Synopsis: Because of some never quite explained past social tragedy, 14 year old Audrey is faced with working through her social anxiety and mental health issues. Audrey narrates her life and documents her family for a therapist-assigned project as she battles with leaving the house and interacting with anyone but her family. Her older brother Frank, and her mother battle over video game addiction while Frank’s friend Linus takes an interest in Audrey. Linus helps Audrey work through her issues and open up to the outside world. The family home gains unity through the unexpected connection of video games.
Genre Characteristics:
Identity
Humor/Clever writing
Rebirth
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Appeal:
Mental Health
The topic of mental health is a theme throughout the book, but in a relatively light manner. This may be a trigger for those suffering from severe mental illness, but the book does show improvement in mental illness through the protagonist.
Video Games
Video games and video game addiction is seen throughout the book. Video game addiction popularized through media is discussed in an over-the-top sarcastic manner, and video games are a strong plot-driving device throughout the book for multiple characters.
Romance
The main character discovers a romantic relationship in the story, containing appropriate content for a young adult book.
Brother-Sister Relationship
The main character discusses heavily her relationship with her brother and is seen through the eyes of the main character. This is a relatively central aspect of the book and shows a healthy but realistic relationship between brother and sister.
Read-A-Likes:
Don’t Touch by Rachel M Wilson
Kiss of Broken Glass by Madeleine Kuderick
Trouble Is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly
The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak by Brian Katcher
I'm a fan of Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series, so I was excited when this released last year. It may deal with anxiety, but I thought the biggest theme still remained family, making this an accessible read for many. And the fact that Kinsella has written many adult books (including those under her real name, Madeleine Wickham), this may be an easier recommendation to adults who are hesitant to branch out into YA.
ReplyDeleteI really like Sophie Kinsella and had picked this up a while back. I never got to read it though, boo. The appeal factors definitely fit my interests, so I need to make time for it.
ReplyDeleteJanelle has a great point: Having a familiar name might help reluctant adults dip their toes into the YA pool. :)
I read this book last year, and I really liked it! I'm not a fan of chick lit, but I tried the Shopaholic series just because this book was so good. Unfortunately, I couldn't even get through Confessions of a Shopaholic, but I'm hoping she'll write more YA!
ReplyDeleteNicole,
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear your thoughts on this book. I think I may check this out. One of my son's friends is struggling with his mother's game addiction. Many times I have felt my son spends too much time on the games. I could not imagine being the adult and struggling with a gaming addiction. This truly isolates children from family. We make the boys spend time with us. Getting away from the games is good sometimes.
I think I will have to pick this book up.
Thank you for sharing.
Jennie
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear your thoughts on this book. I think I may check this out. One of my son's friends is struggling with his mother's game addiction. Many times I have felt my son spends too much time on the games. I could not imagine being the adult and struggling with a gaming addiction. This truly isolates children from family. We make the boys spend time with us. Getting away from the games is good sometimes.
I think I will have to pick this book up.
Thank you for sharing.
Jennie
Excellent annotation! Full points!
ReplyDelete