I haven't read this one yet (am waiting for it to come out in paperback), but I've read, and own, all of the others. The last one (Shopaholic and Sister) I thought was pretty poor, if not complete utter dross, but I heard the new one is better so hopefully they will return to the standard of the first two.

I like them cos they're compulsive and easy to read, plus I thought the first one was pretty charming. Unfortunately, I do sort of think they are immoral, and a sad indication of modern society. That probably sounds ridiculously heavy for what is supposed to be just a series of fun, light books, but honestly the consumerist culture in them is downright scary. Becky is charming, and I do like her, but her candyfloss exterior can't mask her fundamental selfishness and her appalling ability to lie to her family and friends (with such apparent ease, too!). To be honest, I know lots of people who love to shop, but if I actually knew a real-life Becky, with all her other personality traits, such as the ones just mentioned, I would actually seriously think that they were mentally disabled. I'm not saying that because I think Becky's stupid - as shown in the books, she's actually very intelligent - but due to the other, more disturbing, aspects of her character.

Most seriously is the whole debt thing. I suppose bankruptcy is a no-no in order for a happy ending, but honestly, debt is a serious thing. Recent interest rates have seen repossession of houses up 30% on last year. Kinsella hasn't solved Becky's problem of overspending - she's just given her more money, so that it doesn't matter if she spends a lot! It's silly. Becky is a caricature and never learns from her mistakes. Finally, most disgusting of all is her husband, Luke. If he wasn't a millionnaire, she would SO not be with him.

Despite all these complaints, I am a fan - honest!

Posted by: Amy | August 8, 2007 1:33 PM

I'm a big fan too, although this book really wasn't as good as the others. Mainly because the concept seems to be wearing thin. Any more books and it'll really begin to get boring (in my opinion, anyway!)

What bugs me is that, to me, Becky is thick. She lives in a fantasy world constantly and is immensely immature, not to mention awfully dim, probably couldn't point to Asia on a map if you asked her to - yet she's a financial journalist (at the start of the series, anyway). The character just doesn't seem realistic in any way. And I agree with Amy on the whole debt thing.

Yet the books are addictive, light and funny - Kinsella's writing style prevents you from putting the books down! (Damn you Sophie! Hehe). So I'd say YAY this time - only I'm hoping this series has now come to a close.

There's only so much spending a girl can do!

Posted by: Danielle | August 8, 2007 5:12 PM

Wow, thanks Danielle and especially Amy for giving the topic such thought! You both raise some excellent points. It bothers me too that Becky can seem really stupid, and that we're supposed to think that's OK. But then she is charming and Kinsella is talented, grr...

Posted by: DIANE SHIPLEY | August 8, 2007 10:18 PM

I don't have this one yet, but do have the third Becky book in my To Be Read pile and will hopefully be reading it before Christmas. So far I plan to go on to this one as well. Amy definitely summed up the series well. As a person who is working her way out of debt, I couldn't agree more. But yes, Sophie Kinsella is a wonderful writer, and even more than the Shopaholic series I love her books written as Madeleine Wickham.

Posted by: Robin | November 28, 2007 3:33 PM

didnt thnk it was sooo great.. but im still a maaajor fan of the others...iv read trhem like billions of timen !!! :)

im rly excited about the movie,,, but seriously..isla fisher?
i love anne hathaway/rachel bilson (i had already thought of those lol)...and think kirsten dunst is a great idea :)

Posted by: sara :) | December 4, 2007 9:26 PM

I dont agree with you I though the book was great,it was so good I finnished it in about a day,I just could not put it down. Becky would not be Becky if she was not the funny,ditzy,shopaholic who is in a world of her own. Shopaholic and baby is my fav yet, she is living the life every girl wants and dreams of.She is settled down, in love with the perfect man,baby on the way,so many clothes she could open her own mall, great friends and family to support her what more oculd you ask for?.People could relate to the problems and dilema s she gets her self in too.Its so much fun to read about with her constant shopping, worries and obsessions over things. I personally cant wait until Sophie Kinsella brings out another.Every book just keeps getting better and better.
lets hope the film is just as good as the book and they keep Becky English and not change it like has been reported.

Posted by: Hannah | December 10, 2007 4:22 PM

I dont agree with you I though the book was great,it was so good I finnished it in about a day,I just could not put it down. Becky would not be Becky if she was not the funny,ditzy,shopaholic who is in a world of her own. Shopaholic and baby is my fav yet, she is living the life every girl wants and dreams of.She is settled down, in love with the perfect man,baby on the way,a job she loves,so many clothes she could open her own mall, great friends and family to support her what more could you ask for?.People could relate to the problems and dilema s she gets her self in to.Its so much fun to read about with her constant shopping, worries and obsessions over things. I personally cant wait until Sophie Kinsella brings out another.Every book just keeps getting better and better.
lets hope the film is just as good as the book and they keep Becky English and not change it like has been reported.

Posted by: Hannah | December 10, 2007 4:24 PM

A definite yay! I absolutely adore Becky and I'm going to have to say this is my favourite in the series. I hope it doesn't come to an end because Sophie's writing is absolutely delicious! I adore the plot of this story and all her others and just can't get enough.

I've never seen Becky's character as an issue-as I think we can all sympathise with her in some ways and she is perfect to create those funny laugh out moments the books are filled with. And believe it or not-I don't think she is at all unrealistic and if she were real-I'd love to meet her.

Sophie Kinsella never fails to impress ;D

Posted by: Little King | September 19, 2008 9:54 AM

A definite yay! I absolutely adore Becky and I'm going to have to say this is my favourite in the series. I hope it doesn't come to an end because Sophie's writing is absolutely delicious! I adore the plot of this story and all her others and just can't get enough.

I've never seen Becky's character as an issue-as I think we can all sympathise with her in some ways and she is perfect to create those funny laugh out moments the books are filled with. And believe it or not-I don't think she is at all unrealistic and if she were real-I'd love to meet her.

Sophie Kinsella never fails to impress ;D

Posted by: Little King | September 19, 2008 9:54 AM

A definite yay! I absolutely adore Becky and I'm going to have to say this is my favourite in the series. I hope it doesn't come to an end because Sophie's writing is absolutely delicious! I adore the plot of this story and all her others and just can't get enough.

I've never seen Becky's character as an issue-as I think we can all sympathise with her in some ways and she is perfect to create those funny laugh out moments the books are filled with. And believe it or not-I don't think she is at all unrealistic and if she were real-I'd love to meet her.

Sophie Kinsella never fails to impress ;D

Posted by: Little King | September 19, 2008 9:55 AM

Sorry please excuse my multiple posts-I got a bit impatient with the internet :S

Posted by: Little King | December 6, 2008 9:53 AM