I'm never one to be guilty about things I read/listen/watch. I've always been quite open to trying different genres of things, but the fact I read a lot of 'chick lit' books isn't something I spread around. Not through shame, but through the fact that during my time at university, these weren't on reading lists and I don't think my lecturers considered them worth reading.
However, after 'The Hunger Games' ruined reading for me, I had to find something else to read that would be satisfying, fun and a bit lighter. I've always liked Sophie Kinsella's novels, the main characters aren't flimsy and have a bit more to them, more independent with high flying jobs. I started reading the Shopaholic series last summer, and I instantly enjoyed it. Of course, with every series, there are weak links, some of the books I found to be dull and others were more exciting, but I was determined to see it through to the end.
'Mini Shopaholic' is set two years after the previous book, 'Shopaholic and Baby'. Becky and Luke are having to live with Becky's parents in Oxshott, rather than their dream family home in Maida Vale. Their daughter, Minnie, is a two year old terror and as a financial crisis takes hold of the country, the family are forced to face a few truths.
At the start, I quite liked this book. I've always liked Becky's character throughout the series. Her justification for making extravagant purchases is often really funny, and the way she acts very over dramatic is entertaining to read. What I did like about her character is that she wasn't a damsel in distress, she's always had a decent job and never needed any form of 'saving'. In this book, I think she loses some of that. Kinsella writes her as being very dependent on Luke (who, isn't a likeable character at all). There's a lot of pining after him in this novel, and it's off putting and boring to read.
I ploughed on through, and despite a massive dip in the middle of the story, things are picked up towards the end. Becky decides to plan a surprise party for Luke's birthday and attempts to make it thrifty and not spend any money at all. An impossible task, yes, but it's not so impossible when an old character walks back into the story to shake things up a little. There's a slight twist, it's not jaw droppingly shocking, but it is quite a nice one that'll have long time fans going 'aww'. The ending was open ended, although I hope Kinsella will leave it at that. I do believe this series has come to a natural end and anymore would just be pushing it.
Overall, a decent read. Probably better if you read the previous books in the series first. It's definitely not the best in the series. With a lull that carries on for several chapters, I found it difficult to get through sometimes and it wasn't as engaging as other books. Highlights include Nanny Sue and her input into Becky's family life, and old characters Danny, Suze and Tarkie having their own little parts. A decent read, but not one I'd recommend to all.
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