I Thirst

The Veritas Chronicles #1

by Gina Marinello-Sweeney

When Rebecca receives a mysterious note from an unknown source, she has no idea how it will change her life.

Twenty-year-old Rebecca Veritas is used to being different, but has never felt extraordinary. She is a Dreamer, living in a world of poetry intermixed with the antics of her unique family and eccentric best friend Adriana. When she meets Peter, a young student from Canada who seems somehow to understand her from the start, her perception changes. With "Intermission", the single word in that mysterious note, as inspiration, the two writers embark on an incredible journey to a new world in the form of a story that will ultimately parallel their own lives. Yet, as the story progresses, events remain ever more shrouded in mystery. When unexpected circumstances in the real world throw their lives in disarray, it will be up to Rebecca to find the true meaning of "Intermission" before the curtain closes on the final act.

Genres: Catholic, Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Novels

298 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2013

About the author

Gina Marinello-Sweeney is the author of Prince of Chandeliers, a fairy-tale novel, and The Veritas Chronicles, a contemporary YA trilogy. Both story worlds are filled with eccentric and wonderstruck characters, and her writing has been compared to that of L.M. Montgomery. I Thirst, the first book in The Veritas Chronicles, received the 2013 YATR Literary Award for Best Prologue from Young Adult Teen Readers.

Gina delights in the poetic riddles of the sea, whimsical butterflies that seem as if they are from another realm, and enchanting rose arches that resemble portals to faerieland. She has been writing ever since she was a little girl and turned her bedroom into a “library,” complete with due date slips and a check-out stamp. Gina lives in Southern California with her husband, where she is at work on a companion novel to Prince of Chandeliers, as well as a short story collection.

Reviews

[Karen Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your usual Lenten study book. Sweeney presents a deep and thoughtful look into the heart of sacrifice and the meaning of Christ’s suffering and passion, but it is not blatant. It has to be teased out. The chapters give hints to the meaning and intent of the author by beginning with a chapter named “Ash Wednesday” and following the Sundays of Lent. This novel is a unique book that spins a tale within a tale, and yet a third tale within the first. All the stories are tightly woven as one of the allegories used in the novel, a rose’s petals.
“His voice had a nice, different quality to it. Quiet, thereby seeming to confirm my earlier suspicions that he was a bit reserved, yet not so quiet because it was so…firm.
Firm and solid. “(pg. 28)
In the first tale, we are introduced to teenage characters, Rebecca and Adriana who are already close. Rebecca meets the newest usher in church, a boy named Peter and they instantly connect. Rebecca isn’t aware of the suffering Peter is going through as their relationship blossoms. As budding writers, they decide to collaborate on a play which they call Intermission. Their feelings for each other grow deeper, and they connect through an email relationship in the writing of this play. During this tale Rebecca is betrayed by a close friend Chelsey and learns the back story of Peter’s painful past. In the end, Rebecca forgives Chelsey and helps Peter start on a journey to forgiving himself.
“Monet remains for a moment and, then, with some grumbling, runs after them. They all grab a swing and begin to fly high to the sky. Laughter is heard…laughter of four, united as one.” (pg. 115)
The second tale within the first story is the play Intermission. As Peter and Rebecca develop the play it becomes about a small jam shop that sells fruit jelly and entertains diverse and eccentric customers. Two women run the jam shop and develop and sell unique fruity jams (fruit of the Spirit?) while two male customers quarrel over a play that they are writing called Muse. Elise is in love with Antonio who spurns her overtures.
“And soon three shall be one.
No, only two, for one is but the other.
His face grew serious. He gazed at Patria, a gentle caress filling his eyes.
“You are the only music of my heart.” (pg. 186)
The third tale is the story of Muse, the play being written by the characters of Intermission. These characters are Antonio and Patria and the Lighthouse Keeper. This is a mystical work in which Antonio, who is lost, is led by the Lighthouse Keeper to a wondrous lighthouse with a magical portal and finds his true love Patria.
I cannot share the final plots and subplots without giving away the story. It is written in a fresh young style that reflects the age of the author. It is not a book that is easily digested or understood. It requires thought and reflection. The author delights the reader with personal poetry such as:
The leaves painted red fly
Without moving from their sanctuary
A step marks them for death
And they remain untouched.
They call the wind of an ancient yesterday
But they are always in the present
The pages are rich with inner meaning to be pulled apart like the petals of the rose. If you have time to meditate and thoughtfully ponder and enjoy occasional ‘flight of consciousness’ writing, you will enjoy this.

[Gina Marinello-Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note: This is NOT the author's review.

A 5-star review by a fan of I THIRST (amazon.com):

Inspiring
Review by Seytara

This novel is absolutely beautiful. By the end I was left feeling so peaceful and nostalgic. It reminds me so much of growing up and being in the company of my closest friends.

And to elaborate on a previous review: it tells the story in a fashion that's halfway between poetry and a personal diary, all the while remaining literary in almost a Victorian manner. I always wondered how Jane Austen would write if she lived today- perhaps this is it!

Again, wonderfully done. Bravo!!

Source: http://www.amazon.com/I-Thirst-Gina-M...

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

When first asked to read and review I Thirst I thought from the title that it was a spiritual reading and a personal reflection type book. Something I read but don't really review. It was only at a second look at the request that I noticed the words "Catholic Fiction" and agreed to it. Now, I will officially step onto my soapbox.

Jumping in, instead of I Thirst as the title the word Intermission would have fit the plot and general style of story much better. The main characters are young college students dealing with that lovely in-between phase where so much can be in flux. Gina uses a sort of play like style in the aspect that the way things have been for the main character is presented, new “actors” are introduced, conflicts internal & external that arise, then we go into “intermission” to see what will happen next to our characters until our authoress finishes the sequel. I also think the word intermission should be the title as it is used throughout the story, whereas the words I thirst is sorely absent through the majority of the book.

I couldn’t help bonding to the characters as they are so genuine. They feel quite real and seem like people I would know. They each have their own eccentricities and personality defects. The eccentricities and defects show through the best of us not only by actions but by our speech as well. This is represented by the characters’ dialogue throughout the book. In some senses it is perhaps too “real” and makes the story difficult to read at times. The dialogue shows their personality but it can leave the reader with the feeling that they are watching a group of friends talking and telling inside jokes. You want to join in but you feel unintentionally excluded.

Perhaps I just haven’t met that type of person at this point in my life but just two friends writing a story together seems unlikely. Either way the play within the story with the story is a little too Inception movie feel to it – don’t get me wrong, I love the movie Inception but it’s too much. It’s not necessarily a bad idea but it stressed me out as a reader trying to remember all these new characters “late” in the story and what purpose they are supposed to carry in the story.

Finally, I have more of a personal rant here. I know “Catholic Fiction” is fiction written by Catholics for Catholics. A difficulty that is almost strictly an issue for this “new” genre is that the writing can either feel a little too simplified (a, “What? You think I’m stupid?” feel), or too “exclusive”. I am thankful that I Thirst wasn’t overly simplified but it did have some areas of being too “exclusive”. By excusive I mean that it uses a lot of terms and traditions that are strictly Catholic with little or no explanation as to what or why. The reason for the rant at this particular time is that since the characters are so genuine that I think they could reach a much further audience base and act as an introduction to Catholicism.

Inclusion: Gina Marinello-Sweeney is obviously a new author with some areas to fine tune but I plan to read her future books as I couldn’t help bonding with her characters.

[Samantha B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really good plane read. :)

I picked it up because it was a Catholic YA book and the synopsis sounded interesting, and that combination of events happens Not That Often, let me tell you.

And it was good, but I don't think it quite lived up to its potential.

I really liked the MC and her take on the world and her faith and her writing and her approach to life. I enjoyed seeing her and Peter's friendship progress, especially.

But I didn't think the plot was really developed enough. Things happened, but it didn't feel like they were happening in any particular order, and some events that I thought would have consequences really didn't. There were also things that really didn't make sense to me at all.

And there weren't any deep spiritual themes. Color me naïve (and it may also be due to the way I write, also), when I read Catholic fiction, I expect deep spiritual themes.

Also, the writing style was alright, but the author also used things like emojis in the text ("I made a :P face at her") and that wasn't my cup of tea.

Overall, I believe this gets 3 stars. There were things about it I really liked, and things that bugged me, and that seems like a good compromise.

[Anna Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One could say that Rebecca is living an ordinary life, going to college and living at home with her parents and brother in the United States. But when she meets the Canadian Peter, she does not realize that a beautiful and wonderful friendship is ahead of her...

The first thing that struck me as more than ordinary in this book were the vibrant descriptions. Even if the story had been ordinary, the descriptions that painted pictures in my mind and were never uninteresting would have made up for it.

When I started reading this book, I was expecting a romance. However, I was surprised to find a friendship story instead. One could say that there were some elements of romance (I can totally see Rebecca and Peter as a married couple one day), but it wasn't anything major in the story. Since I was expecting romance, I might have been disappointed if the friendship wasn't so beautiful - I would put it up there with Frodo and Sam from The Lord of the Rings. :)

I enjoyed this book very much. It was a great weekend read, and I definitely plan on reading it again. I was delighted to read in the "About the Author" section that Gina is writing a sequel to this book. I don't think she will be able to write fast enough for me. ;)

My rating: 9 out of 10

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In I Thirst we meet college student Rebecca Veritas at Ash Wednesday Mass. During offertory she receives a mysterious note that, though she doesn’t know it at this time, will have a profound effect on her life.

Rebecca may by a typical, albeit quirky, college student but her friendship with Peter is anything but. As they navigate their friendship they decide to write a play together. As the story progresses they learn more about each other and more about themselves.

Gina’s style of writing makes this a work of literature in the truest sense of the word. She weaves a story in a rather lyrical fashion. At times you wonder where she is headed. But, similar to reading GK Chesterton, if you just keep on reading, her writing takes you somewhere beautiful.

The ending of the book left you wanting more, more of what becomes of Rebecca and Peter and their relationship. I expect we will be reading much more of Gina’s work in the future.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I THIRST was a delight to read. The characters are true-to-life believable people that the reader comes to know and love. Readers will find many experiences to which they can relate. The concept of true friendship is thoroughly explored. Although serious topics are addressed, the author’s sense of humor is apparent throughout the story. Her characters are loveable and often humorous. “There is an unspoken pact between best friends that stipulates the following: To induce laughter, all you have to do is look at your partner-in-crime ---even in the absence of said crime.” (p.7)

The author’s poetic descriptions truly paint a picture in the mind of the reader and often create a sense of mystery or a contemplative mood. “His countenance revealed an expression of peace – yet did not seem to be completely relaxed out of formality – and something else that I couldn’t quite comprehend at the time.” (p.4) At times her descriptions leave the reader with a sense of awe. “And, as I had gazed at my surroundings, at the muted, yet triumphant, colors splashed in joyful serenity over the immaculate stone floor, at the profiles of my fellow parishioners bent in prayer, and finally, up above, at the flickering lights held in a soft gray ceiling like chandeliers in an ancient palace, I realized that my thoughts had been transferred to Someone Else.” (p. 38)

The author explores the vulnerability of a writer, whose work is exposed to the reader. “There is nothing more nerve-racking than waiting as someone reads your writing. The reader becomes the videographer, zooming far, far into your heart and soul, unveiling every inch and corner. The writer remains a wary observer at the mercy of the reader, clueless as to how he might react. The writer is exposed, laid bare; her innermost thoughts and feelings are revealed in a potentially scathing moment of vulnerability. I trusted Peter so fully…in a way that I could not explain. For that very reason, it mattered so immensely. To actually tell him what I knew he had already often seen in my eyes was to allow him to enter a new dimension in that world. And it mattered. It really, truly mattered.” (p.82) The author also touches on the relationship between author and character, with hints of Miguel de Unamuno (NIEBLA) and Luigi Pirandello (SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR). “Is it bad to fall in love with a character that you created yourself? A bit vain?”(p.60)

One of my favorite chapters involves Rebecca’s encounter with someone truly malicious. Descriptions of that person and the setting were so vivid that the reader was made to feel the same oppressive, physical burden that Rebecca experienced. “A coldness, nearly tangible due to its extreme weight, was perceptible the instant I entered the room.” (p. 171)

The story within a story was an extra bonus. The crazy antics of the jam shop employees are hilarious. They become another set of well-drawn characters to love . . . although I will admit that Antonio is my favorite!! The story written by these new characters is a completely different style, filled with symbolism and unique sensory descriptions. I was truly transported to another world where the sea, the rose, music, and romance are dominant themes. The authors of each drama reveal themselves in their writing, which serves to make them more human. We are made to feel what they feel. Marinello-Sweeney’s ability to effectively transport the reader to at least three different worlds is amazing, especially considering the fact that this is her first novel.

Marinello-Sweeney is a lauded poet in both English and Spanish. Her poetic talent is demonstrated in poems written by her character Rebecca, who is also a writer. “Mi concha de mar”, “Lo inmortal”, and “Yesterday’s Chalice” are beautiful examples.

I THIRST is unconventional in structure and unpredictable in plot, a refreshing departure from more typical stories with expected outcomes. I found Marinello-Sweeney’s use of varied writing styles and settings to be unique and enjoyable. The ending and epilogue revealed a sense of hope and left the reading wanting more and wondering what will happen next. I am pleased to hear that the author is already working on a sequel. I would also suggest that she write another spin-off continuing the story of the jam shop employees and the mystical adventures of Antonio.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been long overdue to read this after reading it's sequel first. That stood on its own well enough, but now I get to see why Peter was so important among other plot details.

The story from the beginning was well and good. Maybe what our dear Gilbert Blythe would call "high fluty mumbo jumbo" but I don't mind that. The authoress, Anne Shirley, Rebecca Veritas, and I seem to be kindred spirits so it's just my cup of tea. I was reveling in the beauty, poetry, Catholicism, goodness, and wholesomeness of it all when something very deep just happened.

"'There is someone I would like you to meet,' Peter finally said. ...

Four or five rows of wooden pews came into view. They were all vacant. ...

I turned towards Peter in confusion. 'There's no one here.'
'On the contrary,' he said softly, 'everyone is here.'"

BAM!
Peter just became the most awesome guy in modern literature!! :D I need a friend like him.

From this point on, the story just got better and better. Once again, just like its sequel, I loved the poetry and stories woven in. (I didn't always understand all of the poetical dreams, but they are beautiful nonetheless.) Also, the stories within the story worked really well. When I saw that there would be 2 stories within this story, I wasn't sure I would be able to follow, but everything worked out perfectly.

The characters were realistic for the most part. They weren't famous people; they didn't go on crazy adventures; they weren't perfect. But they were honest to goodness people; Catholics just living their lives full of happiness and sadness. They made mistakes and had misunderstandings but they continued to live their Catholic Faith as best they could. Rebecca didn't pray dryly or like she knew everything. She just prayed what came into her heart. Sometimes that makes sense and sometimes that doesn't. And that's ok. Oftentimes my own prayers are mixed in with parts of prayers I know or lines of hymns so that was absolutely beautiful to read Rebecca's poetic prayers.

Another thing that really impressed me was that the writing style is so unique. It's poetic and it's real. It mixes stories with poems with songs with dreams. It's like nothing I've ever read and that makes it so lovable. Just because its different doesn't mean its less worthy of our attention. On the contrary, it makes it all the more admirable. Because the authoress was just herself and no one else.

If you love Anne of Green Gables, imagination, poetry, Catholicism, literature, friendship, writing, the ocean, or happiness, this book is for you.

[Josh Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, I love those rare instances where a story blossoms into something unexpected and sends you on an adventure you never saw coming. Where you are genuinely surprised at what has unfolded over the course of a few short chapters - and end up loving it!


“I Thirst” provides one of those, ‘Wow, what a cool story!’ experiences. The author easily hooks the reader into the youthful world of Rebecca and her best friend Adriana through believable conversation, inside jokes and the playful innocence adults long for.


Rebecca befriends a mysterious church usher named Peter. Through guarded, yet flirty conversations the two discover they have much in common. The most exciting of which is that they each have an affinity for creative writing and poetry. This becomes the proving ground where the loyalty and depth of their budding friendship will be cultivated.


The two ‘partners in crime’ take things to the next level by collaborating on a zany stage play about a family-owned exotic jam business. This story within a story detour is ‘book candy’, melding all the enjoyable social interactions in Rebecca’s world with a whole new cast of entertaining characters. Along the way, Rebecca and Peter treat us to a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at their collaborative methods, story development and poetic verse.


“I Thirst” spoils the reader with a cultural cornucopia of literary styles and clever storytelling. You’ll find yourself staying up way past your bedtime reading, ‘just one more chapter’ while basking in this sweet, unabashedly Christian story.

Escorting the reader through the full emotional spectrum, Rebecca and Peter’s relationship is beautiful and satisfying, leaving the reader filled with hope. I highly recommend you treat yourself to this inspiring read!

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book (3 stars on Goodreads, 4 stars on Amazon) even though it is not a style I typically read. I purchased it knowing that from its reviews. At times the language reminded me a little of Margaret Atwood, Donna Tartt, and Sylvia Plath, yet it often has characteristics of YA, which I read a lot. Prose sometimes takes the form of verse, as I've seen in some recent YA, and some true verse is in Spanish, a language I love but need to bone up on. I normally don't read prologues and seldom epilogues but read both in this book, particularly curious about the prologue, which won an award. I thought the prologue was good, although the author might have described the picture frame as containing a photo of a young boy to give the reader that light-bulb moment later. The epilogue provided a glimmer of hope for future romance that I expect from contemporary YA.

This is not one of those easy reads for the end of a hard work day because it makes the adult reader think, perhaps labor, to understand the depth of the main character and my guess--the depth of the author. However, teen readers may not try to analyze as much as I did as an adult.

I commend Ms. Marinello-Sweeney on her daring combination of elements in this book, including stories within the story. This novel is strongly Catholic, but the relationships of the main character with her friends and the young man she meets should appeal to most teenage girls.

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Thirst is the story of college student Rebecca and the young man she meets who deeply affects her life. The story is set during Lent and I enjoyed seeing their friendship grow during those 40 days. There is a lot to enjoy in this unique Catholic Young Adult novel from the delightfully quirky Rebecca, the easy going banter she enjoys with her best friend, the kind and slightly mysterious Peter to the story within a story and the beautiful prose. Marinello-Sweeney has written a sequel to his novel which will hopefully curb my curiosity as to what will happen next between these wonderfully engaging characters.

[Jansina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up far past my bedtime to read this book. The writing and descriptions are beautifully poetic, and the characters are easy to relate to. There is a wonderful mix of humor and depth within this novel--something not easily achieved.

Marinello-Sweeney uses a variety of writing styles throughout, which could make the book disconnected and hard to follow--but in this case it works well.

Without giving spoilers, I'll simply say that I'm not entirely satisfied with the end, only because I know there is more to come. This is the first in a series, and I can't wait for the rest!

[E.D. D. Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Thirst is a masterfully told story about life, friendships, and being yourself. Rebecca is a bubbly and passionate character and I was able to relate to events and thoughts that occurred to her. Peter is a fictional character after my own heart. He is sweet, kind, friendly...everything a good person should be, but he still had his faults and hardships like any other person. I am looking forward to the next installment into these two characters' lives.

[Dr. Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Thirst is a compelling page-turner that will keep you guessing what is going to happen next. The readers will find that the characters are very relateable and will see concept of true friendship. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a compelling story that leave you wanting more.

[Catherine Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Thirst" takes the reader on a journey, or rather, two journeys. The overlapping story within the story offers a wonderful new style that is rarely seen in today's books. Also the poetic descriptions and compelling storyline will surely grasp the attention of anyone.
Beautifully written, masterfully told story.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zephyrs?

I didn't quite know what to think of the very crisp vocabulary mixed with simplistic, everyday dialog, but I soon was drawn in. I don't know how I should feel about eavesdropping in on a 20 year old female college student's life, but I thoroughly enjoyed this multi-layered story. Bravo!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and touching story. It was well-written, eloquent, and filled with beautiful imagery. I look forward to reading more from this new author!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Catholic book;

This is the tale of two friends, each different from the crowds, but together united with a love of literature and with a strong Faith.

[Ben · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretentious:

Pre·ten·tious

PriˈtenCHəs

adjective
1.

attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

example. This book is the textbook definition of pretentious.




This book. Editing would have saved this book, but it just didn't work. There were so many issues within the first few pages and the main characters were weak throughout. If you're going to try Brecht and thinly-veiled metaphors, please use them with caution and without constant repetitive dialogue and thoughts. It makes us dislike the book and exhaust ourselves in reading.

Thank you. Please work harder next time and hire someone competent as an editor.

I would not recommend.

[Jean P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the uniqueness of this story. Every page was a delightful surprise, different from its predecessors. Gina took so many disparate elements and made them easily flow together so that the whole story deftly delivered its themes in a constant motion that when at the end, looking back, you were amazed at the splendor of the simplicity that wrapped everything in its web.

I have never seen anyone combine so many creative elements in one story, and produce such an
enthralling narrative as Gina has.

It's a great read! I highly recommend "I Thirst" (The Veritas Chronicles")!

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was excited as all get out to get a review copy of this book. A young Catholic author writing for Young Adults? Fantastic! So I read the book. And then read it again. And this review is hard to write. There is something to be said for that kind of knowledge that comes only with time. That is, sometimes its best to let our best writing sit a bit and age – like a good wine or cheese – unearthing it later to taste and see what effect time has had on it.

I Thirst is a novel consisting of three nested stories: the story of Elizabeth and Peter, the story they write, and then the story those characters write. Such a nesting is difficult in even the best of scenarios, but I found the effect to be confusing with little in it to actually push the story forward. In some way, the stories parallel each other. But not to the effect that it provides any insight to the main characters’ motivations. True, its a means for the main characters to deepen their friendship, but then, I think that the reader doesn’t need to be privy to the finer details of either of the secondary storylines. Better to really develop the characters and let them shine through.

The books suffers from some other illnesses, as well. The prose is very repetitive in a stream of conscious style, and relies heavily on inconsistent formatting to get the point across. As well, it is often wordy without actually saying anything. (“He suddenly understood without understanding what he had never comprehended before – always caught in snapshots and glimpses but never entirely, never fully, understood.”).

The bones of the book are good! There is a story here that has Beauty at its core. A story, I think, that a mid to upper teen girl would enjoy reading by the poolside. A story, too, that ends with hope, and joy, and a sweetness that made even this reader sigh as she put it down. But that story wasn't flushed out.

I’m going to end this review with a note of encouragement to you young writers out there (my definition of young always expanding, of course, but let’s say…those under 30). Especially you young Catholic writers. Write! Write some more! And after you have written, put it aside and write some more. Let your writing simmer and then bring it out and edit it. Tweak it. Sometimes the first batch of cookies is just too raw and needs a bit more time in the oven. Ya know?

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book nor did it affect the content of my review.

This review first appeared on Epiphanies of Beauty.

[Ruth Paszkiewicz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is an easy read, and its characters feel believable, solid and contemporary. However, hardly anything happens. The story focuses on Rebecca Veritas, with her family and best friends in orbit around her. The main plot point occurs early when she meets Peter Asturian at mass. Their growing friendship forms most of the rest of the book as they decide to write a book/play called 'Intermission' together, bits of which counterpoint Rebecca's story.

Even without the juxtaposition of 'Intermission' The narrative jumps rather than flows, and although the times the main character Rebecca spends at college, out with friends etc feel very genuine, its just a little too stop-start for my tastes. The excerpts from 'Intermission' are a mixture of clumsy, poetic, symbolic and cringeworthy which are a testament to Gina Marinello-Sweeney's solid character work. The overall tone of the book is very peaceful, yet while this makes it an easy read, it does not make it a particularly engaging one. There is little conflict or trouble in the book until almost the very end, when possible peril, a hint of tragedy and a bit of back-story are thrown in all at once.

The book is also over-saturated with pop-culture references (especially Star Wars, Star Trek and emoticons), and the in-jokes between Rebecca and her friends often exclude the reader. The number of times that Rebecca refers to herself as 'weird', 'immature', 'nerdy' or 'absurd' become quite tiring. Despite this the realism of the characters and the settings show that the series has some promise, and I am hopeful that the second book will address some of the less appealing aspects of 'I Thirst'.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I actually find it really hard to sit down and write a review. I also took a long time to settle on a stars rating. It was back and forth between 2 and 4 stars, finally settling on 3. The story within a story is always a risky plot twist. And when the story within is being written by the main characters I would say even more so. And with part told in prose and part in verse it just feels like too much was attempted for a first book. The plot gets so complicate the books begins with a character list for the two stories.

I Thirst - Main Story
Adriana
Rebecca
Peter
Chelsey
Cedric

Intermission (written by Rebecca and Peter)
Monet
Antonio
Elise
Morena
Fred

The main story is about Rebecca and Peter, Peter is a student from Canada and Rebecca working towards finishing her university degree. With a mysterious note with just 'Intermission' on it, the two are drawn together and through their word craft work at creating a story together.

I really liked the Peter and Rebecca interactions, and their faith, also finding out Peter's secret and his burden that he carries was very moving. But the side story that they were writing, written as a play was just too abstract for me.

I think this is a good story, that could have been a great story. But it just did not do it for me. But it was good enough I am going to give book 2 a try.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Theresa Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a mystical blend of poetry and prose, Gina Marinello-Sweeney’s I Thirst is a one-of-a-kind contemporary story. Rebecca, the upbeat main character, filters the world and events of her life through a poetic screen that helps her appreciate, enjoy, bear, and grapple with the deeper meaning of things. I enjoyed the natural way this character lived and grew in her faith and the distinctly Catholic elements of the story.

As the story advances, readers are taken into a play within a play within a story. I found myself pondering the deeper meaning of poems and scenes, trying to find all the pieces to a puzzle, tie things together, and search for the value of the moments in between, the intermissions.

While the style might not be for everyone, I recommend I Thirst to lovers of poetry and the arts. In addition to having inspired poetry sprinkled throughout, the story is filled with beautiful imagery and poetic prose that paints mental pictures and stirs emotions: “It was a song, a dance. The triumphant red, the immaculate white, and the gentle pink swirled together to form a maze of mazes, a hope of hopes.”

I look forward to the second book!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked I Thirst very much, with it's poetic writing style and wonderful characters. I could really identify with Rebecca, and I enjoyed spending time with her. My one complaint was that there wasn't enough conflict. There was some conflict, but there wasn't really a plot-driving conflict. I liked the characters so much that I enjoyed the book anyway, but it could have been improved by a more interesting storyline. I heard that there is going to be a sequel and I really look forward to it, and to any other books that Gina Marinello-Sweeney will write.

[Christina Weigand · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the story at times it seemed a little disjointed and at least for me did not flow well. The concept of the two main characters writing a book together although intriguing could have been better developed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got my hands on this book and finally read it, the style is interesting, there might be a few layers that confused me and I think I will read it again to hopefully clarify whatever is missing for me. I do wish I read it during Lent it might have made more sense then.

[Avellina Balestri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having received "I Thirst" as a Christmas Present, I really enjoyed getting the chance to delve into the adventures of Rebecca Veritas, a Catholic college student with a magical perspective of the world around her. Sea-shells, roses, and palm crosses are recognized as woven portals that lend perspective to the providential patterns of life, and the poetry throughout the book is lyrical, thought-provoking, and mystical. Also, the story makes clear that it is the little moments of life - the various "intermissions" in our individual dramas - that ultimately contain the most profound meaning. Perhaps it is the discussion about super-hero franchises, or a contest on the backyard swings, or that lunch eaten outdoors beneath a clear blue sky that in the end is the most important memory to make. "I Thirst" is also a story about friendship in various forms. I particularly appreciated the dialogue between Rebecca and Adriana, which was executed in a very realistic conversational style, spanning from the hilarious to the emotional. Also, I will admit that I am quite intrigued to see what becomes of Rebecca and Peter's relationship. As an American girl who has written stories long-distance with a Canadian guy, I can definitely attest that it can, in fact, be done...even if things could get the far end of crazy, and we fell to squabbling like Antonio and Monet!! ;) In addition, I also appreciated the realistic description of Rebecca's respiratory issues when confronted with air fresheners, as I myself am sensitive to chemicals (and indeed just had a pretty nasty allergic reaction to some shampoo which affected my breathing and blurred my vision!) The author bring all these things to life with empathy and sensitivity, and I look forward to see where she takes the story for the continuing Veritas Chronicles.