BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY (Helen Fielding)

I thoroughly enjoyed this update on Bridget Jones's life, but I have to admit I was almost brought to tears a few times, mainly because I felt like Colin Firth had been killed!  Any Bridget Jones fan probably knows that Firth played Mark Darcy, Bridget's true love, in the movie versions of Fielding's two Bridget books.  Well, Bridget married Mark, had two children, Billy and Mabel, with him, and then was widowed (Oh, no!).  After several years of mourning she decides, with the encouragement of her friends, that it is time to venture out into the dating world again, in typical Bridget Jones style.

At age 51, Bridget tries online dating and flirts madly with the Roxter, a much younger man.  She even considers a future with him, but her destiny is with another.  As she navigates technology, aging, and single parenthood in her usual neurotic way, we fall in love with her all over again.  After 15 years she is still the same goofy Bridget, older and a bit wiser, but still as appealing.

I imagine that there are people who will say that the originals were better, because people always do.  Fielding is, after all, the grand dame of chick-lit.  Would the genre even exist if Bridget Jones hadn't been conceived?  If you loved Bridget 15 years ago, you'll love this one!