Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella


Title: Finding Audrey
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Pages: 288 pages
Published: June 9th, 2015
Source: ARC from Penguin
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: .5/ 
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.

Buy it now!


I received an ARC from the publisher in the early stages of this book's publication and made the stupid mistake of not reading it at the time. I'm a stinkin' dumbass. Don't be stupid like me and pick up this book before it's too late. 

My favorite booktube Zoe (readbyzoe) loves reading Sophie Kinsella. She talks about her all the time in her videos and I'll be damned if I don't at least give her a try. I had a Sophie Kinsella book in my shelf, so why not? Now I pretty much fully understand the hype. Sophie Kinsella's writing is contemporary but I finished this book in one sitting! Just ask my sister who is a testament to me staying up till 2 a.m. to finish this book. I wasn't surprised, of course. With the way Zoe talked about her, I knew I wasn't going to be able to put this one down easily.

I respect authors that can take a fragile subject and craft an entire story around it. In this case, the main character has an anxiety disorder. Anxiety orders and depression are no easy topics to explain to someone who's never seen an anxiety attack or depression firsthand. What Ms. Kinsella did was make me feel just as anxious as Audrey felt when she was experiencing these attacks. Anxiety attacks-- better known as panic attacks-- aren't fun, to say the least. I've seen people have panic attacks firsthand and on video. Your heart pounds in your chest and you can't breathe. It'll almost feel like you're dying or going crazy. I was impressed that the author decided to tackle such a topic. 

The story is so much more complex than girl has problem, girl meets boy, and boy fixes girl's problem. From the synopsis you're probably even thinking that's where this story leads. Get your head out of the gutter because that's not the case at all! Audrey's family is a mess. Her mom get's stressed about everything and overreacts. Her dad basically doesn't have a mind of his own and practically regurgitates everything her mom says. Her brother, Frank, is struggling to explain his passion to their parents. And not to forget her little brother, Felix, who is too young to understand the family's predicament.

Her family tries to do the best they can to help her with her disorder but there is only so much they can do to help their daughter with a condition they know nothing about. Sure, she has Dr. Sarah to help her through the hoops and obstacles but Audrey knows that if she's really going to get better, it's all up to her. Then comes Linus. I know what you're thinking! You're like, this is totally insta love. I mean she likes him because he's the only guy that she feels comfortable being around. I'd like to disagree by saying he was the one that approached her and she wasn't even interested at first.

The growth of ALL the characters in this book is terrific. Not only is Audrey learning to cope with her disorder but her entire family seems to blossom from this chaotic mess to a family built off of learning from each other's mistakes and failures. What an exceptional story about family and love! I'm glad this was my first Sophie Kinsella book.

The only person I held a grudge with the entire book was the mother. She was slightly -- okay, I'm being too generous -- annoying in the beginning. When I say slightly, I mean REALLY annoying and especially when she repeatedly tells Frank to get off the computer. I understand how much she worries about her son but I mean, it's his future not yours!

Other than that, this book held the attention of a non-contemporary reader. The story goes by so quickly, you won't believe it's over when you reach the end. A documentation of not only one girl's recovery but her entire family's as well. Well done, Ms. Kinsella :D


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8 comments

  1. I'm glad to see you liked this one! I won a copy a while ago but still haven't checked it out!

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    1. Wow that's so awesome! I definitely recommend trying it if you've been blessed with a copy :D

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  2. Oh, it really must be good if you loved it despite not being one of your usual genres. I've heard a lot about Finding Audrey yet I haven't had the chance to pick it up. But soon, I'll make sure of it. I love books that can approach a certain subject without making it just about a love story and magically fixing everything. ;)

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    1. Same. I don't read contemporary often but felt bad about not reviewing it since I received it from the publishers. I really think this book is a gem for that reason! Thanks for reading Melissa :D

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  3. I am glad to hear you liked this one! I had a few problems with the book, but one thing is for sure, I thought it was hilarious! I have a review on it in my blog too (you dont need to check it out, just in case you wanted to see my opinion in more depth!) Anyway, its always lovely to finish a book and love it. I have been having trouble with reading lately :(( Love your blog ♥

    http://paranoidpuppets.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Of course! I love reading reviews on books I've read before because it gives me a chance to share my thoughts and disagree (if need be). I'll definitely check it out and I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it as much as I had. Thanks for reading and omggg thank you girll <3 :D

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  4. I don't read a lot of contemporary either, but I LOVE this book. I could relate and I thought it was truthful and cute and had some funny real life moments.

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    1. Have you read Sophie's other books? I feel like that is a huge factor in enjoying her books because I know her Shopaholic series appeals to so teenage girls who love to shop haha. Thanks for reading :D

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