Dear Chick-Lit,
I know it has been awhile since I wrote you off. But I think I am finally ready to let you in a wee bit.
Not your sappy: "Oh my goodness he is like so cute!" stuff. But yes to your: "Wow. What now life?" stuff.
Sincerely yours for now, Tales of Whimsy...
About a year ago, I wrote chick-lit a Dear John letter (see This is It Chick-Lit). At the time, I just could not connect with it. But lately I have been craving more mature voices (see Dear Shelf) with adult female stories that don't have children as central themes. So I am hoping chick-lit is the answer and rescinding my previous ban. Therefore, don't be surprised if you see Miss Chick-lit hanging around these days and feel free to keep the suggestions coming. *wink wink*
Image courtesy of LiveLovePaper.
looking forward to what you have in store for us...love the pink typewriter too!
ReplyDeleteI've been drawn to a lot of adult fiction/chick lit this year as well. I look forward to your reviews!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it does seem that those adult themed novels center around women as mothers, because naturally that's what all adult women do right? (j/k)
ReplyDeleteI would suggest Adriana Trigiani's Very Valentine and BRava Valentine books. Very well written, strong female lead, single (and ina relationship) , career minded, owns her business with her grandmother. MUST read. She has the desires to be a wife and mother later but that's not what she is all about now.
I love these books.
It's hard for me to distinguish between chick lit and romantic comedy b/c it seems RomCom is what they're calling the old chick lit.
ReplyDeleteBut if you haven't read Save the Date yet by Jenny B Jones, you absolutely MUST put it on your list. I'd say it's a RomCom and it is definitely a top 10 of the year contender.
I guess I never really noticed, although I haven't read too much adult lit lately. Have a great Sunday.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big Chick Lit fan, but some authors I do like are Helen Fielding, Jennifer Weiner, Lauren Weisberger, and Candace Bushnell. It really has been awhile since I've read one. I may need to break up the monotony and do that soon!
ReplyDeleteI don't read enough in the Chick Lit genre. I hadn't thought about it before but maybe I do avoid it because I'm not a mother yet.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see what CL books pop up here as you explore this genre.
oh yeah, i remember that letter. i do love some chick-lit once in awhile, because too much of it can be a turn off.
ReplyDeleteI kind of took a breather as well, but just recently started reading some again. I loved Take A Chance on Me by Jill Mansell. If you haven't read it, and don't own it, I can send it to you. Let me know.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I have the PERFECT chick-lit book. Meep!
ReplyDelete"Couch World" by Cathy Yardley
It's fun, life getting drastically turned around, realistic... did I mention it's awesome?
Good luck Juju!
*the perfect chick-lit book for YOU
ReplyDeleteP.S. I just read the back description of the book... it does not convey how fantastic Yardley writes. Promise!
Now that you've mentioned it, I don't think I've read any chick lit lately either...
ReplyDeleteIts great to switch things up once a while.
ReplyDeleteI love ChickLit! Skipping a Beat is really good and not cutesy.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to suggest anything by Marian Keyes. Her earlier books are very romancey and fun. Her later books tackle issues and still fabulous reads. I just finished This Charming Man and loved it.
ReplyDeleteI was never a chick-lit-y person, but I hear ya about passing up genres, but it's good to hear you're going back :)
ReplyDeleteI can relate to what you say. Right now, I just can't get into chicklit. I have a Sophie Kinsella borrowed from the library, and I never give it the cold shoulder, ever. But now I just can't pick it to read.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you pick!
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy chick lit but I couldn't take a steady diet of it.
ReplyDeleteI like chick lit every once in a while. Have you read the Sophie Kinsella novels? Oh and also, I don't know if The Opposite of Me would be technically chick lit, but it has kind of the same feel to it. I recommend it!
ReplyDeleteterrific! i need suggestions! I'm at a loss!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I love this post. Very god point.
ReplyDeleteHmm, that should have been "good" point. =)
ReplyDeleteFirstly I want that pink typewriter. Secondly give it a second chance....go on..
ReplyDeleteawww, sometimes it's good to give a second chance! i hope you find some books that you like, juju!
ReplyDeleteSometimes a good chick lit is just the right fit. Can't wait to see what you find!
ReplyDeleteHehe...now I know why you were snooping around my shelves! LOL I was wondering since you admitted to "banning" the Chick Lit. Hopefully you found a few you could give a try!
ReplyDeleteRecently, the ones I've enjoyed the most, you probably already know...Sarah Pekkenan's Skipping A Beat was fantastic and very much about "life stuff", also you might try Mary Kay Andrews if you want a good "fun without the girlie squeely" stuff, and these two that are coming out soon I'm really looking forward to: The Bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen
The Violets of March by Sarah Jio
Hope that helps, but I'll keep looking for more! :o)
Great layout, it fits you. I ca understand how chick lit mainly surrounds home life and it doesn't always open to other adventures.
ReplyDeleteReally am curious to see what you end up selecting to read in this genre. I'll be interested to read your reviews. Good luck on your new adventure.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan Juju...sounds like a plan. I think you and Chick-Lit were due for a reconnecting phase. Can't wait to see what you try first. ^_^
ReplyDeleteChick-lit is fun!! Im with Joy if you have not read Save The Date...its awesome!! Also a few great ones that feature just romance and strong women.....
ReplyDeleteA Billion Reasons Why, Operation Bonnet and Ive heard Something Borrowed is fantastic!!
Chick-lit has never been a favourite of mine...but I really need to try it, eh?!
ReplyDeleteI used to hate chick-lit once upon a time. I still can't call it a favorite but I have found some good books in this genre.
ReplyDeletechick-lit is fun in low doses. I'm reading Millie's fling that free down load you featured last week. It's about as chickie as they come.
ReplyDeleteHope you find something that fits what you’re searching for :)
ReplyDeleteThere is such a fine line b/w chick lit, women's fiction, and romantic comedy. Most cross over. I love 'em all.
ReplyDeletegreat post.
I woke up Sunday a.m. to find my blog, my 500 plus followers, my 100plus author interviews, and my 200 plus reviews gone. Blogger gave no explanation, but I think the account was hacked. Change your password often!
I have reloaded the interviews and reviews, plus redesigned the blog. But if you could, please hit the "follow" button so I can reclaim the fellow bloggers I miss. I'm still following you, as my account remained--thank goodness!
http://kellymoranauthor.blogspot.com
Thank you!
Kelly Moran
XO
Good luck! Hopefully, you'll find something you like!
ReplyDeleteSo funny! I'm no good at suggesting Chick Lit books. I do drama and inspirational suspense . . .
ReplyDeleteStacy: Thanks :) In real life I have an aqua one. But I think if I ever come across a pink one, I will have to buy it :)
ReplyDeleteChristina: It's because great minds think alike ;)
Michelle Red: True true. But since I don't have kids, I crave more, ya know? :) And thank you SO much for your recommendations. I will definitely try them! :)
Joy: RomCom is the new chick-lit? Who knew! You totally taught me something new! :) And thank you so for those ideas. I will definitely check them out :)
Elie: Understandable ;)
Michelle True: That would be fun ;)
Missie: Thanks :) I'll try to find something for us no baby gals :)
VV: *smile* Thanks for remembering and I know the feeling ;)
Melissa: Oooo thanks for the tip! I'm off to check it out :)
Tipsy: O I'm so excited about your enthusied suggestion :) Thank you thank you thank you!
Cherry: :)
Jenny N.: Exactly :)
Cari: I just got that one! I can't wait to read it :)
Bella: Thanks Bella! What an awesome suggestion. Thank you :)
Audrey: Thanks :)
Aths: *high five* It happens sometimes :)
Midnight: Thanks :)
Bermuda: Agreed! It's like a sugar overdose if you read too much I bet ;)
Jillian: Brilliant! Thank you :) I've getting ready to try her new book too :)
Gina Hott: Are you in a slump too :)
Jenny: Thanks ;) And no prob ;) I do that alll the time.
Beach: LOL Thanks :) I'm obsessed with pink.
Meredith & Carrie Hammock: Thanks :)
Danielle/1st daughter: I'm so excited. Thanks for the suggestions :) You rock rock rock!
Liz: Thanks hon :)
GMR: LOL true :)
Gina Precious: Thanks :) It is a new adventure isn't it? :)
Tina: Wahooo! Thank you :)
Melissa Swim: Maybe :) Stick with me and I'll see if I can bring something interesting to the table ;)
Misha: My point exactly. I use to hate it but I think it just requires more selectiveness :)
Kaye: Oooo how is it so far? :)
Christie & Natalie: Thanks :) Me too!
Kelly: They do cross over allot don't they :) You lost it alll? *gasp* I'm off to change my password. Thanks for the tip and for following! :) I periodically download my blog and you've reminded me it's time to do it again.
Renee: Completely understandable ;) Thanks for dropping by!
I don't have any recommendations right now, but I agree with you. I don't know why it is difficult to find good mature reads that aren't centered around children. I can't wait to see how chick lit goes :)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I'm not the best one for chick-lit! LOL However, I do love the pink typewriter!! I'm planning on using a pink typewriter for something on my blog...great minds think alike!
ReplyDeleteI am an unabashed chick-lit fan. It doesn't mean that I'm never sick of it, though. I'm coming back after a long absence with the genre, myself, and here's what I recommend:
ReplyDeleteLit and Longing in LA by Jennifer Kaufman and Karen Mack; anything by Jen Weiner; anything by Marian Keyes; (especially!) Carrie Pilby by Caren Lissner; Anna Maxted's entire oeuvre.
I know you said you didn't want books centered around children, but Odd Mom Out and Mrs. Perfect by Jane Porter surprised me with their goodness especially based on the stupid covers.
Oh and I recommend NOTHING by Sarah Pekkanen. Seriously. She is a parody of women's fiction, no offense PPs!
You might also try this out - My Ruby Slippers: The Road Back to Kansas. I haven't read it, but I am absolutely in love with the cover and the book sounds so good. I'm hoping to read it in the next few days.
ReplyDeletePS...You're quite welcome for my earlier recs! I hope you find something you love!
Alexis: Yes! Amen! Someone that agrees :) *high five*
ReplyDeleteJulie: Me too gf! :) I need to buy one. I have a teal/aqua one just like it but I'm craving a pink one :)
Constance: Hey you! Thanks for dropping by! :) Thanks for the awesome advice too. I'm going to head to Goodreads after this and investigate your suggestions :) And thank you for your honest note on Sara P. I haven't tried her yet but I appreciate your realness ;)
1stdaughter: Thanks doll :) I'm off to look it up now. The cover is WAY cool! Side note: when I started having problems finding something, Mr. Whimsy told me to write you ;)
Awesome! I'm looking forward to seeing what books you have lined up. I do love some chick lit now and then.
ReplyDeleteAlita: Thanks :) It's like candy. Best in smaller doses ;)
ReplyDelete