His Only Star

by Christopher Stocking

“Do you ever look at the stars and wish you could snatch them out of the sky?” Oliver asked. “You know, to keep in a box all for yourself?”
“What would you do with a box of stars, Oli?” Trista asked.
Oliver shrugged. “I don’t know. Change the world?”


When young Oliver sneaks off on a train with his friend, Trista, he discovers that life has more to it than the small world he used to be trapped in. It’s full of sex, drugs, and danger. With only a copy of his favorite novel and a love for playing the piano, he tries to come to terms with everything the world has to offer. But more darkness lingers in the shadows, and Oliver must learn that facing that darkness alone only yields more pain.

But what if it’s too late?

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 2013

About the author

Christoper Stocking ia a writer who is capable of undertaking many forms of writing and work in the journalism and communication fields. He has published several novels, has experience with news writing from working as a freelance correspondent at Livingston County News, writing for his college newspaper, The Stylus, as well as serving as a teaching assistant for his college news writing class. Christopher assisted the Associated Press twice and also wrote for public relations as a PR intern at Noyes Memorial Hospital.

Christopher served as assistant editor at Upstate Metal magazine, and after a brief departure he returned as a copy editor. He also edits novels for Eat Your Serial Press as well as his own creative and professional work.

Reviews

[Ashley_Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always timid about novellas before I read them. They're too long to be short stories and too short to be novels. It's that awkward in-between stage. What isn't awkward however, is Stocking's writing. He keeps the action going through the whole narrative, with little breaks to allow readers to get to know the characters. Weaved throughout are bits of symbolism, beautiful analogies, and raw emotion. I found myself actually yelling at the pages, and yes, there were some tears, too.
Ultimately, this is a great debut into the YA world for Stocking. If he can create this kind of depth in a novella, I can't wait to see what his next full-length narrative will bring.

[J.S. Collyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This young adult novella is the simple but tragic and refreshingly-told boy-meets-girl story. It is grounded and dark, sad and touching with just the right amount of action and a good amount of conflict. The story is based on the oft-imagined teenage fantasy of running away to make your own life, only to discover life’s not all it cracked up to be.

It is fast-paced and engaging, the language simple and effective, providing you with this glimpse into the character’s lives at the biggest turning point for both of them. There is grit and metaphor, ups and downs. They struggle their way through, attempting to get a fistful of control on the momentum that is hurtling them forward and hope sparks every step of the way as well as doubt.

The story was simple, engaging, exciting and tragically human. Definitely worth a read.

More at: http://jcollyer.wordpress.com/2013/03...

[Fille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't taken time to sit down and read in awhile, but I am very glad that when I finally decided to, I picked up this book. What really captivated me was how real the story was. The physical and emotional struggles encountered by the characters are tragic, yet real-life. It opened my eyes to the life of a troubled teen. I felt Oliver's every emotion and found myself rooting for him the entire time. I became so absorbed in "His Only Star", that the ending came way too quickly. I am sad that it was quite short but now I can't wait to read more! :)

[Devan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! It's quite sad but I loved it. Oliver is a fantastic character and I couldn't help but feel bad for him. A lot of parts were pretty intense and unexpected. The ending definitely surprised me! I was hoping that Oli would get what hes always wanted. I am so looking forward to more books written by Chris!

[K.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIS ONLY STAR is a gripping and enthralling tale of two kids who run away from home. It's dark, deep, and realistic. It's a roller coaster of emotion, and I just couldn't put it down for one second. The story is poignant and emotional, and it's one of those texts that stay with you long after you read it. I highly recommend this novella!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is absolutely fantastic! You grow into the characters as you read and fall straight into the anxiety they feel. You know how it's going to end and you know you don't want it to end but you can't stop reading and see where these guys will end up.

This one I really really loved. Straight-forward, no circumvoluting, intense.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written & great story-telling. Sure, there were times that characters behaved in ways that didn't make total sense to me, but overall I really enjoyed this. Great work!

[Cathy Struble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down once I started it. Interesting characters, gripping story. It truly left me thinking of the possibilities.

[Jon Finkel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes free Kindle books can be delightful discoveries, unanticipated joys, and sometimes they're like this one

[Peter Germany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Stocking has potential. Not only can I read it in this story but I can feel it, because he made me care what happened to the characters. I found myself looking further down the page I was reading to find out what would happen.
There are a few little rough edges here and there but that comes with learning ones art. I've got another novel by this man and I am even more eager to read it now then I was.