Chick Lit Challenge Update

It has now been a few weeks since Karen in Toronto proposed the BBTO summer chick lit reading challenge and it is proving to be a bit of a "challenge".... at least for me. 

Karen and I both recently finished Something Borrowed and neither one of us really loved it. Karen felt that the level of deceit among the three main characters (two best female frenemies and one two timing male) was ridiculous. I have to agree and say that there was nothing redeeming in this novel and that neither Karen or I are running out to buy Something Blue. The characters in the story violate the strongest type of code between girlfriends and it really left a bad taste.

Next on Karen's list is Jane Eyre. Classic chick lit and a great choice.
  
CityGirl is totally on top of the Chick Lit challenge. Some new reviews and suggestions are now up on her blog.

I recently started reading One Day and recognize that I'm having a bit of reader's block these days and not really enjoying much at all. I heard so many GREAT things about this book and under normal circumstances it would be my kind of novel - but nothing is really hitting the right notes with me this month. 


I confess that I strayed from the chic lit genre and read a couple of mysteries and they didn't do it for me either. A sign that it is time to spend a few days catching up on People, Star and US magazines before attempting to read any new books. This rarely  happens but when it does it is time to take a small break.


There was an interesting article in the Globe and Mail this weekend about chick lit. I liked the article because it mentions the fact that chick lit can mean a wide range of things for female readers. I like the term the literary agent in the article mentions "accessible women's fiction".

How's the chick lit challenge going for everyone else? 

CityGirl's Summer Chick Lit Reading Challenge Lists

CityGirl in Toronto has kindly taken the time to send in her summer chick lit reading list AND her list of recommends for anyone who wants to join in the summer chick lit reading challenge. 

There are lots of books to choose from and a good representation of chick lit authors from all over the world.

A big thank you to CityGirl. I know I will definitely add a few of these to my list. 

CityGirl’s Summer Chick Lit Reading List:

Personally, I blame my Fairy Godmother by Claudia Carroll

If This is Paradise, I Want My Money Back by Claudia Carroll

I Never Fancied Him Anyway by Claudia Carroll

Be Careful What You Wish for by Alexandra Potter

You’re the One that I don’t Want by Alexandra Potter

When in Rome by Gemma Townley

Learning Curves by Gemma Townley

The Booklovers Appreciation Society by Various

Growing up Again by Catriona McCloud

Fashionistas by Lynn Messina

Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes (possibly others too) She will get hooked!

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

Something Blue by Emily Giffin

The Gatecrasher by Madeleine Wickham

Thin, Rich, Pretty by Beth Harbison

Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Death by Chick Lit by Lynn Harris

Lipstick Jungle by Candace Bushnell

Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell

With Her boots On by Lisa Dow

The Flirt by Kathleen Tessaro

Tantrums and Tiaras by Linda Francis Lee

And CityGirl’s Recommends:

Do You Want To Know a Secret? by Irish author Claudia Carroll

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella (This is the best Sophie Kinsella book yet - I think it reads like a movie)

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell (Very fun and fluffy - great for the cottage)

Stuck in Downward Dog by Chantel Simmons (One of the few chick-lit books set in Toronto, so I could really picture the story unfolding in the city)

In Her Shoes – Lisa Dow (Also set in Toronto, very funny). With Her Boots On is the sequel.

Who’s that Girl by Alexandra Potter

CityGirl also suggested two books related to writing chick lit for anyone with a secret desire to write chick lit:

1. See Jane Write: A girl’s Guide to Writing Chick Lit by Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs

2. Will Write for Shoes: How to Write a Chick Lit Novel by Cathy Yardley

Let the chick lit reading begin! And join in the #chicklitchat discussion on Twitter anytime!