Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Synopsis (via Goodreads): 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?

If Brett is Sirius, brighter than anything else in the night sky, Lennon is the moon: often dark and hidden, but closer than any star. Always there.

(I'm not going to lie...when my brain read "Sirius," it immediately made a Harry Potter connection. 🤣)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quotes I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.

Jenn Bennett is my jam! She has forever changed my life with her beautiful, charming, realistic stories and unforgettable characters. Starry Eyes was no exception, and even made me want to go camping, which is not normally a desire that I have. 

I loved living vicariously through Zorie (awesome name, btw), and experiencing her anxiety and need for plans and organization. The thing about Jenn Bennett's books... they all resonate with me in some way. I'm usually able to relate to multiple characters, which doesn't happen very often. I have a strong urge to plan every little thing, but having kids quickly changed that. I can barely plan dinner, so an entire day is out of the question. I understood Zorie on a very deep, emotional level. Her stress was my stress, but without the hives.

My husband loves, loves, loves to go camping. He would backpack across the world for the rest of his life, if he could. I prefer short walks and camping in cabins. I loathe mosquitos and they adore me. We like to take short hikes as a family, and I love the solitude it provides. You're really stuck with your thoughts, and it gives you a chance to think about everything and nothing. All of these things, the mosquitos, the quiet, the thoughtfulness--it's all mentioned in this book. It's a story that speaks to the soul. 

I love that Lennon has two moms and then a dad. Mac and Sunny sound like ridiculously awesome parents. I don't think I'll be able to see or hear the word "shrimp" without laughing to myself. Zorie's family was unconventional, but also enjoyable. I loved her relationship with her stepmom, and how the two of them were friends and not just mom and daughter. Oh, and Grandpa Sam was one of my favorite characters even though he's only mentioned a few times and seen once. 

Giant sequoia trees, the Perseid meteor shower, and even a few creatures were all a part of this wonderful story. I always find it more difficult to review the books I love, because I feel like there is so much to say, but also like I cannot adequately put my feelings into words. I love how sex-positive this author is, and how her characters always seem to discuss it with maturity and responsibility. Cursing and sex are not taboo, and they shouldn't be. Most teenagers are sexually active, or at least having thoughts about it. Like I said, realistic. 

Starry Eyes was about two people trying to navigate their emotions and the wilderness. I loved watching their journey and seeing the world through their eyes. If you haven't read something by Jenn Bennett, I highly recommended that you do! 

“Anyway,” he says. “We’re completely safe here, wolf-wise. Better chance of spotting a werewolf.”

“Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you, Bram Stoker?”

“He wrote about vampires.”

“Same difference.”

“Do you enjoy being wrong?” he asks.

“I enjoy your sanctimonious defense of fictional creatures.”