Review: Golden by Jessi Kirby

Love, tragedy, and mystery converge in this compelling novel from “an author to watch” (Booklist).

Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap—one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery—she decides to take a chance.

Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz are remembered as the golden couple of Summit Lakes High—perfect in every way, meant to be together forever. But Julianna’s journal tells a different story—one of doubts about Shane and a forbidden romance with an older, artistic guy. These are the secrets that were swept away with her the night that Shane’s jeep plunged into an icy river, leaving behind a grieving town and no bodies to bury.

Reading Julianna’s journal gives Parker the courage to start to really live—and it also gives her reasons to question what really happened the night of the accident. Armed with clues from the past, Parker enlists the help of her best friend, Kat, and Trevor, her longtime crush, to track down some leads. The mystery ends up taking Parker places that she never could have imagined. And she soon finds that taking the road less traveled makes all the difference

Format: Kindle

Source: Pulse it!

Rating: 4 stars

Reviewer: Chyna

My thoughts...

I was so sure that I was going to reward this book 5 Golden stars, but the ending was a let down. Do not be discouraged to read the book. Golden wasn't what I expected, but the book showed amazing potential. Cliche was put to the next level. Based from what I've read, the author wanted to define True and Fate in one story. She carefully chose the right words to define Golden from every good aspect I've seen in the book. I was shocked by how powerful this story had affected me. Jessi Kirby is as strong as Colleen Hoover through words and paper. Both authors have been indulged in romantic contemporary, they both similar for their love for art and poetry slash quotes. Jessi Kirby inspired me, the quote-hater to give quotes another chance as did Colleen.

As much as I enjoyed the book I was begging for more, but Jessi Kirby did not give in to me. My heart ached and cried while I read, but it abruptly stopped when I finally reached the end. The story has a rushed ending and I thought it was written sloppily, I am hoping that the author will write a sequel or a novella. Some questions were left unanswered and some answers left me confused or disappointed. I do not like having nosebleeds.

In the story I came across a charismatic protagonist, Parker Frost who intrigued me. Her awkwardness and goody-goody were relatable and was presented with pride. She was a proud character and that is why I admire such a girl. Julianna Farnetti was unfortunately my favorite character in the book. She's not the main character, but her traits showed potential, she was true to her heart, but she also lies to the people who has her heart. *Coughs to Shane Cruz* As Jessi Kirby written perfectly in bold letters..."I'm too sad to hate her". Julianna was a sad character, she's the girl who lost her golden glow. Though, Frost would not give up on Julianna. Parker Frost lived in fear all her life, she has lived under the choices that weren't hers to begin with. She strived for what's true and what's destiny, she reached for her own fate, and did not wait for fate to come to her. Her inner strength showed passion and morality. Jessi Kirby created characters that were beyond me. The best qualities in the book are the characters that reached  for the stars.   

I've learned a lot in this book about temptations, trust, heartbreaks, fate, love, destiny and choices. Golden is a book that you'll remember by heart. It has a realistic tale full for drama, comfort and hurt. Tears will be shed and scars will be healed. I would really recommend this book to the readers who are confused with their love lives.