Official Review: Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine

[Kalamazoo]

It's not often that I enjoy a book that is written by multiple points of view. I generally find that style of writing to be jarring and complicated. This book was so well written, that I really enjoyed both voices and found the writing style to be fitting, clear and effective.


The story is about teenage neighbors, Sophie and Carter, who develop a touching friendship due to the fact that they both have to deal with serious family issues. The characters are well developed and, since the book is written from both of the main characters’ points of view, there is a glimpse into their thoughts and moods that feels very personal. I thought that both characters’ views and reactions seemed to be consistent with the worlds in which they lived, so the story rang true to me.


Despite the hardships and sadness intrinsic in their stories, Sophie & Carter feels like well-rounded, lovable people that I would like to know. The book didn’t have the depressing or melodramatic effect that many angst-ridden teen stories have, and the characters always felt genuine and real. I felt for the titular characters, as well as their family members, as they struggled with the problems they faced, and I thought the author did a very good job of breathing life into not only the characters, but the life circumstances in which they found themselves.


The novella was 126 pages, which I found to be the perfect length. I applaud the author for not padding the book with 600 pages worth of fluff to take advantage of the current trilogy craze, as the characters certainly had enough drama and appeal to carry three books. I enjoyed the ending, and appreciate that everything wasn’t tied up into a neat little bow, ending in “they lived happily ever after,” which wouldn’t have felt authentic or true to the rest of the story. There was room for me to imagine what happened next.


I would highly recommend this book to any teen or adult who is looking for something short and sweet. I would categorize the book as a YA Contemporary, coming-of-age or love story. There was mature subject matter throughout the book (domestic violence, etc.), but I don’t recall any explicit sexuality or swearing.


I look forward to reading more from the author. 4 out of 4 stars.