Chasing Lightning

by Rachel York

Determined never to fall in love, Scarlett Faye Turner, who thrives on scandal, is thwarted by her attraction to gorgeous Gina Jamison, an infatuation that leads her on a powerful journey of self-discovery.

Genres: Fiction, Queer, LGBT, Lesbian, Lesbian Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this book for free from my city's pride library. I liked it! I appreciated all of the different ways being a lesbian was, from a tiny town in PA to southern all-girls schools to Europe and LA. The writing was easy to read but still had depth. I was pleasantly surprised by the conversations in here about the fluidity of sexuality and being a lesbian vs bisexual. Although it didn't really lean in much to this (because that's not what the book is about) I thought it was pretty open-minded for being from over 20 years ago and for coming from Scarlett's perspective lol

I liked how complicated Scarlett was even though she did annoy me sometimes. Sometimes the emphasis on how so smart and clever and talented she was got on my nerves. And what do you mean she had a bestselling book of poetry published while she's still in school?? Crazy.

Thought the ending was kind of bonkers considering how realistic the rest of the book was (not to say that stuff like that couldn't have happened but it was just like. what??). Also didn't like how the one butch character in the book was portrayed. Justice for my butches!!

[Heidi Housten · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best lesbian book I've read in a long time. Too many lesbian novels are full of cliches and so poorly written that I struggle to get through them, hoping for some redeeming feature. "Chasing lightning" refreshingly breaks away from the pack.

It is a funny and captivating coming out novel. The main character is a handful: tough, sharp, pulls no punches, and humorously and painfully spot on at times. She knows what she wants and goes out to get it with determination.

The whole book moves at a good pace and the writing pulled me right in. The sex scenes are also well written.

This book was easy to read in small bits because the chapters are short but it is very hard to put down if you have the time to sit and read.

I am not sure I've enjoyed a lesbian novel this much since I read "Ruby Fruit Jungle" and "Six of One" too many years ago.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading queer fiction and I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely read something by this author again. Although I am completely different from the main character and she frustrated me sometimes, I still liked her.

[Hollieann · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was rather unrealistic. I only read it as I wanted to read gay fiction that I could relate to. However - I found all the notions in the book unrealistic and absolutely no description about anything. There was a lot of travelling, a lot of faffing about and a lot of silly situations.

[Nancy Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story. It delves into the complexities of love while being an entertaining read.

[cj · Rating 2 out of 5]

forgettable.