What to read during an economic crisis

November 1, 9:22 AMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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Wall Street Journal has compiled a list of readers' recommendations on what to read in the financial crisis.  Last week they published a list of 10 books to read in the financial crisis.  Now these lists are great, that is if you are trying to comprehend what's happening to the economy or looking for investment advice.  But what if you're up to speed on personal finance or investment issues?  What if you're looking for an escape? Where is the chick lit?

These are the books I turn to in times of economic strife (in no particular order):

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella: Becky Bloomwood's solution to her increasing credit card debt is to hide her credit card bills and shop for something that makes her feel better.  Even though she is a financial journalist she can't find a way to start saving and stop spending.  The harder she tries the worse she gets.

Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster: Jen Lancaster goes from a six-figure salary to carrying a Prada bag in the unemployment line faster than you can say "shoe sale."

Save Karyn: One Shopaholic's Journey to Debt and Back by Karyn Bosnak: Karyn moves to New York City to start a promising job in television.  By the time she gets fired from her job she owes around $25,000.  Instead of turning to her parents for help she turns to strangers and starts a website where she asks for donations to help her get out of debt.  The generosity of her readers along with a new spending strategy helps her get back on track.

The Broke Diaries: The Completely True and Hilarious Misadventures of a God Girl Gone Broke by Angela Nissel:  As a struggling college student at the University of Pennsylvanian, Angela started an online journal to take her mind off her empty stomach.  She views her situation as a financial misadventure and tries to make the most of a ramen noodle diet.

Not Buying It:  My Year without Shopping by Judith Levine: Fed up with Christmas shopping and consumerism, Judith Levine decides to go a year without buying q-tips, new clothes, or other indulgences like high-speed Internet.  As the year progresses her experiment gets harder as her clothes get shabbier.