Quick Thoughts: Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Starry Eyes

by Jenn Bennett

April 3, 2018

Goodreads Summary:

Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern-day Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.

But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.

What could go wrong?

With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.

And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?

Review

Jenn Bennett is a master (contemporary) writer. Before picking up Starry Eyes, I've read three of her books and enjoyed every one of them. I'm so happy Starry Eyes is no exception. It's an unforgettably life-changing adventure.

What I Liked:

- each of the maps were so cute and fun to follow along with

- Zorie's mom and Lennon's moms

- I actually found Zorie's need to plan really endearing

- manageable teenage drama

- some really intense emotional showdowns

- the connection between Zorie and Lennon

- Lennon and his unique interests

- the camping knowledge

- I really want to try glamping now

The Not So Much:

- the miscommunication between Zorie and Lennon that caused SO much grief

- a lot of (minor) typos

- I wish there was a trigger warning about the parental cheating (not a spoiler as we learn of it fairly early on in the story)

"I feel like I've accomplished something that's measurable." (p. 217)

"Planning can't save you from everything. Change is inevitable and uncertainty is a given. And if you plan so much that you can't function without one, life's no fun." (p. 396)