Book review 2.

Book: Shopaholic takes Manhattan
Author: Sophie Kinsella

Summary
In this sequel to "Confessions of A Shopaholic", Becky Bloomwood is back to take her shopping experience to a whole new different level in Manhattan, New York. London resident Becky finds herself getting ready to live in New York City with her boyfriend, Luke. Life looks good for Becky as she spouts financial advice on her TV show, finds romance with Luke. With her never-ending phone calls from creditors and excessive shopping bills miles away in London, she thinks that nothing can stand in her way. But when her obsession with shopping takes full control of herself and the media finds out about her big secret, it’ll threaten her career, relationship with Luke as well as her available credit line. Is it possible for Becky to live up to her own catch phrase she preaches to her loyal viewers, "Look after your money...and your money will look after you"?

Reflection
SHOPAHOLIC TAKES MANAHATTAN is a hilarious, cute and light-read book. I can’t help laughing at Becky's antics, grieve for her as her world comes crashing down, and cheer for her when she triumphs over life's dilemmas. Every page in the book is so gripping, almost addictive; I could hardly put the book down!

I like how Sophie Kinsella describes the character’s feelings so precisely. This engages the reader's emotions and it further helps them to understand and feel for the characters. Unpredictable dialogue, hilarious situations, melancholy leading to sympathy, and an undercurrent of poignancy, ties the whole story together. I also like how she plays around with simple words to form phrases, and amidst the story, injects a lot of profound words which we can pick up and hence improve on our vocabulary.

I would recommend getting the first book of the series – ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ to give you a firmer background on Becky and Luke, and what leads them to each other. SHOPAHOLIC TAKES MANAHATTAN belongs on your must-read list if you are a fan of the chick-lit humour. I loved every page and can't wait to read the next sequel!

Rachel