Characteristics

In the past, chick lit has dealt almost exclusively with single, urban women in their 20s and 30s. Now the genre has expanded to include all types of women, ranging in age from twentysomething to senior-citizenship. Jennifer Weiner sums up chick lit in one sentence fragment: "Female protagonist, urban setting, smart, sarcastic voice" (Ganahl, 2005).

Other characteristics:

• Chick lit is written "by women for women" (chicklitbooks.com).
  
• Lighthearted, personal tone, though themes can be serious.
• Often features young, single women in an urban setting.
• The protagonist is dealing with one or more usual life issues. By the end of the book, the protagonist has not necessarily solved her problem, but is on her way to a solution.
• The protagonist has strong support from friends and/or family.
• Often features brand-name-dropping (Louis Vuitton bags, Betsey Johnson dresses, Blackberries, Harry Winston jewelry, brunch at the Four Seasons, etc.)
• Often written in first person.
  

History

Appeal

Chick lit takes a believable, sympathetic character and puts her in a difficult situation. While the situation can be anything -- for example, a breakup, job trouble, body image, abuse, addiction -- it is always treated with sensitivity and humor, and in a way that lets the reader identify with the main character. Chick lit is generally character-driven, and written in such a way as to allow the reader to to be the heroine's "confidante" -- to get into the character's mind. The reader sees and identifies with the character's strengths and weaknesses. The writing is generally breezy and fast-paced, with a modern, urban setting and lighthearted tone.

Talking with readers

Key Authors

Links go to the authors' Wikipedia articles.

American

Meg Cabot
Emily Giffin
Jennifer Weiner
Lauren Weisberger

British

Helen Fielding
Jane Green (born in London, England; lives in Connecticut)
Marian Keyes
Sophie Kinsella

References

Authors on the Web (2004). Chick lit author roundtable. Retrieved August 11, 2008.
Ganahl, Jane (2005). A feminist fights back against 'chick lit' label. SFGate, retrieved August 5, 2008.
What is chick lit?. Chick Lit Books, retrieved August 11, 2008.