Caprice Crane
Stupid and Contagious (2006)
Author: Caprice Crane
Genre: Chick Lit
Plot Summary:
Heaven Albright loses her PR job and ends up as a waitress. Her new neighbor is Brady Gilbert, co-owner of a struggling indie-rock record label, and inventor of oddball ideas such as Cinnamilk (cinnamon-flavored milk). Heaven tends to say all the wrong things at the worst times, and as a result of this and her habit of invading Brady's apartment, the two get off to a shaky start in neighbor relations. However, once Heaven is fired from her waitressing job, Brady feels sorry for her and invites her along on a trip to California to meet a band. During the course of this trip, Heaven and Brady get to know each other a little bit better, and it looks like Brady's company might be able to sign their first popular band. However, it isn't long before Heaven's ex-boyfriend comes on the scene and complicates both their relationship, and Brady's chances of getting the band to sign a contract. SPOILER: In the end, despite several shaky moments and near failure, Brady gets the band signed, Heaven starts her own PR company, and the two begin a serious relationship.
Geographical Setting: New York; Los Angeles; Seattle
Time Period: Contemporary (2004)
Appeal Characteristics:
This story is full of twists and turns. The main characters are funny, sarcastic, and make lots of mistakes. The writing is sharp, with almost a sketch comedy feel to it. The story is told through each of the main characters' perspectives. Both characters must overcome issues surrounding past relationships. This novel is a quick read, with solid pacing. There are lots of references to popular culture, and much of the humor is derived from everyday situations blown up to exaggerated proportions. Despite many misfortunes suffered by the characters, there remains a certain level of optimism.
Read-alikes: This is Caprice Crane's first novel, and as of February 2007, her only published work. For readers new to Chick Lit, Bridget Jones’s Diary, by Helen Fielding, is a classic and features quirky humor and a story (set in England) that revolves around the character of Bridget Jones and the many misfortunes that occur in her life. Another book with a contemporary setting dealing with relationships in a quirky way is Roommates by Whitney Lyles, set in the United States. In addition to the humor and a relationship with up's and down's, this novel adds roommate trouble to the mix. Another mix of romance, humor, and unfortunate situations is provided by Almost Perfect by Julie Ortolon, the first book in the "Perfect Trilogy." Caprice Crane's humorous writing style has been compared to that of popular author Jennifer Crusie. For readers interested in other witty tales of romance, try Faking It by Crusie, in which art forger Matilda Goodnight encounters a con artist. Another Chick Lit title, with a story about a human resources manager and the lawyer defending her in a lawsuit, is Boy Meets Girl, by Meg Cabot. This novel utilizes journal entries, instant messages, and e-mails to tell the story.
Red Flags: Explicit Language, sexual situations
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