The Wonder Spot

The Wonder Spot
By: Melissa Bank
Penguin Canada; www.penguin.ca

Sophie Applebaum tries to fit in and find love in this second coming of age story by the author of The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing. With each chapter representing a different relationship in Sophie's life, we follow her through a series of breakups and job crises.

Read this if you: Can relate to the struggle of finding yourself while trying to figure out your career and love life or have ever felt bad about not dating someone who was 'right' for you.

Don't read this if you: Are looking for a surprise ending - it's Bank's observances about life that make this a great read.

The mood you need to be in: Discouraged about your love life. Sophie's string of disappointments and eventual ability to follow her heart will give you hope.

Read it while you're: Recovering from a bad date.

What you should be snacking on: Raw cookie dough and ice cream, the perfect post-bad date treat.

The best part: The advice Sophie receives from her 'new-and-improved' grandmother, who becomes a bigger part of her life after a series of strokes.

Other books on your nightstand:

In a nutshell: Sophie's chronic tardiness and unreliability despite warnings from her boss and relationships with the 'wrong' guy will remind you of Bridget Jones. But if you prefer more soul searching than comedy in your chick lit, this one's for you.

By: Christine Walewski