December 30, 2010 6:11 PM
Trashi's Top 10 Books of 2010!
The new year is almost upon us, so we thought we'd see out 2010 with a countdown of the year's best reads. There have been so many fantastic releases, from established authors and debut writers alike, and it was hard to choose just ten! But here they are - Trashionista's Top 10 Reads of 2010 (part one!)Check back tomorrow for part two, and in the meantime, we hope everyone's having fun getting ready for the new year celebrations!
10. A Vintage Affair by Isabel WolffIsabel Wolff, author of many titles including Forget Me Not and Rescuing Rose, delighted us all earlier this year with her latest book A Vintage Affair; an addictive read about Phoebe, who opens a vintage clothing store. When she's called to the house of Mrs Bell to collect some garments, the old lady begins to tell Phoebe her sad story, and with it, Phoebe begins to work through her own.
9. Della Says OMG! by Keris StaintonDespite Della Says being a young adult read, we had to include it! This debut novel by previous Trashionista editor Keris focuses on teenage Della, who's getting ever closer to the boy she likes. But when her diary suddenly goes missing, and scans of pages containing her most intimate secrets start appearing on Facebook, will Della be able to find out who's behind it before more of her secrets are revealed?
8. Mousetrapped by Catherine Ryan HowardCatherine's non-fiction book Mousetrapped gains a place in our top ten as it's one of the most wonderfully-written books we've read this year. In Mousetrapped: A Year and a Bit in Orlando, Florida, Catherine decides to leave Ireland in favour of sunny Orlando, for a job in one of the happiest places on earth. Supposedly. Not long after arriving, it dawns on her that not everything is as it seems, Disney included. Catherine's witty writing and hilarious stories make this an absolutely great non-fiction book - even if you're not a fan of Orlando.
7. Mini Shopaholic by Sophie KinsellaEveryone's favourite shopaholic Becky Bloomwood (well, Brandon) returned earlier this year in Mini Shopaholic, the latest installment in the bestselling series. The long-awaited book followed on from Shopaholic & Baby, and saw Becky take on the shops yet again - only this time, with toddler Minnie in tow. And Minnie has to get her expensive tastes from someone, right?
6. The Finishing Touches by Hester BrowneThe Finishing Touches, the beautifully-written and heart-warming tale from the author of The Little Lady Agency, is about modern girl Betsy who's determined to save one of London's once-renowned charm schools from financial ruin. As the school belonged to her recently deceased adoptive mother, Betsy's convinced that the school is failing due to its outdated curriculum about etiquette, and so she sets out to transform the school into the first modern-day finishing school full of lessons in what matters to the 21st century lady. Including love...
Posted by Elle Symonds on December 30, 2010 in Book related, Books, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (4)
November 22, 2010 8:22 PM
NEWS: Dates for Sophie Kinsella's UK Christmas tour
Would you like to meet Sophie Kinsella? If so (and you'll be in the UK next week) then here's your chance. As part of her Mini Shopaholic Christmas tour, bestselling author Sophie will be in a variety of locations signing books and meeting fans.
To view the dates, head on over to Sophie Kinsella's official website. Please note that another date has been added for December 9th (Cheltenham Waterstones) so be sure to check out Sophie's other news.
Posted by Elle Symonds on November 22, 2010 in Announcements, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (4)
August 10, 2010 11:18 AM
TUESDAY THREE: Snowglobe covers!
Here at Trashionista we always notice certain trends when it comes to chick-lit book covers. And recently we've discovered another similar series of images - this time, it's snowglobes! Check out three of the snowglobe covers we've spotted recently. Know of any more? Leave a comment and let us know!Promises, Promises by Erica James
'I Must Stand Up for Myself More' so promises Maggie Storm who spends her days cleaning houses for people who often have more money than manners. Married to a man with as much sex appeal as Mr Blobby, she dreams of a life straight from the pages of a romantic novel. 'My Head Must Rule Over My Heart' so promises Ella Moore who, determined never to let her heart get the better of her again, is recovering from seven wasted years of failing to win over the daughter of the man with whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life. 'No More Women' so promises Ethan Edwards who, to distract himself from the depressing sham of his marriage, is a repeat offender when it comes to turning to other women for sexual consolation. But when Ella appears unexpectedly in his life, he finds himself turning to her for very different reasons. All The Things We Didn't Say by Sara Shepard
Tragedy came as if so often does: a teenage party, emotions running high, followed by a horrific car crash. A girl is left dead and a boy is forced to leave his home town, with a secret that he will carry with him forever-Years later, when Summer's mother disappears one summer, she is left with her father who is going slowly crazy. Obsessed with an accident from years ago, he slowly descends into mental illness. And as he becomes more disorientated, he reveals small fragments of a secret that has been hidden since his youth, a secret that changes everything. Summer supports her father as much as she can but eventually realises that she has to escape. She finds refuge with her great-aunt, Stella. Feisty, fun-loving, and dying of cancer, Stella holds parts of the family secret. Slowly, things fall into place for Summer - or at least so she thinks-This is a story of the importance of family, of the damage a lie can do, and of how nothing is ever what it seems. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Emma is sitting on a turbulent plane. She's always been a v. nervous flyer. She really thinks that this could be her last moment. So, naturally enough, she starts telling the man sitting next to her - quite a dishy American, but she's too frightened to notice -all her innermost secrets. How she scans the backs of intellectual books and pretends she's read them. How she does her hair up like Princess Leia in her bedroom. How she's not sure if she has a G-spot, and whether her boyfriend could find it anyway. How she feels like a fraud at work - everyone uses the word 'operational' all the time but she hasn't a due what it means. How the coffee at work is horrible. How she once threw a troublesome client file in the bin. If ever there was a bare soul, it's hers. She survives the flight, of course, and the next morning the famous founding boss of the whole mega corporation she works for is coming for a look at the UK branch. As he walks around, Emma looks up and realises... It's the man from the plane. What will he do with her secrets? He knows them all - but she doesn't know a single one of his. Or... does she?
Posted by Elle Symonds on August 10, 2010 in Book covers, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (2)
April 12, 2010 9:11 PM
COVER NEWS: Mini Shopaholic
Shopaholic fans everywhere (yours truly included) are eagerly awaiting the release of the latest book in the series - Mini Shopaholic. It's a long wait, what with the book not due to be released until September (boo! Hiss) but now, we have a cover!
The cover shows shopaholic Becky and her new daughter - which makes the release even more exciting. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments.
And for those who are unfamiliar with the latest addition to the series, here's the synopsis for Mini Shopaholic:
Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) thought motherhood would be a breeze - but it's trickier than she thought. Two-year-old Minnie is a little tearaway who has created havoc everywhere from Harrods to Harvey Nicks to her own christening. She hires taxis at random, her favourite word is 'Mine', and she already has a penchant for Balenciaga bags. Becky is at her wits' end. On top of this, she and Luke are still living with her Mum and Dad, there's a big financial crisis so everyone's having to Cut Back - including all her personal shopping clients - and her husband Luke is feeling low after the death of his beloved stepmother. To cheer Luke up, Becky decides to throw him a surprise birthday party - on a budget - and that's when things become really complicated. As Becky tries to keep the arrangements secret, misunderstandings and excuses sprout everywhere, and soon she's told so many fibs she can't keep track of them. Will Becky pull off the surprise? Will Minnie give everything away? Will Minnie's godparents ever stop arguing? Who will end up on the naughty step and who will get a gold star? And what will happen when Becky discovers Luke is keeping a big secret too?
(Synopsis via ChickLitClub).
Posted by Elle Symonds on April 12, 2010 in Book News, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 26, 2010 8:13 PM
NEWS: Sophie Kinsella's 'Twenties Girl' is number one
Well, it was to be expected what with Sophie Kinsella's popularity and her absolutely brilliant latest book (fine, I'm biased!) but the news is out - Twenties Girl is this week's new number one.According to The Bookseller, the paperback edition of Twenties Girl - Shopaholic author Sophie Kinsella's ninth book (16th including those written under Madeleine Wickham) sold 36,378 copies in the UK last week. Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer is third on the list.
Click here to read the full article.
Posted by Elle Symonds on January 26, 2010 in Book News, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 10, 2009 2:29 PM
Win tea with Sophie Kinsella at Play.com
Okay, so how many of us here are
Shopaholic fans? Play.com are offering a great prize to one lucky
winner and a friend in celebration of the Secret Dreamworld of a
Shopaholic re-release, and there's still time to enter.
Here's what you could win:
To celebrate the re-release of The Secret Dreamworld Of A Shopaholic, we are delighted to offer one lucky winner and friend a fabulous shopaholic trip to London in the summer! You'll be staying at the glamourous Berkeley Hotel, where you'll be indulged with their 'Girls Night In' package. The next day, The Berkeley treats you to Prêt-a-Portea, a true fashionistas afternoon tea with biscuits and cakes inspired by the latest fashion collections including Christian Louboutin and Lanvin. But that's not all... Sophie Kinsella will join you!
For the chance to win this fantastic prize, head on over to Play.com to enter.
The competition closes on March 29 – good luck!
Posted by Elle Symonds on March 10, 2009 in Competition, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 11, 2008 1:08 PM
HELEN'S HEROINES: Samantha Sweeting
Helen Redfern's weekly look at the fictional women she loves...
Even though I was highly entertained by The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella, I didn’t feel the main character, Samantha, was inspirational. She is clever and in a position of great importance, soon to be a partner of a law firm, yet I felt, a tad stupid at real life. As the story unfolds the message her character expressed to me is that women cannot cope with highly stressful jobs and should stay out of the city. Then, she is waiting for a man to ‘save her’. I thought this was a book with a plot set in the dark ages only dressed up as modern because the woman has a fancy career.
Yet when I was talking to a few of my friends this woman came up as a good inspirational character. A woman who had inspired them to look at their life differently and make a few changes. So I looked at her afresh. I saw she had turned her life around. She didn’t put up with the pompousness of city life. She saw through it and realised that there is more to life than working yourself to the bone. And maybe there is something in that. I gave up my city job when I’d had my child as I couldn’t face the politics, the egos, the trying to impress someone all the time. Until I rediscovered my love of writing I was disappointed with myself giving up on my old career, so maybe I was transferring some of these issues onto the unsuspecting Samantha. But then it isn’t a sleight at the feminist movement to not work all hours and have a brilliant city career. True equality surely means a woman has a choice.
Samantha Sweeting is a workaholic. Her working life is divided and dictated by six minute chunks. Every six minutes she is supposed to bill a client. She doesn’t have time for anything else. For sorting out her home life, for life with family, or even for having a life. As Samantha says “You get used to measuring your life in little chunks. And you get used to working. All the time.”
Samantha is also highly intelligent. She has a fantastic head for figures but her office looks like a bomb has hit it. When she realises she has made a mistake she leaves the office in a daze and walks onto the nearest train, finding herself at the door of a household that requires a housekeeper. She is undomesticated, in her own words she admits “OK, maybe I can’t sew on a button. But I can restructure a corporate finance agreement and save my clients thirty million pounds.” This fails to impress her neighbour leaving Samantha to call out “Did you never hear of feminism?” And Samantha is right. Why should it be expected that women be domesticated. But by the same argument why are domesticated women seen as letting the feminist side down?
Of all the characters I have studied for this column, so far, Sophie Kinsella’s creation has been the character I have had to think about the most. She is not straightforwardly brave, like George Kirrin, or Nancy Drew. She isn’t doing a dangerous job like Tonks, or Jane Rizzoli. In this day and age where much is expected of women in the working world but there still aren’t the same opportunities as men, it is incredibly brave of Samantha to take on the law firm that accused her of messing up a £50 million deal, to clear her name, but then to turn her back on the partnership and the money for a calmer life. The man in the story didn’t save her. He just demonstrated that there is more to life than working. Samantha saw she had a choice and saved herself.
Posted by Keris on March 11, 2008 in Helen's Heroines, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (1)
February 27, 2008 7:08 PM
(Shopaholic) MOVIE NEWS: Hugh Dancy *is* Luke!
It's still not listed on IMDb, but the most recent newsletter from Sophie Kinsella seems to confirm it:
... the Shopaholic movie is finally underway! I have been in New York recently, attending rehearsals, talking to the actors, director and producers, and seeing the story come alive before my eyes... and it's given me goosebumps :) Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy and Krysten Ritter are going to be SO fabulous as Becky, Luke and Suze.
Surely Sophie knows who's playing Luke?
Related posts: More Shopaholic casting news | First photo of Shopaholic movie
Posted by Keris on February 27, 2008 in Movie News, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (3)
BOOK REVIEW: Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
Reviewed by Deborah Riccio
It's not the waking up in hospital that freaks out Lexi Smart. It's the fact that she's got nails to die for, porcelain veneers, a glossy mane of hair, a Louis Vuitton handbag, she's Manager of a whole department ... and, oh yes, she's married to a drop-dead gorgeous millionaire husband.
The only drawback she can see is that she's aged three years. But then so has her mother and (not-so-now) little sister.
How the hell did all that happen?
And what happened to the last three years?
As she begins to read the Marriage Manual written by her practically perfect husband, Lexi begins to wonder whether she will ever miss her crooked teeth, frizzy hair, loser boyfriend, crappy job and poverty-lifestyle. Ah� and her best friends and co-workers who now seem to quite simply hate her.
What has she done? What�s happened? Who is that great-looking guy in the black jeans? And why can�t she find any bread or crisps when she so desperately needs them?
The incomparable Sophie Kinsella's latest stand-alone novel is an utterly believable suspended-belief story with endearingly drawn characters which I defy anyone not to want to devour in one sitting. From the first page you'll feel a part of Lexi's life and be urging her to find the answers she so passionately needs to start piecing together her missing years.
Rating: 5/5
Like this? Try Forget About It by Caprice Crane
Posted by Keris on February 27, 2008 in British Authors, Rating: 5/5, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (9)
February 18, 2008 9:23 AM
First photo of Shopaholic movie
I know it's only tiny, but since it's the first photo from the eagerly-awaited Shopaholic movie, I thought it was worth sharing.
Yes, it's Isla Fisher as Becky Bloomwood. And, yes, it's being filmed in New York. We're just going to have to accept it. And there's still no announcement of who's playing Luke!
[via BuzzSugar]
Related posts: Shopaholic & Baby review | Sophie Kinsella in Second Life
Posted by Keris on February 18, 2008 in Movie News, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (3)
February 11, 2008 11:25 AM
Sophie Kinsella in Second Life
I still don't understand Second Life, but I guess I don't have to.
On Sunday, 2 March at 5PM EST, Sophie Kinsella will be appearing at The Amphitheatre on Bantam Dell Island.
There she will read from her new novel, Remember Me? and take questions from readers. You'll even be able to dress her avatar. Dress her avatar?! Seriously. What on earth is Second Life all about?!
Click here for the full details.
Posted by Keris on February 11, 2008 in Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 17, 2008 12:34 PM
MOVIE NEWS: More Shopaholic casting news
You probably all know by now that Isla Fisher is playing Becky Bloomwood in the Shopaholic movie (now in pre-production), but I've just checked on IMDb and found out who's on board for Luke and Suze. And I'm not happy.
Luke will be played by Hugh Dancy (The Jane Austen Book Club). I haven't seen him in anything, but judging by the photos he's a tad less masculine than I imagined Luke to be. (But I can't see Luke as anyone other than Colin Firth, so it might just be me.)
Krysten Ritter will play Suze. If you're a Gilmore Girls fan, then you'll know Krysten as Rory's really annoying Yale friend. I don't know who I'd cast as Suze, but I don't think it would be her.
What do you think?
Posted by Keris on January 17, 2008 in Movie News, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (10)
December 13, 2007 12:15 PM
BOOK COVER: Cathy Kelly (and more Kinsella)
So last week I featured the UK cover of Sophie Kinsella's next book and said it looked just like someone else's. You kindly made a bunch of suggestions, all of which were similar, but none of them was the droid I was looking for. (I'm not really a dork, I just love that quote.)
Fortunately, I'd been googling Marian Keyes, saw a pic of her with Cathy Kelly and went "A-ha!" (I needn't have bothered, since not long after Helen Costello left a comment saying it was Cathy Kelly - Thanks, Helen!)
But I said it was a bit old-hat, didn't I? And Cathy Kelly's publishers obviously agree since her covers have been updated. Check them out over the cut.
On the left is Lessons In Heartbreak due out in January next year. Much more modern cover, I'm sure you'll agree (if a little Adele Parks...).
Oh and Helen also referred to Cathy Kelly's old covers "with the really sad eighties looking woman on the front!" That's one on the right. She's not wrong, is she!
Related: Musical book covers
Posted by Keris on December 13, 2007 in Book covers, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (2)
December 6, 2007 10:51 AM
BOOK COVER: Remember Me?
I mentioned Sophie Kinsella's new book, Remember Me?, a little while ago and featured the American cover (right).
At the time, the UK cover wasn't on Amazon and now it is. That's it on the left. It's nice enough, but it seems a bit old hat to me. What do you think? (It also really reminds me of someone else's covers, but I can't put my finger on whose. Any ideas?)
Related posts: Chick Lit Heroine Grudge Match: Becky Bloomwood v Stephanie Plum | More Sophie Kinsella film news
Posted by Keris on December 6, 2007 in Book covers, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (8)
October 30, 2007 5:14 PM
BOOK NEWS: Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
Amnesia plotlines seem to be all the rage at the moment. Not only do we have Caprice Crane's fabulous Forget About It and Cecelia Ahern's TV show, Samantha Who?, Sophie Kinsella is getting in on the act with her latest stand-alone (i.e. non-Shopaholic) book, Remember Me?
It's the story of Lexi, who wakes up in a hospital bed after a car accident, thinking it's
2004 and she's a twenty-five-year old with crooked teeth and a
disastrous love life. But, to her disbelief, she learns it's actually
2007 - she's twenty-eight, her teeth are straight, she's the boss of
her department - and she's married! To a good-looking millionaire! How
on earth did she land the dream life??! [via Amazon]
It's out in both the UK and US in February 2008. (That's the US cover, the UK one isn't up on Amazon yet, I wonder if I'll like it.)
Posted by Keris on October 30, 2007 in Book News, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (3)
September 13, 2007 11:07 AM
Chick Lit Heroine Grudge Match: Becky Bloomwood v Stephanie Plum
Welcome to the inaugural chick lit heroine grudge match! We have a UK vs US fight on our hands. Both contestants have the power to carry a whole series of books so please bring your hands together for Becky Bloomwood and Stephanie Plum.
Becky Bloomwood
The Books: Star of the Shopaholic series from the pen of Sophie Kinsella, Becky has starred in five books and along the way has lost love, found love, moved to New York got married and had a baby.
Loves: Shopping!
Men: Luke Brandon (now Mrs Becky Bloomwood)
Films: Plans are afoot, and rumours are that Becky will be played by Isla Fisher and that she will be American
Stephanie Plum
The Books: Janet Evanovich has written an amazing13 novels with number 14 on its way. There have also been two novellas. Stephanie spends most of her time unsuccessfully tracing criminals, blowing up cars and hanging out with Grandma Mazur
Loves: Krispy Kremes, Rex the hamster
Men: Luke Morelli, cop and Ranger, mystery man
Films: Mmm, this is a toughie. IMDB says there was a 2002 TV movie, but the forum thinks otherwise – no-one’s ever seen it. According to Janet Evanovich’s website One for the Money has been in pre-production for ever – TriStar own the rights. I will find out more and keep you posted
Conclusion: Stephanie’s got more novels, but are there too many? She also has the better men, but at least with Becky we get a bit of character progression. Becky’s big minus point has got to be her Americanisation for the film – what are they thinking?
Over to you - who wins the first chick lit heroine grudge match?
Posted by Nicola pedley on September 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Series, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (8)
September 11, 2007 5:55 PM
More Sophie Kinsella film news
I've just discovered author Sophie Kinsella's "vodcasts" (I didn't know that was even a word, did you?) - video podcasts - and, in this one, she talks about the various films that are in development from her books.
Shopaholic I've already told you about, but what I didn't know is that Kate Hudson is on board to play Emma in Can You Keep A Secret. The Undomestic Goddess is also to be a film, but there's no casting news as yet.
Posted by Keris on September 11, 2007 in Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 13, 2007 6:52 PM
TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: Dear Holly
A couple of months ago, Keris told us about Holly Shumas's new book debut, Five Things I Can't Live Without. She'll be reviewing it soon, but in the meantime you might like to take a look at the author's excellent web site, which includes an interactive advice section, Dear Holly. Follow that link for questions from readers and answers from Holly herself on all manner of dating dilemmas.
Why don't more authors do this? I'd love Marian Keyes's advice on skincare and Sophie Kinsella's tips on shoe shopping...
Which author would you most like a Q & A with, and on what topic?
Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 13, 2007 in American Authors, Book Websites, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (0)
MOVIE NEWS: Shopaholic!
Is it really true? Well, yes, apparently it is. According to Coming Soon:
P.J. Hogan (Peter Pan, My Best Friend's Wedding) will direct Confessions of a Shopaholic, an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Sophie Kinsella. Jerry Bruckheimer will produce.
Shooting begins this November in New York. [via BuzzSugar]
I know we've asked you this before, but who do you see as Becky? (I can definitely see Rachel Bilson, but also, of course, Reese Witherspoon.)
Related: Shopaholic and Baby review | Shopaholic and Baby - Yay or Nay?
Posted by Keris on August 13, 2007 in Book related, Movie News, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (6)
August 8, 2007 11:20 AM
YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY
It's a while since we've polled your opinions on a particular book rather than a hot topic in publishing, so today it's time to redress the balance.
Today I'm asking what you thought of Sophie Kinsella's latest, Shopaholic and Baby. Did you enjoy it, or have you had enough Becky spin-offs?
And if you haven't read it (yet) - do you want to? Why/why not? Tell us:
Is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?
[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]
Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 8, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Recent Release, Romance, Series, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (11)
August 2, 2007 11:53 AM
Sophie Kinsella's sister
Yesterday I stumbled upon a blog on which someone was wondering why Sophie Kinsella has written a new book under the name Madeleine Wickham. As all of us Trashionistas know, Madeleine Wickham is Kinsella's real name and it was under that name that she wrote first.
So I could leave a snotty comment to that effect, I checked on Wikipedia - I don't want to leave a snotty comment and be *wrong* now, do I?! - and discovered that Sophie Kinsella has a sister, Gemma Townley, who is also an author. Did anyone already know that?
Townley's books include When in Rome...: A Novel of Piazzas And Passion, Little White Lies: A Novel of Love And Good Intentions, Learning Curves: A Novel of Sex, Suits, And Business Affairs, and The Hopeless Romantic's Handbook.
I *love* the titles and will be checking the books out forthwith!
Related posts: The Undomestic Goddess review | The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic review
Posted by Keris on August 2, 2007 in British Authors, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (10)
May 1, 2007 10:06 AM
TUESDAY THREE: Money worries
This week’s Tuesday Three takes a look at something common to most, if not all, of us - money worries.
Raising the Roof, Jane Wenham-Jones' first novel, is about Cari Carrington, the daughter of slightly crazy parents and ex-wife of Martin, the man who cut up her Barclaycard. Cari has three problems: she’s single, she’s jobless and she’s fat. At least that’s what Martin told her during their last blazing row. But don’t worry; Cari has a solution to at least two of those problems. Nigel her horny friend soon becomes her Nigel her horny business partner when they buy a run down property to do up for a profit. Unfortunately Nigel fails to tell Cari exactly how much work needs to be done and she soon sees her investment running away from her so she has to take a more hands on approach than she’d intended...
I couldn’t write about money worries without featuring The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic now, could I. The ultimate in girlie escapism, the first of the super-successful Shopaholic series from Sophie Kinsella is a laugh-out loud cautionary tale of what happens when you lose track of your spending. From the hilarious letters to her bank manager that start each chapter to the tales of her burgeoning romance with the lovely Luke Brandon and her warts-and-all friendship with Sloaney Suze, the pages fly by. Luckily, there's four more where this came from.
Not strictly chick lit - being that it’s both about and written by a man - is Marc Acito’s How I Paid For College. A fabulous, over-the-top, brilliantly written, laugh-a-minute novel about Edward, a high-school senior in 1980s New Jersey, who is desperate to study acting at the prestigious Julliard in New York City but his overbearing father has refused to pay and his flaky mother is incommunicado on her latest hippy retreat. So Edward comes up with an outrageous scheme to enable him to fund his college education himself. Not that paying for college is Edward’s only problem: he has a permanently stoned sister, wicked stepmother and his own confused sexuality to contend with. A brilliant read.
Posted by Keris on May 1, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Sophie Kinsella, Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 9, 2007 3:25 PM
Win a copy of Sophie Kinsella's 'Shopaholic & Baby'
Everyone knows how much we love Sophie Kinsella - one of the true queens of chick lit - so we're very excited to have snagged five copies of 'Shopaholic & Baby' to give away to some lucky Trashionista readers. To be in with a chance of winning one, send us an email with your name, address and the answer to the following question (hint: if you don't know, check out this page)
Q: What is Sophie Kinsella's real name?
Send your emails to gemma@shinymedia.com with the subject 'Trashionista Shopaholic Comp' to be in with a chance of winning. The closing date for entries is Sunday 25th March. Good luck!
Posted by gcartwright on March 9, 2007 in Competition, Recent Release, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (2)
February 19, 2007 2:58 PM
Sophie Kinsella in Sacramento
And while we’re on the subject of Sophie Kinsella, if you’re in Sacramento, California (where I once spent a very happy afternoon reading under a tree), Kinsella will be a guest of The Bee Book Club on March 1.
Kinsella will discuss her books, answer questions and sign copies of Shopaholic & Baby from 5:30 p.m. on the second level of Macy's "women's building" at Downtown Plaza. The event is free and open to the public. If you're lucky enough to attend, please tell us all about it!
Posted by Keris on February 19, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (0)
BOOK REVIEW: Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella
It's here! Okay, well it was released a few weeks ago, but...it's finally here! Sophie Kinsella's latest addition to her bestselling Shopaholic series, Shopaholic & Baby, is finally gracing my shelf with its gorgeous pastel cover.
I have to admit, The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic was one of the first chick-lit books I read, and I loved it so much that I went out the next day and bought the other three books, all at once. (Yep, I 'did a Becky'.) So when this was finally released, I rushed into Waterstones as though my pants were on fire, and once again, whipped out my card. It's been a long wait. But was it really worth it?
Former financial journalist and TV presenter Becky Brandon and her company-owning PR-genius husband Luke, are expecting a baby. Whilst Luke is at work and business meetings, Becky is left alone to shop - constantly. Of course, having a baby practically the best excuse EVER to scour the stores. And why not? With so much to buy in preparation for the new arrival, Becky's in a dreamworld yet again.
With the Brandons having just landed their dream house with his'n'hers nurseries, what more could a young, pregnant and financially stable (for once) shopaholic want?
Oh, that's simple - the must-have, best of the best, celebrity obstetrician. A client list full of A-listers only helps to make Becky more determined to get onto Venetia Carter's books, even if it DOES mean dumping the favoured family doctor.
However, when the perfect Venetia turns out to be Luke's ex-girlfriend from university, Becky suddenly has a change of heart...especially when Luke starts acting...well, distant.
Kinsella has a magically witty way with words which make the entire series blatantly unputdownable. Personally, I'm a bit confused by this. Becky is far too dense to even be considered realistic, yet strangely, it works. Despite being pregnant, her priorities lie in shopping sprees on clothing and numerous prams for the baby rather than the essentials. I've always found Becky on the thick side but it gets a bit far-fetched in this book. Though with Kinsella's talent to create hilarious situations and brilliant supporting characters (such as Suze and the wonderful Danny - Danny's back! Yay!) such a sin can be forgiven.
Also included are the amusing letters between each chapter that are a guaranteed giggle.
The downsides? There aren't many, aside from the fact that practically everyone looked/seemed/sounded/was 'taken aback' at some point in this book which made me want to put my fist through a wall. I did wonder how the overuse of this description wasn't picked up by an editor. I guess that's just a personal thing, though. And whilst the story is new, the concept of the other books still remains; Becky shops, Becky spends, something goes wrong, Becky does something unselfish for once and the day is saved. Again, it works; but cannot work forever.
Whereas this book wasn't as funny or addictive as the others in the series, it still made a great read and is most certainly a must for ANYONE who is a fan of the Shopaholic books. And the cover is just adorable!
So go on...buy it! After all, it'd be an investment...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Like this? Try The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne
Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on February 19, 2007 in New Releases, Rating: 4/5, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (5)
December 29, 2006 7:24 PM
Top 10 chick lit books of all time
For the final Top 10 of our Top 100 Extravaganza we had to be strict. We wanted to include our own all-time favourites and the books we think are the best chick lit books, but we thought the most influential and successful - the books that, for whatever reason, define the genre - should be included too. Following a flurry of emails (Diane: “We need a Weiner!”), we have our Top 10 Chick Lit Books of All Time. Let us know what you think.
10 Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell
I didn’t actually manage to finish Sex and the City the book, although of course I love the TV series. We’ve included the book because it’s been highly influential, although perhaps not in a good way. Many of the critics of chick lit who claim that it’s all about shoes, shopping, drinking and searching for a man are actually thinking of Sex and the City, the TV show, and not chick lit at all. Annoying, but what can you do?
Anyway, it gave us Carrie Bradshaw, so we have to love it, don’t we?
9 Thirtynothing by Lisa Jewell
Thirtynothing is probably my second favourite chick lit book of all time. Like all of Lisa Jewell’s books, the setting is perfect, the characters realistic and believable and it also has one of my favourite ever first chapters. Lisa Jewell is a glorious writer and Thirtynothing is a delightful book. If you haven’t read it, you really should.
8 The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin
One of the most successful books in the Top 10, The Nanny Diaries was so popular its two authors scored an incredible $3 million advance for their second book, Citizen Girl, which they had to return when it turned out to be a stinker. Proof that it’s not that easy to write chick lit after all.
The film adaptation of The Nanny Diaries is due out in April in the US.
7 The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
I haven’t actually read this one yet (I must, I know), but clearly it is the most successful chick lit book of the last few years. The title has become a household name, the book sold millions of copies in hardback, stayed on the New York Times Best Seller list for six months and has since been translated into 27 languages and the film’s been both a critical and commercial success. And they say chick lit’s dead. Sheesh.
6 High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Ooh, a controversial one. Yes, I’m aware that Nick Hornby isn’t a woman and that High Fidelity isn’t chick lit, but it’s close enough and influential enough that it has to be here. Plus it’s the book that inspired Lisa Jewell (amongst others) to start writing and that’s good enough for me.
Fever Pitch is often credited as the book that created Lad Lit, but, as I’ve already mentioned, Fever Pitch is non-fiction. High Fidelity was Nick Hornby’s first novel and is the brilliantly written and hugely entertaining story of Rob Fleming’s relationship history. While it is a great book, Nick Hornby has gone on to be critically acclaimed and accepted as literary, unlike any chick lit author I can think of. Now that can just be because he’s a man ... can it?
Carry on over the cut for the Top 5.
5 Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie
Welcome to Temptation was Jennifer/Jenny Crusie’s third mass-market (i.e. not romance) novel, but it’s a favourite of anyone who reads Jennifer’s books. Actually, you don’t read Jennifer Crusie’s books, you devour them. Welcome to Temptation has all the essential Crusie ingredients: a feisty heroine, a sexy hero and an arguably even sexier anti-hero in Davy Dempsey. This was the book Diane insisted made it into the Top 10!
4 In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
My favourite chick lit book of all time, In Her Shoes has got everything - the antagonistic sisterly relationship so popular in chick lit, a love story, personal growth, humour (of course), even an evil stepmother. Plus Jennifer Weiner is the woman most likely to emulate Nick Hornby and be accepted by the literary establishment. But don't hold your breath.
3 The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
This, the first book in the enormously popular series, is yet another example of how much skill is involved in writing an apparently simple book. Kinsella came up with the perfect chick lit conceit: if chick lit is all about shopping, then what about a character who is, quite literally, all about shopping? And it worked. Becky Bloomwood is a charming and hilarious heroine, just on the right side of irritating.
(Look out for the latest Shopaholic book, Shopaholic and Baby, due out in February 2007.)
2 Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes
The Marian Keyes connoisseur’s favourite Marian Keyes book and the chick lit connoisseur’s favourite chick lit book*, Rachel’s Holiday is the story of Rachel Walsh - one of the Walsh sisters who also appear in Watermelon, Angels and Anybody Out There? For anyone who thinks chick lit is lightweight, meaningless and obsessed with shoes and shopping, here’s a book about drug addiction, alcoholism and anorexia (although it was still described as “fluffy” by one of the broadsheets!).
* Both Megan Crane and Hester Browne chose it as their favourite in our author interview.
1 Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
Bridget Jones’s Diary may not have been the first chick lit book, but it’s certainly the most famous. Spawning a sequel, two films and introducing “singletons” and “smug marrieds” into the vernacular (not to mention increasing sales of big knickers), Bridget remains the “face” of chick lit. It is also v. v. funny.
Bridget is also the most commonly referenced book and heroine in our weekly author interviews, cited by Laura Zigman, Janet Evanovich, Kelly McClymer, Rebecca Agiewich, Sara Gruen and Deanna Carlyle!
So what do you think? Have we got it right or are we completely wrong? Is your favourite missing or a hated book included? Let us know!
Posted by Aigua Media on December 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Opinion, Sophie Kinsella, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (19)
November 30, 2006 11:33 AM
The Costa Book Awards shortlist shuns women
Sigh. Just when you think women's fiction might be on an equal footing with men's at last (with Kiran Desai winning the Booker prize), along comes the Costa Book Awards (formerly the Whitbread prize) and its shortlist for best novel, which doesn't include ONE book by a woman... you're not telling me that no woman has written a prize-worthy book in the last year!
What's even more surprising and disappointing? Sophie Kinsella (or rather "Sophie Kinsella") was on the judging panel as were Kate Adie and Adele Geras-you'd think all three female authors would be advocates for woman writers... but no.
[Via The Times]
Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on November 30, 2006 in American Authors, Book News, Book related, British Authors, Opinion, Prize Winners, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (4)
October 18, 2006 6:18 PM
YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY
I finally saw Reader I Married Him when it was repeated on Sunday, and it was great! But in an interview about the importance of book covers, author Deborah Moggach was rather critical of the new Jane Austen cover designs, which have a more modern chick-lit feel. She even said they 'demean' Austen! Sophie Kinsella however, thought they were a great idea, but will they bring in new readers? More importantly, do you like them, or is it sacrilege? Tell us Yay or Nay- and why!
(Give the ladies at Catwalk Queen a vote, too!)
Related: Yay or Nay archives; Darcymania!; Flirting With P&P; Jane Austen's Guide to Dating; The Jane Austen Book Club; Jane Austen Calendar; Classic books.
Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 18, 2006 in Book News, Book related, British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Classic Novels, Romance, Sophie Kinsella, Television, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (8)
September 14, 2006 10:54 AM
TV News: Reader, I Married Him
Make a note in your diaries for 9pm this coming Monday (18th September) because no self-respecting Trashionista will want to miss a new three-part series, Reader, I Married Him, on BBC4. Presented by Daisy Goodwin, it focuses on the continuing popularity of romantic fiction and traces its origins. Goodwin will be speaking to Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella and Jilly Cooper about why their books are so popular, as well as looking at heroes and heroines in classic romantic fiction (that'll be Mr Darcy and Jane Eyre then...) You can watch a trailer via the website and you'll also find a quiz to test your knowledge of romantic fiction (I got a respectable 8/10 but my ignorance of Barbara Cartland's oeuvre let me down!) and a competition to win a full set of Jane Austen's novels.
And here's a piece from the Woman's Hour archives about whether men will read romantic fiction.
Enjoy! (And let us know what you think).
Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 14, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Girly Stuff, Irish Authors, Marian Keyes, Modern Fiction, Romance, Sophie Kinsella, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 10, 2006 11:06 AM
The Chick Lit Calendar!
I know it's a little early to be thinking about 2007 or even*whisper it* potential Christmas presents, but this little item looked too good not to share- don't make me wait until next year to tell you about it!
The Chick-Lit calendar is filled with quotes from iconic chick-lit classics by writers including Jennifer Weiner, Candace Bushnell, Sophie Kinsella, and Helen Fielding. Perfect for Trashionistas! The downside is it's American, so the the significant dates will all be a little different (fancy celebrating Labor Day, anyone?) but that seems a small price to pay for a chick lit-filled year. Order yours here (or pray that they bring out a British version by January!)
Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 10, 2006 in Book related, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (5)
July 24, 2006 4:24 PM
SHOPAHOLIC ON PRE-ORDER
For all of the Sophie Kinsella, and Shopaholic fans out there we have great news. The fifth Shopaholic book, 'Shopaholic and Baby' is available to pre-order at Amazon
Will the imminent arrival of the pitter patter of tiny feet finally make Becky Brandon frugal? Her husband Luke certainly hopes so, but there are eventualities to prepare for. Will the baby be a boy or girl? What happens if its twins... or more? I for one can't wait to find out!
Posted by Jenni on July 24, 2006 in Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (1)
