Review: Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471161063
Released on: June 1 2018

Read: April 2 2018

This is only Jenn Bennett’s third contemporary young adult novel, and it’s clear she is on board with the current trends. Starry Eyes includes diversity of ethnicities and offers sex-positive representation in an organic and unpreaching way. MC, Zorie, is a serious astronomer and photographer, and it’s terrific to see the blend of science and art drive the plot and characterisation.

The romantic storyline is based on miscommunication, but fits in perfectly with the personalities of the two love interests. Zorie is a planner – anxious and tightly strung. Her comfort zone relies on safe, predictable and routine. When Lennon stands her up at Homecoming, then disappears and doesn’t talk to her when he returns, Zorie hides her heart-break and embarrassment behind silence and denial. Lennon is presented as a mysterious goth, a boy with wild parents, and his loner reputation allows him to walk away from Zorie with apparent ease.

But we don’t know the truth of Lennon, because everything is through Zorie’s narrative voice, which is funny and self-aware. She is constrained by her inability to be spontaneous, and she is constantly second guessing her thoughts and her actions, especially around other people. But she is also generous, smart and loyal. A flawed, sympathetic girl, and readers will love her from start to end.

Going ‘glamping’ with the popular crowd is certainly well outside her comfort zone, but Zorie finds herself talked into it by her step-mum, Joy, who reminds her to be careful not cautious with her life. Her decision is also spurred on by discovering her father is cheating on Joy, and by the sudden re-appearance of Lennon, who is still treating her with disdain. Zorie desperately wants her life to go back a year in time, and can only obsess about where everything went wrong. Imagine her surprise that Lennon is invited too, and suddenly the trip takes on an extra dimension of stress and torture (of course Lennon is gorgeously fit, and the only one who knows what he’s doing–such a turn on!)

Fortunately this summary only covers the first part of the book. The rest is the hiking trip (which goes gloriously wrong), and its aftermath, and Bennett doesn’t skip any details. We are given the highs and lows, and laugh and cry along with Zorie, as she re-connects with Lennon, and explores her own boundaries and feelings. It’s a terrific journey of self discovery and a little bit survival, when the rest of the crew abandon Zorie and Lennon to find their own way through the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. I can’t wait to see the full sized maps, attributed to Lennon in the book—my kindle didn’t do them justice at all.

Thankfully Zorie and Lennon spill their secrets long before the end, and we are witness to their very healthy and joyful intimate encounters (all off-page, I assure you), and what’s really good is how Zorei expresses herself sexually. She’s funny and clumsy and honest. It’s adorable, really. Lennon proves to be a person she can trust, and their love is clear.

One aspect of the novel that takes us out of the bubble of Zorie and Lennon is the sub-plot involving Zorie’s dad, ‘Diamond Dan’. His cheating had  repercussions for the whole family, but notably his relationship with Zorie. I am interested that in the father in her previous book, Approximately, Alex, was one of the best I have read, and here is Dan, an unapologetic womaniser, who refuses to own any his bad behaviour, and is prepared to risk his relationship with his daughter. I wonder if Bennett has been shocked and upset by some of the #metoo revelations and has found a way to present a part of that in this book.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the advanced copy of Starry Eyes. I loved it so much, and recommend it highly to young adult readers who love realistic contemporaries that allow the romance to build slowly. Lennon and Zorie have known each other forever, so their relationship is founded on friendship. The hiking and bushwalking means we think about nature, about getting away from our devices, and of course, offers a bit of danger that challenges Zorie’s instinct to shut herself away. There are lessons here for all of us. Already released in the US, Starry Eyes is out in Australia and the UK on June 1.

Best of 2016: Mental Health

This is a tricky and sensitive topic, and it’s a brave author who takes it on. Often, there will be a note after the story where authors reveal their own struggles with neurological difficulties, and this only adds layers of poignancy to the fiction. These books are often the most confronting to read–the characters are damaged, battling demons and sometimes doing it alone. My two honourable mentions are like that: Girl in Pieces by  Kathleen Glasgow and Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield. Both main characters are damaged through external forces (child abuse and neglect), but other books show characters whose conditions are internal, a result of brain illness. The range of books in this genre is expanding all the time, and as long as the presentations are sensitive and compassionate, it’s good that it is.

When We Collided by Emory Lord (April 2016)

I read this back in January, and images still play in my head. I found the intense relationship between Vivi and Jonah dazzling yet of course, unsustainable. They way they lean on each other, that precise moment they meet when they most need the other, it’s a tour de force. I was left weeping and laughing. I wanted it to be resolved in exactly the way it did, and yet, it’s heartbreaking and real.The representation of this particular neurological disorder is uncommon in YA. It’s so great that this book exists, but even better that it’s such a quality piece of literature.

Nothing Tastes as Good by Claire Hennessy (August 2016)

A complicated story set in Ireland, about a dead girl, Annabel who wastes away because of her anorexia, told that in order to receive her greatest wish, she must assist Julia, an overweight senior high student running the school newspaper. Annabel thinks she must stop Julia eating, but it’s not that simple of course. The reasons behind Julia’s weight gain are disturbing and quite adult. This book doesn’t shy away from confronting issues teenagers face. Anorexia is called an illness here, and body dysphoria  continues to plague both young women and men. While the issues are weighty, the treatment of them is quirky and honest. I was upset by the information, yes, but also entertained by Annabel and Julia’s narrative voices, and their strength and growth.

The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras (November 2016)

This was another find on Netgalley, probably not out in Australia yet, but certainly worth tracking down. Viviana’s anxiety consumes the novel, and its depiction shows how debilitating they can be. But the story also shows her working through her issues realistically. There is a lot going on in this book, and my longer review is posted at Goodreads.

On Wednesday I include other books that offer social concerns that aren’t quite depression or grief.

Best of 2016: Grief & Loss

This has to be a category of its own, because it has been the stand out ‘issue’ of not only 2016, but the year before as well. These three books dealt with the loss of a loved one in the most authentic ways, taking readers on heart-breaking journeys of anger and hurt through to poignant moments of healing and acceptance of loss. Other stand-out books in this category are Breathing Under Water by Sophie Hardcastle and Spontaneous by Aaron Starmer.

The Square Root of Summer by Harriet Reuter Hapgood (May 2016)

This is quirky and sharp. Main character Gottie has already lost her mother, and now her beloved grandfather, Grey is gone too. The exploration of grief is played out in Gottie’s physics-obsessed mind, and she starts to believe she is time travelling, visiting crucial moments in her past. Gottie is socially awkward and reclusive. The return of the boy who used to be her best friend, ties her in more knots. Her portrayal is in part cringe-worthy and part hilarious. She’s a one of a kind. Landscape and the inclusion of German words are significant, and reflects Gottie’s confusion and loss permeating the pages.

One would think the deep by Claire Zorn (June 2016)

One of my top five reads of the year, mostly because it produced visceral reactions. Physical pain when Sam witnesses his mum’s collapse and death, genuine fear when he flies into violent rages, deep concern when he loses his way and seems to give up on his future, then real hope when his family starts talking to each other, and finally satisfaction when he wants to rebuilds. It’s a journey of despair and darkness through which Sam emerges stronger and lighter. I walked every step with him. And every step hurt. It’s another book I reviewed at Children’s Books Daily.

Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland (October 2016)

While this book offers much that is troupe-y and familiar, I did find its extraordinary depiction of Grace fascinating. She’s meant to be a learning lesson for Henry, the MC, and we only see her through Henry’s eyes, biased and in love with the idea of her instead of the real her. Yet by the end, Grace has developed into a complex and vivid creature who ultimately steps beyond the confines of the pages to become something more. Her loss and grief spill over everything, and it’s messy, confronting and painful. Yes, it’s been done before, but I do love a novel with this much snark and bite.

On Wednesday I talk about my favourite genre–the colours of the rainbow. LGBTQIA.

Best of 2016: We need diverse books

This movement gained traction in 2016, and looks to only build more. There are of course, discussions around the right to voice particular groups, but at its core is the belief that we need to see more inclusion and diversity in all our books. Young Adult novels lead the way because we know how critical it is for young people to see themselves on the shelves in bookstores and libraries. Other books to just miss out on being included are When Michael Met Mina by Randa Abdel-Fattah and The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub. Both are excellent narratives.

Bro By Helen Chebatte (February 2016)

When I reviewed this, I likened it to a contemporary mash up of The Chocolate War, The Outsiders, and junior Fight Club. Our protagonist, Romeo exists within a hot bed of multicultural groups, all macho-ing it up at one Christian school in the Western Sydney suburbs. It’s a genuine depiction of frustration and anger, through which Romeo is trying to navigate safely. Of course tensions escalate, and this cautionary tale cuts through all the drama to send a clear message—we need to try harder to get along. Timely and strong.

Hell and High Water by Tanya Landman (July 2016)

Caleb is bi-racial, living in 1780s England, following his father around cities and towns as he performs puppet shows for entertainment. Caleb is responsible for staging and costuming, loves his father without question, and believes there’s good in the world. It doesn’t take long for everything to change. The narrative is fast-paced, and Caleb must face corruption, betrayal, and murderers to restore his family’s reputation, and his own belief in others. Engaging, and inclusive, this story also challenges gender roles, and other damaging stereotypes.

The Sun is also a Star by Nicola Yoon (November 2016)

This recent release is a antidote to the many grief-filled contemporary novels out there. While it deals with troubling issues like undocumented immigration and family dysfunction, its emphasis on attraction and the science of love is a tribute to young people, fearless in their self-belief, and strength of will. Natasha, Jamaican-born, rational, and determined meets Daniel, Korean descent, poetic and starry-eyed. It’s more of a clash than a connection, but through one day, they build rapport, challenge each other, and realise the significance of coincidence and destiny. It’s a grand adventure.

Come back Monday when my focus moves to books about grief and loss.

Best of 2016: Historical

Although a novel can be set in a different time, and be regarded as ‘best of’ in another category, there are still three books I read this year that are the best because of their historical context. These authors comment on the ways of the period, but also include a connection to our own time. Reflecting on our time can be valuable when seen though the lens of another. Others that I enjoyed that don’t appear on other lists include: V for Violet and Wolf Hollow.

Front Lines by Michael Grant (March 2016)

Michael Grant gained many fans with his Gone series, and have veered off into a different direction with Soldier Girls. He talks a little about that change in an interview he did for Reading Time. This alternate timeline set in World War II offers a realistic version of a world where females were allowed to fight in the front lines. Grant sticks authentically to many factual events and values of the time period, so there is many examples of sexist, racist and cultural inappropriateness, which of course add to the obstacles standing in the way of our five heroes. The girls come from different socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, but they are all determined, brave and intelligent. The story is detailed, absorbing, and does not wimp out on the horrors facing soldiers in wartime.

The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry (April 2016)

I loved every bit of this complicated and confronting story set in Medieval France. Its look at the way the Catholic Church dealt with heresy and so-called witches is both gruesome and clever. Berry excels at witty, original characters, and her research is impeccable. I wrote a long gushing review at Reading Time. I cannot recommend this sophisticated, important book enough. It’s amazing.

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows (September 2016)

Contemporary takes on historical characters and events have been around a while. Inserting zombies into Pride and Prejudice, turning Queen Victoria into a demon hunter, and Lincoln to a vampire slayer has meant that literary classics are fodder for YA updates. Choosing Lady Jane Grey, queen for only 9 days, is an inspired choice for a number of reasons. She isn’t well known, there is real pathos in her short life, and how wonderful is it to recreate history magically to give Jane a happy-ever-after. It’s a bit silly, totally irreverent, and so much fun to read.

On Wednesday my musical high notes will be posted.