Chasing Brooklyn - Lisa Schroeder

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.

I love Lisa Schroeder. Her style is simple, but because of it's simplicity the emotions come through loud and clear and feel more powerful. This is a companion of sorts to I Heart You, You Haunt Me. We get a glimpse of Ava, which was nice, and she provides the soundtrack to Brooklyn's healing.

The story takes place a year after Lucca's death and a just after the death of Gabe - who was friends with Lucca, Brooklyn, and Nico. The chapters switch back and forth between Brooklyn and Nico, so you really get a feel for how each is coping with their own grief. Brooklyn has disappeared into her own head and Nico has disappeared into the endorphins of running. It's hearbreaking to see them still struggling, and as they struggle with this new death, it's like they get pushed back a few steps.

I loved that they were being haunted by different people, in different ways for different reasons. Nico is such a sweetheart and he was the perfect person to help Brooklyn fight her way out of her depression. And she in turn helped Nico stop and look around instead of always running. The evolution of their friendship was beautifully written and felt very real. I absolutely loved it.

Basically, I loved this book. I've said it once and I'll say it again: Lisa Schroeder is a must-read author for me. I can't wait for her next book The Day Before to be released this summer.

5/5

Chasing Brooklyn
Lisa Schroeder
Simon & Schuster
412 pages
$15.99 (hardcover)