Friday, January 22, 2010

Review: Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
Pub. Date: January 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Format: Hardcover, 412pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Restless souls and empty hearts

Brooklyn can't sleep.
Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.

Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

This novel produced a lot of firsts for me:

· First novel that I’ve read in verse – Schroeder’s writing is powerful and captivating in verse format. Her writing has a way of drawing you in and capturing your heart. Some of my favorite lines were arranged so uniquely as if the words made you feel like the characters’ emotions were jumping off the pages.

· First novel I’ve read by Lisa Schroeder – Chasing Brooklyn is the first novel of Schroeder’s that I’ve read and I will most definitely be reading her first 2 novels, I Heart You, You Haunt Me and Far From You. I’ve heard so many great things about her previous works and if they’re anything like Chasing Brooklyn, I’m sure I’ll be up for an emotional rollercoaster of reads.

· First novel of the year that’s brought tears to my eyes - This novel is beautifully written, inspirational, and heartbreaking. Told in alternating view points by Brooklyn and Nico, I found myself emotionally drawn into their struggles to cope with the loss of Lucca. This is one of those books that will stay close to my heart.

· First supernatural novel of the year to receive 5 stars from me - I absolutely loved this book! This novel will entice readers of all ages looking for a powerful and haunting read dealing with love, loss, and healing. I can’t wait to see what Schroeder comes up with next.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

11 comments:

Book Monster said...

Who doesn't loves the firsts :) Great review!!

~The Book Pixie said...

I loved Lisa's book Far From You and can't wait for this one! I'm so glad you loved it.

Now, what do you mean this is your first book in verse? tsk tsk tsk. I feel I need to educate you. Ok so you know of Lisa Schroeder already, here are some other authors who write in verse:

Lisa Ann Sandell
Ellen Hopkins
Sonya Sones

Then there are of course books by authors who don't write strictly in verse. I'd be glad to give you recs on GoodReads. One of the best things about books in verse is they read quickly and are easily slipped in beween those books in your review pile. :D

~Briana

Thao said...

I never knew that this novel was written in verse as well. I love IHY, YHM so I hope I'll like this as well. And it brought tears to your eyes, so I believe it must be a great one.

Fantastic Book Review said...

Re: Briana - I know, I know. LOL! I do have Tricks by Ellen Hopkins so I'm getting there. As you know most of the books I read are in the paranormal genre - which is probably why this is a first in this format.

I agree that while I was reading Chasing Brooklyn the pages flew by and I was sad to see the story end. Here's to hoping to read more great books by Lisa Schroeder!

cj'alhafiz said...

this is awesome!!!!! this will be next on my wish-list!!!
well Tina, not an ordinary books can make the readers shed tears right...=( haha!!

Fantastic Book Review said...

Re: cj'alhafiz - You probably wouldn't think so because of the format but Schroeder's writing is haunting in its beauty :D

Erin said...

I am a fan of books in verse. I haven't read anything my this author though, I think she also wroet, I heart you, you haunt me... I need to pick up one of them. Thanks for the review.

fredamans said...

Great review.

I already have this on my to-do list, but after your post I want it even more now.

They cover is deadly too!

Nikki @ Bookizzle said...

I have this sitting on my bookshelves and your review has me even more excited to read it! Thank you for sharing. I hope I feel the same way as you do once I finish. :)

Chelsea B. said...

I have heard such fabulous things about this authors work. I will definitely be picking one up.

Yoshay said...

I have ordered for Chasing Brooklyn, and its on the way. After reading your review, i can't wait to read it! Thanks for a great review!!!

 

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