No More Chick Lit

I really dislike the term “chick lit.”

I understand the marketing appeal of dividing products based on gender preferences. Having “for the boys” and “for the girls” tables in a bookstore make decisions easier for consumers, especially when purchasing gifts for someone you may not know too well. Still, my personal preference is to avoid gender-specific labeling as much as possible. I don’t like a lot of fiction targeted specifically at women. I also read a lot of fiction targeted specifically at men. It’s absurd to assume that someone will enjoy a certain book genre simply because he or she identifies as a woman or a man.

Leaving aside the issue that “chick” is meant to be synonymous with “woman,” I don’t like the assumption inherent with the term that only readers of a certain gender will enjoy the story. I’m a woman. I read literary fiction, short stories, nonfiction, and middle grade novels (among other things). That’s the fiction that I – a woman – read on a regular basis. So, my very own form of “chick lit.”

I decided to analyze a few definitions of "chick lit" and explain why I don't like to think of it as a separate fiction genre.

Chick lit is genre fiction which addresses issues of modern womanhood, often humorously and lightheartedly. 

“Issues of womanhood” can’t be lumped into one category. Every woman goes through different issues. Also, most “issues” aren’t lighthearted or humorous.

Chick lit is smart, fun fiction for and about women of all ages. Story lines often revolve around jobs, children, motherhood, romance, fame, living in the ‘big city,’ friendship, and dieting.

I do not want to read a book about dieting and I am, typically, not interested in a plot that revolves solely around romance. Smart and fun fiction should be accessible to readers of all identities.

Literature that appeals to women, usually having a romantic or sentimental theme.

If we’re going by the above definitions of “chick lit,” then these books do not appeal to me even though I am a woman. What does this say about me?

“Chick lit” is really just fiction. Some fiction has female narrators. Some fiction has male narrators. Some fiction is humorous. Some fiction is serious. I don’t see why we need to label a book for women or for men when we can simply read the back cover copy and decide if it works for us on a personal level. You’re allowed to read outside of your comfort zone. You’re allowed to define what your comfort zone is.

Even worse than my dislike for the term are the stereotypes that surround this genre. A definition taken from Urban Dictionary (certainly not the most reputable source of information, but a decent compilation of slang): Books written by bad female writers, aimed towards stupid female readers. Usually marketed in pink jackets adorned with semi-retro pictures of high heeled shoes and martini glasses. Always about trendy twentysomething bitches whining about their jobs or relationships.

I think there are many problematic things surrounding the intended and perceived meanings of “chick lit” and its readers. I’d like to hope we’re moving closer to a time when looking at fiction through a gender-neutral lens is the norm. I want to know that you read a book because the topic is unique and interesting to your personal tastes. I don’t want to know that you picked up a book because someone told you it was the right fit for your gender.

What do you think about "chick lit?" Does the category bother you or are you an avid reader of these female-centric books? Discuss in the comments or write your own blog post and link up with us for The Book Chat, hosted by The Tangerine.