Review: “Chasing Stars”
This is my second book by this author, and I only wish I’d read it first (as it was written first) rather than going backwards. The more recent one I read — “Easy” — stopped my world to such an extent that I don’t think I can even objectively judge another book by her. But I’ll try! Here goes:
The Pros & Cons
“Chasing Stars” was awesome. I love love love love love how you really feel like you’re in these characters’ heads, feeling every conversation and every doubt and every sorrow. The sentences ramble the way my mind does sometimes, and it’s so refreshing to read something that feels like the way you think. When the scenes get sexy, your entire body twinges and ripples with the character’s.
A couple of my faves:
“I need man smell and man arms and man skin and sweat. I just need someone to hold me together and make me feel like nightmares are just nightmares and I’ll be okay.”
“Oh my God. Ares kissed me. I am so happy my insides are coated in glitter and confetti. But I’m also on the edge of tears because it doesn’t change anything. I can’t have him. He’s not mine.”
Nikki’s friendship with Persephone feels so much like one of mine from my past that it’s scary. The supportive, silent friend bolstering the other who clearly has a much better life; the sacrifices we make as young women; and that seesaw of love/hate that make you wonder how you were ever even friends with this person in the first place… yup. Bang on.
Also, Ares’ male stupidity at times was just awesome. Yes, he was a complete clunkhead, but unfortunately that’s kind of how young guys (or any guys, if we’re being entirely honest) can be at times! Both he and Persephone won your hearts by the end though, never mind the up and downs along the way when you want to knock them down.
I also really appreciated all the adult relationships interwoven into the story — Nikki’s mother is terrifying, but is well balanced with Persephone’s and Ares’ mother who treats Nikki like one of her own and even takes on her younger brother as well. The father characters also bring a nice balance to round out the story, showing that past negativity does not necessarily always need to permeate the present and the future, and there is room for growth and change and maturity from both sides of the generational gap.
Conclusion
There were a couple of moments that I was hoping for a *wee* bit more to push me over the top, but overall this was a stellar read and a fabulous debut novel, and I would recommend to anyone needing something that grabs at your emotions and doesn’t let you go until the end.
