LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
One of our Books of the Year 2015 - June 2015 Debut of the Month Audrey’s family life is reassuringly normal. There’s her Daily Mail reading mum, computer game addicted big brother, and well-meaning dad trying, and generally failing, to say the right thing. It’s sharply observed comedy, and very funny. Audrey has problems though which make her life different to most teens. She suffers from an anxiety disorder which means any contact with other people, even looking them in the eye, is very difficult. With real understanding and a light touch, the book describes her efforts to cope. Audrey’s tentative relationship with her brother’s friend Linus makes for a very sweet romance, while the story gives full weight to the pressures she’s facing. ~ Andrea Reece
A Letter from the author Sophie Kinsella
Dear Reader,
As the author of the Shopaholic series, I have always tried to write about contemporary issues that readers will relate to. To my delight, millions of readers across the globe have enjoyed the tales of my debt-ridden heroine, Becky Brandon.
I have now taken a new direction with my first Young Adult book, Finding Audrey, which I am excited to introduce to you. Audrey is a teenage girl suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder. She has experienced bullying, and as a result has become virtually a prisoner in her own home. This is the story of her journey to recovery, with the help of a boy named Linus. It’s sad in places, but funny, too, and romantic as only a teen story can be. Audrey has been through a difficult time but she never loses her wit, nor her positive spirit.
As a parent of teens myself, I am well aware of the tough issues that they face – from
bullying to screen addiction and fledgling relationships. I melded all these issues into the story of a family battling through as best they can. Perhaps that is one of the
messages of the book – the curveballs will always come in life, and all we can do is try our best, keep our chins up and stay looking forward.
It was a wonderful experience for me to write in a new style, to a new audience. I quite fell in love with the whole Turner family. Part of Audrey’s therapy involves her filming her family for a fly-on-the-wall documentary. The reader gets to ‘see’ the documentary through snippets of film script and this was an exciting new twist for me.
I hope that readers find the story of Audrey and her chaotic family a funny and uplifting one. I also hope that it provides reassurance to any young reader – or indeed parent - going through similar problems. Audrey is a brave, charming and resourceful girl and I hope she will inspire my readers as much as she has inspired me.
Sophie Kinsella
LoveReading4Kids
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About
Finding Audrey Synopsis
A ZOELLA Book Club Pick!
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Shopaholic series comes a terrific blend of comedy, romance, and psychological recovery in a contemporary YA novel sure to inspire and entertain.
Audrey wears dark glasses all the time, even in the house. She almost never goes out, doesn't talk to new people, and finds making eye contact to be nearly impossible.
But then one day she meets Linus. Linus is her brother's friend and a sensitive spirit with whom she can talk through her fears. He makes her laugh and doesn't leave her feeling like she's being judged. As their friendship deepens, Audrey's recovery gains momentum, and she and Linus begin to develop feelings for each other. But how can they have a future together when Audrey hasn't dealt with her past? And how could anyone ever love her once they've seen her at her worst?
"An outstanding tragicomedy that gently explores mental illness, the lasting effects of bullying, and the power of friends and loving family to help in the healing."-Kirkus Reviews, Starred
"Kinsella's knack for humor and sensitivity shine." Publishers Weekly
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780553536539 |
| Publication date: |
3rd May 2016 |
| Author: |
Sophie Kinsella |
| Publisher: |
Ember an imprint of Random House Children's Books |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
304 pages |
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Author
About Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella is an international bestselling writer. She is the author of many number one bestsellers, including the hugely popular Shopaholic series. She has also written seven bestselling novels as Madeleine Wickham. She lives in London with her husband and family.
A Q&A with Sophie about her novel, Finding Audrey
Why did you decide to write a YA novel?
I had in my head three characters: Audrey, a teenage girl with social anxiety; Frank, a teenage boy with a computer game obsession; and Anne, their mother, trying to control and support her family as best she can. I wanted to write a book with both pathos and comedy. As I started to tell Audrey's story, it became apparent that I was telling a story which would appeal to young adults, and it turned into a young adult book. However, I think of it also as a book for anyone who has suffered from anxiety or bullying, played computer games, had a child who plays too many computer games . . . or just lived in a family!
How did you come up with the character of Audrey?
Creating Audrey was one of those flashes of inspiration. As soon as I started to think about her, she seemed fully formed. I could see her and hear her and was desperate to write about her. She suffers from social anxiety, a condition I know about, but she also has a positive, quirky worldview and a great sense of humor. I'm very familiar with teenagers, having two of my own — but most importantly, I remember being a teenager myself.
What do you hope readers take away from the book?
I hope readers laugh and are touched and most of all are inspired by Audrey's journey. She is so brave and good-humored, and her story is a positive one. I hope that anyone suffering from anxiety, bullying, or even just teenage woes can take heart from her. I also hope the book entertains parents of teens. I think they'll read it in quite a different way!
More About Sophie Kinsella
