Chicklit

Just mentioning the word can sometimes be disastrous both in writers and readers circles. There are readers that think it is below their competence of reading a “simple” chicklit and then there are the authors who don’t want their book mixed up with that genre. Fortunately there are both readers and writers who appreciate the genre for what it (mostly) is, strong character driven, well-written books which are written to entertain.
The strong, driven (often single) woman who knows what she wants, or at least thinks she knows is possibly the most characteristic of a chicklit novel. I also appreciate them because they are easy to read, the words fly off the paper and the pages turn almost by themselves.

I think that it is time to change what seems to be the general opinion of the public of chicklit novels. There are many good writers that fall into that category and should be (probably are) proud. The first that pops into my head are Marian Keyes, Sophia Kinsella, Anna Maxted.
Now it is up to you. Your mission is to go to your closest library, pick up a chicklit novel, read it with an open heart and mind and see if you don’t change your mind. If you need some help of which one to pick go over to Trashionista and take some of their advice.
Josefine

My recommendations: Fishbowl by Sarah Mlynowski

A book to pass time

I always carry a book with me where ever I go because you never know when they come in handy, at that really long line at the bank or when you wait for a friend who is running late. There are innumerous ways you can need a book to let time pass.
Even though I find it very convenient to always have a book handy, I am surprised of how many people that don’t use it as a way to distract time. Instead they are standing in line stomping their feet, sighing heavily and looking at their watch as the line to the register moves slowly ahead. Why does not people take the time standing in line to calm down and think about something else then their stressful lives? Perhaps a scientific investigation to find out how much you can reduce your stress levels when you wait in line by bringing a book would help? Anyone up for the challenge?
Josefine

My recommendations when waiting in line: Can you keep a secret by Sophie Kinsella

Summer reading

It’s been a little while since I wrote the last time. It is like this when it’s summer and there is much to do during a short period. Summers in Sweden are not very long and the days of really nice weather are easy to count and there is so much you want to cram into those days. Visits to the beach, picnics, running and most of all read. Reading in the summer for me consists of two occasions, the beach during the day and the garden in the evening. What and where do you read in the summer?

For the book industry, summer is the time when paperbacks are sold the most. In almost every bookstore in Sweden, there is an offer to buy four paperbacks and pay for three. There are definitely advantages to paperbacks, they weigh less than their hardcover sisters and they cost less, much less. Nowadays most books come out in a paperback version as well, sometimes even at the same time as the hard cover editions. Paperbacks are great for those lazy days on the beach when you grab a book just before you head out the door with your bath towel and flip-flops. Some of my favourite beach reads are Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes and Philippa Gregory. They are funny, easy read books that don’t require you to think too much. Another thing I like about them is that you can put them down between swims in the ocean and chats with your friends without getting lost.

During the long light evenings of Sweden I like to sit outside, when the weather allows it, and read in the evening. This is when I take out the more “heavy” books. The ones that are too mind wrecking to read in the heat and sun on the beach. Right now I am reading Winston Churchill’s history of England, which is quiet interesting. There are four volumes and I am only at the first, The Birth of Britain. It is certainly not objective, but it is an interesting read from one man’s perspective of the building of the great British Empire.
Josefine

My recommendations: For the beach: Sushi for beginners by Marian Keyes, for the evening: Eine frau in Berlin (A woman in Berlin) by Anonymous.