I readily admit that I’m somewhat snobby when it comes to reading. Not really judgmental — because I understand some people wanting pure escapism when they read –but for me, I don’t usually go for light fluffy novels. When I do read what is characterized as “chick lit,” (although these chicks are closer to my age, 40, than young chicks), I am often pleasantly surprised. This was one of those cases.
With The Whole Package in particular, I saw the beauty of pure escapism. I enjoyed the couple of days I spent reading about these 3 best friends. While the novel deals with themes that are real and not always uplifting, such as job loss, teen daughter drama, marital separation, financial troubles, it was handled so nicely — neither glossed over thus not real, nor depressing. Without getting too deep or philosophical, it did make me think about my priorities and my forever friendships.
It was also funny — How could a novel about opening a Hooters-type restaurant for women not be?
If you enjoy light women’s fiction, it’s likely that you will identify with Jackie, Cheryl, or Doris — or if not, you’ll enjoy watching their story unfold.
Author Cynthia Ellingson wrote a guest post here about how The Whole Package was originally conceived as a screenplay. Her Books on Screen guest post gives an interesting inside look at how the story came to be. Check it out!
Jennifer Donovan just enjoys books, to put it simply. Be they picture books, kidlit, literary fiction, memoir, or even chick lit. She blogs at Snapshot.
Oh I’m glad you enjoyed this! I also stay away from fluffy stuff for the most part but I LOVE when chick-lit is done WELL and can really act as an escape. Fun!