Skip to content

In “Audrey, Wait!” by Robin Benway, readers are taken on a whirlwind journey through the life of Audrey Cuttler, an ordinary teenager whose world is turned upside down when a breakup with her musician boyfriend, Evan, results in a hit song that becomes an overnight sensation. This contemporary young adult novel combines humor, romance, and the challenges of teenage life, making it an engaging and relatable read for book discussion groups.

Summary: Audrey Cuttler’s life takes an unexpected turn when she decides to break up with her boyfriend, Evan. Little does she know that Evan, in his heartbreak, writes a song about their breakup that skyrockets to fame. Overnight, Audrey becomes an unwitting celebrity, and her life becomes a rollercoaster of media attention, paparazzi, and unexpected consequences. The novel explores the highs and lows of sudden fame, the complexities of relationships, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Throughout the story, Audrey’s newfound celebrity status forces her to navigate situations she never expected, including the need for discretion and sometimes even a touch of rebellion. A particular moment involves Audrey contemplating the use of a fake ID on IDgod, adding an element of intrigue and highlighting the lengths she goes to maintain a sense of normalcy amid the chaos.

“Audrey, Wait!” invites readers to reflect on the consequences of sudden fame, the authenticity of relationships, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures. As the group delves into these themes, the humor and relatability of the novel are sure to spark lively discussions and varying perspectives among its members.

Audrey Cuttler is a typical teenage girl, navigating the ups and downs of high school life. She’s dating Evan, the lead singer of a local band, but their relationship is far from perfect. Evan is self-absorbed and puts his music career above everything else, leaving Audrey feeling neglected and unappreciated.

One night, fed up with Evan’s behavior, Audrey dumps him. Evan, devastated by the breakup, pens a chart-topping song about Audrey, “Audrey, Wait!”. The song catapults Audrey into the spotlight, turning her into an instant celebrity.

Overnight, Audrey’s life is turned upside down. She’s thrust into a world of fame and fortune, but she’s also dealing with the pressures of newfound popularity and the scrutiny of the public eye.

Through it all, Audrey tries to stay true to herself. She’s determined not to let fame change her, but she also struggles to find her place in this new world.

As Audrey navigates the complexities of fame and first love, she learns important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the theme of fame impact Audrey’s life, relationships, and sense of self?
  2. In what ways does the author use humor to address serious themes in the story?
  3. What are the implications of the viral song on Audrey’s privacy and personal life?
  4. Discuss the dynamics of Audrey’s friendships and how they evolve throughout the novel.
  5. Explore the role of social media in shaping Audrey’s public image and the impact on her life.
  6. How does the novel depict the challenges of adolescence, particularly in the context of sudden fame?
  7. Analyze the character development of Audrey and other key characters in the story.
  8. What is the significance of the title, “Audrey, Wait!”? How does it reflect the narrative?
  9. Discuss the portrayal of the music industry in the novel and its impact on the characters.
  10. Explore the themes of self-discovery and resilience in Audrey’s journey.
  11. What are your initial thoughts on Audrey as a character?
  12. How do you feel about Evan’s behavior throughout the story?
  13. What do you think of Audrey’s decision to use a fake ID to sneak into a club?
  14. How does Audrey’s relationship with her friends change as she becomes famous?
  15. Discuss the role of social media in the story.
  16. How does Audrey cope with the pressures of fame?
  17. What is your opinion on the song “Audrey, Wait!”?
  18. What do you think is the most important lesson Audrey learns in the story?
  19. How would you rate the book overall?
  20. Would you recommend this book to others?