“This is Not Chick Lit” not your average book
A compilation from a variety of female authors tell stories of love through humor, creativity
By Katie Austen, contributing writer
Posted on September 28, 2006

Admit it, ladies, we have all read books that we probably aren’t so proud to admit. The summer beach books, filled with romance and heartbreak, are rarely filled with award-winning writing. “This is Not Chick Lit” brings together some of America’s best female writers in a collection of short stories, perfect to pick up in your spare time.

So you may be wondering, what is “chick lit?”  It’s a genre of fiction that recycles the same boring plot: a new girl in a big city who is searching for Mr. Right in between sipping martinis with her four girl friends and dieting. There is also the occasional shopping for high-end shoes and clothing. Girl is dumped. Girl is saved by her new Prince Charming.

We have all seen these books. They are decorated with a montage of high heels and martini glasses. They are usually positioned right in the front of Barnes and Noble, glowing neon bright for the desperate housewife or female college student waiting to be lifted out of their misery. But come on, girls, we are not all shallow and desperate.

“This is Not Chick Lit,” edited by Elizabeth Merrick, brings together great writers, such as Judy Budnitz, Aimee Bender and Dika Lam. This book is a reminder that for every story about handbags and boyfriends, there is a woman writer telling powerful stores with imagination, humor and depth,

The stories in this book touch on the same themes as “chick lit” — the search for love and identity — but with more compelling story lines and told in political, provocative and surprising ways.

The stories in the collection are short and easy to read. But also, they are gripping — you want to keep on reading story after story. The stories are about real women going through real things. It reiterates that there are others going through the same things we are, thinking the same thoughts, worrying about the same worries and dreaming the same dreams.

Guys, since the title is “This is Not Chick Lit,” indulge yourself. Everything might make much more sense to you after reading this book.

For more information about the book, check out notchicklit.com.