I’m Back & Summer Reading!

HELLO INTERNET!!!

Oh how I have missed you… I doubt you have missed me but that’s fine. It has been a LONG time since I bothered writing on this thing, and I apologize for that. My life, as you can imagine, is pretty full and when job, church, friends and family become busy, the reading took a back seat. But fear not friends, I have been reading and I am excited to share my findings with you all!

Summer is upon us! I don’t know about you but this year has flown by… wasn’t it just January? Of course that could just be me, but with the smell of sunscreen in the air there is only one thing on my mind: summer reading. Between the rush of BBQ’s, weddings, birthday parties, summer vacations, beach days and hours by the pool, it is always nice to have a little something to help unwind and relax during those “ahhhh..” moments. It is during those at peaceful breaks of life where I reach for my trusty friend the chic lit novel or even, dare I say it, a romance novel. *GASP* I know what you are thinking… “Really Kaitlin? REALLY?!?!? That is so unlike you. What about Austen? Tolstoy? Fitzgerald? Shakespeare? Brown? There are so many other options.” Yes, there are but during the summer I tend to be drawn towards something lighter, funny, heartfelt, and an easier read. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good mystery novel that causes me to think, guess, and play along, but when I am by the pool drinking a Mojito, all I want is to read something about dealing with the guy you have a crush on in the office.

Chic Lit novels have gotten a terrible wrap for being “silly” pieces of literature, and are often looked down upon in the literary world. Some of the stories can be very stupid and shallow, but if you do a proper search and give the genre a chance, you would be surprised at some of the great novels out there. Mind you, I am very particular about which chic lit novel I read, there will none of the “enlarged manhood” descriptions here, no thank you. The beauty about chic lit novels is that they are very up to date; they deal with topics that women of the world today face like having a crush on your best guy friend, being attracted to the guy you hate, working 50 hours a week and still being about to see your friends every once in a while, shopping addictions, credit card debt, making sure your Instagram/blog/Facebook/twitter account is current, and the ability to multi-task in every situation in life. They bring a humor and understanding to the struggles that women face on a daily basis. They are witty, sharp, funny, as well as, insightful, show depth, strength and providing the reassurance that what you are going through isn’t new. The characters are strong, independent woman who are faced with the same challenged and difficulties all women do. Plus… did I mention that they are quick reads and for someone who pretty much has two jobs, that pretty much takes the cake!

So before you got on judging me for the drop in my intelligence, and stooping so low as to read a chic lit novel, you should try one for yourself. Of course that is only for the brave people who are willing to go into their local bookstore and look at the vast amounts of chic lit novels, I know you can do it! Of course if the bookstore scares you, the internet is a great tool too! If you are not sure which books are the chic lit type novels I speak of, they are usually bright in color and have some kind of cute picture on the front that is super girly; gross. But in these situations, never judge a book by the cover. No, I’m serious. Don’t. There are all various type of novels out there so try with one that is considered “popular” and branch out from there, you will ultimately find an author you love to read.

I leave you now with a list of some of my favorite chi lit novels, if case you weren’t sure where to start. If you want to tell me what you are reading this summer in the comments below that would be amazing!! I am always looking for new books and other things to try, and I like hearing about what others are reading. Enjoy and I’ll see you all at the beach!

 

Chic Lit Novels I would recommend, in no particular order:

1)      Something Borrowed

2)      Suddenly Royal

3)      Undressing Mr. Darcy

4)      The Devil Wears Prada

5)      P.S. I Love You

6)      Austenland

7)      Eat, Pray, Love

8)      The Meryl Streep Movie Club

9)      Shoe Addicts Anonymous

10)   Confessions of a Shopaholic