Stephanie T. (stephkayeturner) reviewed on 2/27/2014 + 35 more book reviews

At first I didnt think I was going to like The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank, because I didnt like its protagonist, Sophie. Sandwiched between a cute and popular older brother, and a hardworking genius younger brother, Sophie is the middling middle child. The book begins with Sophie at about age twelve and follows her into adulthood. Each chapter could stand alone as a short story, which is in fact how I first encountered the title story, in the collection Speaking with the Angel, edited by Nick Hornby.

Sophie is not particularly good at anything, and doesnt particularly want to be. She fails at school, at work, at friendships, at relationships. At times you want to shake her and say, Just do something! Anything! But whats appealing about Sophie is her utter honesty. Not with others, but with herself. As she describes every pose she assumes, she shares her inner motivations, and we recognize ourselves. Its a well written collection, funny and moving.

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