Title: Finding Audrey
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Format: Hardcover
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 286
Date Published: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Date Published: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Description:
An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey's daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother's gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she's never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.
An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey's daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother's gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she's never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.
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THE REVIEW
Reviewer: Sam
Reviewer: Sam
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Source: Purchased from local bookstore
This book is THE CUTEST, and HOLY FANGIRL, I'm in love with it!Source: Purchased from local bookstore
Warning: This review is slightly spoilery.
I'll be honest: A major reason for my adoration is the crazy resemblance that Finding Audrey shares with... wait for it... MY ACTUAL LIFE, guys. It's crazy! I was like, "Who is this Sophie Kinsella, that she knows my family so doggone well?!"
Audrey and I are similar in that we both struggle with mental illness. When I was thirteen, I was hospitalized with Anorexia Nervosa. My hospitalization, of course, resulted in my having to leave the school I'd been attending. Later, I switched schools to avoid placing myself in a situation that would likely prove triggering. In addition to my eating disorder, I struggled (and still very much do) with social and general anxiety. Some days are worse than others, and I, like Audrey, know (and occasionally need to be reminded) that life is a series of ups and downs.
Audrey's brother Frank is almost-ridiculously similar to my twin brother. THE VIDEO GAME OBSESSION, guys. Also, his snarky quick-wittedness when arguing their value with his mother - I mean, he's my bro on a page! I love how Frank has this unconditional love for Audrey, too, despite the consequences of her illness on his life. When I was ill and in the hospital, my parents took turns driving the ten-hour distance from home to me. My brother's life was thrown into chaos for quite a while, but he was endlessly selfless amidst all of that. This novel gave me a whole new appreciation for the sacrifices that my family made for me during that crazy time.
Unfortunately, I cannot say that I have a Linus. WHAT A CUTIE. I love his relationship with Audrey. I also really loved the way that Kinsella built up their relationship. It wasn't always easy. Both Audrey and Linus were pushed outside of their comfort zones due to Audrey's struggles; but in the end, their relationship was made stronger for it.
While I felt that this novel accurately depicted aspects of mental illness, and while I felt that mental illness is certainly a theme, I wouldn't say that mental illness is strictly what Finding Audrey is about. It's about being young and vulnerable; it's about being adult and vulnerable; it's about finding courage and strength in new and familiar love. And while it's all of those things, it's laugh-out-loud funny and wonderfully heart-warming.
I'd recommend Finding Audrey to anyone and everyone.
☆☆☆☆☆