Even the most avid of reader usually likes to stick to a certain genre, whether it be true crime, murder mysteries, historical fiction, or celebrity memoirs. We tend to read what we're comfortable reading, and only read authors we know and trust.
However, every once in a while there is a author that you will cross genres for. A writer in which you will walk happily walk into a section of the bookstore you usually walk past - even if that section is littered with books with titles which include phrases such as "Shopoholic" and "True Secrets of..." with photos of stilettos, lipstick and shopping bags on the cover.
For me, this author is Lisa Jewell.
While I am much more likely to read something from Danny Wallace or Chelsea Handler - Lisa Jewell is the one author I will happily venture over to the "chick lit" section for. Her novel After the Party (which you have no doubt seen the bright, colourful adverts for on the tube) captured my imagination and tugged on my heartstrings more than I initially wanted it to, simply because I am, admittedly, prejudiced against the "chick lit" genre.
And, interestingly, Lisa has herself chosen to cross genres with her latest book, The Making of Us.
The Making of Us
A story of identity, family, and individuality - The Making of Us is a beautiful story of three people, Dean, Lydia and Robyn, who all have very different lifestyles. One is a millionaire entrepreneur with a haunting past. The other is a lost and misunderstood young adult with much-too-heavy present, the other a well-to-do, privileged teenager with the entire world at her naively arrogant little feet. One thing connects them all, and the story of how their lives are intertwined is one that will leave your hands permanently glued to the pages of The Making of Us from the very moment you pick it up. (I personally read it in less than 48 hours.)
Admittedly, I didn't know to expect from The Making of Us. I had met Lisa Jewell last year when After the Party came out, and when she spoke of branching out in to other genres, I was extremely intrigued, and selfishly elated that she would be writing books I would be more naturally interested in. But what would these new style of novels look like? Well, if The Making of Us is any indication, what Lisa Jewell has in store for us next is incredibly exciting.
The characters, the narrative and the plot line of The Making of Us will stay with you for long after you finish the book. If you're looking for a book to really get lost in - to make you laugh, cry, and hit all the right notes - The Making of Us is truly it. It is a very human book, and deals much more with the love you have for yourself, and the blood which runs through your veins, than the love of a romantic relationship.
Win Lunch with Lisa Jewell!
Now, as BitchBuzz and myself are such great fans of Lisa Jewell, and because Lisa and Random House quite like us, as well - we have an incredible opportunity for our UK readers!
One of our lucky readers (and one of their friends) have the exclusive opportunity to join Lisa Jewell and myself for lunch to discuss everything from The Making of Us, to what it's like to write a novel, and anything else you'd like to ask Lisa.
The lunch will be held on 1pm on Thursday, 26th of May at Zucca in London.
Even better? Even if you don't win the lunch with Lisa, the first 5 runners up will win a signed copy of The Making of Us! Exciting, non?
If you would like to be that lucky reader to join Lisa for lunch or win one of five signed copies of The Making of Us, simply click the "Enter the Competition" button below, correctly answer our trivia question about Lisa and tell us why you'd like to join us for lunch! Best of luck!
The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell, published 12 May 2011 by Century in trade paperback, £12.99
You can follow Lisa on Twitter as @LisaJewellUK or like her on Facebook over on the Official Lisa Jewell Facebook Page.