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Monday, September 29, 2003


Of girlfriends and fatsos 

Been meaning to talk about these two books that I read (or rather, reread) last week. But then, my baby was hit by a misbehaving OS update and was down and out for a couple of days.

Anyway, the first book is actually one of my favourite. It's written by Jane Green and the title of the book is Jemima J.

The unlikely protagonist of the book is a plump woman by the name of Jemima Jones. Now, Jemima is a sweetheart and a fantastic writer but her beautiful nature is obscured by her body fats. She is, as we are told, a UK16 (huge by our Asian standards). She is lonely and to stay sane in grey, gloomy London, she eats. And eats. And eats.

Jemima works at a local newspaper agency. She's a great writer but because of her physical unattractiveness, she is overlooked by her editor. In addition, she is lorded over by the beautiful and slim Geraldine.

Now, Jemima has a huge crush on her colleague Ben Williams but because he, like most men, have a thing for slim young things like Geraldine, she dares not let him know.

Of course, as most stories go, Jemima will eventually lose all her weight, emerge as the sexy butterfly that was hiding in its cocoon, become a writer and get her man. But as most stories go, she will have to first face several hardships before fulfilling her dreams.

Cliche? Totally. But nonetheless, it's a book that makes one feel warm and fuzzy inside. I have read it at least three times and I never fail to be amazed by Jemima's courage, good heart and strength. The underdog will have her day. Hurrah!

The other chick book that I read was Rebecca Wells' Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. It was made into a movie starring Sandra Bullock a couple of years back.

This book focuses on the relationships that bind all women - between friends, between mothers and daughters and women's relationships with themselves.

Sidda Walker, an up and coming theatre director, was badly misquoted in a New York Times interview and was subsequently "disowned" by her highly dramatic mother, Vivi. In trying to mend the relationship between herself and her mother, Sidda seeks the help of her mother's best friends, the Ya-Yas and consequently finds herself on a journey that leads her to understand her mother and ultimately, herself.

Enjoyed this book tremendously even though the multiple narration was a bit confusing. But loved the adventures that Vivi and the Ya-Yas had. Their enduring friendships, strong bonds and unceasing love is something that I would like to have. Their connection no only drew themselves closer but also created a kinship between their husbands and their children, the Petites Ya-Yas. Overall, the antics that the Ya-Yas did made me laugh and the pain that Vivi and Sidda went through made me tear.

Fabulous book for a lazy day in.


yAnn at 9/29/2003 10:44:00 PM

"Compared with me, a tree is immortal;

And a flowerhead not tall, but more startling

And I want one's longevity and the other's daring."

-- Sylvia Plath's "I am Vertical"