Are you a shopaholic? Do you go to the nearest mall when you have had a row with your boyfriend? Do you buy the latest trends because your this girl at your office does? Do you avoid calls from credit card collection officers? Do you feel compelled to buy those new shoes you saw by the shop window? Are your credit card bills piling up unopened inside your desk drawer? Do you lie to your parents when they ask you about money?

Shopaholics lack the self-control to resist the temptation of shopping – even at the expense of their finances and relationships. They have this insatiable need for a certain high that they feel when they have purchased something. If you find yourself answering affirmatively to the questions I asked, then you just might be a shopaholic. And if you are, you will definitely see yourself in Becky Bloomwood - the chic and sassy heroine of Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic book series.

Confessions of a Shopaholic takes you through the seemingly unbelievable life of Rebecca Bloomwood, a financial journalist in New York City. Each page brings you closer to strangling Becky as she makes purchase after unnecessary purchase and purposely avoids her credit card bills. Initially I was able to relate to her compulsive behavior and even found some situations funny. I could feel the embarrassment she did when she had to borrow money to buy an expensive new scarf and lie about it. I felt her discomfort whenever she was asked about her finances. I also felt her confusion as she tried so hard to justify that her spending was going to lead her to saving money.

The book is light and endearing to those who appreciate the brashness of youth and the recklessness of someone who only cares for themselves. It may appeal to those who feel shopping is therapy and the best way to reward yourself is to go and have dinner at one of the finest restaurants in the city. The book is not for the overly critical and judgmental… and of course thrifty. It is easy to be frustrated with the decisions Becky makes that lead her deeper and deeper into debt. Becky admittedly is such a shallow character that makes you want to hug her and slap her at the same time. By the time I finished reading, Becky was my best friend.

Personally, I like the reality portrayed in the book. It hits me where it hurts and reminds me how much my life can turn chaotic if I let myself become carefree about my finances.

Will I read the rest of the books in this series?…. definitely.

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