Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Audrey is 14 years old and suffers from Anxiety and Sophie Kinsella captures what anxiety sufferers go through perfectly. It was as though she was telling my story, my life (although I suffer from a different type of anxiety). I use to have debilitating anxiety attacks and could relate perfectly to  Audrey despite more than a decade of age difference.

I could easily say that this is, Kinsella's strongest book to date. It deals with mental health issues in a serious yet charming and funny manner because sometime you just have to laugh at yourself. I like that she doesn't address what triggered her anxiety because there isn't necessarily a trigger it just happens or at least that was the case for myself.

Audrey's anxiety doesn't allow for her to leave the house and having people visit is a trigger and makes things worst. Her brother is a social butterfly and gamer and when his friend, Linus comes over to play games with her brother, he slowly but surly wiggles his way into her life. He helps to pull her out of her anxiety filled angst and "teach" her that sometimes you have to get over hurdles in life to get to the good stuff.

My only issue with this book is the "love" cures theme but it's a fun, easy, heartwarming read.

Grade: A-

Academy Girls by Nora Carroll

I loved reading the, Academy Girls and you will too!

Jane Milton and her son have returned to her Alma mater. Burdened by debt and divorce she has no choice but to return and teach at the school of her youth. Long hidden secrets will find there way to the surface and there is no escaping them.

A lot happened at Grove Academy and when the future and past mingle together things get complicated. The timeline makes it's way into the present and past chapters and the mystery surrounding this book will keep you guessing.

It's rare when I can't figure it out and this one was a challenge for me.

Grade: A

Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner

Rachel and Andy met when they were only 8 years old. They were both in the hospital and became fast friends in one night. They exchanged life stories (as much as you can have when you are 8 years old), Rachel is sent to bed and their paths don't cross again for decades

Their stories are told over a 30 year span.  Be prepared for some heartache and laughs, it's a crazy ride. The stories are told in an alternating fashion, flipping between Andy and Rachel in a flawless manner.

This is a perfect, lazy day read.

Grade: A-