It's a Chick Thing: Celebrating the Wild Side of Women's Friendships

by Ame Mahler Beanland, Jill Conner Browne (Foreword), Emily Miles Terry (Editor)

The millions of "Sweet Potato Queens" and "Ya-Ya" sisters speak to a growing hunger to talk about, read about, and ponder the ineffable nature of women's relationships. "It's a Chick Thing" is a collection of forty spirited stories about the special and unique times that strengthen the bonds of women's friendships and create shared history. It takes a look at women's friendship at its wildest, adventurous best -- the antics, the escapades, the risk taking, the loyalty, the irrepressible humor and merriment. Read about Dolly Parton's escapades with her friends in high school, Fergie's and Diana's night on the town during Andrew's bachelor party, how Sharon Stone literally gave Mimi Craven the shirt off her back, and the time when Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn faced down the Coal Miner's Daughter's detractors. Readers will delight in reading about Cirque du Chien, a group of party-loving chicks who dress up like French poodles and drink French champagne. Or La Bella Mafia, a girl gang dedicated to glorious divadom who right wrongs and overdress for every occasion. "It's a Chick Thing" also includes chick resources such as "Shoo Fly Be Gone," a list of verbal comebacks for getting rid of those pesky men who interrupt your girls' nights out and "Chick Stars," an astrological guide to finding your most compatible (and incompatible) friends. There are also handy chickcentric lists including "Chicks That Rock," "Chick Reads," "Chick Flicks," and "Chick Cliques."

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Chick Lit, Humor

189 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2000

Reviews

[Graceann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this interesting little volume, women of all ages discuss the wonderfulness and occasional difficulty of friendships among women. Tales abound of cross-country adventures, support in difficult times and, every once in a while, betrayal. Interspersed are ideas for books to read, movies to watch, and parties to have with your sisters of the heart.

Not all of the essays are winners - as happens in a collection, there are a few that make you say "what the heck did I just read?" For instance, one woman writes of the time that her "friend" comes with her to meet a guy that the author had a mad crush on, and 30 minutes later this "friend" is doing him in the parking lot. The author laughs about it, at the time and then again later. Laughing is not what I would have been doing.

For those of us with networks of women who care about our lives, and about whose lives we care in return, this is a nice little memory jogger. It was fun to dip in and out of between "heavier" reads - I felt like I was taking a peek into other women's experiences, and I guess I actually was.

[E.K.]

My best friend gifted me this book on my birthday this year, tongue-in-cheek but also dead seriously. I LOVE the art and overall design. The quotes about friendship sprinkled in throughout the book are great. It was a lighthearted read. Very very straight and most of the women who contributed have lived much more privileged lives than I. Not super relatable but I cherish it because it came from someone I love who undoubtedly knew exactly what I’d like about it.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great chick stories!

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute anthology

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book of stories, recipes, and other tidbits about friendship and celebrating friendship. Nothing that groundbreaking or fantastic, but overall enjoyable.

[Trudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun "gift for a friend" book... Lots of witty quotes and fun stories from women ranging between the Duchess of York to Loretta Lynn.

I like reading these and personalizing the gift by writing in my own comments and notes to a friend before I give it.

[Tricia Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duh. Of course it's amazing because I'm in it. That's me in the picture on page 121, right in the middle. Thanks to my friend Jen for writing the story!

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories in this book were just mediocre and I quickly tired of it and put it aside. It has a few gems but not something I would rush out to buy.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read. Made me want to gather up every one of my girl friends and have a tea party or a gigantic sleepover. Or do something crazy.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a funny light read, great for a girls vacation or beach trip. Some of the stories were hilarious others were so touching, great mix and shows true friendship.

[knittyknatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this one 5 stars as I am a contributor to the collection!

[Brenda Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about women's relationships. It was a fun, entertaining book.

[Attie]

Not as funny as I was anticipating.