Finding Jupiter by Kelis Rowe
2022; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 75; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.2022.0307
ISSN1558-6766
Autores Tópico(s)Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies
ResumoReviewed by: Finding Jupiter by Kelis Rowe Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Rowe, Kelis Finding Jupiter. Crown, 2022 [320p] Library ed. ISBN 9780593429266 $21.99 Trade ed. ISBN 9780593429259 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593429273 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 9-12 Seventeen-year-old Ray has no plan for summer hook-ups this year, much less romance, despite her best friend's encouragement. Orion, meanwhile, is supposed to be focusing on his swimming as he prepares to head off to college, and frankly, he's not too smooth with the ladies as it is. Cue adorable meet-cute at a roller rink, and suddenly the next few months look very different than they had thought. Playful flirting leads to lusty encounters, but also to profound emotional discussions, especially as they open up about personal tragedies: Ray's father was killed in a car crash the night she was born, and Orion lost his little sister ten years ago. The pair's newly developing bond, however, is tested by Orion's overbearing father, Ray's cagey mother, and a long-held secret that, when brought to light, throws their lives and families into disarray. The twist isn't particularly earth-shattering, but it does allow further character development, as Ray digs into why she always expects disappointment and Orion sorts through why he always feels like a disappointment. Rowe strikes the perfect romantic balance, keeping just enough dramatic realism to temper the idyllic sweetness of Ray and Orion's blossoming relationship but still allowing their love to unfold tenderly. Orion is especially refreshing as a male lead with a big heart and absolutely no game, wearing his earnestness proudly even in the face of a father who'd prefer him to be tougher. The name drops of the Memphis locale and culture bring added charm, and readers will be happy to see that, despite both Ray's and Orion's best efforts, there was love in the summer air after all. [End Page 330] Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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