Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder - Book Review

Title ~ Chasing Brooklyn
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Lisa Schroeder
Release Date ~ January 5, 2010
Publisher ~ Simon and Schuster
Source ~ A Good Addiction

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Restless souls and empty hearts

Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.

Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

REVIEW

Dealing with a loss brings on a flood of emotions. Sure, they first come crashing in like a tidal wave, only to shrink away with the tide. But they return over and over again. Sometimes with a painful strength that can tear you down. Sometimes with a subtle gentleness that calms and soothes. However they appear, the emotions are relentless, like the waves of the sea. Brooklyn and Nico are deep in the throes of these emotions.

Chasing Brooklyn is written in verse, with alternating perspectives. Brooklyn has suffered two losses – her boyfriend, Lucca, a year ago and now her good friend, Gabe. Nico is also suffering, because Lucca was his older brother. Since the loss of Nico is one they share, a special bond forms between them. Interconnected, they are.

By appearance, Brooklyn is fragile and sad. Inside though, I could sense her strength and passion. Struggling through every day, she sought motivation to keep going. Nico feels anger, and he turns to running to find balance. When he offers a guiding hand to Brooklyn, the two realize how much they need each other.

Lisa Schroeder crafts her verses in such a way that Brooklyn and Lucca’s voices are distinct and clear.  As they come to depend on each other, their raw emotions swirling together, the pair become like one.  Different writing techniques are showcased to transform even the most mundane topics into gorgeous verse. I loved how the story unfolded with perfectly chosen words.