Are you one of those people

[Gorgeousgirlie1]

That only loves romantic/chick lit?

I am, and I find it embarassing when talking about books etc with friends as they seem to look down on me and has always put me off joining a book club. I want to be up-lifted when I read and get lost in a happy world, not feel sad. Although I really wish I could enjoy a more varied style of books.

Does anyone know of/want to start a chick lit book club? :) x

I read a variety of books but love chick lit/romance! Let me know if you ever want to discuss Gorgeous. :)

Hi

Surely as individuals we should read what we enjoy, it is a pleasurable activity after all not a chore to be suffered.

What about trying some Maeve Binchy, I love her writing and dont think it is trashy chick lit more a well rounded look at life, I find her stories emotional and uplifting. I also really like Marian Keyes again a bit more substaintial that chick lit (although some may not agree).

I also quite like historical novels - fiction with an element of realism and also you feel like you are getting a insight into peoples lives. Also stories that are a bit creepy!

Some of my favourite authors are

Diana Gabaldon - the "Outlander" series
Barbara Erskine - supernatural/historical fiction
Phillipa Gregory - historical fiction "The Other Boleyn Girl" was fab

I also like a lot of stories set around the WW2 era as I am quite interested in this. Typical romance/saga type stories a favourite of mine "One Summer at Deer's Leap" by Elizabeth Elgin set in WW2 with supernatural element.

I hope you find my suggestions useful, read what you enjoy and sod everybody else, if you want to stretch your mind then choose a subject that is of interest to you not what somebody else thinks you should be reading

I don't read chick lit but do tend to read to relax and avoid depressing stuff. My recommendations:
Jane Austen (P & P or Persuasion my faves)
Cranford
Three Men in a Boat
Wilkie Collins The Moonstone or The Woman in White
My Family and Other Animals
Gaudy Night by Dorothy L Sayers - possibly my favourite of all old-fashioned detective fiction as it has a bit of romance and feminism. I think it probably still works if you haven't read the previous couple of books.
I also read Ellis Peters to unwind and love Terry Pratchett though that's hardly highbrow!