Top 10 Novels Every Woman Should Read -- Chick Lit to Tearjerkers

Summer has now officially arrived and with that means brighter days, relaxing in hammocks, beaches, and traveling. Whatever you do, it seems that this season is just made to relax and despite work and family, it seems wrong not to make some time for a little self-indulgence. No matter what you do, make sure to steal some time for yourself and escape -- into these top 10 novels that I, myself, found to be extremely enjoyable. Some of the novels are light and perfect for a few hours on the beach, while others are deeper and more thought-provoking (perfect for that delayed flight or international flight); all of the novels, however, will leave the reader satisfied. Not all of these reads have been on best-seller lists or are even widely known, but they are nonetheless more than worthy of a long-overdue recognition.

1. The End of East (Jen Sookfong Lee) - An empowering and bittersweet novel revolving around three-generations of a Chinese-Canadian family and their toils in building a life, a living, and themselves. The novel switches viewpoints from that of Samantha (a 3rd-generation member of the family who seeks to give up her Chinese roots and strives to find herself), Siu Sang (2nd-generation; Samantha's shrewd and cruel mother who experienced so much pain), Pon Man (2nd-generation; Samantha's father who spent the entirety of his life attempting to run away from his roots, and in doing so, permanently severed any opportunity to be satisfied with life), and Seid Quan (1st-generation; the one who strove to pull his family, albeit unsuccessfully, together), creating a powerful and poignant debut novel. The charting of hopes, despairs, dreams, failures, triumphs, and regrets creates an impressively authentic and in-depth novel. The 256 pages of this novel provide such depths and insight into each character, the lives and toils of a family, and the conflicts that we all face, more or less, at some point within our lives. It's rare for a novel to provoke such contemplation and emotions within the reader, but The End of East manages to do so effortlessly and throughout its entirety. Get the tissues ready, and be prepared to look at your own existence -- I know I did.

2. One Dance in Paris (Julia Holden) - An enchanting and hopeful novel that follows one women in her search for who her little-known-about mother really was, and ultimately, who she truly is, herself. Tantalizing and provocative in scenary and prose, this novel will provoke an immense amount of self-contemplation. Beautiful and self-enlightening, this is the classic tale of self-discovery, enhanced to a new level by the added twist. This novel has a casual and very easy flow to it, which only serves to enwrap the reader even further into its depths. I didn't want it to end; the ending was intense and dramatic -- perfect. Both romantic and bitter-sweet. You feel as if you're in Lindy Stone's shoes and begin to contemplate your own being. This is one novel that I'll be rereading a number of times!

3. Summer at Tiffany (Marjorie Hart) - A captivating little read that's light and oh-so-glamorous! It follows in the footsteps of one gal, her best friend, and their unforgettable summer of 1945, when the world was changing along with their lives. This memoir effortlessly charts Marjorie's summer job at the Tiffany store in New York -- an event that would alter her life in so many ways and open her eyes to the world around her. Nostalgic and very intoxicating in its language, old-time splendor, and Marjorie's innocent wonder at stepping out into life. This isn't to be missed by any gal who loves NYC, has large dreams for herself, or, of course, any gal who just can't resist the baby blue box of Tiffany! A quick read that's heavy in the endless sentiments and lessons it leaves.

4. Geisha, a Life (Mineko Iwasaki) - Okay, so the world had the whole geisha phase back a few years ago. So what am I thinking listing a true geisha's memoirs as one of the top reads for women for 2008? A little cliche? Yes...oh, alright, a lot. But don't confuse this with Memoirs of a Geisha (after which the film was produced). This novel by Mineko Iwasaki is so much more authentic and generally missed by those who grappled for the other novel. This is the true book if you're looking for a bittersweet, sentimental, and riveting memoir of one of Japan's past-time geishas. She recalls her entire career and parts of her childhood accurately and with a liquid prose, including all the positives and negatives, her faults and failures as well as her triumphs. Never once, however, does she dwell on the negatives or attempt to evoke sympathy -- something that only increases the stunning nature of this novel. I've read this novel 5 times already, but each time, the over-whelming emotions it provokes is more powerful.

5. Social Crimes (Jane Hitchcock) - A cleverly devised mystery with a glamorous and savvy protagonist -- a novel that won't disappoint chick lit or mystery fans. Jane Hitchcock plays this novel out effortlessly, yet so brilliantly...you won't be able to set it down. This novel combines it all in -- fashion, sleuthing, New York elite society, back-stabbing, and an age-old plot of Marie Antoinette's. What more could a gal ask for? To devour this read twice, of course!

6. Confessions of a Werewolf Supermodel (Ronda Thompson) - A witty and light read that incorporates fashion, murder, sleuthing, and the classic concept of the ugly duckling. As the title suggests, the model protagonist has much more to worry about than figure, hair, and makeup...she's got to keep her double personality as a werewolf out of sight, while keeping up on the runway scene, and, oh, hunting a cold-blooded killer who has her as a target. Did I mention the killer is keen on her past and secrets, and is a match for her...um, shall we say, abnormal...abilities? I admit that it was the cover and fashion concept that drew me to this novel, but the mystery was surprisingly well-crafted; this won't be a disappointer!

7. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck) - Okay, so the majority of people out there are familiar with this title, being that it is considered a classic novel and is often pushed upon students sometime or other in their education. Most of those classics that educational figures push upon their students are (let's all admit it now) dull, uncaptivating, and simply not praise-worthy if a good read is what you seek. This novel, however, breaks out of that model of dull classics and truly is spell-binding. It follows Wang Lung and his family through their toils, mistakes, and redemptions, all to a bittersweet ending sure to leave readers craving more, yet oddly satisfied.

8. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (Lisa See) - Inspiration and life lessons take the form of this exotic novel set in China from eras past (19th century). Empowering and enchanting, this novel delves into the true depths of two women's lifelong friendship, their lives, and their concerns for themselves and their families, all set against a backdrop of restrictions and confinement. Though the novel is unarguably oriental, the depths of the prose and the message within the tale will surpass all boundaries and will evoke empathy and ring true for all women.

9. The Right Address (Carrie Karasyov & Jill Kargman) - A witty, often hilarious, but, most significantly, truthful, novel that goes deep into the heart of Manhattan elite society -- one that proves to be far fiercer and more competitive than its smooth and glamorous facade ever led on. The novel takes the viewpoint of Melanie Korn, a social climber who spends the majority of the novel mistakenly seeking to fit into the society she found herself thrust into (which provides the in-depth insight into that exact same society), until she realizes that money and status isn't everything, and finally lets it all go in favor of true happiness. I admit that I was weary of co-authored novels, but this one certainly proved me wrong. It's a deliciously breezy journey through a society that is not all that pristine. The classic tale of the grass failing to be greener on the other side -- except more fashionable and luxurious!

10. The Little Lady Agency (Hester Browne) - Flirty and light, this fun little read about one woman's success in an unlikely career as an escort, is sure to win a top spot on your bookshelf. You must be thinking, "An escort protagonist?!" As controversial as that one word (escort) may seem, this novel manages to lighten it and is, undoubtedly, sweet and innocent. A lively journey following one woman putting her skills and bombshell attributes to the fullest, helping others and boosting her confidence along the way.

There! That list ought to provide some fun, luxury, and tears (the good kind) for the summer...so get the chocolate and champagne, and curl up for some exciting adventures!