EW reviews the latest in chick lit
THE JOURNAL OF MORTIFYING MOMENTS, by Robyn Harding
On orders from her therapist, 31-year-old Kerry Spence records her most
humiliating escapades.
Source of Angst
''Gorgeous Sam,'' the charming ex who tortures her with off-and-on declarations of love.
Embarrassing Anecdote
On a London trip, college-age Kerry makes out with a cutie at a
pub...but later learns he's her first cousin.
Lowdown
Despite the overly familiar quandary of handsome heartbreaker vs. honest
nice guy, Journal scores with Kerry's laugh-out-loud tales of shame (she
has a one-night stand with a musician who steals her TV!). B+
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, by Lauren Henderson
The three-way friendship of shy Jude, sexy Sally, and womanizing Michael
is tested by adventures of the nonplatonic kind.
Sources of Angst
Romantic tension, unplanned pregnancies, and a maniacally self-absorbed
Frenchwoman.
Embarrassing Anecdote
The spectacularly uncomfortable viewing of la mademoiselle's
nudity-as-serious-art.
Lowdown
Henderson's Brit wit adds Continental sheen, but two of the three main
characters are too unlikable. Fans of Henderson's sleuthing Sam Jones
series won't find any crimes to solve — other than ones of the heart. B-
KISSING IN TECHNICOLOR, by Jane Mendle
Slightly neurotic NYC film student Charlie tolls on her first feature
while loving and loathing Hank, her on- and offscreen leading man.
Source of Angst
Hank, a hunky high-profile soap star with a penchant for Brazilian
models and bossiness.
Embarrassing Anecdote
An exhausted, tipsy Charlie ends up soaked and shivering in banana vodka
(don't ask).
Lowdown
Mendle, a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, adds intelligence
to the genre. And while Hank remains inscrutable, Charlie is both
realistically flawed and endearing. B+
