Chick Lit Challenge for February: How To Be Single by Liz Tuccillo
I haven’t read Tuccillo’s He Just Not That Into You, and have only caught a few parts of its film version on HBO. If I were to make the decision to read that more successful book based on my opinion of How To Be Single, I’d say forget it.
The premise seemed interesting enough, and the promise that Julie, the protagonist, would be traveling around the world to get insights on female singlehood (in the late 30s to 40s) sounded like a globalized Sex and the City, complete with a cast of friends—Alice, Georgia, Serena, and Ruby—that echoed the fabulous relationships of the iconic SATC girls. Sadly, I found none of this to be engaging in the way the story was turned out. I expected a more mature outlook on being single in this context compared to those in chick lit featuring twentysomethings; after all, this is supposed to be about women who have lived at least one notable chapter in their lives, thus singlehood should be taken on a different level.
But page after page of Tuccillo’s novel was filled with often shallow and desperate decisions of these women, who all surprisingly lacked the finesse appropriate for their age. I’ve read praises for this book about its being real, but I personally think the realness has been highlighted to a degree that has made it, quite honestly, a farce. There’s a constant tone of paranoia that shouts out in every scene, and Tuccillo’s attempts at nuance only achieved the counterpart of small, irrelevant talk during what is supposed to be an enlightening discussion. In the end, Tuccillo decided she would preach about being single, to quote, “I think we are going to have to love ourselves. Fuck.” Of course, this was said in the context of her long-running stream of realizations, but really, didn’t we know this? Isn’t this what every chick lit and self-help book has been saying forever? And the fact that this was the discovery borne out of extreme research and experience somehow made me think that all that traveling (if that was the sole objective) was just a waste of time. And hype.
Anyway, better pick up another book to get back on track.
Chick Lit Review #9: No Strings Attached by Mina V. Esguerra
I have an older book by Mina V. Esguerra which I remember liking a lot, but it's been a while back that I can't recall the entire story. Will have to write a review of it sometime soon.
No Strings Attached is quite interesting, insightful in many ways, particularly of the single lifestyle choice. The story is about Carla, who, like many of us, has been bullied by well-meaning friends to settle into a stable relationship with a stable guy who would be able to afford the occasional LV bag. Because this might mean limiting the choices to bankers and stock brokers--no offense--the best thing to do is go with someone the exact opposite of what is expected. And this is precisely what Carla does, to the surprise and disapproval of her friends, as they were all poised to begin their lives as serious thirtysomethings. Carla's new guy Dante is 24, a teacher, and the son of her boss' boss.
The narrative goes through some relatively fresh twists, specifically by showing Carla wanting to be the epitome of singledom while Dante had his heart set on commitment. The sex was good, their relationship easy and comfortable. But Carla's worried friends just had to be there to create trouble. All's well that ends well, as Carla and Dante resolve to be at least no-nonsense the second time around. I thought Esguerra pulled off each character well and convincingly enough, especially with Carla, who seemed to be quite wishy-washy (there is a reason for this); her friends Tonio and Mary both had very strong and defined personalities that one as mellow as Carla's would be rendered dull instantly. But this was not the case, and it was this kind of outward weakness and internal conflict that gave Carla more dimension. Dante was cool enough, but possibly too perfect that he ended up, in my opinion, as mere decor.
Language was good, dialogue believable. Carla can sometimes be annoying and bratty, but that's part of her characterization. I do have a little issue with the story, though: there seems to be little excitement (aside from Carla's almost-R date with another guy) in terms of plot, and in the end I just had warm, fuzzy feelings--as opposed to a balance of drama and reality. Then again, if the book was a film, it would be one of those quiet, understated indie movies.
Read this. Especially if you're turning or over 30.
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About Me
- Cubicle # 12
- Should be making reports and presentations but would rather go shopping in Greenbelt.
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