NEED TO READ: Best Friends Forever
Jennifer Weiner is a master of the modern-day fairy tale.
Jennifer Weiner is a master of the modern-day fairy tale. In best-selling chick-lit romps like In Her Shoes, her heroines look just like us: self-deprecating, plagued by those few extra pounds—and ready for Prince Charming only once they've embraced their quirks. Weiner's latest effort, Best Friends Forever, is no exception, this time following a pair of friends—one fat, one thin—over two decades.
MC: Your stories often spotlight the ugly duckling who comes into her own. Why?
JW: Everybody feels like an ugly duckling in some way, and everyone wants the happy ending. My mom has a piece of art in her house that says "If I only had a ___, I'd be happy." There's something satisfying about writing fiction that takes a heroine to a place where she doesn't have any more blanks to fill in.
MC: Why do your characters, particularly your new heroine Addie, focus so much on weight?
JW: I'm acknowledging the reality—weight is a big issue for women. As a larger woman myself, I want to talk about characters who aren't punch lines, who aren't pathetic—they aren't sitting on couches stuffing their faces with junk.
MC: They also have fun with clothes and shoes. Are you a fashionista?
JW: No! Last year, I bought this beautiful dress in a black-and-white print. It was $800, but I said, "If I wear it 10 times, then it's only an $80 dress." I wore it to readings all over the country—then people posted pictures of me on Facebook. At 10 different events, I'm wearing the same damn dress. People wrote in comments like, "Do you have other clothes?" And I'd been so proud.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
LIBRARY CARD
Three to borrow this month:
DUNE ROAD Pink-cover darling Jane Green's gripping poolside read about a single mom who unravels her boss's big bad secret.
GLOVER'S MISTAKE Poet (and Zadie Smith hubby) Nick Laird's novel about a teacher enmeshed in a bizarre love triangle with his bartender roomie and a famous artist.
THE EMBERS Hyatt Bass's stirring debut about a jittery bride whose happy nuptials are clouded over by a family tragedy.
Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Bella Hadid Brings Her Own Cowboy Boots to Set for Her 'Yellowstone' Cameo
The supermodel put a personal touch on her character's wardrobe.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
22 Last-Minute Holiday Finds From J.Crew
Sweaters, party dresses, winter coats, and more at a whopping 60 percent off.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Queen Camilla's Son Says He "Learned" to Stay Out of William and Harry's "World"
Tom Parker Bowles said "it was appalling what they went through."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
A New Generation of Self-Help Books Are Removing the Shame in Self-Care
A new generation of the genre are making sure to offer realistic, practical advice on cooking, cleaning, and living well.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Photographer Beth Garrabrant's Book 'Things Shouldn't Be So Hard' Is a Tender Depiction of Coming of Age
The artist, best known for capturing Taylor Swift's album art, shares exclusive images from her debut photo book and the stories behind each shot.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Best Kristin Hannah Books, Ranked—From 'Firefly Lane' to 'The Nightingale'
Get your tissues ready.
By Nicole Briese Published
-
The 21 Best Books About the British Royal Family, From Tell-All Memoirs to Nonfiction Historical Titles
They have more shocking revelations and juicy secrets than you saw on 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park Published
-
The 100 Best Movies of All Time: The Ultimate Must-Watch Films
We consider these essential viewing.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
The 30 Best Mystery Thriller Books to Read in Fall 2024
As soon as you feel a chill in the air, you'll want to curl up with one of these page-turners.
By Andrea Park Published
-
How Laci Mosley Turned "Scam Goddess" Into Her "True Con" Empire
The actress built a "con-gregation" with her popular podcast, and now she's expanding it with a new book.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
As 'He's Just Not That Into You' Turns 20, Its Authors Reflect on Just How Much (and How Little) Dating Has Changed
The self-help book born out of 'Sex and the City' sparked a break-up revolution and became a pop culture phenomenon.
By Liz Doupnik Published