It is always super interesting to see the background of political figures. While Michelle was thrust into politics by her husband’s ambitions she had the background and passion to embrace it. Seeing her fierce advocacy for her children and other children was what really made this book so valuable and made me appreciate her in a new light. 

The end was very good, and I appreciated it. The idea that “optimism is a kind of faith” was heartening

There are certainly parts of this book that drag but ultimately the main point of it I found very beautiful and poignant. 

Theo is not necessarily a character I cared for but his trauma colors the experience of the book which is the point by the end and it was a fantastic ending. 

Was not as fun as book 1, although I am a sucker for the train setting. 

I did like the author beefs but felt this one was a lot more depressing given the SA instance in the book. 

Stevenson’s writing is punny and witty so it was a good time, just not as interesting the second time around for me. 

I kept envisioning a cartoon styled similar to The Great Wave off Kanagawa while reading this and that’s really all I can say about it. I found it interesting but ultimately kind of sad.  

I really enjoyed this book, particularly how the beginning took us back to the generational history of the red feather and bear shield families. 

The reason it is only getting 3 stars from me is because we did not get a wrap up to some of the other characters introduced in There, There. Perhaps there will be a third book? I’m not sure, but I really was interested to know what happened to Blue and Edwin, Harvey just disappears even though he went to the hospital with them after the shooting. I would have also liked to see what became of the movie project from the first book. 

Despite those shortcomings, Wandering Stars is a deep look into generational trauma and addiction and is a must read. This book and There, There will go on to become classics, I’m sure of it. 

I was super into book 1&2 but this one was a major slowdown for me. I still enjoyed it but I think the major time jumps in this one really got to me for some reason. I really loved the ending though!

really enjoy how Jiminez weaves old characters into later books, it makes them really fun to digest and root for the characters.

This was like if a hallmark movie was good

This book does a really fantastic job of demonstrating the different dynamics in relationships that are abusive. From emotional, to physical and verbal abuse, Jimenez writes knowledgeably and with compassion for these experiences. 

Ultimately, it is a love story but the moments that really shined for me were the moments of compassion for abuse victims. And perhaps the biggest take away from this book that I feel I will be thinking about for awhile is “Grace costs nothing”