If Holden Caulfield had been a girl growing up in the 1980s instead of going to a prep school in the 1950s, the story just may have been "The Wonder Spot." It tells the story of Sophie Applebaum from her early adolescence, through college, and into early adulthood. Sophie never quite feels comfortable in her own skin, nor does she ever feel like she fits in anywhere. She goes through a series of failed relationships and mediocre jobs and struggles to define her place in her own family. Though she is clearly smart, funny, and articulate, Sophie always appears to feel inferior to those around her and ends up selling herself short.
I really liked this book for fairly obvious reasons. (Anyone want to read a book about a 40 year old living in an apartment over her best friend's garage? ) It was written in the same style as Melissa Bank's first novel "The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing"; a series of short stories with recurring characters that are set in chronological order. Each story could stand alone on its own, but strung together form a non-traditional novel of sorts.
I logged onto a few online discussion groups with comments about this book. I was floored at how strong and angry some people were after reading this! (The words selfish, immature, boring, pointless, unable-to-learn are thrown around a lot) Jeez!
I happen to like true to life anti-heroes. If you do, as well, you may just enjoy this book.
1 comment:
I think the world is too teen-obsessed. I'd be totally willing to read about the cool 40 year old who lives in apartment over her best friend's garage!
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