Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library discussion

The latest episode of Hush is dedicated to Chick Lit. Listen to our lively discussionwith Erin Seeger on some her favorite Chick Lit books and movies. Titles discussed include The Devil Wears Prada, The Jane Austen Book Club, and Confessions of a Shopaholic. Which one is your favorite?

Jane Austen Book Club!

I love Marian Keyes. I was given a copy of "Last Chance Saloon" and fell in love with her writing. "Sushi for Beginners" is fun. "Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married" is great if you've ever wondered what a psychic predection might do. She gets into some deeper subjects subjects "This Charming Man" deals with domestic violence and "Rachel's Vacation" is about going to rehab for alcoholism. "Watermelon", "Angels", and "Anybody Out There" are about Rachel (from Rachel's Holiday) sisters - which is a great family. Keyes is a recovering alcoholic and often battles depression. However, she has recently gotten into the "Twitters" and has done some video "podcasts" in her newsletter which are available on her website.

I find there is quite a bit of humor in her writing, and there are a couple books out there on her short stories and journal articles.

Another author I would recommend for Chick Lit is Jennifer Crusie. All of her characters are in their 30s and there is usually a loveable dog invovled.

I tried reading "Watermelon," and I think I gave up because of other stressful things going on in life, but I stopped a quarter of the way through and might have to pick it up and try again because I keep reading such great reviews about that series! Thanks for the recommendations. Have you listened to any of Keyes' audiobooks? I'm glad to know about her past; I just read her "10 things about me" list and I'm intrigued!

Same thing with Jennifer Cruise; she has been on my "to-read" list, but I haven't gotten to her books just yet!

Watermelon starts off very depressing. I recommend one of her more fun books such as Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married or Last Chance Saloon.

I don't read a lot in this genre which is strange because I enjoy it. Loved Bridget Jones' Diary. I would classify Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series as sort of chic-lit too. You have a singleton trying to get a handle on her career,family, and love life. Also very humorous.

As for a more paranormal twist, I recommend trying You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister; Undead & Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson; and Wicked Appettite by Janet Evanovich.

MaryJanice Davidson is very funny. The Royal Treatment had me laughing out loud. I also enjoyed Fred the Mermaid series by her.

I started off with Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and it has been my favorite.

I haven't listened to Keyes audio books. However, in her newsletter she is doing a bit of video chat. I love her Irish accent. In the first she was talking about Katy Perry's blue hair and how she ended up settling for subtile purple extensions. The second one she was talking about Hunger Games and Twitter which she calls "The Twitters." Fun to listen to.