Description
Publication Date: July 15, 2025
ASIN Number: B0FC6KGXGH
Number of Pages: 501
Phoebe Carasso got through high school in silence. She had a serious speech impediment; in social situations, she was given to stuttering. When he could, Phoebe’s twin brother, David, saved the day by serving as her spokesman. For the most part, however, their fellow students and teachers knew not to badger her.
Now in college, with David studying out of state, Phoebe has no choice but to change her modus operandi. Though it isn’t easy, for the first time in her life, she makes friends and takes risks.
Her world used to be defined entirely by her small, Sephardic New York family. Now, it expands through new encounters that cross cultures, nationalities, and life experiences.
On a journey of self-discovery, Phoebe learns how to field increasingly complex situations, going from someone who observes life from the shadows to an active participant.
This vibrant coming-of-age story will leave readers embracing the idea that change is possible.
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Book Review: Finding Phoebe by Ellie Henkind Katz
In Finding Phoebe, Ellie Henkind Katz presents a deeply emotional and inspiring journey of self-discovery. Phoebe is a timid, self-conscious young woman who has long hidden behind her twin brother, relying on him as both her emotional anchor and a buffer in social situations. Phoebe’s speech impediment has made her feel like a fly on the wall in her own life, avoiding attention and interacting with others only when her brother is by her side to provide support.
This strong, protective bond between Phoebe and her brother is one of the novel’s most heartwarming aspects. He’s the one person who truly understands her struggles and helps her navigate social situations, making her feel safe in a world where she feels misunderstood. For Phoebe, this reliance has kept her sheltered from the outside world, leaving her with a limited sense of her own capabilities and voice.
However, when Phoebe is separated from her brother and heads off to college, she is forced to face the world on her own for the first time. This shift becomes a pivotal moment in her life. With her brother no longer there to shield her, Phoebe is pushed to confront her fears, challenge herself, and slowly step out of her shell. College life forces her into situations where she has to communicate more independently, whether it’s interacting with classmates, professors, or making new friends. At first, this is incredibly difficult for Phoebe—she stumbles, feels awkward, and struggles to make connections. But as the story progresses, readers witness Phoebe gaining confidence, slowly finding her voice, and gradually learning to advocate for herself in ways she never thought possible.
While this transformation is inspiring, the book can sometimes feel weighed down by its length. The story is rich in emotional depth, but at times, Katz’s focus on the minutiae of Phoebe’s inner thoughts and the detailed exploration of her experiences can slow the pacing. While these details offer insight into Phoebe’s emotional growth, they also make the book feel unnecessarily long at times. For younger readers, especially those with shorter attention spans, the drawn-out moments might challenge engagement, though the deeper connection to Phoebe’s world will keep some readers hooked.
Despite the pacing issues, Finding Phoebe is a poignant exploration of overcoming personal obstacles and finding one’s strength. Phoebe’s journey from a quiet, withdrawn girl hiding behind her brother to a more confident young woman stepping out on her own is powerful and relatable. It’s a story about growth, resilience, and the courage it takes to push beyond your comfort zone—even when it feels impossible.
Ultimately, Finding Phoebe will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or faced their own challenges. The book is an empowering read for young readers, particularly those navigating the complexities of identity, self-acceptance, and the trials of growing up. While the detailed exploration of Phoebe’s character makes the book a bit long at times, the emotional depth and rewarding payoff are definitely worth the read. (Mindy Warshawsky, reader)