El Marini just isn’t fitting into the new life she’s been forced to create without her dad. Her mom and sister have accepted his absence and moved on, but El is convinced things will get back to normal if she just keeps her feelings of loss to herself and waits it out.
Life at her new public school would have been unbearable if weren’t for Eric Callahan. As her crush grows to epic proportions, she’ll do anything to be more like the popular girls he notices, even buying the first pink top she’s ever owned. But then she meets Dylan, a quiet artistic-type who is both unnerving and annoying as he shines a light on El’s misguided attempts to attract Eric. El’s need for acceptance will hit home with teens as she finally sees that chasing boys has distracted her from making peace with the past and finding herself.
My Review:
Favourite Quote: "I feel like I can't feel anymore. Like I'm walking and talking and sometimes even laughing, but inside I'm still and watching to see if I'm fooling anyone."
Chasing Boys is the tale of Ariel Marini who's life was turned upside down 18 months ago. Her Dad has left, her mum, sister and her are struggling along, they have had to downside and Ariel has had to change schools where she has a crush on Eric, the guy at school every girl wants. Her Mum makes her see a therapist once a week that she refuses to talk to and then there is Gatson, a guy she doesn't like at all but she can't stop thinking about.
Chasing Boys is a warm and funny story where the pages just seem to fly by. Karen Tayleur writing style is just easy to read. This book deals with family and moving on from the past more than romance despite the title. It had some sad moments but overall it felt like a light read. It is realistic but sometimes it lacked a little depth and things could have been more fleshed out.
Ariel aka El is a character you can empathise with. She is like the average teenage trying to cope with all the changes going on in her life. El has plenty of teenage angst moments and sometimes comes across a little selfish but overall she is witty and endearing character.
A favourite part of the story for me was the friendships El had with Margot and Desi. It provided many humorous moments and certainly gave me flashbacks of my teens. They had fights over things like boys and got jealous over other friendships but in the end were there when El needed them.
And then there is Gatson, an artistic trouble maker type but we all know underneath is secretly a nice guy. The romance in this book starts from a place of dislike (on El's part). So it is a lot of fun to watch it develop to something sweet.
Overall, a good story about letting go and moving forward. Karen Tayleur is definitely an author I excited to read more from.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters:4/5
Romance: 3.5/5
Cover: 3/5
For More Info: Visit Karen Tayleur's website.
Note: This is an Aussie title but is available internationally now. It has a different cover as shown below. Available through The Book Depository and Amazon and more.
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10 comments:
Ariel sounds so relatable. I will put this on my TBR since it's available Internationally. Thanks for bringing Chasing Boys to our attention!
I've seen this in the library before, but passed it over as the summary didn't grab me. Your review has made me think twice though - might have to pick this one up next time I see it. Great review!
Okay, I obviously still have Marchetta on my mind, but something about Chasing Boys sounds a bit like Saving Francesca. I loved the friendships developed in that story, and although there was romance, it wasn't the focal point.
So yeah, I think this would be a good pick for me, especially if it works for the challenge. Thanks for the review Nic, or I might have never heard of this author.
great review nic. i love your little review rating system :) it's very cool. i enjoy seeing it broken down like that ~ makes me wonder if i should do that? hmmm.
i'm planning on reading this one ::)
xx
I've seen this one in the library and will have to check it out now when I get the time. Great review!
This one sounds good. I love coming-of-age tales. I much prefer the Aussie cover on this one!
I've actually never heard of this, but it sounds like something that would go well on my list of contemps to try. Great review, Nic! :)
Awesome review, Nic. :) I love the Aussie cover more for this one, but will definitely be looking for it at the library today. It sounds like a great read, especially considering I'm looking to read more contemporary. Love the nickname 'El' for Ariel, by the way.
I didn't recognize it at first with the Aussie cover. It wasn't until I saw the other cover that I remember seeing it at the library. I'm trying to read a bit more contemporary so I might pick this one up that next time I see it.
Lovely review, and that quote is an awesome one. I literally know I'd like this. I am a girly pink-wearing type, but I didn't used to be, so I can imagine relating to the MC a lot.
Wish the international version had stuck with the Aussie cover though, it's much more distinctive.
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