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THE STARS DON’T LIE
Boo Walker
Lake Union Publishing
August 22, 2023
347 pages
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This is Carver Livingston’s story. He banished himself from his hometown in Vermont in self-acclaimed shame that he felt he brought on himself and his family. He felt he was damaged goods. He left after high school, and vowed never, ever to return. Twenty years later he received a phone call from his mother, pleading with him to come home.
The book is about Carver’s journey, not just the trip back to Vermont. But, the journey of acceptance, forgiveness and self-redemption. He is learning that his 40-year-old self is not who he was when he left Vermont 20 years earlier. Perception and reality evolve as he matures. The author really takes us into his mind and thoughts. The reader gets to know how he feels about himself, his insecurities, his accomplishments. It is very interesting.
Throughout Carver’s journey of healing and rediscovering himself, he also deals with the problems of his parent’s marriage.
I especially enjoyed Carver’s relationship with a former teacher, Mrs Cartwright. She was someone who supported him during his youth and that support continued as if there had not been a 20-year break. There is a bit of role reversal also.
My favourite quote from the book: It was okay that I wasn’t perfect, because I was so far from perfect. Just like everyone else.
There’s a saying: You can’t go home again. (apologies to Mrs. Cartwright)
But, sometimes you can!
The ending might have been a bit too tidy but it made me happy. And, at one point, there might have been a few tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
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