his own life. Maybe.

*If downloading's not your thing, you can also purchase the Print-on-Demand paperback here.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 25, 2006 in Book News, Book Websites, British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 24, 2006 6:27 PM

THURSDAY THREE: Unceremonious Dumpings

As the episode where Berger dumped Carrie Bradshaw via post-it note shows, unceremonious dumpings are both fascinating and horrifying.  So it's not surprising that so many authors use the horrific dumping scene to draw us in to their novel... hopefully not basing it on their real-life experiences!

One of the classics of the genre is Jennifer Weiner's first novel.  The man who main character Cannie still thinks of as her boyfriend not only disses her in print and reveals he's got a new girlfriend now... but he talks about her weight (and oh, boy, not in a good way!), in his new newspaper column, Good in Bed.

In The Bachelorette Party by Karen McCullah Lutz, Zadie is planning to marry handsome and sexy Jack, a soap opera star, and love him forever. It's not until she's waiting for him to arrive at their wedding that she realises he's not coming... and doesn't know know whether to be humiliated, or furious!

What will the third book be? Carry on across the cut to find out!

The Year of Yes by Maria Headley is a non-fiction account of a single, twenty-something woman's quest to find true love, by saying yes to everyone who asks her out.  Despite this surfeit of willing men, there's still plenty of room for her to suffer not one but several unceremonious ditchings- but thankfully, she gives out one or two of her own to redress the balance!

What are your favourite cringe-worthy dumpings in fiction (or non-fiction for that matter)?

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 24, 2006 in American Authors, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 23, 2006 11:58 AM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Joshilyn Jackson

Welcome to our exciting new series on Trashionista: exclusive author interviews! First up is Joshilyn Jackson, author of the prizewinning gods in Alabama and Between, Georgia (review coming soon), as well as the wonderful blog Faster than Kudzu. 

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer Wow! Fifteen words huh? Do I have to count the part that says "Between Georgia tells the story of? Or can I assume that part and simply count the words in this fragment?

"A Southern Juliette, her redneck Romeo, and the feud that blows up Georgia's smallest town"  There, 15 exactly! 

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)? In my office which is in my house. It is in a constant state of chaos and I like my peaceful trash piles to grow and grow until the carpet's color is a distant memory. I know where everything is. I don't like other people to come in and touch things. On the wall I have a SIGNED! limited edition print of a work by my favorite surrealist. It's a puffy cat and a skinny, melting cat riding a spaceship with boobs across an olive green wasteland. I love it. My husband loves it. Everyone else thinks we must be sprinkling hallucinogens onto our salads like bacon-bits...But when I get stuck I can always look at it and get centered.                         

Your favourite chick-lit book? Hrm -- I think probably Lani Diane Rich's Ex and the Single Girl.

Your favorite female heroine ever (if different from above)? Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. PERIOD. I also love Scarlet O'Hara.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?  Writers write, so BIC,HOK.  It's the advice I give myself on lazy days when I want to go watch all 100 episodes of CRIMINAL INTENT I have Tivo'd. (Vincent Donofrio is PRETTY!) It's pronounced BICK-HOCK, and it stands for, "Butt in chair, hands on keyboard." I did NOT make that up, but am not sure who did. I heard it on a writer's list, and it's useful to me still.

Don't put ANY emotion into the publishing end. You have no control over that. Just send out your queries and forget them. Focus on the thing you can control...the work. How much craft you learn. Revising and improving and WRITING every day. Publishing is heartbreaking and exhausting and breaking in takes years. Do the time, but don't put your heart in it. Put your heart into the work, love the work so much that you would want to make it perfect whether you were pursuing publication or not. The work will fill you up if you let it.

What are you reading at the moment? The Vanishing Point, by Mary Sharratt. I am REALLY digging it so far. Speaking of strong heroines! Sharratt's Hannah Powers is a girl after my own heart.

What are you working on now? (Give us a hint!)It's called THE GIRL WHO STOPPED SWIMMING. It's about Laurel Gray Hawthorne...a woman who can't help but make things pretty.  Coming from a family with a literal skeleton in their closet, she's developed this talent all her life, whether helping her willful mother to smooth over the reality of her family's ugly past, or elevating humble scraps of unwanted fabric into nationally acclaimed art quilts.  Her wayward sister Thalia, an impoverished Actress with a capital A, is her polar opposite, and prides herself in exposing the lurid truth lurking behind life's everyday niceties. And while Laurel’s life was neatly on track—a passionate marriage, a treasured daughter, and a dream home in lovely suburban Victoriana—everything she holds dear is thrown into question the night she is visited by an apparition in her bedroom.  The ghost appears to be her 14-year-old neighbor Molly Dufresne, and when Laurel follows this ghost out back, she finds the real Molly floating lifeless in her swimming pool.  While the community writes the tragedy off as an accident, Laurel can't.  Reluctantly enlisting Thalia’s aid, Laurel sets out on a life-altering investigation that triggers startling revelations about her own guarded past, the true state of her marriage, and the truth about the girl who stopped swimming.

Oh. Wait. Was that supposed to be 15 words, too? Hrm.

Dead girl! Closet Skeletons! Hot Husband! Trampy Actress Sister! Sex on the dryer! Secrets revealed!

There, 15 exactly. *grin*

Thanks Joshilyn- you're fabulous!

[Author photo © Elizabeth Osbourne].

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 23, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Interviews, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Prize Winners, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (5)

BOOK REVIEW: Confessions of Supermom by Melanie Lynne Hauser

At first, I thought this book was Confessions of A Supermom- a tongue in cheek look at the stress of motherhood.  Nothing so down to earth!  Confessions of Supermom is Melanie Lynne Hauser's attempt to create the first superhero with two teenage kids, a nasty ex-husband and a job in a supermarket... 

Birdie Lee is a downtrodden mother feeling unappreciated and stressed out.  One day she's cleaning the bathroom before work, pouring every noxious cleaning fluid she has onto a stubborn stain, when she falls into unconsciousness.  When she wakes up about eight hours later, she feels drained and woozy at first.  But before long, she's feeling...well, super!

She has the ability to clean with the power of 10,00 Swiffers, sense when children are in danger and run to save them- and of course, for bad boys and girls there's the penetrating glare and "super time-out".  If all this sounds pretty silly- it is.  And I haven't even mentioned the ultra-strong cleaning fluid that shoots out of her wrists, Spiderman's-web style. 

In order to become a proper super-hero, Supermom must defeat an evil empire (of course!) and alter-ego Birdie's also hoping to kick-start her love life with a certain single dad from the PTA...

It's a fun book, but you do have to suspend disbelief and buy into the concept while you're reading it.  I enjoyed the parts about Supermom- especially when she tries to fly, chooses her costume and saves kids from danger.  The snippets of faux-newspaper coverage are also hilarious.  The author clearly has a lot of wit, intelligence, and a knowledge of superheroes that could rival a teenage boy!

What lets the book down is that Birdie is a little... boring.  Melanie Lynne Hauser has great things to say about under-appreciated mothers, but couldn't the pre-Supermom Birdie have had something in her life besides her children, one friend and a mundane job?  The great thing about Superman is that yes, Clark Kent's a geek- but a geek with an interesting career!  The parts with Supermom raced along, but the parts with Birdie dragged a little.  Also, the feminist in me was screaming, "Why is Supermom conforming so neatly to gender stereotypes?!" (Or words to that effect...)

If you want some escapism and a warning of the dangers of mixing bleach and other fluids, Confessions of Supermom is a good light read. 

But super? Not really.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Like this? Try Wife in the Fast Lane by Karen Quinn.

*Did you know? This is the first book in the Supermom series, with the next installment, Supermom saves the World, due in 2007.*

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 23, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 22, 2006 11:28 AM

Chick Lit Roundtable

I've just discovered this excellent chick lit discussion on the Authors on the Web site.

It's a "Chick Lit Author Roundtable" featuring such Trashionista faves as Meg Cabot, Marian Keyes and Jennifer Weiner.

It's a bit out of date (check out the Meg Cabot author photo), but includes plenty of insights into excellent questions like 'What makes a book chick lit?' and 'Is there a value to Chick Lit other than escapism or entertainment?'

Posted by Keris on August 22, 2006 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

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)

SPOTLIGHT: Anna Maxted

This week's spotlight is on Anna Maxted.

Anna has a degree in English from Cambridge and started out as a reporter for the Jewish Chronicle. She became a freelancer, writing for various publications, notably Cosmopolitan and FHM, for whom she wrote a sex column (like one of the main characters in her latest book - A Tale of Two Sisters).

Following the sudden death of her father, Anna wrote a piece about her grief. It received an overwhelming response and Anna was approached by agents and publishers to write a novel. This novel was the wonderful Getting Over It. She has since written four more novels combining chick lit humour and serious issues such as rape and anorexia.

Anna now lives in London with her husband, Phil, and their two sons.

See a specs-less Anna talking about Being Committed here.

Continue over the cut for Anna's bibliography.

Getting Over It
Running In Heels
Behaving Like Adults
Being Committed
A Tale of Two Sisters

Did you know Anna has also written three non-fiction books including How to Have Him Begging for More: 100 Ways to Drive Your Man Wild in Bed!

Posted by Keris on August 22, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 21, 2006 11:37 AM

Curtis Sittenfeld - chick lit author?

I was going to title this post Curtis Chickenfeld, but it doesn't quite work!

It seems Curtis Sittenfeld's changed her mind about chick lit. In an interview with fab blog The Old Hag she says,

"I don’t have control over where it’s categorized–that’s something other people do–but I don’t worry about it very much. I would not consider it chick lit by my own definition (and I’ve realized that there’s no larger consensus about what the definition of chick lit is) but obviously, if my greatest fear was that people would see my book as chick lit, I wouldn’t have chosen this title."

Just in case you're interested the title is shared with a Harlequin Super Romance, a supernatural romance collection, a regency romance, a gay romance novella collection, another gay collection and - finally! - one with a question mark!

Posted by Keris on August 21, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Modern Fiction, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (6)

August 17, 2006 11:08 AM

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)

Author Joshilyn Jackson arrested!

Looks law-abiding enough, doesn't she? And writing prize-winning fiction certainly isn't a crime... But none the less, Atlanta author Joshilyn Jackson found herself spending an afternoon in the slammer last week, missing out on a TV appearance to promote her latest book, Between, Georgia...

Joshilyn didn't actually do anything wrong but became part of a huge admin mix-up at the Department of Motor Vehicles over her married name and maiden name (Jackson), meaning she had unknowingly been driving without a valid license for almost a year.  So she had to spend a few hours in jail, watching Gigli and scratching "mom graffiti" (please wash your hands) into the wall, waiting for her friend to come and bail her out...

"Me: Dude, I'm in jail. I need you to come get me.
Her: Dude, I know you are feeling pressure with this DEADLINE, but it is NOT jail okay? If you need to step away, come over and we'll have lunch.
Me: DUDE, I AM IN PRISON! If I can't get bailed out within four hours they transfer me to BIG GIRL JAIL. I CANNOT GO TO BIG GIRL JAIL Her: Oh poodle, it feels that way NOW, but the work is paying off! I am reading your new chapter four now, and you NAILED the part where----
Me: DUDE! PRISON! ME! COME! GET!"

I'm sure it was an awful experience, but it made for some wonderfully entertaining blogging (scroll down).

*Look out for an interview with Joshilyn and a review of Between, Georgia in coming weeks!*.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 16, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Modern Fiction, Prize Winners, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 14, 2006 4:30 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Faking It by Jennifer Crusie

I've always considered "Welcome to Temptation" to be Jennifer Crusie's best book, so I was very interested in reading the sort-of sequel, Faking It.  Taking up with the life and career (if you can call theft a career option) of Davy Dempsey, the charming scoundrel from Welcome... Faking It is the story of struggling artist Tilda Goodnight and her family.  She's not struggling in the usual sense of starving in a garret- rather she's struggling to keep her artistic and personal integrity in the face of family pressures.  She desperately needs cash to pay the mortgage on the family art gallery so she's selling her soul copying famous paintings onto rich people's walls- but has a basement full of art that she can't sell for mysterious reasons...  When her niece accidentally sells one of the forbidden artworks, things seem to be getting worse and worse.  Tilda's bored, tired and put upon, so the last thing she needs is to bump into Davy Dempsey in a darkened cupboard when they're both trying to steal the same painting. 

Things get even more complicated as Tilda and Davy's paths keep crossing, and she becomes suspicious of his motives- is he trying to discover her dark secrets? Is he hiding something of his own? Are they really attracted to each other- or is one of them Faking It? 

You know I'm not going to tell you the answers!  But I will tell you what a GREAT book this is.  It's not up there with Temptation, but it's close- and fans of that book will love the way Crusie's fleshed out the character of Davy.  As you expect from this author, there's love, sex (oh yes! - and no-one writes it better than Crusie), excitement, scandal and lots of dastardly double-dealings along the way to a happy ending.   She excels at creating offbeat characters with hearts of gold, and there's plenty of them here: from a precocious teen with a Lucille Ball fixation to a cross-dressing brother in law.  But they're just part of the fun!  Crusie's wit and the heat between Davy and Tilda (short for Matilda, if you're wondering) make this a fabulous read for summer- or any other time.  If you're a Crusie fan, if you wanted to know more about Davy after Welcome to Temptation, or if you just like intelligent, fast-paced, funny and sexy women's fiction (and if you don't...?) you'll really like this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Like this? Try Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie, Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Meyer.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 14, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 11, 2006 12:47 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees isn't really about bees, but it is about secrets- and much more besides.  Fourteen year-old Lily has grown up bowed by the secret knowledge that she killed her mother when she was four, and she longs for forgiveness and a way out of her horrible home life with her strict yet neglectful father.  Her only friend in the world is the family's maid, Rosaleen, the one person who will tell her about her mother.  But in the American deep south in 1964, white teenage girls and their black maids aren't supposed to be friends- or even seen together in public.  So when Rosaleen gets beaten up by a gang of white men and fears for her life and Lily decides to go with her on a dangerous flight of passage, they need to find somewhere safe to run to- and quickly...

After some nights on the road (literally- this is an escape on foot!) they finally find refuge with a trio of eccentric bee-keeping sisters, who let them stay and work for them for a while, teaching them about bee-keeping and introducing them to the legend of the Black Madonna, who adorns their jars of honey.  Can Lily and Rosaleen stay here safely- and for how long?  And what was the significance of the Black Madonna honey label that Lily's mother kept in her secret box of mementos?

I just adored this book: it's so evocative of the sixties, and of South Carolina- and really made me think about what life was like then in the deep south.  We all know about the horrific racist abuse and murder, the Ku Klux Klan etc.  But this book reminded me that white people who were appalled by bigotry were almost as attacked and oppressed as the black people around them.

But there's hope in the book too- we see the possibility of change in characters like Lily, who won't grown up to be like her father.

Lily is a fantastic narrator- awful things happen to her but she never loses her hope or sense of humour.  I loved the other characters too:  Rosaleen and the bee-keeping sisters and their collection of oddball friends.  And the spiritual aspect of the book was very powerful too, although I don't think you need to be religious to appreciate it.  Despite dealing with some heavy topics, The Secret Life of Bees is never depressing- and that's an impressive feat.  It's the ideal summer read- escapism that makes you think, a hopeful but never unrealistic story of sorrow, forgiveness and finding peace... and simply wonderful writing. 

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try The Prize Winner Of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan, Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 11, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | 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 9, 2006 6:08 PM

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS : The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

This week sees the final book of Richard and Judy's Summer Reads feature, 'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova.

The book is a new take on an old tale - the legend of Dracula. It is inspired heavily by Bram Stoker's work, particularly in considering that Dracula is still wandering freely among us, and that he holds an historical significance wider than many of us have realised. The book is a set of sroties within stories - almost like a literary russian doll. The story is begun by a teenage girl who finds a mysterious book in her father's library. This contains letters bequeathed to her father (Paul) by his dissertation supervisor (Rossi) many years ago. The structure is a mixture of the girl's first person account of events interspersed with a packet of letters left by her father, which also give the content of the letters written by Rossi. All three protaganists are in search of one being - Dracula, Rossi searches alone whilst Paul is accompanied by Helen (who happens to be Rossi's estranged duaghter), and the girl is accompanied by a student she met at Oxford.

Carry on across the cut to see what I thought of the book.

I am loathe to admit that on a number of occasions I became tempted to throw this book across the room - it really was that frustrating a read. The first 100 or so pages dragged horribly, but sure that it must get better I persevered. I haven't made my mind up yet whether I'm glad I did.

The plot was very intricatly planned, with the three stories lying comfortably on one another - though at times these did veer a little too far from the believable (yes even for a book about vampires). I also found myself diasppointed that Kostova spent so little time on the vampires themselves - having read more books on vampires than I probably should have I did expect a little more fangy business.

The characters were a mixed bunch really. I found the three protaganists a little dull if I'm perfectly honest - Paul particularly was far too whingy for my liking. The characters met by Paul and Helen on their travels were far more vibrant, and the combination of these and the descriptions of many Eastern Eurpoean countries were one of the saving features of this book.

I'm not going to give the ending away to you, but I will say this - I ended up feeling like I still didn't know half of what I expected to know at the end. There was an incident with about 40 pages to go that was dealt with far too quickly, and there were far too many unanswered questions.

All in all I was pretty disappointed with this book. It wasn't a bad book, I just wanted it to be better than it was.

Rating : 3 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on August 9, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (5)

August 5, 2006 3:14 PM

BOOK REVIEW- Something Beginning With by Sarah Salway

Something Beginning With is a book with a unique concept: it's a novel, told in encyclopaedia format.  Alphabetised entries tell the story of Verity Bell, a young woman dealing with a tricky boss, a troubled love life, and life alone after the death of her parents a few years earlier.  It's a great idea, and very well-written, but would the concept turn out to be too gimmicky to really tell a good story?

Well, yes and no.  Sarah Salway's use of the alphabet is a gimmick, but it's not just used for that reason- it does actually enhance the story:  at the end of most entries is a short list of other entries that illustrate the same point- which can be used to cement a point the narrator is making, or to undercut it in order to make the reader laugh.  It allows for a lot more fluidity than a traditional approach and the fact that each entry can be taken as a work in itself means that the quality of writing is excellent.  Sarah Salway usually writes poetry and the succinctness of her language is probably a reflection of this.   However, although it is possible to flick backwards and forwards throughout the book, I'd still recommend reading it from front to back, or you'll spoil the story for yourself (and probably get very confused!)   If you truly could move back and forwards through the book like a real encyclopaedia, I don't think it would make a good novel, as there would be no story at all.

In fact, that was what disappointed me about this novel: it's very short, and I felt the story was a bit flimsy.  It's also rather depressing- a young woman is very isolated, for no particular reason.  Yes, she had rather unsupportive parents, who are now dead, but nothing much seems to be happening in her life, and I wasn't sure why.  She didn't seem sad enough to be clinically depressed, and yet she had no confidence or 'get up and go'.   The type of modern women's writing that I (and I think most of you) enjoy best is when women overcome obstacles, or grow in confidence, or achieve something. This story was instead very downbeat and pedestrian, and there was just something missing- it had no heart or vibrancy and reading it was a bit of a hollow experience.

Sarah Salway is an extremely skilled stylist, but her next book really needs more substance.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Conversations with the Fat Girl by Liza Palmer.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 5, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 2, 2006 6:05 PM

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS : The Abortionist's Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde

The book featured in this week's Richard and Judy's Summer Reads is "The Abortionist's Daughter" by Elisabeth Hyde.

Megan is shocked when her father phones to tell her that her mother, Diana, is dead. Frank (that's her father) found Diana face down in their swimming pool when he got home from work. The police are suspecting foul play though, she has bruising that suggests her death was at somebody else's hands. The suspect is long, particularly considering her work as the Director of the Center for Reproductive Choice. She spent her life campaigning for women's right to choice and this made her a national hate figure for some. Withing their own family life hasn't always been the smoothest, since her younger brother died her parents have never been the same - but surely her father couldn't have finally snapped... could he?

I thought this book was well written, and dealt with a sensitive topic in a reasonable manner. Hyde looks at the concept of abortion from a number of perspectives, but in making the book a murder mystery allows herself to escape the need to come down on one side of the debate. The characters are well created around this subject, but it did feel at times like the book was lacking a little in the way it evaded the real nitty-gritty you may expect.

The plot is well created, I found myself fairly surprised by the ending when the killer is revealed, though afterwards when I looked back at the book I could see the writing was on the wall - just in very faint chalk! I found myself gripped by the book, but felt at times I wanted to know a little more about Diana - I think I'd have cared even more about the outcome if I'd known more about the woman.

This is a well written book that will keep you reading. It is perhaps a little weaker than some of the previous novels in the series, but is still well worth a read.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on August 2, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (2)

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 27, 2006 3:34 PM

BOOK REVIEW- The Second Assistant by Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare

Many young women dream of moving to Hollywood, working for a top movie mogul, and mixing with famous actors and high-flyers in the film world day-in, day-out.  But Elizabeth Miller, aka: The Second Assistant, isn't one of them.  A down-on-her-luck political campaigner, she meets a Hollywood big-wig at a Washington party and, thinking she has nothing to lose, flies to L.A and lands a new job-  approximately 2650 miles out of her comfort zone...

After her first task, sorting drawing pins into piles (throwing away the coloured ones, of course!) it becomes clear that the Stephen Spielberg biography Elizabeth read on the plane isn't going to be adequate preparation for this crazy new world.  However, after a lot of ups and downs, she slowly starts to realise she likes the town, even making a new friend or two and finding a man she likes (can she make him her boyfriend? Read it to find out!) and she even becomes inured to the craziness of Hollywood...

"There are things that I know are not normal but since I became involved with Hollywood, I now cease to bat an eyelid at. They are:  Men who wear mascara in between eyelash dyes, the sign in the bathroom of my office that says 'smoking and vomiting prohibited'... women who take fertility drugs even though they don't have a boyfriend..."

You get the picture.  The authors have both lived and worked in Hollywood themselves, and so this is another Devil Wears Prada "snitch-lit" -type novel.  I think this one is a bit of a broader farce than DWP, or The Nanny Diaries for that matter- but then truth is stranger than fiction and we are talking about Hollywood, so who can be sure??!

I have to admit I was a little disappointed with some aspects of the story.  Elizabeth goes through so much at the start of the book, finding it hard to adjust and dealing with all the bitchiness and competitiveness of the film world, that I thought she'd have a typical 'rags to riches' Hollywood ending (this is one of those rare cases where the authors could have made that seem realistic!)- but she doesn't.  It's not a terrible tragic ending or anything, but I was left wanting more.  I can only assume that was to whet readers' appetites for the sequel which  I hope will tie up all the loose ends.  But even though I love this type of book, I can't help wondering... how many more of them do we need?

Still, this is an easy-to-read  insight into another (fascinating) world, with an intelligent protagonist,  and it's all the more enjoyable if, like me, you choose to assume that a lot of it is based on real events!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try You'll Never Nanny in this town Again by Suzanne Hansen, The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger.

*DID YOU KNOW?*  Uma Thurman was set to film Mimi Hare and Clare Naylor's script, The Accidental Husband in 2004, but it never happened.  (Fodder for their next book, perhaps?!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 27, 2006 in American Authors, Devil Wears Prada, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

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 3:34 PM

MORE ON MONDAY : One Shot by Lee Child

Lee Child is currently one of the most exciting names in crime thriller writing. His series of books about maverick Jack Reacher are now some of the most eagerly awaited. This, the most recent lived up to all my expectations - good plot, plenty of twists and turns, and Reacher at his best.

When a lone sniper assassinates five office workers at the end of the working day the town is shocked. Their fears are abated rapidly with the swift arrest of the shooter, though the police are less sure. The trail was a little too clean, and when they arrested him Barr had only one thing to say - 'Get Reacher'...

When Reacher is summoned he finds Barr a familiar face. Their paths crossed when Reacher was a military policeman and Barr a marine. After Barr commited an awful crime politics and orders from above stopped Reacher from being able to follow through on the punishment he felt was required. Reacher can't imagine what would have made Barr call for him - he was left in no doubt of what would happen if their paths crossed again.

Quickly Reacher realises there is more to this case than the police realise. He begins to investigate and manages to turn up a tangled web of conspiracy - the real question is who gave the order for Barr to shoot, and why? The police begin to suspect there is more to Reacher than they believed, so Reacher must evade them, as well as representatives of the mastermind behind the plot. Will Reacher be able to solve the case in time?

Child weaves a complex but believable plot with ease. I personally found the evidence and forensics fascinating - I never once found myself doubting what I was being told (this doesn't happen often when I'm reading crime novels). Reacher is a rich character who is well supported in this book by a well balanced supporting cast.

This is a fast paced, well written thriller. Make sure you have plenty of time to sit and read it - its very hard to put down!

Rating : 4 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 24, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 4/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 21, 2006 2:05 PM

BOOK REVIEW- Hanging Up by Delia Ephron

Most people have heard of journalist/novelist/screenwriter Nora Ephron (and I'm a HUGE fan), but did you know there are three talented Ephron sisters? Delia is the middle child and Hanging Up was her first novel: a story about (who'd have guessed?!) three grown-up sisters, focusing on... the middle one.  (Write what you know!) 

Party-planner Eve has a demanding and mentally unstable father, an often absent husband and a willful teenage son to deal with- as well as two self-absorbed sisters.  There's flaky Maddie, the youngest and a soap actress, and Georgia, who runs her own magazine, Georgia... When their father's health takes a downturn, it's Eve's job to look after him, and to rally her sisters into helping.

Clearly, that doesn't sound like a laugh-a-minute plot, but this is a very entertaining book: funny, even.  Not laugh-out-loud hilarious, but poignant, witty and intelligent.  One minute I was smiling over a clever turn of phrase, the next I was moved almost to tears by the sadness of Eve's father's wasted life or her estrangement from her mother.  There is a plot moving the action forward, but this is more of a slice-of-life story: you read it for the great writing and insight rather than the storyline.  I read it in a couple of days because it was so hard to put down- I found myself sneaking a read throughout the day, even though I had lots of things to do, because I  just couldn't tear myself away!

As the book's title would suggest, a lot of dialogue in the book takes the form of phone calls but this isn't done in a gimmicky way- it's more a reflection of the way this disconnected family communicates (plus this was written in 1996, before everyone had email).  And it's spaced throughout the book, with lots of thoughts and action in-between, so it never irritates.

I'm so glad Nora Ephron's parents had three children, because it's opened up a whole new world of fab literature!  This book is a great find: extremely well-written, with well-rounded characters who seem like a real family- at times unbearable, and at others totally lovable.  Now, I need to track down Amy Ephron's back catalogue...

Rating: 4 out of 5

*DID YOU KNOW?* Hanging Up was made into a film in 2000, starring Meg Ryan, Lisa Kudrow and Diane Keaton as the sisters and Walter Matthau as their troublesome father.

Like this? Try Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman, 'Heartburn' by Nora Ephron.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 21, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 19, 2006 6:05 PM

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS : The Island by Victoria Hislop

This week's featured book in Richard and Judy's Summer Read campaign is Victoria Hislop's debut novel, "The Island".

The book tells the tale of 4 generations of one family. Alexis Fielding has never known where she comes from, her mother is a closed book as far as the past is concerned. She knows her mother grew up in a village on Crete, but thats it. She knows nothing of her family or what made her mother move to England. When Alexis heads for Crete for a holiday, Sofia (her mother) gives her a letter to take to an old friend who still lives in Plaka  - the village where she grew up. It is there that she discovers the family secrets, and how Spinalonga - the former Greek leper colony played a key role in her family's history.

Carry on across the cut to here what I thought about the book.

This book is thoughtful and artistically created. The watercolour of the front cover is a good indication to the book it contains inside, the author paints broad landscapes of Crete, village life and the island of Spinalonga. Each character is well written, and highly believable - I found myself wondering how many months of research the author must have undertaken.

I would find it difficult to pigeonhole this book into a specific genre. Many are calling it a saga, but I'm not sure that fits quite right. It is simply a fantastic book that tells a emotive story set over 6 decades. Definitely one to read!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 19, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

July 17, 2006 8:53 PM

MORE ON MONDAY : Bloodstream by Tess Gerritsen

Tess Gerritsen is a former doctor who has now ventured into the world of writing. To date she has written a range of crime/thriller novels which have brought her millions of fans worldwide. This book, 'Bloodstream' was released in 1998 and happens to be one of my personal favourites. When Dr Claire Elliot chooses Tranquility as the ideal place for bringing her teenage son up she has no idea what the near future is going to bring...

Claire has taken over as local doctor in the town of Tranquility, Maine. She's being met with a lot of opposition; she's young, she's female, and well she's just not what they're used to. Slowly she begins to win the community over - but as the winter begins to approach something strange begins to happen. Violence breaks out in the local high school and there doesn't seem to be any logical cause. When it all starts to turn deadly Claire starts to wonder what could be at the root of it.

The community has seen this all before. None of them know what caused it before, and none of them know what is causing it now. It is down to Claire to try and work out why the town's teenagers are being driven to kill, and fast!

This is a fast paced thriller that will keep you turning the page. Whilst it has a medical theme it doesn't get bogged down in technical detail and doesn't require you to have a medical degree to understand what is going on. I promise you that the ending will not be what you expected, but its believable all the same. The plot and characters are well conceived and created making this the great book it is.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 17, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

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 6:05 PM

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS : The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne

This week's book featured in Richard and Judy's Summer Read campaign is Sam Bourne's debut novel "The Righteous Men". This is a book with a lot of expectation attached to it - some are heralding Bourne as the new challenger to Dan Brown's throne, whilst others are labelling it as 'the Jewish Da Vinci Code'. I have to admit this instantly made me worried, both for the book and for the author - these are big statements to have to live up to.

The book tells the story of Will Monroe, a journalist for the New York Times. When he is sent on his first murder report he's unaware of the fact that the investigating he is about to do will plunge him into the murky depths of a worldwide assassination plot. When his beloved wife Beth is kidnapped as part of the plot he starts to wonder how he has ended up in the middle of this, but he has no time to ponder about it as he begins to receive cryptic clues to solve.

Carry on across the cut to see what I thought of the book.

Let me begin by saying that everything I was worried about was unfounded. The claims being made about this book are spot on, this is an author who can better play Dan Brown at his own game. As a book this is definitely better than 'The Da Vinci Code' and comparable with 'Angels and Demons' which is arguably Brown's best effort.

The plot was full of twists and turns, and it was impossible to put down. The characters were richly written, and highly believable. You really cared about the characters, and when another twist happened you felt it almost as keenly as they did.

This is a brilliant book - go and buy it now!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 12, 2006 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 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)

July 5, 2006 6:00 PM

RICHARD AND JUDY SUMMER READS : The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch

Today sees the true start of Richard and Judy's Summer Reads campaign. The first book, covered this week is "The Highest Tide" by Jim Lynch.

This is a coming of age story that feels like a modern take on "Catcher In The Rye". It tells the story of Miles, who finds a giant squid when out one night on the hunt for shellfish. This discovery makes him the focus for news crews and catapaults him to a state of fame. All the while Miles is trying to cope with the simpler things in life; dysfunctional familes, unrequited love and everything that makes our formative years real.

Carry on across the cut to see what I thought of the book.

Its difficult to describe this book without sounding like you've swallowed a dictionary. Its beautifully written, and whilst easy to read this doesn't detract from the well created characters and plot. It is filled with key moments, some that will make you laugh and some that will make you reach for the tissues.

This is definitely a brilliant summer read - I defy you to put it down mid read, or to forget it once you've finished reading.

Rating : 5 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 5, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Richard and Judy | 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 12:49 PM

MORE ON MONDAY : The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Last week I promised you something new to look forward to on a Monday, and here it is. The new feature you can look forward to on a Monday is 'More On Monday. Each week we will feature a book that isn't chick lit, but that we think you will enjoy all the same.

The first book featured in 'More On Monday' is Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner". Carry on across the cut to read the review.

This book tells the story of Afghans Amir and Hassan. Childhood friends, there is one major difference between the two boys; Hassan is the son of Amir's father's servant. Despite their respective social standings the two boys are brought up as brothers, until one day an incident occurs that means life will never be the same for either boy. When Afghanistan falls into conflict first against the Russians and then the Taliban, Amir and his father flee. It is a letter many years later that leads Amir back to the country of his bith and the demons he thought he'd left behind.

The 'Kite Runner' of the title is Hassan, and this tradition is described in great detail within the book. This detail is one of the finest features of this book - Hosseini describes everything in such a way that you can almost believe you're there within the plot of the book. You can see everything unfolding around you.

This book is truly marvellous. The plot is enthralling, and the characters are vibrant. It is impossible to put it down so make sure you have some free time in which to read it. I really can't recommend it enough!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Posted by Jenni on July 3, 2006 in Classic Novels, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

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 28, 2006 1:29 PM

BOOK REVIEW : The Butterfly House by Marcia Preston

This book by Marcia Preston is a tale of three women who are all having to live with the aftermath of a terrible secret. Brought together by the most innocuous of reasons, and torn apart by a terrible tragedy their lives have never been the same since one fateful night. When they are forced to face up to the secret they are all bound by. Will this bring a change to their lives once more?

The story focuses around Roberta. She is living her life the best she can after incidents that happened when she was younger caused her to be admitted to a mental health facility for a long period of time. She has learnt how to control her destructive thoughts and has been reasonably happily married for a few years now. When a stranger turns up her doorstep, her life is turned upside down. He is the father of her childhood best friend, Cynthia. He was reported dead after the Vietnam War and no one has heard from him since. He wants Roberta to go with him and testify at the parole hearing of Lorena, Cynthia's mother and his wife. She's been serving time for a crime that Roberta knows she did not commit, but can she bear to relieve the tragedy that changed all three women's lives.

Through a series of flashbacks we learn how Roberta and Cynthia became friends, and how Lorena became such an important figure in Roberta's life.  We find out what tragedy tore them apart, and the secret that they each have been keeping for so long.

This is a carefully thought out and written story. The characters are well thought out and convincing. I felt whilst I was reading it as though it were a jigsaw puzzle, and the sense of satisfaction when another piece of the puzzle slotted in was huge. The plot was captivating and I struggled to put it down.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a read with a slightly more serious angle to it.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Notes on a Scandal' by Zoe Heller

Posted by Jenni on June 28, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 26, 2006 10:03 AM

BOOK REVIEW : Pug Hill by Alison Pace

I really enjoyed Alison Pace's first book "If Andy Warhol Had A Girlfriend", but I must admit the thing that really got me excited about Pug Hill was the gorgeous cover.  I know they say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but this cover with all of the dogs set against a beautiful backdrop called to me from across the bookstore.

Plus it's set in New York.  I'm a New York book slut.

Hope McNeill is an art restorer with a pathological fear of public speaking.  When her father asks her to speak at her parents forthcoming 40th anniversary party, Hope enrols in an evening class to try and get over her anxiety.  She's also trying to get up the energy to chuck her irritating and
pretentious boyfriend and get her sexy co-worker to fall in love with her. Or at least notice her.

To deal with the stress, Hope hangs out at Pug Hill - an area of Central Park where pug owners gather to walk cute pot-bellied pups.

I'm afraid to say I found Hope a little bit on the wet side.  Of course, this being chick lit, I don't think I'm giving anything away if I say she pulls herself together eventually, but I can't help wishing she'd done it sooner and with a bit more conviction.  Having said that, Alison Pace writes about New York so beautifully that I felt like I was there.  And the ending is perfect and almost made me cry.

Soppy heroine aside, I'd definitely recommend this book if you love New York.  Or dogs. [Keris Stainton]

Rating : 4 out of 5

If you like this try 'The Dog Walker' by Leslie Schnur

Posted by Aigua Media on June 26, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 22, 2006 10:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW - How I Paid For College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theatre by Marc Acito

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. It tells the story of Edward, a high-school senior in 1980s New Jersey, who is desperate to study acting at the prestigious Julliard in New York City but his overbearing father has refused to pay and his flaky mother is incommunicado on her latest hippy retreat. Perhaps most people wouldn’t hatch the outrageous schemes that Edward comes up with to fund his college education, but then most people couldn’t write a book this original and funny either. Not that paying for college is Edward’s only problem: he has a permanently stoned sister, wicked stepmother and his own confused sexuality to contend with.

This is not a book for the prudish - there's a lot of sex (or more accurately, a lot of thinking and talking about sex, in all its forms - and some action) but although the characters are sometimes in fairly seedy situations, the book is always funny and compulsive, never sordid. Acito’s tongue is firmly in his cheek as he creates a narrator who at times contradicts himself and makes bad decisions but is always lovable and sweet.  In fact, all the main characters are so engaging you always want them to do well, even in their most ill-advised attempts to make money.

The nicest thing about the book is the open-minded and supportive friendships Edward forms - not quite like my experience of being a teenager, I must admit, but an essential part of making this book so enjoyable. Even the minor characters, although sometimes very broad stereotypes, are funny and well-drawn.

It’s been compared to The Catcher in the Rye, that classic story of teen alienation, but I’d say it more closely resembles all those great eighties teen flicks, from the Breakfast Club to Ferris Bueller, where teenagers make the most of being young and foolish, and bring you along for the ride. (The film rights have been optioned, so it will be fascinating to see the film that results).

So, to sum up: a brilliant read that you should run, not walk to the bookshop and buy. I really can’t think of a single criticism about it, apart from the fact that it ended. My only worry is how much of it might really be true…[Diane Shipley]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "Adored" by Tilly Bagshawe

Posted by Aigua Media on June 22, 2006 in American Authors, Bonkbusters, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

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 8, 2006 12:51 PM

BOOK REVIEW : Isabel's Bed by Elinor Lipman

Elinor Lipman’s 1995 novel Isabel’s Bed has just been re-issued, with good reason.  It might be a bit different from the chick-lit you’re used to: for a start, the ‘chicks’ in this book are two women in their early forties.  But don’t let that put you off: this witty and unpredictable love story against a murderous background is taut, funny and addictive.

Secretary-slash-wannabe writer Harriet Mahoney has just been dumped by her (decidedly unlovely) long-term lover when she spots an ad for a ghost-writer/companion at a luxurious Cape Cod mansion. Her new employer is the eccentric and glamorous Isabel, who has an incredible but true near-death story to tell. She’s got the showbusiness agent, now she just needs Harriet to help her write her life story. Also living at the house is Isabel’s estranged artist husband Costas and gorgeous but mysterious handyman Pete (and anyone who can’t spot any romantic potential in this situation better turn in their chick-lit-reader credentials, quick-smart!)

As in all the best stories, things don’t turn out as smoothly as planned: Harriet’s ex re-enters the picture, and another prospective suitor from her old life comes calling, too. Isabel has to deal with a blast (or two) from her past and work on the book keeps being stalled by Isabel’s short attention span and Harriet’s new role as house chef.

So what will happen? Will their book make the women millionaires, as Isabel has promised? Will Isabel’s devil-may-care nature encourage Harriet to take some risks and stand up for herself? And which men will the heroines end up with? Lipman keeps things unpredictable right until the end, leaving the reader surprised but satisfied by how things turn out.

I’m a huge Elinor Lipman fan, and this is definitely one of her best. [Diane Shipley]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie; Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner.

Posted by Aigua Media on June 8, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 6, 2006 6:24 PM

BOOK REVIEW : The Girl In Times Square by Paullina Simons

Whenever I think of Paullina Simons I think of epic, richly created stories that I can't bear to put down. The fact that this, her latest, is set in New York made me even more eager to begin to read it. From the blurb from the back of the book I gathered that it was a love story, but with a twist or two along the way, set against the backdrop of a story of friendship and family. I found myself expecting a lot from this book - would it live up to my hopes?

Lily is an art student living in New York. Her world has just been turned upside down by the departure of her long term boyfriend. She hadn't realised their relationship was even slightly rocky, let alone it being enough for him to bail out into the arms of another woman. Lily's fortunes improve instantly when her numbers come up on the lottery, but the idea of such extreme luck scares Lily and she chooses to stash the ticket safely and just think about it for a while. A phone call from her brother sends her rushing to Hawaii to try to help her parents from a seemingly helpless situation. She is summoned straight back to New York though when her flatmate Amy is reported as a missing person. Lily is faced by the seemingly gruff Spencer O'Malley - the NYPD's best man on the missing persons team - but she doesn't know anything.

The story follows Lily and Spencer through the investigation into Amy's disappearance. Both of them have their own demons that they must fight, the decision they must make is whether to face them alone or not. Very quickly Lily's family become key players, both in Lily's life and the investigation, and she realises that all the things she has held dear for so many years may have been built on false beliefs.

The plot is cleverly thought out, though the ending was a little weak for my tastes. The characters are all well created, though there are some you would love to get your hands on and strangle. Lily's mom is a particularly interesting character, whilst I never grew to like her I did grow over the book to begin to understand her and the effect she had on the people around her.

I really enjoyed this book. It was well created, and I found it very difficult to put it down. I actually found myself disappointed when my train arrived at my station - if my parents hadn't been waiting for me I think I may have actually stayed where I was! Definitely one to read.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'All He Ever Wanted' by Anita Shreve

Posted by Jenni on June 6, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 5, 2006 11:40 AM

BOOK REVIEW - Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Today in the UK sees the DVD release of "Memoirs of a Geisha", the adaptation of Arthur Golden's classic novel. A tale of geisha girls in Japan during the first half of the twentieth century sounded like a decent premise for a book, but would it hold much interest for a western girl in the twenty first century? The film received rave reviews, but was the book itself any good? There was only one way to find out, so after a brief visit to my local bookstore I sat down and began to read...

Golden's tale tells the story of Chiyo, a girl growing up in a poor fishing village in Japan. The story begins in 1929; when her mother becomes progressively ill her elderly father arranges for Chiyo and her sister Satsu to be taken away to Kyoto where they will be trained as geisha girls. Upon arrival in Kyoto the girls are separated and sold to different okiya where they will be trained. Chiyo quickly realises that the life she has been sold into is one of labour and hardship.

The book follows Chiyo through her training until she becomes Sayuri, a geisha. It continues then through her experiences as a geisha, and the ways in which world events affect her. Reading it you get a real sense of what it was like to live as a geisha, but also to live in Japan during the 1930s and 40s. All of the expected themes run through the book, those of love, friendship, rivalry and family are all well covered.

This book is very cleverly written. I had to check a few times, as its autobiographical style is utterly convincing. The fact that it was not in fact written by Chiyo, but by an American man in the 1990s truly escaped me. As I read the book I felt transported to Japan, the highly descriptive manner of Golden's writing makes you feel like everything is happening around you.

This book has to be one of the best books I have ever read. I felt a real sense of loss when I got to the final page. A definite must read!

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Sun At Midnight' by Rosie Thomas

Posted by Jenni on June 5, 2006 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 30, 2006 6:07 PM

BOOK REVIEW : The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult

I'm a big fan of Jodi Picoult. Since reading 'My Sisters Keeper' I have been systematically working my way through everything she has written. Whilst a couple of books are a little weaker than the rest, you're pretty much guaranteed that when you pick up one Pioult's book you're going to get a well written, thought-provoking read. I'm also a big fan of comic books (I've never been the girliest girl) so when I found that this, her most recent book, was in part about a comic book artist I was eager to begin. Imagine my joy to find the book also contained graphic art...

'The Tenth Circle' focuses on the family Stone - father Daniel, mother Laura and daughter Trixie. Daniel grew up as the only white boy in an Inuit village, and spent all his time being mocked and bullied because he was not a native. After teenage tragedy, he ran from Alaska and developed his skill as a comic book artist. A chance meeting with Laura resulted in a pregnancy and marriage - just the things Daniel needed to reinvent himself and put his past behind him. When his fifteen year old daughter comes home and tells him she's been raped by her ex-boyfriend Jason, he feels the past swelling up inside him once more. Laura, a lecturer at the local university whose elective on Dante's "Inferno" is one of the most popular courses, doesn't know what to do. Her daughter is hurting, her husband is hurting, and she feels further from the family than ever before.

The story primarily follows Daniel and Trixie as they both struggle to come to terms with what has happened. The tragic circumstances of rape from both the victim, and the alleged perpetrator's point of view are carefully examined. The reader quickly realises that just because someone says a rape has occured it doesn't mean it has, and that just because someone says it hasn't occured doesn't mean it hasn't. The inner turmoil of the families and authorities is clear to see - there doesn't appear to be any clear way to solve the puzzle.

As the book progresses, we are treated to Daniel's current graphic project - a tale of a father and daughter which mirrors Laura's teaching of Dante's "Inferno". This reinforces the themes of the book, and also seeks to give a further insight into Daniel and his past which Picoult only hints at.

This is a well thought out book which aims to deal with a highly emotive and potentially controversial topic. Whilst it is diffiult to take the side of either Trixie or Jason, I found myself feeling empathy toward both of them at times- I felt my eyes were definitely opened to the fact that situations like this are frequently not as black and white as they appear. I found it difficult to put down, and also found myself rushing through a chapter to get to the next installment of Daniel's work. People who aren't fans of graphic art shouldn't be put off by this - its a very small proportion of the book.

Definitely worth a read!

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Sundowners' by Lesley Lokko

Posted by Jenni on May 30, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 25, 2006 11:54 AM

BOOK REVIEW : It's Different For Girls by Jo Brand

A while back I read a book by comedienne Sandi Toksvig and found it sadly lacking. Whereas I find the lady herself pretty amusing, her efforts at writing fell a little flat. So it was with some trepidation that I decided to read this book by Jo Brand. She has to be one of my favourite funny people at the moment - would I enjoy the book or would it go the same way as Sandi's?

'It's Different For Girls' is set in Hastings during the 1970s. Susan is the middle child of a family teetering on the brink of becoming dysfunctional. Her older sister looks set to provide the first grandchild, and her younger sister is so intent on appearing intellectual that she has little time for anything else. Susan feels she's the most normal of them all - but she needs to try hard to stay this way. When Rachel, a new girl, starts at her school she sees a potential ally in these difficult times of being a teenager. They realise that the best way of emerging from the other side of the teens is to stick together.

Their friendship blossoms, as does their increasing interest in boys. Nothing really starts to get going for them until Dave appears on the scene. He's an art student from London and Rachel is quickly smitten. As we all remember so well, the true path of teenage love never runs smooth, and the book turns into a sometimes poignant look at falling in and out of love, and the consequences it has on everyone in the vicinity.

Brand creates realistic characters in a plot anyone could identify with, at least in part. She uses the trends of the time cleverly - moving through times of hippies and punks, the mood of the country reflects the mood of the featured characters. There are some laugh out loud moments, but Brand's own spirit comes through the writing more in the observations of human beings and their interactions.

This book is well written, and very entertaining. Definitely worth a look.

Rating : 4 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Ten Steps To Happiness' by Daisy Waugh

Posted by Jenni on May 25, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 19, 2006 11:30 AM

BOOK REVIEW : Wicked! by Jilly Cooper

Many chick lit readers will agree that Jilly Cooper is one of the queens of the genre. Her books are meaty, raunchy and impossible to put down. Its been four long years since her last novel, 'Pandora' and I found myself wondering about this new book. Would the lengthy break mean that she had struggled for a new idea, and writing it... would her increasing age affect the relevance... or would it turn out to be another masterpiece? I was actually quite excited as I opened up the cover and began to read...

Wicked! follows the formula tried and tested by two of England's greatest writers - Dickens and Shakespeare. Whereas one had opposed cities, and one had opposed families, Cooper takes two diametrically opposed schools. We are introduced first to Larkminster Comprehensive - pretty much imagine the worst school you've ever heard of, and make it about a million times worse. The school is so firmly in 'special measures' no one can imagine it lasting the school year... and to be honest with the rate of vandalism there probably won't be a school left to last. So enter Janna Curtis, part of a team which successful pulled a school in her native Yorkshire out of 'special measures', the newly appointed head teacher. She's not prepared to let this school close, deep down she knows that these troubled teenagers need love and support, not someone else giving up on them.

The second school is the affluent Bagley Hall, run by the charismatic Hengist Brett-Taylor. An independent school only a few lines further down the league table than such institutes of education as Eton and Harrow, the pupils include the offspring of politicians, world reknowned opera divas, and siblings of the local MP. To retain the financial support the government awards them, they need to show that they're giving back to the community - what better way than to offer support toward Larkminster? The fact that Janna is pretty and passionate is only a minor fact as far as Hengist is concerned.

The book follows the fortunes of the two schools, their pupils and staff. The range of characters is vast (the book begins with twelve pages of humans and one page of animals) but they are surprisingly easy to keep track of. I only had to check three times in the entire book to make sure that somebody was the person I thought they were. Long time Cooper fans will be pleased to see the presence of characters met in previous books. The plot is imaginative and completely enthralling - I really found myself sucked into it... losing a couple of hours at a time whilst reading it. It is firmly rooted in the present, events from 2001 onward are all included, and not gratuitously. The characters are all richly created, I found myself routing for many - including ones I wouldn't have expected to.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt it was well written, and highly entertaining. The only word of caution I would leave you with is this - don't pick this as your holiday read if you're flying... at a massive 864 pages long it may just put you over your luggage limit!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like this? Try'The Perfect Age' by Heather Skylar.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 19, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 5/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 11, 2006 11:00 AM

BOOK REVIEW: Other Women by Kirsty Crawford

This book by Kirsty Crawford looks closely at women, and their relationships. It features three women, all very different. The woman widowed at an early age with young children now wondering where she went wrong and why they'd rather talk to anyone but her about their problems, the woman married to a man who can keep her in the lifestyle she wants but who has the unwanted baggage of a teenage daughter, and the woman happily married with children but about to be uprooted for her husband's dream existence. Their lives become inextricably linked, but who will come out still smiling by the end of it?

The three women in question are Jane, Sam and Bella respectively. Whilst to the outsider each looks highly content in their own situation, each woman is hugely unhappy. Jane has had to sell off half of her family home in order to try and save the rest of it for her children - Sam and her husband Ben along with his daughter Emma now occupy the other half of the house. Jane had hoped for friendship with these very close neighbours, but the glamorous Sam doesn't want anything to do with Jane - a woman who seems horribly old and frumpy. When Jane sells the lodge at the end of her property to Bella and her husband Iain she hopes beyond hope that they may be more friendly. Sam soon has her claws into Bella, the only other relatively young woman in the area, but Bella is determined to enter fully into the idylic lifestyle that Iain uprooted them for.

This book follows the women, and their friends and familes, through holidays, illnesses, family troubles, and a whole host of romantic liasions - many of them forbidden.

Whilst the book aims to be careful in it's examination of the women, at times it sadly falls short. It doesn't quite reach the heady heights it aims for, but is definitely well on its way. The characters are in general well created, but the plot is a little patchy in places. Luckily this doesn't detract too much from the overall novel and as a debut this is definitely worth a look.

Like this? Try 'Notes on a Scandal' by Zoe Heller.

Posted by Aigua Media on May 11, 2006 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 18, 2006 4:32 PM

The Man From Perfect

The Man From Perfect is Andrea Semple's third book and the premise is what the movie industry would call "high-concept".  Basically Ella Holt wins her ideal man in a competition run by a new dating agency.  After recently ending a disappointing relationship with "Rob the Slob" who was more interested in his Playstation than in her, Ella is ripe for some special treatment, and she certainly gets that from James Masters with whom she has been "scientifically matched"...

James is not only gorgeous and rich, he's also an airline pilot and he seems absolutely crazy about Ella, but it's obvious from quite early on in the relationship that he's not as nice as he appears.  For one, he never answers his mobile phone when he's with Ella - always a giveaway that something dodgy's going on - plus he seems like he may be hiding a less than perfect temper. But can Ella get over her Prince Charming fantasy - and her parents' expectations - and realise James may not be the man for her after all?

Semple cleverly parallels Ella story both with that of Cinderella (Ella, geddit?) and Frankenstein, and there are some damn good jokes in there too (one about Maroon 5 in particular made me snort with laughter).  I found the scientific matching bit to be a little far-fetched, but if you're willing to suspend disbelief for a couple of chapters, the rest of the book gets back to reality (well, romance-reality, anyway!).

Like a lot of chick lit, there are few surprises and you could probably work out exactly what happens just from reading the back cover blurb, but it's no less entertaining for that.  Some excellent supporting characters, fun situations and good one-liners make The Man From Perfect another winner for Andrea Semple. I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next. [Keris Stainton]

Posted by Aigua Media on April 18, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 14, 2006 7:02 PM

A Long Way Down

I've been a fan of Nick Hornby ever since 'Fever Pitch' - the combination of two of my favourite things in the world, books and football, was enough to get me hooked. When I read the blurb about this book I was initially a little sceptical. The subject matter didn't strike me as something that was going to make a particularly gripping read. So it was with trepidation that I opened the front cover of my copy...

The story begins on New Years Eve. Four people have all decided that their lives have reached the point of no return, and so they all head for Topper's House, the most popular spot in North London for suicide. As each of them reaches the roof, they are dismayed to find that they are not the only one to have had the idea to end it all tonight. Each unwilling to share this moment with anyone else, they all end up talking and discovering more about each other.

The four central characters couldn't have less in common. Martin is a TV presenter whose scandalous behaviour has drawn more tabloid coverage than he could ever have wanted, Maureen can't cope with nursing her severely disabled son any longer, Jess is a cloud of teenage hormones and angst, and JJ... well no one is quite sure what's motivating JJ. By the end of the evening all four remain resolute in their intention to commit suicide, but tonight no longer seems like the night. So instead the group set a date to meet once more and see if they still feel as they do now.

The book follows the four characters through the next few months of their lives. Slowly but surely as we begin to find out more and more about the characters, their lives become more and more interwoven. What initially seems like a potentially bleak story becomes instead a study of modern humanity.

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. I don't think its quite up there with some of his previous efforts, but it is still definitely worth a read.

For bargain hunters in the UK, this book has just hit the shops in paperback and is half price in most well known bookstores this week!

Like this? Try The Family Way by Tony Parsons.

Posted by Aigua Media on April 14, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 13, 2006 5:54 PM

Not Married, Not Bothered

I picked this book up thinking that it was going to be the usual tale of 'single thirty-something, looking for love, finds it in the most unlikely place and happy ever after', and was pleasantly surprised that it offered more. The story is styled as an alphabetical guide to what it means to be a spinster but is actually a cleverly written story of the narrator's life...

Said narrator, Riley, is in her fifties and on realising this in the first chapter I was tempted to put the book aside, thinking it might be something of an 'aga-saga'. If I had I would've missed out on a treat as I really enjoyed reading this and it definitely written for a younger audience.

The story unfolds across a period of thirty years, with scenes from today and previous periods in Riley's life intertwined. She introduces her friends and family, including her Daily Mail-reading, utterly batty mother, and we come to understand her relationship with her dead father. However, the main theme is exploring the relationships she's had and her feelings about marriage and children. There are plenty of references to modern culture and anyone who reads the endless newspaper headlines about the dangers of being single will enjoy how these are challenged!

This book has got some great twists in the story, which will prove unexpected for even the most cynical reader, and, while it doesn't have a traditional happy ever after ending, it leaves you with a nice warm feeling about life. I'd recommend this to anyone who fancies some 'chick lit with a brain'.  [Emma Tazewell]

Posted by Aigua Media on April 13, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 12, 2006 11:49 AM

Dead Famous

In light of the news that we have another reality TV couple preparing to tie the knot (Chantelle and Preston from this year's UK Celebrity Big Brother) I thought I would share this gem by Ben Elton with you. Now whilst many of us these days are loathe to admit it, Big Brother still has a pull over most of us - you know you flick over to it during the adbreaks! This is a book set within a Big Brother style show, the back cover reads "One house, ten contestants, thirty cameras, forty microphones, one murder... and no evidence" - I knew after reading this I was going to be hooked!

The story starts after the murder has taken place. Inspector Coleridge and his investigative team are beginning the lengthy process of reviewing all of the filmed footage from within the 'House Arrest' compound. The nation watched via the live internet stream as the murder happened, yet no one has the faintest idea whodunnit. Everyone has a theory, but there are no facts and no evidence.

Inspector Coleridge is a genuine throwback to the 1950s, the whole concept of reality TV goes against his very being. His negativity about the whole concept may be a little frustrating to some readers - I personally found it pretty interesting, it made me think again a few times. This coupled with Elton's accurate representation of figures familiar to many who have watched Big Brother make this book a fasciniating read.

Elton weaves the investigation and events in the house from before the murder together throughout the book. We get to find out about the ten contestants - who are scarily believeable at times, and about the members of the investiagion team, and the production team behind 'House Arrest'. I have to admit though that I found it took a while to get used to the way the story darted between the present and the past - at times it almost felt like the pace was a little too fast.

For me the saving grace of this book was the ending. It truly comes out of nowhere, I found myself phsyically shaking my head in disbelief. I would definitely say it is worth persevering with the book for this.

This is not a great book. The idea is brilliant, but unfortunately the book itself just doesn't live up to expectations. It is not Ben Elton's finest effort, but for those who can persevere with it the ending is pretty good.

Like this? Try Fashion Victim by Sam Baker

Posted by Aigua Media on April 12, 2006 in British Authors, Crime / Mystery, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 6, 2006 3:56 PM

Sheer Abandon

'Sheer Abandon' marks Penny Vincenzi's first novel since completing the hugely popular and successful 'Spoils of Time' trilogy. As a long time fan of Vincenzi I was desperate for its arrival (there was a gap of two years between publications)... but could it possibly live up to the huge expectations I now had for anything she wrote?

'Sheer Abandon' tells the tale of Kate, a foundling. Abandoned in a cleaning cupboard at Heathrow in the 1980s, Kate is now a teenager and curious about where she came from. This is entwined in the tales of three women who met as they all began a gap year of travelling, Jocasta - now a tabloid reporter, Clio - a GP, and Martha - a lawyer ensconced in the world of corporate business. It quickly becomes apparent that one of these three women is Kate's birth mother, but the question is which one?

The issue of which woman is the mother is resolved relatively early in the book from the reader's point of view. To the rest of the characters however it remains a secret until far nearer the end. I felt this was an interesting choice of storytelling style for Vincenzi to make - revealing the big secret as early on in the book may have put some people off finishing the book. However I strongly hope that all who start this book finish it, as it is in the continued reading of the book that you realise what a stroke of genius it is to reveal the secret to the reader. It provides an added element of interest in various meetings and coming-togethers of the various plotlines - almost a sense of "I know something you don't know."

The book to me was truly representative of all that makes Penny Vincenzi one of my favourte female authors. Her books contain well written characters woven carefully around each other in intricate plots and this is certainly no different. Whilst not every character is likeable, you care about all of them and what happens to them. Vincenzi regularly pushes past the 600 page mark, and again this is true to form. The fact that these pages zoom by is testament to Vincenzi's ability to engage the reader.

I would highly recommend this to anybody, and for the average speed reader I'd say you could pack this in your suitcase and not need any other book for your week's holiday. [Jenni Nock]

If you liked this, try The Family Way by Tony Parsons.

Posted by gcartwright on April 6, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 4, 2006 1:30 PM

A Friend Of The Family

This offering from Lisa Jewell  is a tale of a family, nothing unusual for chicklit, but with the twist that the offspring are all boys. Could a book about sons and brothers be anywhere near as captivating as one about daughters and sisters? As I opened the cover and began to read I hoped that cuppa wasn't going to let me down...

Bernie and Gerald London are the proud parents of three sons; Tony, Sean and Ned. Throughout their childhood they brought the boys up with a strong sense of family togetherness - as adults they all still migrate back to the nest for Sunday lunch. We enter this scene of family at a point of change for each of the boys - Tony is suddenly faced by the prospect of divorce and realising that middle-aged spread may have hit slightly sooner than scheduled, Ned flies home from his travels in Australia out of the blue and with no apparent reason, and Sean is suffering from a lengthy bout of writer's block. To top it all off, Bernie has taken in a lodger - Gervaise - a scruffy, enigmatic waif who appears to have no past.

Slowly but surely the path of each son unfolds, and surprisingly Gervaise bec0mes an intrinsic character in each of their lives.  Offering little gems of advice, and the occasional shoulder to lean on, he helps each son to begin to work through the problems they face. This is not met with welcoming arms at all times - each son finds himself wondering on multiple occasions just who is Gervaise and why is he in their lives? This is a question I found myself asking throughout as well - the inclusion of the character was a clever way to keep the reader's interest.

The characters are all very realistic in this book - it made a very refreshing change to read about brothers and their relationships. My only slight gripe (and it really is slight) is the fact that Jewell chose to give the family the surname London, as well as setting the book in London. Now whilst I'm aware there are probably thousands of people named London living in London, it just felt a bit odd reading it, particularly in the emails included in the book.

I enjoyed this book, it was a refreshing variation on a theme with a well thought out plot and set of characters. Whilst its not a novel to set the world alight its definitely worth a read - pack it in your suitcase for the beach!

Like this? Try Three Wishes by Lianne Moriarty

Posted by Aigua Media on April 4, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 27, 2006 11:00 AM

After You'd Gone

At the beginning of Maggie O'Farrell's novel, Alice Raikes travels to Edinburgh to visit her sisters. Within minutes of arriving at Edinburgh Station she sees something so distressing that she gets straight back on the train and travels back home to London. That evening she walks into the path of an oncoming car, which leaves her in a coma...

‘After You’d Gone’ moves through Alice’s consciousness, piecing her life together bit by bit, deftly bringing us closer to the disturbing event at Edinburgh Station that led to her attempted suicide. This is an emotional and moving story of love and loss. Don’t read it in public. You WILL cry!

Although the story takes place with the main character in a coma, it shifts through various stages of Alice’s life giving us an insight into her childhood and her recent past. Alice hears the voices around her mixed with voices from her memories. We explore her childhood in Scotland, her close relationship with her grandmother and her sense of not quite fitting in with her sisters. Her mother is prevalent in the story and Maggie O’Farrell’s dedication at the front of the book, ‘to my mother for not being like Alice’s’ hints at her significance.

And then there’s John. John who chooses Alice, despite his father’s wishes. We learn about their passionate, aching love for one another. And then . . . well, you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.

This is the first book I’d read by Maggie O’Farrell and I was so moved by it that I went out and bought everything else she’d written. Although extremely sad in places, it doesn’t in any way become depressing. The author feeds us information little by little and that is what compels us to read on. I think what makes it so successful is her grasp of relationships and particularly those between family members. The dramatic opening chapter, the different voices piercing Alice’s consciousness and the weaving plot send us reeling towards a disturbing, emotional and heart-rending conclusion.

If you enjoy gripping, beautifully crafted fiction, you’ll love ‘After You’d Gone’. And if you do read this, could you tell me what on earth an axolotl is? [Jenny]

If you liked this, you might like 'PS I Love You' by Cecelia Ahern.

Posted by Aigua Media on March 27, 2006 in Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

March 24, 2006 11:00 AM

Prep

The media furor surrounding Curtis Sittenfeld's debut novel was difficult to miss. Every literary review raved about it, promising huge things for this author. A tale of a teenager at boarding school written for adults seemed like a great idea. Many chicklit fanatics began their reading lives the same way, from the tales of girls at boarding schools as young readers graduating to tales of 'high school high jinks' as they became teenagers. How many of us spent our lunchtimes swapping our latest Sweet Valley books?! So would this book transport me back to those carefree days? I certainly hoped so.

Prep tells the story of Lee. At 14 she decides that the only school she could possibly attend is the prestigious Ault School. From a family that can't afford the exhorbitant fees for her to attend as a boarder, Lee works and achieves a scholarship. The story begins when Lee's father drops her off to begin the academic year as a freshman. She arrives imagining the school will be straight out of the brochure... quickly she comes to realise that school prospectuses are about as realistic and accurate as most holiday brochures and house details!

Initially Lee finds Ault bewildering - the pupils seem to obey a whole set of social rules that exist only within the stone walls surrounding the school campus. She doesn't know how to act or behave around these people, or how to get them to accept and like her. Slowly she adapts to her surroundings though as events unravel she starts to wonder what the cost of acceptance, and of academic excellence, truly is.

The mini storylines of school life are a fascinating insight into the world of high-money elite boarding education. However, whilst they make the book an enjoyable read I found myself wondering a number of times whether they were not just a little bit overdone. The characters unfortunately suffer the same fate. In trying to create this environment of intrigue, and a society that lives seperate to the rest of the world, some of the characters feel hugely artificial. That said, both the characters and the plot are interesting and keep the reader gripped throughout.

What may have been classic chicklit sadly falls short of meeting all the standard requirements. This isn't the lighthearted, any time, any place I hoped for from it. However, 'Prep' is a clever book that many people will enjoy - its just a shame that the author got a little carried away with trying to create a social environment.

Like this? Try Notes on A Scandal by Zoe Heller

Posted by Aigua Media on March 24, 2006 in American Authors, Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 20, 2006 3:39 PM

Beautiful Bodies

You could be mistaken for thinking Laura Shaine Cunningham's 'Beautiful Bodies' is an attempt at creating another ‘Sex and the City’, given it’s about 6 friends in Manhattan. But don't be fooled. It’s a much more emotional, sensual story of friendship than the former could ever have achieved. All approaching 40, these women have been friends for 20 years, and although they lead entirely different lives, they’re still able to maintain the strong bond that unites them.

The book takes place over 12 hours, during the worst storm to have ever hit New York. Protagonist Jessie is hosting a not-baby-shower for her free-spirited yet stable friend, Claire. After numerous bottles of red wine, many truths are revealed…

Each character has her own unique story told, with Jessie, a journalist and host of the party, being the central character. Whilst she obviously has her mind far, far away, to the mountains of Colorado where she had a muchly-needed romantic encounter prior to the party, she rushes to create a warm atmosphere for the party that she believes will be a disaster. Each guest, bedraggled from the approaching storm and preoccupied with their thoughts, stumbles through her doorway to tell their story. Nina, looking after her dying mother, worries about leaving her alone, and is fixated on remembering a rather unromantic episode with a sexual new-age neighbour.

They are soon joined by Lisbeth, a fragile model, dazed from bumping into a previous flame on the subway; actress Sue Carol carting all her belongings along with her, having left her husband; and Martha, a successful businesswoman, with as much tact as the judges on ‘X Factor'.

As the storm gathers force and the women guzzle all the wine, tempers start flying around the room faster than a bat out of hell. Many secrets are shared, some of which will undoubtedly change their whole friendships. If one thing is clear in this modern tale of friendship, it’s that true friends will always be close to your heart, no matter the geographical distance or difference in lives. Whilst not the usual light-hearted chick-lit book you can leave in the toilet, reading on the occasional visit, it will grip your heart as you become more and more fond of the colourful characters and their complex lives. I found myself unable to put the book down, and even shed a few tears after the climax of the storm and the numerous truths spilled. [Katherine Hannaford]

If you liked this, try The Three Day Rule by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees.

Posted by gcartwright on March 20, 2006 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 31, 2006 11:57 AM

Marsha Mellow And Me

How do you tell your mother than you write erotic fiction? That's the problem facing our heroine in Maria Beaumont's witty tale of secrets, lies and consequences. Amy Bickerstaff is leading a double life. By day she's a secretary at a rubbish freebie magazine. But behind closed doors, she's Marsha Mellow, the author of the sex-filled bestseller 'Rings On Her Fingers' and the Daily Mail's biggest enemy...

If you enjoyed Sophie Kinsella's 'Can You Keep A Secret' and Hester Browne's 'The Little Lady Agency', the premise of this book will appeal straight away. It's all about the trouble that secrets can cause and the silly things that happen as a result of them. We spend the entire novel wondering when the penny will finally drop and poor Amy will be 'outed' as the 'sex book' author, and through a series of funny events and close calls, we're lead through a laugh-out-loud read which sees us realising that everyone has a secret!

The characters are fairly instantly recognisable as chick lit regulars - the religious, conservative mother who just wouldn't understand, the quiet and unassuming dad, the pushy sister, the slick and sexy boss, the nasty ex-boyfriend - but the novel doesn't really suffer from a lack of imagination. The set pieces are great and the idea of the sex novel gives the whole thing a new spin and stops it from being just another Bridget Jones-esque romp about single girls who work in publishing.

All in all, this is an enjoyable read with a good, easy plot and a good pace and style. It's witty and modern and a bit edgier than most rivals. Romance isn't the main theme of the story, which is a nice change (though there's plenty of men and (of course) sex to keep us entertained) and the larger-than-life characters make for some great set pieces. Don't expect world-changing literature, but it's a funny, flirty little read!

If you liked this, try Asking For Trouble by Elizabeth Young.

Posted by gcartwright on January 31, 2006 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

January 20, 2006 1:22 PM

Angels

Marian Keyes has slowly but surely become, to most, the Queen of chick lit. Not only does she churn out incredibly readable novels every couple of years, but she has a much-coveted column in ‘Marie Claire’. So where to start if you haven’t read any Keyes before? ‘Angels’ is an excellent introduction...

‘Angels’ opens with quiet, unassuming Maggie (the only sensible sister out of five) leaving her husband. This completely out-of-character decision shocks her outrageously brilliant family as much as it does Maggie herself. When her contract at work isn’t renewed, nothing is keeping her in Dublin, and the sights and sun of Los Angeles and lifelong best friend Emily come a-calling.

One of Keyes best skills is observational fiction. Somewhere in this book, you will find a character you identify with. Be it Maggie’s instant LA crush – the commitment phobic Troy – or Emily’s sweet-yet-annoying New Age neighbours, there’s something for everyone in this book.

The book follows Maggie as she embarks on a less sensible way of living for the first time in her life. Immediately accepted by Emily’s friends, she finds herself living the high life in LA, her marriage and Ireland well behind her.

However, this isn’t a fun and quirky all-fluff novel. Keyes deals with sensitive subjects (like trying to have a child) with the greatest of care. We learn more and more about Maggie’s past as she enjoys her present in LA. We soon find out why the ever-reliable Walsh sister lost her job and why her marriage fell apart.

Maggie spends a lot of time experimenting with a different way of life, but when her family make the trip across the Atlantic to visit her, real life comes crashing down. Will she continue on her new, exciting-but-unstable life or will the reappearance of husband Garv take her back to the life she left behind?

This book is truly one of the best books I have ever read. Buy it then set aside a day or two so you can devour it in all of it’s glory. Simply brilliant! [Toni Kelly]

Liked this? Try Watermelon by Marian Keyes!

Posted by gcartwright on January 20, 2006 in Irish Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 8, 2005 5:31 PM

Salem Falls

There can't be many women's fiction fans who've not at least heard the name Jodi Picoult over the last few months. I would go so far as to doubt that there aren’t that many who won't have read ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ after Richard and Judy put it on their Reading Group booklist. For a while it was difficult to find a beach, train or trendy coffee shop without at least one person clutching their copy. So after the runaway success of that, would any of Picoult’s other books live up to expectations? Or was she a literary ‘one-hit wonder’…

‘Salem Falls’ tells the story of Jack McBride. Accused of indecently assaulting a female pupil at the school he taught at, Jack’s reputation is destroyed overnight. Despite his continual protestations of innocence, Jack spends 8 months in jail. Upon leaving he decides to pick up the pieces, and start over. When he arrives in Salem Falls, and manages to pick up a job washing dishes at the local diner, he begins to think his life may be starting to pick up. That is until he meets Gilly, Meg, Chelsea and Whitney – a group of friends bonded closer than the outside world realises. When they target him with spiteful accusations, Jack begins to wonder if he is doomed to relive the past over and over. Once more he must fight to prove his innocence, and risk losing the woman he loves.

I could not bear to put this book down. It was what I’ve come to term a rug-pull novel – just as you think you know what is going on, something happens and the rug is pulled from beneath you once more. However, the crowning glory of this book is the ending, with one sentence Picoult manages to change everything that has been said in the previous 450+ pages. The choice of setting it in a small town also seems to be a stroke of genius. There is a different mentality that goes with living in a small town to the one that accompanies city living, and this gives a whole different flavour to the tale.

The book is very well written, keeping you hanging on every page turn. The characters are brilliant, I particularly enjoyed some of the more minor ones. Thomas, son of Jack’s defence lawyer and slightly geeky admirer of Chelsea was, surprisingly, one of my favourites. That may just be for the little peek he gave into the state of mind of the high school male though!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as the bags under my eyes for the days I was reading it told the rest of the world. Highly recommended! [Jenni Nock]

Like the sound of this? You might also want to try Notes On A Scandal by Zoe Heller

Posted by gcartwright on December 8, 2005 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 6, 2005 4:35 PM

The Family Way

This is the first book I've ever read by Tony Parsons. As an avid reader of his weekly column in The Mirror, I've been meaning to give one of his books a go for a while. There was just one thing that put me off - the only people I ever heard talking about his books were my parents friends, all in their 50s. Did this mean he wrote books for middle-aged people? Was I just too young to be bothering with Parsons? I decided to risk it - and am incredibly pleased that I did. I think that within the first couple of chapters 'The Family Way' became my favourite book of the autumn.

'The Family Way' tells the story of three sisters (see its onto a chick lit winner already!) All of them are reaching the time of their lives when society expects them to begin contributing... in the shape of offspring. However, as is often the case today, their reactions are all very different. Jessica, desperate for a baby, is becoming so obsessed with becoming pregnant that her husband Paulo is beginning to worry for both their sanities. Megan, a junior GP, finds herself pregnant and alone after a one-night stand with Kirk, an Australian beach-bum. And then there's Cat - a surrogate mother to her sisters from the age of 11 when their mother decided parenthood wasn't fun anymore- who only wants to be free.

The book follows the trials and tribulations of all three sisters as they follow the path their hearts have set them. Have they all made the right choices? How will they know? What happens if fate decides to take over and send them in a different direction?

One of the best parts of this book is the way in which you know every character. Whether you yourself have been in their shoes, or a friend has, you can identify with the situations playing out throughout the story. Some bits had me straight on the phone to my mum - over 100 miles away - I couldn't believe that I was reading the very conversations we'd already had. There is an intense reality to Parsons' writing which only makes the plot and characters feel stronger. There is no question of whether any of it is appropriately believable - when you've been there, or nearby, yourself then of course it is.

This is a book that will take you through a complete rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I even shouted out loud at a couple of points - would have been great if the characters could have heard me! I would definitely recommend this book very strongly to anyone. It has something for everyone, irrespective of age or gender. [Jenni Nock]

Posted by gcartwright on December 6, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 2, 2005 2:00 PM

Hothouse

I honestly don’t know what it was that drew me to this novel by Sarah Sands. I’ve never read anything by her (or even heard of her) before. I was probably drawn by the cover (must be the stars) and the blurb sounded pretty good. The book promised an interesting bunch of characters and some conflict in the shape of a death of a group member – the major premise of the book appeared to be how the group coped after this. It all sounded great...but was it?

'Hothouse' is set in a London newspaper office – the characters all work for the same column - ‘the diary’. This gossip column seems to be a collecting space for all those waiting for their proper lives to start. From the ex-public schoolboy Oxford graduate waiting for a space to open up in the Foreign Office, to the grammar schoolgirl waiting to move further into the world of journalism than writing throwaway pieces about who turned up to last night’s party, all of the characters are shown to be seeing this as a stepping stone. As they start to move away from the diary their lives all begin to move in completely different directions, whilst remaining intrinsically entwined.

The major characters are all well written and believable. From the outset not all of them are likeable, but as is often the case in real life, as we begin to learn more about each character and what it is that makes them like they are, we truly are able to form an impression of them. I was surprised that whereas in the beginning I strongly disliked one of the characters, by the end of the book I had a lot more empathy toward her, and could understand why she behaved as she did.

The problem is that the plot is flawed, and in places seems almost to lack thorough planning. The back cover synopsis suggests that we learn a lot about the group of characters and just as they all seem doomed, tragedy strikes and they have to regroup and start over. If this was the book that Sands had actually written, I think I may have enjoyed it far more. Instead, we are simply treated to a selection of snapshots of people’s lives that are sadly little more interesting than hearing your granny telling you about what happened to Mrs-Smith-down-the-road’s niece. The writing style at times feels quite telegrammatic – Sands jumps from event to event without ever truly telling the reader what has happened.

Overall I found this book hugely disappointing. The fact that the characters were all well thought out and written made the incredibly weak plot look even worse – I think I would have preferred it if everything about the book was poor. Instead I felt hugely let-down – I can see how great this book could have been. [Jenni Nock]

Liked this? Why not give Sundowners a go?

Posted by gcartwright on December 2, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 2/5 | 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 22, 2005 3:16 PM

The Food Of Love

Could it be? Yes, it is! A bloke has infiltrated these pages. Anthony Capella's debut novel 'The Food of Love' is a culinary masterpiece, fusing together the art of cookery (and believe me, this book makes it an art) with fluid prose to make it a romantic feast. The book is a modern-day re-telling of the classic story 'Cyrano be Bergerac', set to a backdrop of gorgeous Italian cuisine...

In Rome, American college student Laura Patterson is fed up of slimy men and decides that she would much rather go out with a chef. Overhearing this is Tommaso, a charismatic waiter without a culinary bone in his body. He doesn't let that stop him though. In his pursuit of Laura he tells her that he is a fantastic chef and thus begins a comedy of masked identities.

As Laura falls in love with Tommaso's amazing food, we are introduced to Bruno, the less good-looking, less talented-with-women friend of Tommaso who has a unique ability… he's a great chef and is the one really making the food that Laura adores. However, Bruno too is falling in love with her, with a slight problem… she doesn't know he even exists in Tommaso's shadow.

So, here's the problem. If Tommaso comes clean, he may lose her but if Bruno doesn't come clean, he will lose Laura for sure. And when the truth comes out where will she turn and what will happen to the Italians' friendship?

This book is a great read but beware, it's written with such passion that it makes you want to eat, so make you have stocked up on all the ingredients for a good Italian meal prior to reading because you will suddenly become convinced that you can cook. A bowl of olives won't go amiss either, especially once you find out what Laura does with them! [Camilla Chafer]

The Food Of Love - Anthony Capella

Want to give it a go? Why not download an extract from the book here?

Posted by gcartwright on November 22, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 17, 2005 6:50 PM

Mr Maybe

My first experience of Jane Green's writing was 'Jemima J'. To be perfectly honest I disliked it so much, I doubted I'd bother trying any of her other works. But I was persuaded that it might be a bit hasty to judge an author on one book, and seeing as so many people have raved to me about how much they love her books I thought I'd give her one more try. Would 'Mr Maybe', a book about finding true love, convince me I was wrong?

'Mr Maybe' tells the story of Libby. She's a 27 year old working in PR, desperate to find a suitable man. She's not fussy, just as long as he's drop dead gorgeous, filthy rich, owns a house... large house... in one of the most desirable areas of London, drives a flashy car (with a spare or two for the weekend), and dresses like he's just stepped off the catwalk at the latest Armani fashion show.

Her ideals are turned upside down when Nick crosses her path. He certainly ticks the box for gorgeous, and he makes her laugh, and is just generally a nice guy. Only problem is he's poor...dirt poor. With no job and a cirle of drinking buddies that would make her mother instinctively cross the street, he can't possibly be good for anything more than a fling. Just as she's beginning to despair, Ed walks in and it seems to Libby that her prayers have been answered. He ticks every box on her list... and so what if he has a moustache - she can cope with that can't she?

The story centres around Libby's relationships with the two men, and her struggle to decide on what actually matters in making a sucessful relationship. This plot, combined with the subplots following Libby's friends and families, is the major strength of the book. It is possible to put the book down, but you do so reluctantly.

The major weakness in my opinion was the cast, in particular Libby. Her attitudes were, in general, designed to make you feel uncomfortable, and made me stop and wonder on a number of occasions whether anyone could actually be that narrow-minded and judgemental. The characters of Nick and Ed are slightly better... but it may have been nice if Green hadn't tried to give them every possible stereotypical characteristic you could relate to them. Thankfully the minor characters were generally likeable, and believable.

Its been suggested to me that maybe the brilliance of Jane Green is the way in which she challenges the reader by featuring characters who are the worst type of people we can imagine. Whilst this may be true, it doesn't work for me - I like to have characters I can identify with, like and actually care about. So whilst this was a definite improvement on 'Jemima J' I think its purely confirmed one thing for me - whilst many love Jane Green, she's just not for me. [Jenni Nock]

Mr Maybe - Jane Green £6.39

Liked this? You might like Jemima J by Jane Green.

Posted by gcartwright on November 17, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 7, 2005 3:34 PM

The Three Day Rule

If you're looking for the perfect book to curl up with this Christmas, I doubt you'll find anything better than Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees' latest bestseller. I honestly couldn't put this down, and it re-affirmed my faith in co-written novels. If you thought your family were dysfunctional, you wait until you meet the Thorne clan!

The Thorne family are communing at their father's house on a remote Cornish Island for Christmas, and none of them are very happy about it. Stephanie, David and their two young children are still dealing with the aftermath of a family tragedy. Her brother Elliot can't wait to escape his pushy wife and obnoxious teenage daughter in order to see Kellie, his mistress, whom he has carefully ensconced in five star luxury on one of the larger islands. And poor unfortunate Gerald just can't get a word in edgeways as his children and grandchildren squabble and fight for attention. Three days is far too long to be confined with your family, but as the snow begins to fall and they all get stranded, things get much worse as the truth begins to come out.

When I first read the back cover, I wasn't convinced a story about one family in a confined space would be enough to fill the 300 or so pages, but carefully woven into the Thorne's page-turning story are subplots about other people who're on the islands for Christmas, including ferryman Ben, and Michael, the put-upon son of the local pub landlady. These extra characters actually ended up being my favourites, which was a nice surprise after expecting a novel purely about the Thorne family.

Lloyd and Rees are a husband and wife writing duo who're obviously well in tune with each other, and you'd never guess this was a co-written novel until you think about how well crafted each and every character is, from the young boys to the grown women. They're not without their faults (especially Elliot’s side of the family), but that just makes them human, and the back-stories are dragged out to the point where you just can't bear to put the book down because you want to know what’s going to happen.

I truly wasn't expecting anything amazing when I opened this book, but a couple of pages in and I was already hooked. I'd go as far as to say that this is one of the best books I've read this year. It doesn't try too hard, it touches on a lot of issues without ramming them down your throat, it’s equal parts funny and tragic, and it all ties up nicely at the end in perfect 'happily ever after(ish)' Christmas style. Definitely recommended for escaping your family this Christmas!

The Three Day Rule - Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees (£9.09)

If you liked this, you might like Vince & Joy by Lisa Jewell

Posted by gcartwright on November 7, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, New Releases, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 2, 2005 4:26 PM

Sun At Midnight

Alice is a geologist living in Oxford. Her mother was an eminent bioligist, world famous for her groundbreaking work in the Antartic, and Alice feels she's had to fight to be recognised for her own work all of her life. So when she is invited to join a research programme for 6 months she feels a little reluctant - after spending the last 30-odd years trying to escape from her mother's shadow does she really want to follow so closely in her footsteps?

Fate, as ever, intervenes and the idea of joining the exploration becomes a reality. This is where the story begins to really pick up. We are introduced to the rest of the team - mainly men, Alice is only the second woman at the Kandahar Station. They have to learn to live together and work together, coping with the challenges thrown at them by the unpredictable, hostile environment they are in. The real intrigue comes from the character of James Rooker - a man whose past is determined to catch up on him. From the offset he seems like an enigma... a very attractive enigma. Add in Dr Richard Shoesmith, the English team leader, and a love triangle is formed.

This in itself would probably have made a great book, but then author Rosie Thomas adds in a couple more twists just to ensure you can't actually bear to put the book down. You know in your own mind how you want everything to resolve - you have to keep reading to find out how it really resolves.

Whilst it is a great book, and a thoroughly enjoyable read, it is not without a couple of minor flaws. The team come from seven different nations, and unfortunately at times the characterisations can feel a little stereotypical, though the writing is good and the individuals all jump off the page. The blurb on the back of the page suggests a slightly different timeline of events to the actual book, so I ended up reading a different book to the one I was expecting, but the book is so good I really didn't mind.

One of the mjor strengths of the book is in the description of the Antarctic. Thomas desribes it in such a way that you feel like you're there admist the snow, and ice, and penguins. She spent time in the Antarctic researching, and it really has paid off.

I would recommend this book to anyone. The first few chapters can feel a little slow, but persevere and be prepared to be transported to the magic of the Antarctic. [Jenni Nock]

Sun At Midnight - Rosie Thomas (£5.59)

If you liked this, you might like Sundowners by Lesley Lokko.

Posted by gcartwright on November 2, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 31, 2005 11:52 AM

The Perfect 10

The main problem with Louise Kean's latest offering is the way it's described on the back cover. You will be let down if you buy this book expecting the fluffy romance that’s implied in the blurb. It does have a sort-of love story woven through, but the main emphasis is on something entirely different, and that is the lead character's weight loss and the subsequent changes in her life. In many ways, this book succeeds where Jane Green's 'Jemima J' failed - in tackling dramatic weight loss without being condescending - but if you have no experience of dieting, weight loss or obesity, you might find this one a struggle...

When we meet Sunny Weston, she's almost at her target weight after spending her whole life being fat. She's now finally realising that being slim is not going to solve all her problems. The Perfect 10 is a very interesting look at the way a woman feels after losing a lot of weight, and how her relationships and emotions change as a result. This is not a ‘sunshine and roses’ look at how life will all be OK if you're thin. On the contrary, much of it is taken up with explaining how becoming 'beautiful' just brings Sunny a whole new set of problems. The book is very insightful and seemingly written from experience, and I would recommend anyone who struggles with their weight should give it a go. Beware though, it might make for quite an uncomfortable read because it cuts quite close to the bone.

The narrative side of the story takes some getting into. The beginning is a bit muddled and I was almost halfway through the book before I finally 'got' it. I'm now glad I persevered, but as I say, don't expect a nice, simple romance. The love / hate relationship between Sunny and the male protagonist, Cagney, is almost secondary to the character study of the post-diet Sunny. The author doesn’t even pretend to put twists into the romance – it’s clear from the beginning what’s going to happen. The trouble is I didn’t like Cagney very much. His history seemed a little unbelievable, and I found myself thinking Sunny deserved much better. Other, secondary characters were better; Christian the gay video shop owner, Howard and Iuan, Cagney’s staff, and Sunny's unbelievably bitchy and unsupportive best friends. Anyone who's lost weight will know of friends like that!

Persevere with this book, and you will be rewarded. There are some very insightful moments, there’s no tacky moral ending, nor is there a ‘happily ever after’ rammed down our throats. Yes, it all ties up nicely by the final page, but lots of things are left for you to ponder. This is a real love / hate book in every sense of the word, but I recommend giving it a go if you’ve ever felt like all your troubles would be over if you were thin.

The Perfect 10 - Louise Kean (£3.99)

Posted by gcartwright on October 31, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 27, 2005 5:49 PM

Notes On A Scandal

Zoe Heller's book was a real surprise. I bought it expecting what the blurb in my book club magazine had said - the tale of Sheba Hart, a teacher, who falls for one of her 15 year old pupils. However, whilst this was the basic theme, the sub story running through it transformed what could have been a fairly ordinary story into a clever and thought-provoking psychological tale.

The narrator, Barbara, is a teacher at St George's School. As soon as Sheba starts teaching at the school, Barbara sees something special in her, and forces her way into her life and becomes her closest confidante. So, naturally, it is Barbara who Sheba tells about her illicit affair. It is also Barbara who is there when the press find out about the affair, and when Sheba's marriage crumbles it is Barbara who provides the shoulder.

The interest in this book is two-fold. The main storyline is quite revealing - I doubt many of us have read the stories in the newspapers of teachers having affairs with their pupils without wondering how they could possibly have fallen for someone in this circumstance. The subplot however is fascinating, the relationship between Sheba and Barbara, and the motivations that drive each character are a real study into human behaviour, and in particular the effect loneliness can have on a person.

Zoe Heller's account of a somewhat controversial subject is a wonderful example of writing at its best. The plotline is actually surprisingly simple and without event, it is instead the characters that she creates and the way in which she uses them that is the real genius in this book. [Jenni Nock]

Notes On A Scandal - Zoe Heller

Liked this? Try 'All He Ever Wanted' by Anita Shreve

Posted by gcartwright on October 27, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 21, 2005 3:16 PM

Drop City

When you look at the front cover of this book, with its bold pink lettering (matches the spine of the book you know - not one you're going to lose easily) and its picture of two hippies in the grass, you could instantly expect a tale of flower power, free loving and and things hippy. And for the first few chapters you'd be right. But as the bulldozers threaten the closure of the commune, the story takes a turn and starts to become interesting...

Drop City is a commune in California where anyone and everyone is welcome. Men, women, couples, families - no one is turned away. Though this policy seems to be the beginning of the end for the commune. When a few less pleasant incidents occur and the authorities start to take more of an interest in the goings on within the boundaries of Drop City, the founder, Norm, decides to relocate to Boynton, Alaska.

Once the community of Boynton has been introduced to the reader, the bulk of the story centres on the relocation of Drop City, and the integration of the two communities. In my opinion this was when the book really came into its own. The early section was a nice portrayal of the commune life, and pleasantly wasn't a pure exercise in propaganda for a time now passed. However, the later part of the book seemed to have a better flow, and really keeps you reading - you'll promise yourself that you'll go and do the washing up at the end of the chapter you're reading, and find yourself still sat there three chapters later.

The characters are well written, if not always likeable and the dialogue rings true. Some of the descriptions of places and event jump off the page at you. This book has a bit too much going on to be a good beach or train read, it's definitely not chick lit but is definitely worth making the time for, especially if you enjoyed books by authors like Alex Garland and Tom Wolfe. [Jenni Nock]

Drop City - T.C Boyle (from £1.05 new or 85p used)

Posted by gcartwright on October 21, 2005 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 11, 2005 12:44 PM

Life isn't all ha ha hee hee

The first thing that struck me when I picked up Meera Syal’s second fiction effort was the complete lack of information about the book. The back cover and first few pages are filled with quotes from other critics. All you can tell is that, unsurprisingly, everyone whose quote has been chosen loved the book. I have to admit this just made me more curious...

This is the story of three friends; Chila, Tania and Sunita, living in Leyton. Friends since their schooldays, this book chronicles the time when they truly grow up – marriage, childbirth, and all the twists and turns that life throws at them.

The first couple of chapters did not, I’m afraid, grab me. Thankfully though I persevered and found myself reading a thoughtful, touching and at times funny book. Readers expecting a tale that could have come straight from the scripting of ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ and ‘The Kumars at No. 42’ etc will be disappointed. This is a more subtle humour, reflecting the way that sometimes ordinary events in life amuse us. I think its also important to remember that whilst Syal accurately portrays the life of these three British Asian 30-something women, she is not trying to say that this is how all women who could possibly fit into that category behave. At the end of the day when we pick up a book set in the area in which we live, do we always expect to see ourselves in the pages? There is something for most readers though. Whilst I’m a 20-something white British female, I could identify with a lot of the feelings and experiences that the characters in the book went through.

I would definitely recommend this book, but if you have a short attention span, or find it difficult to persevere with books that start slowly then you might find this a little hard going. [Jenni Nock]

Life isn't all ha ha hee hee - Meera Syal

Posted by gcartwright on October 11, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 3, 2005 12:28 PM

Sundowners

If you like your women's fiction with a bit more of an edge, Sundowners may just be the book for you. On the surface, it's your typical epic saga of friendship, love and betrayal, spanning two decades and travelling the world. But as you get into the story, you're given a history lesson at the same time. It's the tale of four friends and one doomed love story, set to a backdrop of political turmoil in South Africa.

To give a brief outline of the plot, Lesley Lokko's debut novel follows the lives of four priviledged girls who meet at boarding school in England and spend the next twenty years trying to find their way in the world. Everyone has a character they can relate to; there's the spoilt brat who grew up sheltered and is learning to adjust, the tart with a heart, the plain Jane who's good at school, and the undecided girl with no idea about her future. Together they share a unique Sex & The City style friendship that keeps the book going through almost 500 pages and takes the reader to London, New York, Malaysia, Paris and the Caribbean to name but a few.

What sets this book apart from other saga-type stories is the historical references and political message. The book has a very strong political theme throughout, as we learn about South Africa in the 80s and early 90s. Without giving away too much, weaved into the politics is a Romeo & Juliet style love story that forms the core of the novel. While Lokko is keen to point out that some of the history has been altered slightly to fit the narrative of the story, you do feel like you may be learning something as well as enjoying a good read. This will either encourage you to read on or put you off depending on exactly how escapist you like your fiction to be!

The characters are difficult to fault, though concentrating on Rianne - the least likeable of the four - as the main protagonist is a very brave move. Though her story was the most compelling I found myself eager to find out more about the other girls, and felt that their stories fizzled out a little too quickly. This was a shame, but necessary to keep the plot moving along and stop the book from becoming too much of a tome!

The book is long, and the pace does drop a few times (the only reason this doesn't get a 5/5 rating) but not enough for it to drag too much. So long as you're ready for the history lesson and not expecting chick-lit-lite, you'll have trouble putting this one down once you get into it. All in all, it's a great, epic tale that you'll devour in no time.

Sundowners - Lesley Lokko

Posted by gcartwright on October 3, 2005 in Debut Novels, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (6)

September 28, 2005 2:51 PM

Larger Than Life

This is the first book of Adele Parks’ that I have read, and a big part of me thinks it will probably be the last. Whilst I was intent on finishing it, at times I started to wonder why.

Georgina fell in love at university. Instantly she knew that Hugh was the only man she would ever love, and want to be loved by. She spends the next 14 years going to every possible end to recreate herself to become the person she thinks he would want. We enter the story after Hugh has been married and had children, and is now separated from his wife and living with Georgina. It seems that all her dreams have come true. Enter one unplanned pregnancy…

The book charts Georgina’s pregnancy, month by month. This is probably the saving grace of the book – as Georgina’s pregnancy progresses, her character develops from being the type of self absorbed city slicker most people would prefer to hide from in the toilets than speak to at a function, to being a more thoughtful and considerate woman with a redeeming feature or two.

Part of what makes this book less than appealing is the general characterisation of Georgina. This woman is so flawed that I doubt there would be many women who would fail to spot their own flaws in the character – not always what we are looking for in a supposedly escapist novel. At times Georgina seems so flawed that you can find yourself thinking ‘surely not’.

I can see how some women could really love this book, as the reality of the character could be a welcome escape if you're fed up of over-indulged, perfect characters in 'happy ending' chick lit. However, I think most will find it frustrating. I’d recommend borrowing this one and saving your hard earned cash for something a bit more likeable. [Jenni Nock]

Larger Than Life - Adele Parks

Posted by gcartwright on September 28, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 26, 2005 3:00 PM

Citizen Girl

Here at Trashionista we promise to give it to you straight. So here's the simplified review for those who can't be bothered to read on - Citizen Girl is rubbish. It's trash. Don't bother.

Having had success with ‘The Nanny Diaries‘, writing duo Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin chose to centre their second novel on a fast-talking city girl in a dead end job.  Sounds OK so far? Don't be fooled...

'When Girl' (as she is annoyingly referred to throughout the book) loses her job, she ends up taking a job at My Company, a women’s website out to make money in any way possible. The novel follows her struggles in her new job, looking at the corporate world in what I sincerely hope is intended to be a satirical way. Sadly, it doesn‘t work at all. This is not because of a problem with the writing style, more the plot and characters. The main protagonist is bland, and the supporting cast even worse. People like this may well exist in real life, but they don’t make for entertaining reading.

As for the plot, I spent the entire book trying to work out exactly what was going on. Girl never really knows what it is she’s meant to be doing at My Company, or why she got the job in the first place. Her bosses feed her an endless garble of jargon that confuses the reader as much as it does Girl. Still, she happily goes from day to day talking her way out of everything, making presentations for projects she doesn’t even understand, and sweet-talking people who quite obviously think she’s a waste of space. Few, if any of the characters are deserving of any kind of empathy and you’ll slowly find yourself getting more and more annoyed with the entire cast.

The plot twists in awkward ways that make it difficult to follow, especially with all that ‘job-speak‘. A constant stream of new characters, new jargon, and an annoying boyfriend who breaks dates and lets his friends treat Girl like dirt all add to the general ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude you’ll feel when you finally get to the conclusion.

We’re meant to feel for Girl, a smart woman who wants to do something meaningful with her college degree, but as she constantly lets people walk all over her for 300-odd pages, it becomes increasingly difficult to give a flying you-know-what. Too much is left unexplained, the final ’twist’ on what Girl has been doing for My Company is a terrible cliché, and as for Buster the boyfriend - the book would have been (marginally) better without him. Give it a miss, trust me!

Citizen Girl - Nicola Kraus & Emma McLaughlin

Posted by gcartwright on September 26, 2005 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 1/5, Rubbish Books | Permalink | Comments (9)

September 22, 2005 7:22 PM

Jemima J

Very rarely in the women's fiction genre do you find a book that elicits such strong responses as Jane Green's 'Jemima J'. This truly is the kind of book you love or hate. I was one of many who read it in a state of pure disbelief, but felt so compelled to finish it that it was impossible to put down. It's easy to misconstrue it as a ridiculous tale with the moral 'being thin will make you happy', but it's not quite that simple...

Our heroine - and just about the only endearing character in the entire novel - Jemima Jones is overweight, lonely and desperately unhappy. Fed up with her food-fuelled life she embarks on the most drastic of make-overs, which involves all the usuals; a diet, a gym membership, a new hairdo and a soul-searching trip to LA. In her quest to become thin and happy, her obsession with her appearance becomes so great that she eventually becomes one of the unhealthily skinny girls she hated so much before. And that's where the real make-over begins.

The moral isn't as simple as 'thin makes you happy', because it's Jemima's internal struggles with her confidence that make the real changes in her life. Sadly, the story isn't presented in the best way possible, so that isn't as clear as it could be. The fault possibly lies with the character of Ben, the supposed love interest who doesn't give Jemima the time of day until she's skinny (quel surprise). The novel is also written in an oddly disjointed writing style which flits between first and third person for no apparent reason and just adds to the general confusion.

If you've ever dieted, struggled with your weight or had confidence problems, Jemima J is worth reading just so you can make your own mind up about it. This is a cautionary tale about going too far, but it's also a bit of a kick in the teeth whether you're fat or thin. And perhaps that's the point? Maybe we're all as bad as each other, no matter what we look like?

Jemima J - Jane Green

Posted by gcartwright on September 22, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (16)

Boy Meets Girl

Ten pages into this book and I was ready to give up. But I persevered and found myself getting into it despite myself. The most important thing to realise before starting this is that it's not a novel. That is to say there are no chapters and no dialogue. Instead, the entire book is made up of letters, emails, transcripts of instant message conversations, minutes from meetings, diary entries and just about anything else that can be put down on paper.

If you're not expecting this clever style of construction, it can take a while to get used to, but once you do it soon becomes apparent how much skill it must take to work a plot into such a complex array of formats.

To cut a long story, the magical Ida Lopez is responsible for the dessert trolley at the New York Journal. Unfortunately, she doesn't deem everyone worthy of her baking, and when heartless lawyer Stu Hertzog is refused a slice of pie, it's up to Kate MacKenzie to dismiss everyone's favourite member of staff. But Mrs Lopez won't go down without a fight. The staff of the paper need their baked goods, and Ida's intent on setting Kate up with Mitch, who just happens to be Stu's younger brother.

It doesn't sound like it would make a great book, but the further you get, the more you realise you're getting into the story. Despite no descriptions, you feel like you know the characters, and after a while you almost forget you're not reading a traditional novel. If you get tired of books made up of letters and journal entries, obviously you're best to give it a miss. It's not the kind of book you're going to regret not reading, but if it intrigues you at all, I'd definitely give it a go.

Boy Meets Girl - Meg Cabot

Posted by gcartwright on September 22, 2005 in American Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 21, 2005 5:22 PM

Vince and Joy

The one problem with reading so many books of the same genre is that you begin to predict every plot twist before it happens. That's what happened to me while reading Lisa Jewell's Vince & Joy. I was constantly reading on just to confirm what I suspected, which meant I finished the book in record time. That said, despite a slightly rushed ending (as my friend said, "I wanted six more chapters") I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

'Vince & Joy' is the story of two first loves whose lives continually cross. That said, you'll be surprised how little of the book is taken up with Vince and Joy together. Instead you find the two constantly missing their chances, taking up with other people and misconstruing situations in typical fictional style.

One of Jewell's strong points is that she manages to write good male roles as well as female ones. You'll adore Vince and his stepfather Chris, but it's more difficult to find sympathy for the women. Joy has serious confidence problems and intimacy issues that will drive you mad, but she's far more interesting than most fictional heroines.

Jewell doesn't mince her words and her characters are honest, flawed and real, sometimes excrutiatingly so. The downside of this is that it's sometimes difficult to feel any kind of emotion for characters who have bought everything on themselves. If you like escapist, feel-good fiction you might find this a struggle, but if you're fed up of sunshine and roses chick lit, Jewell's honest view on thirtysomething life will be a refreshing change. It still has the requisite happy ending, but there's not an ounce of mush to be found.

Vince and Joy - Lisa Jewell

Posted by gcartwright on September 21, 2005 in British Authors, Modern Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (2)