Speed of Life - Yolanda Ridge

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Reviewer: Yolanda Ridge

ISBN: 9781492654490

This is another title for the middle grade grows up category. The main character, Sofia, is fourteen-years-old – right on the line between middle grade and young adult. It was shelved in the middle grade section of my local library but has some very young adult content, mainly about sex (although none of it is graphic). On Goodreads it is recommended for ages 11-15, which seems appropriate. My 11-year-old son chose not to read it when he got to ABCs of Adolescence but I think he was already put off by the first line “WARNING: This is kind of a sad story”.

Regardless of what category this title falls into (and despite the sadness factor, or perhaps because of it), Speed of Life a wonderful read. It is impossible not to cheer for Sofia as she grieves the loss of her mother and adjusts to her dad’s new relationship. Along the way, Sofia moves from the city to the suburbs and finds romance. Some of the coincidences – Dear Kate and Sam – are a little too coincidental but the characters are memorable and authentic enough to make up of this minor quibble.

The message – even though you never forget losing those you love, life without them slowly gets easier – is beautifully conveyed. This book is both heart breaking and heart warming all at the same time. Recommended.