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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Meg Cabot's QUEEN OF BABBLE.
Aliza from Brooklyn, NY
Have you read Chick Lit before?
Yes, I have read Chick Lit before.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
30s.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
An experience I can relate to in the book would have to be the clothes and the over-packing. I've always been an over-packer when going on vacation --- and even when not on vacation. I always need to have a well put-together and matching outfit for every occasion. Some could say I'm overdressed.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
QUEEN OF BABBLE was a fun and enjoyable ride with a flair of surprise. We have been like the characters to some degree in life and need to realize that by being ourselves, we won't die from embarrassment. Perhaps we also need to keep our mouths shut.
Thanks to both Meg Cabot and Bookreporter.com for letting me preview this book.
Anita from Murfreesboro, TN
Have you read Chick Lit before?
First, I want to say I loved the book. I have not read a lot of Ms. Cabot's work, but have been a fan of Chick Lit for a few years. I am in my 30s and have often had life experiences or ideas like characters that are portrayed in Chick Lit.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
I could identify with talking, putting my foot in my mouth and wishing I had not blabbed something. Like the character in the book, I don't do it to be mean or catty. I am just having a conversation and before I know it --- out comes something that later, in hindsight, I think, "Was I allowed to tell that or not?"
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
I like the theme running through the book about the best laid plans.... I have to smile knowingly and admire Lizzie's spunk for making the best of situations.
The main character, Lizzie Nichols, has just crossed a major hurdle in life (so she thinks). She has just graduated college (but finds out she still has a thesis to complete). She is a lady with plans and ideas --- always. Her immediate future plans include going to London and spending time with little-known boyfriend, Andrew, but things are definitely not how she intended with him. After some eye-opening situations in London, she ends up in France with her best friend, Shari. Things in her life are not smooth, but they are interesting. Lizzie has joined her friends at a chateau in the French countryside, where they are all supposed to help the owners plan and cater weddings. The work is fun and exhausting, and made even more interesting for Lizzie by the presence of Jean-Luc, one of the handsome owners. If only Lizzie can just not fall into the conniving cross hairs of Luc's girlfriend, Dominique.... Lizzie continually attempts to avoid Jean-Luc after finding out he has a girlfriend, but a train ride and intimate conversation has drawn them together.
I love that when Lizzie gets deeper into a situation, she tries to step back and be more circumspect. Lizzie's character has you rooting for her, but at the same time asking, "What are you thinking?"
Hannah from Bedford, MA
Have you read Chick Lit before?
Yes, probably one a week along with fantasy novels, teen lit and nonfiction concerning ancient history.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
No, I am 17 years old.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
I didn't relate to anything that well, which is why I enjoyed it so much --- it was a fantasy story. While I could not relate to Lizzie's obsession with clothes, the fact that she had an obsession so different from anyone else's was something I related to.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
I found it witty and fast paced, and I enjoyed the excerpts from Lizzie's thesis at the beginning of each chapter. I did not like the blurb on the inside cover --- it gave too much away, referring to an event at the end of the book, so I felt like I was waiting to reach that. Despite that, it is one of my favorites of Meg Cabot's books, although Lizzie is not my favorite character. The book made me laugh out loud and I read it in one sitting.
Jennifer from Lexington, KY
Have you read Chick Lit before?
I usually don't read Chick Lit, but I have read some of the more popular titles, such as BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and PREP.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
Yes, I am 23.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
I really felt myself relating to the main character, Lizzie Nichols. Like Lizzie, I recently graduated from college and I am trying to figure exactly what I want to do now and what in city I would like to live. I also related to Lizzie when she felt herself falling for a guy who would be great for her, except for the fact that he already had a girlfriend.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed QUEEN OF BABBLE. It was a fast-paced, fun read that I would recommend to women around my age. The story was predictable at times, but the great characters and Meg Cabot's writing style redeemed the book. I usually read more serious literature, but this novel was a great change of pace for me. I found myself staying up way past my bedtime to find out more about Lizzie and her journey in Europe. I was satisfied with the ending, but I can definitely see an opening for a sequel. I'm now planning to read some of Meg Cabot's earlier work, including the Princess Diaries series for teens.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review QUEEN OF BABBLE.
Karen from San Jose, CA
Have you read Chick Lit before?
I have read many Chick Lit books. I belong to a book club from eharlequin.com and I receive four books monthly from the grouping called "NEXT." These are all stories that are about what happens NEXT to women in their 40's and up. Whether they are single, married, or divorced, they all accomplish something for themselves.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
I am in my 40s, but I did not feel that I was too old to read this.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
The part that about being an American and traveling in Europe, and how you are frowned upon if you do not speak the language. My husband and I traveled in Europe last year. My husband speaks French, but I speak very little --- about as much as Lizzie. While in France we were OK, but in Spain, Germany and Italy, we ran into difficulties in some places. When we found other Americans, it was a relief to be able to speak with them in English.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
I loved the book. I enjoyed reading all the different descriptions of the places she travels to, and of course, the situations she gets herself in.
I am a big fan of Sophie Kinsella's stories, but I had never read any of Meg Cabot's books. I am going to look into getting her other adult books next time I am at the bookstore. I have never read her Princess Diaries stories, but I did watch two of them on cable. I am sharing my QUEEN OF BABBLE with several of my friends.
The book was so enjoyable to read, I couldn't put it down! I finished it within two days. I work from home and I was trying to find time to read when I should have been working!!
Thank you so much for choosing me to be in your contest.
Lisa from Manteca, CA
Have you read Chick Lit before?
This was a first time for me. I enjoyed the ease of falling into the story.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
No, I'm 46. Maybe I'm outside the target audience, but I try to keep current on trends in society, so I enjoyed it.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
I don't know if I related to one particular experience, but I enjoyed the references to modern culture throughout the book: music/song references, fashion designers, etc. I especially enjoyed the music since I have sung in bands and am a "music-holic" --- I can never get enough of it! I enjoy wine too, so I also liked the vineyard/winery settings.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
I really enjoyed how each chapter started with a quote that foreshadowed what was going to happen in that chapter. The inclusion of Lizzie's thesis was enjoyable --- I loved the references to current fashion trends. Now I'm wondering, what will become of the main characters? There's more I want to ask, but don't want to be a spoiler!
Marti from Green Valley, AZ
Have you read Chick Lit before? Tell us your thoughts about the book.
This is the first Chick Lit I have read, thinking that it was not my cup of tea, or perhaps that it was for teeny boppers. However, I laughed myself all the way through this delightful book in just a day's time. I'm sure it is not being marketed to recent widows aged 70, but it should be! We are the ones who grew up on fairy tales with happy endings, and this is one of those --- albeit a fairy tale in a hip hop fashion! What fun!
Rachel from Grand Island, NY
Have you read Chick Lit before?
Yes, I have read numerous books that would be considered Chick Lit.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
No, I am 18.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
Like Lizzie, I often say things before speaking. I can relate to her telling Luke's mom about his real dream of becoming a doctor. I have done something similar many times before. For example, I will try and help a budding relationship between a friend and a boy by going to the boy and letting him know that she likes him.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
A delightful fast-paced read, QUEEN OF BABBLE makes for a perfect book to read during the lazy days of summer. Filled with many twists and turns, the plot takes a very interesting path, keeping the reader guessing what could only happen next. The main character, Lizzie, is very easy to relate to and her constant mishaps remind the reader of her own mishaps with love and life, as well. Very well written and cleverly formatted, this book will leave you with a good feeling in your heart and a couple good laughs.
Sarah from St. Louis, MO
Have you read Chick Lit before?
YES! I read a lot of it. Meg Cabot is one of my favorites because of her sense of humor.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
Yes. 26.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
To be honest, I could not relate to many of the experiences, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the book. I do think the relationship between the characters reminds me of my relationships with my friends. I also think the use of cell phones, instant messaging, etc., is something I can relate to.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
I really enjoyed this book! As always, Meg Cabot makes me laugh out loud when I read. Her main characters are always so likable, and so are their friends. I like very much that her characters are realistic and that they make mistakes. It was a quick, enjoyable read.
Sheila from Schoolcraft, MI
Have you read Chick Lit before?
Yes.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
30s.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
Having a guy you like and have fantasized about turn into a total dud!
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
Great beach or summer read! It was entertaining and funny with a dash of silliness. Lizzie is a character I enjoyed getting to know. A feel good book with entertaining characters and an amusing story. Lizzie's Grandma was a hoot!
Stephanie from Spokane, WA
Have you read Chick Lit before?
Yes, every so often I like to take a break and read a chick lit book. Meg Cagot's Princess Diaries series is awesome --- probably my favorite Chick Lit. I always fall back on that when I need a pick-me-up.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
No.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
I have been to France and England, and I found all of Meg's descriptions really wonderful and realistic. There is a scene at the beginning of the book in which Lizzie describes the people in Heathrow Airport. I thought it was so spot-on --- her findings, her opinions, her imagery. I think everyone has this inner dialogue, when we judge people around us (Lizzie almost uses this as a defense mechanism, a way to cope with a potentially stressful situation --- so relatable!!). We get to know Lizzie SO well in just this little bit. I knew this was going to be a great book from that point on.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
This book --- really all of Meg's --- is so relatable. Her characters often evolve above their chick lit personas --- they really are multifaceted people. I thought this was ever the case with Lizzie. She is an interesting, funny girl. Every reader wants her as a best friend, she would be a great one. Her observations are so funny, and I would love to see another book through her eyes!!
Sue from Tenafly, NJ
Have you read Chick Lit before?
Yes, I have.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
No, I am in my late 40s.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
I could certainly relate to finding out that a guy I'd had high hopes for was really a loser.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
In some ways, it reminded me of INVITATION TO PROVENCE by Elizabeth Adler.
It was a very easy read, with cute characters (Lizzie was very well-developed) although a bit predictable.
Zara from Decatur, AL
Have you read Chick Lit before?
Yes, and it is a genre that I enjoy greatly.
Are you in your 20s/30s?
Yes, I am 32.
Tell us an experience in this book that you related to.
I related to Lizzie in many ways. I related to her strong relationship with her best friend. I also related to having lost a great deal of weight, and adjusting mentally to being newly thin.
Tell us your thoughts about the book.
I thought QUEEN OF BABBLE was fun, and yet very meaningful. It had many laugh-out-loud moments, but also moments that brought tears to my eyes. Lizzie is a character that you want to see win.
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