My choice of books today are similar to yesterday’s in that they are what I consider Chick Lit. These are the first books by Meg Cabot that I ever read. I believe the whole Princess Diary craze was after my time. But these books came out when I was in my late twenties/early thirties, and I was all about being a single woman. And I loved the cute, funny romances like these. Now what makes these books really unique is that they are not told through normal narrative like other books. While I don’t know that these were the first books to do this, I’m sure they were out before it became more of a trend.
The first book, The Boy Next Door, is told completely through emails. Nothing but emails. No actual dialogue, regular chapters and paragraphs describing things, just the daily emails from the main character, Mel and her friends, coworkers, bosses, etc. She’s got a good job, gossip columnist, but her love life leaves much to be desired. And there’s a really cute neighbor that she’s noticed some weird things going on. I loved this book because it is told in such a fun, unique way. And the character was one that I felt was easy to relate to as a single woman at the time. I definitely think you should check it out, as well as the next one I list if you enjoy fun romance stories.
The second book, Boy Meets Girl, is told through letters, instant messenger posts, lists, memos, etc. There is not anything other than that within the entire book. And I can’t remember for sure, it’s been a while since I read it, but I think there is at least one part that is a note or list written on a napkin. The main character is Kate. She has a horrible boss, a boyfriend that she can’t get to commit, and can’t find an affordable apartment in NYC. The horrible boss makes her fire some employees, who then come back and sue her. The legal woes aren’t so bad when she meets the very attractive lawyer Mitch. A man who is normally not her type at all, but for some reason they click. A fun read, and as I said, completely told through all the different types of messages.
Have you read any Meg Cabot books? Or books told in a similar format? That’s one reason I enjoyed Rainbow Rowell’s Attachments was because of that type of format.
And while you’re here, enter the giveaway below!
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Sounds very fun. The nearest books I can think of like that are the Adrian Mole ones told entirely in diary forms (and later there are some letters which are hilarious). Very different, though!
I'll have to check those out! I love those different styles of books. Thanks for visiting!
I haven't read Meg Cabot nor any books with a similar format. Very intriguing! I have Eleanor and Park by Rainbow sitting patiently by my bed waiting to be read.
I've got Eleanor and Park on my Nook, but when I tried to start it I had a bit of trouble. I still intend to try again as it is so popular and I liked Attachments by Rowell so much.
I do love Meg Cabot! And Attachments was actually my first Rainbow Rowell book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Another great epistolary type book is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of WWII.
REally, I didn't realize those books were that type! That makes me even more interested in them now. Thanks for stopping by!
I love this series by meg cabot. I read it a while ago but I rememeber really likeing the emails and office chats in the books
Great Review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
It's been a while since I read it as well, so my review isn't as in depth as more recent books, but I loved it enough!
These books sound like fun. I've often considered writing a novel in a similar way so it'll be great research as well as an entertaining read. Thanks!
As you like to read, you might like to pop over to my blog during A to Z as I'm writing flash fiction stories for my A to Z posts. http://www.tdharveyauthor.com
You definitely should do that! I think it's a nice change to read things like this. In a way it's like when you read a novel that is told through prose. Thanks for visiting and I'll be sure to check out your post as well!
Thanks, Lisa 🙂
I haven't read any of her books, but they look interesting. Might have to check them out:)
I highly recommend them! Thanks for stopping by!
What a lovely idea and a fun post too.
Thanks! And thanks for visiting!
hi Lisa, I love chick lit too. ! have been a devoted fan of UK author, Katie Fforde, for years. Her books always cheer me up on bleak days. Thanks for helping me find your site by visiting http://www.authorsupport.net on the A-to-Z challenge. I shall certainly be back.
Hmm, haven't heard of Katie Fforde, only Jasper Fforde, but I'll have to go check her out! Thanks for stopping by!