Mayhem and shopping find their way into Kinsella's book

Katie Silver
Assistant Scene Editor

She’s baaack — and this time with a credit card.

Becky Bloomwood Brandon returns with her misadventures and misguided attempts to live a normal and happy life while carrying the burden of an addiction so horrible it may end her marriage to charming, sexy public relations executive Luke. Her addiction is shopping, and there is no 12-step program to help her.

Believe me, I have looked.
Sophie Kinsella’s “Shopaholic & Sister” is the fourth installment of a series featuring the lovable but sometimes dense Becky. Fresh from her storybook honeymoon, Becky is faced with a huge dilemma: finding a super-exclusive handbag without her husband finding out just how much it costs. Don’t worry; Becky always gets her bag. Becky also must struggle with losing her best friend.

“ Shopaholic & Sister” introduces Becky’s long-lost sister who, dare I say it, does not like to shop. What is a girl with a credit card to do? Becky tries everything to get her new sister to like her, but it is to no avail. Will Becky’s sister start to like her, just how is Becky and Luke’s marriage going to work, and is she going to find that bag? All of your questions will be answered.

The plot is a little too far-fetched for my taste. A long-lost sister? How many times does that happen? It is more like a soap opera than a book. “Shopaholic & Sister” is a fast, fun read. There are some times you just want to scream at Becky for being so stupid and selfish, but there are other times when you can honestly relate to her trials and tribulations.

The book ends happily and even alludes to the fact that there might be a new little shopping addition to Becky’s expanding family. Becky may have to add Baby Gap to her list of favorite stores. Kinsella has a knack for making readers invest in her characters, and the best part is that you do not need to read the first three books to understand her latest one. If you are tired of reading that history book or just cannot read one more chapter of philosophy, then pick up this book. WARNING: This book may give you a sudden urge to go shopping.