Book Review: Confessions of a Call Center Gal

By Melissa Amster

There was a time when I had some jobs I couldn't stand. What made it bearable were the friends I had at those jobs...and the eye candy. So I could definitely relate to Maddy, the heroine of "Confessions of a Call Center Gal" by Lisa Lim. Granted, I never worked at a call center, but it really encompassed any tedious and boring job I ever disliked in the past and gave me a lot to laugh about, as well.

Lisa Lim's debut novel opens with Madison (a.k.a. Maddy) getting frustrated by the lack of job interviews and the mountain of rejection letters. While visiting her best friend in Pocatello, Idaho, she applies for a job in a call center and receives an offer she probably should have refused. Soon she is in the throes of a nightmare, dealing with obscene and obnoxious callers who swear and yell at her all day long, along with a boss who constantly breathes down her neck. However, she also makes some unique new friends, bonds with her best friend and develops a crush on the office hunk. Through this job, Maddy learns a lot about herself and the essence of human nature (or how far someone will go to make someone else miserable).

There was a lot to like about this novel. It was both quirky and funny, and Maddy was easy to relate to. She had a mature voice for being fresh out of college but she also sounded realistic for her age. She's someone I could see befriending on the job. The dialogue was fun and conversations (or even inner monologues) didn't drag. Her use of description was great too. I could visualize everything perfectly. The sexual tension and chemistry between Maddy and her office crush was delightful. I also enjoyed the holiday scenes, all the pop culture references (including one to Adam Lambert), as well as the day to day annoyances and nuances of the job at hand. It was like the chick lit version of "Office Space" for a new generation. What I really liked was the message that Ms. Lim put out there through Maddy's "voice," regarding jobs and customers treat service people. As I mentioned earlier, it reminded me a lot of my past jobs (almost a conglomeration of a few of them) and I found myself nodding and grinning along with what Maddy was saying. I even had (and still have) a friend like Truong (although slightly less offensive). Even if you haven't worked in a call center, it's easy to become sympathetic towards the person on the other end of the phone when you're calling to request a repair. It does for call center reps what "Waiting" does for restaurant staff. (Minus the gross scene in the kitchen though.)

This novel did leave me with some concerns though. Ms. Lim actually gave me a disclaimer for it recently, saying that people who get offended by "The Office" and "Chelsea Lately" should not be reading this novel. Luckily for her, I laughed the entire time at "Avenue Q" (the Tony Award winning musical about puppets who swear and have sex). This novel is more on that level of offensive humor. I was able to handle most of it and even laughed quite a bit. However, there are some lines that should not be crossed and if you're easily offended by any type of racist or ethnic humor, you may want to keep that in mind before reading this novel. This definitely falls under the rated-R category for language alone. I could handle her making Asian jokes, since Ms. Lim is of Asian descent. However, those who are not Jewish should not be cracking Holocaust jokes. (Jerry Seinfeld could have a "Soup Nazi" because he is Jewish. However, the "Not-Ready Nazi" related jokes in this story crossed a line for me.) I also did not like that she made fun of some disabilities (namely deafness). And the flatulence and scatological (or toilet-related) humor could probably have been toned down or written out altogether. Aside from that, Ms. Lim placed Maddy in her early 20's but wrote her like a 16 year-old. Maddy would talk in a "Facebook Status" style sometimes, which would have made more sense if she was doing it in an e-mail to her friend instead of a conversation. Finally, the transitions between scenes could have been set up better. It seemed like a scene would shift to another day or place within the same chapter, but there were no markings in between each scene.

Overall, I had a fun time reading "Confessions..." I couldn't wait to see what would happen next and was able to share in Maddy's frustration, as well as rejoice in her happiness. The other characters are vivid and memorable (even the crazy or detestable ones). It definitely made me think twice about how I treat people on the phone and also how I view my career path. I would love to see this as a movie, although some parts would need to be toned down. I think it would still be funny without those parts, thanks to Ms. Lim's unique and carefree writing style. While I have already been recommending it to some friends, I do share in Ms. Lim's disclaimer that you should prepare to be possibly offended. However, if you can handle a combination of "Avenue Q" and "Office Space," (probably more than "The Office" meets "Bridget Jones's Diary," as this novel has been described) then you can definitely handle reading this insightful look into the world of call center jobs.

Thanks to Lisa Lim for sending me this e-book in exchange for an honest review. Lisa is visiting CLC this week and you won't want to miss her interview, which is as funny as she is. She's also giving away some e-books of "Confessions..."

If you like this novel, you may also want to read:

Stephanie Stiles knows how to take it like a mom...plus a book giveaway

By Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

Stephanie Stiles is a debut author on the chick lit scene, however she has a lot of experience with creative writing, having been an English professor and even writing a book on the topic. Her novel, "Take it Like a Mom" (reviewed here), is a hilarious look at motherhood and all the expectations that come with it. (I'm reading it now and I love it!) Not only does her book make me laugh, but I was also cracking up while reading her answers to my questions. She and I even have some things in common, like having a son (even though I have two of those) and a daughter and having moved from New Jersey to a different state on the east coast.

Find out more about Stephanie and what makes her so sweet and funny by visiting her on Facebook. You can also check out her guide to creative writing, "From 'Huh?' to 'Hooray!'"

Thanks to Erin Galloway at Penguin Group we have three copies of "Take it Like a Mom" for some lucky readers in the US and Canada.

What was your biggest challenge while writing "Take it Like a Mom?"
Laundry. Who invented the idea of multiple outfits? And why do my kids go through tee-shirts by the baker’s dozen every single day? I’ve even washed socks that are still paired up together...so I know someone in my house is simply dumping clean clothes back in the laundry basket in order to avoid putting them away (I’m looking at you, Nick). So, I would like to ask: would it be wrong to send my family out the door wearing Hefty Bags of various sizes? I’d hose them off every now and again, really, I would. Cuz, if it weren’t for laundry, I could easily see myself finishing, say, a shopping list...and maybe, just maybe, a book or two down the line.

What was the most nerve-wracking (or exhiliarating) part of sending off your manuscript to agents?
The fact that my baby daughter hurled on my lap just as I was hitting “Send.” That was the nerve-wracking one. And, then, discovering that the pants I was wearing at the time weren’t my “good” yoga pants. That was the exhiliarating part. Still, hurl aside, sending it off did remind me of mailing fan letters to Barry Manilow and Ralph Macchio when I was way too young (okay, fourteen) to realize how uncool that was.

Do you have plans for another fiction book in the next year or two?
I have a huge new washer and dryer, so I think I may just have a crack at it. Now, I just need for my family to take up either more sleeping or meditation (hey, I just typed medication by -- wink, wink – “accident”), and the book I’m working on now, Quitting Time, stands some chance of getting finished. It’s about a mom who quits her high-powered job to raise the twins she’s about to deliver. It’s a real tour-de-force, sure to land a ton of awards I haven’t yet heard of or know exist. But you can bet I’ll keep that little secret under wraps when I’m at the podium collecting my statue (do they give statues to authors? I’ll have to Google that).

Since you are well versed in creative writing, what is your advice for someone who has trouble putting an idea to paper (or computer screen these days)?
As I see it, advice is like anger – it’s much better to give it than to receive it. Does anyone ever really listen to other people’s advice, anyway? So, can I give some “unadvice” instead – based on the “helpful” hints I was offered along the way? For example, I cannot tell you how many people instructed me “to just write through the writer’s block!” And they always said this in a snappy, cheerful kind of tone, as though I was just in need of a peppy attitude in order to crank out the next War and Peace. Seriously, if all I needed was a little zip in my step in order to become Leo Tolstoy, I’d gladly swig Red Bull laced with Starbucks. However, in my case, it wasn’t caffeine that was lacking; more often than not, it was a shortage of reality tv. Honestly, is there nothing television can’t cure? Because, really, after hearing the words, “rose,” “journey,” and “alliance” enough times, who wouldn’t be inspired to try writing their own material?

If "Take it Like a Mom" were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
This? Right here? Is the very question that keeps me up at night. Of course, I’m usually trying to tease out who would play me in the movie version of my own life, but, you know, it’s a similar principal. And so far, the front runners (for "Take It Like a Mom" or for the movie version of my life – I’m not picky, as long as George Clooney directs) are (in no particular order): Reese Witherspoon, Beyonce, and Tina Fey. I’m open to suggestions, however – just please don’t let it be anyone with her own line of handbags. That’s never a good omen.

Name a celebrity who shares a birthday with you.
I’m going to answer that two ways. The first? By memory. I’m pretty sure Madonna and Michael Jackson were both born in August – and, really, were there finer Leos than the two of them? (Suck on it, Herbert Hoover – I know you were a Leo, too). Now, I’m going to do a quick Google search and get back to you. Hey, what do you know? Antonio Banderas and Jennifer Aniston’s new “It” guy, Justin Theroux, were both born on August 10. I guess I can blame the two of them for hoarding all the hot genes for that particular day of the year. Couldn’t I have shared a birthday with, maybe, Orson Welles or my old lunchlady with the unibrow and man-hands?

What is your favorite thing about living in New Jersey?
Easy. The television shows bearing this proud state’s name in their titles. However, truth be told: my family and I relocated to Connecticut recently. It was one of the few remaining states without a "Real Housewives" filmed there, so I figured living in such uncharted territory would up my chances of making my reality television debut. I’m practising knocking tables over and launching eff-bombs, as we speak. So, when they come to ring my doorbell, I’ll be ready.

What is the cutest or funniest thing one of your kids said or did recently?
When my son shooed me back inside as his bus was rounding the bend toward our driveway, I quipped, “Gee, thanks a lot. I’m not a complete loser, you know.” To which he smiled and replied, “You’re right. You’re a loser, just not a complete loser.” Ah, brings a tear to my eye as I reflect on it. From the mouths of babes...

When did you last have a date night with your husband and what did you do?
You’re kidding, right? This is a joke question? Because if you’re serious, I’m going to have to come up with a very convincing scenario that is purely fiction. If, however, you’re joking, well, then I can be honest and laugh along with the joke. Oh, ah-hah! Date night! Right! Sure! We have one every Friday, and we gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes over a candlelight dinner, while we talk of nothing but our eternal love. Oh, wait. You were serious? Um. I think we went out for dinner (KFC) about a month ago. And, while I’m not positive, I’m pretty sure we fought about deck furniture the whole time. No, I’m wrong. We fought about the temperature in the car, as well. But, you see, that’s the kind of loving, supportive relationship we’re all about.

What piece of advice drove you crazy (or you completely disagreed with) when either (or both) of your children were born?
Who doesn’t have a great answer for this one? And it’s exactly why I believe in “unadvice” rather than advice. Pretty much all the advice I received drove me crazy; but isn’t that always the case with advice? I mean, really. Lose Those Ten Pounds Painlessly! Six Quick Dinners Your Family Will Love! Three Easy Moves To Make Him Feel Special. Come on. Does anyone actually follow these steps? So, I’d have to say, hearing Person #647 tell me at the local SuperSaver to “enjoy every minute of it; it goes by so fast!” just as my kids were screaming, punching, crying, and/or stealing the dusty runaway grapes from off the produce floor really did me in. Why? Why did I have to enjoy every minute of it? Some minutes just plain suck. And as far as going by fast, I gotta say, those few seconds of seeing my toddler select the dirty floor-grape, lift it lovingly to his mouth, and place it rapturously on his tongue, ran like the slow-mo replay of an entire football game. Especially when I saw how many people were watching, just waiting to offer me their advice!

Special thanks to Stephanie for sharing her thoughts with us and to Erin for providing the books for the giveaway.

How to win "Take it Like a Mom":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: What is the most annoying advice you've ever received as a mom? (Or...If you don't have kids, what is something someone else has done to annoy you in regards to their kids? i.e. Letting them break stuff in your house and not apologizing.)
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends July 24th at midnight EST.

Book Review: Little Black Dress

By Melissa Amster

Have you ever worn a dress that just fit you perfectly and made you feel beautiful both inside and out? What if your dress could show you the future too? Would you still want to wear it? This is the question that's at the very heart of Susan McBride's latest novel, "Little Black Dress."

Evie has grown up in the shadow of her dynamic and beautiful younger sister, Annabelle (also known as Anna). Then Annabelle buys a little black dress from a gypsy and it turns her world, as well as Evie's, upside down. Years later, Evie has a stroke while wearing the dress. Her daughter, Antonia (also known as Toni), leaves her life in the city behind and returns to her hometown to keep watch over Evie and clean up the mess she has created since her father's death. While doing so, Antonia finds out new truths about her mother and the aunt she never met, as well as about herself, all thanks to the help of the little black dress.

After thoroughly enjoying "The Cougar Club" last year (see review), I was eagerly anticipating Ms. McBride's new novel. Not only was I not disappointed, but I liked it as much as her last novel, and perhaps even more! This story was engaging from beginning to end. It was easy to follow, thanks to Ms. McBride's psychic ability to pick up on my desire to have one character in first person and one in third person. I also love when books alternate between present and future stories and this one had a feel similar to "The Violets of March" by Sarah Jio, while also being original and clever. Like with "The Cougar Club," Toni was about 11 years older than me. However, she was still easy to relate to from any age. (Seeing that Evie was 11 years younger than me for most of the story, it worked in that direction, as well.) There was the suspension of disbelief factor in this novel, but I love how believable she made everything feel. There was a sense of eeriness from what the dress was able to do that even sent tingles up my spine! The dialogue was realistic and flowed nicely and the descriptions made me feel like I was in the same room as the characters in both time periods.

The main concern I had was about subject matter. It seems like a lot of books these days discuss fertility issues and this was no exception. I would put that warning label on the story for those readers who are sensitive about this topic. The story also had a level of predictability, but since it was about a dress showing women their future, it was bound to happen that way. I like what she does with the predictable factors and she still manages to toss in some surprises along the way. I also liked seeing how she got from the point of the visualization to the point of it coming true. There are two things I would have liked her to include in this novel: Anna's perspective and more of the history behind the dress itself. I would have enjoyed seeing what happened to Anna after she had her visualization and joining her on her adventures instead of hearing about them later on (and not in much detail). Also, once the dress was in the sisters' possession and working its magic, there weren't any answers as to why it possessed such unusual powers (fortunetelling not being the only perk). They had received a warning about it before buying it, but not much history behind such a warning. (There may have been one example, but it was fleeting.)

Overall, this was a wonderful story and I've been recommending it to everyone I know. I will continue to recommend it, as it is beautifully told and suspenseful at times. It has elements of a fairy tale, as well as of romantic fiction; enough to appeal to anyone who wants a truly entertaining story with a "comfort food" feel.

Thanks to Susan McBride for giving me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

If you like this novel, you may also want to read:

Winner of "The Last Letter from Your Lover"

To find the winner, we assigned a number to each entry and then had random.org make the choice for us. It chose 84.

Congrats to Alison!


Reminder: If you have won a book, you have about 48 hours to claim it by sending your contact information. (You will be e-mailed if you have won, as well.) After that time, a new winner will be picked.

Thanks to everyone who participated, to Jojo Moyes for blogging with us and to Lindsay Prevette from Penguin Books for providing the book for the giveaway!

Don't forget about our current giveaways:

"The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin
US/Canada only
Ends 7/18 at midnight EST

$10 Gift Card to book retailer of winner's choice
Ends 7/19 at midnight EST

Interview with Elin Hilderbrand

By Melissa Patafio
Today is a great day at Chick Lit Central! Elin Hilderbrand, author of "Silver Girl" and many other amazing novels, has taken the time to answer a few questions of mine. Elin is one of my favorite authors and I have NEVER been disappointed after reading one of her books. The first book of Elin's I read was "The Castaways" while I was on Nantucket and Cape Cod last summer and I am hooked. So for all of my fellow Elin Hilderbrand fans, enjoy! And for those of you that have yet to be introduced, I hope you will have the pleasure of reading one of her books very soon!

To learn more about Elin and her fabulous novels, visit her on
Facebook and Twitter.

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I've traveled pretty extensively already -- I've spent five winters living in Australia with my kids, and my husband and I have also taken them to Vietnam and Thailand. We've been to Chile, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Belize, Morocco, South Africa. We've trekked in the Himalayas in Nepal; we've been to Singapore and Hong Kong. So the places that remain on my list are: Macchu Picchu, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, Egypt, and some really good quality time in Paris (I've been there twice, but as a backpacker).

2. How do you come up with your story ideas? Are some inspired by real events that have taken place on Nantucket?
My story ideas come from a variety of places. The idea for my novel Silver Girl came from the real-life story of the Madoffs. However the novel I'm currently writing, Summerland, developed out of a serious situation at Nantucket High School; without getting into too many details, let's just say I decided I wanted to write about Nantucket's teenagers.

3. What made you decide to settle on Nantucket Island?
To paraphrase John Denver, when I arrived on Nantucket in 1993 at the age of 24, it was like coming home to a place I'd never been before. I came for the summer that year, and when August 31st rolled around, I had to leave and it was like having my heart ripped out. I knew then that I would be back for good -- and I was, the following summer.

Thanks to Elin for answering my questions and to Sarah Hausman from BookTrib for arranging the interview.

Although we're not having a giveaway this time, we'd still love to hear your thoughts on Elin's books or anything else Elin related!

What's in the mail today?

Melissa A:

Got this from Jennifer Rainville to thank us for hosting her later this summer:



Won this from BookTrib:



Treated myself to this e-book because it looks good and it's 99 cents for a limited time only!

Winners of "Click"

To find the winners, we assigned a number to each entry and then had random.org choose three numbers.

Congrats to:

17-Leonel

75-Kat

77-Susana

Reminder: If you have won a book, you have about 48 hours to claim it by sending your contact information. (You will be e-mailed if you have won, as well.) After that time, a new winner will be picked.

Thanks to everyone who participated, to Lisa Becker for blogging with us and for providing the books for the giveaway and to Samantha from Chick Lit Plus for inviting us to participate in Lisa's blog tour.

Don't forget about our current giveaways:

"The Last Letter from Your Lover" by Jojo Moyes
US/Canada only
Ends 7/17 at midnight EST

"The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin
US/Canada only
Ends 7/18 at midnight EST

$10 Gift Card to book retailer of winner's choice

Ends 7/19 at midnight EST