SINGLE STATE OF THE UNION

Seems like you can’t walk into a bookstore these days without running into a stack of fresh new books by some Single State of the Union contributor. What a talented bunch! Went to hear Laurie Notaro read from her new novel, There’s a (Slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell, at the University Book Store the other night. She’s hysterically funny - in print and in person — and I can’t wait to dive into that puppy.  A couple of days before that, I picked up Jessica Valenti’s new  Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman’s Guide to Why Feminism Matters. (The day I excitedly told a 26-year-old woman that I’d met Gloria Steinem over the weekend and she responded with a befuddled “Who’s that?” was the day I realized feminism could use a little help — thanks Jessica!)  Like Single State, Full Frontal is another great Seal Press project. Let’s hear it for books by and for women! 

Former San Francisco singles columnist Jane Ganahl also has a new book out, Naked on the Page. It’s a no-holds-barred look at life as a 40-something single writer — complete with college-bound daughter, bad dates, a huge readership, and the occasional urge to to make out in the backseat of a car.  Last but not least is a new novel by one of my favorite Broadsheet contributors, Lynn Harris; Death by Chick Lit is just hitting the stores now and looks to be quite the double-barreled blast of smarts and satire. The book’s a murder mystery and a send-up of everybody’s favorite category of “girl writing.” In other words you can read it at the beach and not even feel guilty.

Lots of great stuff, people — feel free to pass the word along!