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Chasing Athens
When Ava Martin’s new husband unexpectedly ditches her months after they’ve relocated across the world to Greece, the heartbroken American expat isn’t sure where home is anymore. On the verge of flying back to the States with her tail between her legs, she makes an abrupt decision to follow her gut instead and stay on in Greece. She soon discovers that the tumultuous, culture-rich Mediterranean country is coloring her life in a way no place else can, changing her forever. But is it where she belongs?
Ava’s newfound independence throws her into the thick of Athenian reality, where she has brushes with violent police riots and gets a taste of both the alluring islands and the city nightlife. Despite pressure from her mother, uncertainty over her impending divorce, and unresolved issues with her long-estranged father weighing on her, she’s determined to make it on her own. With the help of two very colorful Greek friends, she laughs and learns while facing culture shock, language barriers and the charm of Mediterranean men, until a life-threatening medical emergency back home in sleepy Ithaca, N.Y., forces her to decide where she truly belongs—and what truly matters.
Ava’s newfound independence throws her into the thick of Athenian reality, where she has brushes with violent police riots and gets a taste of both the alluring islands and the city nightlife. Despite pressure from her mother, uncertainty over her impending divorce, and unresolved issues with her long-estranged father weighing on her, she’s determined to make it on her own. With the help of two very colorful Greek friends, she laughs and learns while facing culture shock, language barriers and the charm of Mediterranean men, until a life-threatening medical emergency back home in sleepy Ithaca, N.Y., forces her to decide where she truly belongs—and what truly matters.
Unknown Binding
First published April 23, 2014
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About the author
Marissa Tejada
1 book24 followersMarissa Tejada is the author of the romantic comedy and contemporary women's fiction novel Chasing Athens, which has reached the top-10 best sellers rank in several Amazon.com categories.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 8, 2014
A delightful chick-lit read that brims over with love for Greece.
Ava Martin leaves New York to start a new life with her husband in Athens, Greece. She settles well in this unknown world, learning the language and the eccentricities of life in the Greek capital while making new precious friends. It all looks like a fairy tale except disaster strikes when she least expects it. Her husband leaves their apartment out of the blue, announcing he wants a divorce. Ava is devastated but also torn. Should she head back home to her mother and try to pick up the pieces of her former life in New York or stay in this foreign city that she’s come to love so much?
Aided by her two closest Greek friends, she decides to stay for a while and give this new life a chance. With their support she does well, getting a job as a nanny while sampling the nightlife and the flirting habits of the Greek single male. When she winds up in Mykonos on a short break, the spitting image of George Clooney storms into her life to overwhelm her and her fragile emotional state even more.
I found this book to be an absolute delight. Full of hilarious episodes and peppered with humorous quips throughout, it makes a typical chick-lit read in this respect. But this book is not just about laughs. It tackles the sensitive issue of abandonment by a parent at a tender age, as well as the themes of heartache, forgiveness and new-found strength. All in all, this book is a gem and I’d recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction, and also wishes to open their eyes to a faraway world. Marissa Tejada does a remarkable job describing life in the city of Athens, as well the beauty of the Greek landscape; not just on the islands but also in the surrounding areas of the city.
I found it incredibly sweet that the author chose to include in the book a staggering amount of Greek phrases. Most of them are quoted needlessly which serves to indicate the author’s love for the language and the Greek people. Over the years, I’ve read a large amount of books written about Greece by non-Greeks. In their vast majority, they’ve been quite critical and at times, hugely unfair. This book makes a lovely change and is one of very few that has managed to speak honestly about the weaknesses of life in Greece without pointing the finger or criticizing. That coupled with the heavy quotation of Greek sentences as I mentioned earlier, makes this a book that predominantly expresses a genuine love for my country, hence promoting in a way, Greece and its culture. I’m already looking forward to this author’s next book. Marissa Tejada is definitely one to look out for!
Ava Martin leaves New York to start a new life with her husband in Athens, Greece. She settles well in this unknown world, learning the language and the eccentricities of life in the Greek capital while making new precious friends. It all looks like a fairy tale except disaster strikes when she least expects it. Her husband leaves their apartment out of the blue, announcing he wants a divorce. Ava is devastated but also torn. Should she head back home to her mother and try to pick up the pieces of her former life in New York or stay in this foreign city that she’s come to love so much?
Aided by her two closest Greek friends, she decides to stay for a while and give this new life a chance. With their support she does well, getting a job as a nanny while sampling the nightlife and the flirting habits of the Greek single male. When she winds up in Mykonos on a short break, the spitting image of George Clooney storms into her life to overwhelm her and her fragile emotional state even more.
I found this book to be an absolute delight. Full of hilarious episodes and peppered with humorous quips throughout, it makes a typical chick-lit read in this respect. But this book is not just about laughs. It tackles the sensitive issue of abandonment by a parent at a tender age, as well as the themes of heartache, forgiveness and new-found strength. All in all, this book is a gem and I’d recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction, and also wishes to open their eyes to a faraway world. Marissa Tejada does a remarkable job describing life in the city of Athens, as well the beauty of the Greek landscape; not just on the islands but also in the surrounding areas of the city.
I found it incredibly sweet that the author chose to include in the book a staggering amount of Greek phrases. Most of them are quoted needlessly which serves to indicate the author’s love for the language and the Greek people. Over the years, I’ve read a large amount of books written about Greece by non-Greeks. In their vast majority, they’ve been quite critical and at times, hugely unfair. This book makes a lovely change and is one of very few that has managed to speak honestly about the weaknesses of life in Greece without pointing the finger or criticizing. That coupled with the heavy quotation of Greek sentences as I mentioned earlier, makes this a book that predominantly expresses a genuine love for my country, hence promoting in a way, Greece and its culture. I’m already looking forward to this author’s next book. Marissa Tejada is definitely one to look out for!
September 8, 2014
Chasing Athens, as the name so aptly describes, unfolds in Athens, where young American Ava Martin lives with her husband Greg, whose job is the reason they moved to Greece. When Greg announces he wants a divorce and moves back to the US, Ava is given just 2 weeks to pack her things and return to the US. Instead, she chooses to stay in Athens and learn how to blend into a country that's at times surreal, fun and exhausting. The novel continues with Ava’s adventures in Greece where she tries to find balance between love, work and friends.
Being Greek, I guess that I’m qualified to say that the book sounds very Greek! Some portrayals are hilarious and to the point, especially the one describing Ava's exasperation at how Greeks drive: trust me, she's got it right! The writing is both fun and entertaining and I loved it. It’s a book that makes you want to finish it, just to see what happens and have a good laugh.
I only had minor disagreements; for example, I found the Eleni character somewhat over the top and, well, shallow. I haven't met any women in Greece like her, but perhaps I'm just lucky! Also, despite being Greek, I don't drink frappe, smoke or go to bouzoukia, so her Greece seemed foreign to me at times. Still, the descriptions of the country are a fantastic way to advertise the country's beauties.
All in all, Chasing Athens was great fun and a lovely summer read, even for someone not normally interested in romance!
Being Greek, I guess that I’m qualified to say that the book sounds very Greek! Some portrayals are hilarious and to the point, especially the one describing Ava's exasperation at how Greeks drive: trust me, she's got it right! The writing is both fun and entertaining and I loved it. It’s a book that makes you want to finish it, just to see what happens and have a good laugh.
I only had minor disagreements; for example, I found the Eleni character somewhat over the top and, well, shallow. I haven't met any women in Greece like her, but perhaps I'm just lucky! Also, despite being Greek, I don't drink frappe, smoke or go to bouzoukia, so her Greece seemed foreign to me at times. Still, the descriptions of the country are a fantastic way to advertise the country's beauties.
All in all, Chasing Athens was great fun and a lovely summer read, even for someone not normally interested in romance!
September 2, 2014
The author, Marissa Tejada, gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.
There is a trend in pop culture and fiction toward quirky women who are floundering through life. In the case of Ava Martin, she’s starting a new life in a new place when circumstances spin out of control. Ava is a normal woman with baggage from her childhood inhibiting confidence in the decisions she makes. Tejada manages to present in Ava Martin a woman who fits the trend without feeling silly or overdone. She’s a woman on the edge who has suffered a true blow and is scrambling to recover. Ava is the spirit of chick-lit.
I have not been to Greece so cannot speak to if the Greece of the page is that of reality but there is a special quality to the setting that feels as though its well known to its author.
Whether dipping a toe in the dating world, navigating the local constabulary or being chased by a man on a horse while naked, Ava reads as a woman in desperate need of finding her purpose. Thankfully she has faithful Greek friends to sit her down and remind her not to over think things. Elena and Nikos lend support and act as something of a Greek chorus for the audience.
If you like really well written women’s fiction pick “Chasing Athens.” up today
There is a trend in pop culture and fiction toward quirky women who are floundering through life. In the case of Ava Martin, she’s starting a new life in a new place when circumstances spin out of control. Ava is a normal woman with baggage from her childhood inhibiting confidence in the decisions she makes. Tejada manages to present in Ava Martin a woman who fits the trend without feeling silly or overdone. She’s a woman on the edge who has suffered a true blow and is scrambling to recover. Ava is the spirit of chick-lit.
I have not been to Greece so cannot speak to if the Greece of the page is that of reality but there is a special quality to the setting that feels as though its well known to its author.
Whether dipping a toe in the dating world, navigating the local constabulary or being chased by a man on a horse while naked, Ava reads as a woman in desperate need of finding her purpose. Thankfully she has faithful Greek friends to sit her down and remind her not to over think things. Elena and Nikos lend support and act as something of a Greek chorus for the audience.
If you like really well written women’s fiction pick “Chasing Athens.” up today
August 22, 2014
I don’t read a lot of women’s fiction, it’s not a genre that captures my interest but glad I stumbled across Marissa Tejada’s book. The main character, Ava has been living in Athens for 7 months, while her husband travelled for work. She’s learning Greek, made friends and a life yet communication with her spouse dwindles. He returns and announces he wants a divorce and reveals he’s been having an affair.
This story is about how Ava struggles with the emotional roller-coaster of her husband leaving her, living in a foreign country, learning to be independent and dating.
What I particularly enjoyed was the descriptive accounts of the city of Athens, the trips to the islands of Mykonos and Hydra. The vibrancy of the storytelling gives a sense of immediacy and immersion of Greek life, even the violent strikes.
For me it brought back wonderful memories of my trip to Greece and how much I’d like to return. This is a lovely story of self redemption and growth. I highly recommend reading this treasure by Marissa Tejada and look forward to her next book.
This story is about how Ava struggles with the emotional roller-coaster of her husband leaving her, living in a foreign country, learning to be independent and dating.
What I particularly enjoyed was the descriptive accounts of the city of Athens, the trips to the islands of Mykonos and Hydra. The vibrancy of the storytelling gives a sense of immediacy and immersion of Greek life, even the violent strikes.
For me it brought back wonderful memories of my trip to Greece and how much I’d like to return. This is a lovely story of self redemption and growth. I highly recommend reading this treasure by Marissa Tejada and look forward to her next book.
July 16, 2014
Chasing Athens by Marissa Tejada
Ava Martin is living in Athens, Greece when her husband decides he wants a divorce. Not sure what to do, should she go home to up state New York? Or stay in Greece with her new friends? She decides to stay a while. Slowly with the help of her two friends she learns to live alone and she is beginning to really understand and enjoy the culture of Athens. Then an accident happens back home in the states, and she has to make the biggest decision of her life.
A well written story of love, friendship and finding yourself. Ava was very likable, I could relate to the feelings she had and what she was going through. The descriptive writing really gave me a feel of what it would be like living in Greece, and learning about the Greek culture. I highly recommend to those who love contemporary/romantic/comedy.
Ava Martin is living in Athens, Greece when her husband decides he wants a divorce. Not sure what to do, should she go home to up state New York? Or stay in Greece with her new friends? She decides to stay a while. Slowly with the help of her two friends she learns to live alone and she is beginning to really understand and enjoy the culture of Athens. Then an accident happens back home in the states, and she has to make the biggest decision of her life.
A well written story of love, friendship and finding yourself. Ava was very likable, I could relate to the feelings she had and what she was going through. The descriptive writing really gave me a feel of what it would be like living in Greece, and learning about the Greek culture. I highly recommend to those who love contemporary/romantic/comedy.
November 18, 2014
Heart broken and clueless, Ava Martin, an American girl who has just followed her husband to the other end of the world to live in Greece, finds herself completely alone in Athens. While leaving behind her life, career and family to support the man of her life, this very man only a few months after their relocation decides, out of the blue that he just can’t do the married life. Question is how does one face the reality of their decision, when they leave behind everything that represents them only to be met by disappointment and a harsh slap in the face?
Ava Martin is a courageous woman who faces up to the course that her life has taken, she embraces this opportunity to do some real soul searching and to go on a journey to discovering what is it that she really wants. Getting on a plane and heading back to New York would be an easy and logical solution for someone in her situation; instead she decides to explore the opportunities that Greece has to offer and tackle each challenge along the way. Marissa Tejada has done a tremendous job in describing the reality of an expat living in Greece; the detailed translation and explanation of all the Greek phrases that she uses throughout the book makes you get a real taste of what life in Greece is all about. It shows the depth of knowledge and research that the writer has done to portray the image of the Greek culture from a foreigner’s perspective.
As a foreigner living in Greece for the past 22 years I found Marissa’s style of writing very amusing and humorous and something that I can easily relate to. The story shows a real Passion for Greece, descriptively showing the richness of the country as the story unfolds in different destinations such as Athens, the island of Mykonos and Hydra, which gives the reader a first hand introduction to the uniqueness that this country has to offer. Chasing Athens is a mixture of romance and heartbreak, but at the same time it touches certain values like friendship and complicated family affairs, giving a more emotional depth and meaning to the story. There is something that everyone can relate to based on their life experiences. A recommended read to any expat planning to move to Greece or anyone who is in love with a Greek, this book will give you a great insight to what to expect from this wonderful country called Greece.
Ava Martin is a courageous woman who faces up to the course that her life has taken, she embraces this opportunity to do some real soul searching and to go on a journey to discovering what is it that she really wants. Getting on a plane and heading back to New York would be an easy and logical solution for someone in her situation; instead she decides to explore the opportunities that Greece has to offer and tackle each challenge along the way. Marissa Tejada has done a tremendous job in describing the reality of an expat living in Greece; the detailed translation and explanation of all the Greek phrases that she uses throughout the book makes you get a real taste of what life in Greece is all about. It shows the depth of knowledge and research that the writer has done to portray the image of the Greek culture from a foreigner’s perspective.
As a foreigner living in Greece for the past 22 years I found Marissa’s style of writing very amusing and humorous and something that I can easily relate to. The story shows a real Passion for Greece, descriptively showing the richness of the country as the story unfolds in different destinations such as Athens, the island of Mykonos and Hydra, which gives the reader a first hand introduction to the uniqueness that this country has to offer. Chasing Athens is a mixture of romance and heartbreak, but at the same time it touches certain values like friendship and complicated family affairs, giving a more emotional depth and meaning to the story. There is something that everyone can relate to based on their life experiences. A recommended read to any expat planning to move to Greece or anyone who is in love with a Greek, this book will give you a great insight to what to expect from this wonderful country called Greece.
July 14, 2014
I enjoy reading a good women's fiction/chick-lit book. This one is both funny and meaningful. The themes that shine through touch on friendships, finding oneself and the complicated nature of relationships. Add the drama of doing that all in a foreign place! I know, I lived abroad at one point. I've never been to Greece (hope to one day) but I also felt a strong sense of place related to how it can truly influence us. Living abroad has its challenges and rewards and Marissa brings those out in Chasing Athens.
I personally related to Ava on many levels. She really had me laughing out loud at times. I also loved the characters and drama around her. Well done. I look forward to Marissa's next book!
Truly a great read that I recommend to everyone!
July 13, 2014
I could really relate to the main character Ava Martin-- which was really great because I was always turning the page to see what happens next. Hard to put down! In the end, I loved the world that Marissa describes in modern day Greece. It's a story about independence, finding yourself, leading the life you want strung in with humor and a bit of romance. Recommended for anyone who wants to read a good women's fiction story set abroad in a beautiful place. Hope she's writing a sequel!
July 15, 2014
Great read about finding yourself abroad. Perfect for those that enjoy reading women's fiction set in foreign countries. I could really relate to Ava on a multicultural level and liked the settings she wrote about and how she described Athens and the Greek island. I loved Eleni as a character - and Nikos, too. Found myself laughing. Learned a lot about modern Greece too and what's going on there. Looking forward to Marissa's next book!
October 14, 2014
A lovely romantic story that paints a beautiful and realistic picture of life in Greece. I'm sure many expats will be able to relate to the challenges the main character Ava faces as she starts a new life in a foreign place, and other readers will be able to identify with the escapism that sweet summers abroad can often bring. Charming and funny, I look forward to a possible sequel!
September 13, 2014
What would you do if the man you loved convinced you to move to another country with him, then left you there while he was working and playing away, only to have him return and announce he doesn't want to be married to you anymore? That's the dilemma facing Ava Martin, a small-town girl from a college town in Upstate New York, at the beginning of Marissa Tejada's Chasing Athens.
When we meet Ava, she is lost, trying to figure out what went wrong in her marriage as she navigates the beauty and chaos that is modern-day Athens. The Athens Ava encounters is not the picture-perfect version on the glossy pages of a travel magazine--it is a city roiling in chaos thanks to the dire Greek economic crisis, a city of violent protests and random strikes--yet even with all of the unrest, Ava and her friends Nikos and Eleni go out in the evenings for bouzoukia, dancing and drinking into the wee hours and enjoying their lives. All three are trying to find someone--Nikos is always on the lookout for pretty exotic (for him) girls whom he tries to charm with the foreign phrases he's learned, Eleni puts on a hard-to-get facade as she weeds out the men who don't meet her standards and Ava tries to find away to forget Greg, the husband who has left her.
As Ava explores Athens and the Greek islands, she also begins a journey of self-discovery. Her entire life has been a series of other people setting sail for her--she has never been the captain of her own destiny. Now, with Greg out of her life and her overprotective mother across the ocean in Ithaca, New York, Ava has the chance to make her own choices and mistakes and learn from them. As she traverses the dating world with many love in translation moments,
Chasing Athens is a fantastic story of heartbreak, self-discovery and finding love again. I really loved how Marissa depicted Athens so that it came alive for the reader. I haven't been to Athens since the late 1990s but reading Chasing Athens rekindled within me all those memories of the city, of Piraeus and the islands. What I also loved about this novel is how real Ava's struggle felt. She is not a two-dimensional character and her honesty and naiveté after so many years of having others dictate her life ring true. She struggles, she is frustrated, she does dumb things without becoming a character we pity. Instead, we empathize because we've all--at some point or another--slept with the wrong man, been embarrassed on public transportation or dealt with a catty rival who tramples on our self-confidence.
Ava's friends are another plus for Chasing Athens. Nikos and Eleni's spontaneity and optimism (even in the face of the looming political and economic crisis in Greece) keep Ava buoyant, especially in the early days of her separation from Greg. And their unwavering support makes me wish I had them in my life too! :) And then there is the Greek George Clooney...well, I won't give anything away, since I think you should read the book.
I also love that Marissa delves into the cultural differences Ava encounters and shows us how her horizons are expanding for every day she remains in Athens. This is an American Abroad novel that really shows us what everyday life is like for an expat as they try to learn a new language, a new culture and its unwritten rules. And as a fellow expat, I can relate to Ava's predicaments and the worries she has while trying to live in Athens.
So if you're looking for something to read this autumn that will instantly transport you to Athens--no passport required--and you love chick lit and romantic fiction as much as I do, then you should add Chasing Athens to your To Be Read List on Goodreads. Better yet--buy it and read it now to keep that summer feeling strong within you. You may find yourself wondering why you haven't taken the chance and moved to Greece to have your own adventure!
When we meet Ava, she is lost, trying to figure out what went wrong in her marriage as she navigates the beauty and chaos that is modern-day Athens. The Athens Ava encounters is not the picture-perfect version on the glossy pages of a travel magazine--it is a city roiling in chaos thanks to the dire Greek economic crisis, a city of violent protests and random strikes--yet even with all of the unrest, Ava and her friends Nikos and Eleni go out in the evenings for bouzoukia, dancing and drinking into the wee hours and enjoying their lives. All three are trying to find someone--Nikos is always on the lookout for pretty exotic (for him) girls whom he tries to charm with the foreign phrases he's learned, Eleni puts on a hard-to-get facade as she weeds out the men who don't meet her standards and Ava tries to find away to forget Greg, the husband who has left her.
As Ava explores Athens and the Greek islands, she also begins a journey of self-discovery. Her entire life has been a series of other people setting sail for her--she has never been the captain of her own destiny. Now, with Greg out of her life and her overprotective mother across the ocean in Ithaca, New York, Ava has the chance to make her own choices and mistakes and learn from them. As she traverses the dating world with many love in translation moments,
Chasing Athens is a fantastic story of heartbreak, self-discovery and finding love again. I really loved how Marissa depicted Athens so that it came alive for the reader. I haven't been to Athens since the late 1990s but reading Chasing Athens rekindled within me all those memories of the city, of Piraeus and the islands. What I also loved about this novel is how real Ava's struggle felt. She is not a two-dimensional character and her honesty and naiveté after so many years of having others dictate her life ring true. She struggles, she is frustrated, she does dumb things without becoming a character we pity. Instead, we empathize because we've all--at some point or another--slept with the wrong man, been embarrassed on public transportation or dealt with a catty rival who tramples on our self-confidence.
Ava's friends are another plus for Chasing Athens. Nikos and Eleni's spontaneity and optimism (even in the face of the looming political and economic crisis in Greece) keep Ava buoyant, especially in the early days of her separation from Greg. And their unwavering support makes me wish I had them in my life too! :) And then there is the Greek George Clooney...well, I won't give anything away, since I think you should read the book.
I also love that Marissa delves into the cultural differences Ava encounters and shows us how her horizons are expanding for every day she remains in Athens. This is an American Abroad novel that really shows us what everyday life is like for an expat as they try to learn a new language, a new culture and its unwritten rules. And as a fellow expat, I can relate to Ava's predicaments and the worries she has while trying to live in Athens.
So if you're looking for something to read this autumn that will instantly transport you to Athens--no passport required--and you love chick lit and romantic fiction as much as I do, then you should add Chasing Athens to your To Be Read List on Goodreads. Better yet--buy it and read it now to keep that summer feeling strong within you. You may find yourself wondering why you haven't taken the chance and moved to Greece to have your own adventure!
June 1, 2014
Ava is a woman that I think most readers would recognise; she’s at an age where she’s supposed to have everything figured out – but she really doesn’t. Freshly heartbroken, unemployed, and in a foreign country, Ava has two choices. She can return to her small hometown, full of the easy and familiar, or she can take a risk and stay in Athens, learning the language and enjoying her newfound friendships.
Tejada wrote characters that were instantly loveable. Ava’s new Greek friends were so caring, and their individual quirks were instantly recognisable as ‘Greek’. Ava herself is easy to feel sympathetic towards, but she’s not pitiable, so she never gets annoying. The experiences she has in Athens are recognisable too; the handsome rebound stranger who disappears after one night, the adorably sweet but too young boy who won’t stop calling… and then the romantic older man who sweeps you off your feet (after rescuing you in a skinny dipping incident… oh wait, thankfully that’s not so recognisable!).
I was in Athens two years ago, and I thought that Tejada captured it perfectly – the wild nightlife, the protests on the streets at night, the delicious food and good company… It’s an amazing place, so I could easily understand why Ava was torn about whether to stay or go. I liked that Tejada didn’t shy away from discussing the political situation in Greece, and how it effects the people. I feel like many readers probably aren’t aware of the reality of the situation. While I was there, there were protests every Friday night, and I’ll admit that my first experience of them was pretty nerve-wracking; Uniformed men with riot shields blocked off all of the local streets, and I couldn’t get back to my hostel. Men with firecrackers crowded the streets. I quickly learned to either stay inside, or stay close to home. When in doubt, McDonald’s always proved a safe hiding spot! I spent a long friday night in one, overlooking Syntagma Square and the protesters, eating donuts until it was safe to leave. I have also found myself in an Athenian Police Station on one occasion, and can tell you that Ava’s experience sounds just about right! Including these details in the story, that could easily have been left out, really added a depth to the novel that chick lit can often overlook.
I thought that this book felt very real. The writing and plot weren’t forced or unbelievable. Tejada’s own experience living in Athens clearly helped bring the city to life in her novel. I’d definitely recommend it to those who are feeling a little wanderlust, or want to travel vicariously around Athens. You can find it on Amazon for $5, which is another pretty good reason to check it out!!
Tejada wrote characters that were instantly loveable. Ava’s new Greek friends were so caring, and their individual quirks were instantly recognisable as ‘Greek’. Ava herself is easy to feel sympathetic towards, but she’s not pitiable, so she never gets annoying. The experiences she has in Athens are recognisable too; the handsome rebound stranger who disappears after one night, the adorably sweet but too young boy who won’t stop calling… and then the romantic older man who sweeps you off your feet (after rescuing you in a skinny dipping incident… oh wait, thankfully that’s not so recognisable!).
I was in Athens two years ago, and I thought that Tejada captured it perfectly – the wild nightlife, the protests on the streets at night, the delicious food and good company… It’s an amazing place, so I could easily understand why Ava was torn about whether to stay or go. I liked that Tejada didn’t shy away from discussing the political situation in Greece, and how it effects the people. I feel like many readers probably aren’t aware of the reality of the situation. While I was there, there were protests every Friday night, and I’ll admit that my first experience of them was pretty nerve-wracking; Uniformed men with riot shields blocked off all of the local streets, and I couldn’t get back to my hostel. Men with firecrackers crowded the streets. I quickly learned to either stay inside, or stay close to home. When in doubt, McDonald’s always proved a safe hiding spot! I spent a long friday night in one, overlooking Syntagma Square and the protesters, eating donuts until it was safe to leave. I have also found myself in an Athenian Police Station on one occasion, and can tell you that Ava’s experience sounds just about right! Including these details in the story, that could easily have been left out, really added a depth to the novel that chick lit can often overlook.
I thought that this book felt very real. The writing and plot weren’t forced or unbelievable. Tejada’s own experience living in Athens clearly helped bring the city to life in her novel. I’d definitely recommend it to those who are feeling a little wanderlust, or want to travel vicariously around Athens. You can find it on Amazon for $5, which is another pretty good reason to check it out!!
May 18, 2015
Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Thirty-year-old Ava Martin has left her family, job, and friends behind in New York to start a new life with her husband Greg in Athens, Greece. She tries her best to learn the language and to make new friends, but then Ava's life is suddenly turned upside down again when her husband announces he wants a divorce and leaves her all alone in Athens. Ava isn't sure what to do, should she head back home to New York and try to pick up her old life, or should she give Athens a chance and build a new life, focusing on just herself and what she wants for a change?
I really enjoyed reading 'Chasing Athens' since it has all the necessary elements for an entertaining women's fiction read: a protagonist readers will be able to relate to, a fun group of secondary characters, a captivating storyline and, always a nice extra, a great scene setting. The book is set in Athens, and it is obvious from the detailed descriptions and authentic feel that the author is familiar with the city herself. I've personally never been to Athens, but could easily imagine myself walking down the streets, tasting the Greek atmosphere, and this really added something to the reading experience as a whole.
Ava is an interesting protagonist and I'm sure numerous readers will be able to relate to her in one way or another. She's dealing with a divorce/break-up and trying to find her own way in a strange city. She's on this emotional rollercoaster and she not only gets to discover Athens, but she also goes on a journey of self-discovery, trying to see what she wants from life. The book also includes a fun cast of secondary characters, including Ava's Greek friends Nikos and Eleni. As mentioned before, this book basically has everything for it to be a thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to hopefully picking up more of Marissa Tejeda's books in the future!
Thirty-year-old Ava Martin has left her family, job, and friends behind in New York to start a new life with her husband Greg in Athens, Greece. She tries her best to learn the language and to make new friends, but then Ava's life is suddenly turned upside down again when her husband announces he wants a divorce and leaves her all alone in Athens. Ava isn't sure what to do, should she head back home to New York and try to pick up her old life, or should she give Athens a chance and build a new life, focusing on just herself and what she wants for a change?
I really enjoyed reading 'Chasing Athens' since it has all the necessary elements for an entertaining women's fiction read: a protagonist readers will be able to relate to, a fun group of secondary characters, a captivating storyline and, always a nice extra, a great scene setting. The book is set in Athens, and it is obvious from the detailed descriptions and authentic feel that the author is familiar with the city herself. I've personally never been to Athens, but could easily imagine myself walking down the streets, tasting the Greek atmosphere, and this really added something to the reading experience as a whole.
Ava is an interesting protagonist and I'm sure numerous readers will be able to relate to her in one way or another. She's dealing with a divorce/break-up and trying to find her own way in a strange city. She's on this emotional rollercoaster and she not only gets to discover Athens, but she also goes on a journey of self-discovery, trying to see what she wants from life. The book also includes a fun cast of secondary characters, including Ava's Greek friends Nikos and Eleni. As mentioned before, this book basically has everything for it to be a thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to hopefully picking up more of Marissa Tejeda's books in the future!
July 11, 2014
Couldn't stop turning the pages. Loved the descriptions of Greece. Great for those who love travel, Greece or just a great women's fiction read. About finding yourself abroad and understanding that it's okay to lead the life you want. Highly recommended!
July 26, 2014
Touching read. Enjoyed the story line and related to Ava. The characters were well thought out. To me this novel is about friendships and discovering AND realizing what you want out of life. Sometimes that journey is unexpected. Highly recommended easy, meaningful read.
May 25, 2017
I had problems taking this book seriously, even as chick lit, it was just too perfect. Everybody hates the ex, the friends are so amazing, taking Ava everywhere cool, even fixing her up with a flat, for free.
Ava is also too good to be true. She says she started sewing since she didn't fit any clothes, but she just slips into model-sized haute couture without problems. And she just happens to meet people that are just too perfect. And just happens to reconnect with her father.
The stars go to my favourite character in the book: Athens.
Ava is also too good to be true. She says she started sewing since she didn't fit any clothes, but she just slips into model-sized haute couture without problems. And she just happens to meet people that are just too perfect. And just happens to reconnect with her father.
The stars go to my favourite character in the book: Athens.
July 12, 2022
Chasing Athens was a fun read for all the Greek words and phrases planted in the text. The descriptions of Greek terrain and culture ring true. This is the work of a developing writer. Some transitions are not particularly smooth and the editing can be lacking. Nonetheless, many of the scenes made me laugh out loud so I enjoyed the story.
August 5, 2023
A good first publication for a new author. I needed more backstory on Greg. He fell too flat for me to care about him or Ava’s feelings about their marriage. Also, everything gets wrapped up too quickly at the end. However, the description of modern life in Athens for young adults felt authentic & exciting. Eleni & Nikos are the best part of this book!
January 25, 2018
Amateurish, but finally engaging
During the first half of this novel I found Ava to be the most boring of heroines: weepy and self-absorbed. The last third was more insightful, though hardly profound.
During the first half of this novel I found Ava to be the most boring of heroines: weepy and self-absorbed. The last third was more insightful, though hardly profound.
September 27, 2019
It was a cute chick lit. Pretty predictable.
October 22, 2019
Selected this book because it is set in Greece. It was an ok - an easy read.
June 22, 2016
Honestly this is more like a 3.5 than a 4, but I appreciate that new authors need support! And it was a really fun read. 50% of the way through, I found the book hard to put down because I was so caught up in Ava's new relationship with Stefanos (By the way, Tejada writes Stefanos' character excellently. He comes to life on the page. It's really easy to picture him, see his movements, and fall for him.). The secondary characters are great, Ava's choices and emotions seem genuine, and as an ex-pat American living in the Mediterranean, I could really relate to the love story between Ava and Greece, her adopted country.
May 18, 2015
μωρολογία
mo̱rología
Inane, weepy, wimpy, comments about fashion, moaning about her asshole husband dumping her, whining about what her mother thinks, going on bad dates, being utterly dependent on her friends, celebrating triumphs that would be minor in the lives of most grown adults.... I don't know if it's "chick lit" thing or a 20-something thing, but it was super annoying. The book did fulfill one purpose for me: I read it while visiting Greek friends who live in Athens, and they were amused by the sprinkling of modern Greek words I picked up and poorly interjected into our conversations. Of course I retained none of it, but the book was good for that at least.
mo̱rología
Inane, weepy, wimpy, comments about fashion, moaning about her asshole husband dumping her, whining about what her mother thinks, going on bad dates, being utterly dependent on her friends, celebrating triumphs that would be minor in the lives of most grown adults.... I don't know if it's "chick lit" thing or a 20-something thing, but it was super annoying. The book did fulfill one purpose for me: I read it while visiting Greek friends who live in Athens, and they were amused by the sprinkling of modern Greek words I picked up and poorly interjected into our conversations. Of course I retained none of it, but the book was good for that at least.
December 10, 2016
As a Greek and a native Athenian who's often felt like I've been chased away by Athens, it was very interesting for me to see my city - and life in Greece - from the other side, and gain insight on why and how someone would choose to make it their home.
August 23, 2018
What do you do when the husband you followed from your home in rural upstate New York to Greece unceremoniously dumps you? If you're newlywed Ava Martin, you embark on the greatest journey of self discovery and adventure of your life. Through this novel, the author transports you to Athens, capturing the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of Greece as Ava experiences them. "Chasing Athens" is the story of a young woman seeking a new beginning and finding strength and courage within herself she never knew she possessed. A fast and fun read.
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