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)
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!
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)
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)
December 21, 2006 8:02 PM
Top 10 burning book questions
Our Top 100 Extravaganza continues with the most-discussed questions from our weekly Yay or Nay feature along with some of your comments.
10 Can book bloggers be trusted?
After author Susan Hill suggested book bloggers hold more power than the traditional press and John Sutherland claimed online book reviewers just enjoy “shooting off their mouths”, we asked if book bloggers have as much sway as the traditional media.
Shanna: “The traditional media doesn't tend to cover the kinds of books I want to read.”
Newsbitch: “As a public, us readers are the ones paying for the books so why shouldn't we be entitled to our own opinion?”
9 Should children’s books only be read by children?
In these days of adult/children crossover books (Harry Potter, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, His Dark Materials, etc.) are we happy to read a kids book on the train?
Ms Mac: "Good writing should not be restricted to the demographic some anonymous bod has deemed it appropriate for."
Shanna: "The way I look at it, the authors I loved as a child and young adult didn't stop writing just because I grew up, so why should I stop reading their books?"
8 Can a film adaptation ever be as good as the book?
Inspired by the release of The Devil Wears Prada movie, we asked if a film adaptation can ever match up to the source material, or is something always lost in translation?
Shanna: "It's a very, very rare case when the film is better than the book, simply because so much has to be cut to fit the film into a reasonable length, and that usually messes with the plot and characterization."
Camilla: "I have a feeling Devil Wears Prada is going to be much better as a film." (See if we agreed.)
7 Should books by convicted criminals ever be published?
Following the outcry about the proposed OJ Simpson book (subsequently dropped by the publisher), and news of Jeffrey Archer’s latest book deal, we asked how you felt about books by convicted criminals.
Charlene: "Sure, let them write a book, BUT the profits go to charity or the victims, if they can't agree to that, then their books should not be published."
Ms Mac: "I say let them publish whatever they like. None of us have to buy or read them."
6 Do you want your partners to read your work?
After hearing that Gordon Ramsay apparently refused to read his wife's cook book, we asked how you would feel if your partner didn't want to read your work - rejected ... or relieved?
Maz: "All men should just be left to their own devices. After all, nobody made anybody write anything in the first place."
Charlene: "I think the operative word here is "read." My dh doesn't read anything except the daily newspaper."
Carry on over the cut for the Top 5 and the year's number one burning book question!
5 The new Jane Austen cover designs.
After author Deborah Moggach claimed the chick lit style covers of the Austen reissues 'demean' the author, we asked if you agreed!
Luisa: "I like them! I'm all for it!"
Gemma: "I'm really on the fence. I think in some ways it makes perfect sense to rebrand them in a chick lit style, after all she was one of the first real chick lit writers ... but at the same time I always think Austen books should be in those 99p 'classics' jackets, with old paintings on ..."
With the current trend of famous people being given contracts to write books (Katie Price, Nicole Richie, Pamela Anderson for a few examples), we asked if you think it's right that these writers get contracts purely because of the fame.
Victoria: "It's irritating when they're purporting to have 'created' some work of fiction of their own, when in fact what they've done is ramble on about 'that time in the Viper Room' and settle some 'too libellous for the autobiography' scores under the guise of fiction, while the poor ghostwriter cobbles a novel out of it."
Gemma: "If they actually write the books themselves, why not. But too often the whiff of ghostwriter is in the air and it's a bit too fishy for me."
3 Is it okay to use famous dead people as characters in a novel?
Eve Pollard's new book Jack's Widow - in which JFK's widow Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is depicted in fictional form as a spy for the CIA - was the inspiration for this one. Should we be more respectful of the deceased, or is this a way of keeping their memory alive?
Melanie: "I think it's better to read about someone who's sorta-like-this-one-person, but has their own issues and flaws and personality. If Pollard's character had been based on a first lady from the 60s with a kick-ass wardrobe and unflappable grace to boot ... well, there would be speculation but no family members could chew her out for her imposed character flaws."
Camilla: "What next, Princess Diana as a KGB secret agent? Whoops, that was probably the sequel."
2 Can men write romantic fiction?
Reader, I Married Him host Daisy Goodwin suggested that few men enjoy, or enjoy writing, romantic fiction. Did you agree?
F G Gerson: "But of course. Chick-lit is very inclusive ... and extremely alluring beyond gender: modern, fun to read, fun to write! I'm a straight French man (whatever that means) shamelessly writing chick-lit for Red Dress Ink (and sort of proud of it)."
Jenni: "It's unfortunate that the number of men writing is so small - that way when you come across one or two that you don't like it can cloud your judgement of the rest."
1 Do you love a raunchy read or do you wish authors would leave it out?
Typical. All these interesting discussions and it was the smut that got you all going!
Linda: "Yay, yay and thrice yay. I love a bit of raunchiness, and the worse it is, the better."
Shanna: "If it fits the story, is in character, and is done well, then Yay. Otherwise, Nay."
Dataceptionist: "I love the bedroom scenes, but you gotta work up to them, set the scene, or they feel awful. If it's really bad it's good to laugh at though."
It's not too late to chime in on any of the above! Let us know what you think.
Posted by Keris on December 21, 2006 in Book related, Opinion, Top 100 Extravaganza!, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (29)
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."
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)
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.
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)
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.
Belinda Jones has carved herself the best career ever - she travels the world and writes always-entertaining chick lit books based on her adventures.
Lisa Jewell’s Thirtynothing is one of my favourite books of all time and her latest, Vince and Joy is wonderful too.
Emily Giffin is one of the new breed of chick lit authors, scoring huge sales in an allegedly dying market.
Meg Cabot may be better-known for her young adult novels, but her adult chick lit books are entertaining and very funny.
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!)
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.)
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.
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.
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. 
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)
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)
December 7, 2006 11:30 AM
Top ten non-fiction chick lit
Continuing Trashionista's Top 100 Extravaganza, we bring you....
The top 10 non-fiction chick-lit books! After all, there's nothing to say that chick lit has to be fiction, is there? And we've reviewed some fabulous non-fiction chick lit since Trashionista's incarnation. But what were our favourites? (And why?) Read on for the Top 10 Non-Fic Chick Lit, and what we said about it - in quotes, below - and find out!
10. You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again by Suzanne Hansen. Aka: The book that spilled the beans on nannying for the Hollywood elite... truly jaw-dropping.
"I'd definitely recommend it to anyone else who loved The Nanny Diaries, for a real-life perspective (truth really is stranger than fiction)."
9. Conversations and Cosmopolitans by Robert Rave and Jane Rave. A gay man and his mother write alternate chapters about their lives and experiences after Robert gave out as gay via a typo-strewn letter. Cute, funny, and surprisingly moving:
"I'm a sucker for a good memoir, and this is a very good one. It made me cry in a couple of places, and some of Jane's experiences showed that sometimes straight people are looked down on for their sexuality too- which was a very interesting and unexpected angle... But mostly, it made me laugh and kept me hooked."
8. But Enough About Me by Jancee Dunn. Rock chick / journalist Dunn dishes about interviewing famous stars, dodgy boyfriends and an unfortunate cocaine episode... oh, and journalism too, of course!
"If you're at all interested in music or journalism or even if you remember the Eighties (although if you can remember the Eighties you weren't really there, right?), you'll love this charming and funny book."
7. Tabloid Love by Bridget Harrison. The story of a British journo looking for love in New York - a real life Bridget/Carrie hybrid!
"I found her story particularly fascinating being a frustrated Lois Lane myself, but you don't need to be a journalist-wannabe to enjoy this book: if you like reading about big cities, love, and the ups and downs of a modern woman making it on her own (and if none of those things interest you, what are you doing here?!) then you'll love this memoir."
6. Mama Lama Ding Dong by Ayun Halliday. A wonderful and unconventional mothering memoir!
"Mama Lama... is a feel good story about being yourself and having fun- even if you have children or are on the verge of giving birth! Ayun and her family are loving and happy, but far from conventional- they dress their little boy in girls' clothes if they fit him and look cute and their little girl was born with an extra thumb! Plus, their ultra-aggressive cat has an embarrassing sexual fetish..."
Carry on over the cut for our top 5 non-fic chick lit books, and to see if you agree!
5. I'm Celibate, Get me Out of Here! A true-life venture into the world of internet dating... with hilarious results.
"This book is witty, fast-paced and highly entertaining. You really feel the roller coaster sense that is associated with the search for Mr Right - at the end of the day we're all either doing it or have done it. The anecdotes are hugely amusing at times, but Elliott never feels the need to be downright rude about any of the men she came across. The idea for the book is very original, who knows it may join the likes of Adrian Mole and Bridget in years to come."
4. Mixed by Angela Nissel. Full of warmth and laughs, but tackles some serious race-related stuff too. My only complaint? It's not long enough!
"This book made me think, while entertaining me, making me laugh and just generally being a joy to read. That's not an easy feat so I can't wait to see what Ms Nissel writes about next..."
3. Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto. Bit of a departure, this one: a chick-lit memoir in graphic novel form! But if you're not into comics, don't be put off... or you'll miss out, big time.
"There are some sad moments, of course. There's a moving interlude about Marisa's experience of 9/11 and something that happens as a result of her [cancer] treatment actually made me sob, but in the main this book is hilarious, uplifting and, yes, unputdownable. Read it."
2. Queen of the Oddballs by Hillary Carlip.
"I simply loved this book... Hillary really is an interesting and unique individual who's taken an inspiring yet down-to-earth "Oddball" journey through life. And I'm so happy she decided to write about it!"
And now for number 1! Can you guess what it is yet? Drumroll please...
It's...
1. Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes! Yes, it has to be, didn't it? Arise, Queen Marian of Keyes, goddess of chick lit - fictional or not! The book that made us discuss kidnapping an author for the very first time (see the comments...) We also said:
"Can she be as successful in non-fiction as she is in fiction? Course she can, silly! This is Marian Keyes we're talking about! The signature humour, warmth and poignancy that we love in her novels is all here as she talks about her real life... If you want a book to curl up with, laugh at and just generally cherish (particularly if you're having a 'duvet day' yourself) then you can't go far wrong with this. And if you've only ever read Marian Keyes's fiction, then you're missing a treat!"
Trashionista Top 100 archives / Non-fiction archives / Memoir archives.
Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on December 7, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Memoirs, New Releases, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (3)
December 4, 2006 5:00 PM
Top 10 chick lit film adaptations
Last week, Diane told you about our Top 100 Extravaganza and here's the first Top 10 - chick lit film adaptations (along with quotes from Friday Flick).
10. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Yes, it's a young adult book, but it's a great read and a lovely film too.
We wrote: "Standard stuff for teen movies (and books for that matter), but the script by Delia Ephron and the charm and talent of the cast (particularly Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera) make this something special. I loved it."
Chosen as the second adaptation of Nick Hornby's Fever Pitch - not chick lit, not even fiction, but it's still managed to become two fun films!
We wrote: "You don't need to understand or appreciate baseball to enjoy this film. Yes, it's standard romantic comedy fare and certainly not original (well ... it is a remake), but it's great Friday night viewing."
8. Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason
Not quite as good as the first film, despite being almost exactly the same, but I had to include Bridget Jones, didn't I?
We wrote: "Its fun and light-hearted, and if all else fails you can just spend your time trying to decide whether you want Mark or Daniel!"
7. Hanging Up
Neither Delia Ephron's book nor the film adaptation are that well known, but they're both great.
We wrote: "Both funny and sad (some parts were almost painful to watch) and I loved the interaction between the sisters (and they're all such fab actresses) and their father (played by Walter Matthau). Recommended."
Laura Zigman's Animal Husbandry was one of the earliest chick lit books and this is the movie under a different name (and also known as Someone Like You, just to be really confusing!).
We wrote: "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)."
Carry on over the cut for the Top 5 and see if you agree with our choice of best chick lit film adaptation of all time!
The film is probably better known than the book, but both are lovely.
We wrote: "A bit of girly escapism."
4. How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days
An early example of chick lit non-fiction, and a great adaptation.
We wrote: I loved this film. It's funny, looks great and ... Hudson and McConaughey's [chemistry] makes the screen crackle. Plus it's got the line: 'If I had a nickel for every time I got in a fistfight during a chick flick ...' What's not to love?"
3. In Her Shoes
Jennifer Weiner's book is one of my all-time favourites. A faithful and entertaining adaptation of a book by one of chick lit's reigning queens.
We wrote: "A great girly film!"
Lauren Weisberger's book is arguably the biggest chick lit novel of the past five years and possibly one of the best received adaptations.
We wrote: "A fun, girly film, perfect if you love fashion, journalism - or just a light chick-flick of a Friday night. I recommend it!"
Well, what did you expect, really? The chick lit book and the chick lit adaptation. It doesn't get much better than Bridget (or Mark Darcy ...).
We wrote: "A brilliant British movie (yes yes we know Renee is the exception)."
So do you agree? Is Bridget the best (and does she warrant two places in our Top 10)? Have I missed any of your favourites? Any of the above you absolutely hated? (You'll notice Must Love Dogs didn't make it!) Email us and let us know (or leave a comment).
Posted by Keris on December 4, 2006 in Book related, Friday Flick, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (9)
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)
