British Chick Lit & American Chick Lit: Which Do You Prefer?
When I think of my favorite chick lit books, the majority of them are written by British authors. Chick lit became the “it” genre when British novel Bridget Jones’s Diary burst onto the scene, followed by other hugely successful novels like Confessions of a Shopaholic, another British series. British authors launched the genre, but it quickly caught on in America with the popularity of Sex and the City. Everyone has a personal preference, but I tend to gravitate toward British chick lit. It’s more lighthearted, funnier, wittier, and more amusing overall. American women’s fiction delves into very serious topics now. But I’m looking for entertainment, and British chick lit always delivers. I hope that American chick lit can get back to the roots of the genre and have some fun!
It’s possible that I find British chick lit so enchanting because I’m American and I’ve never been to the UK. I love reading about it and would love to visit someday. I often wonder if people living outside the US read American chick lit and are enamored with it because it’s something different from what they know. I like learning British expressions and slang. For example, while reading I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella, it took a few pages for me to realize that a“stag do” is a bachelor party.
While I was writing and editing my debut novel, True Love Way, I re-read British author Hester Browne’s book The Little Lady Agency three times and Swept Off Her Feet twice. They were like guides on how to write great chick lit. I have studied Browne’s books and her writing style because I think they are the best in the genre. I will continue to hone my craft and try to write chick lit that is as good as or better than the British chick lit I’ve put on such a high pedestal.
What do you think? Do you prefer American chick lit or British chick lit?
Here are 7 British chick lit novels you have to read:
1) The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne
2) Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne
3) The Little Lady Agency and the Prince by Hester Browne
4) Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
5) Swept Off Her Feet by Hester Browne
6) A Girl Like You by Gemma Burgess
7) I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
Nancy Scrofano is the author of True Love Way. She is a freelance writer, and she is the founder and managing editor of The Chick Lit Bee, a book blog that promotes and celebrates women’s fiction. Nancy is at work on her next novel. For more information, please visit http://www.nancyscrofano.com. 
That is really crazy because at the exact moment this post came through I was just explaining the same thing to my husband. I was also explaining that my style of chicklit writing (quirky humour) probably matches a British style more than an American style. I love that you articulated these words.
ReplyDeleteGreat article. Thank you!
April Aasheim (author The Universe is a Very Big Place)
That's the fabulous thing about the publishing world today, readers aren't limited to one country or another. There is global choice.
ReplyDeleteAs a newly published Indie Author, I'm ecstatic that this Canadian born, Australian resident can independently write and publish a novel that is then available to readers all over the globe.
The best thing about this, is that readers have global access and choice and a virtually endless supply of great reads available to them so they don't have to choose one over the other, but they can if they want.
LA Johannesson, author, 'eloves me, eloves me not'
Thanks for the Chick Lit recommends list. I love British Chick Lit best. American Rom Coms are okay, but not as funny, awkward and sweet in a natural way. I don't know, out of all the novels I've read across the nations, I just think UK book characters are more real, without trying to be S&TC overly funny while acting like a brainy, feminist chick. UK heroines have all their faults, but they still manage to get the man in their happily ever after :)
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