The Cultural Politics of Chick Lit

This study traces the evolution of chick lit not only as a genre of popular fiction, but as a cultural phenomenon. It complicates the genealogy of the texts by situating them firmly in the context of age-old debates about female literary creation, and by highlighting the dynamics of the popular-fiction market. The volume weaves a sound methodological network, drawing on reader-response criticism, feminist, gender and queer theory, affect studies and whiteness studies. Visiting examples ranging from classic to more recent and edgier texts, this is an accessible and engaging study for anyone interested in postfeminism and popular culture.