Well, I guess I'm the rebel here, but.... I could not get into this book. It wasn't the authors' style of writing that I didn't like; it was the main character Becky that I couldn't bring myself to care about. I stopped at page 170. Hopefully, she got some scruples by the end.
The main character Becky was a very shallow, manipulative, immoral, two-faced person, not to mention a compulsive liar. A few examples from the book: when she sits buy a man on public transportation she comments on his wearing very old 501s and white tennis shoes & how disgusting it is; when she dated a man with religious beliefs about not having premarital sex- he wouldn't take advantage of her and later she makes fun of him to her friend; she lies to most anyone she meets about anything and everything. All through the book she is constantly thinking about herself and whenever anyone else speaks to her she doesn't pay any attention to them and just makes up things to tell them. After reading all the reviews on Amazon.com I found I wasn't the only one who thought this.
Great pool read--even really fun for teens in a chick-lit way. No vivid sex (although there are some references), very few bad words, and a redeeming message. I am looking forward to the others.
This book is so reminiscent of "Bridget Jones Diary" and a delight to read. Very light, humorous reading. A great summer read. I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to sit down and forget about their worries.
Becky Bloomwood is an indisputable shopaholic. She is in debt up to her ears, yet keeps refusing to respond to her debtors. While this should not be and doesn't sound funny -- it is! How she gets out of this dilemma is unexpected and surprising. Just when you think she's down for the count, she rises! Unfortunately, being that she is in England, some of the shops she speaks about aren't familiar to me, but any American can picture another high-end shop or brand in its place and come out understanding Becky full well. (I was in England and in London once, but I didn't shop at the stores that are mentioned, except for Marks and Spencer, and I get the feeling Marks and Spencer [which is somewhat like Macy's here]is not "posh" enough for Rebecca Bloomwood.)
This book was ok. The author has good plot development, but the characters are totally unrelatable, at least to me. Obviously someone relates to out of control spending and racking up thousands of dollars in debt, all while throwing out Visa bills and ignoring calls from the bank, or the book wouldn't be so popular. I found myself wanting to shake the main character and scream at her, "What are you thinking?!" I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone I know, but I wouldn't discourage someone from reading it if they expressed an interest because there were parts that were funny. Just not really my style. I guess I'm too responsible to enjoy a book like this.
Entertaining, although exasperating at times. The main character being horribly financially and socially irresponsible, I almost didn't want things to work out for her because of how careless she seemed to be. Even so, it was a very comical read.
I just finished reading this first "Shopaholic" book, and thought it was a great read. At first the book seemed not quite as interesting/real as I thought it'd be, but it got better and did completely hook me.
I read "Save Karyn" first, though, so I kept comparing the two books. They were very similar, I thought, but both really entertaining. I definitely recommend.
Love this book! The main character is extremely funny! A girl who loves to shop and ignores the bills! I think everyone can relate to her at one time or another!
The writing is very good and really couldn't put it down. I finished this book in 3 days.
I am excited to read the rest of the series!
I loved this book. I stayed up all night to finish. It took a chapter or two to get involved but once I read that I was hooked. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
I loved this book and can hardly wait to read the next. At first I was frustrated with her poor choices and wasn't sure if I could even stand to finish the book, then half way through she starts to get it together. It was at this point that I couldn't put it down and finished it in one night.
Lisa R. (jamlrise) reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 4
Well Rebecca Bloomwald kept me laughing through this whole book. What a fun book to read. I think all of us can find a little something in what she had to say. I know a lot of what she went through hit very close to home. I've already ordered book 2. I really enjoyed it.
Rebecca shops for an easy high, only to find at best, it's a cheap thrill. I laughed at her compulsiveness, and especially at her schemes to overcome her debt. Though the solution to her maxed credit cards was a bit over-simplified, it's still a fun read.
Wendy C. reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 3
The first in a fabulous series of five books about a lovable character who just can't stay out of trouble, because of her compulsion to shop or otherwise. I loved it so much that I had to finish the series ASAP; waiting by the mailbox for the next book to arrive until I finished the last one, sad that there wasn't another one.
I did not like this book at all. This is the first and only book I've read in the Shopaholic series and it will be the last. At points in the book, I wanted to strangle Becky Bloomwood for being a grown woman and so stupid with her money. I can't fathom knowing someone like this and befriending them. The whole book was a major letdown to me. I would move past this particular series and read The Undomestic Goddess and Can You Keep A Secret? by Miss Kinsella also. They are much better reads in my opinion.
This book tells the story of Becky Bloomwood, a writer for Successful Savings, who harbors a terrible secret...she's addicted to shopping and is in tons of debt. Ok, it's really not that secret, but it's nothing that anyone who knows her in the finance world is aware of. This story details her wild and wacky adventures as she tries to limit her spending, avoid her bank manager, and figure out why she feels sort of attracted to Luke Brandon, a big head honcho in the world of finance and PR who she typically tries to avoid at PR functions because she's afraid he'll ask her questions that will reveal how little she knows about her profession.
If nothing else, this story will make you laugh. Yes, it's unrealistic at times. Yes, the main character is shallow and pretty unaware of the fact (but she has a good heart...think Legally Blonde and you'll get the idea). I think you end up caring for Becky because everyone has their own vice (in the case of many of us on PBS that vice would be reading and acquiring books), and that vice helps you to relate a little to Becky's often bizarre rationalizations for her behavior. But this is the first book in the series, and I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did, so much so that I read the rest of the series and quite liked it! It's a nice light read if you are looking for something to entertain you.
Tanya S. (teegeesykes) reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 3
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was perfect for a fun summer read. Rebecca is a goofy, loveable character, very relatable. I took this to the beach and devoured it in just a few hours. My only sorrow was that it would be months before the follow up book was out. The first one is my favorite in the series though.
I thought that the character was incredibly shallow and not just a little unintelligent. I didn't really care much for this book, and i really wanted to like it due to reading high reviews of it. I thought it would be more along the lines of The Devil Wears Prada, but it just wasn't at all.
It was a quick read, but it just didn't have much substance to it. It's very much a poolside read or something to take on an airplane, i think.
This was my first Sophie Kinsella and liked it ok. I got annoyed with the character making such stupid choices/mistakes, and I personally can't relate to her love of shopping, but she was forgivable and supposedly grows from it all. I said "supposedly" because I ordered all the other ones, only to read the backs - same problems, Ms Shopaholic?! Listed them right back on the site. Will try the Undomestic Goddess though. Least that won't have anything to do with this character and her consumerism.
Rebecca Bloomwood has what a lot of girls would turn green with envy for. An awesome apartment in a trendy neighborhood, a job that gives her almost complete freedom, and a closet full of awesome clothesthe only problem is she cant really afford itany of it.
The bills are just piling up and Becky knows she cant keep chucking them in the dumpsters she happens to pass by on her way to workor on the way to the stores to shop away her troubles. But one day she runs across a story in her work that she actually cares about, one that might just not only help herself, but might actually help others as well.
Ok, I have no idea whatsoever why everyone thought this book was so amazing. Yes, it was fun, it had a good storyline, and was a relaxed chicklit book that would essentially be a fast beach or plane read. Thats about where the good points end however Im afraid.
Throughout the entire book I just could not fall in love with Becky. I felt she was nothing more than just a whiny child who couldnt control her impulses. She would also lie and cheat, and was not above being dishonest to her boss and family. She would just get herself into these crazy situations that she only made worse by creating more lies and fibs. Instead of being funny however, I found these situations to be embarrassing. I was embarrassed for her and found myself skimming over a lot of them.
Bottom line, I guess I just didnt like Confessions of a Shopaholic. I wanted to like it, I tried to like it, I finished the book and found it to be moderately entertaining, but entertainment value alone does not make for a fantastic read. Because I could not form a relationship with the main character I could just not form a liking for Confessions. Was it worth a read? Sure. Will I pick up the next bookIm on the fence. If theres nothing better around maybe, but I have a lot of books in my pile to read at the moment, and I dont think I would insert the next book in the series anytime soon.
This is a very light-hearted novel. There were times when I couldn't decide what Rebecca needed more, a swift kick in the a** or a hug. But Kinsella writes a very endearing character in her Shopaholic who is both relatable and inspiring. Haven't we all wanted to just chuck our bills into a rubbish bin or bought something that we knew we couldn't afford but just had to have? But she redeems herself without "rising above" her so-called flaws and finds a way to fuel her passion without comprimising her integrity or identity.
Nicole R. (navygirl) reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoy good fluff books sometimes, and this definitely fit the bill. If someone is looking for a difficult or "deep" read, this is NOT the book for them. But if you're on a beach, or on your porch, and all you want to do is escape into a world where everything just has a way of working out, then look no farther!
The main character is a twit and I could hardly make myself finish the book. No more books from this author for me if they are all like this. I wanted to shake the main character till her brain popped into place!
Interesting read, but kind of hard for me to get into. Told in first person and with English terminology that I don't always know what they mean. Not the worst book I have ever read, but I don't know if I would read any of the others.
I just love this entire series, beginning with this book. Rebecca Bloomwood is hilarious. You would think it would be easy to hate a materialistic, self-absorbed person like this character, but it's not that easy. Oddly enough, Sophie Kinsella is quite good at taking a 'chick-lit' novel and putting some serious thought into what really makes a person. After a while, it is nearly impossible to hate Rebecca, as her shopping reveals a past history of her mother's own record of overspending and her desire to do some 'retail therapy'.
Becky Bloomwood is one of the most likeable characters in women's fiction. It is (as all of Sophie Kinsella's stories) very funny. An easy read. I have read everyone in the series and I find myself just waiting for the next installment.
Love this series. This book started it off so it is a must read. You'll understand the subsequent books just fine without it, but it's a good introduction to your leading lady.
The author has "brilliantly tapped into our collective consumer conscience to deliver a novel of our times."
You will find yourself laughing out loud!!! A silly, but also a very appealing read!
Jeanmarie R. reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Ridiculous, but cute nonetheless. Good break from heavier reading. Also, a good example of an addiction (shopping) and how addictions control one's life.
Bethany R. reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
This was such a fun book to read. Much better than the movie, even though I found it enjoyable as well. I look forward to reading the next one. Not life changing..just a fun way to pass some time.
The book started off slowly. It took me nearly half the book before I got into it. I eventually liked the main character, Rebecca Bloomwood; and I enjoyed the second half of the book and the ending.
I am the type of person who can't turn away form things that horrify me no matter how badly I want to. Becky, the book's main character caught and held my attention in that very same way. Sophie Kinsella is not over exaggerating when she says "shopaholic". Becky is as addicted as they come and at times it made me sick. But I couldn't put it down. A good read for anyone who isn't looking for something heavy AND realized what addiction means.
I had a hard time getting into it for the first half, but I kept reading and ended up falling in love with the characters. This is a very light, funny read. If you have seen the movie, you should know they are nothing alike. The book takes place in London instead of NYC and it takes little while to get used to the British slang. Over all a light and funny read.
Ugh. This is one of the few books I couldn't finish. I made it a few chapters in and discovered I REALLY wanted to throw the book across the room because I couldn't actually throttle the lead. She's whiny, self-centered, stupid, a liar, and ugh! Oh no let's go buy something! The main character is so incredibly annoying it made the book beyond a chore--actually distressing to read.
Absolutely hilarious story! Any single girl in the city can relate to the main character's addiction to shopping and dreams of becoming successfulâ¦I loved it!
The Shopaholic books are great for a beach read or for those times when you just want a book you can breeze through without much thought. I love these books and can't wait to read more from the author. Many women, I'm sure, can relate to the predicaments the main character finds herself in at some point in time. Kinsella brings you into the story and into the mind of a 'shopaholic' with such great skill...at times I thought the story was about me and my experiences.
This was my first Kinsella book and I have to day I was pleasantly surprised. As a graduate student in English, I am usually knee-deep in literary classics so to read this type of guilty-pleasure genre was refreshing.
A very light-hearted easy read. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Rebecca Bloomwood a twenty-something woman facing an addiction, shopping. Many of us can comiserate with Becky as she hides her VISA bills and is in complete denial about her financial woes. The irony is that Becky is a financial jouranlist and realistically she has not a clue about what she writes about in "Smart Saving." A quick and easy read.
While I've been a long time fan and reader of the "chick lit" genre, I avoided the "Shopaholic" series up until recently because, quite frankly, I HATE to shop. As a result, I figured I would find the main character too shallow and annoying to relate to.
When someone gave me a copy of this book for free, I figured I'd give Rebecca Bloomwood a try as some mindless entertainment on a recent trip to Hawaii. I have to say, I was not only pleasantly surprised by how relatable and universal this book and this character is, but I am now so addicted to the painful, but hilarious, situations the Shopaholic gets herself into that I can't WAIT to read the next book!
This book is a constant reminder of why she should be careful with our credit cards and how sometimes being debt an bring some wonderful surprises. Debt is not all that bad...you just don't want to be in it for life.
Read it years ago. Great, fun read. Becky can be annoying at times, but she is so loveable most of the time so it outweighs the other crap. Good love story, too. Luke is one of the best male characters I've ever read in chick lit. Worth the time. Will read it again. Love the whole series.
This book made me laugh out loud. It is a very easy read and is great when you want to escape. This is right up there with The Devil Wears Prada, the book not the movie.
This was my first experience with chick-lit and was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it. I normally like the classics (Austin, Bronte, Dumas) The charectors are fun and story is even more fun. If your looking for a light read, try this.
A very funny, light read. Any woman who loves to shop and dreads opening her credit card bill can relate on some level to the heroine's shopping obsession.
Selma A. reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. I found myself laughing on every page over Becky's antics and even her thoughts. It's a good, light read, but you still can't put the book down.
Loved this book. The first in a series and the best one!! I started reading them because a friend said the main character was like me...Shop Shop Shop and then ignore the bills...
The main character seemed like an airhead. I didn't realize it was set in England and I don't care for books in that setting. Not what I was expecting.
I came across this book at a library book sale, I love it and now have requested the movie on dvd swap :) I had recently been budgeting and reading books on saving and frugality, this book showed me my problems are minimal in comparison lol. great read!
A very funny book about a young single British woman who can't stop spending money! She loves to shop, and therefore gets herself deeper into trouble! ;)
I know this is supposed to be one of the best chick lit books around, but I couldn't get into it. I get bored to tears shopping too long. Unless I'm in a book store, of course! Reading an entire book about someone else spending their every waking moment shopping and going into major debt over it just didn't cut it for me. Plus, all that designer label crap just annoys the heck out of me.
I thought this was a wonderful book & a fast read. I can't believe how the author can make me feel like I am actually the one in debt as I read this book. I laughed out loud at Rebecca's crazy financial antics!
Amazon.com
If you've ever paid off one credit card with another, thrown out a bill before opening it, or convinced yourself that buying at a two-for-one sale is like making money, then this silly, appealing novel is for you. In the opening pages of Confessions of a Shopaholic, recent college graduate Rebecca Bloomwood is offered a hefty line of credit by a London bank. Within a few months, Sophie Kinsella's heroine has exceeded the limits of this generous offer, and begins furtively to scan her credit-card bills at work, certain that she couldn't have spent the reported sums.
In theory anyway, the world of finance shouldn't be a mystery to Rebecca, since she writes for a magazine called Successful Saving. Struggling with her spendthrift impulses, she tries to heed the advice of an expert and appreciate life's cheaper pleasures: parks, museums, and so forth. Yet her first Saturday at the Victoria and Albert Museum strikes her as a waste. Why? There's not a price tag in sight.
It kind of takes the fun out of it, doesn't it? You wander round, just looking at things, and it all gets a bit boring after a while. Whereas if they put price tags on, you'd be far more interested. In fact, I think all museums should put prices on their exhibits. You'd look at a silver chalice or a marble statue or the Mona Lisa or whatever, and admire it for its beauty and historical importance and everything--and then you'd reach for the price tag and gasp, "Hey, look how much this one is!" It would really liven things up.
I tried to read it and gave up after Chapter 5. Perhaps I just couldn't relate to the self-absorbed shopaholic instant gratification attitude of the character. Or perhaps it was having to constantly do conversion from British to American.
A very funny read. The main character, Becky, is a walking contradiction - a financial advisor up to her eyeballs in debt. She's a bit ditzy and just doesn't seem to get it, which makes her antics quite laughable, though the author makes you feel for her, too.
candi reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
This book is laugh out loud funny! Set in London . . . it is very witty. A must read for girls that love to shop and dread the Visa bill at the end of the month . . . it's easy relating to Becky Bloomwood and all of her hilarious embarrassing moments. Read it before the movie comes out this Christmas!
I almost never say this, but the movie was better! I assumed the book would have a similar plot and was disappointed at how different it was. In the movie, Becky's compulsive shopping (and lies to cover it up) are quirky and endearing, but that doesn't come across in the book. Also, book Becky takes so long to figure stuff out that she starts to seem pathetic, whereas movie Becky is much more empowered. If you loved the movie, skip the book.
Laugh out loud funny well written and witty (as are all of Kinsella's books) Becky Bloomwood shares her from the heart story of the highs and lows of being a "shopaholic" While the movie may have gotten some rash reviews due to the fact that (quoted from one review) "her over the top spending isn't something viewers want to see or sympathize with during this economic recession" However, I found many instances in the book where I laughed out loud not only because of Becky's witty humor but becuase I could totally relate to a lot of her experiences as a "shopaholic" myself...........OK so I'm not anywhere NEAR as extreme as Becky but what girl doesn't have at least a little shopaholic in her??? I still have yet to see the movie so I cannot say whether it does this book any justice, however, I can definitly say this book was one of my most recent faves.... I immidiatly started "shopaholic takes manhattan" after i finished this one and am currenltly almost finished with the series (and can also say that the other shopaholic books do not dissapoint!!!)
This book was only okay in my opinion. The storyline dragged on and on. I was unable to relate to the main character, Rebecca. Maybe if I was more into fashion, I'd would have enjoyed it more.
I loved this book. I couldn't put it down, and when I finished I had to get all of the other's in the series, and all of the other books Sophie Kinsella wrote. Great author!
rdcochran - reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
This is a good one to read after finishing a deep or depressing book. I got fairly annoyed with the main character, but it's basically a light/amusing read. It got a little ridiculous towards the end, but I am glad I finished it--the ending redeemed the obnoxious parts. :) I will probably continue this series in between the Jodi Picoult novels I can't stop reading. Gotta have that balance of heavy and light. :)
It's not a cozy mystery, but the title caught my fancy. Shopaholic, and so I thought I would give it a read.
How do I describe it? It was a good book, but I felt lost in alot of ways. It was like the title character, Becky Bloomwood, is floundering in a world of money writers, when in realty she is not a money person but a shopper, and I felt confused that she kept trying to be a money writer, didn't she realize that she had so much talent as a fashion writer, why didn't she try to write what she loved? I mean if you don't love something, then how in the world can you write about it, and she is a shopper to the ultimate power, why not spend her time writing about it and submitting to magazines until she gets noticed!
The whole "relationship" with the money guy seemed to be far fetched and it never felt real to me, so I felt like it was forced the entire book. I would never pick up any of the books that come after this one, it just wasn't my style in fact, I found myself more upset with Becky throughout the book more often than I enjoyed the book.
So on to another book, and review and another chance to find, the next great thing in the written world.
One hesitates to say this book is mainly for women, but I'll go ahead. It's a fun read about a young woman who works for a magazine that advises people how to save, shop, spend their money wisely. She's the envy of her friends, but is deeply in debt. You'll recognize some of your friends or friends wives in this.
A little Devil Wears Prada, a little Bridget Jones, a lot of fun. You'll enjoy getting to know financial writer (and shopaholic) Rebecca Bloomwood and when you're done shaking your head over her debt (and the ways she tries to dodge it) you'll be rooting for her to find not only financial independence, but maybe someone to share it with too.
Decent chick lit, although I did not empathize with the character. I know what its like to spend money you don't have, but I'm not that shallow! Mindless reading. Hope the next one is better.
Loved this book. Very light and funny. I found myself both entertained with and frustrated by Becky's antics. I think that's why her character is so enjoyable; she means well, but she has huge flaws which make her the perfect exageration of someone enamored with the high-paced fashion world. I highly recommend Confessions of a Shopaholic if you just want a fun, easy read.
Doris R. (dorisinspfld) - , reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
I made it thru half of the book then gave up. I found it ridiculious that this woman would continue to spend money she did not have. Then lying to the credit card companies/banks was not amusing. I could not relate to Rebecca on any level. Other readers may really like this book but it was not for me.
Rebecca Bloomwood is a writer for a finance magazine, but her heart lies in the world of fashion. Unable to resist a sale or that "perfect" accessory, she quickly finds herself in hot water with her lenders. Despite her madcap, desperate schemes to appease her creditors, she manages to find success and love where she least expects it. The book is hilarious, light and a lot of fun, but serious literature it is not. If you are looking for a fun, fluffy read you will not be disappointed.
Sophie Kinsella is always a lot of fun to read - a treasured "guilty pleasure" and always a great treat when I need an escape!
I really loved this book! I could relate to her, and I really took a liking to her. The story has so many interesting points in it. I can't wait to get the second book!
HATED this book, just felt like it emphasized a totally materialistic woman who had an unhealthy shopping addiction. How did they write so many more books about her?
Jessica B. (popxavier) reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
This book and the whole collection are true page turners. I couldn't put any of them down. If you like dry humor, shopping and a little love but not too mushy, these are the books for you.
I couldn't quite get into this book, though the ending was great. I did like that the main character had such a realistic problem believable reactions, but I just couldn't relate to her. If you liked Apocalipstick or Bridget Jones Diary, you'd probably like this.
I didn't find this book nearly as funny as a lot of people seem to. It was cute but nothing all that special. For the first time ever, I liked the movie better than the book.
This was quite entertaining! A silly way to spend the morning. But, it was fun. I was surprised that the central romance unwound so slowly! It took nearly the entire novel!! And I am very curious about how this one book was expanded into a five book series! Not to mention the film... from the previews it doesn't seem like it is that tight of an adaptation. Still, I am curious about the other four books, as well as the movie!
This is one of the funniest books I have ever read. And if you yourself are a shopaholic, or at least somewhat of a shopaholic, you will not only identify with the protagonist but will recognize yourself over and over again.
Fabulous! I could not put it down and spent half the night awake reading. So many friends have recommended this series to me, and I'm so glad I finally read it!
I thought it was a slow starter but it might be beause I'm not a compulsive shopper. I did enjoy the book once I got into the story though. Some good twists.
Chelsea L. (rubyenvy) reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
This book was a wonderful chick-lit read! Anyone with a buying problem can relate to this book. Anyone who bounces through relationships can relate to this book. Anyone who has put "speaks Finnish" down on their resume and knows no Finnish can relate to this book. Just about anyone from average to crazy can relate, and have a great time reading it. I thought about reading a different chick-lit in its place after finishing "Confessions of a Shopaholic", but I just couldn't get enough of Becky Bloomwood's tendancy to get herself into a mess with tons of humor along the way. I immediately ordered the next two sequels after reading it. This book is definietly worth the time!
This was one of those books that I couldn't put down. I admit that I was intimidated by the number of pages in the books (347), mostly because I wasn't sure I could stay focused on one book for that long. However, I read the book in just a matter of a few days. I think most women will probably relate to Rebecca in some way or another. I know I did! The book was a fun, fast read with very likable characters.
Fun Read! I enjoyed this book, but Becky Bloomwood started to get on my nerves... not enough for me to stop from reading "Shopaholic Ties the Knot" or from geting Takes Manhatten (I've yet to read). Ties the Knot was more fun and entertainging
The shopaholic books are a lot of fun, the character gets herself into messes that just makes you shake your head at her, and read the next page, what a hoot!
Becky Bloomwood has a job that bores her to tears, and apartment in a trendy London neighborhood, a lot of friends and a closet overflowing with all of the seasons "must haves". She can't afford them, but she has them. Lately she has been receiving letters from all of her credit cards saying that they actually want her to pay her bill. She dreams up all kinds of tricks to avoid either opening the letters, answering the phone or actually keeping the appointment. She tried to make more money, but with no success, Her only consolation is to buy herself a little something. Finally a story arise that Becky actually cares about and her front page article catalyzes a chain of events that will change her life and those around her-forever.
At age 25, Rebecca Bloomwood has everything she wants. Or does she? Can her career as a financial journalist, a fab flat and a closet full of designer clothes lessen the blow of the dunning letters from credit card companies and banks that have been arriving too quickly to be contained by the drawer in which Rebecca hides them? Although her romantic entanglements tend toward the superficial, there is that wonderful Luke Brandon of Brandon Communications: handsome, intelligent, the 31st-richest bachelor according to Harper's and actually possessed of a personality that is more substance than style. Too bad that Rebecca blows it whenever their paths cross. Will Rebecca learn to stop shopping before she loses everything worthwhile? When faced with the opportunity to do good for others and impress Luke, will she finally measure up? Rebecca is so unremittingly shallow and Luke is so wonderful that readers may find themselves rooting for the heroine not to get the manAalthough, since Shakespeare's time, there's rarely been any doubt concerning how romantic comedies will end. There's a certain degree of madcap fun with some of Rebecca's creative untruths; when she persuades her parents that a bank manager is a stalker, some very amusing situations ensue. Still, this is familiar stuff, and Rebecca is the kind of unrepentant spender who will make readers, save those who share her disorder in the worst way, pity the poor bill collector.
This book is delicious. It is written in the witty sharp style of bridget jones' diary! I love it!!! And have ordered 2 more of her books! You won't be disappointed!
Natasha R. reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
An entertaining, lazy day read for anyone who can relate to a time of uncertainty and direction in their life. It was nice to see Becky Bloomwood realize her own potential.
A quick read that brings you into Becky's life and takes you away from your own. Humorous, but I also feel sorry for Becky at times, because of her addiction to shopping and her inability to face the reality of her debts.
Becky Bloomwood has what most 25 yr. olds only dream of; a flat in London, glamorous socialite friends, and a closet full of the season's must-haves. Just one problem-she can't afford it-not any of it. You'll love this book and author.
I actually haven't even finished reading the book but I am loving it! I am about half way through it and I keep finding myself laughing out loud while reading...it's driving my husband crazy because he can't understand how someone could act the way she does. Great book I can't wait to finish it!
A lighthearted romance about a ditzy shopping-crazed financial journalist trying to raise her salary, lower her credit card bills, and find Mr. Right. Becky Bloomwood is pretty brainless for the first half of the book, but stick with it for the emotional payoff at the end.
A pretty good story about Becky Bloomwood who has a major shopping problem. I had a few good laughs while reading this and look foward to reading more in the "Shopaholic" series
Fun read, although the character's spending habits made me nervous. I like the English slang ("I was completely gobsmacked") in it, which made it even funnier at times.
silly character reminded me of Bridget Jones with an obsession for all things couture. adorable story but not a fully developed character. she lacked depth i thought, but had a nice character arc.
Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamouous 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 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. 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.
Sophie Kinsella has brilliantly tapped into our collective consumer conscience to deliver a novel of our times--and a heroine who grows stronger every time she weakens. Becky Bloomwood's hilarious schemes to pay back her debts are as endearing as they are desperate. Her "confessions" are the perfect pick-me-up when life is hanging in the (bank) balance.
Amazon.com
If you've ever paid off one credit card with another, thrown out a bill before opening it, or convinced yourself that buying at a two-for-one sale is like making money, then this silly, appealing novel is for you. In the opening pages of Confessions of a Shopaholic, recent college graduate Rebecca Bloomwood is offered a hefty line of credit by a London bank. Within a few months, Sophie Kinsella's heroine has exceeded the limits of this generous offer, and begins furtively to scan her credit-card bills at work, certain that she couldn't have spent the reported sums.
I loved this book. This is the first book I have read by this author and it was difficult to put down. I have requested two others just to see how Rebecca Bloomwood's story continues. Very quick, funny, enjoyable read.
This is the first of a series by Sophie Kinsella. It is very well written and thought provoking. I really liked this book. I hope the others are as good as this one. A great read!!
I really liked this book. The story had a very nice ending. I can't wait until the movie comes out in February. I will be definitely be curious as to how they play this book on the big screen.
This book is for women who love to laugh. A laugh on every page.
Becky is a shopper who is running from her visa bill. Read and enjoy
all the interesting ways she trys to escape.
This book started a little slowly with lots of tales of shopping; fun, but no plot. However, once the author got the plot going, the book was great! The "suddenly" will take you by surprise. A good, fun read.
If you've ever paid off one credit card with another, thrown out a bill before opening it, or convinced yourself that buying at a two-for-one sale is like making money, then this silly, appealing novel is for you. In the opening pages of Confessions of a Shopaholic, recent college graduate Rebecca Bloomwood is offered a hefty line of credit by a London bank. Within a few months, Sophie Kinsella's heroine has exceeded the limits of this generous offer, and begins furtively to scan her credit-card bills at work, certain that she couldn't have spent the reported sums.
In theory anyway, the world of finance shouldn't be a mystery to Rebecca, since she writes for a magazine called Successful Saving. Struggling with her spendthrift impulses, she tries to heed the advice of an expert and appreciate life's cheaper pleasures: parks, museums, and so forth. Yet her first Saturday at the Victoria and Albert Museum strikes her as a waste. Why? There's not a price tag in sight.
It kind of takes the fun out of it, doesn't it? You wander round, just looking at things, and it all gets a bit boring after a while. Whereas if they put price tags on, you'd be far more interested. In fact, I think all museums should put prices on their exhibits. You'd look at a silver chalice or a marble statue or the Mona Lisa or whatever, and admire it for its beauty and historical importance and everything--and then you'd reach for the price tag and gasp, "Hey, look how much this one is!" It would really liven things up.
Eventually, Rebecca's uncontrollable shopping and her "imaginative" solutions to her debt attract the attention not only of her bank manager but of handsome Luke Brandon--a multimillionaire PR representative for a finance group frequently covered in Successful Saving. Unlike her opposite number in Bridget Jones's Diary, however, Rebecca actually seems too scattered and spacey to reel in such a successful man. Maybe it's her Denny and George scarf. In any case, Kinsella's debut makes excellent fantasy reading for the long stretches between white sales and appliance specials.
I thought this book was mildly amusing. But many times I found myself wondering how dim witted Becky could be. She kind of irritated me. Still, pretty fun to see just what people will do to get out of paying their debts...
This book was well written and it was some parts of it were so funny however I can't belive how ignorant Rebecca Bloomwood is that really annoyed me and made me mad.
I know this is supposed to be one of the best chick lit books around, but I couldn't get into it. I get bored to tears shopping too long. Unless I'm in a book store, of course! Reading an entire book about someone else spending their every waking moment shopping and going into major debt over it just didn't cut it for me. Plus, all that designer label crap just annoys the heck out of me.
what a fun story!! I admit its a bit slow in the beginning but stick with it...so worth it in the end :) I can't wait to hear what Manhattan has to offer Becky next!
This book was ok a little nerve racking at times a responsible person can not relate to this character!A little to shallow for me but was interesting to say the least...I didn't hate it but would i acually have bought it?Cant say i will read then next one just wasn't for me.
Excellent, fun, Chicklit. One of Chicklit's best and most beloved series. Read the one that started it all! I was chagrined to find at the time that I sympathized a bit too much with her habits. Both Becky and I have since got things under better control. :)
GOING BROKE WAS NEVER THIS MUCH FUN...
Rebecca Bloomwood just hit rock bottom. But she's never looked better...
Becky Bloomwood 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 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. 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.
On the superficial side, this is a story about shopping and overspending. The characters have a funny wit about them and it is worth a read if you are taking a beach vacation anytime soon.
Rebecca Bloomwood just hit rock bottom. But she's never looked better....
Becky Bloomwood 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.
If you've ever paid off one credit card with another, thrown out a bill before opening it, or convinced yourself that buying at a two-for-one sale is like making money, then this silly, appealing novel is for you. In the opening pages of Confessions of a Shopaholic, recent college graduate Rebecca Bloomwood is offered a hefty line of credit by a London bank. Within a few months, Sophie Kinsella's heroine has exceeded the limits of this generous offer, and begins furtively to scan her credit-card bills at work, certain that she couldn't have spent the reported sums.
In theory anyway, the world of finance shouldn't be a mystery to Rebecca, since she writes for a magazine called Successful Saving. Struggling with her spendthrift impulses, she tries to heed the advice of an expert and appreciate life's cheaper pleasures: parks, museums, and so forth. Yet her first Saturday at the Victoria and Albert Museum strikes her as a waste. Why? There's not a price tag in sight.
It kind of takes the fun out of it, doesn't it? You wander round, just looking at things, and it all gets a bit boring after a while. Whereas if they put price tags on, you'd be far more interested. In fact, I think all museums should put prices on their exhibits. You'd look at a silver chalice or a marble statue or the Mona Lisa or whatever, and admire it for its beauty and historical importance and everything--and then you'd reach for the price tag and gasp, "Hey, look how much this one is!" It would really liven things up.
Eventually, Rebecca's uncontrollable shopping and her "imaginative" solutions to her debt attract the attention not only of her bank manager but of handsome Luke Brandon--a multimillionaire PR representative for a finance group frequently covered in Successful Saving. Unlike her opposite number in Bridget Jones's Diary, however, Rebecca actually seems too scattered and spacey to reel in such a successful man. Maybe it's her Denny and George scarf. In any case, Kinsella's debut makes excellent fantasy reading for the long stretches between white sales and appliance specials. --Regina Marler
At first, I was a little frustrated with the main character, Becky Bloomwood. I guess because I've never had a "problem" with money. I was screaming at her to get help. But, after about 200 pages, she really started to charm me. I'm at the point, I can't wait to read the next story in the series!
This book was a fun read, but it wasn't really fun until towards the end. Rebecca is a likable character except that she seems to lack any self control and her life gets pretty bleak. I like the writer's style though and some of fun characters. For a similar, but better read, try something by Marian Keyes.
Very funny book. Book is in excellent condition as it was read only once. It was hard to put down once I started to read it.
If you like to shop....this book is for you!
I am a huge fan of this author, the books are not my normal genre but I find them so hard to put down and so funny that I can't wait to read another one, I read this in one day!
I really liked this book. I found it a bit hard to get in to at first bu once I did I couldn't put it down. I'm a shopaholic, also, but of course not as bad as her =] It was a really light, enjoyable read.
Wow! I can not believe it took me so long to read this book. This book is hilarious! A wonderful chic lit book. I could not help but laugh out loud, as much of this book. Poor Rebecca gets herself in over her head. She gets in a financial bind, that some of us might be familiar with. And ends up with way more stuff than she really needs! But in the end. through the course of things..she finds a way to make right. And learns some hard life lessons. This really is a fun enjoyable book. A fast read that makes you not want to put it down. I look forward to reading the rest of the series, and to see the movie.
This book is the first in the Shopaholics Series, I bought it used for an easy read on the commute to and from work. It was a good book and everyone else that I've talked to enjoyed the books from the series (this is the only one I've read).
I read this Kinsella book first and was hooked. I never thought I would read a book with this title. I wasn't a shopaholic before reading it but became very aware after and I'm glad!!
A fun, if light Bridget Jones ripoff. I was aggravated wtih the characters, they were slightly (I'm being kind) 2 dimensional and very the dialogue was just silly. I think I would've enjoyed it more had the shop names meant something to me. I tried to substitute our US stores, but it was hard since I had no frame of reference.
I did enjoy this book, but after a while I got annoyed at her rediculus spending habits. There are several books in the series and I think I enjoyed the last one (shopaholic and baby) the best.
The British humor is funny but a lot of these kinds of books follow the same pattern on a mid twenties single girl living on her own. It reminded me too much of bridget jones' diary
Joyce G. (MsSun829) reviewed Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1) on
Becky has a hard time not spending money she doesn't have, and finding love while keeping her bank manager from stopping her from buying what she needs.
Could not get interested in this book, this character or the story line. I have read "Can You Keep a Secret?" by S. Kinsella and laughed all the way through. It was delightful.
The character is easily liked, but her consistent poor decision-making is tedious and stressful.
Do not expect the book to be like the movie. For starters, the main character of the book is British, who moves to the States in a subsequent book. The movie starts in the States.
love it love it love it. trust me girls read the book skip the movie, the book features a smart but spend thrift woman who is generaly good and intelligent but who likes desigener things and has done exactly what most americans have done in todays world and bought what she wanted with credit. it is a moral lesson about not over doing it on your plastic but it is soooo much more than that! read it you will love it
Hilarious book about a shopaholic and her chance at love with a millionare named Luke when she least expected it. I couldn't put it down! British but humor any american can easily get.
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, she can't actually afford it - not any of it. Her job writing at Successful Savings magazine 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. She tries cutting back. 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.
Sophie Kinsella has brilliantly tapped into our collective consumer conscience to deliver a novel for our times - and a heroine who grows stronger every time she weakens. Becky's hilarious schemes to pay back her debts are as endearing as they are desperate. Her "confessions" are the perfect pick-me-up when life is hanging in the (bank) balance.
I have read some of this author's other books and like her writing style. She keeps me interested, even though I often lose patience with the main character.
Like all of Sophie Kinsella's books, this was a quick, but great, read. I was hooked and have since read everything she's written. But this one was definitely the best.
So many people refer to this as one of the best chick lit books, but Becky Greenwood annoyed the hell out of me. Read an excerpt at RandomHouse.com.
From Publishers Weekly
Add this aptly titled piffle to the ranks of pink-covered girl-centric fiction that has come sailing out of England over the last two years. At age 25, Rebecca Bloomwood has everything she wants. Or does she? Can her career as a financial journalist, a fab flat and a closet full of designer clothes lessen the blow of the dunning letters from credit card companies and banks that have been arriving too quickly to be contained by the drawer in which Rebecca hides them? Although her romantic entanglements tend toward the superficial, there is that wonderful Luke Brandon of Brandon Communications: handsome, intelligent, the 31st-richest bachelor according to Harper\\\\\\\'s and actually possessed of a personality that is more substance than style. Too bad that Rebecca blows it whenever their paths cross. Will Rebecca learn to stop shopping before she loses everything worthwhile? When faced with the opportunity to do good for others and impress Luke, will she finally measure up? Rebecca is so unremittingly shallow and Luke is so wonderful that readers may find themselves rooting for the heroine not to get the man--although, since Shakespeare\\\\\\\'s time, there\\\\\\\'s rarely been any doubt concerning how romantic comedies will end. There\\\\\\\'s a certain degree of madcap fun with some of Rebecca\\\\\\\'s creative untruths; when she persuades her parents that a bank manager is a stalker, some very amusing situations ensue. Still, this is familiar stuff, and Rebecca is the kind of unrepentant spender who will make readers, save those who share her disorder in the worst way, pity the poor bill collector. (Feb. 13) Forecast: This is a well-designed book, with a catchy magenta spine, and a colorful and kinetic double cover--which will attract many browsers. Major ad/promo, including national NPR sponsorships, will enhance sales, despite the novel\\\\\\\'s flaws.
Meet Becky Bloomwood, an irresistible heroine with a big heart, big dreams--and just one little weakness...
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 around her--forever.