Chick Lit: Postfeminist Fiction

The excellent fiction here is betrayed by the coyness of the introductions by Mazza and, particularly, DeShell. The former insists that the use of the word ``postfeminist'' in her call for submissions was ``almost a joke,'' while the latter fails to even come close to fulfilling the promise of its subtitle: ``On Being a Male Editor of a Woman's Anthology.'' Fortunately, the duo's choices are better than their introductions. Several stories reproduce the unstoppable rhythm of the modern world. Kim Addonizio's frenetic reader recognizes her addiction to the written word for the sickness--and the cure--that it is. Peggy Shinner's unending questions probe the inner meaning of a simple statement. Other stories jar with their use of unusual and often disturbing symbolism. The hairdresser of Suzanne Greathouse's ``Operator Seven'' is accompanied by a vicious black dog that harasses her--including making obscene nighttime phone calls; Nicolette DeCsipkay's 10th grader is invited by a strange man to come into his cat-filled house and placate his obese sister, and Lara Anderson Love's couple, Kurt and Zella, base every decision--from where to eat dinner to whether or not to get married--on the results of games like Scrabble and Life. While not all these pieces soar above banality, each one at least tries to make the leap through inventive form, style and content. (Oct.)