I love the Bridget Jones books, so I picked up Fielding's other books -- Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination, and Cause Celeb.  I was surprised by how *different* they both were, and how very different from Bridget Jones.

I loved them both, but for entirely different reasons.  Olivia Joules I read this week in the hospital, while waiting for my son to have tests, and it was *perfect*.  Light enough that I could follow it even while distracted, but the plot was intricate and lovely, with the beautiful Ms. Joules falling in and out of danger as often as she falls in and out of love.  A spy book, seriously.

Cause Celeb was --- much more serious than I had thought.  It had its funny moments, but really highlighted the real human tragedies that occur daily in Africa.  Interesting book, even somewhat thought provoking.

What did you all think of these two?  Too different?  Too serious?  What do you most like in a Chick-Lit book -- mostly fun, or fun mixed with a certain amount of seriousness?  Inquiring minds want to know! ;-)

Lisa

i just won a lot of 24 chick lit on ebay for like $12 ---and those two are in there, so now i'm intrigued to read ;)

I hadn't even thought of checking e-bay for books.  I know now how I'm going to spend my morning! 

Let me know what you think of them, when you get to them!  Any other gems in the lot?

I haven't read Olivia Joules but I loved CAUSE CELEB!  It was a witty story with a very likeable heroine.  Chick lit with substance!  Your right Lisa, a real departure from BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY.  Any other books out there like this??  

I thought Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner was much like this -- chick lit with substance.   I just finished reading it.  Real drama in the middle of this book -- I think it's Weiner's best book. 

Olivia Joules doesn't have as much substance, but it does have some great spy devices (my favorite -- the tricked out underwire bra!  James Bond would have trouble using that one....)

I think Olivia Joules and Cause Celeb really demonstrate what a good *writer* Fielding is.  Her Bridget Jones books are so informal, with the diary-style and everything, you might get the impression she couldn't write well, but she really can.

Lisa