Golden

Apr 12, 2013 Wendy Darling rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-traditional, young-adult, 2013-publication, ss, may, realistic-fiction, road-trip, read-2013, 2013-favorites

The truth is, our worlds are sometimes balanced on choices we make and the secrets we keep.

Coming of age stories are so hard to get right, particularly in realistic fiction. I have no idea what it's like to develop supernatural vampire powers (darn it!), but I do know what it's like to navigate the tricky road to adulthood. So while I generally read more paranormal fiction or sci fi, it's always a pleasure to come across a contemporary YA book that I really connect with.

Golden is the story of 1...more The truth is, our worlds are sometimes balanced on choices we make and the secrets we keep.

Coming of age stories are so hard to get right, particularly in realistic fiction. I have no idea what it's like to develop supernatural vampire powers (darn it!), but I do know what it's like to navigate the tricky road to adulthood. So while I generally read more paranormal fiction or sci fi, it's always a pleasure to come across a contemporary YA book that I really connect with.

Golden is the story of 17-year-old Parker Frost, who has lived her whole life doing everything that is expected of her, but whose upcoming graduation makes her question the "safe" life she's always chosen. An unexpected school project changes her life, and the lives of others, in a way she never could have predicted.

I absolutely love the idea of the project Parker tackles. Her teacher has each of his high school seniors keep a journal for the last quarter, and at the end of the year, he seals up all the books until ten years later, when he sends them back to his students. Parker comes across a journal that stops her in her tracks--one that belongs to Julianna Farnetti, a girl whose golden life came to an end when she and her boyfriend were involved in a car accident. Parker is irresistibly drawn to Julianna's story, and the puzzle of this girl who seemed to have everything--but whose innermost thoughts revealed conflict and secrets that may have led to her accident.

I hesitate to call this a traditional mystery, though Parker does get her friend Kat and her longtime crush Trevor to help her find the answers to what really happened to Julianna. This is a slower-paced, thoughtful story that is more focused on the puzzle of Julianna's emotional mystery, and in turn Parker's personal journey. Written in quietly lovely prose, with memorable characters, sweet romantic moments, and an engaging plot, what I like best about this book are probably its contemplation on how human relationships change, as well as its deep sincerity of feeling. After reading so many slick, smart-mouthed contemporary books that tend to make a big splash in YA circles, it's a pleasure to spend time with characters who are warm and real and actually care about things bigger than themselves.

All the pieces fit together very neatly at the end of the book, and perhaps a little more ambiguity or complexity with how things are resolved might have made the story more true to life, and perhaps a tad more...resonant? But there's no denying the satisfaction of reading a story well-told, and Parker's and Julianna's paths both hold a great deal of emotional intrigue. This was my first book by Jessi Kirby, but I'm now very eager to read Moonglass, and anything else she comes up with in the future. Writing like this is contemporary YA at its best.

Strongly recommended for: fans of Sarah Dessen and other contemporary romantic YA with a more introspective bent.

This review also appears in The Midnight Garden. An advance copy was provided by the publisher. (less)

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May 19, 2013 Emily May rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, ya-na, 2013

“But as much as we wish it were different, the truth is, our worlds are sometimes balanced on choices we make and secrets we keep.”

Four and a half stars. Because, really, I think this is a four-star read but there are five-star tears running down my face even now, almost a full day after I finished reading the final page. This book is categorised as young adult but, oddly, I think Golden is everything I used to expect from the new adult genre before I knew better. I think it is beautiful, poign...more

“But as much as we wish it were different, the truth is, our worlds are sometimes balanced on choices we make and secrets we keep.”

Four and a half stars. Because, really, I think this is a four-star read but there are five-star tears running down my face even now, almost a full day after I finished reading the final page. This book is categorised as young adult but, oddly, I think Golden is everything I used to expect from the new adult genre before I knew better. I think it is beautiful, poignant, incredibly moving tale of a young woman stood on that fine line between childhood and growing up. Of the decisions she has to make and the lessons she must learn. She realises that she can no longer cling to the safe bindings she always known because she isn't a little girl anymore, but she also has a long way to go. So before this turns into a rendition of a Britney Spears song, I'm going to move on to what made this story so special for me.

Every time I start to speculate on what other readers will think of a novel, I tend to find many of them proving me wrong. But I will say that I think Golden is a book which you may be more inclined to enjoy if you find yourself relating to Parker's experiences, either in the past or at this current point in your life. I fall into that latter category. Yes, I'm a few years older than Parker but I'm a university student, balanced somewhere between the world of school and weekend drunken escapades with friends, and the world of steady jobs and thinking about where I really want to go with the degree I've been working for. It's exciting, it's scary and you can't help but wonder what future you will look back and see. Will they be proud of the decisions you made at this time... or will they wish you'd had the guts to do something different and perhaps unexpected?

In Parker's story, her high school teacher has asked the students to keep a journal of their life right now, then to seal it in an envelope so he can mail it to them in ten years time. The prospect frightens Parker as much as it would me. Maybe it's best not to remember the dreams we had when we were teens? Especially if those dreams never went anywhere. What happens when you look your younger self in the eye and don't like what you see? How do you live with that? Parker's life has always been planned out for her, she is faced with incredible opportunities that very few people will ever have but she still sometimes cannot help but wonder whose dreams she is living.

But then comes the second aspect of this story. In the small town where Parker lives, ten years ago two teens plunged to their deaths in the icy lake and their bodies were never recovered. The two were the local "golden couple", always together, certain to marry, until their lives were tragically cut short. Ten years later, Parker finds the journal kept by the girl in the days leading up to her death and, despite knowing it's wrong, Parker cannot help opening the envelope and hoping to gain some insight into what it is like to know for certain exactly where your life is headed. And right before her eyes, the image she had always known of two young people with perfect lives begins to shatter and she realises that perfect smiles can be hiding sad truths.

Golden is about being on the border. It's about that place between longing to begin living your life and fear of change, of leaving something important behind. It's about uncertainty. That uncertainty which comes with growing up, when you begin to worry you won't make the right choices. The message, in the end, is very simple and overdone and it should be incredibly cheesy. But, somehow, it isn't. The message is carpe diem, sieze the day, live in the moment and do what you love. Take chances, be wild, be crazy and don't let other people define your dreams for you. It's a very bittersweet story and I now can see easily why there has been so many positive reactions to it.

There are two reasons I think it is a four-star read. One is that I found some of the language used in Julianna's journal unbelievable and it occasionally took a little something away from it and edged it towards the Nicholas Spark's cliches. The second is really spoilery: (view spoiler) So, it isn't a perfect novel, but it's hard not to be affected by it. I'm going to use that word again: bittersweet - I'm not sure a word has ever more accurately summed up a book. If you like hard-hitting, emotional reads - PICK THIS UP.(less)

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Apr 26, 2013 Blythe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, 2013-favorites, 2013-reads, brb-biting-my-nails, cried-my-eyes-out, deserves-the-hype, didn-t-see-that-coming, exceeded-my-expectations, favorites, freaking-brilliant, hand-me-some-tissues, highly-anticipating-2013, i-e-i-will-always-love-you, i-totally-saw-that-coming, judge-a-book-by-the-cover, i-will-have-children-with-this-book, loved-it, netgalley-edelweiss-arc, this-book-and-i-are-eloping, read-reviewed

"[...] sometimes we meet our destiny on the road we take to avoid it."

No words of mine can even come close to portraying the stunning beauty and finesse that takes up each and every page of Jessi Kirby's magnificent Golden. Running through my mind since reading the very last page of Golden to now, as I am writing these inevitably inadequate words, are an endless amount of positive adjectives that could be used to describe Golden truthfully--it's breathtaking, it's lovely, it's striking and stun...more

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May 21, 2013 Jessie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-publication, 2013, couldnt-stop-reading, won-t-order

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

This is a beautiful coming of age story. Mixed with romance, friendship, and family.

Just like the 5th wave, this is one of my most anticipated books of the year. With all those praises out there, I was pretty sure this was going to turn out amazing. It was, a pretty nice read. Although I have to admit, I might have been slightly disappointed. I was expecting to be really blown away, but anyhow, this book actually made me think. It made me look back on my life and reflect....more

25 likes · like · see review

May 18, 2013 Keertana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wishlist, arc-galley-and-first-reads, 2013-favorites, beautiful-prose, books-that-linger, life-changing, favorites, rainy-day-re-reads

Very rarely do I come across novels that make me slow down, catch my breath, and actually reflect. Usually, I’m too caught up in the rush of the next book that I fly through my current read, type out a review, and put it behind me. Granted, I remember my favorite titles fondly, discuss and recommend them often, but either than the twist of my gut or intense swooning while reading, my love affair with the novel has ended almost as quickly as it began. Golden and I, however, are on an extended hon...more

19 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2013 Ashleigh Paige rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorites, arc, better-than-expected, damn-i-wish-i-could-write-like-that, e-arc-via-edelweiss, damn-book-made-me-cry, the-great-shelf-of-awesome, oh-my-gosh-love-love-love, will-buy-in-the-future

See more of my reviews on Birth of a New Witch! My copy was an ARC I received from the publisher via Edelweiss.

From the time I write this review, it's been nearly a week since I read Golden. It's unusual to take me so long to write a review for a book, but every time I tried to sit down and sort out my thoughts, I started crying. Golden packs a strong emotional punch unlike many novels of its kind. I came into this novel wanting it to break my heart and break it wide open it most certainly did.

P...more See more of my reviews on Birth of a New Witch! My copy was an ARC I received from the publisher via Edelweiss.

From the time I write this review, it's been nearly a week since I read Golden. It's unusual to take me so long to write a review for a book, but every time I tried to sit down and sort out my thoughts, I started crying. Golden packs a strong emotional punch unlike many novels of its kind. I came into this novel wanting it to break my heart and break it wide open it most certainly did.

Parker's possible relation to Robert Frost may be insignificant in the course of the novel, but excerpts of his poems and occasionally just the titles provide perfect framing devices for each chapter. As tightly laced as she is, her naive notions about how the world and people work balance her out. Her best friend Kat is a little grating sometimes, but Parker's love interest Trevor Collins is so adorable. It builds slowly and largely fits the idealistic tone all the way up to the end. That's when everything you think about the novel gets turned upside-down in the space of a few pages.

For most of the novel, it seems like a sweet read--almost an ode to "perfect" romances a la Nicholas Sparks (who gets mentioned more than a few times). Julianna's story in particular comes off as sort of a Romeo and Juliet story, but it works somehow. Parker's blatant naivete to the world around her is a strong indicator of the novel being much more than something cute to read, it still punched me in the gut and made me start crying when the novel's climactic scene came. This line in particular broke me:

"I want her to stay golden (ARC p. 227)."

It's a line that applies to so much within the novel and too much of the world outside it. The entire town of Summit Lakes considers Julianna golden, especially after her death. Even when Parker gets ahold of her journal and learns of Julianna's conflicts, attraction to someone other than her boyfriend, and general discontent, Parker is unable to see her any other way. When she thinks there might be something more to the story and chases that lead with gusto? She is still unable to see one of her town's greatest legends as anything other than golden.

Then we get to our final destination and learn exactly how tarnished the legend of Julianna Farnetti really is--a tarnish so well hidden that no one knows it's there. As the tagline (and Robert Frost by proxy) says, nothing gold can stay. No matter how much Parker and we the readers want it, it's simply impossible.

Though the novel ends on an implied happy note, it stays true to its themes because we also know there is no wiping away the tarnish at this point. It's been too long and and is set in too deeply. Jessi Kirby's other novels are on my TBR and I hope to get to them soon. If they're as strongly written as Golden, I may have a new favorite author.(less)

12 likes · like · see review

May 19, 2013 Faye (The Social Potato) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, best-books-i-ve-ever-read, good-heroine, finding-oneself, young-adult, packs-a-punch

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way. Thanks S&S, I love you, too.

Honestly, I'm finding it difficult to review this book. I went into this novel with absolutely no expectations, but with a faint hope that I'd be able to finally find a gem deserving of 5 stars, a hope that would quench my thirst for a masterpiece. That was, fortunately, answered. I turned the last page of Golden with feelings so conflicted, but also satisfied, as I'...more An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way. Thanks S&S, I love you, too.

Honestly, I'm finding it difficult to review this book. I went into this novel with absolutely no expectations, but with a faint hope that I'd be able to finally find a gem deserving of 5 stars, a hope that would quench my thirst for a masterpiece. That was, fortunately, answered. I turned the last page of Golden with feelings so conflicted, but also satisfied, as I've found a tale so inspiring, compelling, and lastly, so relatable. It spoke to my heart like no other, and touched on a sensitive side of me that I have oftentimes tried to avoid. I'm truthfully at a loss for words as it hit home... very hard.

Golden, like many of its peers, is a tale of finding oneself and realizing one's worth. It's a story where a lone, troubled, and struggling teenager tries to find her place in a world full of expectations and pressures. Parker Frost has worked her way to the top in order to get her mother's approval, a lonely journey in which she forced herself into a tight cocoon, isolating herself from activities that she thought would stray her from her intended path. While this gave her the momentary pleasure of getting her mom's smile and encouragement, it also didn't give her much opportunities to have fun and experience new things. But finding Juliana Foretti's journal, a woman who was killed in a tragic crash ten years ago, opened a door for her that was too hard to resist. Was this fate? Was this chance? Was she willing to risk it?

One of the factors that made this book so genuine and real was the voice of the narrator. The writing, the narration, all of it was just absolutely sublime, effortless, and real. It's the kind of prose that can easily be compared to the ones like Emily Murdoch's, who doesn't reach out to the readers by playing with words, but by playing with feelings, thoughts, emotions so deep and raw that they just pierce right through you. It's just so beautiful that I can't even begin to describe it. One thing for sure, though, is that it spoke volumes to me; I read it page by page and absolutely felt that the book was speaking to me. It made me feel so connected to the characters, to the scenes, to the losses of life, to everything... without even trying. It just... does.

But the best factor of all... the subject matter. The story, overall. The way the mysterious tragedy of a certain character, and a stranger at that, became interconnected with the concepts of chance, risk, and fate. How actions affect all of us in this complex, yet familiar circle of life. I know, I know; I may be spouting big words and deep sentences that may already sound borderline disjointed, but... it is what it is. A tale of so many tales, of so many stories, linked by fate and by chance, written so convincingly, compellingly, hauntingly, mystifyingly. There are no other ways to describe it, you simply need to read it for yourself to get the same experience.

It spoke so much to me because in a way, I'm conflicted with a similar problem. To go or not to go? To stay in my comfort zone or experience new things? Needless to say, I think this book shedded light on this particular conflict, and pushed me towards a path... a path I for so long tried to avoid, but suddenly realized was necessary for my own growth.

Do I recommend this? Highly. If you're going to the bookstore anytime soon, this is the book you first must buy. Perhaps, like me, it will give you a sort of epiphany, perhaps, it won't, but whatever may happen when you turn the last page, I'm certain it will transform some part of you for the better.

Read this and my other reviews over at The Social Potato!

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May 06, 2013 Ariana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, emotional, great-books, favorites, to-review, best-of

Another wonderful emotional story that took my breath away!

Jessi Kirby doesn’t play with words, she plays with emotions. Her stories don’t have complicate plots, but subtle ones. Her prose is so beautiful that it leaves you breathless, the edge of her words cuts deep into your soul.. You can never have enough of her stories and I can never put into words how much I love everything written by her.

I don’t know if she puts a lot of effort into writing, or if it cames to her naturally, but it reall...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Jen Ryland added it

Shelves: atw-tour

I've LOVED this author's two prior books and was excited to get the chance to read a bound manuscript of Golden courtesy of Around the World ARC tours.

Main character Parker is a descendent of Robert Frost and the daughter of a stalled poet. Driven and rule-following, Parker suddenly begins to question all her life choices when a teacher asks her to mail back a set of journals written by his students a decade before. Parker realizes one of the journals was written by Julianna, a girl killed with...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: may-2013, arc-tour

**This is an ARC review-- any quotes and excerpts included come from an unfinished copy and therefore may change before the final print**

Guys, Golden is a prime example of why I absolutely adore Contemporary Young Adult literature. I think I am definitely jumping on the Jessi Kirby bandwagon a little late. I have heard really wonderful things about both Moonglass and In Honor, but Golden is my first experience with her writing. And I was BLOWN away. If her earlier works are anything like her lat...more

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May 01, 2013 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!! I need more Jessi Kirby books! This book blew my mind with the story and the characters. I have read another book by the author and that was awesome as well. This is definitely one of my favorite books. It was beautiful and heartbreaking. When I first read what the book was about I knew I had to read it, since I am now a fan of Jessi Kirby's. What I love most about this book was the characters and the plot. Golden was writing flowed perfectly that I finished it in Two days. A...more I loved this book!! I need more Jessi Kirby books! This book blew my mind with the story and the characters. I have read another book by the author and that was awesome as well. This is definitely one of my favorite books. It was beautiful and heartbreaking. When I first read what the book was about I knew I had to read it, since I am now a fan of Jessi Kirby's. What I love most about this book was the characters and the plot. Golden was writing flowed perfectly that I finished it in Two days. As a reader you got to know the characters throughout the entire novel, and Jessi really nailed this book!

Parker is a great character! I really liked how real she can be and is a fan of Robert Frost. Parker is a storyteller which makes you connect with her story, as she struggles with finding another person's story, Julianna's who is story is so important that you can never forget what happened to her. Julianna and Parker are the same in a way and they both shine through their writing. For her senior year Parker opens the journal (she is helping her English Teacher as a TA) where we learn about Julianna through during her senior year that was a project that contains answers to what happened to the towns Golden couple. Parker starts to realize a different story of what really happened that night before Julianna and her boyfriend drowned. While both girls re-discover themselves and become honest with who they want to be and become. This story drew me in and I am happy that I read this book! Jessi Kirby is definitely a great storyteller.

The secondary characters were made the Golden even better. There is Kat who is Parker's best friend who is understanding and is there for her the entire way, the the potential love interest, Trevor. He sounds like the perfect boy and Parker does have a crush on him for seven years. Trevor was a total sweetie! Kat was a great character who can push Parker and act in the moment compared to Parker who is the safe one. The chemistry between Trevor and Parker were priceless and they really connected with her, they flirted, and really got to know each other better. Trevor believes in her which shows that the sparks really fly. What Parker reads will change her life, and the risk of being qualified for a full scholarship that she wants.

Jessi Kirby will not disappoint in her third novel. It is truly Golden and this book is a MUST Read!! It has everything about learning about what you want to do. It has mystery, romance and even lessons. I loved the Robert Frost quotes which made it even more perfect. It was a fast read, but I could read it over and over again. Pick this book up when it comes out!!(less)

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Apr 25, 2013 Bonnie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, edelweiss-netgalley, mystery-thriller, ya, read-in-2013, arcs-read, road-trips-and-traveling, summer-reads

A copy of Golden was provided to me by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers/Edelweiss for review purposes.

"Tell me, what do you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life."

Parker Frost has always lived her life with the future in mind. She has always studied hard and received good grades in hopes that she can attend Stanford after graduation and become a doctor. There has never been an alternate path for her, no detours or side streets to take, she has only had the one goal. When she...more

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May 22, 2013 Lisa marked it as to-read

2013 is gonna be SO GOOD YAW.

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 12, 2013 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs

Wow. An amazing story of love, fate and friendship. One of my favorite books of the year by far!

Originally posted on my blog
http://asoutherngirlsbookshelf.blogsp...

Fate. It’s a wonderful thing. There are those who believe it in and those who don’t. I’m proud to say I whole heartedly believe in it. I think that is why I love and adore this book so. It’s just a wonderfully written book about true love, fate and destiny.

I believe all things happen for a reason and this storyline definitely deals wi...more

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May 14, 2013 Bookishtrish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: firstreads-arc-arr-netgalley, reviews-done

Do you ever feel like a book came in to your life at the right time and for a reason? Well Golden is that book for me. Golden is a powerful, intense and beautiful book about love and hope that has inspired me to examine my own life and to make some changes. I wish I could just say, read this book, you’ll love it. But I will make an effort to try and convince you why you should.

This book is about Parker, who follows the rules and is the perfect mother-pleasing-daughter. Valedictorian and high ach...more Do you ever feel like a book came in to your life at the right time and for a reason? Well Golden is that book for me. Golden is a powerful, intense and beautiful book about love and hope that has inspired me to examine my own life and to make some changes. I wish I could just say, read this book, you’ll love it. But I will make an effort to try and convince you why you should.

This book is about Parker, who follows the rules and is the perfect mother-pleasing-daughter. Valedictorian and high achiever, she looks set on a path to sucess but she has never examined whose dreams she is following. Are they her own or her mothers?

In Parker’s school, the seniors are given a black and white marbled composition book and their assignment is to write in it. Fill it with words that make a picture of who they are and what their dreams for the future are. The journals are sealed and in ten years time are mailed on to the students. Can I just say how much I love this idea and how I wish I had had an English teacher who did that. I can see it might be bittersweet if your life is very different to what you planned but the idea of writing and documenting all your dreams and hopes is just sweet and I would love to have done that.

Parker in her TA role has to mail out this year’s journals and she finds a journal written by Julianna who disappeared years ago in tragic circumstances. This journal shows the thoughts and secrets that Julianna had and that are very different from the perfect, golden girl image that Parker held in her head about Julianna. So love, mystery, hope and sadness combine to make a story that carried me along for an emotional ride.

There is a quote in the journal that hasn’t left my mind since I read it’ ‘Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’. How perfect are those words to remind you that you only get one chance at life and that your life is precious and should not be frittered away. It’s so easy to get caught up in the mundane and drift along from day to day.

I’m beyond thankful that this book came along; I feel like it threw a bucket of icy water over my head and woke me up. I have dreams and only I can make those dreams happen and if I have to work harder to make them happen, well I can do that. I’m so grateful this book reminded me not to be scared to fight, not to be scared to take chances and not to settle for less than I want. So for that reason I love this book.

But that are lots of other reasons as well. Both Parker and Julianna are great characters; they are authentic high school girls with fears and dreams. They want to please people but they also want to travel the road less travelled to find and chase their own dreams. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with each of them and loved the way the story switched between the two via journal entries.

The writing is perfect; it drew me in and held me captivated. It gave me goose bumps and made me smile. Ok, it also made me cry and made my heart ache. And at times it made me laugh. But mostly, it made me feel alive and inspired. And there are tonnes of poetry references as well which I adored.

Can you tell yet that I loved the book? Just in case you can’t, I’m taking out my 5 star stamp and leaving my lasting impression of love for this book for you all to see. Highly recommended.
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Apr 08, 2013 Dianna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, covergasm, favorites, reviewed, contemporary

Review can also be found here.

This book blew my mind away! Before I picked this book up I was going through a huge disappointment phase with YA Contemporary genre. All the books I had been reading were so generic and all so the same and I picked Golden without many expectations, to be honest. But WOW! This turned out to be one of the best books I've ever read, not only this year, but ever. It was so flawless and beautiful and heartbreaking and like nothing I had read before. Now, of course I've...more Review can also be found here.

This book blew my mind away! Before I picked this book up I was going through a huge disappointment phase with YA Contemporary genre. All the books I had been reading were so generic and all so the same and I picked Golden without many expectations, to be honest. But WOW! This turned out to be one of the best books I've ever read, not only this year, but ever. It was so flawless and beautiful and heartbreaking and like nothing I had read before. Now, of course I've read other books with some kind of similarity to this book's plot, but the way Golden was written, the way the story flowed so naturally, the way the characters experience a gradual development made this book one of a kind! I honestly feel lucky to have read this novel. Jessi Kirby has hit the target right on the center with this one.

I don't know where to start first. I want to talk about the characters but then I want to talk about the story itself and I just want to make you understand how beautiful this book is. Parker was an awesome main character! She's one of the rarest characters that I can fully relate to. I know that a reader isn't always supposed to relate to the main character, but when I do bond with him/her that's always better than just reading his/her story. Parker is so down-to-Earth. She's so chill (yep, chill) and a great narrator. The first voice made it even easier to feel her story. I loved how we get to learn about Parker's life and struggles through another person's story, which is Julianna's. Both, Parker and Julianna were the spotlight in this book, without ever being unbalanced. Trying to learn more about Julianna's story, Parker starts figuring out stuff about herself. She starts to realize, or better say accept and be honest with who she is and how her life is turning out. And most importantly, she's completely honest that she doesn't like it. And it's not like she wakes up one day and has this big realization about her life that solves her existencial crisis. Instead, her character develops slowly in front of your eyes and you get to understand all the reasons why things are going a certain way. Even if you don't connect with Parker, you will feel part of the story. And that makes the book 100 times better (trust me)!

Ahhh, there's so much to talk about this book. There are other secondary characters that shaped this story and made it so perfect. There's Kat who let me just say, is one of the best fictional BFF ever, and Trevor who is the most understanding and awesome fictional love interest ever. Even though sometimes I had a few problems with Kat and her 'carpe diem' moments, I absolutely adored her. She added some spice to the story and was absolutely amazing. I also loved the relationship between Parker and Trevor. There's no 'I love you' drama or any drama for that matter. Trevor and Parker flirted with each other a lot and you could sense the spark between them. Both of them were hesitant to make the first move and their whole relationship were so believable. I know authors want to create confident characters, but not every guy is so courageous to 'just ask the girl out' because some of them know how to wait and be patient and not push it, or they are just scared of rejection. (~~But I'd like some more Parker and Trevor kissing scenes though. The sex tension. Just saying.~~ I'M KIDDING!)

The part I could relate a lot (like A LOT!) with Parker was her relationship with her mom. Now, it's not like my mom is the way Parker's is, but there's no denying that I feel the huge amount of pressure just like Parker. Partly from my parents, partly from myself and partly because thee's no avoiding it. Parker was dealing with the same dilemmas I'm currently dealing with, basically 'WHAT AM I GONNA DO WITH MY LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?' and that's why I keep saying I love Parker so much. Me and her were so alike is some many things. And the way things end up in the end is not so easy for either of the characters, especially for Parker. I liked how she finally became the directer of her own life making her own decision, good or bad. This is not a story that tries to entertain you, or give you a happy ending -- it's a story that makes you reflect about yourself and your life. And it actually helps, especially if you're still going through high school and trying to face your yet-unknown-and-scary future.

I don't understand why I never manage to write good reviews about books I love but I'm so just overwhelmed. Sorry for all the repetitive thoughts and stupid sentences but my thoughts are really all messed up. This is book is absolutely AMAZING! You must read it as soon as you can. This is not a story to be missed, honestly. It is so beautiful and life-alerting and I swear I want to reread it already. (less)

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Apr 13, 2013 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: may-releases, arcs, extraordinary, favorites, realistic, ya, read-in-2013, reviewed, coverlove, art, beautiful-writing

This review can also be found here.

This book has one of those really amazing stories that stick with you for a very long time. Despite this, all you want to do is read it over and over again. I don't know if I can find the right words to express all of the feelings this book gave me, so I'll just say that this story was golden. It really was one of the best reads for me this year. I'm so glad to know that there are still beautiful and unique books like this one being published.

I have read this...more This review can also be found here.

This book has one of those really amazing stories that stick with you for a very long time. Despite this, all you want to do is read it over and over again. I don't know if I can find the right words to express all of the feelings this book gave me, so I'll just say that this story was golden. It really was one of the best reads for me this year. I'm so glad to know that there are still beautiful and unique books like this one being published.

I have read this in probably the most appropriate time, because one of the main reasons I connect so much with this story and its main character is because I'm going through this period of doubt and insecurity about my future as well. I could relate so much to Parker and that's what made this book even more enjoyable and special for me. She is smart and hardworking, but always so afraid to do something adventurous and wild and step out of her comfort zone. Her flaws and fears were what made her a character that seemed so real and easy to understand and sympathise with.

Parker has gone through one of the most believable developments I've seen in a MC. Her growth as the book progressed was astounding and inspiring. At first, her decision to do something that was practically impossible while also knowing the consequences this crazy idea would bring, was shaky and full of doubts, but she still knew that it felt right and her determination was mind blowing. Her change was gradual, steady and very realistic.

What do you plan to do with your wild and precious life? That is the question that circles around the two main characters of this story, or better say these two stories; Parker's and Julianna's. Their stories are intertwined so closely that in the end they become one, but you can still distinguish these two complicated and realistic characters and learn about their struggles, mistakes and doubts by seeing through both their perspectives. The whole journey Parker and her friends undertake was fascinating and so exciting. I also loved reading the parts of Julianna's journal and seeing how much her words affected Parker and the choices she makes. A choice can really change your life irrevocably. This book is all about choices and mistakes and learning to live with them despite their consequences. Towards the end of the book, I, too, just like Parker, felt very determined and inspired to be brave enough to change my life by doing the things that feel right and worth it and live despite my fears. After all, there is only one wild and precious life.

There were so many things happening in this book that's impossible to write about them all, because I might never stop. But I can honestly say this book was breathtaking. I loved all the characters, not just Parker. Kat, her best friend, was adventurous and wild, but an amazing best friend and travelling companion. I loved her carpe diem motto. Her bond with Parker was strong and unbreakable and I want to read more about friendships like that. The romance between Parker and Trevor, although it wasn't the main focus of the story, was a great addition to this book's awesomeness. I just loved their cute banters and flirtings. I also liked how he understood her and never once made her feel uncomfortable or pressured. This is how all romances should be! Apart from that, Julianna and Josh- Orion- had such an extraordinary love story, almost magical and absolutely worth fighting for.

In conclusion, I have nothing but great words to say about this book. The writing was fantastic and just utterly effortless. I loved In Honor, but this book is a whole other level of greatness. Stories this spectacular and memorable are very hard to find and I'll definitely read this book again someday just to be able to experience this incredible journey of love and self-discovery for the second time around.(less)

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May 19, 2013 Melannie :) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, read-2013, stand-alone, ya-contemporary-challenge-2013

Golden is Jessi Kirby's sophomore novel. And while I thought In Honor, her debut, was actually pretty good and loved its concept. I loved Golden much more. In my opinion, it was much well structured and written, Kirby certainly improved a lot and you can immediately tell that.

Golden is about Parker, a shy, bookworm who by chance or fate finds an old journal from a girl who went missing 10 years ago. Parker, a high school senior, is in the run for a scholarship in honor of the missing girl and he...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Once Upon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Jessi Kirby's novels have yet to get anything less than a 5 rating from me. Her novels connect with me in such a way, that its hard to explain. I read Golden mid march and had yet written a review for the book. I felt that no matter what I would say in this review, it would not explain the greatness behind the book. Golden is such a breathing-taking novel, that can be described with so my words from the dictionary. Just alone the cover is gorgeous and the words inside compliment each other hand...more Jessi Kirby's novels have yet to get anything less than a 5 rating from me. Her novels connect with me in such a way, that its hard to explain. I read Golden mid march and had yet written a review for the book. I felt that no matter what I would say in this review, it would not explain the greatness behind the book. Golden is such a breathing-taking novel, that can be described with so my words from the dictionary. Just alone the cover is gorgeous and the words inside compliment each other hand in hand. This coming of age prose rocks your core and leaves you satisfied when you read the last word. The great thing about Jessi's novels are that they are all stand-alones, so no waiting to find out what next. Jessi balances everything so well within the 300+/- pages that her books contain like its no body's business. All her books including Golden take you on a fantastic ride.

As soon as I read Golden I had to pass it on to my friend that teaches High School level English, she loved it and plans to share with her students. Golden will appeal to anyone. You can be a paranormal lover and read Golden and LOVE it. I promised that it will leave it's mark on you. Jessi Kirby's style of writing coming of age books have no flaws in them. Her stories are original and unforgettable. You will want to share how much you adored the book with friends and family.

Golden is the story of Parker Frost. Parker is 17 years old and in her senior year of High School. During her senior year, she assists the English teacher. He has given Parker an important project to help him with. Every year the English teacher has his senior class in the last semester write a journal. Then the teacher collects these journals that the senior class did and seals them up so that in 10 years he mails them out to his past students. Parker is given the task to mail all the journals from the senior class 10 years prior. When she comes across one journal in particular, she freezes up. This journal belongs to Julianna, a senior that passed away in a horrible accident and her body along with her boyfriends were never recovered. They assumed the river took the bodies. In the town there is a billboard with Julianna and the boyfriend's senior pictures still up as a reminder everyday to what happen to that Golden couple. Parker decides she will keep her journal and immeditely gets pulled into reading Julianna's thoughts and secrets. The journal will lead Parker on a new course and eventually alter her own life events.

Parker becomes addicted to knowing the whole story behind Julianna and her death. She uncovers secrets in her journal that lead Parker on a chase with her friend Kat and long time crush Trevor. The mystery of Golden will be as intriguing as Parker reading Julianna's journal. You won't expect what is coming until it hits you in the face. Golden will captivate you with a soft paced that will allow you to understand and follow along. Golden's characters will be a treat to read, they are people that you can believe exist with such amazing voices. If you want to read top-grade YA material then Jessi Kirby's novels are the way to go.

Its doesn't get better than Jessi's books. I can't wait to read what's next for Jessi Kirby. I strongly recommend to everyone. (less)

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Apr 29, 2013 Betty rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read2013, review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book Golden by Jessi Kirby. I really appreciate this complimentary advance reading copy from the wonderful folks at Goodreads. I understand that this book will be on sale from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers in May. Wow! I'm still in awe! This is a "must read". I believe all can identify with Parker, the seventeen year old girl in this book. She is frequently faced with possibly life-changing decisions, which are similar to those encountered by many of us. At...more

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May 22, 2013 Akcin rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5-4

I'm not sure how i feel about this book.

What i do know is that after reading this book, i had the urgency to read another one with a definite, solid happy ending. Garbage or sappy, i don't care. The open ended-ness of it all makes me weep.

But see this is what makes me steer clear from these kinds of books. They're so close to reality. And i am sick and tired of the one we live in, and I honestly need the break.

You see i run to books, YA, fantasy and fiction especially, because its my ref...more

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May 17, 2013 Heather from NightlyReading rated it 5 of 5 stars

On the storyline…. I think what originally grabbed my attention to read this book was the story of lost love. The tragedy that had happened so long ago that Parker seemed obsessed with. The idea was unique to anything that I have read before and it literally gripped my attention from page one.

On the characters…. I fell in love with Trevor from the get go. He was swoony and snarky, just how I like my book boyfriends. Parker was basically a good girl and her mother tended to REALLY grate on my ner...more

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May 14, 2013 Angie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

Originally reviewed here @ Angieville

I feel like contemporary YA and I are going through a rough patch. We're having trouble seeing eye to eye. We seem to be going in different directions. We don't want the same things anymore. Take your pick. I realize this is likely just an unfortunate string of mismatches, but after a little while it's hard not to take it personally, you know? So much good chatter surrounded today's release of Jessi Kirby's GOLDEN. Not having ready Kirby's previous two novels...more Originally reviewed here @ Angieville

I feel like contemporary YA and I are going through a rough patch. We're having trouble seeing eye to eye. We seem to be going in different directions. We don't want the same things anymore. Take your pick. I realize this is likely just an unfortunate string of mismatches, but after a little while it's hard not to take it personally, you know? So much good chatter surrounded today's release of Jessi Kirby's GOLDEN. Not having ready Kirby's previous two novels, I found myself curious about the fervor. Then I heard whispers of a decade-old unresolved mystery and something about Robert Frost and I was on board. Somewhat uninspiring Generic Sunlit Girl cover aside, I like that it doesn't lead the reader too much as to what to expect inside. That combined with my lack of knowledge of the author's work in general made it possible for me to go in with fairly untouched expectations. Which is always a nice thing.

Parker Frost (yes, that Frost her father maintains) is on the cusp of greatness. She's ready to blow the Popsicle stand that is her small-town home and head off to Stanford for some real living. She's got Valedictorian status in her hip pocket. The only obstacle remaining between her and her dream is a scholarship speech. Knowing Parker, she can slap that puppy out in her sleep and still have time for coffee with her best friend Kat. But when her English teacher asks her to send out a stack of journals to his old students, she stumbles across something that might force her to throw all her carefully laid plans by the wayside. That something is the personal journal of Julianna Farnetti. Presumed dead (along with her longtime boyfriend Shane Cruz) in a violent car crash ten years ago, Julianna has achieved the status of local legend by now. But as Parker gives into temptation and reads the journal, she realizes that not everything in the young lovers' lives was as it seemed. And now, inexplicably, Parker finds herself on a mission to resolve their deaths and, just possibly along the way, find the answers to her own burgeoning questions about the life that she leads and the kind of person she wants to be.

It started out well. I liked Parker fine. I liked the cute, somewhat fuzzily arrogant boy who seemed to have his eye on her. Though her best friend Kat immediately felt like the usual carboard cut-out, wilder than the heroine but with a heart of gold best friend that so frequently populates coming-of-age novels of this ilk, I figured as long as she didn't play too obnoxiously large of a role, we should be able to rub along tolerably well. Her mother was an irritatingly nebulous, overbearing presence in her life, but the mystery felt intriguing and, most of all, important to Parker. So I read on and found myself wanting to know more of Julianna and Shane and the mysterious Orion. Soon, I was far more interested in spending time within the pages of the journal than with the living, breathing teens in the present day who were fumbling to unravel the past. I had no trouble understanding Parker's preoccupation with Julianna's story, but I lost my preoccupation with Parker and hers. And since not all that much time is actually spent inside the pages of the journal, I found my emotions invested in the areas guaranteed to give me the least payoff. The boy (and his interest in Parker) never materialized, always shunted to the backseat. Kat did stay in the picture. And while I bought her affection for Parker, I longed for more depth between them. And then there is the title and the whole Robert Frost thing. And let me tell you, it is a Thing. Frost poems herald the start of each chapter, they run through Parker's head, they insinuate themselves into every fold and crevice of the story. And it was just too much for this reader, too much browbeating with the theme. I get it, Ponyboy. Nothing gold can stay. You've got to grasp life by the horns when you have the chance. I just don't respond well to the painfully earnest shoving of these truisms down my throat. I finished GOLDEN actually angry. Angry at my time spent with another undifferentiated, underdeveloped, well-meaning contemporary. There. Is that cantankerous enough for you? For what it's worth (and as is the trend lately), I am alone in my high dudgeon.(less)

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Mar 09, 2013 Jessica Mangicaro rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, favorites, young-adult

I am still reeling from the amazingness that is this book. I gave it 5 stars on GR and I don't want to start another book yet because I just want to bask in the afterglow of this one.

My only complaint? I wish it had come out 5 years ago, so I could have maybe taken some of the life lessons Parker learned and applied it to my own life.

In my opinion, I think every high school girl should read this before they graduate.

Parker, the story's protagonist is a girl who has always played by the rules...more I am still reeling from the amazingness that is this book. I gave it 5 stars on GR and I don't want to start another book yet because I just want to bask in the afterglow of this one.

My only complaint? I wish it had come out 5 years ago, so I could have maybe taken some of the life lessons Parker learned and applied it to my own life.

In my opinion, I think every high school girl should read this before they graduate.

Parker, the story's protagonist is a girl who has always played by the rules and doesn't take risks or chances. Her mother is overbearing and clearly has a strong influence on Parker's decisions on what to do after she graduates.

Parker's best friend, Kat, is her polar opposite. She is spontaneous, fun, and has no qualms about breaking the rules.

Do not fret my friends! There is a boy involved in this novel. But the romance is not the main focus of the story and that was ok with me because the main storyline had such power to it. Parker has had a crush on Trevor Collins since the seventh grade, and their banter back and forth is really adorable. Parker describes him as a big flirt, and when we first meet him he is teasing her about joining him in the art closet before class. Of course, as the story goes on, we get to see the real Trevor, and I swooned over the sweetness.

Parker is a TA for a senior English teacher, who requires his seniors to keep a journal for the last half of their senior year. Their journal is completely theirs to write what they will in it and is then sealed up and returned to them 10 years later. Parker is helping her teacher send these journals out, when she stumbles across one that stops her dead in her tracks.

Through this journal's contents Parker suddenly begins to question her perfectly predictable life and we embark on an adventure to self-discovery, friendship, and love.

This book shows young readers that it is ok to take chances and to not be afraid to go after what you want because it would be such a tragedy years down the line to take a look back at your life and be reminded of the risks you were too fearful to take.

I end my book review with my one of my favorite movie quotes from, Empire Records. "I do not regret the things I've done, but those I did not do."

Review can also be found at: my blog (less)

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Feb 19, 2013 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Parker is a goody-two-shoes. She listens to what her mom says, she studies her butt off so she can get scholarships, she never ditches school, never parties and is just pretty much not living life.

Parker is a TA for one of her favorite teachers. She is helping him with his annual project, which, by the way, I think is an awesome project! The teacher gives the senior students a composition notebook and one question that was posed by the poet Mary Oliver: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with...more Parker is a goody-two-shoes. She listens to what her mom says, she studies her butt off so she can get scholarships, she never ditches school, never parties and is just pretty much not living life.

Parker is a TA for one of her favorite teachers. She is helping him with his annual project, which, by the way, I think is an awesome project! The teacher gives the senior students a composition notebook and one question that was posed by the poet Mary Oliver: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?". The teacher doesn't read them but boxes them up and ten years later, sends them to the former students so they can see what they dreamed about as a senior. Parker is going through the box and addressing all the journals to send back to the former students when she finds one from a girl who went missing (and was presumed dead) on graduation night, ten years ago. Juliana was part of a golden couple and her and her boyfriend got in a car crash on graduation. No one every found them and assumed that their bodies were lost in the lake.

Parker finds Juliana's journal and on a whim she takes it and reads it. What she finds in the journal that was never intended for anyone else's eyes surprises her and sets her off on a mission to discover the truth.

I loved Parker's best friend, Kat. She was fun and quirky and a perfect fit for Parker. I also really liked Trevor. He was so funny and yet you could tell he really liked Parker. I got annoyed with Parker and her mom. Parker just did what her mom said with no arguments and it got annoying. Her mom was clearly trying to take charge of Parker's life. I just really wanted Parker to stand up to her mom and tell her off! She does get better towards the end though so that redeemed her character for me.

This book had mystery, romance and some great life lessons in it. In fact, I quoted one of the quotes by Robert Frost that was in the book on my Facebook page today because it was just perfect for where I am in my life. It was a very fast read and I highly suggest picking it up when it hits the shelves!(less)

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Mar 11, 2013 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen

Jessi Kirby is back! I really enjoyed her first book, "Moonglass," was disappointed with her follow up book, "In Honor," and now am excited to have really liked "Golden." I think Parker is a remarkably relatable character in that she is going through something almost all high school students are going to experience at some point - the inevitable shift from high school to life beyond. As she struggles to figure out what she wants to do with her life, how to please her demanding mother, what will...more

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May 21, 2013 Isabel (Sab The Book Eater) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review and more at Sab The Book Eater

There really isn't anything I could say to encapsulate just how breathtaking this book is. It was heartbreaking yet beautiful, powerful but in a subtle way. It's a story about self discovery and the choices that define us. It follows Parker and her journey to finding answers to a town mystery and, along the way, finding herself.

Golden is probably one of the most well written Young Adult contemporaries I've read thus far. The story was told in a steady pa...more This review and more at Sab The Book Eater

There really isn't anything I could say to encapsulate just how breathtaking this book is. It was heartbreaking yet beautiful, powerful but in a subtle way. It's a story about self discovery and the choices that define us. It follows Parker and her journey to finding answers to a town mystery and, along the way, finding herself.

Golden is probably one of the most well written Young Adult contemporaries I've read thus far. The story was told in a steady pace with a cast of relatable and well written characters. What made me fall in love with Jessi Kirby's writing was how Julianna's journal was written. There's something about the insightful way in which she tried to describe herself by describing the love of her life, Shane. But as Parker went deeper into Julianna's story, we're given a view of how her life took a turn by just one momentous meeting. I wasn't prepared for the rush of emotions I felt with every journal entry. Perhaps it was the idea of reading the words of someone who has passed or it was simply Kirby's impeccable writing (or both) that made something so simple stunning. And it isn't simply about a journal anymore because everything that takes place in the book, every choice that Parker made from the moment she decided to take Julianna's journal, is anchored on it.

I loved Parker's transformation throughout the book. She wasn't the kind who took chances on anything because she already had her life mapped out for her. But as the story pushed forward, she learned that chance is everywhere and it's also what life is made of. She learned from the words written in Julianna's journal and lived it. Parker took more risks and did what she just knew she had to do. I think the only thing I didn't like so much about her was how strongly she fought for love and fate towards. She got so caught up in how she wanted things to turn out that she refused to see the implications of what she wanted to happen. But in the end, I still like her. She grew up and made choices that she wasn't sure of but hoped that in ten years or so, would matter.

This book had its fair share of cheese though. Names like Orion and Hope, and repeating the Mary Oliver quote 'Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' over over again ticked me off a little bit (just a little). But after having read everything, I guess it mixed perfectly with the story that I couldn't rate the book less than 5 stars.

Golden is a compelling story that leaves the readers something to ponder on, dares the readers to make a life altering decision no matter how scary it seems. It's a perfect coming of age novel that says so much without saying a lot and undeniably leaves a lasting impression.

(I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review is based solely on my opinion.)(less)

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May 21, 2013 Andrea (Cozy Up With A Good Read) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, books-i-own

This review and others can be found on Cozy Up With A Good Read

When I first saw this book, I didn't know much about it. The cover was nice but I just didn't feel very interested... and then the reviews started coming out and I realized that this book was not what I was thinking it was going to be about. I didn't really read the synopsis much, I just kind of assumed it was a contemporary book like many others out there (well my mistake for assuming something... I should know better by now).

When I...more This review and others can be found on Cozy Up With A Good Read

When I first saw this book, I didn't know much about it. The cover was nice but I just didn't feel very interested... and then the reviews started coming out and I realized that this book was not what I was thinking it was going to be about. I didn't really read the synopsis much, I just kind of assumed it was a contemporary book like many others out there (well my mistake for assuming something... I should know better by now).

When I started reading this, I was really intrigued, I loved how Jessi Kirby introduces this idea of writing a journal before you graduate and receiving it 10 years later.. I would love to be able to look back on my life like that. I wish I had something like that to be able to look back on the past and see how the path I chose changed me. But anyways back to the actual story...

When Parker finds Julianna's journal she wants to read about this amazing love story that she grew up with. Parker loves things like that, Romeo and Juliet and The Notebook are continually mentioned throughout this book. But what Parker finds is a different story and one with a mystery attached to it. I felt very connected with Parker in some ways... I was never one to really cross the line when I was in high school, I didn't do a lot of things other people did (though I was not as studious as Parker is). Parker was such an amazing character though, this book is about her finally learning to let go and do something for herself, and Julianna's journal is what finally pushed her there.

Parker really grows throughout the book and learns a lot about herself and what it means to take a different path than expected. I loved the little bit of romance for Parker in the book, but it didn't overshadow what the book was really about. This book is really about learning to live for yourself. This is a book that I think everyone needs to read, it's not like a lot of contemporaries out there (at least none that I have read). This book has found a special place in my heart now, and I would love to read more from Jessi Kirby after this story.(less)

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Mar 02, 2013 Kiona rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Originally posted on www.yareads.com

Golden is amazing. Lovers of contemporaries — and especially mysteries — will adore Golden and Jessi Kirby. She’s a great, fresh voice with tons of talent and beautiful stories. Golden follows Parker Frost, a senior in high school and hopeful Stanford attendee. She’s always followed the straight-and-narrow, until she finds a journal. Julianna Farnetti’s journal, to be exact. Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz were high school royalty ten years ago. They were the...more Originally posted on www.yareads.com

Golden is amazing. Lovers of contemporaries — and especially mysteries — will adore Golden and Jessi Kirby. She’s a great, fresh voice with tons of talent and beautiful stories. Golden follows Parker Frost, a senior in high school and hopeful Stanford attendee. She’s always followed the straight-and-narrow, until she finds a journal. Julianna Farnetti’s journal, to be exact. Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz were high school royalty ten years ago. They were the golden couple everyone looked up to. Unfortunately, they never received their happily ever after; the two died in a horrific car crash on a dangerously snowy night. Even though she thinks it’s wrong, Parker can’t resist cracking open the pages of Julianna’s private thoughts. Parker is shocked to learn just how many secrets Julianna kept, from Shane and from the world. The journal also raises a mystery surrounding the night Julianna died, a mystery Parker can’t ignore.

Kirby has a talent for character development. I fell in love with each and every character in this book. There were a lot of instances where Parker reminded me of myself and I can see a lot of girls very easily relating to her. The fact that she can only come up with witty quips for her crush, Trevor, when her best friend’s around describes my high school experience so perfectly and I loved seeing a character who wasn’t unbelievably without realizing “just how perfect she is,” according to every male love interest ever. No, Parker was a perfect blend of awkward, shy, snarky, and brave. She’s a great role model and the type of person I’d love for a best friend.

Then we have Trevor and Kat, Parker’s best friend. Finally, a fully developed best friend. We get to see why Kat and Parker love each other and just how close they are. But we also get to see how frustrating close relationships like that can be, and we see the two push each other to be better. Kat encourages Parker to take more risks, while Parker encourages Kat to think before she acts. They’re best friends that compliment each other, neither a sidekick to the other. Kirby has really offered quite a beautiful friendship in these two. Meanwhile, Trevor is that guy we all know — the guy we’ve known and gone to school with for years. The guy in the back of our mind that we never really think of romantically until one day we just do. He’s not a mysterious stranger who appears out of nowhere with only eyes for Parker, thank God. The two have history, chemistry, and Trevor’s just honestly a nice guy with depth. I love him so much and while I appreciated that he wasn’t the focus and Parker’s world didn’t revolve around him, I still want to see more of him because I’m ridiculously in love. A sequel is downright necessary, if only so I can drool over Trevor a little longer.

I’m a lover of contemporaries, but I’m a huge fan of contemps with truly engaging, riveting plots. And Golden delivers just that. I couldn’t put the book down. As much as I loved the characters, the plot and the mystery surrounding Julianna commandeered the majority of my attention, much to my surprise and delight. My only problem was Julianna’s writing style in her journal. Julianna’s journal entries read too sophisticated for me to believe. They sounded more like the author and/or narrator. Don’t get me wrong, the journal entries were beautifully written. Just too beautifully written for me to believe they were the musings of a high school senior. But I decided not to let that distract me and just let myself enjoy the beauty of Kirby’s writing.

Oh, another important thing to note: Parker has a mother who is actually present and concerned about Parker’s well-being. As in, she’s not mysteriously gone all the time so that the characters can throw huge parties without getting in trouble or come and go at all hours. This is something that bothers me a lot in current YA and I think Kirby did a fantastic job of incorporating Parker’s relationship with her kind of heliocoptery mom. Points to Kirby for recognizing that teenagers do, in fact, have parents. Well-meaning parents that sometimes get things wrong, at that. This relationship was just so perfectly rendered.

So, essentially, you should read Golden. It’s a quick, easy read with a gripping plot and likable characters. Oh, and there are some fun Frost quotes and allusions. Who doesn’t love Frost? After you’re done, you’ll probably want to bow to Kirby for allowing you the pleasure of reading such a great contemporary. I mean, that’s how I’m feeling. And I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed for some sort of sequel or spin-off.(less)

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Jan 17, 2013 Valia Lind rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reviewed on http://wordsareinnermusic.blogspot.com

Golden is a story about Parker Frost, the perfect example of a good girl. In the beginning of the book, Parker is given a huge opportunity to be considered for a scholarship to Stanford University. But while this may be a great opportunity, Parker feels like something is missing. When her favorite teacher puts her in charge of a project, she uncovers a journal belonging to a local legend. That is where the fun begins.

I'm one of the people who fal...more

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