Chick Lit
A quick look at Wikipedia tells us that 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. Chick lit is very popular, 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.
Although usually including romantic elements, 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 equally as important as her relationship with the hero.
Chick lit features hip, stylish, career-driven 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.
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.
Think Bridget Jones’ Diary, Sex and the City, The Devil Wears Prada, and, of course, The Secret Life of a Shopaholic.
For me, chick lit is nothing but an irrisitable , fu, can’t-put-down read. I love nothing more than curling up with a new novel by one of my favourite chick lit authors.
In this column I am going to write a little review about all the chick lit books I love. I would be absolutely thrilled to hear your comments too!
Happy Reading!
