What do you think?
Rate this book
My Name is Finn Jupiter
Finn Jupiter lives in the idyllic mountain town of Victory, Colorado.
She’s a smart, daring, and fiercely independent young woman.
She also has a gift for seeing the small things that others can’t. Connecting lines that, for most, don’t exist.
While happy to live out a quiet life, hiking and climbing in The Rockies, fate has other plans for Finn.
Victory is about to become ground zero for one of the most shocking disasters in U.S. history. And when her father goes missing, a victim of the catastrophe, Finn is forced to make an extraordinary decision. A decision that will question everything she knows about herself. And about what she is truly capable of.
She’s a smart, daring, and fiercely independent young woman.
She also has a gift for seeing the small things that others can’t. Connecting lines that, for most, don’t exist.
While happy to live out a quiet life, hiking and climbing in The Rockies, fate has other plans for Finn.
Victory is about to become ground zero for one of the most shocking disasters in U.S. history. And when her father goes missing, a victim of the catastrophe, Finn is forced to make an extraordinary decision. A decision that will question everything she knows about herself. And about what she is truly capable of.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
2 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Gareth Crocker
16 books60 followersGareth Crocker was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1974. He has a degree in English, Psychology and Communications and has worked as a journalist, copywriter, news editor, public relations manager, publishing editor and, most recently, head of communications and spokesperson for a multinational corporation. Writing is done at night, in a dark room, next to a small window, under a bright moon. Leaving Jack is his first novel, which he wrote in the company of his three dogs, Jill, Rusty and Jack. A new US hardcover version of Leaving Jack, entitled Finding Jack is due for release on February 15, 2011.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 17, 2018
South African author Gareth Crocker is one of my favorite authors and falls into the "will always buy" category. He never disappoints.
With My Name is Finn Jupiter, Gareth moves into young adult literature. Finn –a young woman– is a high schooler in Victory, Colorado. She is strongly independent, non-conformist, highly unconventional, a skilled climber, and possessing the ability to perceive, analyze, and act while others are still standing around wondering what's happening. Finn's father goes missing in the Rockies at the same time an unimaginable disaster strikes Victory. With all available resources tied up with the disaster, Finn knows that she is the only hope her father has of survival and she won't be stopped.
I enjoyed this story as a grizzled old-timer and I'm positive I would have loved it as a young adult. I could be critical in my review if reading it through my trifocal lenses but as a young person it would have hit all the marks for a satisfying escapist story hence the five stars. Finn Jupiter is exactly the kind of person the young me would want to be friends with, the kind of person who does and says things I would fantasize about doing. The dialog is snappy, very funny at times and gut wrenching others. If you're purchasing this for a young person, be aware that there is some mild cursing but nothing that is out of the ordinary these days which I can say as I work in a university library.
The book ends with a pretty slick setup for sequels that will move the story and characters in a different direction. I intend to read the next installment in Finn's adventures.
With My Name is Finn Jupiter, Gareth moves into young adult literature. Finn –a young woman– is a high schooler in Victory, Colorado. She is strongly independent, non-conformist, highly unconventional, a skilled climber, and possessing the ability to perceive, analyze, and act while others are still standing around wondering what's happening. Finn's father goes missing in the Rockies at the same time an unimaginable disaster strikes Victory. With all available resources tied up with the disaster, Finn knows that she is the only hope her father has of survival and she won't be stopped.
I enjoyed this story as a grizzled old-timer and I'm positive I would have loved it as a young adult. I could be critical in my review if reading it through my trifocal lenses but as a young person it would have hit all the marks for a satisfying escapist story hence the five stars. Finn Jupiter is exactly the kind of person the young me would want to be friends with, the kind of person who does and says things I would fantasize about doing. The dialog is snappy, very funny at times and gut wrenching others. If you're purchasing this for a young person, be aware that there is some mild cursing but nothing that is out of the ordinary these days which I can say as I work in a university library.
The book ends with a pretty slick setup for sequels that will move the story and characters in a different direction. I intend to read the next installment in Finn's adventures.
January 22, 2019
This is the 6th book I read by Gareth Crocker. Each one is very different but they are all very enjoyable including My Name Is Finn Jupiter. The story is well written with just the right amount of description vs. dialogue and inner thoughts. It was easily read, interesting, funny and gripping at the same time, with a lot of things happening and a few unexpected twists towards the end, and very hard to put down.
I read the book in two days (and sacrificed a good bit of sleep in the process!). I rooted for the characters from the very beginning, liked the different points of view and that each member of the Jupiter family had a story to tell. I appreciate the witty dialogue, Finn´s cleverness and bravery and the special way she connected to her father.
I only wish that the story was longer so I could keep on reading, and also that I was able to come across a great book like this ten fifteen years ago when I was a teenager myself, I would have absolutely loved it!
Cannot wait for book #2!
I read the book in two days (and sacrificed a good bit of sleep in the process!). I rooted for the characters from the very beginning, liked the different points of view and that each member of the Jupiter family had a story to tell. I appreciate the witty dialogue, Finn´s cleverness and bravery and the special way she connected to her father.
I only wish that the story was longer so I could keep on reading, and also that I was able to come across a great book like this ten fifteen years ago when I was a teenager myself, I would have absolutely loved it!
Cannot wait for book #2!
January 21, 2019
I loved this book. It captures you from the very beginning and with the witty and sarcastic exchange of words, you get a glimpse of who Finn Jupiter really is and how she tends to deal with everything in her life. I wish I had that much confidence when I was her age. Even though the characters sound perfect, looks and abilities combined, they do not come forth as being cliche or shallow at all. In fact, they are more real than some other YA teenagers that I've read.
The characters of Finn and Sam and their relationship reminds me very much of my own friendship with my best friend. If you can't be real in front of them then are they really your friends?
Well written, very entertaining and would love to read more about Finn.
The characters of Finn and Sam and their relationship reminds me very much of my own friendship with my best friend. If you can't be real in front of them then are they really your friends?
Well written, very entertaining and would love to read more about Finn.
February 5, 2019
Wow, this book was riveting and totally not what I was expecting. I LOVED Finn and her family. They each have their quirks but when disaster strikes they all step up to the plate. I don't want to spoil this book but the ending was quite a surprise. I haven't read anything by this author before but I am now hooked!
January 16, 2019
An enjoyable read. Without spolingbthe ending, all I can say is that it was unexpected!
January 12, 2019
This was such a well written book. The story line was easy to follow but had a wonderful unexpected twist at the end. It's lovely and quirky and cute. If you looking for an easy read to lift the spirits. This is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2019
*Spoiler* While I enjoyed the book, which was a very easy read and rugged at strings as my mom has cancer. I struggled with Finn being perfect in every way but more than that it’s the arrogance I don’t like as I don’t like arrogance in anyone. The humor is great although a bit too cheeky given the age of Finn. The authors punt of one of his books also scored and eyeroll as well the the “traveling” yeah that didn’t rate
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2018
The add on of “travelling” is annoy8ng and does nothing for the story.
Other than that I enjoyed the book
Other than that I enjoyed the book
April 6, 2019
Finn Jupiter is super smart and independent. When a huge disaster hits her town, she has to do something that most people think is impossible, but she knows she can.
Finn is a great character and I loved the dialogue in the book. There were a couple of moments where I wanted to scream 'NO! Why would you do that?!?' to the characters. There was one thing in particular that the Dad did but I can't mention it as it would be a spoiler.
There were twists I really didn't see coming and the whole book was a bit of a roller coaster ride. This book turned out to be completely different to what I was expecting after reading the description and sample of the book. I am now desperately waiting for someone else to read it so I can discuss with them.
Finn is a great character and I loved the dialogue in the book. There were a couple of moments where I wanted to scream 'NO! Why would you do that?!?' to the characters. There was one thing in particular that the Dad did but I can't mention it as it would be a spoiler.
There were twists I really didn't see coming and the whole book was a bit of a roller coaster ride. This book turned out to be completely different to what I was expecting after reading the description and sample of the book. I am now desperately waiting for someone else to read it so I can discuss with them.
August 13, 2019
Starts off well. Clearly a coming-of-age type book. The end is stupid.
February 22, 2024
I loved reading this book, it even made me cry. As much as I loved it I still picked up some inconsistencies and negatives.
The inconsistencies:
Finn's last diary entry before the accident was on 8 December. Then came Christmas where everyone got their watches and the mother, Emily, organised for everyone to do their own thing (I assume that's also on Christmas day since there was no stated time jump). Then the accident happened and it is stated in Chapter 71 that the time jumped to 7 months (plus a few weeks or so) later (around July/August). Then Finn wrote in her diary again on the 13th of December (supposed to be 7 months later). For that reason the timeline is inconsistent. Also Scott, the father, drove back to the service road and found the same sled he saw when he was Astral Projecting, however this is 7 to 8 months later and it unrealistic for that slead to have still been there.
The Negatives:
I didn't really like the ending much, it felt like I was reading a completely different genre. I think it would've been better if Scott had died, saw his family as a ghost then came back to life. Or he was in a coma, or a dream.
I didn't like the way that Finn spoke to her father, it didn't sit right with me. Even after the accident she still treated him the same way. As a girl around the same age as Finn who's father was also in the South African Army, I would never talk to him like that.
It also felt very unrealistic how Finn, a high school student, was so fit to do what she did in the book but I set it aside because it was still a good story.
The Positives:
I enjoyed how shocking everything was. This book is definitely a page turner.
I loved Scott's courageous journey back home and the countless times he almost died on that journey. I enjoyed Scott's character far more than Finn's which is probably why I cried so much when he "died" in Chapter 68. I loved the plot twist then he woke up back on the mountain. I felt defeated for him after he traveled all the way back home only to wake up back where he started.
I loved the time constraint Finn had to find her father. It added a lot more urgency and adrenaline to the plot and the countless setbacks only added to the stress and anticipation while reading.
I liked that the family had their own radio station, that's really cool, as well as the plane. I thought it was pretty interesting to include Finn and Dylans diagnosed conditions. It raised awareness to those conditions, particularly Dylan's Aboulomania.
I would rate this book a 4.5 but because that isn't an option on goodreads I'll make it a 5⭐️😊
The inconsistencies:
Finn's last diary entry before the accident was on 8 December. Then came Christmas where everyone got their watches and the mother, Emily, organised for everyone to do their own thing (I assume that's also on Christmas day since there was no stated time jump). Then the accident happened and it is stated in Chapter 71 that the time jumped to 7 months (plus a few weeks or so) later (around July/August). Then Finn wrote in her diary again on the 13th of December (supposed to be 7 months later). For that reason the timeline is inconsistent. Also Scott, the father, drove back to the service road and found the same sled he saw when he was Astral Projecting, however this is 7 to 8 months later and it unrealistic for that slead to have still been there.
The Negatives:
I didn't really like the ending much, it felt like I was reading a completely different genre. I think it would've been better if Scott had died, saw his family as a ghost then came back to life. Or he was in a coma, or a dream.
I didn't like the way that Finn spoke to her father, it didn't sit right with me. Even after the accident she still treated him the same way. As a girl around the same age as Finn who's father was also in the South African Army, I would never talk to him like that.
It also felt very unrealistic how Finn, a high school student, was so fit to do what she did in the book but I set it aside because it was still a good story.
The Positives:
I enjoyed how shocking everything was. This book is definitely a page turner.
I loved Scott's courageous journey back home and the countless times he almost died on that journey. I enjoyed Scott's character far more than Finn's which is probably why I cried so much when he "died" in Chapter 68. I loved the plot twist then he woke up back on the mountain. I felt defeated for him after he traveled all the way back home only to wake up back where he started.
I loved the time constraint Finn had to find her father. It added a lot more urgency and adrenaline to the plot and the countless setbacks only added to the stress and anticipation while reading.
I liked that the family had their own radio station, that's really cool, as well as the plane. I thought it was pretty interesting to include Finn and Dylans diagnosed conditions. It raised awareness to those conditions, particularly Dylan's Aboulomania.
I would rate this book a 4.5 but because that isn't an option on goodreads I'll make it a 5⭐️😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2019
When I first started reading, I was hooked. As I read more, I became annoyed with the main character who did ALL of the things I would not want any teenager (boy or girl) to do. Though for the right reasons, they are not the best way to handle things. I understand this is just a story. So why did I give it such a high rating? Because it is such an awesome story. I really could have gone without all of the foul language especially to/with the parents and I hate when kids call their parents by their first name, it is so disrespectful. But in the end, the story is so good, it won me over. As a pilot myself, though I haven't flown in years, I enjoyed reading that part and the main event, wow! I hope teens do not cuss so much (it is really so degrading), call their parents Scott and Emily (or whatever, climb buildings (already influenced by Batman for heaven's sake), argue with teachers, start fights, steal things, disregard police directives, and all of the other things Flynn did but yes, she is quite an awesome teen. I'd be proud of her as well. Highly recommend this book but not the actions! :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2019
A really great book!
This is the first book I have read by Gareth Crocker, and it won't be my last.
This book is filled with happiness, sadness, excitement, anticipation, and surprises. I can't wait to read the next one.
One thing I will say is that Americans speak a little less formal. For example, we don't say "learnt," we say "learn." Just small details, but they stuck out to me. It doesn't take anything away from the story at all. A very well written book that I recommend.
This is the first book I have read by Gareth Crocker, and it won't be my last.
This book is filled with happiness, sadness, excitement, anticipation, and surprises. I can't wait to read the next one.
One thing I will say is that Americans speak a little less formal. For example, we don't say "learnt," we say "learn." Just small details, but they stuck out to me. It doesn't take anything away from the story at all. A very well written book that I recommend.
September 20, 2023
Honestly, I did not think I would like this book. I picked up a copy at a second hand book shop, not knowing anything about it, and boy oh boy, was I surprised.
This book had me a little skeptical and a little bored at the start, but I was bawling by the end of it. It had me sobbing. It was so good, I did not expect the plot twist at all. Even though the last little part about their special skill (no spoilers) wasn’t really for me, everything leading up to it definitely was.
Kudos to Gareth, I will definitely be picking up more of his books in the future. :)
This book had me a little skeptical and a little bored at the start, but I was bawling by the end of it. It had me sobbing. It was so good, I did not expect the plot twist at all. Even though the last little part about their special skill (no spoilers) wasn’t really for me, everything leading up to it definitely was.
Kudos to Gareth, I will definitely be picking up more of his books in the future. :)
January 18, 2020
A different kind of read. It's well written but to be honest some of the scenarios were just too unbelievable. I loved Finn's bravery and attitude towards life and although I was pleased everything sorted itself out, I felt the way it did a bit on the artificial or ultra convenient side. A four star read for the writing and keeping a person interested, but I felt it lost a star due to some of the scenes feeling too unrealistic and an ending that felt a bit rushed.
June 2, 2025
I've had this book on my shelves since 2019 and I've only picked it up now. I wish I've read this sooner as this was one of the best book I've read in a long time, and it was the best book to get me back into reading. This is the second book I've read from Gareth Crocker and I was not disappointed. I was hooked to the story. As soon as I picked up the book, I could not put it down. Crocker has become a favourite author to me and I cannot wait to read more of their work.
February 6, 2023
3.5 - This book was absolutely brilliant. Brilliant! Right up until Chapter 69 that is, at which point it became rubbish. Why on earth the editor couldn’t see that, boggles the mind. I’m actually so annoyed at it. If you read it, my advice is to just ignore the last 8 chapters. Genuinely. Stop at the last line of Chapter 68 and just put it down.
February 15, 2019
A wonderful story of Finn who enjoys life doing what she likes. Unfortunately things don’t always work out. Finn is portrayed as strong and knows how to manage. Loved it.
March 13, 2019
A quick adventure read with a witty protagonist. I enjoyed this fast paced unbelievable little book.
May 9, 2019
That was hectic! Amazing too.
May 24, 2019
Super fun, zippy read with a lekker twist at the end.
February 5, 2020
Great beginning and middle. But the last bit dragged on a little too much. Overall not a bad read.
March 12, 2020
I loved this book up until a specific point then I despised it. There are just some tropes I utterly hate and the last few pages of this book managed to squeeze them all in. Tragic.
April 12, 2020
Fun and easy to read. I could not put it down!
April 1, 2021
My first time being in the minority when it comes to a book review, but I just did not enjoy this book at all. It was cringy and very unbelievable, though the idea behind it isn't too bad I guess.
July 12, 2022
Do good I cried
September 10, 2022
Great.....just great, quick read and kept me interested
February 15, 2019
Finn Jupiter is just like any other girl. She wants to have fun, while standing up for what she believes in. In people's eyes, however, she's as different as they come. Headstrong and decisive, she'll dive head-first into a fray without thinking about the consequences. Not until everything is said and done. Her world is torn asunder, however, when an unexpected accident takes her town by storm. Despite the surrounding chaos, she refuses to sit on the sidelines while lives hang in the balance. No matter what happens, however, she'll do whatever needs to be done. Only then will she be able to rest easy knowing she tried.
This book drew me in from the moment I started reading it. My Name Is Finn Jupiter is one of those books that leaves you wanting more. Gareth has crafted such beautiful characters in a vivid and believable word. Every turn of the page leaves you breathless. The scenarios that take place in the book itself are scenarios we see taking place in real life every day. Granted, a few things that happen throughout the story are far more surreal than the world as we now know it now.
By the time I got to the end of the book, I found myself yearning to know more about Finn and her family. More than what's been provided within the book itself? Why? Because of each character's unique quirks and mannerisms.
Mind you, the author provides us with enough insight on who and what they are. So much so, that it tidies up any loose ends when it comes to who they really are and the world they inhabit. In all honesty, though, I'd love to know more about the little quirks Finn and her family experience in their every day lives. How did they come by them? I'd also love to see what their world is like after the aftermath of the disaster that takes place.
These are such complex characters that you can't help but to imagine who they are and the world they live in. Every aspect of this story is lovingly crafted. It shows with the turn of every page. The author wants us to see the world through Finn's eyes, a certainty that is experienced the more we see her world unfold. Looking forward to more of Gareth's work!
This book drew me in from the moment I started reading it. My Name Is Finn Jupiter is one of those books that leaves you wanting more. Gareth has crafted such beautiful characters in a vivid and believable word. Every turn of the page leaves you breathless. The scenarios that take place in the book itself are scenarios we see taking place in real life every day. Granted, a few things that happen throughout the story are far more surreal than the world as we now know it now.
By the time I got to the end of the book, I found myself yearning to know more about Finn and her family. More than what's been provided within the book itself? Why? Because of each character's unique quirks and mannerisms.
Mind you, the author provides us with enough insight on who and what they are. So much so, that it tidies up any loose ends when it comes to who they really are and the world they inhabit. In all honesty, though, I'd love to know more about the little quirks Finn and her family experience in their every day lives. How did they come by them? I'd also love to see what their world is like after the aftermath of the disaster that takes place.
These are such complex characters that you can't help but to imagine who they are and the world they live in. Every aspect of this story is lovingly crafted. It shows with the turn of every page. The author wants us to see the world through Finn's eyes, a certainty that is experienced the more we see her world unfold. Looking forward to more of Gareth's work!
May 29, 2019
'I’m the product of a South African mother and an American father. In the sixth-grade I asked one of my teachers if this makes me “South American”. She frowned at me and said that it didn’t. Most people just don’t get my particular brand of humor."
Finn is an attractive, sarcastic, senior in high school, but "she is wired differently" and knows no fear. She climbed a building to save a suicidal teen, bashed a bully in the face with a lunch tray, and flew an old helicopter and climbed a mountain to save her father.
Finn's mother is fighting brain cancer and her brother is fighting an affliction called Aboulomania BPS "which means he’s often unable to make a choice between two similar options." Her father is a "former U.S. Marine and one-time member of The South African Task Force."
When a large passenger plane crash lands in downtown Victory, Finn's life changes forever and she and her father find out something about themselves that explains some strange things that have happened to them.
I picked up this book because of the interesting plot. I enjoyed the humorous banter between Finn's family with my favorite character being Finn's mother, Emily. I believe she was the hero of the story for fighting brain cancer and keeping everyone calm in a frightening and sad situation.
Despite loving the characters, I think the novelty of Finn's superhuman feats and just the overall feeling of saving the day wore off a bit for me and even though the storyline was compelling and there were definitely unexpected twists and turns, somehow I felt like I wanted more depth and flaws from the characters. Nobody can get away unscathed that many times and the story was a little too neat and convenient.
If you like coming of age stories with a few supernatural elements, you will like this novel.
More book reviews at The Eclectic Review
Finn is an attractive, sarcastic, senior in high school, but "she is wired differently" and knows no fear. She climbed a building to save a suicidal teen, bashed a bully in the face with a lunch tray, and flew an old helicopter and climbed a mountain to save her father.
Finn's mother is fighting brain cancer and her brother is fighting an affliction called Aboulomania BPS "which means he’s often unable to make a choice between two similar options." Her father is a "former U.S. Marine and one-time member of The South African Task Force."
When a large passenger plane crash lands in downtown Victory, Finn's life changes forever and she and her father find out something about themselves that explains some strange things that have happened to them.
I picked up this book because of the interesting plot. I enjoyed the humorous banter between Finn's family with my favorite character being Finn's mother, Emily. I believe she was the hero of the story for fighting brain cancer and keeping everyone calm in a frightening and sad situation.
Despite loving the characters, I think the novelty of Finn's superhuman feats and just the overall feeling of saving the day wore off a bit for me and even though the storyline was compelling and there were definitely unexpected twists and turns, somehow I felt like I wanted more depth and flaws from the characters. Nobody can get away unscathed that many times and the story was a little too neat and convenient.
If you like coming of age stories with a few supernatural elements, you will like this novel.
More book reviews at The Eclectic Review
February 3, 2019
This book is one of the most interesting adventure books I’ve ever seen, so much detail and events that feel like you are one of the characters. This book doesn’t have a back description so basically it’s about a girl who is able to notice things that normal people don’t in a really fast way. The adventure is about her saving her father from a plane crash. Hope that isn’t too much spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews