Do you find chick-lit or romance novels to be uni-dimensional? I find myself getting bored when the plot line consists of a romance only, even within the chick-lit genre. I seek more from the reading experience than just butterflies, rainbows and unicorns.
Kristan Higgins books were the solution. Her books are about a woman's (or 2/3 women's) self development journey but dealt with in an entertaining, amusing and spunky manner. It often involves making peace with her family, old friends, old enemies, baggage from her history and finally with her own self. And of course, a part of her journey is her romantic life and like in real life, romance forms a part of her journey and does not dominate her life. Overall, a very balanced and realistic approach.
Thought she has written many books, I have listed her top 5 books which are my favourites. Make sure you don't read these back to back as you will spot patterns. Mix it up with other authors to keep it fun.
1. On second thought - This was the first Kristan Higgins books I read and I absolutely loved the style of storytelling. This book is a story of two sisters who are not that close. Between the two of them they have issues with relationships, family acceptance, career satisfaction, a ticking biological clock, overcoming grief at a partner's sudden death, handling a loved one's betrayal and their tenuous relationship with each other.
Through the course of this book, you will see them overcome most of their problems at a realistic pace with resolutions that bring closure without being overly dramatic.
Through the course of this book, you will see them overcome most of their problems at a realistic pace with resolutions that bring closure without being overly dramatic.
2. Now that you mention it - This book follows the phenomenal personal journey of a Doctor. You'll understand what I mean when you read this book but I was amazed by all the ups and downs she goes through and how she still remains standing tall after her incredible journey. No, she doesn't get thrown into a war zone but has some usual and some rather unusual trials and tribulations that an average person can have and she comes out shining and bad-ass on the other side.
I loved the scenes of female bonding with multiple generations of her family socialising with all their collective friends. I wasn't sure who the hero of the story was for a large part of the book and when the romance does bloom, it was very sweet considering the couple is in their thirties.
I loved the scenes of female bonding with multiple generations of her family socialising with all their collective friends. I wasn't sure who the hero of the story was for a large part of the book and when the romance does bloom, it was very sweet considering the couple is in their thirties.
3. If only you knew - This is a story about two sisters too but it is a different story due to the situation that one of the sister's is in. I have strong opinions about cheating in a marriage and this book dwells considerably on why a woman might choose to stay with a cheating husband and spoiler alert, but it goes beyond financial dependence.
You can really picture the town they live in, their homes and their lives. This book made me want to visit Cambry on Hudson. 😍
You can really picture the town they live in, their homes and their lives. This book made me want to visit Cambry on Hudson. 😍
4. Good luck with that - This is an unusual book because the lead characters are obese and making peace with their weight is a big part of their journey. In such a harsh world where everyone is judged by their looks and waist size, books are rarely written about how lives of obese people goes about and the perspective was interesting and so normal.
Don't worry this book is not just about obesity, there are still the obstacles of family issues, an eternal baggage of grief and romantic life to overcome as well. One of the leading ladies is a personal chef and I was inspired to make Aubergine Parmigiana which was just as awesome as described in the book.
Don't worry this book is not just about obesity, there are still the obstacles of family issues, an eternal baggage of grief and romantic life to overcome as well. One of the leading ladies is a personal chef and I was inspired to make Aubergine Parmigiana which was just as awesome as described in the book.
5. The Best man - This is one of Kristan Higgins' earliest good book and also the first (and best) book in the Blue Heron series. The lead character is a lady who gets dumped at the altar because her childhood sweetheart comes out of the gay closet right before the wedding. This causes enough upheaval in her life as does being in the car during the accident that killed her mother.
Watch this lady with a most amusing family and friends circle overcome her struggles while being absolutely normal and relatable. This book covers the beautiful pattern of someone leaving the nest to pursue other opportunities but returning home to settle down where they have always belonged.
Watch this lady with a most amusing family and friends circle overcome her struggles while being absolutely normal and relatable. This book covers the beautiful pattern of someone leaving the nest to pursue other opportunities but returning home to settle down where they have always belonged.
If you would like to buy these from India, click here -
On Second Thought
Now that you mention it
If only you knew
Good luck with that
The Best Man
From the reviews, you can see that I can't recommend this author enough. For well rounded and enjoyable stories aimed mainly at a female audience, one cannot beat a Kristan Higgins novel.
On Second Thought
Now that you mention it
If only you knew
Good luck with that
The Best Man
From the reviews, you can see that I can't recommend this author enough. For well rounded and enjoyable stories aimed mainly at a female audience, one cannot beat a Kristan Higgins novel.
Go ahead and try one of them. What are you waiting for??
No comments:
Post a Comment