Play Book Tag discussion

I read Finding Audrey for book club, although I finished it a couple of months late. I didn't know much about it, but I figured I'd probably like it, which I did a lot.

Finding Audrey is about a 14-year-old girl who develops severe anxiety after an incident regarding bullying at school. We never find out exactly what happened, but we don't need to. We just know something happened and it turned Audrey's and her family's lives upside down. When the story begins, she has been making slow progress. Then, she meets Linus, her older brother's friend. She connects with him and starts making greater strides in her recovery.

Because I suffer from mental illness myself, particularly anxiety and depression, I really connected with Audrey. I also connected with her regarding her issues with school and being bullied. Her story was kind of my story. I wish I had had a Linus to help me when I was her age. I didn't have a Linus, but I did have a teacher that I'll never forget.

Anyway, I really liked the sense of hope without the finality this story had. So often books focusing on issues "cure" their characters by the end. If Audrey were real, she'd probably deal with anxiety for the rest of her life. But, with the help of counselling, medication, and her support system, she'd be able to cope and live a good life. I love that Finding Audrey showed that instead of curing her.

I think this is a fantastic story and it shows a realistic view of mental illness. It is YA, but I think it's relevant to readers of all ages, especially to those who deal or have dealt with mental illness either themselves or with someone they know.

Sophie Kinsella is my guilty pleasure of reading. I really liked her first delve into YA, as well as a more serious topic than pretty much ALL of her adult novels. I found Linus a little over the top "hero and understandable type" (similar to Park in Eleanor and Park) and maybe oversimplified mental illness, I hope anyone in this sort of situation can find their own Linus. Jenni Elyse, I'm glad you found someone as well <3

Joi wrote: "Sophie Kinsella is my guilty pleasure of reading. I really liked her first delve into YA, as well as a more serious topic than pretty much ALL of her adult novels. I found Linus a little over the t..."

I do agree that the mental illness was simplified, but I think that's because of the intended audience. But, even with it being simplified, I think it still rang true and showed the more important aspects.

And, yes, Linus was a little over the top, but I've never been one to hate over-the-top love interests. I mean, I like Edward Cullen and most people think he's way too controlling, so yeah. I guess take my opinion of the male leads with a grain of salt, lol.