Girls' Night in

Meg Cabot, one of my favorite writers, is the first presenter, and her story is by far the best. Some stories were ok, some depressing, some vaguely encouraging, some nicely original. I often read anthologies just to get a feel for writers with whom I am unfamiliar- I only came away with two names I intend to follow up. But the Cabot story did have me laughing out loud, as did Jill Davis’, so worth reading.

As with any short story collection, some were good and some were bad. I liked a few of the authors listed so decided to read to find new authors I may like, it worked.

I always look forward to these short story collections, and I love the fact that some of the money goes to charity. Not all of the stories are amazing, but there are usually enough to keep me going until the end! Some of the stories that stood out: I liked "Traveling Light" by Carole Matthews. Even though I didn't agree with the adultery part, it was interesting to read about the different attitudes of Americans and Brits, and I the traveling details were great! "Changing People" by Sophie Kinsella, where revenge was sweet. "Revenge" by Emily Barr. I have always liked her stories. Read her novel "Cuba," as well. "In Agony" by Isabel Wolff was quick and entertaining. "Rudy" by Lisa Jewell had a male character obsessing about a woman, and with one word, he worries that he has become the stalkee. "Acting Strangely" by Chris Manby was cute. It's very helpful to have an actor friend with many faces show up when someone is trying to dump you to make you out to be the best thing they have ever had. My favorite story of the collection was "Know it All" by Sarah Mlynowski. The main character's slightly psychic roommate keeps telling her that her ex-boyfriend is going to meet up with another woman, and get over her. Though she doesn't want to be with him, she likes his attention and keeps intervening. Then she realizes that she wants him to be happy and lets fate step in, with a little push. Most of the 21 stories have something to offer and I read through the book quickly. I look forward to reading some of the novels by these authors!

This book is good from beginning to end. They are short stories though so each story only has a little bit of content. I really wished that the stories were longer because right as I got into them, they ended. You definitely have to make your own conclusions and assumptions at the end of each story. That part is unclear. It makes you wonder if you're assumptions are on the right track....hmmm.

I am not normally a short story lover, I prefer novels. However, I loved each and every one of these short stories. I kept the book in my purse (Yeah, It's a big purse) and read whenever I could. I found many of these stories left me wishing the author had written an entire book based upon the tale!

This twenty-one chick lit anthology is a sub-genre's dream as all the tales are well-written and cross the full gamut of topics from breaking up is hard to do to making up is more fun for two, etc. The locations vary from the office to the home, etc. The authors are a who's who with many successes on their résumés. There is even the return of heroes from previous novels. This reviewer never expected to appreciate a chick lit compilation, but it seems as if the sub-genre is intended for short stories as the fit is perfect. Each tale provides enough insight into the lead protagonist so that the audience obtains strong characters dealing with life's foibles. Finally, as an added incentive earnings will go to War Child, a not for profit organization trying to help young victims of war. Readers will spend several delightful nights in appreciating this fine collection, demand Red Dress follow up with similar tales (such as BIG NIGHT OUT) while supporting the book's worthy cause. Harriet Klausner