Monday, May 30, 2011

What I've Read: Sophie Kinsella Novels

On my last library trip, I knew I needed to check out one book. One book, the last in a series it's taken me 4 years to read.

That's a long time to see how a series is going to end, folks. I don't know why I waited so long, but I did. That book was:
Shopaholic & BabyI have followed Becky Bloomwood's antics for a long time; since my college days. The last installment of the series was cute. Kinsella used the same successful plot recipe in writing the previous installments of Shopalholic and ran with it. I don't blame her; the books always proven to be entertaining. However, with this last book I found myself growing tired of Becky. Whereas I used to be quite fond of her and her shopping addiction, I found this particular book to be obnoxious. I no longer can relate with Becky, is what I'm ultimately saying.

At first, Becky and I were both young, single 20 somethings who could fling our credit cards about without a second thought. We both got married and we both had babies, and while I cut out the shopaholic tendencies, she did not. It didn't sit right with me and I believe that is where the disconnect lies.   

In sum, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed it's successors, but I believe it's because I've changed and not Becky.  The classic, "it's not you, it's me" excuse.  I broke it off with Becky at the end of this book.While I was perusing the Kinsella section of the library, I came across this book: Remember Me?: A Novel
The premise seemed interesting: the main character is injured and loses a three year chunk of her memory, during which she turns a complete 180 in all aspects of her life. As she fits the pieces together, the reader realizes she's not so different from the girl she once was.

I have found that Kinsella tries so hard to relate her heroines to the modern, everyday girl that sometimes it weighs her novels down. I enjoyed this story, but it could have been wrapped up a lot more quickly. I found myself sighing a lot, just trying to wade through the pages.

I do always enjoy Kinsella's writing style; it's full of British dialogue and I find myself reading it to myself with a British accent. It's fun.

Here's what's on my shelf now, waiting to be read:
I know, another Kinsella book...couldn't help myself.



Have you read these?  What are you reading now?  Should I add any more to my queue?



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4 comments:

Eve said...

I love Sophie Kinsella too! I haven't read this baby one yet though...I bought it on Amazon and it's been sitting on my nightstand for about 3 months now. I'm such a slacker...I'll read it one day!

Unknown said...

I just finished Remember Me. I agree - I found myself skipping over paragraphs. I also wanted to kick her "husband" in the balls. What a douche!

I just finished "The Last Summer of You and Me". It was pretty good. Next up is "The Pact" by Jodi Piccolot (spelling?).

Anonymous said...

I also grew tired of Becky Bloomwood. Have you tried "Can you Keep a Secret" by Kinsella? It is laugh out loud funny.

I just finished the Hunger Games (all 3 books) and LOVED them.

Next on the list, Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran, I think.

Alyssa Barnes said...

I haven't read any of these yet, but now I'm inspired. Thanks for the suggestions. =) #commenthour

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