books!

[elly427]

Does anyone have any good book recommendations? I'm going to be doing a lot of flying in the next few weeks, and I'd love some suggestions. I have The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon but that will only do me part of the journey. Anyone have any recs for some good, engrossing chicklit?

Comments

[greycoupon.livejournal.com]

I don't read so I am no help but I'm glad you are coming. You get in on Thursday?

[elly427.livejournal.com]

Thursday it is! It'll be good to see you again!

[callmeonetrack.livejournal.com]

My favorite chick lit author is Marian Keyes. I'd highly recommend Watermelon, Rachel's Holiday, or Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married. She's really witty and funny but also tackles serious issues like alcoholism or depression. The first two books focus on sisters from the same wacky Irish family and the depictions of their mum, dad and siblings are really hilarious.

Another good author is Cecelia Ahern's PS I Love You (much better than the awful recent movie with Hilary Swank) or Rosie Dunne (romantic and funny about a pair of best friends who very very very slowly realize they're the love of each other's life--sort of a Lee/Kara dynamic but somewhat less angsty) or If You Could See Me Now (whimsical fun about a very serious woman who learns to embrace her childish side when her nephew's imaginary friend decides to spice up their lives).

These books are all a bit older (from 5 or 6 years ago) but I haven't really read a lot of great chick lit lately. If none of these seem to fit the bill, let me know and I can give you more recs.

[pathstotread.livejournal.com]

I second the rec for PS I Love You. I liked the movie fine, but the book was much better. And I just snagged If You Could See Me Now off the Barnes & Noble bargain shelf, so I'm glad to hear that it's good as well.

I read Sushi For Beginners by Marian Keyes and wasn't sure what to think. I might need to try another of hers.

[callmeonetrack.livejournal.com]

Sushi isn't one of my favorites. That one uses multiple narrators and I find her first-person voice is much stronger and more engaging.

If you haven't read Rosie Dunne, that one might be my favorite of Ahern's. It's got the best friends falling for each other plotline that I tend to love.

[pathstotread.livejournal.com]

Well I adore Lee/Kara, so the comparison to Rosie Dunne makes me very interested to pick it up. I love the best friends in love plotline, too. And I'll definitely have to check out the other Marian Keyes books you recommended.

[elly427.livejournal.com]

I didn't see the movie because of my irrational dislike for Hillary Swank, so I'm glad to hear the book was better. I shall endevour to track down a copy.

And Sushi for Beginners was the Marian Keyes I'd read and not liked! Maybe it's that book. Hmm.

[elly427.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I'm not a huge Marian Keyes fan, but I keep hearing good things so I should likely try her again. I will see if I can find PS I Love You too. Thanks for the suggestions!

[http://users.livejournal.com/wisteria_/]

When I was dusting my shelves last night, I noticed that I have quite a few books that I'll probably never read again. You're more than welcome to borrow one or two when you're here. Might save you a trip to the bookstore. :)

[elly427.livejournal.com]

Ooo! Thank you! I might just take you up on that ;)

[raincitygirl.livejournal.com]

"The Eyre Affair" by Jasper Fforde and its sequels.

[pathstotread.livejournal.com]

Yes! I definitely second these. Very fun reads.

[elly427.livejournal.com]

I picked that up at the library tonight. Thanks for the rec - looks awesome!

[pathstotread.livejournal.com]

When anyone mentions chick lit, I have to first recommend Jennifer Weiner. Her older stuff, like Good In Bed and In Her Shoes, is better than her newer books, IMO.

I've heard good stuff about Emily Giffin, but I haven't read any of hers yet.

[elly427.livejournal.com]

Noted! Thanks for the suggestions!

[canadiangirl-86.livejournal.com]

If you've ever had a dog (or even if you haven't) I strongly recommend 'Dog Years' by Mark Doty. I'm not even halfway through yet but it's wonderful so far.

[elly427.livejournal.com]

I have always wanted a dog - does that count? ;) I'll see if I can pick it up!

[jadengreen36.livejournal.com]

I'm not so much for the chick lit, however, I have read Emily Giffin's Something Borrowed like 25 times and still adore it. (It's her first and her other three got IMO progressively worse.) I LOVE IT. LOVE IT.

[elly427.livejournal.com]

I keep seeing that everywhere - I'll add it to the list! Thanks!