A Sophie Kinsella Addict
People differ in their reading preferences, when it comes to me, no matter what language the book I’m reading is, the thing I really hate is using a rather complicated language structure. I really can’t stand a book that’s written in a sophisticated kind of way, to me, I believe this is either to show off certain language skills the writer commands; or it’s this less-than-native-speakers-complex some writers have when they’re writing in a foreign language, so they think that the more complicated the structure, the better his/her language profeciency will be evaluated. Of course there is also the writer’s own style, sometimes the writer just loves using a certain level of complication. No matter what the reason is, I just can’t enjoy such kinds of books, I’m more into simple clear language structures that do not steal away one’s attention but flatter the story with its simplicity and beauty of perfect word usage.
This is one of the reasons I love reading Sophie Kinsella. Her books are so enjoyable. Her language is a sweet blend of formal and slang , her characters are so easy to relate to, her stories are realistic yet crazy at the same time, and there’s always this cute twist in the story… in short, her books are so hard to put down once you’ve started reading.
I got introduced to this writer a short while ago, in Dec.05 in London. Back then, I was really stressed out, was so unhappy about my career life, nor my health, I was so exhausted, and needed something to put me to a better mood. So I started looking for a book, I passed all political, scientific, historic, cookery…etc. and headed to the “fiction” corner, in an attemot to escape this crazy world, and there I found a bunch of tempting covers with tempting titles, looked for bestsellers and there were too many books, so as quick as I could I took aside the interesting ones and started scanning the summary on the back. I must say, that most of the ones I’ve put in my basket were for Sophie Kinsella. I thought I should try one, if I liked it, I’d buy more, but I couldn’t make up my mind which ones to pick so I ended up buying two: “Shopaholic & Sister” and “Can You Keep A Secret”. I LOVED them both, but of course I wasn’t done reading till I was back in Tunisia, where I couldn’t find any books of her, since it’s more of a francophone society and English books are not easy to find. And of course online shopping is no option since there are very strict regulations concerning credit card usage in Tunisia. So I was left no choice but to wait for a bookstore to bring her books.
Luckily my husband went to France a while ago and he bought me a great surprise: “The Undomestic Goddess”, another Kinsella book, and a very addictive read.
The other day I found 2 of her books in a bookstore downtown, I was so happy, yet sadly, both are ones I’ve already read, but it doesn’t matter, they’ll bring more for sure, and I’ll sure be the first to buy them. I’ve become addicted to that name, the minute I glimpse its letters on a cover I run to buy it!
I’m looking too for an easy to read english writer,so thanks for the tip about : Sophie Kinsella
I will look fro book here in Tunisia or even see in abroad countries.
I can’t believe that! I really adore Sophie Kinsella, my favourite is “Can you keep a secret?” but I haven’t read “The undomestic Goddes” as yet. What do you mean by having a strict regulation on credit card usage in Tunisia?..just curious!
Swifty, glad you’re interested, I found a couple of her books available Maktabat Al Ketab in downtown Tunis in Avenue Habib Bourgiba opposite to the Theatre. If you can get them from abraod, make sure you do, prices are somehow less.
Barbara, you MUST read “The Undomestic Goddess”, really funny with a very sweet and crazy character 🙂
As for the credit card thingie, well, if you’re not Tunisian, or a Tunisian living abroad, then you’re allowed an account in a foreign currency and you can then have a credit card, but there are rules about the amounts you must spend per month and per year, because of the economic system regulations in Tunisia that doesn’t allow certain amounts of foreign currencies to get outside the country. I’m still looking for a bank that gives me better limitations, will let you know if I found a good deal.
thanks aqua for the tip,I will try a book as soon as possible 🙂
If you liked Sophie Kinsella style you’ll for sure like Marian Keyes. Reading novels written by Marian is like sitting with your best friend while she fills you in on her recent life and loves.
By the way Eman, I’m in London and books here are quite cheap, so if you want sthing just let me know, I can get it for you and send it to you or bring it with me when I come to Tunis.
Swifty, will be waiting to know your opinion about any for her books 🙂
Nj, you’re the sweetest ever. Thank you so much for offering your assistance in books. I will sure let you know if I needed anything. Thanks again.
As for Marian Keyes, I heard a lot about her and her books, especially: “Angels”, “The Other Side Of The Story” and “Sushi For Beginners”. I found them all and other books of her in the book fair in Tunis, and hopefully when I’m done with the books I got, I’ll read those and more. Thanks for encouraging me 🙂
You’re welcome Eman, actually I discovered Marian thanks to someone who left his copy of “rachel’s holiday” in the tube 🙂 Lucky me !!! 🙂
At first I thought that the book was so boring that his owner decided to just get rid off of it. I scanned the first pages quickly and I couldn’t stop laughing, the book was so funny!!
Hi Eman,
I am a regular reader of your husband’s blog and have only recently found yours so apologies for taking so long to catch on!!
My name is Helen. I am English and married to a Tunisian man. We live in England but hope to move to live in Tunisia in the future. I work as a Project Manager for a large multinational Insurance company and I really felt for you when I was reading about the problems you had with your job.
I know someone else has already offered but if you need any books from England then just let me know as I’m coming to Tunisia at the end of June and it would be no problem to bring anything for you.
I lived in Hamamamet for one year when we were first married so I know how frustrating it can be to get hold of some things.
With reference for your job dilemma, I may have something that could be of interest to you. Take a look at http://www.helenchebaane.co.uk – it’s a business I have recently started with as I am looking for a way to get out of my office job and work for myself. It is an international company and I am hoping to set it up in Tunisia in the future so take a look and see what you think. Also see http://www.foreverliving.com for more info. If you want to know some more then I can send you some more details. If not, then no problem – it’s not for everyone.
I will continue to read your blog as it’s very interesting. And remember to let me know if you need anything from UK. Best wishes, Helen.x
Nj, left it in the tube? WOW! you’re really lucky.
Will try to get my hands on one of her books hopefully soon.
Helen, dear, what a sweet comment.
I thank you so much for offering me bringing books, if I need anything I will let you know. And I hope that we’ll be able to meet you in person when you come in June, you sound like a very nice person.
I also appreciate your thoughtfullness concerning my career life. I took a look at the links, and they look really interesting. I wish you the very best in getting rid of office work and running your own business wherever you like. I guess Tunisia will be a good target, for lack of such products here. But you might need to check how it’ll work, I myself don’t know much, but as far as I know, there are many regulations and customs-related limitations concerning trade.
I would really love more details if you have the time.
My email is: emanakm[at]gmail.com
I have read “confessions of a shopaholic” an i loved it soo much. I just bought “shopaholic and sister” and I’m wondering what order all of the shopaholic books should be read in… i’m confused. Id appreciate anyone who could help me out = )
Chelsea, thanks for your comment.
I believe the best way to determin the order to follow when you read the shopaholic series is to always check the first edition publishing date on the inside cover of each book. If i’m not mistaken, here’s the order:
1.The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopahilc.
2.Shopaholic Abroad.
3.Shopaholic Ties The Knot.
4.Shopaholic & Sister.
5.Confessions of a Shopaholic.
6. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan.
But even if you don’t get the order right, it’s no big deal. Each book is a different story, with quick reference to the one before it, so even if you don’t read the one before you get to understand the context and the story very well 🙂