Although she was known as Tasha in her hard-partying UC Santa Barbara days, Natasha is going by her full name as she arrives at Oxford University. Tasha was involved in what she likes to call "that Hot-Tub Incident," in which she made out with the wrong person, a reality TV show star, without one clue that she was being filmed. Unfortunately, the film of her capering has made it into the US national entertainment/tabloid "news", and everyone recognizes her. Thus, she has jumped at the chance to trade places with Oxford University student Emily Lewis.
Natasha, though, is finding it quite challenging to cope with her new environment. For one thing, unlike her UC Santa Barbara classes (mostly centering on film appreciation), the Oxford classes she has inherited from Emily are intense and intellectual. Her Theory of Politics professor calls books about political innovation "basic reading list texts." Natasha can't believe it, but her classmates actually seem to comprehend what Professor Elliot is talking about. Natasha excels in many things (like perfecting a tan and finding the perfect bargain at sales), but she's in a bit of a quandary discussing political theory. She also feels like the outsider she is in Emily's dreary dorm room without a friend to call her own.
Meanwhile, Emily tells us her story. She is also flabbergasted at finding herself in such unusual circumstances, in the middle of a group peppering their conversation with "like" and "totally" and "no way." Natasha's roommate, Morgan, can be friendly enough, but when Emily sees the way Morgan acts around her friend's boyfriend, she knows her new roommate is not exactly a trustworthy sort. Emily has escaped sorrowful memories of her ex, Sebastian, and is determined to stay in Santa Barbara. But she can't believe the low-brow courses she has inherited from Natasha, classes with names like "Teen Movies: Brat Pack and Beyond."
As Natasha determines to prove herself in England by actually (gasp) studying, Emily finds herself meeting Morgan's boyfriend, Ryan, in film class when she is assigned to work on making a movie with him. The two clash, although Emily feels sorry for Ryan when she sees Morgan two-timing him. She also feels somewhat sorry for herself. After all, she is used to some peaceful solitude. Instead, she has Morgan and her pack of friends and their inane constant chatter to cope with.
Meanwhile, Emily's father calls frequently to pressure Emily about optimal career paths. Natasha is finding that, despite her constant reading, she is falling behind in her studies. She is appalled to discover that her professor is planning to make her work less challenging than the other students. The lack of faith in her abilities galvanizes her further. But will she ever be able to conquer the demands of Oxford academia? When her friend, Holly, invites her to an actual ball, Natasha can't resist. After all, she practically majored in parties back in California. However, the bash isn't quite what she pictured.
Both girls are miserable. Although each suspects she has nothing in common with the other, the two begin chatting online and decide to coach each other to successful living in their respective new environments. As each girl practices coping mechanisms, they become entangled in romances...and more.
SOPHOMORE SWITCH is a good-natured, enjoyable, double "fish out of water" tale, and both Natasha and Emily are intriguing characters. Although parts of the book tread a bit of expected ground, author Abby McDonald serves up some delightful twists, while managing to tie up the stories in a satisfying manner.
--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
