This Is Chick-lit

by Lauren Baratz-Logsted (Editor)

The genre of fiction known as "chick-lit" has been a lightning rod for debate in the world of literature, raising questions such as Is chick-lit really literature or just harmless fluff? Is this really an accurate portrayal of the lives of modern women? Eighteen renowned authors—including Jennifer Coburn, Raelynn Hillhouse, Harley Jane Kozak, Cara Lockwood, and Rachel Pine—weigh in with the best of chick-lit, proving that this genre deserves as much, or more, respect as any other. In addition to their story, each author elaborates on her feelings about the “chick-lit” label and recommends literary fiction writers that have inspired them.

Genres: Chick Lit, Short Stories, Fiction, Romance, Anthologies

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2006

About the author

Lauren grew up in Monroe, CT, where her father owned a drugstore at which her mother was the pharmacist. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where she majored in psychology. She also has what she calls her “half-Masters” in English from Western Connecticut State University (five courses down, another five to go…someday!).

Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.

Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.

In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.

Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.

In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.

Lauren’s favorite color is green.

Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.

Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.

Reviews

[Kamilah]

Funny thing is, I thought this book was aiming to teach readers how to write chick-lit. In my defense, it WAS in the writing section. When I found out it wasn't, I was PO'ed for money wasted (Yeah, I should have checked more thoroughly) and put it on my shelf. But maybe a year or so later, I decided to pick up the book at work and read it since I needed to kill time.

I really loved it! Each story was very interesting, a diverse collection of short stories. Stories about love, self-esteem, men, life struggles, and interestingly enough, one in there about a super agent chick and a murder mystery too. I had short stories I really liked, and a couple or so that were just "meh...". But overall, I recommend it. The stories are cute, funny, and sometimes a little strange. But hey, like the book says "This IS Chick Lit" Pick it up sometime for a good laugh.

[Amy Kemp]

Didn't do much to bolster the impression of "chick-lit" Some were good, some were ok, and some were awful

[Beth Counselman]

Some stories stronger than others - this is a great book for a quick, snack bite of reading. A bit dates now in 2023 (I picked this up at a book sale), but I did really enjoy the author recommendations of other books.

[Arielle]

I liked a couple at the end, but for the most part, they were dull and forgettable.

[Emily]

This is a collection of shore stories that was gathered in response to a book, This is not Chick-lit. So, it was to fight some of the stigma attached to chick-lit. There are 18 short stories by different authors in the book.

Most of the stories I found very enjoyable. There weren't any that I skipped or felt like is this over yet about. Most of the stories I enjoyed and wanted to know more about the characters after the story was over. Also the stories were also varied which was nice, some were single, some were getting engaged, some were growing in their career, etc. I think my favorite was The Database.

Overall a quick, enjoyable read that I would recommend.

[aimee]

The first story was crap and that isn't a very good way to start out a book of short stories. Some of the stories were entertaining, like the one where the woman in Paris keeps stumbling on murdered bodies. Other than that, it was just alright.

[Deanne]

3.5/5

A variety of interesting stories by a various writers. There was a lot of variety in quality and enjoyment for me, but by the end some of the theme just started to bore me and feel very repetitive.

[Lisa]

This was one of the first chick lit books I had read; wasn't too bad.

[Kati]

Full review here:

http://landismom.wordpress.com/2006/0...

[Heather]

Read a handful, didn't really keep my interest.

[Salimah]

a collection of short "chick lit" stories. Some are better than others, as would be the case with any collection of short stories.

[Maria]

Some short stories in this anthology are better than others, and some I would not even classify as chick-lit:-) Good quick read!

[Virginia]

Excellent argument against literary/intra-female snobbery. I enjoyed most of the stories in this book.

[Alix]

Some good stories among the bunch, but I was sort of bored with others. Quick read.

[Season]

I think am I just tired of short stories becaues I found this rather boring. There were some funny moments in each story, but....i wouldn't read it again.

[Angela]

Some of the stories I enjoyed quite a bit, while just a few I could have done without. Overall, a quick, fun read where I may find new authors to add to my growing to read list.

[Kaethe]

Great collection

[Megan]

Not really my type of lit, but I'm attempting it