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Chasing Nirvana
A girl, a band and a dream. And another girl.
Fran Worth is just another girl trying to make it through senior year in Aberdeen, Washington. But it's 1993 and Fran is gay. Her comfortably off the radar life turns vividly public when a student nominates Fran for prom queen. When confronted by angry parents Fran refuses to back down, promising to deliver her hometown heroes in hopes of winning prom queen votes.
Fran heads out on a 24 hour road trip to Daily City, California with four friends, including her crush who may or may not be gay. Their plan? To sneak backstage to ask Kurt Cobain and Nirvana to come home and play prom. No problem. Unless something goes wrong.
Fran Worth is just another girl trying to make it through senior year in Aberdeen, Washington. But it's 1993 and Fran is gay. Her comfortably off the radar life turns vividly public when a student nominates Fran for prom queen. When confronted by angry parents Fran refuses to back down, promising to deliver her hometown heroes in hopes of winning prom queen votes.
Fran heads out on a 24 hour road trip to Daily City, California with four friends, including her crush who may or may not be gay. Their plan? To sneak backstage to ask Kurt Cobain and Nirvana to come home and play prom. No problem. Unless something goes wrong.
- GenresLGBTYoung AdultLesbian
330 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2017
18 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Ellyn Oaksmith
15 books70 followersEllyn Oaksmith is the USA Today and Kindle bestselling author of the Blue Hills Vineyard Series, featuring the Alvarez family. The books are set in gorgeous Lake Chelan, in the Pacific Northwest. The series includes Summer at Orchard House (July 13th, 2020) and Promises at Indigo Bay, (September 15th, 2020.) In writing her first series, Ellyn chose a real setting with great meaning for her personally and a fictional family like her own, full of smart, independent, funny women and the men who love them.
After Ellyn funded her graduate studies at the American Film Institute by working on fishing boats in Alaska as cook, she began her writing adventure as a screenwriter in Hollywood. Writing, re-writing and pitching movies to producers and navigating the Los Angeles freeways before Google Maps was a challenge. Meeting movies stars was a surreal and fun perk.
After returning to her native Seattle, Ellyn's first romantic comedy in book form was published by Avon/Harper Collins. Four other romantic comedies with whip smart, ambitious heroines followed before Ellyn joined Bookouture to launch her first series.
She lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and their polydactyl cat, Forest. Ellyn is an avid competitive rower.
Author website: www.EllynOaksmith.com
Facebook: @EllynOaksmith
Instagram: @EllynOaksmith
After Ellyn funded her graduate studies at the American Film Institute by working on fishing boats in Alaska as cook, she began her writing adventure as a screenwriter in Hollywood. Writing, re-writing and pitching movies to producers and navigating the Los Angeles freeways before Google Maps was a challenge. Meeting movies stars was a surreal and fun perk.
After returning to her native Seattle, Ellyn's first romantic comedy in book form was published by Avon/Harper Collins. Four other romantic comedies with whip smart, ambitious heroines followed before Ellyn joined Bookouture to launch her first series.
She lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and their polydactyl cat, Forest. Ellyn is an avid competitive rower.
Author website: www.EllynOaksmith.com
Facebook: @EllynOaksmith
Instagram: @EllynOaksmith
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 18, 2018
What first had me drawn to this book was the synopsis, the 90s setting and of course Nirvana🙂but what I didn't realize was how much more would be to this book. This book was one of a kind that put me through a whirlwind of emotions! Sometimes I wanted to cry, others I laughed and best of all this book made me smile. This story captivated from the first few pages and I could relate to both of the main characters. High school is tough and what happens behind closed doors at home can make it that more excruciating. This book is also important in many ways. It isn't just a fun and wild ride, it teaches us to never judge because we never know the battles someone is facing, how battling with your sexual orientation can be a devastating battle and that we must thrive to live for the moment! This is not your average teen/high school novel, this is a novel with a lot of depth and feels that pushed me to read in just one sitting. My only regret is that I didn't read it sooner!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views ate my own.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views ate my own.
October 21, 2017
For a moment we're all rock stars, singing along, chasing love and adventure and most of all, chasing Nirvana.
This is such a beautiful story. I don't know how to write a review of this.
*deep breaths
*massages forehead
*takes huge gulp of water
I think I'm ready now.
I finished reading this book last night (or should I say morning, because it was 1 AM). And guess what, I still remember everything about it. Surprise!
I'm the kind of person who forgets everything almost immediately after finishing a book. But I didn't forget anything about Chasing Nirvana. It's that good.
Soo... at first I didn't know Nirvana's a real, actual band (SHAME ON YOU, CHLOE, SHAME ON YOU.) I thought that it was fictional, and I had no idea why Fran's super obsessed with it. I rolled my eyes when I saw the author include quotes from Nirvana songs because quoting fictional songs by fictional bands that do not exist? Who does that? But to be honest, those lyrics... they're pretty good. How did the author come up with so them????
But then one day I saw the author update her Goodreads status. She talked about a actual guy called Kurt Cobain. YES, AN ACTUAL GUY. NOT A FICTIONAL GUY. I was halfway through the book and have read 21314325 scenes with Fran fangirling over Kurt Cobain. HE'S A REAL PERSON?! So that means... Nirvana is a real band?!
That explains the awesomeness of the lyrics!
I went to my best friend Wikipedia for help. I searched "Nirvana band" and this is what Wiki told me:
Nirvana was an American rock band formed by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. Nirvana went through a succession of drummers, the longest-lasting being Dave Grohl, who joined in 1990. Despite releasing only three full-length studio albums in their seven-year career, Nirvana has come to be regarded as one of the most influential and important alternative bands in history. Though the band dissolved in 1994 after the death of Cobain, their music maintains a popular following and continues to influence modern rock and roll culture.
OHHHHH. SO KRIST AND DAVE ARE REAL PEOPLE TOO.
Let's talk about other things (and ignore my display of stupidity), shall we?
Characters
Fran, Nikki, Allison, Paul and Mike make a great team. I really enjoyed reading about their road trip to California. It's like Six of Crows - some people go on an adventure together and make bad decisions. I love how they all support Fran and even ditch school to help her. #ULTIMATESQUADGOALS
All of the characters are messed-up. (I LOVE MESSED-UP CHARACTERS) They either...
(a) have irresponsible / overresponsible parents or
(b) are financially struggling or
(c) do drugs or
(d) get bullied or
(e) all of the above
... and sometimes I just want to give them a hug and tell them everything's going to be okay. They don't deserve to have these terrible things going on in their lives :(
My favorite character is Allison. She's Asian, badass, doodles using Sharpies, wears cool boots, asks weird questions about cows, etc. (AKA INGREDIENTS OF AWESOMENESS) She's really sweet, and I SHIP FRALLISON (Frason? Allian? Allis? Endless ship name possibilities :D)
Mike's really great too. He smokes pot and is high 200% of the time, and is totally weird, but oh my goodness, he is hilarious. Although sometimes he's totally crazy, I still really like him!
"Let's do this bitches!" Hazel frowns and for once, he pays attention. "I meant ladies. That's what I meant."
I pass him the pint. He takes a long drink, smacking his lips. "Okay, bitch ladies, let's do this!"
I feel so sorry for Paul. His girlfriend, Taylor, is such a bish, and I have no idea why he doesn't dump her. In the book, he keeps on getting boners. Like, is it possible for someone to get boners that frequently? Weird lol. ALSO I SHIP NIKKI AND PAUL OKAY. Ellyn, if you're reading this, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE WRITE A SEQUEL ABOUT NIKKI AND PAUL. (ALSO SEND ME AN EARC) Thank you <3
Nikki uses the word "like" too much. And in places where the word "like" should on appear.
That night I can't sleep. I go into the kitchen for a glass of water and like, spill some, wiping it up with a paper towel.
That "like" is totally unnecessary, don't you think? Also, she hates Allison and always gets jealous. Her family is really normal but she still whines about her parents all the time. Sometimes I feel like punching her in the face. Nonetheless, I still like Nikki. She's always so supportive of Fran and keeps cheering her on. When Fran wants to give up on running for prom queen, Nikki keeps on encouraging her.
And last but not least, Fran. I admire her for standing up and continuing running for prom queen despite getting physically and verbally bullied by her schoolmates and their parents. She wants to show the world that queers deserve the same treatment as other people, and everyone is equal. She's super determined and strong. <3
Overall thoughts
I luuuurrrvvee this book. It's the best LGBTQ+ book I've ever read, and EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT OKAY. It's super meaningful and I love everything about it. The friendship is really heartwarming. THE BOOK COMES OUT ON NOVEMBER 3RD. MAKE SURE YOU GET IT.
This is such a beautiful story. I don't know how to write a review of this.
*deep breaths
*massages forehead
*takes huge gulp of water
I think I'm ready now.
I finished reading this book last night (or should I say morning, because it was 1 AM). And guess what, I still remember everything about it. Surprise!
I'm the kind of person who forgets everything almost immediately after finishing a book. But I didn't forget anything about Chasing Nirvana. It's that good.
Soo... at first I didn't know Nirvana's a real, actual band (SHAME ON YOU, CHLOE, SHAME ON YOU.) I thought that it was fictional, and I had no idea why Fran's super obsessed with it. I rolled my eyes when I saw the author include quotes from Nirvana songs because quoting fictional songs by fictional bands that do not exist? Who does that? But to be honest, those lyrics... they're pretty good. How did the author come up with so them????
But then one day I saw the author update her Goodreads status. She talked about a actual guy called Kurt Cobain. YES, AN ACTUAL GUY. NOT A FICTIONAL GUY. I was halfway through the book and have read 21314325 scenes with Fran fangirling over Kurt Cobain. HE'S A REAL PERSON?! So that means... Nirvana is a real band?!
That explains the awesomeness of the lyrics!
I went to my best friend Wikipedia for help. I searched "Nirvana band" and this is what Wiki told me:
Nirvana was an American rock band formed by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. Nirvana went through a succession of drummers, the longest-lasting being Dave Grohl, who joined in 1990. Despite releasing only three full-length studio albums in their seven-year career, Nirvana has come to be regarded as one of the most influential and important alternative bands in history. Though the band dissolved in 1994 after the death of Cobain, their music maintains a popular following and continues to influence modern rock and roll culture.
OHHHHH. SO KRIST AND DAVE ARE REAL PEOPLE TOO.
Let's talk about other things (and ignore my display of stupidity), shall we?
Characters
Fran, Nikki, Allison, Paul and Mike make a great team. I really enjoyed reading about their road trip to California. It's like Six of Crows - some people go on an adventure together and make bad decisions. I love how they all support Fran and even ditch school to help her. #ULTIMATESQUADGOALS
All of the characters are messed-up. (I LOVE MESSED-UP CHARACTERS) They either...
(a) have irresponsible / overresponsible parents or
(b) are financially struggling or
(c) do drugs or
(d) get bullied or
(e) all of the above
... and sometimes I just want to give them a hug and tell them everything's going to be okay. They don't deserve to have these terrible things going on in their lives :(
My favorite character is Allison. She's Asian, badass, doodles using Sharpies, wears cool boots, asks weird questions about cows, etc. (AKA INGREDIENTS OF AWESOMENESS) She's really sweet, and I SHIP FRALLISON (Frason? Allian? Allis? Endless ship name possibilities :D)
Mike's really great too. He smokes pot and is high 200% of the time, and is totally weird, but oh my goodness, he is hilarious. Although sometimes he's totally crazy, I still really like him!
"Let's do this bitches!" Hazel frowns and for once, he pays attention. "I meant ladies. That's what I meant."
I pass him the pint. He takes a long drink, smacking his lips. "Okay, bitch ladies, let's do this!"
I feel so sorry for Paul. His girlfriend, Taylor, is such a bish, and I have no idea why he doesn't dump her. In the book, he keeps on getting boners. Like, is it possible for someone to get boners that frequently? Weird lol. ALSO I SHIP NIKKI AND PAUL OKAY. Ellyn, if you're reading this, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE WRITE A SEQUEL ABOUT NIKKI AND PAUL. (ALSO SEND ME AN EARC) Thank you <3
Nikki uses the word "like" too much. And in places where the word "like" should on appear.
That night I can't sleep. I go into the kitchen for a glass of water and like, spill some, wiping it up with a paper towel.
That "like" is totally unnecessary, don't you think? Also, she hates Allison and always gets jealous. Her family is really normal but she still whines about her parents all the time. Sometimes I feel like punching her in the face. Nonetheless, I still like Nikki. She's always so supportive of Fran and keeps cheering her on. When Fran wants to give up on running for prom queen, Nikki keeps on encouraging her.
And last but not least, Fran. I admire her for standing up and continuing running for prom queen despite getting physically and verbally bullied by her schoolmates and their parents. She wants to show the world that queers deserve the same treatment as other people, and everyone is equal. She's super determined and strong. <3
Overall thoughts
I luuuurrrvvee this book. It's the best LGBTQ+ book I've ever read, and EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT OKAY. It's super meaningful and I love everything about it. The friendship is really heartwarming. THE BOOK COMES OUT ON NOVEMBER 3RD. MAKE SURE YOU GET IT.
December 15, 2017
I'm always on the lookout for more books that feature characters with low-income households because I don't know a single person who isn't. So when I read Chasing Nirvana's blurb with this and a MC is into girls, and it's set in the 90s? Could. Not. Resist.
Goodwill - I'm literally writing this after getting home from a shopping trip there with my daughter. We found some great stuff like a $10 dress (with pockets!), 13 bucks for brand new Calvin Klein work pants, and pair of tennis shoes. Of course, selection is based off donations, which depends on the neighborhood. Living a big city now gives way more options than small communities.
Food banks - I've had to use these so often as a teen and young mom. Calling them life savers is an understatement. Of course, there's some people that resist going because they're embarrassed and don't want to admit they need help. My dad has that in common with Fran's mom, which is why I didn't even know about them until I was on my own.
Fran's a photography nerd. Adorable. Talented. <3
Nikki, Fran's BFF - Her POV is interesting. She does say, like stuff, a lot. It faded into the background for me and just became part of Nikki. I love how she's loud and combative and headstrong and plays soccer and dives into things wholeheartedly and half-throughout. She doesn't worry about Fran's gayness at all. She is a bit obtuse about the income disparity between them though.
Found Families - Fran has Nikki's family, and the Garcia's and her road trip crew and some supportive teachers. So many d'awwww moments.
Writing celebrities is tricky and dangerous, it can go bad very quickly. This time? I researched to see if it was based on a true story. I'd love to hear how Oaksmith researched and pulled it off. Like, did she talk to Grohl about the book?! (Okay, Krist was so background but he seems like that kinda guy I guess?)
Paul, Nikki's Crush - He's adorable in a stupid boy boyscout kinda way. His POV is sometimes gross, but always needed. The dynamic wouldn't be the same and I doubt readers would forgive and understand without it.
The m/f romance got the most space, but maybe it was for the best given other issues....
Road Trip - OMG that dynamic was dramatic and the problems funny/not-funny. If you find yourself bored, tired of Aberdeen or need some forward movement, this part makes it allllll worth it.
Nirvana Concert. Nuff' said.
Realistic, happyish, hopeful ending.
The Biggest Drawbacks:
There's only one thing that kinda derails the road trip plot -- I thought Mike got the tickets so Nikki's whole plan doesn't make any sense.?
Allison and her family, well her mom anyways since we never see the dad, are such stereotypes. While Allison and Fran joke about it, pointing it out, that doesn't solve anything. We didn't even find out what Allison was doodling all the time.
Anyone who comments on any of the blogs during the tour is eligible to win one of 30 e-book copies of Chasing Nirvana.
Anyone who signs up for the Author’s newsletter during the blog tour at this link: http://eepurl.com/2ZfTP will enter to win one of 5 signed copies of the paperback.
This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon
FYI: Bigotry, Slurs, Hate Crimes, Rape threats and attempt, Japanese stereotypes, brief mentions of the song "Rape Me".
Aberdeen reminds me SO MUCH of where I grew up in Michigan with closed mills and factories. With Fran's experiences not fitting in with other girl's questions about crushes really hit home for me too. I just started picking the lead singers of the boy bands and going with the flow. If I'd had this book growing up, I would've def. realized some things that I'm still working through a lot earlier.
Goodwill - I'm literally writing this after getting home from a shopping trip there with my daughter. We found some great stuff like a $10 dress (with pockets!), 13 bucks for brand new Calvin Klein work pants, and pair of tennis shoes. Of course, selection is based off donations, which depends on the neighborhood. Living a big city now gives way more options than small communities.
Food banks - I've had to use these so often as a teen and young mom. Calling them life savers is an understatement. Of course, there's some people that resist going because they're embarrassed and don't want to admit they need help. My dad has that in common with Fran's mom, which is why I didn't even know about them until I was on my own.
Fran's a photography nerd. Adorable. Talented. <3
Nikki, Fran's BFF - Her POV is interesting. She does say, like stuff, a lot. It faded into the background for me and just became part of Nikki. I love how she's loud and combative and headstrong and plays soccer and dives into things wholeheartedly and half-throughout. She doesn't worry about Fran's gayness at all. She is a bit obtuse about the income disparity between them though.
Found Families - Fran has Nikki's family, and the Garcia's and her road trip crew and some supportive teachers. So many d'awwww moments.
Writing celebrities is tricky and dangerous, it can go bad very quickly. This time? I researched to see if it was based on a true story. I'd love to hear how Oaksmith researched and pulled it off. Like, did she talk to Grohl about the book?! (Okay, Krist was so background but he seems like that kinda guy I guess?)
Paul, Nikki's Crush - He's adorable in a stupid boy boyscout kinda way. His POV is sometimes gross, but always needed. The dynamic wouldn't be the same and I doubt readers would forgive and understand without it.
The m/f romance got the most space, but maybe it was for the best given other issues....
Road Trip - OMG that dynamic was dramatic and the problems funny/not-funny. If you find yourself bored, tired of Aberdeen or need some forward movement, this part makes it allllll worth it.
Nirvana Concert. Nuff' said.
Realistic, happyish, hopeful ending.
The Biggest Drawbacks:
There's only one thing that kinda derails the road trip plot -- I thought Mike got the tickets so Nikki's whole plan doesn't make any sense.?
Allison and her family, well her mom anyways since we never see the dad, are such stereotypes. While Allison and Fran joke about it, pointing it out, that doesn't solve anything. We didn't even find out what Allison was doodling all the time.
Want to check out a sample of Chasing Nirvana? Download a three chapter sample here: https://bookhip.com/HLLPLA
Anyone who comments on any of the blogs during the tour is eligible to win one of 30 e-book copies of Chasing Nirvana.
Anyone who signs up for the Author’s newsletter during the blog tour at this link: http://eepurl.com/2ZfTP will enter to win one of 5 signed copies of the paperback.
This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon
December 26, 2017
"For a moment we're all rock stars, singing along, chasing love and adventure and most of all, chasing Nirvana."
Chasing Nirvana is fast paced and engaging! It is spectacularly edgy and full of wild twists and turns! For anyone who has never quite fit in, this one will touch your soul!
Oh man, did I love this one! It was gritty and emotional with a true 90's feel! It was gripping and thought provoking, and definitely surprising!
The plot was so rich and satisfying! The idea of the road trip to a Nirvana concert in hopes of talking Kurt and getting the band to play at prom just blew my mind! I loved it, and I could totally relate to Fran's love for the band, and their music, in such a way that it shaped who she was. The whole point of the story involving Fran, her love for Nirvana, and her self discovery as a high school aged lesbian in a closed minded town was beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
The story just felt so real! It had diversity, low income families, and plenty of 90's teen angst! Was I watching an episode of My So Called Life (<3)? I adored the fact that the teenagers had real world problems, and were fleshed out so incredibly well. They were quirky, dynamic, and entertaining!
Fran was the total star of the book! She was so misunderstood, and had a less than desirable home life, but was such a good person. She was beautiful, brave, and insecure all at once. I LOVED her passion for Nirvana. This really made her a unique YA character for me.
"Do normal people stand at their own front door, wondering if they should turn around, jump on a bus and move into their best friend's basement?"
Fran's best friend Nikki was a total bad-ass when it came to friendship. She was protective and loving toward Fran. She was confident, witty, and determined to not let anyone step on her or Fran. I admired her strength and character!
I enjoyed the comic relief of the story, Mike. He was such a humorous stoner. He had some great qualitie, but mainly brought laughter to the book.
Paul was our small town good guy. He was a little reserved for a bit, and had an extremely awful girlfriend (think Cheryl from Riverdale), but he was kind, caring, and had a really big role in the road trip.
I also really loved the new girl, Allison. I loved her punky style. I loved her intelligence and oddness, and I loved that she could see the good in Fran and was secretly adventurous and bold.
This one truly touched on what it feels like to "not fit in." It was intense and emotional. It had humor and an entertaining story, but also touched on some important, tragic issues that are still being encountered today. I loved the way the story was told and how captivating it was.
"Song after song, time blurs in to one big joyful moment."
Thank you to the author for sending me this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review!
Quotes used are from the book, written by the author.
Content warning for language, racial and prejudicial slurs, mild drug use, violence and threats and attempted rape.
Chasing Nirvana is fast paced and engaging! It is spectacularly edgy and full of wild twists and turns! For anyone who has never quite fit in, this one will touch your soul!
Oh man, did I love this one! It was gritty and emotional with a true 90's feel! It was gripping and thought provoking, and definitely surprising!
The plot was so rich and satisfying! The idea of the road trip to a Nirvana concert in hopes of talking Kurt and getting the band to play at prom just blew my mind! I loved it, and I could totally relate to Fran's love for the band, and their music, in such a way that it shaped who she was. The whole point of the story involving Fran, her love for Nirvana, and her self discovery as a high school aged lesbian in a closed minded town was beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
The story just felt so real! It had diversity, low income families, and plenty of 90's teen angst! Was I watching an episode of My So Called Life (<3)? I adored the fact that the teenagers had real world problems, and were fleshed out so incredibly well. They were quirky, dynamic, and entertaining!
Fran was the total star of the book! She was so misunderstood, and had a less than desirable home life, but was such a good person. She was beautiful, brave, and insecure all at once. I LOVED her passion for Nirvana. This really made her a unique YA character for me.
"Do normal people stand at their own front door, wondering if they should turn around, jump on a bus and move into their best friend's basement?"
Fran's best friend Nikki was a total bad-ass when it came to friendship. She was protective and loving toward Fran. She was confident, witty, and determined to not let anyone step on her or Fran. I admired her strength and character!
I enjoyed the comic relief of the story, Mike. He was such a humorous stoner. He had some great qualitie, but mainly brought laughter to the book.
Paul was our small town good guy. He was a little reserved for a bit, and had an extremely awful girlfriend (think Cheryl from Riverdale), but he was kind, caring, and had a really big role in the road trip.
I also really loved the new girl, Allison. I loved her punky style. I loved her intelligence and oddness, and I loved that she could see the good in Fran and was secretly adventurous and bold.
This one truly touched on what it feels like to "not fit in." It was intense and emotional. It had humor and an entertaining story, but also touched on some important, tragic issues that are still being encountered today. I loved the way the story was told and how captivating it was.
"Song after song, time blurs in to one big joyful moment."
Thank you to the author for sending me this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review!
Quotes used are from the book, written by the author.
Content warning for language, racial and prejudicial slurs, mild drug use, violence and threats and attempted rape.
November 2, 2017
This is a really beautiful story. Written in the timeframe of the 90's. It deals with real life, gritty issues with grace. I liked that it was based on real life band Nirvana. Loved the lyrics to the songs also. Once I started reading this it was difficult to put it down. The characters were quirky with a few being down right strange. Strange but totally interesting.
November 19, 2018
I liked Fran at first, but as the story progressed, she became less confident and more wanting to just disappear...but she still wanted to be with this girl named Allison. Oh! I need to add this trope to my least favorite list.
"Single mothers who let their douche bag boyfriends move into the house and allow said douche bag boyfriends to completely take over parenting."
I know this story takes place in 1993, but seriously?! The douche boyfriend wants to send Fran to a Teen Life held at a church - to pray away the gay. The only purpose that the meeting held in this story was so that Fran could meet Allison.
Each chapter is told in someone else's point of view.
Fran - Main character and is out and gay - not by choice. She falls for Allison. She is elected prom queen as a joke and when she stupidly promises to have Nirvana play at the prom, she gets into some trouble, not just with her home, but with other students.
Nikki - Fran's best and only friend. She is in love with this guy named Paul, but I liked her most because she was a bit of a bad ass, but she also got jealous and possessive quickly, mostly over Fran.
Paul - Paul is dating the head cheerleader because what guy wouldn't want to? I'm serious, that's the real reason. I found him to be a pushover (and highly indecisive) an even though he had some redeeming qualities (like driving Fran and Nikki to a Nirvana concert so Fran can talk to Kurt Cobain), I didn't find him all that great.
The story would have been a little better, but toward the end nothing really gets resolved. I'm about to give a few spoilers, but I don't really care.
Douche boyfriend moves out because he can't take his girlfriend's daughter being gay and embarrassing him (the man SOLD her camera because she owed him money). The mother blames her daughter for him leaving and that's the end of that. I was so put off. Why are the parents usually like this in stories? Can we stray away from that trope?
Fran was assaulted at prom and before it got worse, Allison's mother shows up and completely kicks his ass (that part was actually really cool considering she hates Fran and thinks she influences her daughter to be gay).
It was a cute story but it didn't end well in my opinion. I felt like too much was unresolved and this wasn't a series either. Nikki also uses the word 'like' way too many times and I've said that back in the 90's, but not as much as this character did.
It was an okay book, but definitely not a favorite.
"Single mothers who let their douche bag boyfriends move into the house and allow said douche bag boyfriends to completely take over parenting."
I know this story takes place in 1993, but seriously?! The douche boyfriend wants to send Fran to a Teen Life held at a church - to pray away the gay. The only purpose that the meeting held in this story was so that Fran could meet Allison.
Each chapter is told in someone else's point of view.
Fran - Main character and is out and gay - not by choice. She falls for Allison. She is elected prom queen as a joke and when she stupidly promises to have Nirvana play at the prom, she gets into some trouble, not just with her home, but with other students.
Nikki - Fran's best and only friend. She is in love with this guy named Paul, but I liked her most because she was a bit of a bad ass, but she also got jealous and possessive quickly, mostly over Fran.
Paul - Paul is dating the head cheerleader because what guy wouldn't want to? I'm serious, that's the real reason. I found him to be a pushover (and highly indecisive) an even though he had some redeeming qualities (like driving Fran and Nikki to a Nirvana concert so Fran can talk to Kurt Cobain), I didn't find him all that great.
The story would have been a little better, but toward the end nothing really gets resolved. I'm about to give a few spoilers, but I don't really care.
Douche boyfriend moves out because he can't take his girlfriend's daughter being gay and embarrassing him (the man SOLD her camera because she owed him money). The mother blames her daughter for him leaving and that's the end of that. I was so put off. Why are the parents usually like this in stories? Can we stray away from that trope?
Fran was assaulted at prom and before it got worse, Allison's mother shows up and completely kicks his ass (that part was actually really cool considering she hates Fran and thinks she influences her daughter to be gay).
It was a cute story but it didn't end well in my opinion. I felt like too much was unresolved and this wasn't a series either. Nikki also uses the word 'like' way too many times and I've said that back in the 90's, but not as much as this character did.
It was an okay book, but definitely not a favorite.
February 14, 2018
"Chasing Nirvana" by Ellyn Oaksmith is a fun quick read. It is a little dated (no cell phones, social media and a Kurt Cobain that is alive and a current band named Nirvana) but still something that I think many students (and us oldies out there that remember Nirvana and a less tech time) can relate to the idea of wanting to be accepted, the intolerance that unfortunately is still out there, parental and peer pressure, dysfunctional families, and the love of music and a favorite band. The book moves at a fast pace. I really liked it.
March 2, 2018
Being a gawky teenager isn't easy. Being a gawky gay teenager in Aberdeen Washington in the early 90s is painful. Fran rises above and learns that she has more friends then she thinks she does. Her world opens up and her future is much brighter than she ever thought it would be.
March 5, 2018
Bullying at school is always a sad story. It a shame on the parents who teach there kids how to hate. The girl in this story rises above being hated for being different. But in real life not everyone does.
January 6, 2021
Great book
I liked this book. I liked how this was about a young girls life and how she got thru high school. She got to meet the band she loves and got a girlfriend. I just wish it wouldn't of just ended, I would of liked to know if Fran got a job that she would excel in.
I liked this book. I liked how this was about a young girls life and how she got thru high school. She got to meet the band she loves and got a girlfriend. I just wish it wouldn't of just ended, I would of liked to know if Fran got a job that she would excel in.
September 27, 2018
This was a pretty good book. The characters weren’t too stupid with all of their crushes and it was a pretty cool adventure.
November 8, 2018
Great, feel-good book
I enjoyed this story immensely. It's a funny road-trip story, a coming-of-age story, and a tale of growing up gay all in one. It's absolutely delightful.
I enjoyed this story immensely. It's a funny road-trip story, a coming-of-age story, and a tale of growing up gay all in one. It's absolutely delightful.
February 13, 2019
This book was an interesting story, but I feel like it was twice as long as it needed to be. I got bogged down in a few places with details that didn't really matter.
August 7, 2023
This was a cute book! Easy, quick read and a topic that I’m sure many will relate to.
August 5, 2018
Okay so let's get right into it!
Pros:
Set in the 90's!!
Gay main character!!
2 characters of color!!
Remembered some old Nirvana songs I hadn't listened to in a while
Now here are the cons:
The Asian characters were often fetishized especially by the character Nikki
Dwayne was often racist and was never called out for it
'Freaking' and 'like' were so overused it was not realistic that teenagers would say it as often as Nikki did.
Also the writing was not very good. I felt as if each character's drama was being forced too much, it did not seem authentic. Paul's character was so inconsistent, it was hard to keep up with him. He was all over the place, kind of like the plot. I think this book was trying to be something it's not.
However, I enjoyed the ending. The book as a whole though, not so much. I won this book in giveaway and I appreciate the author writing me an inscription!! I just wish I enjoyed this book more.
Pros:
Set in the 90's!!
Gay main character!!
2 characters of color!!
Remembered some old Nirvana songs I hadn't listened to in a while
Now here are the cons:
The Asian characters were often fetishized especially by the character Nikki
Dwayne was often racist and was never called out for it
'Freaking' and 'like' were so overused it was not realistic that teenagers would say it as often as Nikki did.
Also the writing was not very good. I felt as if each character's drama was being forced too much, it did not seem authentic. Paul's character was so inconsistent, it was hard to keep up with him. He was all over the place, kind of like the plot. I think this book was trying to be something it's not.
However, I enjoyed the ending. The book as a whole though, not so much. I won this book in giveaway and I appreciate the author writing me an inscription!! I just wish I enjoyed this book more.
May 19, 2019
I can honestly say that this is my first venture into reading a LBGTQ book. I was pleasantly surprised by it. It's about bullying, finding new true friends and finding yourself in a difficult high school setting.
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