Mini Shopaholic

A Novel

By: Sophie Kinsella

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Party Crasher and Love Your Life comes “frothy fun . . . Faster than a swiping Visa, more powerful than a two-for-one coupon, able to buy complete wardrobes in a single sprint through the mall—it’s Shopaholic!” (The Washington Post)

“Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter.”—Jojo Moyes, author of The Giver of Stars and The Last Letter from Your Lover

Becky Brandon thinks that having a daughter is a dream come true: a shopping friend for life! But two-year-old Minnie has a quite different approach to shopping. The toddler creates havoc everywhere she goes, from Harrods to her own christening. On top of everything else, Becky and Luke are still living with her parents (the deal on house #4 has fallen through), when suddenly there’s a huge nationwide financial crisis.

With people having to cut back, Becky decides to throw a surprise party for Luke to cheer everyone up. But when costs start to spiral out of control, she must decide whether to accept help from an unexpected source—and therefore run the risk of hurting the person she loves. Will Becky be able to pull off the celebration of the year? Will she and Luke ever find a home of their own? Will Minnie ever learn to behave? And . . . most important . . . will Becky’s secret wishes ever come true?

Praise for Mini Shopaholic

“Madcap adventure.”—People

“A page-turner . . . [Sophie] Kinsella at her most hilarious best.”—Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Screamingly funny.”—USA Today

Attention, shoppers: don't miss more in the Shopaholic series.

©2010 Sophie Kinsella (P)2010 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Series fans know what to expect and will get it by the Birkin-load." (Publishers Weekly)

“Frothy fun . . . Faster than a swiping Visa, more powerful than a two-for-one coupon, able to buy complete wardrobes in a single sprint through the mall—it’s Shopaholic!” (The Washington Post)

“Screamingly funny.” (USA Today)

Fluff, but good anyways

When I listen to these Shopaholic books, I find myself groaning at the antics of the characters and yelling at my stereo, but they are entertaining and they keep me awake when I am driving! The reading is good and you can't help but get caught up in the drama (even if it is a bit superficial).

so-so

The storyline was not bad. The only thing is - it really shouldn't have been called "Mini-Shopaholic". Such a clever title for something the book is not about. The story was about 25% about her and the rest was about the surprise party and all the planning around it, and Becky's job at The Look. So much effort went into the party and we were all really invested in THAT, not Minnie. I was looking forward to more about her daughter but there was nothing really about her other than a chapter here and there. When she did speak "Minnie" I thought it was pretty spot on for a 2 year old!

The narration was still OK. Not the worst but no Emily Grey. The narrator fixed "Suze" this time around but giving Jess an almost Scottish accent was really nose turning. As hard as it is to say, I prefer the Jess in Shopaholic and Sister. She did really well with Becky's mom and Janice, probably because this narrator has an extremely mature sounding voice - not at all what Becky should have. Once again all the men sound the same.

I was hoping that Becky would have grown up a bit by now, but she is still so... annoying. She lies a ton to Luke, and is then so upset when he "hides" one thing from her. She never seems to come to any realizations. I would think that by now, nearing the end of the series surely, we'd see some turnaround. But I guess that doesn't sell and it would be boring. But she could feel a LITTLE bad once in a while!

Great and What a Laugh

I've read all the books in the series. So funny. A great listen! Most recommended!

Great series, not so great continuation

What did you like best about Mini Shopaholic? What did you like least?

I was thrilled to see the book come out, because I thought the birth might be the end of series. But I was really unhappy to see Becky devolve into an even more immature person as a mother. Yes, she is just as flighty and selfish as before, but now her actions are affecting others because her child is a brat. And that turned the otherwise funny and lighthearted series into a story about a unprepared mother whose child is a sore on everyone's backside. Now Becky's traditional finger-pointing and excuse making are tangibly damaging to people other than herself, and that's not an enjoyable plot.

Would you be willing to try another book from Sophie Kinsella? Why or why not?

I do not care for the rest of Kinsella's work. I would definitely check out another Shopaholic book, just to see if she rebounds from this one.

What didn’t you like about Rosalyn Landor’s performance?

1. She wasn't Emily Gray, which isn't her fault. 2. Landor does one voice per gender, and that IS her fault. It's awful. To hear her same husky man voice, just modified to American, for Danny, is appalling. Gray is fantastic and could easily cover the countless characters with seemingly little effort. Emily Gray needs to return to the series.

Do you think Mini Shopaholic needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes, if only for Becky to grow the F up and be redeemed.

Easy listening fun

The shopaholic books are a delight to read. Quirky, funny and always entertaining. With a girl the same age as the main character's daughter there were so many moments that could have been taken out of our diary. A feel good book that's highly recommend for someone who wants an easily digestible book that will keep you entertained and leave you with a warm feeling.

baby screaming, crying, whining???

This was an annoying book to listen to. The woman doing the child's voice made me cringe. This is best read and not listened to...hearing a child whine and cry isn't my thing, but hey...to each her/his own...

Loved it !!!

Listened to this on the way to work each day and it made me laugh and cry, it was a great book to listen to and I highly recommend it.

I'm So Embarrassed!

Ok, I give in. I admit it. I'm a Shopaholic Junkie. I know ... it's chick lit, but I can't help it. I'm in love with Becky. She makes me laugh out loud. Her convoluted sense of reality and her warped values are winning character flaws that make her my guilty pleasure. Obviously, in my more sane moments, I realize that no one could be as stupid as Becky's husband, Luke. He falls for her twisted logic every time. In reality, at best he would never have married her and at worst he'd be out the door at the first sign of her outrageous justifications. But I hope he never figures her out.. I say Long live Becky and Sophie Kinsella!

solid Sophie Kinsella

Any additional comments?

I started this audiobook three different times. The narrator is not wonderful out of the gate. In addition, having read all of the Shopaholic series, I was thinking that this line was done. The third try was the charm, though. I stuck with it and it turns out that the story is hilarious. Becky Bloomwood is still maddeningly irresponsible, unrealistic and silly. She is still funny, endearing and well meaning. And the character portrait of Eleanor, the Ice witch MIL is deeper than I expected for lite chick-lit. A good relaxing read, like mental candy.

Takes the Shopaholic series to the next level!

I love this series. Mini shopaholic is so cute and a super fun read. I love the added aspect of the baby. I can't wait to see what Sophie Kinsella comes up with next for this series. This is definitely a light and airy read and not for someone who is wanting a classic piece of literature but Kinsella's books are a breath of fresh air between those books.