Two Wishes

Light and Funny Books?

More on this later, but I'm planning a bit of a feel-good project. One goal is to read some fluffy, funny novels. Unfortunately, I've already covered my usual suspects, and last time I tried to branch out blindly, I hated the book and wound up angry I'd wasted my time. (Yes, I finished it anyway. What's up with that?)

So ... any suggestions??!?

You know the type I mean, right? Authors like Sophie Kinsella and Janet Evanovich? I'd name more, but, um ... that's the problem. I don't know many. Except that I'd never ask for advice without putting my own out there in return, so here are my few other, lesser-known chick lit favorites:

Hester Brown -- her Little Lady Agency books have a similar feel to Sophie Kinsella (whose non-Shopaholic books I adore, but reading about the Shopaholic's addiction just depresses me)

Jennifer Cruisie -- loved her in college, she lost me for a while, got me back with the charming Bet Me, and we've been on-again, off-again ever since

Jane Heller -- also has some fun books; looks like I missed this one, so it's going on my list...

P.S.  Random other question:  These are all "chick lit" with varying amounts of romance....  What do men read when they want funny escapist fare?  There are only so many wisecracking detectives and/or David Sedaris essay collections out there, but what are the other choices??  Just curious!

 

It's the Most Wonderful Tiiiiime of the Yearrrrr

Well, yes, the holidays.  I guess.  But also, it's time for Chronicle Books' annual pre-holiday sale!!  This year they're calling it a Friends and Family Sale -- 30% off and free shipping if you use the code "FRIENDS" at checkout.

In the spirit of wedding planning, I thought I'd highlight a few Chronicle wedding titles.  Among several dozen offerings are The Instant Wedding Planner for short-on-time couples, The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers, a couple of groom's guides, and a fun-looking journal called The Newlyweds' Book of Firsts.  On the soon-to-be-published front, I can't wait to check out The DIY Wedding.   And I'm curious about this Worst-Case Scenario handbook, though hopefully there won't be reason to use the knowledge on anyone's big day!  Or, if you're giving CD's as favors, how about a CD packaging kit?:

Chronicle also publishes cookbooks and some interesting titles for your home.  This Kath Kidston home planner is lovely.  And I'm quite tempted by The Space Planner, which gives you little vinyl furniture pieces to move around on a grid -- Colorforms for grown-ups!:

Most of my purchases go to me, me, me, but Chronicle does also offer great gifts.  For example, an artsy friend of mine reported thoroughly enjoying this paint-by-number set.  And I love my box of mini journals, which would be a thoughtful gift for friends or wedding attendants:

But, really, there's no point in singing the praises of Chronicle Books without mentioning their stationery.  I already adore my Angela Adams correspondence cards -- perfect for occasions when you want to send a "real" note but don't need to write much.  And I lust over Heather Ross goldfish fabric -- it's been on my Wists for years! -- so how could I possibly resist the same pattern in a stationery?: 

Last year's label set is running out (you'd be surprised how often labels come in handy!), and I've long had my eye on these Sukie labels as a replacement.  Ooh, and they've started carrying Anne Taintor -- too bad I purchased an organizer last year, because now I can't justify buying another one.  Even if it does say "It's so involved being me" on the cover!:

A warning -- their website seems to be going through periods of technical difficulty.  But the sale code is good through November 28, so you can always stop back.

Do you have any Chronicle favorites to share?