There was a bit more drama than her past books, but the atmosphere of the book overall remained light and sweet.

There were excellent, down-to-earth characters, the most wholesome romance, and an adventurous setting. Jenn Bennett always writes hit contemporaries, and Starry Eyes was no exception. Perfect for the summer: that comfortable time in-between semesters where teens have that sense of freedom and independence.

I recommend it to anyone who loves a good wilderness and camping story with a relationship that is super exciting to read about. The book is separated into 3 parts, and there’s a cute map at the beginning of each part. Bennett’s description of the landscape is also amazing, so I could really picture myself there. Ultimately, Zorie and Lennon’s relationship starts of rocky and then you have this amazing story about love, family (so much wonderful and tragic family stuff), and friendship. It was so fun to read about him! I know my reviews also always focus on the guy, but come on. I know I say that in every review, but he was such a dweeb but also loved hiking and was kind of built and ugh… Y’ALL. So interesting, and his character is also SO REAL. He’s kind of goth? And loves reptiles, comics, and works in his parents’ sex shop sometimes when he’s not working at the reptile house. However, she ends up going on a spectacular adventure, with some bumps and bruises and an ex-best friend, Lennon. I, too, would not enjoy camping or leaving the safety of my wi-fi at home, so I totally get this! So when she gets sent out to the woods for a camping trip - something she does NOT plan to enjoy - she’s totally out of her element. She’s pretty OCD about planning things, with calendars and lists and detailed research running her life. Zorie is an extremely relatable character. Mostly, though, it just felt like I was on a camping trip with these people who could easily have been traded out for people just like you and me.

It was heartbreaking? It was uplifting and empowering. I devoured this book and could literally think of nothing else while I was reading it. I’m currently reading it, and I’m sure there will be a review for it on my Goodreads page within the next couple days as well.Īll that being said, wow. I first have a confession to make: it took me reading this book before I decided to pick up Bennett’s Alex, Approximately, which I know many people are obsessed with.

Starry eyes goodreads