When Sofia lost her mother eight months ago, her friends were 100% there for her. But now it's a new year, and they're ready for Sofia to move on. The problem is that Sofia can't bounce back-she can't recharge like a cellphone. She decides to write Dear Kate, an advice columnist for Fifteen Magazine, and is surprised to receive a fast reply. Soon, the two are exchanging emails, and Sofia opens up and spills all, including a few worries that are totally embarrassing. But it turns out that not even advice columnists have all the answers. One day, Sofia learns a secret that flips her world upside down: Dear Kate shows up on her doorstep...with her dad...as his girlfriend... A novel about love, family, grief, and growing up, Speed of Life is the heartbreaking, heartwarming story of a girl who thinks her life is over when it's really just beginning.
"The multicultural cast is led by the completely likable Sofia, whose mother was Spanish and whose abuelo's comforting presence remains across the ocean. Her story has no fast, easy answers, but there is a clear message that while time does not necessarily heal, it helps. The advice of not to fall too hard, too fast, or too far is real, not preachy. Complex characters and a strong voice make this
Kirkus, Starred Review
"Sofia's growth-amid unexpected interest from boys, her first relationship, new additions to her family, and grief-is both relatable and moving."
Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"This slice-of-life story echoes the author's own experience as a teen magazine advice columnist and addresses all sorts of issues: death, grieving, moving, parental dating, parental sexuality, stepsibling conflict, new schools, self-esteem, and relationships. This refreshing work tackles a lot of themes, but eventually Sofia does get to a better place...Weston isn't afraid to tackle the squirm-in
