The Seattle Book Examiner's five best guilty pleasure books of 2008

December 20, 5:34 PMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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I've given you both my "10 Best Books of 2008" and my "10 Worst Books of 2008," but what about guilty pleasure reads?  Everyone has their favorites whether it's chick lit, vampire fiction, graphic novels, or celebrity memoirs.  In the past my guilty pleasures have been chick lit novels (really anything by Meg Cabot and Sophie Kinsella), but this year I've read more young adult novels and nonfiction than anything else.  Bundle up and trudge through the snow to your favorite library or bookstore (just check to make sure they are open first!) and warm up with one of these guilty pleasures.

Seattle Book Examiner's Five Best Guilty Pleasure Books of 2008

1.  You Just Can't Get Enough (Gossip Girl:  The Carlyles Book 2) by Cecily Von Ziegesar

I've been a big fan of the Gossip Girl novels from the start (though I loathe the show on the CW) because they were fun.  I don't mind the glaring product placement.  I did get tired of Serena and Blair, so I was really happy when a new generation of It Kids rolled into town (the Carlyles triplets), especially the character Baby.  The characters are more likable than the original cast.  For readers ages 14 and up.

2.  Are You There Vodka,? It's Me Chelsea?  by Chelsea Handler

I can't get enough of Chelsea Handler.  She's raunchy and a riot.  Vodka is 10 times funnier than My Horizontal Life (which was pretty darn funny).  Forget Amy Sedaris, there's a new funny lady in town.

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3.  Gossip of the Starlings by Nina deGramont

This is not to be confused with the Gossip Girl series.  It's an adult/ teen crossover title about two girls in a New England boarding school in the 1980's.  It's in the same vein of Curtis Sittenfeld's Prep.  It's fun but it won't rot your brain.  It would make a good gift.

4. Savvy by Ingrid Law 

This was one of the best books I read all year.  It was a surpise hit.  After I finished it I passed it on to a children's librarian friend of mine who said she cried at the end it was so good.  This is a great read for the whole family.  I'd recommend it for ages 10 and up.

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5.  The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

This was a nominee for the National Book Award (though sadly it did not win).  This is a great young adult chick lit novel with one of the strongest and well rounded female protagonists I've seen in a long time.  Frankie is a great role model for girls.  (Side note: this takes place in another boarding school).  This is recommended for ages 14 and up.