Retail Therapy: Life Lessons Learned While Shopping

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Summary: Funny and insightful! A definite must-have!
Review: Amanda Ford has written a very interesting and enjoyable book. There are many stories that will make you laugh out loud, but there is more to it than just humour. Reading it made me evaluate my own shopping habits. Buy this book, you won't regret it!!!

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Summary: Not for adults. Should be a column in a teenager's magazine.
Review: Amanda Ford was surprised to learn she is 'short.' She grew up to be only 5'2", yet she was surprised that she was 'short.' That should be enough to let us know where we're headed here. The limited extent of the author's 'experience' (both life and shopping) and her naive view are better confined to 16 year olds. Better to have given her a monthly column in Teen magazine than let her pretend to be well-versed in life (or shopping, for that matter). Save your money.

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Summary: great gift book!
Review: I gave this book to my two daughters who are in their twenties. they could relate to it because the message is so honest and they've experienced the same conflicts. The story of the jean jacket is universal. The book's design is fun and lively which makes reading it fun too.

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Summary: A "Must Have"...
Review: I have just finished reading Amanda Ford's new book, Retail Therapy- Life Lessons Learned while Shopping, and I enjoyed it so much that I am going to pick up a few more copies to put into Christmas stockings. When I first saw the book, it grabbed my attention, and I couldn't walk by without picking it up and seeing what it was all about. I wasn't disappointed. I expected a lighthearted, humorous offering, and it was that, but also much more. Amanda demonstrated a clear, level headed approach with which to tackle the seductive world of shopping, and then relates how that extends into other aspects of one's life.
I especially liked the numerous examples she included in her book which brought her the insight that she in turn shares with us. I read the chapter, "Battle of the Shopping Sexes," out loud to my husband, and we both laughed all the way through it. It was a little spooky to see how closely we paralleled her example.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Amanda Ford's book. It is well thought out, and the illustrations and layout of the book invite you to keep on reading. I highly recommend this book. It truly is about life's lessons.

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Summary: This book is really touching!!!
Review: I have to admit recently I become a so-called shopaholic. When I feel bad, bored or sad, I will just go out and buy something. I found this book in my local book shop and it just makes me feel lucky that I decide to pick it up. The book bring in something that touch me inside and that I do have experienced on everyday basis. it does make me feel like it is a kind of therapy. I read a lot of self-help book and subscribe to load of magazines. This book is just the best I've found. The writer makes her point through the simplest thing that everyone'd have shared in daily life. It is not only about shopping but also look back in other parts of life. It is NOT as boring as the usual self-help that will just point out something and then you wonder "So? That is not my life! and I don't really know anyone that live like that" or just tell you what you "should do to make you feel better". Something might be only a single moment that you feel but simply skip through it. This book points it out beautifully. Its simplest words just touch on things that you did and point out and let you think more out of it. If you love to shop (even window shopping), you will love this book.

Rating:
Summary: Funny and insightful! A definite must-have!
Review: I picked up this book because of other good recommendations. While it is a quick and easy read, I did not find enough substance to make it exciting. The stories shared are universal and will appeal to many readers, but there are no conclusions that are not obvious. I wanted to hear more about what the lessons she learned from her experiences and observations as well as applications for the future. I did not want to hear that instead of shopping I could "color in a coloring book with crayons". Instead tell me that I should figure out that I don't want the shoes because they are not recognition, support, or love, they are just shoes.

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Summary: Fluff
Review: I picked up this book because of other good recommendations. While it is a quick and easy read, I did not find enough substance to make it exciting. The stories shared are universal and will appeal to many readers, but there are no conclusions that are not obvious. I wanted to hear more about what the lessons she learned from her experiences and observations as well as applications for the future. I did not want to hear that instead of shopping I could "color in a coloring book with crayons". Instead tell me that I should figure out that I don't want the shoes because they are not recognition, support, or love, they are just shoes.

Rating:
Summary: a new shopping philosophy
Review: I'm very glad that this book was written. It is much more than the title suggests. Amanda Ford presents a philosophy that elevates shopping from addiction to thoughtful and fun purchases. Even when she spends too much, she learns about herself and her spending habits. I like Amanda's honesty and good nature.

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Summary: Dumbing down America
Review: Reading this book after having met the author, I was quickly convinced that America was doomed to continue plodding along a path of utter stupidity. A multitude of ten cent messages and hack phrases about banal themes left me thinking international children drawn to the book's cover would soon find the content, if that is the right word for the words glued to the soft spine, the disappointing Made-In-America fluff feeding a generation of "don't worry, be happy", cartooned existence. Please demand better of your children; be a wise shopper: don't buy this, or, if you have already, buy that complimentary good: a box of matches. This book leaves all children behind.

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Summary: Concious Choices
Review: Thank goodness that young woman are making conscious choices about how they shop and spend their money. I am a teacher at a community college and we use this book in one of the classes. The author is young and as a result my students can relate to her experiences--and she adds a little heartbreak at just the right time. We have had some very lively discussions and hope the author will join our class sometime.