Joanna has had a rough few years. Her mother died of breast cancer as Jo herself was fighting the disease. She is in remission and back on track with her PhD program. She is in the middle of her field study when a young girl shows up. She is barefoot and dirty and claims to be an alien. Jo is at a loss for what to do. She called the local cops, and they did nothing. So Jo lets this young girl hang out with her and gets attached to this kid. Together Jo and Ursa become friends with their neighbor, Gabe. He lets Ursa hang out at his farm while Jo is in the field and they create their own little family. But at some point, Jo will have to leave the charming little college and go back to finish school. What will happen to Ursa then? But where did she even come from? And what will happen when they find out the truth?
Where the Forest Meets the Stars was the selection for our book club this month, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a nice, refreshing break from the thrillers that have been consuming my reading time. I liked Jo as a dominant character, even though it took me a while to realize that she was in her early to mid-twenties. I thought she was older than that. There was a moment of incredulity when Jo shaved Gabe's beard. I thought "boundaries!" it was just so over the top. I also think that it was a little irresponsible of the author that they had Gabe's mental illness go untreated. And of course, the entire plot that Ursa thought she was an alien, but that was just heartwarming. - CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS
Bottom Line - For all of its faults, Where the Forest Meets the Stars was a feel-good read about the bonds created with those who come into our lives. It was an enjoyable read and one of the better selections my book club has made this year.
Details:
- Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
- On Instagram
- Pages: 332
- Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
- Publication Date: 3.1.2019
- Buy it Here!
- Thank you to NetGalley for the book in exchange for an honest review.
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