September 1, 2003
Review of Save Karyn One Shopaholic's Journey to Debt and Back by Karyn Bosnak
Bosnak is a young professional with big dreams and a taste for all things Gucci and Prada. When she lands a job as a producer of a new talk show, she packs up her bags and
moves to New York, where she finds a not-so-cheap apartment in Manhattan. Surrounded by hip restaurants, enticed by high-end designer boutiques, and under the misconception that you should never be seen in the same outfit twice, Karyn lets her spending spiral out of control. She owes $25,000
when she loses her job. Unwilling to phone home for help, Karyn take the advice of a friend and creates a want ad for money. The twist--she posts her ad on the Internet.
With the help of good-hearted strangers, debt consolidation, and the selling of her possessions
on eBay, Karyn pulls herself out of debt. Since the story is told with self deprecating humor and charm, Karyn's naiveté and lame excuses for over spending are palatable, becoming a cautionary tale of the dangers of credit cards and the power of pride over Prada.