This fun and easy-to-read novel chronicles the daily life of thirty-something Bridget Jones, single and living in London. The diary starts with her New Year's Resolutions, chronicles the little successes and failures of her everyday life, and ends with a summary of what she has accomplished. Bridget has simple goals in life: lose 5 pounds, quit smoking, meet Mr. Right, spend less than she earns, and develop inner poise. A large circle of close friends and family share in her crazy life; through the diary format, the reader also feels like "one of the gang."
Bridget manages to turn everyday events -- involving her job, boyfriends, parents, and friends -- into chaotic adventures. For example, she gets a new job at a TV station, and while doing an interview at the fire house, she slides down the pole too soon -- and then tries to climb back up it (to the delight of the cameraman). For her birthday, Bridget decides to throw herself a party and invites a few friends over for dinner. She plans to make a "simple" meal but turns the soup blue, steps in the pan of potatoes, and the turns the souffle into pudding. Her friends had a feeling that the menu wouldn't work out, so they booked a big table at a local restaurant and are waiting for her there with presents. She is convinced that all her friends hate her when she gets no Christmas cards or party invitations, until she discovers that her neighbor has been putting them under the door (under her rug) so she doesn't have to go downstairs in the cold.
Some of the cultural differences between Britain and the US were interesting -- Bridget calls "1471" to find out who called her last (no "Caller ID"), is invited to a "Vicars and Tarts" party (although they change the theme of the party but forget to tell her), and watches "Blind Date" on the telly. Jane Austen fans may want to look for parallels to Pride and Prejudice -- of course there is Mr. Darcy, but Bridget doesn't have a little sister to elope; instead, her mom runs off with a Portuguese con man.
The book club chose this book after it was highly recommended by our waitress at Zanzibar during our anniversary dinner. All of us enjoyed getting to know Bridget and her insecurities, and we are looking forward to her continued adventures in the sequel.