Confessions of a Compulsive Liar

I've recently finished the third book in the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. While not the most profound thing I've read lately, the series is a fun read. However, after three books with basically the same plotline, I am slowly tiring of them. Each story involves the main character, Becky, getting herself into some outlandish trouble (think: I Love Lucy) and digging herself deeper & deeper into the mess. Finally, it all blows up in her face and she (supposedly) learns her lesson as things work out in the end. The problem is, the next book barely begins before the reader begins wondering if she ever really did learn that lesson.

I've actually never been a fan of I Love Lucy; It always made me too stressed out. If a show or movie uses the "Our main character is caught in a pattern of deception about who they really are, and just when it looks like it will work, the bottom falls out, the person they lied to is hurt, they learn a valuable lesson, apologize in some extravagant way, and live happily ever after" script (and let's face it, that is A LOT of movies, especially romantic comedies) it has to be really well- written and clever for me to stick with it. Even then, I tend to be unable to sit still- I can't stand the risks people take when they weave such elaborate lies! It stresses me out.

Maybe it is because on the few occasions when I have succumbed to lying or gossiping, I never got away with it. Perhaps it is because I've always been a worrier, maybe even with a bit of a guilty conscience. Maybe it's maturity or the Spirit convicting me. Or maybe it is because it is just too much work, balancing out who believes what, when just telling the truth will ensure you can easily keep your stories straight! Whatever the reason, I just don't identify with these characters. I liked reading about Becky's amassed debts (while she gave financial advice for a living) or simultaneous weddings (planned for the same day on two different continents) but I couldn't really relate.

Am I the only one? Lots of people love these books, but do they find them relatable or just outrageous and entertaining? Are they not bothered by the silly lies and seemingly all-consuming pride that keeps Becky from admitting her shortcomings to anyone including her best friend, her fiance, even (sometimes) the reader?

The bottom line is this: after three books, I don't know how the people in her life aren't staging an intervention, or turning to run in the other direction whenever they see this girl coming. I definitely can't understand why they keep believing her! I am not sure I could continue a friendship with someone who would rather lie to make themselves look infallible (even in the tiny things in life) than be open with her loved ones. I'm not saying I'm perfect when it comes to the truth or admitting my mistakes, but I'm not usually one to be afraid of being real or honest (maybe sometimes too honest- I feel a confessions of a bad mom coming on....)

I was already thinking about this when I heard the people on the radio morning show chime in on the same subject from a Biblical perspective. They talked about how Paul said that he boasted about nothing but his shortcomings, so that God could receive the glory. They discussed transparency and how, as followers of Christ, being honest about where (and how often) we fail can only draw people to our God- a God who loves us inspite of those failings and is still working in us to bring about good.

On the other hand, pride can only draw people to look at us- either in admiration for what they/we think we've accomplished, or in frustration/disgust at how fabulous we pretend to be. Either way, when you put it that way, I don't like the pride option at all. We're all susceptible to it; it's human nature. But I truly think it is the root of many sins in my own life, and probably many other lives out there. Lord, save us from ourselves! I struggle enough trying to get my head out of my own, ahem, life and keep my focus on what's important, without cozying up with a fictional series about a girl who worries so much about what others think that she can't even be honest with herself.

So that, Becky Bloomwood, is why I don't think we can be friends anymore. I need to find a new series to read- any suggestions?


*An interesting side note: when I did an image search for the book cover above, I found the photo on this blog post. I've never read this blog before, but this particular post is also about the Shopaholic series from a Christian perspective. Just in case you're interested.