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What's Brewing ...

Jennifer Weiner Relates To 'Certain Girls'

Best Selling Author Releases Latest "Chic Lit"

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― When Philadelphia resident and best selling author, Jennifer Weiner walks into a room, expect plenty of laughter to follow. Scores of women and a few men gathered at Philadelphia's Saint Peter's School Wednesday to experience Weiner's comedic charm in person and to get a copy of her latest book Certain Girls.

Long time fan, 30-year-old Katherine Brister, said her loyalty comes from Weiner's ability to connect. "I love her writing and her humor and how she's very relatable."

The book, which serves as a sequel to Weiner's 2001 first best selling novel, Good In Bed, revisits the life of memorable female heroine, Candace Cannie Shapiro 12-years later.

"The Philadelphia native is 12-years older, a little wiser, 7-pounds thinner and she has this 12-year-old daughter who she has to throw a bat mitzvah for," explained Weiner.

The novel follows Cannie as she juggles her daughter's adolescent rebellion, her writing career, marriage and ongoing weight issues.

The book's theme may not be an exact replica of Weiner's life, but she said her daughters were still a source of inspiration.

"The idea of how your children re-construct your history and define themselves in relationship to you sort of became a very pressing question."
Weiner's female characters may not meet society's so-called standards for women, but they certainly strike a chord among her readers.

Laura Cingle of Philadelphia said, "You feel like you know them and you feel like you can relate to them."

Weiner hopes her books will help to change the stereotypes associated with plus size women, but admits it is an uphill battle.

"I think it is one step forward, two steps back. Like, you'll see 'Ugly Betty' and think, yes, the world is changing. Then you see America Ferrera on the cover of Glamour airbrushed and you think, wait a minute, that's not the point of the whole thing."

Weiner may not take issue with the "chic lit" label attached to her books, "They can call it anything they like as long as they buy it," but she does have beef with the way people pronounce her name. "It's 'Wine-er' not 'Wee-ner."

And it's certainly not the last time you'll hear it.

For more information on 'Certain Girls' and a list of Philadelphia locations featured in the book, visit www.certaingirls.com.

General information about Jennifer Weiner can be found at www.JenniferWeiner.com.

Photos of Jennifer Weiner's 'Certain Girls' signing at Saint Peter's School can be found by clicking here.