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Life Lessons Learned While Shopping
Amanda Ford, the bestselling author of Be True to Yourself, now presents Retail Therapy, the ultimate guide to life -- through shopping! Retail Therapy is a playful yet wise look at the pleasures of shopping. Amanda Ford loves to shop, and she exuberantly shares the stories of her most memorable finds -- the perfect pink sweater, a set of precious porcelain dishes, a dusty yet valuable antique. But she also shows how shopping allows us to examine deeper truths about our lives and what is really going on when money is spent. Chapters include "The Best Trends to Follow Are the Ones You Set Yourself," "We Never Know How Things Will Turn Out," "Be Thankful for What You Have," and "Some Places We Have to Go to Alone." Blending tales about her own experiences with life lessons, quotes, and advice, her message is ultimately about discovering your passions, taking care of yourself, and being conscious about decisions.
- GenresNonfictionSelf HelpHumor
187 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2002
5 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Ford
32 books4 followersAmanda Ford is a young, vibrant writer with a talent for uncovering extraordinary meaning in everyday events. Amanda's work has been featured in publications such as Real Simple, Glamour, The Chicago Tribune, and The Seattle Times, and she is a regular contributor to the popular travel website Girl's Guide to City Life.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 18, 2008
After I read this book I thought about how nice it would be to only own and wear clothing that I really loved. This book is well-written and fun to read. I found a *lot* of good advice in here.
December 11, 2010
This mindless tripe reduces women to shallow shopaholics. I only hope that this isn't a sign of things to come for women's literature.
The limited extent of the author's "experience" (both life and shopping) and her naive view are better confined to that of 16 year olds. Better to have given her a monthly column in a teen magazine than let her pretend to be well-versed in life (or shopping, for that matter).
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.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Retail Therapy: Life Lessons Learned While Shopping
Author Amanda Ford
Reviewed By Purplycookie
The limited extent of the author's "experience" (both life and shopping) and her naive view are better confined to that of 16 year olds. Better to have given her a monthly column in a teen magazine than let her pretend to be well-versed in life (or shopping, for that matter).
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.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Retail Therapy: Life Lessons Learned While Shopping
Author Amanda Ford
Reviewed By Purplycookie
April 22, 2024
4.5 stars
December 28, 2020
Like many books, this one is aimed at women, because the author appears to assume that only women would be interested in books dealing with the mentality of shopping. And to be sure, the author has some nuanced advice when it comes to shopping, areas where the author puts different ideals in tension with each other and points out that sometimes certain approaches to shopping work and sometimes other approaches to shopping work. The author also has a mixed degree of advice relating to shopping with her husband, pointing out that her husband and her have very different views of shopping and that these views have often led to conflict in their personal lives. The author's determination not to let her husband's lack of understanding about her shopping bring her down has led her to both split up and shop at different stores where each of them enjoys the process of shopping while also shopping with friends of hers who better appreciate what she is up to. Similarly, there is a lot of advice that the author gives that appears to be somewhat of a challenge to remember when it comes to balancing different concerns, such as the author's comments on when retail therapy works best and when going to a therapist is better, as well as some of the limitations of shopping.
This book is between 175 and 200 pages long and consists of nine chapters that are themselves composed of many smaller essays about related topics. The book begins with an introduction that demonstrates how it is that shopping saved the author's life in her own mind. After that the author states that the best path to follow is one's own (1) as well as a discussion on how one never knows how things will work out (2). The topics of the chapters as a whole are often rather heavily freighted, but the individual smaller essays themselves are often far more nuanced, and the advice and insights do not come from the author's own experience alone but also from other people the author happens to have known. Later chapters of the book explore the importance of gratitude as a cure for discontent (3), or the importance of creativity when it comes to shopping (4), as well as some of the author's views of the differences between men and women when it comes to shopping (5). There are chapters on heartache and the problem of retail therapy (6), as well as the help that other people can provide in tough times (7), and the book ends with chapters about places where a girl must go alone (8), the importance of being present and aware in one's shopping (9), as well as some acknowledgements and information about the author, who focuses on shopping in the Pacific Northwest, as it happens.
One of the more notable aspects of this book is the way discussing shopping advice as if it was some sort of secret sisterhood. This makes me feel somewhat ambivalent. On the one hand, the author clearly knows a lot about shopping and is able to provide a high degree of insight in the subject to a great many readers, depending on how many people read this book. Yet as is often the case in books written by women, the author seems not to know how or to have the desire to appeal to a broader readership. The author seems aware on some level, for example, that her husband shops with at least the same degree of passion and interest in some items that she has with clothes, and yet the author seems to have a divide in her mind between men and women when it comes to shopping nonetheless, not recognizing that different people have different shopping styles and that the items we look for and that we enjoy shopping for will likely condition us to shop differently. There are some people I know who have no interest in shopping for food or clothes, but who will shop antiques or cars enthusiastically. I enjoy shopping for books and music, for example, and so the author's failure to recognize that insights gained from shopping can have a much wider relevance to others makes this book a much more narrow work than it really needs to be.
This book is between 175 and 200 pages long and consists of nine chapters that are themselves composed of many smaller essays about related topics. The book begins with an introduction that demonstrates how it is that shopping saved the author's life in her own mind. After that the author states that the best path to follow is one's own (1) as well as a discussion on how one never knows how things will work out (2). The topics of the chapters as a whole are often rather heavily freighted, but the individual smaller essays themselves are often far more nuanced, and the advice and insights do not come from the author's own experience alone but also from other people the author happens to have known. Later chapters of the book explore the importance of gratitude as a cure for discontent (3), or the importance of creativity when it comes to shopping (4), as well as some of the author's views of the differences between men and women when it comes to shopping (5). There are chapters on heartache and the problem of retail therapy (6), as well as the help that other people can provide in tough times (7), and the book ends with chapters about places where a girl must go alone (8), the importance of being present and aware in one's shopping (9), as well as some acknowledgements and information about the author, who focuses on shopping in the Pacific Northwest, as it happens.
One of the more notable aspects of this book is the way discussing shopping advice as if it was some sort of secret sisterhood. This makes me feel somewhat ambivalent. On the one hand, the author clearly knows a lot about shopping and is able to provide a high degree of insight in the subject to a great many readers, depending on how many people read this book. Yet as is often the case in books written by women, the author seems not to know how or to have the desire to appeal to a broader readership. The author seems aware on some level, for example, that her husband shops with at least the same degree of passion and interest in some items that she has with clothes, and yet the author seems to have a divide in her mind between men and women when it comes to shopping nonetheless, not recognizing that different people have different shopping styles and that the items we look for and that we enjoy shopping for will likely condition us to shop differently. There are some people I know who have no interest in shopping for food or clothes, but who will shop antiques or cars enthusiastically. I enjoy shopping for books and music, for example, and so the author's failure to recognize that insights gained from shopping can have a much wider relevance to others makes this book a much more narrow work than it really needs to be.
May 20, 2023
Rating: 8/10
“Buying cannot fix a problem; beautiful objects cannot heal a wound. Shopping can give your strong self-esteem a boost, but it cannot pull you from the depths of self-loathing and self-doubt.” -Amanda Ford’s Life Lessons Learned While Shopping (page 130).
A very timely read concerning the ever growing obsession to shopping and e-commerce, this book taught me how to slow down.
In an era where we seek validation through many likes and perfectly scintillating photos, are we really happy deep inside?
As the saying goes, NOT EVERYTHING YOU SEE IN SOCIAL MEDIA IS REAL. More often than not we only post what looks perfect, beautiful, and sophisticated. Ever wonder why we don’t post ugly or unedited pictures? Because human nature dictates what many people abhor and that is the fear of REJECTION. We are afraid to show what we really are because we want to move along the waves, the mainstream, the glamorous, and the socially-acceptable.
In a world striving to be perfect, I learned how to appreciate what I have and to embrace my imperfections. Be yourself, be contented, and avoid unnecessary retail therapy. Shopping and life lessons are intertwined after all. Thank me later. 😇
“Buying cannot fix a problem; beautiful objects cannot heal a wound. Shopping can give your strong self-esteem a boost, but it cannot pull you from the depths of self-loathing and self-doubt.” -Amanda Ford’s Life Lessons Learned While Shopping (page 130).
A very timely read concerning the ever growing obsession to shopping and e-commerce, this book taught me how to slow down.
In an era where we seek validation through many likes and perfectly scintillating photos, are we really happy deep inside?
As the saying goes, NOT EVERYTHING YOU SEE IN SOCIAL MEDIA IS REAL. More often than not we only post what looks perfect, beautiful, and sophisticated. Ever wonder why we don’t post ugly or unedited pictures? Because human nature dictates what many people abhor and that is the fear of REJECTION. We are afraid to show what we really are because we want to move along the waves, the mainstream, the glamorous, and the socially-acceptable.
In a world striving to be perfect, I learned how to appreciate what I have and to embrace my imperfections. Be yourself, be contented, and avoid unnecessary retail therapy. Shopping and life lessons are intertwined after all. Thank me later. 😇
August 11, 2025
We are told many times over not to buy goods - clothes especially - just because they are on sale, or we want something new and shiny, or we are in a bad mood, or we have money to spare or credit to use.
We are told that it's great to shop, clothes can make you feel better, we can make our own clothes or goods if we're creative and willing to spend ten years getting good at it, and it's good to shop with a friend.
And we are told only to keep things, clothes especially, that we love, and give away or sell the rest. But stores don't take shoes that have been worn.
For some reason this occupies a whole book, with a couple of blank pages between each chapter.
I would like more emphasis on decluttering, and more help on buying books. For instance, shelving books on Goodreads can help you not double-buy if you can access the site in the shop. Especially if the title has been changed between editions. No mention of this, the book focuses on clothes and tat. No mention of what to do if you are buying for a family.
We are told that it's great to shop, clothes can make you feel better, we can make our own clothes or goods if we're creative and willing to spend ten years getting good at it, and it's good to shop with a friend.
And we are told only to keep things, clothes especially, that we love, and give away or sell the rest. But stores don't take shoes that have been worn.
For some reason this occupies a whole book, with a couple of blank pages between each chapter.
I would like more emphasis on decluttering, and more help on buying books. For instance, shelving books on Goodreads can help you not double-buy if you can access the site in the shop. Especially if the title has been changed between editions. No mention of this, the book focuses on clothes and tat. No mention of what to do if you are buying for a family.
January 14, 2024
Delightful little gift book. I love shopping so it was fun to read examples from her own personal life, and I definitely found some lessons in here to take away as far as being more discerning in my choices and practicing impulse control. I also enjoyed the little shopping scenarios that open various chapters.
Though I will say, one must take every reference to her husband and how their dynamic Works For Them with a grain of salt, because literally the second I read that he voted Republican in the presidential election while she voted Democrat, I was on the internet wondering, "so are they divorced now?" and the answer is yeah, within just a few years after this book was published, in fact.
Though I will say, one must take every reference to her husband and how their dynamic Works For Them with a grain of salt, because literally the second I read that he voted Republican in the presidential election while she voted Democrat, I was on the internet wondering, "so are they divorced now?" and the answer is yeah, within just a few years after this book was published, in fact.
November 13, 2014
(Review originally posted on Alexa Loves Books)
This is another book I borrowed from a friend over the weekend while I was staying at her place - a fitting read for her and I because we both love to shop!
This was definitely a nice, easy read, with the book broken down into main sections, and then into little "rules" under each section. The author successfully managed to integrate some basics of shopping (and some other characteristics of shopping) into advice for how to live your life. With this interesting combination, it was filled with helpful advice and interesting little anecdotes from the author.
That having been said, I feel like that author could have elaborated a bit more about these personal tenets of hers. Although some of them were quite simple, there were a few that deserved a little more elaboration.
Not only could a little more elaboration have been used, but, quite possibly, the author might have distinguished something similar to a list of top ten life lessons or something a bit easier to remember. There were quite a lot of different lessons learned so it's hard to remember them, which is what I believe the author intended for us to do.
All in all, I'd recommend this for fans of shopping and self-help, quite possibly as a gift.
This is another book I borrowed from a friend over the weekend while I was staying at her place - a fitting read for her and I because we both love to shop!
This was definitely a nice, easy read, with the book broken down into main sections, and then into little "rules" under each section. The author successfully managed to integrate some basics of shopping (and some other characteristics of shopping) into advice for how to live your life. With this interesting combination, it was filled with helpful advice and interesting little anecdotes from the author.
That having been said, I feel like that author could have elaborated a bit more about these personal tenets of hers. Although some of them were quite simple, there were a few that deserved a little more elaboration.
Not only could a little more elaboration have been used, but, quite possibly, the author might have distinguished something similar to a list of top ten life lessons or something a bit easier to remember. There were quite a lot of different lessons learned so it's hard to remember them, which is what I believe the author intended for us to do.
All in all, I'd recommend this for fans of shopping and self-help, quite possibly as a gift.
June 21, 2012
stop shopping. It requires strength to acknowledge difficult times; it takes true dedication to sit with pain. It is easy to run to the mall or to your favorite little shop at the first sense of dissatisfaction with your life. Like a turtle retreating into her shell, spending money in hopes of changing your mood, your look, or your reputation is just hiding-it's avoiding the true source of your pain. A courageous woman searches within herself to get through tough times."
I actually walked away from this book wondering what it would be like to wear only clothes that I loved...I was surprised by that longing!
Very enjoyable read with humor and application throughout, I'll probably be passing this along to my sisters.
January 26, 2016
Overall, this book is not my cup of tea. Honestly, it was a bathroom read over many a month. It was not compelling to any vast degree. The life lessons were not profound in any dramatic way: don't shop while hungry, always make a little money for yourself, and the like. Additionally, I actually disagreed with some of the lessons (trust your own advice always over others, based on the premise that the author has not had wonderful luck following the advice of others: makeup artists, relationship advice, and other life advice. This is not a blanket experience for people, thus it is a poor life lesson. Many times more experienced people and observers know better than we do). Anyway, this is the type of non-fiction that has typically caused me to claim an adverse dislike of non-fiction. Seriously people, do you really need books like this to help you out? Ack!
May 13, 2011
This book was a little disappointing. Maybe I was expecting something else from what I understood of the title.
The first few chapters were great! I can so relate to what Ford was saying then by the time I reached the middle of the book, it seems like she lost it. I was like "HUH? I can't see the point." She just recovered herself by the last chapter of the book. It also seems like she’s trying so hard to relate the whole shopping bit to life. She succeeded in some but for some, UGH!
Maybe it’s just me but if you do happen to chance upon this book, take time to read it and find out for yourself. It is a super quick read. I was able to finish the book in a couple of hours. Your thoughts may be different from mine. :)
I give it 1 star (out of five) for the few chapters I liked.
The first few chapters were great! I can so relate to what Ford was saying then by the time I reached the middle of the book, it seems like she lost it. I was like "HUH? I can't see the point." She just recovered herself by the last chapter of the book. It also seems like she’s trying so hard to relate the whole shopping bit to life. She succeeded in some but for some, UGH!
Maybe it’s just me but if you do happen to chance upon this book, take time to read it and find out for yourself. It is a super quick read. I was able to finish the book in a couple of hours. Your thoughts may be different from mine. :)
I give it 1 star (out of five) for the few chapters I liked.
September 14, 2009
This was an entertaining, light-hearted little book that I really enjoyed reading. The life lessons were the highlight of the book. I looked for other books in our collection by Amanda Ford and she co-wrote a book with her mother about relationships between teenage daughters and their mothers. It was nice to read a book that was very amusing and charming.
July 25, 2011
okay so far the author is a bit addicted to shoes and purses...but the book goes beyond shopping, for example if you can say no to a sales person trying to get you to buy lip balm, then you can say no to your roommate who leaves dirty dishes every where! And so much more
Read
August 3, 2008Hey! We all have our own issues...I mean...guilty pleasures??
December 18, 2015
What a light, cute, funny book! Many interesting connections between shopping and mindfulness, not two things people usually group together.
Currently reading
December 28, 2009so far soo good
September 22, 2011
Cute book!! I love to shop and thought why not. It was a quick easy read and I was amused by the stories
June 21, 2012
I learned that there is way more to shopping than simply a new outfit. A must read for women who love to shop.
Read
September 2, 2013I think I will be saving this little book, it really had some good insight and was an enjoyable read for me at the right time in my life.
August 6, 2014
This book was great for advice if you are an avid shopper. It makes you sit back and think, do I really want to waste my money on meaningless things?
January 22, 2016
AH, shopping - how it defines us and our style
January 6, 2016
Great little easy to read book that teaches life lessons while shopping.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews