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Title: Chasing Jupiter
Author: Rachel Coker
Published by: Zondervan (2012)
Synopsis:
Scarlett Blaine, the main character of this novel, has some hard issues in life. Her brother, Cliff, has problems and is just…stranger than most boys his age. Her grandpa, who lives with her, is pretty much going insane, and her big sister Juli is never around, always off with another boyfriend. Her parents can’t seem to stop fighting about money. And she hasn’t had a real friend in forever. She also can’t get a grip on exactly what God is, or if He exists. But when everything suddenly goes wrong in her already-haywire life, she has to face truth and reality and has to choose if she wants God apart of it.
Review:
Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker was one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read in my life. I just can not even begin to describe the beauty of this novel.
This book is an amazing work of art. The characters were alive. They lived and breathed right next to me as I read, speaking to me as they told me their story, relayed to me the events and the scenes. The story was incredible beyond words; the scenes were beautiful as the characters traipse through this plot.
The plot between her and the pastor’s wife, Mrs. Greene, is a fun addition and is the way she learns of Christ. I felt a strong Christian aspect in this storyline, and it was written in wonderfully, not cheesy at all to me, reminding me a bit of Nicole O’Dell’s style.
Going back to the characters and once again I am speechless. I love, love, loved Cliff and the development between him and Scarlett. The author did such a fantastic job of writing his character, in a way that beyond his faults, his problems, his issues, we all love him for his little-kid sweetness (side note—he totally reminded me of Matty in The Giver quartet). Scarlett was such a great character, written realistically, that she seems easily relate to. She’s smart, so (most of the time) we’re not yelling at her for doing something dumb and generally just cheering her on for her good heart and great ideas to help others. And the romance between Frank and Scarlett was just so sweet and easy to encourage. 🙂
And…the ending…the ending…the ending. Breathtakingly sad, truly heartbreaking. But really really good at the same time. Astonishing. The author did just an incredible job—and that’s all I can say about it.
Negative Content/Notes: None.
Overall: A touching read astonishingly put together. You will not regret the time you spend reading this!
Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Recommended to: 12+