Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett Book Review
Jenn Bennett is Young Adult Contemporary Royalty and does not disappoint in her newest book Chasing Lucky! Chasing Lucky is packed full of many life lessons that are important for all ages to read and possesses one of the most unique stories in YA Contemporary. Chasing Lucky packed a punch with emotion, but also had plenty of humour scattered throughout.
The setting was so picturesque set in a small New England town, filled with both small town charms and hinderances, as well as a little Greek Town. I could have even used a little more Greek Town in this story, as I grew up going to a few and always loved them. Of course, with small towns comes big gossip and there was a lot of wrong assumptions made because of the gossip that kept this story moving forward. What was a little scary was how some of the rumours sounded so true that I found myself believing them. Lastly, Josie’s (our main character’s) family owns the little bookstore in town. I love books that show a love for small bookstores or libraries, so this was perfect!
Like the plot, the characters were equally well developed. Consistently throughout the book, Lucky was my favourite character. His bad boy exteriour with a heart of gold was perfectly balanced. He was so admirable in his willingness to rise above the untrue rumours and help anyone in their lowest point. While the female characters, at first, seemed to me to be weak, they all proved themselves strong, witty, and brave in their own time. Of all the female characters, the grandma was my favourite. There was nothing she was not willing to do to protect and care for her family. She is a character that you have to warm to with time, as you continuously peel back the layers with her. In YA books, I rarely care too much about the parents. However, I kept wanting to know more and more of the mystery of Josie’s mother. I was satisfied where her story ended up, but I could have used a little more. I would be interested in a whole book about where Josie’s mum’s life ends up. Josie Saint-Martin kept surprising me. I admired that she constantly did things that scared her, and I adored the fact that she is a horrible liar. She also views things that many deem to be unworthy in a positive light, such as her love for photographing signs. Lastly, the bully and his family were terrifying. I kept feeling intimidated by them, and I had to keep remind myself they were fictional.
This story is also a great reminder that no family is so cookie cutter and straight forward, as many people often assume of other families. This story sheds light on the flaws in all types of stereotypical families. Lastly, while this story did contain the friends to lovers trope between Josie and Lucky, I did not find it as straight forward as many YA books, which was a nice change of pace.
Chasing Lucky truly is a gem of a story. I finished it in one day. The characters, plot, and setting were all equally and well developed. There was subtle symbolism scattered throughout Chasing Lucky. I think the most valuable lesson taught in this book is that no matter our age we are all works in progress.
Since I did not read a finalized proof there is one aspect I am super excited for in the final version, and that is Josie’s photographs. The end of every chapter contains one of her photographed signs! I love this little detail.
I received an e-book ARC of this book through Net Galley. All opinions are 100% my own and getting a copy in no way influences my decision. Thank you, Net Galley, Simon Pulse, and Jenn Bennett.
