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brookesbooks_and_dogs 's review for:
Speed of Life
by Carol Weston
This book is a gem! I loved the main character, Sofia, and found her endearing and an honest representation of a 14-year old girl. At times her best friend Kiki, was a bit corny, and some of the dialogue was just a bit off, but overall this book rang true to some one who spends a lot,of time with pre-teens and teens. I looked forward to reading it and thought about it when I had to put it down to actually get on with my life.
Brief Summary: Sofia is a 14-year old living in New York City. She attends a private all-girls school where her mother was a beloved Spanish teacher. Was. When the story opens in January, Sofia's mother has died 8 months ago and Sofia and her father and trying to cope with the loss and their new relationship as a two person family. Sofia and her BFF, Kiki, attend a speaker at their school, Dear Kate, who writes an advice column for teenagers. Both girls are enraptured by Dear Kate's wisdom and honesty. Later that evening, Sofia's father attends a parent session with Dear Kate. The story progresses from January to January, a Year in Sophia's Life. Sofia starts writing to Dear Kate, asking for advice she wishes she could ask her mother as she struggles with life's challenges of becoming a young woman. Dear Kate writes back in endearing and sincere letters. Sofia's father begins dating, and in the spring we learn that the "Mystery Woman" is Dear Kate! Sofia's father and Kate reconnected at the school assembly - they knew each other in high school. From there, Sofia grapples with all of the changes happening in her life and begins to navigate high school and dating - with Dear Kate by her side.
What I Liked: the story is sweet, but not sappy; heartfelt but not too deep; and the relationships are honest and real. I Liked that Sofia was only 14 turning 15; a lot of YA is about kids a few years older and the content is more mature. Speed of Life goes at Sofia's speed - one month at a time. She does not rush into dating, sex, or drinking alcohol - which I appreciated in this story. I Liked that the story was realistic and believeable.
What I Didn't Like: Not much! There were some cheesy one-liners from Kiki and Alexa, Dear Kate's daughter, but other than that, I really enjoyed this book.
Final Thoughts: this is a book I will definitely recommend to my students. I think the age recommendation of 11-15 is perfect and is the same age population of the students I work with. I think it is an appropriate read for that age group and parents will not have to worry about mature content. This story made even a 30-something get teary-eyed! Sofia was 13 when her mother died; I was 15 when my father died. I felt that her experience of adjusting to life without her mother and the life situations that come up which Sofia must figure out on her own were real.
Overall, this is a fun but touching read. I cared about the characters and was invested In their lives. I highly recommend this book to teens and adults!
** I want to sincerely thank the publisher for allowing me to read this book, courtesy of NetGalley. It was a pleasure to read and review.
Brief Summary: Sofia is a 14-year old living in New York City. She attends a private all-girls school where her mother was a beloved Spanish teacher. Was. When the story opens in January, Sofia's mother has died 8 months ago and Sofia and her father and trying to cope with the loss and their new relationship as a two person family. Sofia and her BFF, Kiki, attend a speaker at their school, Dear Kate, who writes an advice column for teenagers. Both girls are enraptured by Dear Kate's wisdom and honesty. Later that evening, Sofia's father attends a parent session with Dear Kate. The story progresses from January to January, a Year in Sophia's Life. Sofia starts writing to Dear Kate, asking for advice she wishes she could ask her mother as she struggles with life's challenges of becoming a young woman. Dear Kate writes back in endearing and sincere letters. Sofia's father begins dating, and in the spring we learn that the "Mystery Woman" is Dear Kate! Sofia's father and Kate reconnected at the school assembly - they knew each other in high school. From there, Sofia grapples with all of the changes happening in her life and begins to navigate high school and dating - with Dear Kate by her side.
What I Liked: the story is sweet, but not sappy; heartfelt but not too deep; and the relationships are honest and real. I Liked that Sofia was only 14 turning 15; a lot of YA is about kids a few years older and the content is more mature. Speed of Life goes at Sofia's speed - one month at a time. She does not rush into dating, sex, or drinking alcohol - which I appreciated in this story. I Liked that the story was realistic and believeable.
What I Didn't Like: Not much! There were some cheesy one-liners from Kiki and Alexa, Dear Kate's daughter, but other than that, I really enjoyed this book.
Final Thoughts: this is a book I will definitely recommend to my students. I think the age recommendation of 11-15 is perfect and is the same age population of the students I work with. I think it is an appropriate read for that age group and parents will not have to worry about mature content. This story made even a 30-something get teary-eyed! Sofia was 13 when her mother died; I was 15 when my father died. I felt that her experience of adjusting to life without her mother and the life situations that come up which Sofia must figure out on her own were real.
Overall, this is a fun but touching read. I cared about the characters and was invested In their lives. I highly recommend this book to teens and adults!
** I want to sincerely thank the publisher for allowing me to read this book, courtesy of NetGalley. It was a pleasure to read and review.