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“Chick Lit” often gets a bad rap for lacking the depth in characters and story found in other literature. Neta Jackson’s “Yada Yada” and “House of Hope” series certainly can’t be criticized for being fluffy. I picked up the first book in the series with great hesitation because on the surface it looked like brain bubble gum. However, by the end of the first book, and after having just finished the last book, Jackson’s story has challenged my thinking on race, class, faith, and much more.

The first set of stories (Yada Yada Prayer Group Series) follows typical white middle class Jodi Baxter as she becomes friends with a very diverse group of women. The women portrayed are very real, and there are no stereotypes in Jackson’s writing other than those that are being constantly challenged in the reader’s mind.

The second set of stories (House of Hope Series) visits some of the characters in the Yada Yada series, but primarily focuses on the unexpected turns that land well-to-do housewife Gabby Fairbanks in a homeless shelter. Again, the reader is challenged with the stigma of homelessness, and the reality that exists for so many.

Jackson’s books certainly can’t be considered all serious, though. The reader will find much humor in the navigation of such tough issues. If you’re looking for a fun set of books to read that won’t leave your brain feeling like a pile of mush, check out the Yada Yada Prayer Group and House of Hope series.