We all know how the story goes. We’ve read the book a million times. The movie adaption is on repeat on our Netflix. We never get tired of reading this story: girl meets handsome guy, falls in love, something keeps them apart, but they overcome and they end up happily together. What is it about this storyline that gets us every time? I know, certainty and on some deeper level, we want that story (without the heartbreak) for ourselves.
These “chick-lit’s” are so cliché we can recite the book word for word. While I am a fan of the predictable, sometimes I like to experience shock or venture into the unknown. Here are five chick-lit’s that don’t take you down the predictable path.
1. Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering
“I shiver, thinking about how easy it is to be totally wrong about people—to see one tiny part of them and confuse it for the whole.”
This is exactly what Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering explores. We’ve all dated, or know a friend that’s dated, that guy: the guy they cannot seem to get over or give up. The one you KNOW is not right for you, is not “the one”, will never be “the one”. Except we cannot let go of him; we keep crawling back hoping that this time will be different. Anyone heard or played the lead role in this story before?
In Tell Me Lies we meet Lucy Albright who is starting college in California. College is a new experience for Lucy, filled with new friends, adventure and of course, partying. It is during a party weekend that she meets Stephen DeMarco and so the rollercoaster ride begins. The story alternates between Lucy’s and Stephen’s point of view. which gives an interesting look into how each of them perceives the relationship and the impact it is having on their lives.
What I loved (and simultaneously detested) most about this book is how flawed the main character, Lucy is. Carola Lovering PERFECTLY captures what is like to be in a relationship with a guy who will ruin your life.
This is the chick-lit that will make you uncomfortable. I highly recommend this read for anyone who’s been with a guy like Stephen or knows someone who was with a Stephen.
View this post on Instagram
2. Hello Sunshine by Laura Dave
Funny, emotional, realistic and totally captivating is the story of Sunshine (Sunny) McKenzie who is going through the worse period of her life!
Sunshine McKenzie is at the top of her game in every sense of the word. She is a hit YouTuber, numerous cookbooks and maybe an upcoming network show? On the morning of her 35th wedding anniversary, her Twitter gets hacked. In one day she loses her cooking empire, home and yes… her hot husband. Yes, that is a little dramatic and a lot to lose in one day, but as you will find, Sunshine McKenzie is dramatic and you are going to be going on an adventure with this book.
As I said before, a chick-lit for me, almost never gets it right, so I must congratulate Laura Dave on writing such a refreshing tale. I think most millennial woman can relate to Sunshine in some way. A great beach read packed with likeable characters, hilarious writing and a female protagonist we can’t help but cheer on.
View this post on Instagram
3. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
If I could sum up this book in two words, it would be charming and endearing. Eleanor Oliphant is the character who will get under your skin and stay there.
Eleanor Oliphant lives a very simple, somewhat lonely life. She sticks to her unchanging time table: work, home, crosswords puzzle and lots of vodka before bed. Yes, Eleanor may be your introverted, vodka-loving next door neighbour. When the new IT hire, Raymond who storms into Eleanor’s idyllic, very clean life, what happens next makes for a captivating story.
Eleanor Oliphant is not your ideal starring female. She does not have it together, she doesn’t like people, and quite frankly she would rather be left alone. This is what makes this quirky, lovable character so unforgettable.
If you love flawed characters, Eleanor is your girl. If you are looking for a book that will captivate you, make you laugh out loud, and maybe even shed a few tears, this is your book.
View this post on Instagram
4. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
If you are anything like me- a hopeless romantic, a lover of love, a strong believer in fate, timing and true love- then you will absolutely love this book. This beautifully written, poignant novel will have you becoming emotionally invested and maybe even crying irrationally.
The book is told from the point of view of Lucy. We get insight into Lucy and Gabe’s relationship, from the day they meet at Columbia University. Fate brought them together on a day that a lot of lives were ripped a part. Over the period of thirteen years we see how their relationship evolves, and how they battle to make meaning of life and love.
Through Lucy’s narration we get a front row seat to their intense, passionate love, the kind of love you only experience once in a lifetime. Lucy and Gabe’s relationship is heartbreaking and beautiful in so many ways. Reading this book felt so deeply personal, it was as if I picked up someone’s journal to their lover. A true tear jerker.
We are reminded that love is complicated, fate is a hell of a thing and bad timing can ruin a perfect thing.
Trigger Warning: If you are going through a break-up, please do not pick this one up.
View this post on Instagram
5. Final Girls by Riley Sager
Final Girls ticked every suspense and thriller box; this book is truly un-put-down-able. If you are looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing till the very last page, this is for you.
Final Girls, is about three girls who went through some horrific deadly events and they were the only remaining survivors- hence the name, “Final Girls. The book surrounds Quincy, a Final Girl who doesn’t remember her deadly event but has moved past it and is coping, that is until, another final girl dies. With the suspicious death of this “final girl”, Quincy’s nightmare is revisited by the media. Quincy is a mess, and rightly so, because maybe the killer is back for her, finally.
This book is pore raising as much as it is suspenseful- you will never guess how this ends. Sager is such a great storyteller; she builds the plot, heightens your anxiety and sets the tone for the big reveal and what a reveal it was! A truly thrilling read that will have you on the end of your page for the entire time.
View this post on Instagram
There you have it, five chick-lit that won’t have you rolling your eyes.
by