Book Review: Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic #1) by Sophie Kinsella

Summary: 

Becky Bloomwood has what most twenty-five-year-olds only dream of: a 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, she can't actually afford it --- not any of it. Her job writing at Successful Saving magazine not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. Still, how can she resist that perfect pair of shoes? Or the divine silk blouse in the window of that ultra-trendy boutique? But lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from Visa and the Endwich Bank --- letters with large red sums she can't bear to read --- and they're getting ever harder to ignore. She tries cutting back; she even tries making more money. But none of her efforts succeeds. Her 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.

 

Release Date:  February 6, 2001

Age Group:  Adult

Publisher: Dell

Source: Library

Review:
I have recently discovered Sophie Kinsella, and along with it, the realization that I like chick lit.  I like it a lot, actually.  I never thought it would be for me: I thought it was too superficial, too light, lacking in depth and substance.  But it's not.  Chick lit is perfect for when I need a fast, fun, read.  It's perfect for when I'm not feeling up to reading a book that makes me think too much.

I always shied away from the Shopaholic series because I thought it was "beneath me," so to speak (see the above reasons why I have not read chick lit in the past).  After reading and loving Sophie Kinsella's Remember Me and Can You Keep a Secret? I decided to start the Shopaholic series.

I love shopping, so I really identified with Becky.  I have never shopped to the point to where I am in debt, but I can totally understand how easy it would be to get to that point.  I have Mr. I'd So Rather Be Reading to keep me in line there.  Anyway, Becky is in debt but can't stop shopping.  She is, of all things, a financial journalist, but is not interested or invested in her job.  She basically just wants to wear pretty clothes and have a good time.  She decides she has to start either cutting back or making more money to get out of debt.  Cutting back is an epic fail, and making more money is not going well either.  Until things start to change.

What I loved about this book was Becky's quirky personality.  She continually surprised me.  Just when I thought she was hopeless, she started to grow and change.  The best thing about the book, though, was the humor.  Oh, my gosh, it was so funny!  I kept laughing out loud while reading, over and over again.  I love when a book makes me laugh!
I thoroughly enjoyed Confessions of a Shopaholic and will definitely be back for more.