Starry Eyes

by Jenn Bennett

[Stephanie]

This review was originally posted on Once Upon a Chapter



Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett is my first Jenn Bennett novel. I really enjoyed it. From start to finish it was *just* light enough that I could devour it but still dealt with some pretty serious stuff.

I could really relate to Zori and her lists and schedules. I don't think I'll ever be able to stop but that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate learning as a teen to embrace spontaneity. Also, in defense of planning, you get stuff done when you plan and making check off lists is particularly satisfying! I could really appreciate Zori's situation (in the books overall). I honestly don't know what I would have done in her shoes. A grown adult would have had a hard time with the same choice.

I really liked Lennon. I thought he balanced Zori out rather nicely. He was level-headed in a way that Zori wasn't. I didn't care for many of the other secondary characters and I understand that was sort of the point. I really, and I cannot stress this enough through text, really did not like Zori's father. He was upsetting on a level that I hate remembering.

The reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is I don't find the issue between Zori and Lennon to be realistic. I find it really hard to believe that the issue between them could have even happened. Yes, yes, I know. It's fiction. The author said it happened so it did. I respect that but once I realized what the situation was I just found it hard to believe that in today's era of news being delivered via social media that it could have happened.

I really enjoyed Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett and even if I found part of it unrealistic it was still a fantastic read and one that I would recommend for anyone looking for a contemporary young adult book!