Mum's Monday: Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella

The Emails at the start of this book are hilarious, you only need one half of the communication because they say it all as to what the queries were. I find starting a story in a novel this way is unique, also clever as it has been reasonably commonly known that the first line whether it be an essay, or anything can be the hardest to write. The way this book starts eliminates the said issue.

In the first chapter there is so much crammed in, including undersized shopping, being star struck or not depending who you are and how you feel about things in and around Los Angeles, a race to be run and what I find as really interesting, Becky is questioning how Eskimos kiss and do their lips stick together in the cold. It is however, commonly known the Eskimos kiss is to rub noses. This part could explain the reason for the different technique, it certainly made me think. Now I hope Becky gets her reference as there is a lot riding on it.

Chapter two starts off amusingly in the way Becky thinks we should buy designer shoes like we do her trainers she is testing and buys. I didn’t like Kai the shop assistant, he is so full of himself. I thought because of this the chapter had taken a dark turn, that is until Becky met a film star in an illegal circumstance.

Chapter three, I find it crazy that Becky was supposed to be house hunting and she was shopping instead. The reference she gets is a good one and she is a natural for the job. But I now think Becky has set her sights too high and she should really tone down her imagination, it is creative though. I will give her that, and she has connections in high places and it seems, knows just what to say and do from what I have already read, so we will see as I read on. I have already read the title of this book. Although I mustn’t confuse shopping for with styling for the stars.

Chapter four, I really feel for Becky and her disappointment, but what I do find amusing is the Emails written at the end of this chapter.

Chapter five, Becky is back in the United Kingdom and Becky her friends and family have their own opinions about LA. Sadly, this is typical about anything. I do like the description of the new fountain and it does sound interesting.

Chapter six, now back in LA, all I can say is ‘Pre-school’ it seems is different in LA than it is in the UK. It is lovely that Minnie, Becky and Luke’s daughter, has settled in so well. Sadly, for Becky her world has gotten smaller and she has issues with a person. It is awful when you find you have to be nice to someone who has done you wrong. This part is not very nice for Becky and not nice to read.

Chapter seven, what a chapter, an almost innocent tour to a sowing machine, to finding out someone got discovered. I like this chapter but I feel for Becky and I do wander what on earth will happen next.

Chapter eight, an amusing part is a, I want to say ‘Teddy’s Bears’ picnic but with pretend tea in cocktail glasses doesn’t quite set the same scene and Luke’s description of what he sees is funny. Sadly, Becky has spoken her mind again, I feel for Becky and hope Alicia is found out/exposed soon. If there were teams, I would be on team Becky. Now Becky is having a visitor. I find this part awkward until that is Becky exposes a juicy piece of gossip and coffee it is but Becky’s past acquaintance still haunts. How this will all pan out is anyone’s guess at the moment. I still have to remind myself of the title. The story to it is not without its knock backs.

Chapter nine, all I can say is Becky did stay ‘focused’ and now Suze is in LA. I like how Suze has embraced her take on the LA spirit, sadly, not everyone is on her side though. I am confused, buying books to help you ‘Not to do any shopping’ sound’s contradictory and I also don’t think the newly learned techniques work as a shopaholic is going to need or find a reason for purchasing everything they buy. Becky needs different/more help. There is one more thing I can say about this chapter I do not like the look of underhandedness Alicia showed with Suze. I hope Alicia is found out, sadly, some things cannot be forgotten or forgiven.

Chapter ten, there is an invite to a ‘The coolest party’ to dress for sadly, this is where we find out Tarquin, Suze’s husband, is really out of his, let’s just say, comfort zone. There is a dispute, well more than one really, one sorted out with sweets but I don’t think, as agreed in this story/book that sweets will resolve the more serious dispute. This is however, amusing to read. Not that there is a dispute of course that is an unpleasant part. Becky has an idea, I really hope she is not out of her depth and I don’t actually like her, if I’m honest, spouting all the self-help stuff from ‘Gold Peace’.

Chapter eleven, I want to say I feel sorry for the hamster and I would be if the circumstances had been just so. I found this part cringingly awkward but strangely funny. There is a life lesson in this part, be careful who you talk to and what you say to them. However, who I really feel for is Suze as Tarkie, short for Tarquin, has been keeping information to himself, I would be annoyed as well. Although now the story does turn nicely, Suze and Becky could be playing at being pirates, this I have to read I hope it is described really well so I can picture the scene(s), I will read on.

Chapter twelve, Suze and Becky are not pirates but I wish they were, however, that could be deemed boring and predictable. On my thinking what really happens is unpredictable, a strange shock and amusingly, Becky, continuity or not when it comes to this film as is the case in this story. With a set with one less cake, consumed by Becky and a plot hole pointed out by Becky. Although I think it is clever of Becky to find it and I agree the hole is pretty big, others, clearly, inevitably are not amused, also I don’t blame them either. Now Becky has an amazing, family conflicting, contact into the styling world of Hollywood. I was expecting a famous name but I should have guessed that it would be that particular person. It was still a strange shock though and I don’t know why I didn’t see it coming and that would be the case. I do feel Becky has a better chance than Suze though, as reading what Suze wrote, although it is amusing, I don’t quite believe it is either professional enough or fits the description of an application form. Sometimes telling the exact truth is not deemed acceptable/necessary. You shouldn’t lie I know and I don’t condone lying, but there is room for the professional truth.

Chapter thirteen, Luke doesn’t need to know everything does he? Well not yet. I kind of agree. One thing could be classed as a life lesson it is a little obvious Becky was caught up in a moment and now has to deal with the consequence of that. It is a surprise to read Tarkie has found/embedded himself in to the Hollywood way of life, but only through ‘Volley ball’, sadly, not hiking though at this part. The film industry still holds no interest to Tarkie, it just goes to show that there is more to Hollywood than just films and all that entails. It is good to see another side and someone making the most of it. For Sage to criticize Lois, I really do not like how Sage acted over the clutch bag. Sage came across as spoilt, it was awful to read. Poor Becky, on the flip side, Luke is being fair though and I agree with what he said about the situation.  I am glad the clutch bag is back where it belongs, it is such a relief to read that part. Phew! I also agree with the new idea for the film award, as yes extras are a big part of a film. The fall out of the clutch bag is so Hollywood and Hollywood has just hit Becky like a, let’s just say the commonly known term ‘Freight train’. Welcome to the life of a celebrity.

Chapter fourteen, the fall out continues. A headline and Becky’s reaction made me laugh. I mean drinks cocktails and yes people including actresses do go to the bathroom. The word of the moment ‘Heat’ and now Becky’s mum has spoken to the press, although this is amusing but she really shouldn’t have. It is lovely that Becky wants to do a favour for her dad but sadly, there is an ulterior motive involved. It is sad to read what Becky found when looking for her dad’s friend Brent. I don’t like when things don’t work out nicely. However, now she has had her ‘Big break’ through her paparazzi encounter she has something else to focus on. Becky should really be careful though.

Chapter fifteen, in this chapter the word ‘Drama’ is mentioned and yes I have to agree Becky is in a whirlwind world of let’s just say ‘Hollywood well known’ and now her dad is about to join her but on an entirely different mission. Sadly, Becky’s new found fame is going to her head, I hope her and Suze don’t fall out over it. Also it is amusing to read the reply Email to Becky about x-ray body scanners. I can see why she would be worried, but I do think Luke knows Becky well enough, well he should do, not to rely on x-ray to find shopping bags.

Chapter sixteen, things and people are certainly changing in Becky’s household all being protected by a new security team, amusingly not the ’24 hour armed guard’ that was originally requested but it seems a, just as competent team overall. So much is happening, her dad has arrived in LA. The two stories side by side makes for a busy storyline in this book. I don’t like Becky’s new outfits for the family even with the protective nature and the suspect, dodgy free gift.  I don’t like guns of any sort. Now her dad has arrived at the house he also wasn’t ‘On the list’ like sadly, Luke wasn’t. although this is borderline light-hearted it is not nice to read. In amongst all that is happening there is still, it seems, room for intrigue, as to what the deal is with Brent and Becky’s dad. Sadly, I feel for Suze she needs a friend and Becky is torn, well not torn, she just chooses her new found career. I don’t like what I am reading, but the intrigue is there to keep me reading at the moment. Things have now turned dark, I feel for Lois and for Becky, I don’t want to make it all about Becky because that would seem like she is self-obsessed and one, no I do agree it wasn’t all Becky’s fault she didn’t tell Lois to do what she did and two, Becky feels incredibly bad about the outcome. Now she wants to say ‘Sorry’ and the novelty of Hollywood is wearing off. Showing a life lesson where there is an up there is the potential of a down. Well now, we read of a big Hollywood twist in this storyline. It certainly makes for interesting reading. A lot has happened in this chapter, it has been a very busy chapter and now all I can say is ‘Danny is cold’.

Chapter seventeen, in this chapter it is nice to read about Becky’s family and not just about her new found, so called, career. I do however, understand how Becky and Luke are torn between two countries. This does high-light the tricky situation some couples find themselves in, with two separate independent jobs/careers. It is amusing to read about her dad being drunk and I feel I have to say that I do not condone forgery of any kind, I also feel Becky with a sinking feeling that she may have done just a bit too much research for the next day Breakfast show appearance, we will see. Oh and Danny is back in the USA.

Chapter eighteen, sadly, I was right the piece on Becky was not about ‘Styling’. I kind of had a premonition but it was set up to be inevitable. Now, and I hope Becky doesn’t go through with it, Becky has another ‘Fast route to fame’ opportunity. I really, one, don’t think she should go through with it and two, take the slower route or give up and realise the danger of surgery is not worth it for a fickle career. I say fickle and I don’t want to sound mean but show business/being famous can mean you are up one minute and down the next. It is sad to see that Hollywood is coming between Becky and Luke. It also seems from what I have read in previous chapters that Suze and Tarquin are not immune to this effect either. It has taken until now for me to realise what was happening. All this is not nice to read; I think they should all, now get away from Hollywood as soon as possible. This book has taken an extremely dark turn and on top of that Luke’s mum has turned up and that is a whole load of more problems. Becky should have kept an eye on the more important events/people in her life. I am glad she wants to try and make amends.

Chapter nineteen, I love the idea Becky came up with regarding Luke’s mum, it is brilliant. Although the route to it is amusing. It shows of the simple pit falls of printing stuff off the web. A family feud is not industrial and ‘Picketing’ amongst other things cannot be the answer, this is funny to read and there is actually a good piece of advice that was worked with so was not all a waste. And as far as ‘Darth Vader’ from the George Lucas films ‘Star Wars’. I can safely say he hasn’t got any relatives in the real world, before I read the reply Email, but again this is amusing to read.

Chapter twenty, I started to feel good about Luke connecting back with his mum, however, by the end it is sad that there were just too many ‘Skeletons in the closet’ to be revealed, and were. Now there is a mix up of phone numbers, Luke and thankfully Becky is not pleased, again they should leave Hollywood as soon as possible, the vibe of the place is not good for them both. Well people are leaving, Becky is not in a good place, not as in geographically but, I can only describe it as in, her head space. There is a lot to sort out with family and friends. I am not going to add career to that list as Becky should rethink her priorities and Hollywood is not worth her losing her marriage/family and friends over. This part is not nice to read. I want to read on, I don’t want to put this book down at the moment as I am intrigued how this situation will work out.

Chapter twenty-one, in this chapter Becky is getting worse, I don’t like how much she is investing in her barely started career, when there are more important issues to deal with. This is a character trait I really don’t like in Becky.

Chapter twenty-two, the premiere hasn’t gone as ‘Betty’ sorry ‘Becky’ hoped it would. It is evil what Sage did to the dress and I am now glad, although, it did take something pretty big for Becky to realise what her priorities are. At the end of this chapter things are looking good/better.

Chapter twenty-three, this chapter/end of the book sadly, ends abruptly, to the point it doesn’t tie up all the loose ends. All I do know about the issue between Becky’s dad and Brent is that it has something to do with a few girls called ‘Rebecca’ but I do have some idea of what did take place/occurred though.

This book highlights not only the glitz and glam of Hollywood but also the exact opposite, the brutal harsh reality of being in the public eye.