catrionahumphries's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anyac29's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
chrissireads's review against another edition
Carmen Reid's writing is just so addictive. It reminds me in some ways of Sophie Kinsella's (which I really enjoy). What surprised me about this chick lit is that there was an element of surprise and a tear-jerking moment. It was well written, easy to read and enjoyable! Definitely one to recommend.
adivashukla's review against another edition
3.0
I loved how the protagonist Annie was independent and knew what she was doing. it wasn't cringing or cliche and barely had any embarrassing scenes which I loved and is one major thing I usually hate in chick lits. I didn't like her daughter much but I guess that is because she was portrayed as an actual teenager- and they're annoying. One thing I didn't like was the length of this book when we knew EXACTLY what was going to happen and who she was going to end up with. Plus, I don't understand why everyone in the reviews names her daughter Lana, but in the book, I read it was Lauren. It was a good book as a one-time read and a stand-alone but I'm not willing to read the next few parts of it.
titan3lla's review against another edition
4.0
First half: I like the tone of it, but it's not really my world I'm afraid.
Wow.
I'm really close to the end, just ending Chapter 30. I cannot really put it down. It's so controversial to me! First, I could not really read it, because it was all about clothes and that's just really not what I'm interested (but now thinking about the Queen Of Babble series had also a huge clothing line...). Now it revealed that Roddy actually died!!! I'm just furious. I was on the bus heading to uni when I reached that part and almost couldn't stop myself from crying.... Such a blast!!! I mean I was suspicious that we do not know why he left, or they did not have any contact not even with the kids, and he is not helping her paying for school, but since he was an actor I just assumed he just ran off or something. I wasn't expecting this!
Wow.
I'm really close to the end, just ending Chapter 30. I cannot really put it down. It's so controversial to me! First, I could not really read it, because it was all about clothes and that's just really not what I'm interested (but now thinking about the Queen Of Babble series had also a huge clothing line...). Now it revealed that Roddy actually died!!! I'm just furious. I was on the bus heading to uni when I reached that part and almost couldn't stop myself from crying.... Such a blast!!! I mean I was suspicious that we do not know why he left, or they did not have any contact not even with the kids, and he is not helping her paying for school, but since he was an actor I just assumed he just ran off or something. I wasn't expecting this!
tessa_talks_books's review against another edition
5.0
What's it about (in a nutshell):
The Personal Shopper by Carmen Reid is the story of Annie Valentine when she is trying to make sense of her life and take it to a new, more secure place for her and her children.
What I Enjoyed:
I initially would have given this story a lower rating, but at around the 80% mark, I experienced a twist that blew me away, moved me to tears, and reframed the whole story. I, of course, had no choice but to give it the extra star it deserved. I love the twist and how it made the story much more meaningful and less of simply frothy good fun.
There is plenty of fun in this novel, and I laughed out loud frequently as situation after situation added wit and wisdom to Annie and the reader alike. I found the story and the characters relatable, which is good since this story is largely character-driven. Narration is third-person but focused through Annie's point of view, and both dialogue and exposition flow quickly, keeping the pace relatively fast.
I also enjoyed the personal shopper angle and how each chapter began with evaluating the clothing worn by a character prominent in that chapter. I found it an exciting thread explaining how Annie saw the world in the story. A little more insight into the main character is always a good attribute.
Characters:
Annie Valentine is a single mother of two – a teenage daughter and a younger son. She struggles to make ends meet and keep her children in a pricey private school but is good at playing to her strengths in the work world. She is determined, clever, and unapologetic. Annie is the main character, and the story is told from her perspective. I found her character to be well-developed, relatable, and sympathetic.
Reminds Me Of:
Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series – I believe that people who love this series will also enjoy Annie Valentine.
What I Wish:
I wish that Annie had not talked about Chloé totes and handbags in such a brilliant way. I lost so much time looking up this designer's different, way-too-expensive totes and purses, and now I have an impossible wishlist.
To Read or Not to Read:
If you are looking for a story to leave you with plenty of laughs and a surprising twist that takes the story to a whole new level, The Personal Shopper should be your next read.
The Personal Shopper by Carmen Reid is the story of Annie Valentine when she is trying to make sense of her life and take it to a new, more secure place for her and her children.
What I Enjoyed:
I initially would have given this story a lower rating, but at around the 80% mark, I experienced a twist that blew me away, moved me to tears, and reframed the whole story. I, of course, had no choice but to give it the extra star it deserved. I love the twist and how it made the story much more meaningful and less of simply frothy good fun.
There is plenty of fun in this novel, and I laughed out loud frequently as situation after situation added wit and wisdom to Annie and the reader alike. I found the story and the characters relatable, which is good since this story is largely character-driven. Narration is third-person but focused through Annie's point of view, and both dialogue and exposition flow quickly, keeping the pace relatively fast.
I also enjoyed the personal shopper angle and how each chapter began with evaluating the clothing worn by a character prominent in that chapter. I found it an exciting thread explaining how Annie saw the world in the story. A little more insight into the main character is always a good attribute.
Characters:
Annie Valentine is a single mother of two – a teenage daughter and a younger son. She struggles to make ends meet and keep her children in a pricey private school but is good at playing to her strengths in the work world. She is determined, clever, and unapologetic. Annie is the main character, and the story is told from her perspective. I found her character to be well-developed, relatable, and sympathetic.
Reminds Me Of:
Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series – I believe that people who love this series will also enjoy Annie Valentine.
What I Wish:
I wish that Annie had not talked about Chloé totes and handbags in such a brilliant way. I lost so much time looking up this designer's different, way-too-expensive totes and purses, and now I have an impossible wishlist.
To Read or Not to Read:
If you are looking for a story to leave you with plenty of laughs and a surprising twist that takes the story to a whole new level, The Personal Shopper should be your next read.