Valerie Frankel

Valerie Frankel is an American author known for writing women's fiction, memoirs, and young adult novels. She has published over 15 books across multiple genres and worked as a contributing editor at Mademoiselle magazine. Frankel gained recognition for her humorous and candid memoirs, including "Thin Is the New Happy" which explores body image and society's obsession with weight. Her fiction work includes standalone novels like "The Accidental Virgin" and "I Take This Man," which often incorporate elements of romance and comedy. Her young adult novels include the "Fringe Girl" series and adaptations of television properties like "The Amazing Race." Beyond her books, Frankel has written extensively for magazines including Self, Allure, and Good Housekeeping. She has collaborated with television personality Joan Rivers on the book "Men Are Stupid...And They Like Big Boobs: A Woman's Guide to Beauty Through Plastic Surgery." Frankel continues to write both fiction and non-fiction works that often address themes of relationships, self-image, and contemporary women's experiences.

Readers appreciate Frankel's humorous and relatable writing style, particularly in her memoirs and self-help books. Her works draw comparisons to Nora Ephron for blending personal anecdotes with social commentary. Readers highlight: - Down-to-earth approach to serious topics - Honest discussion of body image and relationships - Effective use of humor in difficult situations Common criticisms: - Some novels feel formulaic - Character development can be shallow - Earlier fiction works lack polish compared to later books Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Averages 3.5-3.8/5 stars Amazon: Typically 4/5 stars - "Thin Is the New Happy" - 4.1/5 (Goodreads) - "It's Hard Not to Hate You" - 3.7/5 (Goodreads) One reader noted: "She takes heavy subjects and makes them digestible through humor without minimizing their importance." Another criticized: "The plots are predictable and the characters feel like romance novel stereotypes."

It's Hard to be Hip Over Thirty and Other Tragedies of Married Life - Essays about relationships, parenting and aging in modern life.

The Not-So-Perfect Man - A divorced woman meets a male chef with a complex past while attending her sister's wedding.

Smart vs. Pretty - Two sisters with contrasting personalities navigate their relationship and careers in Manhattan.

The Accidental Virgin - A magazine editor in New York attempts to end her unintentional year of celibacy.

I Take This Man - A woman locks her unfaithful fiancé in a closet on their wedding day to prevent him from leaving.

Thin Is the New Happy - A memoir examining the author's relationship with body image, dieting, and self-acceptance.

Four of a Kind - Four mothers form unexpected bonds during their children's school poker fundraiser nights.

The Best You'll Ever Have: What Every Woman Should Know About Getting and Giving Perfect Romance - A non-fiction guide about relationships and intimacy.

Do Something! A Handbook for Young Activists - An instructional book for youth about getting involved in social causes and community action.

It's Not Me, It's You - A woman rebuilds her life and self-esteem after discovering her husband's infidelity.