Jennifer Weiner, The Guy Not Taken

The Guy Not Taken

Jennifer Weiner

Atria, September 2006, $24.95

ISBN: 1416535209

This is a terrific eleven story chick lit collection that fans will appreciate, and it accentuates how great that sub-genre is in the shorter format (as opposed to novels). Interesting chick lit obviously was around before authors tried to keep up with Jones' as six of the tales are from the 1990's, with one as early as 1990; the rest are from the last two years. Each tale is well written, as the audience will care what happens to each of the beleaguered heroines, as they wish to be a Phoenix rising out of the ashes of bad relationships to forge strong new families, but have doubts they are capable of achieving their aspirations. Adding to the fun is the cast from the novel Good in Bed returning for a second round (see "Good Men"). Jennifer Weiner provides a delightful anthology that her fans and other chick lit readers will fully appreciate, as these women provide strong convincing asides on life, love, and family.