Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Book Review and Giveaway: Mini Shopaholic



**Giveaway is now closed**

I have always been a Sophie Kinsella fan, ever since I first read "Confessions of a Shopaholic." When I found out that "Mini Shopaholic" would be heading to bookstores, I couldn't wait to check it out for myself. And thanks to Sharon and Alexandra at Random House, I didn't have to wait too long. And even though the book is available for your purchasing pleasure today, they have also promised two copies to give away to readers (and fellow shopaholics) right here!

"Mini Shopaholic" picks up two years after "Shopaholic and Baby." Becky is now the proud mother of a toddler who takes after her shopaholic tendencies. Since two years have passed, Ms. Kinsella takes the time to fill us in on all the big events during the time between these two books. The story starts out at a department store, where Minnie (a.k.a. Mini Shopaholic) has her clutches on a toy pony. Becky finds a way to justify buying Minnie whatever she wants and that's where all the fun and havoc begins.

There is a lot going on in this book, which explains why it is almost 400 pages. It is full of house-hunting, an economic crisis, a clever marketing scheme, toddler behavior management and a surprise party that becomes overwhelming because Becky is the one planning the highly anticipated event. There are also family issues and (of course) a lot of shopping!
I originally thought that Ms. Kinsella crammed a lot of situations into one novel because this could be where the Shopaholic series ends. However, she surprisingly left open some room for a potential sequel.

Overall, this was a fun novel and I laughed out loud often while reading about Becky's crazy schemes and adventures. She manages to get herself into a few messes in every story but finds a way to sort them out. She usually has good intentions though. She does come off as younger than her 29 years because of her impulsiveness and her child-like view of the way the world works. However, she is just as charming and lovable in "Mini Shopaholic" as she has been in the past five novels. I even find that I am able to relate to her in some ways. While some things felt a bit unrealistic, I just went along with them for the sake of the story. I do want to point out that while there was an economic crisis going on in the story, it seemed a bit short lived compared to how much spending was taking place throughout. I would have liked to see more consistency there, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the novel by any means. I consider this to be a light novel that is easy and enjoyable to read. I had a hard time putting it down! I definitely think "Shopaholic" fans will enjoy this new chapter in Becky's life.

Thanks again to Sharon and Alexandra at Random House for the review copy of "Mini Shopaholic" and for providing two more copies for this giveaway.

How to win "Mini Shopaholic":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted.)

For additional entries (each as a separate comment including your e-mail address, as well):
1. Please tell us: What store or item (clothing, books, shoes, etc.) makes you into a shopaholic?
OR
2. Please tell us: What is the biggest way you have ever surprised someone (or have been surprised)?
3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends Sunday, September 26th at midnight EST.

91 comments:

The Book Chick said...

Yeah, I NEED this one. Seriously. So pick me, LOL. (Kidding, kidding! But I really do want to read it!!!!)

jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com

The Book Chick said...

I turn into a shopaholic when I'm in my favourite used bookstore. I may trade in 30 books, but I'm bringing at least 15 back home!!!

jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com

The Book Chick said...

I am a current follower through GFC!

jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com

The Book Chick said...

I am already a fan of your Facebook page!

jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com

The Book Chick said...

I have posted this contest on my sidebar at http://book-chic.blogspot.com.

jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com

BRN2SHOP9 said...

OMG I have been waiting MONTHS for this book!!!!

BRN2SHOP9 said...

1. Please tell us: What store or item (clothing, books, shoes, etc.) makes you into a shopaholic?

clothing would turn me into a shopaholic!!!

BRN2SHOP9 said...

2. Please tell us: What is the biggest way you have ever surprised someone (or have been surprised)?

The entire family flew down to florida to suprise my grandmother on her 85 birthday by rining her door bell!

BRN2SHOP9 said...

3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).

I follow the blog!

BRN2SHOP9 said...

twittered it

BRN2SHOP9 said...

I am a member on Facebook too!

BRN2SHOP9 said...

OMG I am so excited!!! I love Sophie Kinsella's books. Seriously can't wait to read it!!!

Even my name represents the book! lol BRN2SHOP9!!!!

Sarah said...

XV CI want to read this book so bad. Thanks for the giveaway.

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...

Purses turn me into a shopaholic:) I just love the different colors and styles that purses have to offer!

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...

I am a loyal google follower!

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...

I am a facebook friend!

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...

Tweeted @happymama82

foxchick0323@live.com

Kritters Ramblings said...

I love this series!

kdurham2@gmail.com

Kritters Ramblings said...

I can become a shopaholic when it comes to jeans. I love dress jeans, lounge jeans, dark jeans AND I love to bargain hunt jeans!

kdurham2@gmail.com

Kritters Ramblings said...

i am a GFC follower!

Unknown said...

I love blankets they turn me into a shopaholic.
I am a fan on facebook.
lindseymurphynh@yahoo.com

Colleen Turner said...

Please pick me! I have read every one of Sophie Kinsella's book and have many of Madeliene Wickham's book on my shelf to be devoured when time allows. I will be buying this one anyways if I don't win, but this would free up those dollars for another book!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a total shopaholic when it comes to books! I buy them new, used, swapped, begged for...however I can get them! I have two shelves full of books to be read, as well as three piles on the floor that are at least three feet tall (and, yes, they are about to topple!). I just can't stop!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a GFC follower.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a Facebook fan!
candc320@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks!
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

ANY bookstore turns me into a shopaholic. I love, love, love books!
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog through Google Friend Connect.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I follow chicklitcentral on Twitter - @lemonslippers
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/lemonslippers/status/25132515867
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'm a shopaholic when it comes to buying books. I can have twenty unread books at home, but I still end up buying them.

mad29joe@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am a fan on facebook.
mad29joe@gmail.com

iampalegreen said...

I love this series!! Can't wait to read this one.

glutenfreebetsy(at)gmail(dot)com

Jonnie (JB) said...

Notebooks make me a shoaholic. I have so many but can never resist a cute or unique notebook in a store.

dftrew(at)gmail(dot)com

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this novel :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

i love shopping for ... books :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

i'm a follower :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Heather said...

Oh Melissa! I have been WAITING for this book! I ♥ the Shopaholic series!! I would LOVE to win this one! Thanks for the chance!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather said...

My friends and family surprised me with a surprise birthday party for my 25th! I had no idea! It was a fun birthday!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather said...

I am a follower.
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

BookHounds said...

I am coming back to enter this one. I just posted this on win a book!

http://winabook.westofmars.com/2010/09/21/mini-shopaholic-by-sophie-kinsella/

bermudaonion said...

I would love to win this one for my mother!! milou2ster(at)gmail.com

bermudaonion said...

I'm a shopaholic in the bookstore! milou2ster(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I loved the other Shopaholic books. Thanks for the giveaway!
amandarwest at gmaildotcom

Unknown said...

Like everyone else, I am a shopaholic in bookstores, especially used ones.
amandarwest at gmaildotcom

Unknown said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/amandawk/status/25155115025

Kathy Habel said...

Please enter me bkhabel at gmail dot com

Kathy Habel said...

I follow on GFC bkhabelatgmaildotcom

Ruthie said...

I would love to read this. Please enter me, thanks.

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

A store like TJ Maxx or Marshall's where there are sooo many bargains & things to look at, is where I spend hours & a ton of money!!

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

FB follower...Ruthie B

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

BRN2SHOP9 said...

OMG I am so excited for this one! I really hope I win!

Athena said...

I am a shopaholic! I love shopping for clothes!! My biggest surprise I have ever given someone giving my dad a basket filled with doggie stuff

secatron@gmail.com

Sherry said...

Love her --ned the new book
slbercu@msn.com

Andrea said...

I want to read this book soooooo badly!

belle2211(at)yahoo(dot)com

Andrea said...

I definitely turn into a shopaholic at the Coach outlet/store. I have sooo many Coach purses and love them!

belle2211(at)yahoo(dot)com

Andrea said...

I am already a follower of your blog!

Anonymous said...

am a fan on FB!
otkeri@comcast.net

Kim said...

I would love to win a copy. Very stoked to read it!

walker03@telus.net

Kim said...

I'm a shopaholic with books!! I enjoy shopping for clothes, but not nearly as much as for books.

walker03@telus.net

StereoQueenBee said...

I posted this contest on Twitter, I follow the blog & Facebook.

I love buying books and the biggest way I have been surprised? I am still waiting for that moment!

Anonymous said...

I love buying books!
Regarding the biggest surprise, Years ago I told our friends to go to my husband's home because it was his birthday so they should all be there by midnight to sing and celebrate his birthday. At around 10pm, I asked my hubby to go to the grocery because I wanted something, then after he got hungry so we went to a diner and stayed there for a long time. Since it was a surprise I was in a hurry but could not tell him why =) Anyway, because me my lame excuse, our friends waited for 2 hours.
I am a follower and posted this in fb. Thanks!

Jennifer said...

i want this book! i love her books.
jmndowning@gmail.com

Jennifer said...

I am already a fan on fb
jmndowning@gmail.com

Laura Rachel Fox said...

Wow. This looks like a fun read and reminds me why I'm terrified I'll be having a girl in February. Our family can only afford one shopaholic.

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

Laura Rachel Fox said...

Some women are freaks about shoes, but I have a closet full of handbags. My skin starts to crawl if I haven't sported a new one in a month or so.

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

Laura Rachel Fox said...

I'm a devoted follower of Chick Lit Central: The Blog!

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

Laura Rachel Fox said...

I posted a link on twitter.

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

Laura Rachel Fox said...

I'm a follower of Chick Lit Central on Facebook.

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

Gaye Alexander said...

Follower on FB.

Used to be a shopaholic for clothes and then went to movies and music. I have always been a shopaholic for books and love bookstores!

Gaye

Gayealx@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I have read all of her books and would love to win this one!

billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I ♥ Sophie Kinsella books, I'd love a chance into this giveaway thanks!

unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Shoes and Books turn me into a shopaholic!!!

unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail.com

Tracie said...

I can't wait to read this!! I hope to win!!:)

tivesdal@msn.com

Tracie said...

I am a shopaholic with books! I remember when I got my first library card and thought it was so cool to have access to all those books. Now that I can buy them, I want a library of my own.

tivesdal@msn.com

Tracie said...

I am a fan on Facebook!

tivesdal@msn.com

Qandthebooks said...

Thanks for the giveaway (:

blissfulrains(at)yahoo(dot)com

Qandthebooks said...

Books/manga or plushies! turn me into a shopaholic @_@

blissfulrains(at)yahoo(dot)com

Beth said...

Thanks for the reminder! bsilverm3@yahoo.com

Stephanie Bourbon: Writer, artist, actress, creative consultant said...

My email is stepholivieri@hotmail.com

I am a shopoholic, just like Becky for every store! Mostly, Anthropologie though, but also Macy's, Bloomingdales, Nordies, Gilly Hicks, and boutique shops~

MichelineMcAllister said...

I follow this blog!
My email is
MichelineMcAllister@yahoo.com

and I love Anthropologie the most. I usually spend my entire paycheck there, but like Becky, I can overspend anywhere. I love shopping!

ikkinlala said...

I'd love a chance to share this book with my sister-in-law.

ikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca

ikkinlala said...

Yarn is the thing that makes me into a shopaholic.

ikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca

Just a Girl In the World said...

I'm a current follower on Facebook!

Just a Girl In the World said...

I'm a current follower of the blog.

Just a Girl In the World said...

Love Shopaholic books! Great contest.

Bonnie said...

I have been a Sophie Kinsella fan before she became popular I believe! Love her books! My favorite shopping site is Amazon.com for everything but definitely my books! My husband surprised me one Christmas with a trip to Disney that was a huge surprise to me!!!!
I am a follower on facebook!
intrepid9923@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love these books!
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

Anonymous said...

I follow you publicly on Google Friends Connect (Carolsue)
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

Anonymous said...

I am a shopoholic at Barnes & Noble
digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

LBK said...

I'm a blog follower!