Review: Chasing Crazy by Kelly Siskind

Note: This ARC was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review.

Still, I'm consumed by her. Every quirk I learn makes me want to know more. Luckily, she's open to a fault, but apparently, only with me. Every admission from her about her family or her fears is followed by, "Oh my God, I'm such a freak." That's when I lean in to say, "Own the crazy," and she looks read to hug me. It's painful to keep my hands to myself.

And other parts under control.

Take one disaster-magnet nineteen-year-old girl looking to reinvent herself, one fucked-up college junior trying to find himself, and the sights and sounds of New Zealand and you've got yourself what I consider one of the best debut releases I've had the pleasure of reading and reviewing in the past several years. First-time author Kelly Siskind has put together a story that'll make you tear up from both laughter and heartache and two main characters--Pininfarina, also known as Nina, from Canada and Sam from Florida--who are both lost as they embark on separate journeys only to unexpectedly joining forces and discovering something neither one had planned for--falling in love. And the same thing holds true for me: I went into this hoping I would, at the very least, like it, but I was soon falling for all things Chasing Crazy.

The story starts off on a hilarious note, and we're quickly given an idea of just how accident-prone Nina actually is. It appears she has a habit of drawing attention in the most unwitting of ways, and she's already suffered from public humiliation, the effects of which she still feels. She's one heck of an entertaining heroine, but while she does inspire a smile, a giggle, and a laugh, she's also a young woman who's got her share of insecurities and phobias. She's quirky and real, aware of her eccentricities and that's what makes her even more endearing. She has difficulty accepting compliments, something I can totally relate to, and I wish I could say she doesn't apologize for being her because the girl says "sorry" a lot. And yes, these also make dear Nina quite captivating, so it's easy to see why Sam is drawn to her from the moment they meet.

Speaking of Sam... Ah, where do I begin with Sam? We're barely two weeks into the new year, but I'm already calling dibs on him being my newest book boyfriend. It's difficult to find a reason to dislike the guy. He is by no means perfect, but he owns up to his mistakes and he makes up for them. He isn't just accepting of Nina and her idiosyncrasies; he's supportive and provides her with the encouragement to overcome whatever needs to be overcome. He's simply there for her and who doesn't love a guy like that? He's got his own issues and hang-ups that he's hesitant to bring up for fear of Nina turning away from him. Sam is all heart--when he loves, he's all in, but when he hurts, it's just as deep. This is the kind of guy you wish were real, and if he asked you to wait for him, you would...because he's worth the wait. Just ask Nina.

I loved reading about Sam and Nina and how their trip to New Zealand began on separate paths that allowed them to make their way to each other so that they could continue the journey together. We experience their evolution as characters, growing up and making the types of choices that aren't always easy but are the ones that bring peace of mind while holding on to hope, and the transition of their relationship from travel buddies to something that could very well, and I sincerely believe, be more happily-ever-after than happy-for-now.  I'm going to highly recommend that you chase the crazy good and insanely fab Chasing Crazy all the way to your preferred e-retailer and get yourselves a copy of this five-plus-starred read. And I'm keeping an eye on Kelly Siskind because something tells me she's one to watch. ♥

Date Read: 13 January 2016

Learn more about Kelly Siskind.

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