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Shopaholic #1
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Becky has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is that she can't actually afford it–not any of it.
Her job writing at Successful Savings not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. And lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from the bank –letters with large red sums she can't bear to read–and they're getting ever harder to ignore.
She tries cutting back. But none of her efforts succeeds. Becky's only consolation is to buy herself something ... just a little something....
Finally a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life–and the lives of those around her–forever.
Her job writing at Successful Savings not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. And lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from the bank –letters with large red sums she can't bear to read–and they're getting ever harder to ignore.
She tries cutting back. But none of her efforts succeeds. Becky's only consolation is to buy herself something ... just a little something....
Finally a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life–and the lives of those around her–forever.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Sophie Kinsella
134 books40.4k followersSophie Kinsella has sold over 40 million copies of her books in more than 60 countries, and she has been translated into over 40 languages.
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie has also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s latest novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She now lives in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie has also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s latest novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She now lives in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 13,982 reviews
May 10, 2007
So I used to work with this girl called Sarah, who was a real no bullshit kind of person. I really liked her because she was intelligent and articulate, someone I could actually hold a conversation with. She was well read, she kept up on current events and she could talk politics while maintaining integrity and respectability. When I saw this book on the break table in the back, I never would have thought that it was hers. When I found out I made fun of her. I couldn't believe a girl like her was reading one of those girly indulgent drugstore bookshelf books about some cutsey flustered vunerable woman who almost manages to overcome her sweet, sugary problems by the last few pages. Almost. Over the next few days, when I would be taking my 20 minutes for lunch, I started to leaf through the book for lack of better reading material (I had read the copy of People from three months prior so many times I could probably name the make-ups, break-ups, new babies and total tramps.) After a few chapters I was inexplicably hooked. I had to know what else the silly little spendthrift was going to get herself into and of course, eventually out of. I read it over the course of about 4 or 5 lunch breaks. It was easy to slip into the back of my mind, underneath the homework assignments and papers and substantial literature I was in the middle of, behind the bills to pay and the jobs to keep up with. It was the easiest book I have ever read, truly light and to be totally honest, well written. The woman has an undeniable personality and voice. I haven't been interested enough to get any of her follow up books, but every time I pass them in the "literature" section at the drug store, I consider it for about half a second.
July 26, 2013
I was in the library when I walked by this book, while I was looking for another book. I pulled it off the shelf and because I've found and read some pretty amazing book with this randomness, I thought ok. Another reason I have become a little obsessed with shopping on ebay. I thought this girl book would be fun, it would be like a new girl friend, getting to now good and bad about her, how she thinks about life........... So, I checked it out and I read it in about 6 hours. Reason it sucked:
1. The main charter was English so I didn't relate the stores that she was bragging about shopping at and it didn't have the SAME"sex in the city" LUSTFUL MATERIALISTIC effect on me . So, her prideful continuous description of these clothes she "owned" and was in debt for became ridiculous. And her constant shopping while in debt, actually started to physically stress me out.
2. Half way into the book I felt really sad because I know that there is so many people who this is their reality. This shallow mindset or consumption of caffeine, sugar, shopping, "fashion"..... the constant carve of distraction and never learning to deal. It just seemed to glorify being shallow and reinforce that if and when you are you should keep on being so because:
3. The modern day fairy tale ending for could happen. Debt paid off, get the job you want, they guy, the clothes, the romance, the money, the fame..... It grasps on the the romantic notion of what life should be, and could be. It seem to encourage that there is nothing wrong with lying to yourself and others.
4. It reminds of humans I know, who choose to lead the most dramatic, self indulged, objectified, diva lifestyle. Where they are the most important and beautiful person on the planet, and you'll regret being not trying to be their best friend (a.k.a. letting them use you) when they are Famous and rich one day. I think this book glamorize this attitude, and not matter how you dress that up, there is nothing glamorous about that.
All and All I HAETED this book and wished I hadn't read the it. And if I could give a negative star I would. But I know this is not a hateful website.
1. The main charter was English so I didn't relate the stores that she was bragging about shopping at and it didn't have the SAME"sex in the city" LUSTFUL MATERIALISTIC effect on me . So, her prideful continuous description of these clothes she "owned" and was in debt for became ridiculous. And her constant shopping while in debt, actually started to physically stress me out.
2. Half way into the book I felt really sad because I know that there is so many people who this is their reality. This shallow mindset or consumption of caffeine, sugar, shopping, "fashion"..... the constant carve of distraction and never learning to deal. It just seemed to glorify being shallow and reinforce that if and when you are you should keep on being so because:
3. The modern day fairy tale ending for could happen. Debt paid off, get the job you want, they guy, the clothes, the romance, the money, the fame..... It grasps on the the romantic notion of what life should be, and could be. It seem to encourage that there is nothing wrong with lying to yourself and others.
4. It reminds of humans I know, who choose to lead the most dramatic, self indulged, objectified, diva lifestyle. Where they are the most important and beautiful person on the planet, and you'll regret being not trying to be their best friend (a.k.a. letting them use you) when they are Famous and rich one day. I think this book glamorize this attitude, and not matter how you dress that up, there is nothing glamorous about that.
All and All I HAETED this book and wished I hadn't read the it. And if I could give a negative star I would. But I know this is not a hateful website.
March 7, 2022
The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, #1), Sophie Kinsella (Madeleine Wickham)
The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (2000) (Confessions of a Shopaholic in the United States and India) is the first in the popular Shopaholic series. It is a chick-lit novel by Sophie Kinsella, a pen-name of Madeleine Wickham. It focuses on the main character Rebecca (Becky) Bloomwood, a financial journalist, who is in a serious amount of debt through her shopping addiction.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز دوم ماه ژانویه سال2017میلادی
عنوان: دنیای شگفت انگیز ربکا - شوق خرید؛ نویسنده: سوفی کینسلا (کینزلا)؛ مترجم: الهه صالحی؛ شیما مصحفی؛ تهران، درسا، سال1393؛ در424ص؛ شابک9786003360198؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان بریتانیا - سده20م
کتاب «دنیای شگفت انگیز ربه کا» رمانی نوشته ی «سوفی کینسلا» است که نخستین بار در سال2000میلادی انتشار یافت؛ «بکی» صاحب آپارتمانی زیبا در یکی از بهترین محله های «لندن» است؛ با دوستانی نامدار و دل انگیز، و یک کمد پر از بهترین لباس های فصل؛ تنها مشکل اینجاست که او نمیتواند از عهده ی هزینه های زندگی خویش برآید؛ شغل او نه تنها برایش بسیار کسالت آور است، بلکه پول چندانی نیز در پی ندارد؛ علاوه بر این، «بکی» نامه هایی ترسناک را از بانک دریافت کرده؛ نامه هایی با مبالغ نجومی، که او حتی توان خواندنش را هم ندارد؛ اما «بکی» میداند که نادیده گرفتن آنها دیگر امکان پذیر نیست؛ تا این که رویدادی رقم میخورد که توجه «بکی» را به خود جلب میکند، و نوشتار او درباره این رویداد، باعث رقم خوردن یک سری از رویدادها میشود که زندگی «بکی» و ادور و بریهایش را برای همیشه دگرگون میکند
نقل از متن: (چشمهایم را بستم و شروع کردم به حساب کردن؛ کت و دامنی که از مغازه ی «جیگ ساو» خریده بودم، شامی که من و «سوزی» در رستوران «کوالینیو» خورده بودیم، و آن قالیچه ی خوشگل سرخ و زرد؛ حالا که فکرش را میکردم، آن قالیچه خودش دویست پوند بود؛ ولی قطعا ارزشش را داشت؛ همه آن را تحسین میکردند؛ یا دستکم «سوزی» از آن تعریف م��کرد؛ آن کت و دامن در حراجی، سی درصد تخفیف داشت؛ پس خریدن آن در واقع نوعی پس انداز بود؛ چشمهایم را گشودم، و دستم را به طرف صورتحساب دراز کردم؛ همین که انگشتانم کاغذ پاکت را لمس کرد، به یاد آن لنزهای جدید افتادم، لنزهای چشمی؛ نودوپنج پوند؛ پول زیادی بود؛ ولی خوب، ناچار بودم آنها را بخرم، مگر نه؟ میبایست چه کار میکردم؟ کورمال کورمال همه جا میرفتم؟) پایان نقل
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 23/02/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (2000) (Confessions of a Shopaholic in the United States and India) is the first in the popular Shopaholic series. It is a chick-lit novel by Sophie Kinsella, a pen-name of Madeleine Wickham. It focuses on the main character Rebecca (Becky) Bloomwood, a financial journalist, who is in a serious amount of debt through her shopping addiction.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز دوم ماه ژانویه سال2017میلادی
عنوان: دنیای شگفت انگیز ربکا - شوق خرید؛ نویسنده: سوفی کینسلا (کینزلا)؛ مترجم: الهه صالحی؛ شیما مصحفی؛ تهران، درسا، سال1393؛ در424ص؛ شابک9786003360198؛ موضوع: داستانهای نویسندگان بریتانیا - سده20م
کتاب «دنیای شگفت انگیز ربه کا» رمانی نوشته ی «سوفی کینسلا» است که نخستین بار در سال2000میلادی انتشار یافت؛ «بکی» صاحب آپارتمانی زیبا در یکی از بهترین محله های «لندن» است؛ با دوستانی نامدار و دل انگیز، و یک کمد پر از بهترین لباس های فصل؛ تنها مشکل اینجاست که او نمیتواند از عهده ی هزینه های زندگی خویش برآید؛ شغل او نه تنها برایش بسیار کسالت آور است، بلکه پول چندانی نیز در پی ندارد؛ علاوه بر این، «بکی» نامه هایی ترسناک را از بانک دریافت کرده؛ نامه هایی با مبالغ نجومی، که او حتی توان خواندنش را هم ندارد؛ اما «بکی» میداند که نادیده گرفتن آنها دیگر امکان پذیر نیست؛ تا این که رویدادی رقم میخورد که توجه «بکی» را به خود جلب میکند، و نوشتار او درباره این رویداد، باعث رقم خوردن یک سری از رویدادها میشود که زندگی «بکی» و ادور و بریهایش را برای همیشه دگرگون میکند
نقل از متن: (چشمهایم را بستم و شروع کردم به حساب کردن؛ کت و دامنی که از مغازه ی «جیگ ساو» خریده بودم، شامی که من و «سوزی» در رستوران «کوالینیو» خورده بودیم، و آن قالیچه ی خوشگل سرخ و زرد؛ حالا که فکرش را میکردم، آن قالیچه خودش دویست پوند بود؛ ولی قطعا ارزشش را داشت؛ همه آن را تحسین میکردند؛ یا دستکم «سوزی» از آن تعریف م��کرد؛ آن کت و دامن در حراجی، سی درصد تخفیف داشت؛ پس خریدن آن در واقع نوعی پس انداز بود؛ چشمهایم را گشودم، و دستم را به طرف صورتحساب دراز کردم؛ همین که انگشتانم کاغذ پاکت را لمس کرد، به یاد آن لنزهای جدید افتادم، لنزهای چشمی؛ نودوپنج پوند؛ پول زیادی بود؛ ولی خوب، ناچار بودم آنها را بخرم، مگر نه؟ میبایست چه کار میکردم؟ کورمال کورمال همه جا میرفتم؟) پایان نقل
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 23/02/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
July 18, 2008
I really hate slamming books, really I do. This book is the typical chick-lit that I've grown to love, and to be fair, it's a quick read.
But, my praise stops there.
The main character of this book, Rebecca Bloomwood, is the most annoying, daft, and ridiculous character I have ever had the misfortune to read about. I understand that she's a "shopaholic", but I've had quite a few friends who fell into that catagory that were never in danger of being as simple-minded and arrogant as Rebecca.
Every time I put this book down, I find myself angry. My forehead is wrinkled, and I'm snapping at my innocent boyfriend.
Why?
I'll give you a hint: It isn't because I'm upset at having to put the book down!
All I can tell you is that unless you, yourself, are ignorant, incredibly stupid, deceitful, materialistic, dishonest, and rude...you will find nothing to associate with in Becky Bloomwood.
But, my praise stops there.
The main character of this book, Rebecca Bloomwood, is the most annoying, daft, and ridiculous character I have ever had the misfortune to read about. I understand that she's a "shopaholic", but I've had quite a few friends who fell into that catagory that were never in danger of being as simple-minded and arrogant as Rebecca.
Every time I put this book down, I find myself angry. My forehead is wrinkled, and I'm snapping at my innocent boyfriend.
Why?
I'll give you a hint: It isn't because I'm upset at having to put the book down!
All I can tell you is that unless you, yourself, are ignorant, incredibly stupid, deceitful, materialistic, dishonest, and rude...you will find nothing to associate with in Becky Bloomwood.
January 10, 2022
2021 read: Financial reporter Becky Bloomwood has three serious problems, she loves shopping, she can't stop shopping and she shops to destress; if this was an animated encyclopaedia her face would come under the entry for shopaholic. I picked up a three-book box set of this series for a £1, so thought sod it, let's give this almost modern-classic 'chic-lit' series a go. Well this book is a masterclass in light-comedy tongue-firmly-in-cheek modern woman storytelling, I kid you not! With a delightful almost quirky protagonist in Becky and the innovative backdrop of the world of financial media(!), this book thoroughly deserves its top billing best selling status.
Warning, only about 5% of this book is romance, and at least 50% is about shopping... which I found fabulous! For all those detractors of these kind of reads, I stand by what I've always said, there's good and bad in all genres, and this is very very good! Big fans of romantic-comedies may not like this, as this is very much more a shopping-comedy! 8 out of 12 for this delightful and surprisingly compelling bit of fun.
Warning, only about 5% of this book is romance, and at least 50% is about shopping... which I found fabulous! For all those detractors of these kind of reads, I stand by what I've always said, there's good and bad in all genres, and this is very very good! Big fans of romantic-comedies may not like this, as this is very much more a shopping-comedy! 8 out of 12 for this delightful and surprisingly compelling bit of fun.
February 23, 2022
2022 Reread!
I've been slowly reading The Love Songs of W E B Du Bois for awhile now and I'm "enjoying" it but GOD! It's a hard read. I was chugging right along thinking I'd finish it this week when I hit a part that I know is gonna wreck me. I needed a break, so I put it aside and decided to read something that didn't make me want to harm white people.
I reread The Shopaholic series every couple of years and I always like it. It's a sweet harmless little book that I can read with my brain turned off. And that's not a bad thing.
Does it really deserve 5 stars?
Yes! It did everything I needed it to do.
The Shopaholic series always puts me in a good mood. Really all of Sophie Kinsella's books put me in a good mood. They are just so light, fluffy and fun. Sophie Kinsella's writing is like ice cream on hot July day.
In Confessions of a Shopaholic we meet Rebecca Bloomwood(Becky to her friends) a young financial writer who longs to write for a fashion magazine. She lives in a trendy "flat" with her bestie and loves to shop. I mean really really loves to shop. So much so that she finds herself deeply in debt. To cope with her financial problems she does what any shopping addict would do.. She shops even more. Running up more and more debt.
Now since this is a light comedic book all of this is handled in the most hilarious of ways. I never for one second dislike Becky or look down on her for her terrible financial problems. As a person who loves to shop and never looks at prices I can see how easy it would be to fall into a financial hole. Thankfully I don't have money issues ( knock on wood) but I feel Becky's pain in wanting to buy everything you see.
The Shopaholic series is one of my go to books that always instantly improve my mood. Also these books are such quick reads that I can easily read a whole book in a day or two.
Recommended to readers who like light fun books with irrepressible hilarious heroines.
I've been slowly reading The Love Songs of W E B Du Bois for awhile now and I'm "enjoying" it but GOD! It's a hard read. I was chugging right along thinking I'd finish it this week when I hit a part that I know is gonna wreck me. I needed a break, so I put it aside and decided to read something that didn't make me want to harm white people.
I reread The Shopaholic series every couple of years and I always like it. It's a sweet harmless little book that I can read with my brain turned off. And that's not a bad thing.
Does it really deserve 5 stars?
Yes! It did everything I needed it to do.
The Shopaholic series always puts me in a good mood. Really all of Sophie Kinsella's books put me in a good mood. They are just so light, fluffy and fun. Sophie Kinsella's writing is like ice cream on hot July day.
In Confessions of a Shopaholic we meet Rebecca Bloomwood(Becky to her friends) a young financial writer who longs to write for a fashion magazine. She lives in a trendy "flat" with her bestie and loves to shop. I mean really really loves to shop. So much so that she finds herself deeply in debt. To cope with her financial problems she does what any shopping addict would do.. She shops even more. Running up more and more debt.
Now since this is a light comedic book all of this is handled in the most hilarious of ways. I never for one second dislike Becky or look down on her for her terrible financial problems. As a person who loves to shop and never looks at prices I can see how easy it would be to fall into a financial hole. Thankfully I don't have money issues ( knock on wood) but I feel Becky's pain in wanting to buy everything you see.
The Shopaholic series is one of my go to books that always instantly improve my mood. Also these books are such quick reads that I can easily read a whole book in a day or two.
Recommended to readers who like light fun books with irrepressible hilarious heroines.
Currently reading
February 19, 2024in desperate need of something sweet, funny and lighthearted 💌 i loved the film adaptation so i hope i love the book as well! 🥹
January 8, 2015
This book pleasantly surprised me! I went into this book expecting it to be just like the movie (which, by the way I love), but it might as well have been a completely different story. The only things it has in common with the movie are the character names, the obsessive shopper and in debt main character, and the title. I adjusted my expectations and thought it would be one of those rare instances where the movie is better than the book, but I loved them equally but in different ways! The book was far less cutesy than the movie as it made Rebecca (the main character) a dislikable character at first. Like really, I hated her. However, she really grows up in 300 pages and even though she still has her flaws, I really began to respect her and want to continue on with the series. As for Sophie Kinsella's writing style, I enjoyed it! She writes everything humorously but with a ring of insight and relatability. I can't wait to read more of her books and she is making me more excited about reading out of the Young Adult genre!
August 17, 2016
Main character gets a few lucky breaks so she can continue pulling the same immature shit as she did at the beginning of the book and learns absolute fuckall in the process.
Currently reading
June 16, 2020Hi guys, I would like to give a review about The Secret Dreamworld of Shopaholic novel. I like the series of chick-lit. When I walked to the bookstore, I enjoy seeing a lot of books around me. There was one book that caught my attention. Yep, that is The Secret Dreamworld of Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. Madeleine Sophie Townley, known by pen name Sophie Kinsella, is an English author. The first two novels Shopaholic series, The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic Abroad.
I had known about the title of this novel since I was in the third semester, for about one and a half years ago when my lecturer asked me to read my favourite book. I choose this novel because when I read this novel, I can feel enjoy, and this novel is funny and exciting.
Rebecca Bloomwood or Becky is the main character of this novel. Sophie Kinsella, as the writer, can make the character of Becky as real as everyday life. Becky grew 300 pages long, creating a more realistic presentation of her character. In the funny moments of her life, she managed to position herself in an increasingly embarrassing situation that she was unable to handle, instead of looking for the most severe and excessive forms of action.
Becky is a Londoner aged twenty with shopping problems. Sophie Kinsella described that Rebecca could not refuse bargaining and sales. She could not resist shopping. Her credit card was maximal, her bank wrote a letter and called her about her overdraft, and denied it. The irony is that she works as a financial journalist for a successful saving magazine, who should know how to handle expenses so that she can save money and not get into debt.
I think we can all recognize something about Rebecca in all of us. I have terrible memories as a student who often buys useless things. If there is a discount, my eyes immediately focused on the discount and bought goods even though at home there are items like that. Like Rebecca, I throw away a bill, and I often lack money because of my lifestyle hahaha.
In terms of personal relationships, there is a man named Luke Brandon. He is the owner of a public relations company for finance. Rebecca has a secret crush on him. One day, Luke Brandon asked her to accompany him to buy a suitcase. Strangely, it was for his girlfriend. He knew that Rebecca was angry and decided to go to his hometown. The fact that Brandon had a girlfriend made Rebecca so depressed and upset. Finally, she told her parents about her main problem with visa bills. While Becky was at her parents' house resting from trouble, suddenly, her neighbour came. They told her about the investment problem. This earned her a new job for a television program about finance. From this point on, Rebecca began to have better financial conditions.
Sophie Kinsella also shows Becky's relationship with other people around her. It is another substantial factor that contributes to the majority of the novel, with Suze, her best friend who supports her as much as possible even though Becky has a lot of problems. With his parents and how they believe Becky fell in love with their neighbour Tom even though she didn't; and finally Luke. For some reason, I like the way of Shopie Kinsella delivers her idea, it's so brilliant. I love Luke and his character, the way he can mostly bring Becky back to earth but also trust her and care for her despite her mistakes. Although, I hope Sophie Kinsella will include more and more moments with Luke and Becky in this novel hahaha.
The secret dreamworld of Shopaholic is an exciting novel to read. Some exciting points comprise the strengths and weakness of this novel. The strengths are The Secret Dreamworld of Shopaholic very unique tone of writing, point of view, and lesson learned. This novel often uses funny descriptions. Therefore, readers can get points that the writer wants to express pleasantly. An example is when the story aims to illustrate how branded fashions can increase Rebecca's confidence. The reader can see this thought in Rebecca's talk:
"I don't look bad, I think. I'm wearing my black skirt from French Connection, and a plain white T-shirt from a Knicker box, and a small angora cardigan that I got from M&S but it seems like it might be Agnès b." (Kinsella, 2001: 14)
For the point of view, Every page shows how Becky figures out her decisions, her shopping addict and her strategy for escaping from problems. This provides the reader with a clear perspective of Becky. Even though she is the master of a wrong decision, her point of view can trigger the reader to keep reading. After the reader finished read the novel, they can filter out several lessons for their lives. Here are some essential things to learn from the novel: shopping too much is not a good habit; Paying credit card bills is not as easy as using it, and faces problems.
However, this novel has several weaknesses. The first is a plot that is inconsistent in describing the situation in a narrative that is too long, and sometimes the explanation is too short. The second is a story that is not clear in the end. With these strengths and weaknesses, The Secret Dreamworld of Shopaholic is still a book that is recommended for readers to read. This novel is entertaining, very light, full of joy, and consist of rich content. The Secret Dreamworld of Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella can teach readers to think before they do something, especially about spending money.
Finally, I want to say that Sophie Kinsella's writing style is truly brilliant; the image provided is excellent and innovative with such humour. The books are very addictive, and I suggest you take this light reading.
I had known about the title of this novel since I was in the third semester, for about one and a half years ago when my lecturer asked me to read my favourite book. I choose this novel because when I read this novel, I can feel enjoy, and this novel is funny and exciting.
Rebecca Bloomwood or Becky is the main character of this novel. Sophie Kinsella, as the writer, can make the character of Becky as real as everyday life. Becky grew 300 pages long, creating a more realistic presentation of her character. In the funny moments of her life, she managed to position herself in an increasingly embarrassing situation that she was unable to handle, instead of looking for the most severe and excessive forms of action.
Becky is a Londoner aged twenty with shopping problems. Sophie Kinsella described that Rebecca could not refuse bargaining and sales. She could not resist shopping. Her credit card was maximal, her bank wrote a letter and called her about her overdraft, and denied it. The irony is that she works as a financial journalist for a successful saving magazine, who should know how to handle expenses so that she can save money and not get into debt.
I think we can all recognize something about Rebecca in all of us. I have terrible memories as a student who often buys useless things. If there is a discount, my eyes immediately focused on the discount and bought goods even though at home there are items like that. Like Rebecca, I throw away a bill, and I often lack money because of my lifestyle hahaha.
In terms of personal relationships, there is a man named Luke Brandon. He is the owner of a public relations company for finance. Rebecca has a secret crush on him. One day, Luke Brandon asked her to accompany him to buy a suitcase. Strangely, it was for his girlfriend. He knew that Rebecca was angry and decided to go to his hometown. The fact that Brandon had a girlfriend made Rebecca so depressed and upset. Finally, she told her parents about her main problem with visa bills. While Becky was at her parents' house resting from trouble, suddenly, her neighbour came. They told her about the investment problem. This earned her a new job for a television program about finance. From this point on, Rebecca began to have better financial conditions.
Sophie Kinsella also shows Becky's relationship with other people around her. It is another substantial factor that contributes to the majority of the novel, with Suze, her best friend who supports her as much as possible even though Becky has a lot of problems. With his parents and how they believe Becky fell in love with their neighbour Tom even though she didn't; and finally Luke. For some reason, I like the way of Shopie Kinsella delivers her idea, it's so brilliant. I love Luke and his character, the way he can mostly bring Becky back to earth but also trust her and care for her despite her mistakes. Although, I hope Sophie Kinsella will include more and more moments with Luke and Becky in this novel hahaha.
The secret dreamworld of Shopaholic is an exciting novel to read. Some exciting points comprise the strengths and weakness of this novel. The strengths are The Secret Dreamworld of Shopaholic very unique tone of writing, point of view, and lesson learned. This novel often uses funny descriptions. Therefore, readers can get points that the writer wants to express pleasantly. An example is when the story aims to illustrate how branded fashions can increase Rebecca's confidence. The reader can see this thought in Rebecca's talk:
"I don't look bad, I think. I'm wearing my black skirt from French Connection, and a plain white T-shirt from a Knicker box, and a small angora cardigan that I got from M&S but it seems like it might be Agnès b." (Kinsella, 2001: 14)
For the point of view, Every page shows how Becky figures out her decisions, her shopping addict and her strategy for escaping from problems. This provides the reader with a clear perspective of Becky. Even though she is the master of a wrong decision, her point of view can trigger the reader to keep reading. After the reader finished read the novel, they can filter out several lessons for their lives. Here are some essential things to learn from the novel: shopping too much is not a good habit; Paying credit card bills is not as easy as using it, and faces problems.
However, this novel has several weaknesses. The first is a plot that is inconsistent in describing the situation in a narrative that is too long, and sometimes the explanation is too short. The second is a story that is not clear in the end. With these strengths and weaknesses, The Secret Dreamworld of Shopaholic is still a book that is recommended for readers to read. This novel is entertaining, very light, full of joy, and consist of rich content. The Secret Dreamworld of Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella can teach readers to think before they do something, especially about spending money.
Finally, I want to say that Sophie Kinsella's writing style is truly brilliant; the image provided is excellent and innovative with such humour. The books are very addictive, and I suggest you take this light reading.
February 1, 2021
Vile cultural poison masquerading as a poorly-written novel. I think that a heroin addiction is less damaging to young women, and it's certainly more interesting to read about.
If there is a male equivalent to women’s mindless and completely uncool pursuit of name-brand (read: expensive) fashion, it would be a dude with a mullet peeling out in a Trans Am in the parking lot of a strip club blaring a Ted Nugent anthem. Maybe that previous sentence doesn't make much sense, but it was fun to write and the imagery is worth a lot more than a thousand words. I suppose that what I'm trying to say to female compulsive shoppers and the mullet guy is just stop, please. It's for your own good.
This book made me physically ill. I felt like I was in more peril reading this book than anyone on a toxic waste clean-up crew. I’d wager that this book is the hands-down favorite in every nail parlor in America. Whenever I hear women talking about Prada et al, I imagine that they are studying up to go on The Price is Right. She talks as if shopping for luggage is somehow a satisfying and rewarding way for two adults who aren't brain-dead to spend an afternoon. It's creepy.
It doesn’t even have anything to do with quality; it’s simply image. Self definition through shopping, I can't imagine a more pathetic idea. I would imagine that there are lots of women who feel that their purchases somehow make them unique. Don't these nitwits realize that everything they buy is one unit out of millions? They are all just chumps for not shopping at the thrift store, but that place is just full of hipsters these days.
The saddest part about this is just how many people have read this pile of offal. It always amazes me who we allow to speak in this culture, and by “allow” I mean by our tacit acquiescence to whatever crap the corporate powers force-feed us. I have written about this elsewhere in more detail, but the only aspect of our popular culture that runs strictly on merit is sports. Everywhere else fame and fortune is handed out mostly through cronyism, nepotism, or the decision is made in a boardroom somewhere.
I can only wonder how many fine novels have been suppressed so that this fatuous story can make it on to the bookshelves. It also amazes me how many people praise this book because it's so easy to read. If that's all you are looking for then I suggest Dr. Suess.
If there is a male equivalent to women’s mindless and completely uncool pursuit of name-brand (read: expensive) fashion, it would be a dude with a mullet peeling out in a Trans Am in the parking lot of a strip club blaring a Ted Nugent anthem. Maybe that previous sentence doesn't make much sense, but it was fun to write and the imagery is worth a lot more than a thousand words. I suppose that what I'm trying to say to female compulsive shoppers and the mullet guy is just stop, please. It's for your own good.
This book made me physically ill. I felt like I was in more peril reading this book than anyone on a toxic waste clean-up crew. I’d wager that this book is the hands-down favorite in every nail parlor in America. Whenever I hear women talking about Prada et al, I imagine that they are studying up to go on The Price is Right. She talks as if shopping for luggage is somehow a satisfying and rewarding way for two adults who aren't brain-dead to spend an afternoon. It's creepy.
It doesn’t even have anything to do with quality; it’s simply image. Self definition through shopping, I can't imagine a more pathetic idea. I would imagine that there are lots of women who feel that their purchases somehow make them unique. Don't these nitwits realize that everything they buy is one unit out of millions? They are all just chumps for not shopping at the thrift store, but that place is just full of hipsters these days.
The saddest part about this is just how many people have read this pile of offal. It always amazes me who we allow to speak in this culture, and by “allow” I mean by our tacit acquiescence to whatever crap the corporate powers force-feed us. I have written about this elsewhere in more detail, but the only aspect of our popular culture that runs strictly on merit is sports. Everywhere else fame and fortune is handed out mostly through cronyism, nepotism, or the decision is made in a boardroom somewhere.
I can only wonder how many fine novels have been suppressed so that this fatuous story can make it on to the bookshelves. It also amazes me how many people praise this book because it's so easy to read. If that's all you are looking for then I suggest Dr. Suess.
December 16, 2015
I picked this book up on a whim at the thrift store. I had heard it was fun and hilarious and that I'd love it.
It wasn't, and I didn't.
In fact, I only made it 25% into the book before I decided that reading more just wasn't for me. For starters, the main character gives me a bad name. What a vapid, delusional, hypocritical mess. She's bad at her job, she's completely self-centered and selfish and annoying, completely focused on outward appearances and and seems to think that the universe owes her a sweater. When she got to the part about paying 80 GBP (which is approximately 130 USD) for a decorative bowl that she initially thought was hideous and overpriced simply because it was featured in a magazine, and then started lying to herself about how SHE had spotted its worth all on her own and internally preening, I had to put the book down.
Honestly, is this kind of stuff supposed to be funny? I have a great sense of humor, and usually find many things funny that I probably shouldn't, but this wasn't funny to me. I find idiotic people like Rebecca Bloomwood's type to be frustrating and annoying, not funny. Plus, did I mention that she gives me a bad name?
When I discovered that there was no Aha! moment for her, and no growth or anything in her character, and that somewhere down the line she marries The Guy, I decided to stop reading for good. The Guy seems intelligent and rational, so why he would hitch himself to a financial disaster in Prada heels is beyond me.
In other words... I'm just not buying it.
(See what I did there? Take a lesson, Bloomwood.)
It wasn't, and I didn't.
In fact, I only made it 25% into the book before I decided that reading more just wasn't for me. For starters, the main character gives me a bad name. What a vapid, delusional, hypocritical mess. She's bad at her job, she's completely self-centered and selfish and annoying, completely focused on outward appearances and and seems to think that the universe owes her a sweater. When she got to the part about paying 80 GBP (which is approximately 130 USD) for a decorative bowl that she initially thought was hideous and overpriced simply because it was featured in a magazine, and then started lying to herself about how SHE had spotted its worth all on her own and internally preening, I had to put the book down.
Honestly, is this kind of stuff supposed to be funny? I have a great sense of humor, and usually find many things funny that I probably shouldn't, but this wasn't funny to me. I find idiotic people like Rebecca Bloomwood's type to be frustrating and annoying, not funny. Plus, did I mention that she gives me a bad name?
When I discovered that there was no Aha! moment for her, and no growth or anything in her character, and that somewhere down the line she marries The Guy, I decided to stop reading for good. The Guy seems intelligent and rational, so why he would hitch himself to a financial disaster in Prada heels is beyond me.
In other words... I'm just not buying it.
(See what I did there? Take a lesson, Bloomwood.)
September 25, 2008
This book was a waste of my time. And I spent far too much time on this book that I really didn't like.
The first 200 pages or so are spent with the main character, Rebecca, avoiding all her collection calls and all the letters in the mail from her creditors. She stuffs things into trucks, she keeps the letters in a drawer she never opens, anything to avoid the fact that she's got bills to pay. And then she has an embarrassing run-in with a sales clerk who tells her all her cards are declined. She doesn't even try to face her debts then. Oh no. She runs away to her parents' home, and goes into hiding, telling her parents that she's being stalked by the banker that's been calling her.
It's only then, in the last 50 pages, she gets a handle on herself, and then everything basically falls into her lap. I'm sorry, I just can't believe all that. It doesn't help that the woman is surrounded by people who think the least of her. But suddenly, she writes something wonderful, gets to go on TV, and hooks up with a guy, and all is well. No. I don't think so. And she doesn't even truly change at the end. She spends 140 pounds on three pairs of designer sunglasses she doesn't need. GREAT way to get yourself out of debt. GREAT way.
Don't bother with this book. It's not as fun as it seemed like it would be. It's depressing and annoying. Just don't bother.
The first 200 pages or so are spent with the main character, Rebecca, avoiding all her collection calls and all the letters in the mail from her creditors. She stuffs things into trucks, she keeps the letters in a drawer she never opens, anything to avoid the fact that she's got bills to pay. And then she has an embarrassing run-in with a sales clerk who tells her all her cards are declined. She doesn't even try to face her debts then. Oh no. She runs away to her parents' home, and goes into hiding, telling her parents that she's being stalked by the banker that's been calling her.
It's only then, in the last 50 pages, she gets a handle on herself, and then everything basically falls into her lap. I'm sorry, I just can't believe all that. It doesn't help that the woman is surrounded by people who think the least of her. But suddenly, she writes something wonderful, gets to go on TV, and hooks up with a guy, and all is well. No. I don't think so. And she doesn't even truly change at the end. She spends 140 pounds on three pairs of designer sunglasses she doesn't need. GREAT way to get yourself out of debt. GREAT way.
Don't bother with this book. It's not as fun as it seemed like it would be. It's depressing and annoying. Just don't bother.
Read
January 27, 2023Forgot to mention I binge read the first three books in this series a couple weekends ago. I don't really do chicklit, but this was amazing. BRIDGET JONES FEELS EVERYWHERE.
LOVED THIS. Thank you Inge for an amazing recommendation. This was feel good chocolate and wine and shoes and just what I needed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
LOVED THIS. Thank you Inge for an amazing recommendation. This was feel good chocolate and wine and shoes and just what I needed. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
![Profile Image for Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1646942374i/66224803._UX200_CR0,46,200,200_.jpg)
July 3, 2019
I just realized a slightly crazy thing:
The movie was way better than the book.
So much better.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna watch the movie for the 6172 time.
The movie was way better than the book.
So much better.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna watch the movie for the 6172 time.
March 1, 2008
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! I saw so much of myself in the main characters spending personality that it just made me laugh all the way thru reading it. The book has that Bridget Jones feel but wer as Bridget is clueless in relationships Rebecca is clueless with credit and spending. Her crazy schemes to make extra money, like homemade potholders to sell but never following thru on is a page out of my life. I gave up credit cards as my solutions and it appears that she finds her own way to keep her credit and her life good by the books end. I can only assume since the original book there have been countless missteps to her financial redemption since there are now many shopaholic books. I have never read the sequels since I fear they will ruin the original to me. Making mistakes like she makes once is funny never learning from your mistakes book after book would just make the character pathetic to me. This book is also a super fast and easy read, so it is perfect to take on a trip and read on the plane or while laying by the pool.
May 29, 2018
I've been wanting to read this series for forever but was waiting for my library to finally add it. They did, then there was a crazy wait list for it... yes, in 2018 lol. I guess I wasn't the only one waiting to read it.
My impressions: Not at all like the movie, but I read somewhere that the movie was actually a mashup of books 1-3 so I guess I'll have to read some more. I found Becky to be funny and extremely likable, but with a very sad and cringe-worthy problem. Like the title suggests, she's a shopaholic. But she's the real deal. Deep spirals of debt don't touch her very real compulsion because of the avoidance and rationalizations that come so easily to her. I was so excited for her when she found her intellectual and profitable calling in the media, and I thought it was a great way to end the book, only it wasn't the end and I was sad for her again. Addiction isn't solved that easily.
Overall, Confessions of a Shopaholic is a surprisingly deep book under the guise of funny chick-lit. Well-done, Sophie Kinsella.
My favorite quote:
“We all fail to appreciate each day just how much we already possess. Light, air, freedom, the companionship of friends.”
My impressions: Not at all like the movie, but I read somewhere that the movie was actually a mashup of books 1-3 so I guess I'll have to read some more. I found Becky to be funny and extremely likable, but with a very sad and cringe-worthy problem. Like the title suggests, she's a shopaholic. But she's the real deal. Deep spirals of debt don't touch her very real compulsion because of the avoidance and rationalizations that come so easily to her. I was so excited for her when she found her intellectual and profitable calling in the media, and I thought it was a great way to end the book, only it wasn't the end and I was sad for her again. Addiction isn't solved that easily.
Overall, Confessions of a Shopaholic is a surprisingly deep book under the guise of funny chick-lit. Well-done, Sophie Kinsella.
My favorite quote:
“We all fail to appreciate each day just how much we already possess. Light, air, freedom, the companionship of friends.”
July 29, 2021
I find Sophie Kinsella books to be absolutely hilarious. Rebecca is such a relatable character with her not particularly exciting job, shopping addiction, and lack of boyfriend prospects. Every time she tries to stop spending, she winds up needing a little pick me up as she gets down in the dumps—a feeling many can relate to. I found the comedic situations she found herself in to be Bridget Jones-esque and absolutely hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing every time she got herself into another fix and Luke would coincidentally happen upon her. Sophie Kinsella has a gift for comedy and her books are my go-to when I need something light to read to cheer me up. Can’t wait to read the next in this series.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Want to read
March 26, 2021I went to a friends house today for the first time and her bookshelf was a DISASTER! so me being me took out all her books and started organizing them, then I found 2 copies of THIS book and she just went— "here...you take one" and I was like— "wh-you mean FOREVER" and she was like—"yes, go ahead I have two".
I mean can have 10 more friends like her!!!!!!!!!!
I mean can have 10 more friends like her!!!!!!!!!!
June 14, 2011
I think it's hilarious that these books dominate the "chick-lit" scene when they are, in fact, the most sexist books I've managed to come across. And this one really takes the prize.
This is my third Kinsella book, and so far the women are always complete idiotic dip-shits that only barely manage to bumble through their careers while managing to make an ass of themselves at every turn. I find it's quite painful to read and not at all amusing. And if that's not unbearable enough, in this one Rebecca Bloomwood personifies materialism---AND THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS THAT IT'S OKAY! There will always be a sexy, successful, intelligent, no-bullshit kind of guy who will find your stupidity and poor impulse control endearing. You can rely on the fate and good-fortune of womanly endowments to make all the trivial problems in your little, frivolous bubble of world disappear.
I know what you're thinking. Debt? How is debt trivial? Debt is the New-age Pandemic.
No. This isn't Angela's Ashes, people. Anyone who believes that a maxed out credit-card is the definition of strife deserves this book. These are the superfluous qualms of the privileged. If I ever read another review of a book like this on how "sad it was beneath the surface" all I have to say is how sad you are beneath the surface.
SL and MMM. Only good advice in the whole damn thing. You can start by spending less and not buying this book.
This is my third Kinsella book, and so far the women are always complete idiotic dip-shits that only barely manage to bumble through their careers while managing to make an ass of themselves at every turn. I find it's quite painful to read and not at all amusing. And if that's not unbearable enough, in this one Rebecca Bloomwood personifies materialism---AND THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS THAT IT'S OKAY! There will always be a sexy, successful, intelligent, no-bullshit kind of guy who will find your stupidity and poor impulse control endearing. You can rely on the fate and good-fortune of womanly endowments to make all the trivial problems in your little, frivolous bubble of world disappear.
I know what you're thinking. Debt? How is debt trivial? Debt is the New-age Pandemic.
No. This isn't Angela's Ashes, people. Anyone who believes that a maxed out credit-card is the definition of strife deserves this book. These are the superfluous qualms of the privileged. If I ever read another review of a book like this on how "sad it was beneath the surface" all I have to say is how sad you are beneath the surface.
SL and MMM. Only good advice in the whole damn thing. You can start by spending less and not buying this book.
May 17, 2008
As a Shopaholic myself, I found this book really enjoyable. If you like shopping at all, this book will make you laugh. The main character gets into funny situations constantly. It's not an advanced physics treatise, but it's not mindless either. The effort the main character goes to to justify her shopping is hilarious and some genius plotting on Kinsella's part. If you don't like shopping at all, look elsewhere. If you like funny, memorable characters and plots, then give this a try.
A friend of mine doesn't want to read this book because she thinks it will make her feel bad about her shopping habits. Trust me, the main character is worse than you could ever be. So don't count it out because you think it might expose you.
I am happy to report that I saw the author speak, and she is delightful, nice, funny, and deserving of your book purchase!
A friend of mine doesn't want to read this book because she thinks it will make her feel bad about her shopping habits. Trust me, the main character is worse than you could ever be. So don't count it out because you think it might expose you.
I am happy to report that I saw the author speak, and she is delightful, nice, funny, and deserving of your book purchase!
September 25, 2015
It's cute, it's heartwarming, and it makes me laugh. What more can you ask for in chicklit?
October 15, 2022
2,5 stars.
Apesar de ter visto o filme (não gosto de ler depois de ver, prefiro ler primeiro e só depois ver o filme), mas nada me tinha preparado para isto.
Por norma, o livro é sempre melhor que o filme, mas não neste caso.
Apesar do filme poder beneficiar com algumas coisas do livro que não usaram, o livro beneficiaria muito mais com o filme.
Devo confessar que estava à espera de mais semelhanças, o livro levou uma direção diferente, muitas situações alteradas.
Honestamente? O livro é extremamente aborrecido.
Kinsella perde demasiado tempo com a adição de Rebecca pelas compras.
Ok, ela é viciada em compras...
Certo...
Nós sabemos isso, mas detalhar tudo?!?
Demais...
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2.5 stars.
Despite having seen the film (I don't like to read after seeing it, I prefer to read it first and then see the film), but nothing had prepared me for this.
Usually, the book is always better than the movie, but not in this case.
While the movie could benefit from some things in the book that they didn't use, the book would benefit much more from the movie.
I must confess that I was expecting more similarities, the book took a different direction, many situations changed.
Honestly?
The book is extremely boring.
Kinsella wastes way too much time with the addition of Rebecca for shopping.
Okay, she's a shopaholic...
Right...
We know that, but to detail everything?!?
Too much...
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Rebecca é viciada em compras, arranja estratagemas para fugir aos credores, não toma atenção a nada, muito sinceramente não sei como ela se consegue safar no trabalho.
Parece uma cabeça no ar..
Até que os seus vizinhos ficam numa situação financeiramente má por um conselho de Rebecca e ela revela ter um pouco de cérebro.
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Rebecca is a shopaholic, finds stratagems to evade creditors, doesn't pay attention to anything, honestly I don't know how she manages to get away with work.
It seems like her head in always in the clouds...
Or in this case, in the shops.
Until her neighbors get in a bit of a financial mess by Rebecca's advice, and she turns out to have a little brain.
════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════
April 4, 2023
Book one in the Shopaholic series and what a ride this was. Laugh out loud funny! Loved all the characters, the format felt very refreshing.
I already know I am going to enjoy this series!
Five stars.
I already know I am going to enjoy this series!
Five stars.
August 7, 2015
This book was super cute...Becky's "justifications" for all her purchases made me laugh! I also now feel a strangely intense desire to go shopping :P
December 10, 2013
Opening line: "Ok. Don't panic. It's only a Visa bill. It's a piece of paper, a few numbers. I mean, just how scary can a few numbers be?"
It's been ages since I’ve read any chick-lit but when I found this book amidst a bunch of “free stuff” left at the mail boxes (ironic hey, its about overspending and I find it for free) Anyways I grabbed it, along with some other useless crap and immediately started chuckling.
Reminding me very much of Bridget Jones's Diary, this was an equally fun read, that had me LOL more than once at the antics, irrational decisions and downward spiral of a shopaholic who, oh yeah also just happens to be a financial journalist. Here Becky Bloomwood counts $$ like Bridget counts calories; binging with shopping sprees, going on cost cutting diets, avoiding the shops, scheming about how to make more money (because she can‘t possibly spend less and just HAS to have that new white coat)
Becky is an irresistible heroine but she generally makes a mess of things and it was super fun watching her make bad decisions as she fumbles through her job at Successful Savings, shopping away her lunch hours while trying to avoid her bank managers calls.
Speaking of which her over stimulated Visa card almost becomes a character of its own here, and her bank manager eventually does with the inclusion of hilarious letters from Endwich Bank and the ever inventive ways Becky finds to not pay her Visa bill or in most cases ever even receive it.
Ah yes, there’s also romance, intrigue, adventures in Indian cooking, unsuccessful part time jobs, a stalker(?) best friends, copious amounts of champagne drinking and a fantastic ending that will leave you smiling. This is an all around feel good book that reminded me why every once in a while some chick lit is a fabulous thing and best of all this was free…
And let’s face it we’ve all been there with the credit card bills which we tend to ignore as soon as that excited feeling hits us upon first entering a store.
268jb5
It's been ages since I’ve read any chick-lit but when I found this book amidst a bunch of “free stuff” left at the mail boxes (ironic hey, its about overspending and I find it for free) Anyways I grabbed it, along with some other useless crap and immediately started chuckling.
Reminding me very much of Bridget Jones's Diary, this was an equally fun read, that had me LOL more than once at the antics, irrational decisions and downward spiral of a shopaholic who, oh yeah also just happens to be a financial journalist. Here Becky Bloomwood counts $$ like Bridget counts calories; binging with shopping sprees, going on cost cutting diets, avoiding the shops, scheming about how to make more money (because she can‘t possibly spend less and just HAS to have that new white coat)
Becky is an irresistible heroine but she generally makes a mess of things and it was super fun watching her make bad decisions as she fumbles through her job at Successful Savings, shopping away her lunch hours while trying to avoid her bank managers calls.
Speaking of which her over stimulated Visa card almost becomes a character of its own here, and her bank manager eventually does with the inclusion of hilarious letters from Endwich Bank and the ever inventive ways Becky finds to not pay her Visa bill or in most cases ever even receive it.
Ah yes, there’s also romance, intrigue, adventures in Indian cooking, unsuccessful part time jobs, a stalker(?) best friends, copious amounts of champagne drinking and a fantastic ending that will leave you smiling. This is an all around feel good book that reminded me why every once in a while some chick lit is a fabulous thing and best of all this was free…
And let’s face it we’ve all been there with the credit card bills which we tend to ignore as soon as that excited feeling hits us upon first entering a store.
268jb5
September 25, 2015
If you know anyone that is impulsive, spendy, and irresponsible,
do not let him/her read this book
.
Seriously.
Because for any normal woman (or man) with above average impulsive shopping tendencies, this book will make him/her feel better about his/herself.
Take me, for example. When I am confronted by a cute pair of shoes or some colorful household item, I get kind of...well...impulsive, spendy, and irresponsible. Sometimes, my willpower can overrule that temptation, though passing through the Times Square and the Fifth Ave area multiple times during the week for work really weakens my resolve.
But the girl in this book? Imagine the above scenario on crack plus the mentality of a hyped up mallrat who's won a $100,000 dollars. Enough money for it to become a sizable investment, but little enough that it could probably be spent in a half a day if all that person did was shop couture.
Are you kind of disgusted yet? Or are you secretly hoping that person will indulge?
THIS IS THE DILEMMA THAT I FACED THIS ENTIRE BOOK.
Becky, the protagonist, literally just keeps spending and spending and spending and spending, despite the bills that are piling up in her desk drawer. In order to escape her debts, Becky dreams up the most ridiculous "spend less, make more" schemes, all which crash and burn before they even begin. After each failure, we watch her spend more money on things she doesn't need that leads her down a dark spiral of debt and self loathing.
In a weird, twisted way, it's kind of entertaining and a little harrowing. Who hasn't felt that guilt before, buying something on a whim that is inessential to survival? It's a very touchy issue, but the author explores the mentality of a woman trapped by the glitter and glam of a highly materialistic society very well. It's a bit exaggerated, but I bet the core issues resound in the minds of millions of people.
What I really disliked about this book, though, was that Becky's rehabilitation was just too darn easy. I'm willing to forgive a lot in this book, but not the assumption that the only criteria of getting one's life back together after repeated financial purging of one's bank account and credit score is to be a good person. You get the guy, the job, the money...only after bothering to care about someone else for once? Puh-leeze. I'd been hoping that life would smack some more sense into this silly airhead, not reinforce her bad habits.
She's still a silly airhead after the book... Perhaps just a little more bearable.
Overall, I'm hovering between 2.5 stars to 3 stars. The writing wasn't fantastic but it wasn't terrible either, and there is a certain addicting quality about this book that doesn't let you go. Recommended for some people with a lot of patience, and definitely not recommended for people who hate shopping or hate to take their girlfriends/boyfriends/wives/husbands/kids shopping.
Seriously.
Because for any normal woman (or man) with above average impulsive shopping tendencies, this book will make him/her feel better about his/herself.
Take me, for example. When I am confronted by a cute pair of shoes or some colorful household item, I get kind of...well...impulsive, spendy, and irresponsible. Sometimes, my willpower can overrule that temptation, though passing through the Times Square and the Fifth Ave area multiple times during the week for work really weakens my resolve.
But the girl in this book? Imagine the above scenario on crack plus the mentality of a hyped up mallrat who's won a $100,000 dollars. Enough money for it to become a sizable investment, but little enough that it could probably be spent in a half a day if all that person did was shop couture.
Are you kind of disgusted yet? Or are you secretly hoping that person will indulge?
THIS IS THE DILEMMA THAT I FACED THIS ENTIRE BOOK.
Becky, the protagonist, literally just keeps spending and spending and spending and spending, despite the bills that are piling up in her desk drawer. In order to escape her debts, Becky dreams up the most ridiculous "spend less, make more" schemes, all which crash and burn before they even begin. After each failure, we watch her spend more money on things she doesn't need that leads her down a dark spiral of debt and self loathing.
In a weird, twisted way, it's kind of entertaining and a little harrowing. Who hasn't felt that guilt before, buying something on a whim that is inessential to survival? It's a very touchy issue, but the author explores the mentality of a woman trapped by the glitter and glam of a highly materialistic society very well. It's a bit exaggerated, but I bet the core issues resound in the minds of millions of people.
What I really disliked about this book, though, was that Becky's rehabilitation was just too darn easy. I'm willing to forgive a lot in this book, but not the assumption that the only criteria of getting one's life back together after repeated financial purging of one's bank account and credit score is to be a good person. You get the guy, the job, the money...only after bothering to care about someone else for once? Puh-leeze. I'd been hoping that life would smack some more sense into this silly airhead, not reinforce her bad habits.
She's still a silly airhead after the book... Perhaps just a little more bearable.
Overall, I'm hovering between 2.5 stars to 3 stars. The writing wasn't fantastic but it wasn't terrible either, and there is a certain addicting quality about this book that doesn't let you go. Recommended for some people with a lot of patience, and definitely not recommended for people who hate shopping or hate to take their girlfriends/boyfriends/wives/husbands/kids shopping.
September 11, 2021
“Ok. don't panic. Don't panic. It's only a VISA bill. It's a piece of paper; a few numbers. I mean, just how scary can a few numbers be?”
Call me crazy, but this might just be one of the funniest books I ever read. I can't believe this series is 20 years old and I've never read it! But I mean, the good thing is that now I can enjoy this treat for the first time. Becky is just the most adorable, clumsy, flawed heroine and she is just hilarious. She is the kind of character you start to feel for from the very first page, wether you identify with her or not (unfortunately for me, I do).
This book had me smiling from the beginning to the end, and if Becky felt a little bit too dumb or too flawed at the beginning, I thought her character development was top notch and, by the end of the book, she felt even more human and relatable. I couldn't help but rooting for her. You go, girl! Can't wait to start book two.
Call me crazy, but this might just be one of the funniest books I ever read. I can't believe this series is 20 years old and I've never read it! But I mean, the good thing is that now I can enjoy this treat for the first time. Becky is just the most adorable, clumsy, flawed heroine and she is just hilarious. She is the kind of character you start to feel for from the very first page, wether you identify with her or not (unfortunately for me, I do).
This book had me smiling from the beginning to the end, and if Becky felt a little bit too dumb or too flawed at the beginning, I thought her character development was top notch and, by the end of the book, she felt even more human and relatable. I couldn't help but rooting for her. You go, girl! Can't wait to start book two.
June 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ five stars -
Five solid stars for one of my favorite novels by a favorite author, Sophie Kinsella. I read this around the time of original publication; sometime in 2000, and that started my auto-buy of the subsequent books that continue this series.
As a fan of Kinsella, I just adore her writing style, her sense of humor, and her stellar skill for chick lit. Her humor reaches through the pages, and you just feel the fun.
Becky is a heroine I personally related to. She’s a young woman addicted to shopping, and one who’s struggling to make her way in the world, all while attempting to pull herself out from under a mountain of debt. Her antics in this first series installment are still fun, cute, and tolerable. Albeit, while it is highly ott, it still comes off as highly entertaining.
Becky, to me, is a spunky heroine, and I just ate up these first few series installments (later on in the series, her antics became too intolerable for me - around book IV or V). However, books I, II, and III here are hugely entertaining, fun to read, and I highly recommend.
I will probably reread this one again at some point, as I’d love to revisit Becky in her early days. Watching her get tangled up in shopping hijinks makes me giggle, and feeling her fall in love gets my little heart pitter pattering. I just adore this fun story with a feel-good heartfelt romance.
Five bright and shiny stars for a favorite story, from a favorite author.
Five solid stars for one of my favorite novels by a favorite author, Sophie Kinsella. I read this around the time of original publication; sometime in 2000, and that started my auto-buy of the subsequent books that continue this series.
As a fan of Kinsella, I just adore her writing style, her sense of humor, and her stellar skill for chick lit. Her humor reaches through the pages, and you just feel the fun.
Becky is a heroine I personally related to. She’s a young woman addicted to shopping, and one who’s struggling to make her way in the world, all while attempting to pull herself out from under a mountain of debt. Her antics in this first series installment are still fun, cute, and tolerable. Albeit, while it is highly ott, it still comes off as highly entertaining.
Becky, to me, is a spunky heroine, and I just ate up these first few series installments (later on in the series, her antics became too intolerable for me - around book IV or V). However, books I, II, and III here are hugely entertaining, fun to read, and I highly recommend.
I will probably reread this one again at some point, as I’d love to revisit Becky in her early days. Watching her get tangled up in shopping hijinks makes me giggle, and feeling her fall in love gets my little heart pitter pattering. I just adore this fun story with a feel-good heartfelt romance.
Five bright and shiny stars for a favorite story, from a favorite author.
April 16, 2019
I can always count on Sophie Kinsella for a light and fun entertaining read.
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