Beth F
Sandy
bermudaonion (Kathy)
Stephanie
Trisha
Crossing Washington Square by Joanne Rendell
I’ll admit it, I’m a book snob. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t actually read stuff that is all THAT high-brow, I’m not out there reading “Ulysses” or anything. However, I’m a total snob about romances and chick lit. I don’t actually judge other people for reading them, but if anyone suggested that I read one of those books, I would definitely turn up my nose. That is starting to change, however. Mostly because I am discovering smart women’s fiction written by authors such as Allison Winn Scotch, Marisa de los Santos, and, now, Joanne Rendell. Although my enjoyment of Allison Winn Scotch and Marisa de los Santos has already caused me to rethink my prejudices to some extent, Joanne Rendell’s “Crossing Washington Square” really made me examine them, while also entertaining me.
Diana Monroe and Rachel Grey are both professors at the prestigious Manhattan University, but, particularly in Diana’s opinion, they could not be more different. Diana is a serious scholar, focusing largely on Sylvia Plath. Rachel, on the other hand, teaches a class called Popular Women’s Fiction and wrote a book about women’s book clubs. Diana is aloof, Rachel passionate. However, they’re more alike than they think (and aren’t they always in books and movies?). Finally, when the two women find themselves leading a study abroad trip in London, their problems with one another come to a head and they finally have to figure out their relationship – can they even work together civilly?
Despite the oft-used ‘they’re more alike than they think,’ “Crossing Washington Square” did not feel cliche. I really liked Rachel and somewhat liked, somewhat hated Diana. I appreciate women’s fiction like this that deals primarily with the relationships between women or the emotional growth of women, books that aren’t just “OMG, that guy!” (actually, that’s my personal definition of women’s fiction vs. chick lit). I also really appreciated Rachel’s well-reasoned defense of popular women’s fiction. Long story short, I’m still not sold on romances or neon pink book covers as a personal preference, but I am starting to really embrace women’s fiction, and I think that “Crossing Washington Square” is a great example of a good women’s fiction novel.
Buy this book from:
Powells.
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.
Amazon.
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This is on my TBR list, can’t wait to read it. Nice review!
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I often have the same mindset you do about chick lit. I don’t mind that others read it, but it’s just not for me. However, since starting my blog, I have branched out a bit and read books I generally wouldn’t read.
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I read Ms. Rendell’s last one so I definitely am interested in this one. Great review!
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I picked up two De los Santos books because of you and now I’ll add Rendell to the wish list. When someone can recommend a book that is not in their normal genre, it pays to take note.
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OK, I have to read this. . .especially since my dissertation was on women’s book clubs!
.-= Amy Reads Good Books´s last blog ..The Senator’s Wife =-.
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devourerofbooks Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 10:16 am
Oh my gosh, yes you do! That was Rachel’s dissertation in the book, too, and she turned it into a book.
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I turn up my nose too… It’s terrible and I shouldn’t do it!
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Ha, I’ve been wanting to read this, and I like your definition of chick lit. It goes with my formula for chick lit.
Setting: NYC or LA + Occupation: Journalism, PR, Marketing, Fashion + “OMG boys!” = chick lit
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devourerofbooks Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 11:18 am
Ha! I love it! See, this one is set in New York (and partly London), but they’re professors and, although there are men, they aren’t totally “OMG boys!” (at least that isn’t the point), so women’s fiction, not chick lit.
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I think we’ve all been in relationships like that – I know I have. It sounds like a book I could relate to.
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I always say that people who chose to think they don’t like chick lit or romance have not read a good, quality one. Glad you are finding new favorites
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devourerofbooks Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I’m sure that’s true, I know there are better romance books out there than the ones sold at the grocery store.
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did mr. darcy teach you nothing!?!? hahaha. i am only a book snob when i read one of those horrid celebrity memoirs (which i do about twice a year). i actually TOOK THE JACKET off one such book to save myself the humiliation while reading in public. mwa ha ha.
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It does sound like a pretty interesting book. Thanks for the review.
I like your blog a lot!
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Oh dear … another term to confuse me. Chick lit, women’s fiction. Does it really matter? I’m glad you provided a defintion of what you meant but I do think all these labels get confusing sometimes. That said, this sounds like a delightful book and I just got a Marisa de Los Santos book to try out.
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devourerofbooks Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 7:56 pm
You’re right, it is sort of confusing, but it is helpful for me because I’m starting to really enjoy books grouped under one of those terms and I really am not fond of books under the other.
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I think I’m under the spell of the same prejudice as you are. I’ve never read an ounce of chick-lit, etc. Yet, your review sounds earnest and the book you reviewed, promising. Maybe I’ll actually check it out!
P.S. I was just reading a few of the comments, and I have to admit that I’ve not only taken the jacket of a particularly embarassing YA book (that’s not too remarkable for me, as I usually remove covers to preserve them), but I also sneakily covered the spine (a.k.a. title) with my hand. Even worse, I actually own three out of the four books in the series. Oh, kill me. It’s humiliating to admit!
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I definitely never knew any distinction like this
But funny, i loved some of the books I read! For me YA and chick-lit are same!
But then after reading several categorization I now know what chick-lit was!
I thought I won’t enjoy it
After getting into blogging, I have really started reading genres, i would never read… and this from Women authors is so cool! I would definitely look up all the 3 authors you have mentioned
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I’ve been much happier since I stopped being a book snob and just decided to read what I felt like reading. I do try things and discover I don’t really like them (any books that involve shopping and name dropping) but for the most part I do enjoy most things. And this sounds like a good one even if the premise is a bit common!
.-= Meghan´s last blog ..Review: Santa Olivia, Jacqueline Carey =-.
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I am not familiar with this book or author but I really like the cover. I know based on your review this is a book I will enjoy reading. I have similar feelings about chci-lit and definitely romance. but there are good bookd by female authors that blur the lines a bit.
Thank you!
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Great review. Although I must admit, I totally buy into the comforts of cheesy chick lit, I also really love to read more serious women’s fiction. Both have a particular special place in my heart and I like to keep a balance which is why this is definitely on my TBR list even though I have a few books with neon pink covers next to it. I’m glad that you liked this one.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am so glad you did too! Great review.
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..Ice Land – Betsy Tobin =-.
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