While other high school seniors are dreaming about their futures, Sophie and Carter are just trying to make it through each day. Carter is overwhelmed by issues at home as he struggles to support his mother. Meanwhile, next door neighbor Sophie is left to care for her three younger siblings in place of their absent and troubled mother. All that holds these two best friends together is each other, and knowing that each night they'll sit together on Sophie's front porch swing and escape from their troubles, if just for awhile. But as their relationship reaches a turning point and high school graduation near, will their friendship become something...more?
Review:
Sophie & Carter is a little gem of a story that I'm thrilled to have discovered.
I have been reading quite a few "issue" books (Every You, Every Me, You Against Me) that were wonderful but left me in a dark place for days after reading.
Sophie & Carter deals with prostitution, domestic violence, mental illness and a few other things thrown in for good measure but I could not have been happier while reading this one.
Both Sophie and Carter have suffered through years of abuse and neglect at the hands of their parents. Since they are neighbors, they have witnessed each others suffering over the years. They pretend not to know each other at school (it helps them keep their home life & troubles separate from their school life where they can be normal) but every night they meet on Sophie's front porch swing to talk about their day.
They have come to rely on each other for support and while Sophie knows she's in love with Carter, he's just coming to the realization of how much she means to him.
Told in alternating points of view we get to see how difficult life has been for each of them but also see the joy they bring to each other.
Sophie is just a delight to know. She's taking care of her brothers & sisters, lovingly nicknamed "the littles", all alone. She is one brave girl. During her POV's I felt like I was sitting at her kitchen table having a cup of coffee chatting about her story. I want to be her BFF.
Carter is swoon worthy as a boy who is unbelievably patient, kind and loyal despite his background.
This is a very short book so I don't want to spoil too much. Chelsea Fine has packed a lot of history and emotion into a little space. Despite the subject matter, Sophie & Carter is also a story filled with heart and hope. Seriously guys - check this one out! You won't be disappointed and it only took me about 3 hours to read.
Rating: 4 out 4 BIG story wrapped in a little package.
Book trailer for Sophie & Carter:
Buy the book! paperback, Kindle (for the ridiculously low bargain price of $2.99!!)
Publisher: Acacia Publishing, Inc. - June 20, 2011
Source: Purchased - e-book
Qualifies for the: 2011 Debut Author Challenge, Young Adult Contemporary Challenge 2011
Publisher: Acacia Publishing, Inc. - June 20, 2011
Source: Purchased - e-book
Qualifies for the: 2011 Debut Author Challenge, Young Adult Contemporary Challenge 2011
I've seen this a few times and heard good things about it so far. I'll definitely need to get an e-book copy of this once I get my Kindle.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your opinion with us,
Carina @ Fictional Distraction
I was curious about this book then forgot all about it. Got to love when you discover a gem, this sounds like a great read I must check out, thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteI would have never given this book a second glance without your review. And since you rarely ever give books 4/4 stars, I'm going to have to check it out now. Great review, hon!
ReplyDeleteI have considered reading this a few times, but now I think I am definitely going to have to check it out. :) Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteAn issues book that doesn't leave you disappointed. Why, yes please! And at that price, I couldn't pass it up.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read issue books they were always so dark and boring. I am glad to hear that all are not like that
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read! The cover drew me in, but your glowing reviewing has me running to Amazon! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteNot a typical book I would read, but the issues that the teens go through interest me. And I think it's interesting also how they don't talk at school, but instead meet each night.
ReplyDeleteI keep seeing this one on blogs! Everyone seems to enjoy it! And this is the first time I'm seeing the trailer :)
ReplyDeleteIssue books get to me as well!
They hang out on the front porch swing?! So adorable!
From the first chapter, I was hooked. I read this book in one sitting-frustrated with any interruption. The story line hovers around places we don't always want to go, but then, in such a redemptive way, steers us through layers of life and lands us smack-dab in the middle of real love
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