Finding Audrey: 02/12/18

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella is a standalone YA novel about anxiety disorder. Audrey was horribly bullied in school and after an explosive (but vague — left to the imagination) event, she's been living at home away from the world. She wears dark glasses and keeps her room dark, to avoid eye contact and other forms of interaction.

Meanwhile Mum is worried about older brother, Frank's obsession with LOC (a multiperson shooter). There's an international tournament coming and he and his team are trying to practice. But the Daily Mail says that too much screen time can be a sign of addiction. She decides to stop Frank before he's ruined forever, but taking away his computer. But this being a Sophie Kinsella book, Mum's approach is over the top. It's the mayhem of Frank trying to play LOC and Mum doing everything to thwart him that acts as the catalyst to help Audrey work through more intense therapy.

While the set up is similar to The Goldfish Boy, there is one key difference — the timing. Audrey has already been diagnosed and she's been going through therapy with Dr. Sarah well before the book opens; Matthew's story primarily takes place before his diagnosis.

Finally there is Frank's friend Linus. Some reviews complain that the romance between them is unrealistic because of her anxiety. Others argue that he magically fixes her and that's unrealistic. Linus is part of initial commotion where Mum is threatening to toss Frank's computer out the window. He's someone new in Audrey's life and he's willing to be a friend on her terms. He's also willing to help her through her tougher therapy homework (like going out in public to crowded places).

Linus and Audrey's relationship develops over the course of the book. It's a slower and more organic one than many young adult novels I've read. He's really there more as a friend until near the end when she is very clearly interested in him romantically.

Four stars

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 05:43:28

Harvee

I enjoy YA books every now and again and like Kinsella.

Comment #2: Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 19:23:00

Pussreboots

I just bought Sophie Kinsella's latest book Surprise Me.