Take an administrative snafu, a bad breakup, and “The Hot-Tub Incident,” and you’ve got two thoroughly unprepared sophomores on a semester abroad. For American party girl Tasha, an escape to Oxford may be a chance to ditch her fame as a tabloid temptress, but wading Uggs-deep in feminist theory is not her idea of a break. Meanwhile, the British half of the exchange, studious Emily, nurses an aching heart amid the bikinis and beer pong of U.C. Santa Barbara. With an anthropologist’s eye for detail and a true ear for teen-speak, Abby McDonald crafts a funny, fast-paced, poignant look at survival, sisterhood, and the surprising ways we discover our true selves.

For Emily, leaving Oxford for a fresh start away from her recent ex is just what she was looking for. Unfortunately, she never imagined that her late decision would land her at the ever so popular party school U.C. Santa Barbra, switching places with the now tragically famous “Tasha”. Natasha is also looking for a clean slate, but for entirely different reasons. Her recent staring role in a hidden camera tv reality show has left her permanently scared and all she can think about is getting far away from the party scene that has become her life. But to Oxford? Both girls are left to discover just who they are and what they want, in a strange land with absolutely no idea how to overcome their very different pasts.

I’ve been wanting to read Abby McDonald’s books for a very long time now, but unfortunately for me they’re hard to come by in the US. Most are young adult novels, which I do like as well, but her adult Chick Lit is mostly still only in the UK until next year. So, when I was approached about the opportunity to review Sophomore Switch, a recent paperback release here in the US, I jumped at the chance. And oh my, I am so happy I did! Abby McDonald’s writing is fantastic, with a compelling and completely fun story.

First of all I have to say I absolutely adored both Emily and Natasha! The story is told in alternating voices between the two and explores their personalities and transformations. McDonald did a fantastic job of creating two individual characters! Emily, the pretentious British girl with very high standards and expectations and Natasha, the American girl with an aptitude for partying into the wee hours of the morning and no real direction. They both start out as completely different people, but by the end realize that they both have something to offer if they can just find a happy medium.

About half way through the book the two decide the only way to get through their individual battles is to connect with each other and strategize a plan. This is brilliant! The emails back and forth, chat sessions, and occasional phone calls are hilarious! It adds a completely different dynamic to the story and I loved it. It’s also from this point on that they both start to explore their respective love interests, which was also incredibly endearing.

As this was my first dip into the world of Abby McDonald I can honestly say it will not be the last. Both Emily and Natasha, as well as the external characters were incredible, believable down to the slang and interactions with the other characters. The setting was also extremely believable, being that I live very near U.C. Santa Barbara, I absolutely believed everything she created in the story surrounding it. Sophomore Switch is a story about finding yourself and become the person you truly want to be. Emily and Natasha are still two completely different individuals, but their collective efforts make this book an entirely enjoyable and fun read. I’d recommend it to nearly everyone who loves a great book!

This book was provided for review by the publisher, Candlewick Press. Thank you! Follow them online via Facebook and/or Twitter.

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