Confessions of a Shopaholic (original 2001; edition 2001)

I always finish a book I start, even if I don't like the book. That said, I just had to stop reading this. I made it about 1/3 of the way through, just waiting for it to get better. I finally gave up. I did not like the characters and constantly reading the main characters insipid train of thought made me just want to slap her. Every time I picked up the book to read it, it just annoyed me and made me ask myself why I was wasting my time reading such drivel. Finally just thinking I had to finish what I started wasn't enough of a reason to keep reading this when I have so many other books waiting to be read. ( )

Oh, Becky Bloomwood...when I read this book the first time, there's no way I took any of it in. I know this because I wouldn't have made the mistakes I made with money if I had absorbed any of the info. When I first read it I must have been in high school, maybe first-year in college. Now as a 25 year old with debt, I wish I had learned from Becky's mistakes. Unlike Becky, I don't have the option of finding a millionaire. Despite that, I can't wait to read more! After re-reading this, I vaguely remember the next book in the series...I'm excited to read it again! And I'm even more excited to see how they change the story around for the movie! ( )

An escapist book. A totally engrossing, fast reading fun, fun, fun book. Sophie is a total ditz but sooooo lovable. Her antics are adorable her "thinking" is a pure hoot.
What did I learn from this book? How to relax and laugh out loud. ( )

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.) ( )

I really didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I thought it might be a bit silly and boring. I loved it, though. The first half was especially good. It was really refreshing and light, and I found myself laughing out loud several times. I loved how Becky's mind worked- everything was so dramatic and blown out of proportion. It's not my usual kind of book, but I'm really glad I picked it up. I'd recommend it to anyone wishing for a fun, distracting read. ( )