**1/2

Small Change by Sheila Roberts
(2010, St. Martin’s Griffin)

Small Change marked my first sample of Sheila Roberts’ chick lit.  Unfortunately, I’m not sure I’m keen to try it again.  Small Change was alright.  But it was nothing to write home about. And, this book isn’t one I’d recommend to my friends.  Indeed, if you are thinking about what to read on the upcoming long weekend, don’t choose this – unless you are looking for a book on personal finance.

The problem with Small Change is it was so heavy-handed with how to cope with personal finance issues that the narrative got lost.   Sheila Roberts did introduce three interesting protagonists, but the story lines were mucked up by the personal finance lessons.  There are better ways to tie together plot and issues.

What does save the book is if you’ve ever experienced financial turmoil, then you may be able to relate to one of the three protagonists.  Moreover, if you’re looking for some straight-forward and obvious ways to save money, then Small Change might be for you.

My own personal finance beef with this book was I forked over $16.99 +tax and didn’t get the chick lit indulgence I was hoping for.  In these austere times, I was very miffed at what Small Change delivered.  If chick lit fans can borrow it from the library, you’ll get a better return on your investment.