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Better Than Blonde
Life is almost ... well ... potentially perfect for Sophie Kandinsky. As it turns out, the Blondes were as dazzled by her as she was by them, and Sophie enters grade ten at Northern Heights smack in the centre of the power grid. There will be no more cascading lies and secrets from her, but the Blondes—now that’s another story. And her eccentric Aunties are still peppering Sophie with their eccentric advice on life, love, and how to land the elusive Luke Pearson. But in the end, the best and biggest news is also the worst. After seven years, Sophie’s beloved Papa is finally out of prison. Papa is home. Trouble is ... he’s supposed to be dead. No more lies? No more secrets?
Reviews... "Sex, Marriage, secrets - Toten weaves them all together in this multi-threaded sequel that concludes with sobering surprises, but en route includes refreshing glimpses into the cultures of Sophie's family and friends. ...its insight into negotiating cultural differences gives it a special twist." "Hilarious..." Starred Review "This is a delightful follow-up that may surpass the original in brilliance and entertainment value." "Sophie's first person voice swings convincingly between the smart-mouthed knowingness of 15 and the scared little girl she still is deep down." "The story advances, as good fiction should, by being creatively and imaginatively told with just enough humour to break up the intensity of typical teen life. Life is disorderly and chaotic, fun and tragic, all in equal measure." "Sophie's thoughful observations of friends' families' lives, and the soup crock of high school gossip, pretension and emotion, will have readers zipping through this excellent novel and demanding more." "realistic characters and situations and truly moving moments and relationships. An excellent series" "Each character is crisp and rounded and seems incredibly real. The narrative, told by Sophie, seems so possible and contains all of the sidetracks, asides, and background information that our own minds naturally progress through. We feel as though we really know Sophie and go through each of experiences with her." "Teresa Toten writes with candour, humour, insight and fondness for all her characters. It is good to have another chance to enjoy Sophie and her Blondes." |
• Finalist, Canadian Library Association YA Book of the Year, 2008
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