When 14-year-old Audrey is the target of bullying at school, she finds that she struggles to even leave the comfort and security of her own home, finding dark glasses to help her move through day-to-day life. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder, Audrey works with a counselor to help her take steps towards a more normal life style.
One that Audrey could really not care less about.
When her brothers best friend Linus starts to frequent her home. Audrey’s interest is piqued. Linus is not like other boys. He doesn’t seem to be startled by Audrey wearing dark glasses inside or her inability to go out into the world. Instead, Linus seems to enjoy Audrey’s company, even coming over to the house to see her. The connection Audrey makes with Linus is one that not only is helping her, but her entire family.
Finding Audrey was a fun listen. I have read Sophie Kinsella before (I’ve Got Your Number) which was a light fun read. This one is still fun as YA goes, but it also has a more serious undertone to it that makes you really think about what Audrey is going through. You also can not help but cheer on Linus, what a great character! Over all Kinsella comes through again with a heartwarming story that I think will speak well to young adults and all ages alike.
On a personal note: I found with my own life these past 10 months that I could relate to Audrey. I get the desire to feel safe and secure in my own home as well, never knowing what you can be dealing with in the real world. By no means am I at where Audrey is at, I can and do go out and carry on as I used to – I just find it takes more energy to do so. I only mention this because it helped me understand what Audrey is going through a little more.
- Age Range: 12 and up
- Grade Level: 7 and up
- Audio CD
- Publisher: Listening Library (Audio); Unabridged edition (June 9, 2015)
- Listening Length: 6 hours and 36 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
Book Journey 
I loved this book…quite a departure for Sophie Kinsella, but one that I think will be helpful to those with bullying and/or anxiety problems. As someone who lives with chronic (though managed) anxiety, I found it to be a touching story. I LOVED Linus.
Great comment. 🙂
As a woman who lived with Depression and anxiety in the past I can relate to the character in this book.
Audrey did a good job of representing.
Sounds like a book I would enjoy. I think I’ll see if my library has it.
Oh good!
I seem to be the lone dissenter on this one. I wanted Audrey to come into her own by herself, not because of a boy.
I always like that too Kathy – you know how I like the strong female characters 🙂
Sheila, this definitely sounds like a more serious book by this popular author. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I think I would, too!
It is, it surprised me because I thought it would be lighter.
This sounds like a good one! I think I had assumed because of the title that it was an Audrey Hepburn obsession story,
Ahhhh – I had not thought of that!
I’ve heard so much about bullying and depression amongst young school going children that this book seems timely.
Right? It is so sad that is true.
I’ve been curious about this one, as I’ve enjoyed some of Kinsella’s books, and wanted to read something different from the Shopaholic series. Thanks for sharing.
Sure 🙂
I haven’t read this yet — but I think I should.
This sounds like another good from from Sophie Kinsella.