Comments on: Adventures and Productions

By: Maureen McGowan

Maureen McGowan — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 05:31:00 +0000

Great analysis of the Becky character. I’ve only read the first one in that series, but loved it. I haven’t studied as much english lit as you, so hadn’t come up with the “clown” theory… but to me, she was just so over the top she was never meant to be taken literally. I love how Kinsella commits to her characters’ foibles.

Eileen Cook’s recent debut Unpredictable was like that for me, too. A different set of foibles, but similarly committed to a character being just a little crazy. (And for me, very funny.)

And you are so right about that costume choice. Crazy. And so not Becky.

By: Kiki

Kiki — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:54:00 +0000

I had exactly the same problems you did with Becky in the beginning. I just found her too far over the top for what I was expecting to get.
Once I got over my own expectations, I actually enjoyed the book more for what it was.

Kinsella has this way of almost-but-not-quite grating on me with her writing voice, but I like the stories, so I keep going with them.

By: Nadine

Nadine — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:05:00 +0000

… or at least most young single women with no one to spend on but themselves. I’m sure that once you have kids, or start seeing everyone around you putting down payments on great condos you can only dream about, all those “investments” in your closet don’t look so good anymore : )

By: Nadine

Nadine — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:02:00 +0000

That outfit doesn’t surprise me in the least… Hollywood doesn’t *do* subtle anymore. If it were too relatable we might actually learn something. Like: be careful of letting your one-more-pair-of-shoes mantra strut you right out of house and home. And let’s not forget that it was President Bush himself who instructed Americans to “go shopping” when the country was undergoing its most serious crisis. Becky Bloomwood, the clown? But of course! Becky Bloomwood, 5-maxed-out-credit-card-holding-cutie-pie next door? Heaven forbid!

What I loved most about those books is that, though they are pushed to satirical extremes, Becky’s rationalizations make total sense. They make you believe that a Pucci scarf is in fact an investment… almost. And if you didn’t identify with BB, it’s because you are a fiscally responsible person, and not susceptible to fashion fascism. Most woman, alas, are neither, which would explain the series’ phenomenal success.

By: Diana Peterfreund

Diana Peterfreund — Thu, 29 May 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Kwana: that's true -- it's definitely a portrayal of addiction -- a funny one, but addiction nonetheless.

Jessica: me too! I think you'll like "...and sister" better because it's a tad more balanced.

Vicki: Apparently, the designer is the same person who dresses Carrie,a dn this is apparently *her* style. But I would have hoped she'd be more true to the character. More like Charlotte, perhaps?

Phyllis: Well, I think Botom is endearing, too. Just not identifiable. There are definitely places Kinsella takes Becky that I don't find particularly heroine-worthy. Most people I know who haven't been able to get into the series, when they look at it from the satire perspective have a much easier time.

Liza: It's tough, huh? (Note how I haven't posted about Prince Caspian yet).

I just got the booklist review for ROSB. It's completely spoiler-ific!

By: Liza

Liza — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:46:00 +0000

I’ve never read any of the Shopaholic books, but will have to give the series a try.

I really dislike when Hollywood changes a character from a book into someone else for the movie. Leave the characters alone, that’s why the books were so great.

By: Phyllis J. Towzey

Phyllis J. Towzey — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:15:00 +0000

I love the Shopaholic books — so much so that I don’t think I can stand to see the movie — it’s bound to be a dissapointment. Anyway, I wouldn’t call Becky a clown — her behavior is self-destructive, but Kinsella, IMO, manages to give her endearing qualities that are her saving grace.

My favorite book by Kinsella, though, is The Undomestic Goddess (although I think you have to have worked as a lawyer in a big firm practice to really get how much Kinsella ‘gets’ it, lol.)

Kinsella always has me falling off my chair laughing.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:46:00 +0000

Awww…thanks Diana! I really am excited about this part of the process even with rejections.

The first thing that popped into my mind when I saw the pic was Carrie. And you’re right, she is so not a Carrie. Doesn’t fit the book or the idea behind it. Hopefully you’re also right, as in this is a dream.

Hope you SB have a great weekend.

By: Jessica Burkhart

Jessica Burkhart — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:44:00 +0000

I read the first book months ago and then just started reading the rest of the series. (I had to stop reading because I’m a frugal person and Becky made me pull my hair out!) I’m starting SHOPAHOLIC AND SISTER this week. I’ve seen that pic before and had the same thought–Becky is chic not clowny!

By: Kwana

Kwana — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:40:00 +0000

Good post Diana. I’m a big fan of the series and Becky. I wish they would have stayed more true to the book though and stayed in London. I also hope they stay true to the voice of the character. I totally got her crazy descriptions. The character has an addiction and Kinsella does a great job of turning it into a satire and creating a character we can get behind and laugh with. I hope the movie doesn’t make her into a big joke.