Reality chicks pen juicy memoirs.(the reader's shelf)(Recommended readings)

The publication of Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary set the genre of chick lit firmly on the path to success, and it has been marching along in stiletto heels ever since. While these humorous tales of plucky (often young) heroines are often considered the epitome of lighthearted reading, they maintain a firm grasp on some of the core situations and issues many women face. But not all chicks write fiction. Addressing the same topics, the following authors infuse their nonfiction works with a hip, just-between-us-gals tone that allow readers to sink their teeth into some juicy memoirs and essays without sacrificing the fun.

As Bridget Jones could attest, lots of gals like their self-help books. In HELPING ME HELP MYSELF (Morrow. 2008. ISBN 978-0-06-114396-0. $24.95), …