Summary:
Stolen as a child from
her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than
ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be
like. She's never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most
of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by
memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is
finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her
back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida,
Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be
part of a family. And she must believe that love--even with someone who
seems an improbable choice--is more than just a possibility.Trish
Doller writes incredibly real teens, and this searing story of love,
betrayal, and how not to lose your mind will resonate with readers who
want their stories gritty and utterly true.
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Age Group: YA
Source: NetGalley
Review:
This was a great read! What the summary says is so true: this book is very realistic, gripping and honest. I was hooked from the first chapter and could not wait to find out how Callie's story would end.
I loved the premise of Where the Stars Still Shine. Callie has gone through more than most adults endure, and managed to be the adult in her relationship with her mother. I really felt for Callie. She never had the chance to have a real childhood, or even make friends. Her mother's erratic, paranoid and irrational behavior rules their lives and Callie and her mom are always on the run, moving from town to town to evade the law.
Callie's life takes a turn for the better when she is discovered after ten years and goes to live with her dad. Her dad has remarried and his new wife and their two children do accept Callie; however, Callie has a hard time adjusting to the huge transition of having a stable home and family, with a big extended family.
A YA novel would be incomplete without a love story, and Where the Stars Still Shine had a great love story. I was so happy with that element of the book.
There were a couple of places where the story slowed down a little, and several times when Callie's behavior really got to me, but overall these issues did not lessen my enjoyment of the story.
I loved Doller's writing style, her storyline, and the way she writes emotions. I also liked that this book is a stand-alone novel. Having a firm conclusion to the story means a lot to me! I loved Where the Stars Still Shine and look forward to reading more from Trish Doller.
This was a great read! What the summary says is so true: this book is very realistic, gripping and honest. I was hooked from the first chapter and could not wait to find out how Callie's story would end.
I loved the premise of Where the Stars Still Shine. Callie has gone through more than most adults endure, and managed to be the adult in her relationship with her mother. I really felt for Callie. She never had the chance to have a real childhood, or even make friends. Her mother's erratic, paranoid and irrational behavior rules their lives and Callie and her mom are always on the run, moving from town to town to evade the law.
Callie's life takes a turn for the better when she is discovered after ten years and goes to live with her dad. Her dad has remarried and his new wife and their two children do accept Callie; however, Callie has a hard time adjusting to the huge transition of having a stable home and family, with a big extended family.
A YA novel would be incomplete without a love story, and Where the Stars Still Shine had a great love story. I was so happy with that element of the book.
There were a couple of places where the story slowed down a little, and several times when Callie's behavior really got to me, but overall these issues did not lessen my enjoyment of the story.
I loved Doller's writing style, her storyline, and the way she writes emotions. I also liked that this book is a stand-alone novel. Having a firm conclusion to the story means a lot to me! I loved Where the Stars Still Shine and look forward to reading more from Trish Doller.
Sounds powerful. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover too.
ReplyDelete