Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, #1) in Gentle SPECTRUMS

Aug 16, 2024 Kerri rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: british, book-to-screen-adaptation, buddy-reads

This was a buddy read with my friend Carolyn, something we hoped would be light and fun, full of humour. Unfortunately, the first 200 pages weren't anywhere near as enjoyable as we had hoped. I could partially relate to Rebecca in that oftentimes there are things that we want and cannot always afford. I could have understood the thousands of dollars of debt if she had been spending it on items that meant something to her, and then realised she had spent more than she intended. But she bought a s

This was a buddy read with my friend Carolyn, something we hoped would be light and fun, full of humour. Unfortunately, the first 200 pages weren't anywhere near as enjoyable as we had hoped. I could partially relate to Rebecca in that oftentimes there are things that we want and cannot always afford. I could have understood the thousands of dollars of debt if she had been spending it on items that meant something to her, and then realised she had spent more than she intended. But she bought a seemingly endless supply of random junk much of the time - a bowl she didn't like but bought because it was featured in a magazine, coffees, cakes, pens, unnecessary cooking supplies and ingredients, and huge amounts of clothes, shoes, makeup and skincare. Every time she panics about her ever-increasing debt, she comforts herself with more shopping. It was exhausting, and the dull consumerism went from irritating to a bit disturbing.🛍️

On top of that, her disdain for her "boring" job became grating. I understand that she had no passion for financial journalism, but I struggled to believe she retained this job when she never really did anything but skive off and go shopping during work hours. Her unbelievably stupid attitude to her second job baffled even more. I couldn't understand why she didn't just do the job she had to the best of her ability, while using her spare time to try and move into something more fashion based.
[image error]
Somewhere around that 200-page mark however, things picked up rapidly. After Becky's inattentiveness, and obsessive self-focus causes a problem that affects someone other than herself, she actually sets about trying to help. Suddenly she is engaging her brain, which had apparently been lying dormant the make way for the shopping. She works hard at one opportunity, which leads to another. She became a much more engaging character, and the book ended far more strongly that I would have guessed. Because of this, I will read the second book to see if this more interesting Rebecca continues to show up.

Prior to that turning point, I only truly enjoyed one scene, in which Rebecca and Luke tested suitcases. It didn't make me laugh, but I did manage a smile. Although things did improve, I never really clicked enough with the story to find it funny, even if I did eventually warm to the main character. The only line that made me laugh was in one of Rebecca's letters from a customer finance manager:
"I was glad to hear that you have found the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as your saviour; unfortunately this has no bearing on the matter.

I look forward to receiving your payment shortly."

This is rare case where I think I enjoyed the movie more, in large part because of the bold colourful outfits, and also Isla Fisher's charm. And John Goodman and Joan Cusack are in it. I also noted that Kristin Scott Thomas is referenced in the book as being "really cool" and she also features in the film.

...more

10 likes · Like · see review

Aug 15, 2024 C. (Comment, never msg). rated it it was ok

Shelves: riedel-titles-2024

For the second time in four years, my remaining parent was at the end of his life. I need fun and peaceful reading. “Confessions Of A Shopaholic” has been billed as funny since 2000. At this hardest time of a Daughter’s life, I wanted chick lit. My sweet friend shared my two star opinion. Thank goodness we read it together.

Addictions should be portrayed sombrely. Sufferers do cover up problems instead of seeking help. This protagonist’s incidents and reactions were off. Sophie Kinsella depicted ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

Apr 14, 2009 Eva rated it did not like it

This book drove me crazy. I cannot stand constant Brand-name dropping and constant talk of shopping addiction. I was so excited to read this series (I was on the wait list for over a month), but once I read the first half of this... back to the library it went!

1 like · Like · see review