Wednesday, May 26, 2010

SPENT-MEMOIRS OF A SHOPPING ADDICT: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
SPENT

MEMOIRS OF A SHOPPING ADDICT
BY AVIS CARDELLA

ABOUT THE BOOK:

As a child, Avis Cardella devoured the glamorous images in her mother's fashion magazines. She grew up to be one of the people in them, living a life that seemed to be filled with labels and luxury. But shopping had become a dangerous addiction. She forwent food for Prada.

Credit card debt blossomed like the ever-increasing pile of unworn shoes and clothing in the back of her closet. She defined herself by the things she owned and also lost herself in the mad hunt for the perfect pair of pants or purse that might make her feel whole.

Spent is Avis Cardella's timely, deeply personal, and shockingly dramatic exploration of our cultural need to spend, and of what happens when someone is consumed by the desire to consume.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After spending her formative years reading fashion magazines voraciously, Avis Cardella found her calling writing about photography, fashion, and culture. She has written for British Vogue, American Photo, and Surface, among other publications. She lives in Paris with her husband.

MY REVIEW:

SPENT by Avis Cardella is a memoir that at first I thought would be some good chick-lit. However, this is the story of Avis’s true addiction and how she deals with it. It is an important story and one that I think most of us would enjoy reading and also learn from. I know that I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I loved the references to New York shopping and fashion as that part is fun to read. I also applaud Avis for bringing the problem to the public’s attention as many people can benefit from it.

Avis, raised in a working class home in Brooklyn, loved to shop with her fashion conscious mother. At a young age, she realized she had an affinity for fashion and photography. This is what set her on her way to becoming a freelance writer when she grew up. Avis noticed as a young adult that she was shopping quite a bit and on a regular basis. Following a divorce and then the loss of her mother, the shopping began to get worse. Just when her bills were out of hand, she met Thomas who helped her take care of her debt and they eventually were engaged. Thomas was a rich German businessman who encouraged the addiction, perhaps not intentionally, by showing Avis how to be the happy Hampton honey and Fifth Avenue fashion icon. When Avis left Thomas, she was hoping to finally find what was going on and who she was. With his financial backing gone, she indeed found herself…found herself in huge debt that is! Although she knew there were signs of this addiction all along, she just didn’t know how to be rid of it. It did seem that more often than not, some rich partner would come along to feed the addiction and allow Avis to ignore it again. However, Avis eventually realized she had hit rock bottom. How did all those bags from pricey stores wind up unopened in the back of her closet? How did she wind up in Barney's without realizing she was even going shopping? What could she do to stop this? Is she cured of this today?

SPENT is a fascinating memoir and brings to light yet another addiction that people can have that I hadn’t heard of but it surely makes sense. Although it turned out that SPENT was not a Shopaholic type novel, and the ending is surprisingly real, I totally enjoyed Avis Cardella’s book. It is an easy read that I got caught up in and didn’t put down until I had read the whole thing in one afternoon! I think most will enjoy this book and if nothing else, learn an important lesson about one more danger out there in our often indulgent lives.

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO VALERIE AND THE
HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I HAVE
THREE COPIES OF THIS EXCITING
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY!



--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOUT SPENT IN THE INFORMATION ABOVE

+1 MORE ENTRY:
BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND THEN COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT IF YOU ARE A SHOPPING ADDICT AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE STORE YOU LOVE TO SHOP IN, OR KIND OF THINGS YOU LIKE TO BUY

+1 MORE ENTRY:
COMMENT ON IF YOU ARE A GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT FOLLOWER AND IF YOU AREN'T, YOU CAN BECOME ONE AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE HERE

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, JUNE 12

GOOD LUCK!

77 comments:

Alexandra said...

I'm also a GFC follower.

Alexandra said...

I think this would be a lovely read! Pleade count me in!
d.alexandra2@yahoo.com

Colleen Turner said...

I like how you put in your review that this isn't a light chic lit read, that this is a real story about a true addiction. While I love the chic lit versions of shopping addiction, it would be nice to read about what it REALLY is like to live with this.
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a GFC follower.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am not a shopping addict at all, but I have known a few people I suspect are. I have a co-worker who complains about not being able to pay her car bill or buy her kids new school supplies, but she always seems to have something new to wear. She loves to shop at consignment stores and places like Plato's closet, rationalizing that she isn't spending as much as going to the mall, but when you buy 10 new items a week that adds up! I truly don't understand it.
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

traveler said...

I don't shop unless necessary. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

This book would be fascinating since it concerns something that many are involved with and cannot stop. thanks.saubelb(at)gmail(dot)com

Teresa said...

I am a follower.

teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com

Teresa said...

I think she's not alone in that she recognized the problem and just didn't know what to do about it.

teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com

Teresa said...

I went through a period where I was buying new clothing nearly every day. I had a walk in closet to myself and it was FULL! I have since gotten through that period, but am still a bit embarrased by it.

teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com

debbie said...

I am a gfc follower.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I think it is interesting like with any other addiction, she had to hit rock bottom before she could recover. I would like to read the book, it sounds interesting.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Suburban prep said...

The title captures my attention.
I am watching my pennies and this just caught my eye.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

I am a follower via Google.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

Because of the economy I do not have a shopping addiction. I like to window shop but it is hard for me to part with hard earned money.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Pamela Keener said...

I love the fact that she brings this serious subject to light in a very serious way and doesn't resort to chick lit mentality.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I am a follower of your blog via GFC.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I know I have a shopping addiction that I try to curve by not going shopping at all or shopping w/friends who hold me accountable for my purchases. I love J Crew, White House Black Market & Ann Taylor. I would love to read this book.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Charleydog said...

I loved how those shopping bags ended up in the back of the closet - unopened.

Please enter my name in the giveaway for the book. Thanks!

pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

Linda Kish said...

I find it interesting that people turn to shopping after a divorce or a death.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I HATE to shop. I only go if I need something and then only get that item.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Martha Lawson said...

Please enter me for this one!

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

Martha Lawson said...

I am a shopping addict - not for clothes, tho! BOOKS!! that is my passion.

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

Martha Lawson said...

I follow on gfc

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

gcpeach17 said...

I am very interestd in reading this book. I love to shop but, it makes me sad when I do not have the money to buy what I would like not just what I need. I would love to win this book. Please, enter me in the giveaway.

gcpeach17 at aol dot com

Shirley said...

I had an addiction to shopping which had to end the day I lost my husband at 45. Their was no more income no life insrance. I had to sell our home. and Since then I've turned my life around and have saved every penny intead of blowing it.

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

posted on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Grandmamaof10/status/14850979862

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

Facebook post:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001087052807&v=wall&story_fbid=129430133734970&ref=mf
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

I'm a gfc follower
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

I use to be a shopping addict, I bought in abundance of things for my baby girl. There's nothing I didn't see that I wouldn't buy her.

shunhdelt@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I found it interesting how well I can realte I went through a period of addiction myself.

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/Romantic73/status/14851511523

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

stumble:
http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/2010/05/spent-memoirs-of-shopping-addict-review.html

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

FB: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000641625482&v=wall&story_fbid=122999644398995

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

myspace bulletin:
http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.confirmation&mode=5&groupID=0&userID=533391661&authorID=0&messageID=0&commentID=0&commentAuthorID=0

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I am an old GFC follower

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I was a shopping addict, I think I learned it from my Mother. But after I got married at 19 I had control of the money and all these credit cards. I would shop every where and use credit even in Kmart when buying paper towels and stuff, In 2 years I logged up over $30,000, in 2 years on Nothing. Never bought nice big tv's nothing exspensive, just a bunch of nothing other than clothes and I went wild at holidays. Then after we recover from that mess. my husband still didn't take over, I never spend like that again but I stopped keep track of anything in the check book for over a year, my husband goes to get money out of the bank and it says there is none. I had no idea how that could have been but it was and he took over from there. Now I know he should have been in control in the first place, he's really good with money. Thank goodness!

chirth7@yahoo.com

Angie said...

I am a GFC follower

aksimmo at brainerd dot net

Angie said...

I can see how being a fashion photographer would get you excited about shopping for all those beautiful (expensive) clothes.

aksimmo at brainerd dot net

Angie said...

I am not currently a shopping addict, but several years ago when I lost 70+ pounds I was. Suddenly shopping for clothes became fun again because everything fit and looked good on me!

aksimmo at brainerd dot net

Sandra K321 said...

As one who doesn't like to shop, it always amazes me that people can be such shopaholics. I always watch the show Clean House in amazement when people have 300 pairs of shoes!
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

Sandra K321 said...

I follow via google friend connect.
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

Sandra K321 said...

I am not a shopaholic. If I have any extra money I let my son buy sports equipment (like goalie gloves and cleats) rather than spend it on me.
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

Colleen Turner said...

I signed up for swagbucks #1.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I signed up for swagbucks #5.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I signed up for swagbucks #3.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I signed up for swagbucks #2.
candc320@gmail.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I follow on gfc.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I can really relate to this. Because of my budget I can only do so at thrift stores at this time, but still, I tear up when I find a designer skirt for $3. lol. I think this book would be a great read for me.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

StephTheBookworm said...

I am a Google follower.

stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com

StephTheBookworm said...

I'm not a shopping addict, but I love to buy used books!

StephTheBookworm said...

I think this would be interesting to read. I think this addiction would reveal some sort of inner problem because she felt that buying something would make her feel whole, but it never really did.

Christine H said...

+5 swag bucks entry

chirth7@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

+5 swag buck entry
shundelt@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I can relate to the Author. I'm not an addict but I live outside my means, now that I'm almost divorced, I've been living on only my salary and I can't stop buying the name brand stuff. LIke the most expensive sunglasses, purses & $75.00 jeans. Sometimes I feel guilty and take things back.

christina101092@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001144971475&v=wall&story_fbid=128872193799422&ref=mf
christina101092@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/Christina101092/status/15446203259
christina101092@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

+5 for swag bucks
christina101092@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I'm a GFC follower
christina101092@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I'm not a shopaholic but I love to buy clothes, purses, sun glasses and shoes.

christina101092@yahoo.com

409cope said...

This sounds like a great read,it reminds me of the Shopaholic series.

409cope said...

I follow through google friend.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

409cope said...

I would say that I probably am a shopaholic and I love to buy shoes.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I found it interesting because I've been there before addicted to shopping.

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I was addicted to shopping and got us in a debt of 30,000.00 in just 2years and I bought nothing big, no TV's, nothing, I used my charge's on Kmart stuff. I just spent Like I had all the money in the world and the little stuff didn't make my husband worry, then he found out we delat eith it, I was completely cured and he took over the check book.

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I'm a GFC follower

chirth7@yahoo.com

petite said...

This book would be intriguing and a revelation. thanks. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I am not a shopper except when items are required. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

catss99 said...

I like that the review makes it seem that the book is a mix between memoir and psychology
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/catss99/status/15832308435
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

i follow w a google friends
catss99@yahoo.com

catss99 said...

I don't think I'm too much ofa shopping addict..more for books at barnes and noble than clothes
catss99@yahoo.com

Nancye said...

I learned that this book is not a novel, but a memoir. I think it sounds quite interesting.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Follower via GFC

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis

http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/15965564752

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I wouldn't call me a shopaholic, but I do enjoy shopping. Especially with a gift card, or an awesome coupon. I love to go to Target, Old Navy, and any bookstore, especially Half Price Books. I hate to pay full price for anything! I am true bargain hunter!!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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