Synopsis: In this fifth installment, Luke and Becky have had a darling little girl. Said little girl though, is not an angel. In fact, she is rowdy, high-spirited, willful, and downright naughty. Not only is she hard to handle, but has developed a strange penchant for Starbucks and "pretty" things at the stores--like her mommy! Is it any wonder that Luke is hesitant to add a second baby to the family? To this hardship of raising a toddler is Luke's growing career, desire to get into their first home (and move out from Becky's parent's home), and a secret birthday party Becky is throwing for Luke. All these stresses only add to the chaos that is Becky Brandon--yet again, always out to be as stylish and hip as she can in the process!
Review: I can't say that I loved or hated this installment of the Shopaholic series. Honestly, I found myself so completely stressed out over the obvious lack of parenting skills displayed by Becky--well meaning or not--and her uncontrollable spending habits. Over and over again, Becky somehow tells herself that it's all okay, validating whatever bad behavior her daughter exhibits or extra dollar she spends on designer duds. As a reader, it often left me exhausted and unable to escape and enjoy the story!
One thing that I can say for Kinsella's series is that there is never a dull moment. I found myself laughing aloud at many scenes in the book, and can thank her for creating such memorable moments on insanity for me (such as having her toddler grasp onto a mannequin in a store and refuse to let go, to the point where the manager asks her to take mannequin and all, just to get her out of the store). I also still really like Luke. Honestly, I'm not sure how such a sensible, well put together, hottie like Luke could continue to put up with his wife's nonsense. By the end, I once again could see the love and connection between the couple, but there for awhile, I wondered if she wouldn't drive him away with her zany ways!
As one final point, I have to say that there is an obvious "cliff hanger" of sorts to this book. I'm not sure why Kinsella would end with so many things up in the air, other than the opportunity to come back with a sixth book. Really, I'll have to pick up whatever follows Mini Shopaholic just so I know what happened after the big birthday bash! To put it simply, be prepared for not much of a tidy wrap up. I'm sure there has to be more to come.
Overall, a fun book, but super frustrating if you take Becky too seriously! (Why can't she just get a grip and stop spending so much money?!? Seriously, the woman needs therapy. I'm not a huge spender, but will say that she makes me feel like a saving saint in comparison!)
This one is getting a lot of mixed reviews! I heard that it wasn't quite as funny as the others~maybe it had to do with the issues you had with Becky. I'll eventually get to this one-I love all the Shopaholic books.
ReplyDeleteI love this entire series and a friend just lent me her copy - I am hoping not to be disappointed!
ReplyDeleteI read the first couple books in this series, but never really carried on. Maybe one day.
ReplyDeleteArgh, this book sounds so stressful! It's one thing to be your crazy self all by your lonesome, but when it starts affecting your kid and your husband, maybe it's time to grow up and admit you have a problem?
ReplyDeleteThat wouldn't make for a very interesting book, though. :)
I've heard a lot of mixed reviews on this one but it doesn't matter. I'll still eventually read it. I have a couple in the series to read first to catch up. You're right, there is usually never a dull moment with Becky.
ReplyDeleteBuckeye Girl--You know, I have such mixed feelings about this one. It was good, but it SO stressed me out and made me feel a bit manipulated. Having said that though, I'll definitely read any that come after it. :)
ReplyDeleteBooksync--I hope you're not disappointed either! It's good, but just a bit stressful.
Kailana--Yea, this is an interesting series. Some I loved, and others just pushed all the wrong buttons for me. You'll have to share what you think if you do go back to them!
Heidenkind--Yea, stressful with a capital S. I think I might be reading too much of my own $$$ situation into the book? Her crazy antics just put me over the edge a little.
Darlene--You said it. Definitely not a dull moment with her. I just hope she doesn't drive that lovely husband of her batty! :)