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Topic: Help a Newbie: What exactly is chick lit?

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short-angry14 avatar
Friend of PBS-Silver medal
Subject: Help a Newbie: What exactly is chick lit?
Date Posted: 10/1/2009 8:15 PM ET
Member Since: 3/8/2009
Posts: 821
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Hi guys!


Just curious as to what exactly constitutes "chick lit"?  I love Jennifer Weiner and have just fallen hard for Elizabeth Berg, but I'm not sure if this would be part of the genre.  Along with the explanation, what about some suggestions?  And please, I despise "bodice rippers", so please tell me that's a whole other deal!  Romance is so not my thing.  :)

imissAZ avatar
Date Posted: 10/1/2009 9:12 PM ET
Member Since: 8/2/2009
Posts: 157
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you're in the right group.



Last Edited on: 10/1/09 9:12 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
beatccr avatar
Date Posted: 10/1/2009 10:58 PM ET
Member Since: 3/13/2007
Posts: 3,773
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from wikipedia:

Chick lit is a term used to denote genre fiction within women's fiction written for and marketed to young women, especially single, working women in their twenties and thirties. The genre sells well, with chick lit titles topping bestseller lists and the creation of imprints devoted entirely to chick lit. It generally deals with the issues of modern women humorously and lightheartedly.[1]

Although usually including romantic elements, women's fiction (including chick lit) is generally not considered a direct subcategory of the romance novel genre, because in women's fiction the heroine's relationship with her family or friends may be just as important as her relationship with the hero.[2]

Chick lit features hip, stylish, career-driven[1] female protagonists, usually in their twenties and thirties. The women featured in these novels may be obsessed with appearance or have a passion for shopping.[1]

The setting is generally urban and the plot usually follows the characters' love lives and struggles for professional success (often in the publishing, advertising, public relations, or fashion industry). The style is usually of an airy, irreverent tone and includes frank sexual themes. It frequently makes use of current slang and cliches.

beatccr avatar
Date Posted: 10/1/2009 10:59 PM ET
Member Since: 3/13/2007
Posts: 3,773
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popular chick lit authors include Jennifer Weiner (so yay! you're on the right track!), Sophie Kinsella, Emily Giffin, Meg Cabot, Marian Keyes, just to name a few. those are the biggies and there are LOTS of other authors out there.

short-angry14 avatar
Friend of PBS-Silver medal
Date Posted: 10/1/2009 11:21 PM ET
Member Since: 3/8/2009
Posts: 821
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Thanks Deborah!  Appreciate the feedback!

pjs2780 avatar
Date Posted: 10/4/2009 7:44 PM ET
Member Since: 8/1/2009
Posts: 301
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 I have to add Jen Lancaster to the list of "don't miss" chick lit authors.  She is hilarious, and a fellow Chicagoan!