Step into the vibrant world of the Slightly series, where Manhattan’s heat waves and heartfelt misadventures collide! Penned by bestselling author Wendy Markham (a pseudonym for Wendy Corsi Staub), this chick-lit gem follows Traci Spadolini, a relatable 20-something navigating love, self-improvement, and the chaos of New York City. With humor and heart, Slightly captures universal female dilemmas, making it a must-read for fans of romantic comedies and personal growth tales.
From her un-air-conditioned East Village apartment to her rollercoaster relationships, Traci’s journey is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply inspiring. Over five novels, readers watch her transform from slightly lost to confidently settled, all while tackling life’s messiest moments with wit and resilience.
How Slightly Began
The Slightly series kicked off in 2002 with Slightly Single, born from Wendy Markham’s knack for crafting authentic, relatable stories. As Wendy Corsi Staub, she’s a New York Times bestselling author known for psychological suspense, but under her Markham pseudonym, she channels a lighter, comedic voice. Inspired by the hustle and heart of urban life, Markham created Traci to reflect the struggles and triumphs of young women chasing dreams in the big city. The series, published by Red Dress Ink, quickly resonated with readers, running until 2008.
The Heart of Slightly
The series spans five books, each a snapshot of Traci’s evolution. In Slightly Single, Traci, a 24-year-old New York transplant, faces a sweltering summer alone after her boyfriend, Will, leaves for summer stock. With a dead-end job and self-esteem struggles, she embarks on a mission to reinvent herself, shedding pounds and rediscovering her spark. Slightly Settled sees Traci juggling three suitors, including a charming new guy, Jack, while navigating office party chaos and her ex’s return. By Slightly Engaged, Traci and Jack are cohabiting, but her obsession with a proposal stirs doubts about her future. Finally, Slightly Suburban follows Traci and Jack to the suburbs, where unemployment and in-law antics test her newfound confidence.
Themes of self-discovery, resilience, and romance weave through the series, set against a vividly drawn New York City. Markham’s style blends humor with raw honesty, capturing Traci’s sarcastic wit and relatable flaws. From sticky subway rides to glittering office parties, the setting immerses readers in a world that’s both gritty and glamorous, perfect for chick-lit fans.
Why Slightly Resonates
The Slightly series struck a chord with readers for its authentic portrayal of personal growth. Traci’s journey—complete with body image struggles, career setbacks, and romantic fumbles—mirrors the real-life challenges of young women. Fans on Goodreads praise its humor and relatability, though some note Traci’s self-absorbed moments can grate. Still, the series’ lighthearted take on universal dilemmas has cemented its place in the chick-lit canon, inspiring readers to embrace their own transformations.
Its lasting appeal lies in its optimism. Even when life gets messy, Traci’s story reminds us that growth is a journey, not a destination. For those craving a blend of laughter and life lessons, Slightly remains a delightful escape.
- Publication Years: 2002–2008
- Number of Books: 5
- Notable Recognition: Slightly Single named one of Waldenbooks’ 100 Best Fiction titles of 2002
Grab Slightly Single and dive into Traci’s hilarious, heartfelt world! Whether you’re a chick-lit devotee or just love a good coming-of-age tale, the Slightly series promises a rom-com ride you won’t forget.