Thursday, August 22, 2013

The Book Chat: Chick Lit

Image via styles on the go
My first thought when I saw this week's Book Chat topic was, "But I don't really read chick lit." As usual, Jessica read my mind and wrote this in her newsletter: "You've probably read more than you think." She also included a link to this Goodreads list, which got me thinking about all the chick lit I've read. I was a little surprised to find titles like The Time Traveler's Wife and The Help on the list, as well as some Nicholas Sparks titles, so I did some research on "chick lit." Wikipedia says:
Chick lit is genre fiction which addresses issues of modern womanhood, often humorously and lightheartedly.... Although it sometimes includes romantic elements, chick lit is generally not considered a direct subcategory of the romance novel genre, because the heroine's relationship with her family or friends is often just as important as her romantic relationships.
Makes sense! The first two books I mentioned above are not what I would call lighthearted, which is probably why that threw me off. And Nicholas Sparks is definitely all about the romantic relationships; there aren't enough friends and family relationships in his books for me to call them "chick lit." After this meticulous research on the definition of the genre, I'm reading to give you my list. :)


The Princess Diaries: Although I love Anne Hathaway and did enjoy the movie, the books are so much funnier because they don't have to conform to Disney's G-rating standards.


P.S. - I Love You: Yet another example of how books are almost always better than the movie versions (even with a hunk like Gerard Butler gracing the screen).


Someone Like You: I read both this book and That Summer after watching How to Deal, the Mandy Moore movie based on a combination of the two books, but I enjoyed Someone Like You so much better. The ending still really sticks out at me; I loved it.

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Also, I've hinted at a "special project" I've been working on once or twice on the blog, and it's finally time to share! In honor of Banned Books Week next month, I'm hosting a #bookphotoaday challenge on Instagram!


The rules are simple: Each day, if you wish to participate, take a picture of the given category and use the hashtag #bookphotoaday. I'll also pick my favorite submissions from each day and share them on my Instagram and/or on my blog! This is the first time I've done anything like this, but you all know how much I love the #fmsphotoaday challenges, and I thought Banned Books Week would be the perfect time to attempt a literary photo challenge. Do you think you'll participate?

P.S. — Just for giggles, I wanted to let you know I had planned on calling this #bbwphotoaday. Luckily, I was telling my fiance about the idea and he informed me #bbw is already a hashtag on Instagram, and maybe not one I want associated with my book challenge. He was right ... whoops! (I'll let you look it up yourself if you're curious haha.)

13 comments:

Mandi Noel said...

I don't really consider myself a fan of "chick lit" either, but after reading your description, there are a few that come to mind, one being The Time Traveler's Wife. I've also read the first four Princess Diaries books and really enjoyed them. One other series that comes to mind that I really enjoy is The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig. That's actually the title of the first book, but I believe you can easily find them all by searching "Pink Carnation Series." It's historical fiction blended with modern romance, and it's about spies.

Jenn @ Lost in the Right Direction said...

PS I Love You was one of my favorite books, the movie doesn't even come close! And I completely agree with you about the Princess Diaries! :)

Amy said...

I absolutely love chick lit. Mostly because I can relate well to the characters. I enjoy reading about a woman who is encountering the same issues in life and love as I am.

And I will definitely participate in your banned book week challenge! It seems like a lot of fun (and good inspiration for next month's reading list!)

Anonymous said...

I like that Wikipedia definition. So many people have an opinion on what chick lit is and it's not always positive.

And yes, the book is always better!

Kimberly Erskine said...

WAHOOO FOR PHOTO CHALLENGES! I'm excited and can't wait to participate (even though I'm secretly terrible at it ) :P

Sarah Pete said...

I've never been into chick lit, either.
I don't know . . . stories about the modern woman struggling over self-esteem, her shopping bills, and the hunk next door just don't appeal to me. At all.
I did love The Help, however. I only read one of the Princess Diaries books but found it really cute. So, I guess they're not all bad ;] Would Jane Eyre be considered chick lit? Because I loved that one, too.

Whitney said...

Meg Cabot books were my FAVORITE in middle and high school. I think of the Princess Diaries are more of YA novels than chick lit though. I loved all of them!

Jessica Bucher said...

Hahaha! I looked up #bbw. I love your challenge! I'll be there :)

Love your post about Chick Lit too.

Fran said...

The book is always better! haha

Rachael said...

The Banned Books Challenge sounds like fun.

melissa said...

I think I read chick lit long before I understood what that even meant, too. I love chick lit, and I think the name of it really trivializes the kinds of books you might find in the genre.

Anonymous said...

I guess I don't like the stigma associated with chick lit, but you are right, I have read more than I realized.

I may participate in banned books week :)

Anonymous said...

I guess I don't like the stigma associated with chick lit, but you are right, I have read more than I realized.

I may participate in banned books week :)