From Chick Lit to Chick Flick

Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 2/4/2009 6:57:00 AM

He’s Just Not That Into You

This romantic comedy (PG-13), based on Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo’s self-help book of the same title (Simon Spotlight, 2005), premieres in theaters on February 6, 2009. Produced by Flower Films, distributed by New Line Cinema, and directed by Ken Kwapis, the movie describes the romantic debacles of several Baltimore-area individuals in their twenties and thirties. In these featured relationships, which range from dating to cohabitating to marriage, one person is more “into” the other person than vice versa, resulting in romantic imbalance and causing the characters to analyze and puzzle out the signs emitted by members of the opposite sex. The all-star cast includes Ginnifer Goodwin, Justin Long, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, and Jennifer Connelly. Teens can visit the film’s official Website for a plot summary and a look at the characters, to take a relationship quiz (is he—or she—“into you”?), or to send a candy heart to a friend.

Fans interested in exploring the words and wisdom that inspired the movie will seek out Behrendt and Tuccillo’s He’s Just Not That into You (a former New York Times bestseller). According to the book’s introduction, the basic idea was conceived during a Sex and the City writers’ discussion as one of the female staffers was bemoaning her relationship woes. Behrendt, a consultant for the show and the only male present, responded to her story with a shocking but intriguing comment: “Listen, it sounds like he’s just not that into you.” The rest of the book reinforces that basic message: “if the guy you’re dating doesn’t seem to be completely into you, or you feel the need to start ‘figuring him out,’ please consider the glorious thought that he might just not be that into you. And then free yourself to go find the one that is.” Questions taken from real individuals are answered by Behrendt, with a strong and empowering message to women that they should stop wasting their time in unsatisfying relationships and move on to find a more fulfilling romance. Throughout, Tuccillo provides a female perspective, pointing out that while her coauthor’s advice might sometimes be hard to swallow, it’s always right on the money. Written in a chatty tone, this book is better suited to more mature readers (sexual relationships are discussed).

Simon Spotlight Entertainment has just released a movie tie-in edition with an attractive cover showing a montage of full-color cast photos. This reissue also includes a new foreword by Behrendt, a new chapter by Tuccillo discussing the stages of life after embracing the book’s philosophy, and answers to FAQs from readers. The title is also available as an audio CD read aloud by the authors.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

A film adaptation of two novels by British author Sophie Kinsella, Confessions of a Shopaholic (2001) and Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (2002, both Dial), this romantic comedy (PG) from Touchstone Pictures opens in movie theaters on February 13, 2009. The movie is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by P. J. Hogan (My Best Friend’s Wedding). Recent college grad and fashionista Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) moves to Manhattan, where she can cultivate her shopping habit and pursue her dreams of working for her favorite fashion magazine. Though she accumulates a seemingly insurmountable pile of bills, she manages to get a job as an advice columnist for a financial magazine published by the same company, and even falls for wealthy entrepreneur (Hugh Dancy). When Rebecca’s compulsive shopping and growing debt threaten to ruin both her love life and her career, she must reevaluate the things that are most important to her. Send young adults to the movie’s Website for previews, photos, and more information. Fashion fans will enjoy clicking on “Rebecca’s Closet” (the site is appropriately designed to look like a row of swanky storefronts) to view and find out more about the outfits she wears in the movie. Video commentary from costume designer Pat Field is included along with shopping links to online designer fashion retailer bluefly.com.

Dial Press has issued a trade paperback movie tie-in version of Kinsella’s popular Confessions of a Shopaholic with a cover featuring Isla Fisher in character, dressed to the nines and clutching numerous colorful shopping bags (the book has also been released from Dell as a mass market paperback). Though the novel is set in London and has a British tone, the protagonist will seem familiar to movie fans and readers will be charmed and entertained by Becky’s antics. The first-person narrative (which includes some strong language and sexual innuendo) is witty and fun to read. Teens may also enjoy other titles by Kinsella, including Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (2002), Shopaholic Ties the Knot (2003), Shopaholic & Sister (2005), and Shopaholic & Baby (2007, all Dial).

Pub Info

BEHRENDT, Greg and Liz Tuccillo. He’s Just Not That into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys: Movie Tie-In Edition. Simon Spotlight Entertainment. 2009. Tr pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-4169-0977-4.

 _____. Simon & Schuster Audio. 2009. CD. ISBN: 9780743578172. $14.99.

KINSELLA, Sophie. Confessions of a Shopaholic: Movie Tie-In Edition. Dial Press. 2008. Tr pap. $14.00. ISBN 978-0-385-34235-3; Dell. 2009. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-440-24487-5.

_____. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan. Dial Press. 2002. Tr pap. $14.00. ISBN 978-0-385-33588-1. Dell. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-440-24181-2.

_____. Shopaholic Ties the Knot. Dial Press. 2003. Tr pap. $14.00. ISBN 978-0-385-33617-8. Dell. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-440-24189-8.

_____. Shopaholic & Sister. Dial Press. 2005. Tr pap. $14.00. ISBN 978-0-385-33682-6. Dell. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-440-24191-1.