Recently, an author created a huge stir by announcing that she was leaving her publisher because they were not marketing her books to the right readers. She referred to their covers being targeted toward a Chick Lit audience, claiming that they misrepresented the more serious and substantial content. As a result, a storm of controversy about Chick Lit overtook the subject and Chick Lit readers and bloggers came out in droves to support the genre. The author has since claimed that her words were twisted by the media and that she in fact enjoys Chick Lit.
Chick Lit has been around for a good long time. And ever since the genre first exploded onto the scene, it has been at the center of controversy. In fact, a lot of authors have taken offense at their work being called “chick lit,” as if the term itself were intended to be derogatory. I don’t think people sat around thinking about how to label this particular genre in a manner that would offend and demean women. It was a cute name that stuck. And even now that the publishing industry no longer refers to the genre as “chick lit,” but as “humorous women’s fiction,” the subject of sexism and anti-feminism still abounds.
You can read my essay on why I believe Chick Lit is Feminist Fiction at Bitch Lit here.
I can think of no other literary genre that gets as much flack as Chick Lit. Sure, literary types often look down their noses at “genre” fiction such as Sci-Fi and Mystery as being less than, but only Chick Lit is derided as not only being inferior but also for contributing to the detriment of the feminist movement. Really, nothing could be further from the truth. And anyone who touts such, surely hasn’t read much Chick Lit.
Just because a book is packaged to appeal to women, doesn’t mean it isn’t well-written or worthwhile literary fare. Having a pastel colored cover doesn’t mean the content is little more than cotton candy for the brain. It simply means that the subject matter, whether it’s about dating or depression, is conveyed in a light, humorous tone that is intended for a female audience between the ages of 16 and 100 (who’s to say I won’t still be reading Chick Lit at 85?). The glossy covers, the upbeat colors, the whimsical title art all serve to portray the tone of the book. And I believe that’s what sets Chick Lit apart from other types of “women’s fiction.” For me, it’s all about how the subject matter is handled. The style of writing. The voice. The tone.
Is that the problem? Because it’s humorous? Chick Lit focuses on real issues facing real women in a modern society. Just like many "literary" books. The difference is, Chick Lit does it with a sense of humor.
And to anyone who still believes that Chick Lit is all fluff, I beg you to please pick up any book by Marian Keyes. My favorite is Sushi for Beginners. But if you’re looking for some really serious Chick Lit, try Ms. Keyes’ This Charming Man. That’ll forever change your opinion on how “fluffy” Chick Lit is.
Ciao!
Lucie
6 comments:
Fantastic! Well done and totally agree!
I am a firm believer in reclamation of words and considering chick lit started out rooted in feminism I think it's important to keep a focus on the power of writing and reading about women's lived experiences. I would have preferred to see this author embrace the label and help to define it at something powerful and transformative instead of throwing it under the bus.
I'm glad there are authors such as yourself who embrace and defend chick lit!
Thanks, Christine! I do believe most chick lit authors embrace the term. Usually, they started writing it because they liked reading it. However, those few who cause a stir in the industry because of the label get loads of press and I really think the perception gets eschewed. But as a feminist chick lit author, I do feel a responsibility to defend the genre whenever it is portrayed as being inferior or anti-feminist. But it certainly would be nice if we could all just read and write what we like without being judged or dismissed.
Long live Chick Lit!
Great post! Anyone who thinks chick lit is anti-feminist clearly doesn't know the genre that well. I get so tired of people thinking that chick lit is stupid because of the covers without actually reading any of the content. Hasn't anyone ever heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover"? The authors who don't want to be in the chick lit category have some nerve. It's one thing if their book really isn't chick lit (like if it's a thriller or mystery or science fiction or whatever) but it's extremely insulting to not want their book categorized as chick lit because they don't like the name of the label. What is so wrong with the name chick lit? My guess is that it all started because of chick flicks and it's still acceptable to call movies chick flicks. People need to chill out about all of this. Isn't feminism about supporting women's interests and equality? Then why put down what a lot of women are interested in: chick lit. And why treat it like it is beneath other books? That's not fair and that's certainly not equality.
-Nancy
Exactly, Nancy! Women need to support each other, not attack each other. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and support!
I think chick lit is treated a lot like the accademy of motion pictures treats comedies when it comes oscar time.
I think you are right, Bridget. Just because it's humorous, it isn't taken seriously. That's a shame. Thanks for your comment!
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