Finding Audrey

Book review by Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media
Finding Audrey Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Charming tale takes on bullying with sweet, light touch.

Sophie Kinsella Coming of Age 2015
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 7 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Sophie Kinsella's Finding Audrey features a 14-year-old protagonist suffering from anxiety and depression after being bullied at school. Audrey's wacky family and cute new crush, Linus, stand by her as she strives to recover. Though the book often has a funny, lighthearted tone, it imparts a lot of lessons, including what it feels like to suffer from panic attacks (and some steps for managing their severity). Parents can use this book to talk about bullying -- and about the benefits and liabilities of video game playing (which Audrey's parents and brother are trying to negotiate). Audrey and Linus strike up a romantic relationship, and she kisses him. There's some swearing, especially from Audrey's older brother, Frank (including "f--k" and "s--t"). Audrey takes prescription medication for her anxiety.

Community Reviews

rebma97
rebma97 Adult
September 12, 2015
age 12+

Accurate portrayal of anxiety

This book was really good. Audrey's a pretty realistic, relatable character, and for people like me who've dealt with anxiety disorders will be able to relate immensely to the way the author describes her feelings and such. Audrey's family is definitely, unintentionally hilarious, especially the mom. And the romance is sweet. Overall, this is a good YA read; despite being light, it has substance and a solid message. Violence: Audrey was bullied in school, though, from what was explained, there was no physical violence. Sex: Light romance between Audrey and Linus. Language: Strong profanity is used ocassionally; "f--k", "s--t", and the like are used. Drinking/drugs/smoking: The only use I remember was from Audrey's medication.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1NEleven1
1NEleven1 Adult
August 4, 2015
age 13+
While I think the reading level is suitable for around 11-12 and up, the language in the story makes me think it would be better suited for adolescents going into high school. The subject matter of mental illness is explained decently well. I also liked that it showed a wide variety of how people might react to Audrey's social anxiety disorder and depression. The author said herself, many children deal with anxiety, and this book is a great way for them to feel heard and understood. It also includes a lot of pop culture references. I read the whole book hoping to find out exactly what traumatic experience Audrey went through that caused her anxiety disorder to worsen so greatly, but it never actually stated what happened. I wish it hadn't hyped it up so much if it wasn't even going to say what it was, so that was a bit of a let down. Not to mention, sometimes the parent's dialogue was a little too silly to be natural, and Linus spoke in a way that was "too perfect" for a normal teenage boy. Overall, though, I think this is a book children would enjoy reading and be able to relate to a lot. The romance in the story is cute and innocent, and age-appropriate. Sometimes things get a bit cheesy, but ultimately, I would recommend it.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Too much swearing
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In FINDING AUDREY, Audrey is on a break from school, trying to recover from a horrible but unspecified bullying incident at school that left her susceptible to panic attacks and unable to venture outside her house or make eye contact. Her therapist encourages her to make a documentary, and she records her home life, including often very funny interactions between her well-meaning but clueless parents and her older brother, whom they've banned from playing video games (but he finds ways to play them anyway). Plus, the film gives her an excuse to talk to cute, caring Linus, a friend of her brother who believes Audrey can get better.

Is It Any Good?

This book takes on some serious issues -- bullying as well as depression and anxiety -- and still often comes across as sweet and funny, partly due to Audrey's (unintentionally) hilarious family. When her mother suspects her brother is playing computer games instead of doing homework, for example, she stands on top of the playhouse in the yard to peek in his window and ends up breaking the roof and being wedged inside the house.

The novel succeeds primarily thanks to the tender romance that blossoms between Audrey and Linus, who's very patient with her, even as he pushes her outside her self-imposed boundary by doing funny things such as asking a random man feeding ducks at a park if ducks are vegetarians. Ultimately, Finding Audrey is a charming story that will entertain tween and teen readers even as it encourages them to think about some heavy subjects.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the debate between Audrey's mother and her brother Frank. Do you think computer games have value, or can they be detrimental?

  • What exactly do you think happened to Audrey? Does her situation seem realistic to you?

  • What would you do if you saw someone being bullied? How can you avoid cyberbullying?

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