The Wonder Spot

$12.99 US
Penguin Adult HC/TR | Penguin Books
On sale May 30, 2006 | 978-1-101-19181-1
Sales rights: US, Canada, Open Mkt
"This book is perfect." —Hadley Freeman, The Guardian

A funny, tender, and wickedly insightful look at a young woman's forays into love, work, and friendship over the course of 25 years 

Nothing comes easily to Sophie Applebaum, the black sheep of her family trying to blend in with the herd. Uneasily situated between two brothers, Sophie first appears as the fulcrum and observer of her clan in "Boss of the World." Then, at college, in "The Toy Bar," she faces a gauntlet of challenges as Best Friend to the dramatic and beautiful Venice Lambourne, curator of "perfect things." In her early twenties, Sophie is dazzled by the possibilities of New York City during the Selectric typewriter era—only to land solidly back in Surrey, PA after her father's death.

The Wonder Spot follows Sophie's quest for her own identity—who she is, what she loves, whom she loves, and occasionally whom she feels others should love—over the course of 25 years. In an often-disappointing world, Sophie listens closely to her own heart. And when she experiences her 'Aha!' moments—her own personal wonder spots—it's the real thing. In this tremendous follow-up to her runaway bestseller, The Girls' Guide To Hunting And Fishing, Bank returns with her signature combination of devilishly self-deprecating humor, and again shares her vast talent for capturing a moment, taking it to heart, and giving it back to her readers.

"Prodigiously talented, mordantly wry and wise, Bank offers... irresistible reading." —San Francisco Chronicle

"A five-course meal: loaded with pleasure." —Los Angeles Times

"Bank possesses a prodigious talent for snappy one-liners, and her self-deprecating anecdotes belie intelligence and sophistication." —The Washington Post

"Bittersweet, tremendously winning... enthralling and engaging." —Entertainment Weekly

About

"This book is perfect." —Hadley Freeman, The Guardian

A funny, tender, and wickedly insightful look at a young woman's forays into love, work, and friendship over the course of 25 years 

Nothing comes easily to Sophie Applebaum, the black sheep of her family trying to blend in with the herd. Uneasily situated between two brothers, Sophie first appears as the fulcrum and observer of her clan in "Boss of the World." Then, at college, in "The Toy Bar," she faces a gauntlet of challenges as Best Friend to the dramatic and beautiful Venice Lambourne, curator of "perfect things." In her early twenties, Sophie is dazzled by the possibilities of New York City during the Selectric typewriter era—only to land solidly back in Surrey, PA after her father's death.

The Wonder Spot follows Sophie's quest for her own identity—who she is, what she loves, whom she loves, and occasionally whom she feels others should love—over the course of 25 years. In an often-disappointing world, Sophie listens closely to her own heart. And when she experiences her 'Aha!' moments—her own personal wonder spots—it's the real thing. In this tremendous follow-up to her runaway bestseller, The Girls' Guide To Hunting And Fishing, Bank returns with her signature combination of devilishly self-deprecating humor, and again shares her vast talent for capturing a moment, taking it to heart, and giving it back to her readers.

Praise

"Prodigiously talented, mordantly wry and wise, Bank offers... irresistible reading." —San Francisco Chronicle

"A five-course meal: loaded with pleasure." —Los Angeles Times

"Bank possesses a prodigious talent for snappy one-liners, and her self-deprecating anecdotes belie intelligence and sophistication." —The Washington Post

"Bittersweet, tremendously winning... enthralling and engaging." —Entertainment Weekly