Jemima J

I really enjoyed reading Jemima J. It is unlike most books I have read but very similar to the chick-flicks I am secretly fond of. I look forward to reading more books by Jane Green and would be happy to receive recommendations for a few other chick-lit authors. I think it is a great genre to add to the mix of books I already enjoy reading. Chick-lit offers readers an opportunity to subtly escape real life into a realistic fantasy world that is so close to our own world it is almost believable. We can envision ourselves as JJ and feel motivated by her successes and disappointed by her failures.

The first half of the book is the story of my life this year. I hope the second half of the book is the story of my life to come. Who doesn’t want to end up fit, beautiful, successful, and married to a rich, gorgeous man? As I am sure was the author’s intentions, I related with JJ and as I was reading thought “Wow, I am not the only one that thinks that way.” There were many insightful moments that were scenes from my life. I related to the changes that JJ was going through. How she was taking charge of her life, making new friends, and analyzing, better yet, over-analyzing how people interact with her and respond to her.

The book is full of stereotypes including the idea that beautiful people automatically judge everyone and think less of people because of their weight. Unfortunately stereotypes are not always false. I have lost a lot of weight this year, and while I am still overweight, I find myself judging other overweight people…“don’t they know they need to start dieting and exercising.” Of course I don’t say anything but I feel shallow even thinking that way. The stereotype that beautiful people have a better life seems to be confirmed in this book. JJ loses weight, buys new clothes and in the end is happy. The whole bit with Brad and Kelly seemed ridiculous and felt like attempt by the author to defend herself against the criticism that no one would fall in love with a fat girl.

I think the book sends out a negative message; stop eating, over-exercise and you will be gorgeous and meet the man of your dreams. The fact that JJ puts a bit of weight back on felt like another attempt by the author to defend herself against criticism. While I would recommend this book to friends my age, and in fact have already, I definitely wouldn’t want my nieces to read it. I think it takes a certain amount of maturity to recognize the stereotypes and separate them from reality. Books don’t come with a rating system like movies do, but I would give this book an R rating to protect young female minds from the non-stop messages that they must look a certain way to be happy.

Now, after all of my negative comments, I still loved this book; if nothing else, it provides me with false hopes that I will either end up like JJ; skinny, beautiful and married to a rich, gorgeous man, or I will end up like Kelly; overweight, beautiful and married to a rich, gorgeous man. Regardless of the predictable plot, if you want a happy ending, which isn’t always the case, chick-lit seems to be a safe bet. It is a lighthearted, fun and quick read. A stark contrast to the history and crime novels I am also fond of.