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Finding Jupiter
Sparks fly when Orion and Ray meet for the first time at a roller rink in Memphis. But these star-crossed souls have a past filled with secrets that threaten to tear them apart before their love story even begins. Found poetry, grief, and fate collide in this powerful debut.
Just once I’d like my birthday to be about me, and not the day my father died. I want to be Ray Jr., the tall girl from Memphis with the poetry beats and the braids that stay poppin’. And when I meet Orion at the skating rink, that’s exactly who I am. He pulls my hand, and instead of being defined by my past, he races me toward my future.
When I dive into the pool, it’s just me and my heartbeat. There’s no dad, no dead sister, and no distracting noises. But I can’t hold my breath forever. And since I met Ray, I don’t want to. The closer we get, though, the more I see I’m not the only one caught in her wake.
With a lyrical blend of found poetry and poignant prose and the addition of black and white illustrations, this stunning debut captures young Black love and a decades-old family secret that may shatter a romance that feels written in the stars.
Just once I’d like my birthday to be about me, and not the day my father died. I want to be Ray Jr., the tall girl from Memphis with the poetry beats and the braids that stay poppin’. And when I meet Orion at the skating rink, that’s exactly who I am. He pulls my hand, and instead of being defined by my past, he races me toward my future.
When I dive into the pool, it’s just me and my heartbeat. There’s no dad, no dead sister, and no distracting noises. But I can’t hold my breath forever. And since I met Ray, I don’t want to. The closer we get, though, the more I see I’m not the only one caught in her wake.
With a lyrical blend of found poetry and poignant prose and the addition of black and white illustrations, this stunning debut captures young Black love and a decades-old family secret that may shatter a romance that feels written in the stars.
320 pages, Library Binding
First published May 31, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
June 28, 2022
Ahhh I wanted to love this one so much more! The cover is to absolutely die for, but the story itself fell a little flat for me. CW: grief of immediate loved ones
Finding Jupiter is told in alternating perspectives of the main character Ray and and Orion. Both characters are attempting to be teenagers as they deal with their grief of losing their loved ones. The two meet at a skating rink during Ray's birthday and share an instant connection. As their relationship progresses, it's clear that Ray doesn't really want to get attached to anyone while Orion is looking for a more stable commitment. Nevertheless, there are more outside forces at work that may or may not tear them apart.
One thing that I enjoyed about this book is that it is sex positive. I've been reading more teen books that show sex in a positive light which is something that is definitely needed. However, it was interesting watching the initiation of sex come from Ray and not Orion. It challenges the norm of what we typically see in YA books. It was Orion who ends up stopping the advancements wanting them to build a more solid relationship before they begin thinking about having sex. I also enjoyed the relationship between Ray and Orion. There is a level of trust that helps Ray navigate different aspects of her life that she's struggled with. They both have the opportunity to be open and vulnerable with each other in a way that they can't be with many others in their life. Orion also has SPD which I haven't seen in terms of representation in many Black characters in YA. It was great seeing him explain how it impacted and continues to impact his life.
Honestly, the biggest drawback of this book for me was the characterization and pacing. Ray and Orion are teens clearly in the same time period that I grew up in. I'm currently 30. The danger in doing something like this without a certain level of intricacy is that the book ends up becoming dated pretty quickly. It also begs to ask the question of who this book was written for. At 30, I enjoyed all of the references made to music I grew up on, but I'm not sure that a teen in 2022 would appreciate it in the same way. YA has run into the danger of not necessarily writing for a teen audience, but for adults who like consuming teen fiction. For me, this book teeters that line and made me feel like I was the target audience instead of the teens that I work with at the library. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with writing a book in a different time period; however, the target audience still needs to be kept in mind and I feel like this book loses that at times. Additionally, I had issues with the pacing. There is supposed to be a big plot twist at the end, but I guessed it pretty early on because of commentary made by both sets of parents. If those characters would have been crafted a little differently, I think it would have kept me in suspense a little longer. I did appreciate the connection when it came full circle, but I wasn't as thrilled as Rowe was probably intending the audience to be.
Overall, this was a solid debut. I did enjoy my read. However, there were a few things that I wish could have been worked through a little more. I'll be interested in seeing what this author releases in the future.
Finding Jupiter is told in alternating perspectives of the main character Ray and and Orion. Both characters are attempting to be teenagers as they deal with their grief of losing their loved ones. The two meet at a skating rink during Ray's birthday and share an instant connection. As their relationship progresses, it's clear that Ray doesn't really want to get attached to anyone while Orion is looking for a more stable commitment. Nevertheless, there are more outside forces at work that may or may not tear them apart.
One thing that I enjoyed about this book is that it is sex positive. I've been reading more teen books that show sex in a positive light which is something that is definitely needed. However, it was interesting watching the initiation of sex come from Ray and not Orion. It challenges the norm of what we typically see in YA books. It was Orion who ends up stopping the advancements wanting them to build a more solid relationship before they begin thinking about having sex. I also enjoyed the relationship between Ray and Orion. There is a level of trust that helps Ray navigate different aspects of her life that she's struggled with. They both have the opportunity to be open and vulnerable with each other in a way that they can't be with many others in their life. Orion also has SPD which I haven't seen in terms of representation in many Black characters in YA. It was great seeing him explain how it impacted and continues to impact his life.
Honestly, the biggest drawback of this book for me was the characterization and pacing. Ray and Orion are teens clearly in the same time period that I grew up in. I'm currently 30. The danger in doing something like this without a certain level of intricacy is that the book ends up becoming dated pretty quickly. It also begs to ask the question of who this book was written for. At 30, I enjoyed all of the references made to music I grew up on, but I'm not sure that a teen in 2022 would appreciate it in the same way. YA has run into the danger of not necessarily writing for a teen audience, but for adults who like consuming teen fiction. For me, this book teeters that line and made me feel like I was the target audience instead of the teens that I work with at the library. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with writing a book in a different time period; however, the target audience still needs to be kept in mind and I feel like this book loses that at times. Additionally, I had issues with the pacing. There is supposed to be a big plot twist at the end, but I guessed it pretty early on because of commentary made by both sets of parents. If those characters would have been crafted a little differently, I think it would have kept me in suspense a little longer. I did appreciate the connection when it came full circle, but I wasn't as thrilled as Rowe was probably intending the audience to be.
Overall, this was a solid debut. I did enjoy my read. However, there were a few things that I wish could have been worked through a little more. I'll be interested in seeing what this author releases in the future.
July 26, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️
- This book was SO CUTE!! If you want to read about a sweet sensitive cinnamon roll boy, you will love the mmc!! He’s giving book boyfriend 100%!! You could really feel the love the characters had for each other!
- Love how this book tackled grief and the ending really pulled me in even more. Was a nice shift in the story and kept me on my toes!
- Would have loved a little more dialogue, but I did really really love how lyrical and poetic the book felt while reading!
- This book was SO CUTE!! If you want to read about a sweet sensitive cinnamon roll boy, you will love the mmc!! He’s giving book boyfriend 100%!! You could really feel the love the characters had for each other!
- Love how this book tackled grief and the ending really pulled me in even more. Was a nice shift in the story and kept me on my toes!
- Would have loved a little more dialogue, but I did really really love how lyrical and poetic the book felt while reading!
July 23, 2022
Ray and Orion meet at the skating rink and there's an instant attraction. Orion is heading off to Howard in a few weeks while Ray is going back to boarding school in Rhode Island so they're determined to spend as much time as possible together getting to know each other.
This was a cute love story if you don't mind the characters falling hard and fast. I thought they had great chemistry together that really carried this book. I liked that Orion was the softer one while Ray was afraid of showing her emotions. I'm seeing more of that lately and it's a nice change. I liked how Ray's blackout poetry was weaved in so we could see her creative side.
I didn't like how there was this constant pushing them as old souls which I find over prevalent in YA. Pop culture is tough to include in books and at times this story felt bogged down by it. Especially since so many songs were older songs the teens wouldn't even be familiar with. The most current ones I could recall were Beyonce and Drake ones that were still from like 10 years back. Ray prefers cds to Spotify playlists and that aspect felt very dated too. Especially when she whipped out a Sade cd for them to have sex to. Do the teens even know who Sade is? That along with other pop culture references at times made this story feel written during my high school years instead of a debut published this year.
There's a mystery aspect here surrounding Ray's father which I liked but it could've been better paced because it took a backseat to them loving on each other for awhile before starting back up. But it did keep me engaged with the story and elevate it. I also liked how the reveal and fallout was written. I liked the message about communication and healing in this book. It tackles two very different situations with grief and loss. Ray is dealing with grief over her father's death but he died the day she was born so she never got to meet him and actually form a relationship. And I haven't seen that type of relationship explored in books often.
This was a cute love story if you don't mind the characters falling hard and fast. I thought they had great chemistry together that really carried this book. I liked that Orion was the softer one while Ray was afraid of showing her emotions. I'm seeing more of that lately and it's a nice change. I liked how Ray's blackout poetry was weaved in so we could see her creative side.
I didn't like how there was this constant pushing them as old souls which I find over prevalent in YA. Pop culture is tough to include in books and at times this story felt bogged down by it. Especially since so many songs were older songs the teens wouldn't even be familiar with. The most current ones I could recall were Beyonce and Drake ones that were still from like 10 years back. Ray prefers cds to Spotify playlists and that aspect felt very dated too. Especially when she whipped out a Sade cd for them to have sex to. Do the teens even know who Sade is? That along with other pop culture references at times made this story feel written during my high school years instead of a debut published this year.
There's a mystery aspect here surrounding Ray's father which I liked but it could've been better paced because it took a backseat to them loving on each other for awhile before starting back up. But it did keep me engaged with the story and elevate it. I also liked how the reveal and fallout was written. I liked the message about communication and healing in this book. It tackles two very different situations with grief and loss. Ray is dealing with grief over her father's death but he died the day she was born so she never got to meet him and actually form a relationship. And I haven't seen that type of relationship explored in books often.
dnf
September 14, 2022DNF @ 30%
Nope, this just wasn't for me. I went in hoping for a cute and fun little romcom, but it was OVERWHELMINGLY cheesy. That combined with the fact that the characters weren't particularly well-developed and the incredibly slow plot made it so hard for me to be motivated to read it.
There's also absolutely nothing original about it. The plot is the classic 'forbidden love' trope, with the added tRaGiC backstories to make it interesting. Orion and Ray also weren't particularly interesting characters- yes, Orion was pretty sweet, but was he interesting? NOPE. And although I liked Ray at the beginning, I feel like she went downhill from there and I ended up not being the biggest fan of her.
Overall, this just wasn't interesting me and since I could feel Crooked Kingdom screaming "READ ME ALREADY!" from my bookshelf, I'm just gonna move onto that and hope it cures my fast-approaching reading slump :)
Nope, this just wasn't for me. I went in hoping for a cute and fun little romcom, but it was OVERWHELMINGLY cheesy. That combined with the fact that the characters weren't particularly well-developed and the incredibly slow plot made it so hard for me to be motivated to read it.
There's also absolutely nothing original about it. The plot is the classic 'forbidden love' trope, with the added tRaGiC backstories to make it interesting. Orion and Ray also weren't particularly interesting characters- yes, Orion was pretty sweet, but was he interesting? NOPE. And although I liked Ray at the beginning, I feel like she went downhill from there and I ended up not being the biggest fan of her.
Overall, this just wasn't interesting me and since I could feel Crooked Kingdom screaming "READ ME ALREADY!" from my bookshelf, I'm just gonna move onto that and hope it cures my fast-approaching reading slump :)
August 27, 2022
Finding Jupiter by Kelis Rowe, a very sweet romance that captures young Black love and a decades-old family secret that may shatter a romance that feels written in the stars.
I love and believe in zodiac, stars, destiny and everything else under this realm, I had to pick up this book considering the plotline and blurb written. Orion and Ray, by the end of the book holds a very special place.
With a lyrical blend of found poetry and poignant prose, the book flew by very easily and I read it in one sitting. I loved the reference given basis The Great Gatsby book since I had read the book right before picking up this by chance and it helped me alot in understanding this.
Loved the characters, the plot and how we see the family secrets unfold which I did not see coming at all, but one or two of them could be predictable. Overall, the ending was worth it according to me. Some points and underlying plots here and there could be done better.
I love and believe in zodiac, stars, destiny and everything else under this realm, I had to pick up this book considering the plotline and blurb written. Orion and Ray, by the end of the book holds a very special place.
With a lyrical blend of found poetry and poignant prose, the book flew by very easily and I read it in one sitting. I loved the reference given basis The Great Gatsby book since I had read the book right before picking up this by chance and it helped me alot in understanding this.
Loved the characters, the plot and how we see the family secrets unfold which I did not see coming at all, but one or two of them could be predictable. Overall, the ending was worth it according to me. Some points and underlying plots here and there could be done better.
June 24, 2022
“This boy’s gonna want to love me, I can tell.
My heart breaks for him.
Because I’m not a girl to love.”
FINDING JUPITER is a beautiful story about finding love and forgiveness while exploring grief, family ties and secrets unsaid. We meet Ray on summer break in Memphis who is celebrating her birthday which brings the yearly reminder that she was born on the same day her father died. When Ray goes to the roller ring to celebrate, sparks fly when she meets Orion who has his own sad memories of that day.
There were so many wonderful moments in #FindingJupiter I just loved how the author created characters who though young are emotionally intelligent and not ashamed to express their vulnerabilities. Orion’s pov was particularly sweet it was nice that he was so uninhibited yet also driven to succeed in all he took on.
With Ray I was fascinated to discover found poetry which I hadn't heard of before but it was a wonderful creative outlet for Ray to communicate her thoughts.
The parent- child relationships created an added layer to the story, the exploration of the way a child can learn to be open or closed to love based on their parents involvement was brilliantly handled. Overall it made for a wonderful debut YA novel.
3.5🌟
@musingsonliving
My heart breaks for him.
Because I’m not a girl to love.”
FINDING JUPITER is a beautiful story about finding love and forgiveness while exploring grief, family ties and secrets unsaid. We meet Ray on summer break in Memphis who is celebrating her birthday which brings the yearly reminder that she was born on the same day her father died. When Ray goes to the roller ring to celebrate, sparks fly when she meets Orion who has his own sad memories of that day.
There were so many wonderful moments in #FindingJupiter I just loved how the author created characters who though young are emotionally intelligent and not ashamed to express their vulnerabilities. Orion’s pov was particularly sweet it was nice that he was so uninhibited yet also driven to succeed in all he took on.
With Ray I was fascinated to discover found poetry which I hadn't heard of before but it was a wonderful creative outlet for Ray to communicate her thoughts.
The parent- child relationships created an added layer to the story, the exploration of the way a child can learn to be open or closed to love based on their parents involvement was brilliantly handled. Overall it made for a wonderful debut YA novel.
3.5🌟
@musingsonliving
April 23, 2022
A gorgeously written, page-turning read exploring grief, passion, trust, forgiveness and relationships in their many forms. It's a story of first love appearing when you least expect or want it but can't bare to lose it and of heartbroken parents and the effects of such heartbreak on their children. It's a story filled with teens trying their best, the all consuming fear and excitement of first love and brilliantly explored familial and romantic relationships.
I couldn't get enough of this book. It was emotional, adorable, heartbreaking, quick witted and has left me incredibly excited to see what Kelis Rowe writes in the future.
I couldn't get enough of this book. It was emotional, adorable, heartbreaking, quick witted and has left me incredibly excited to see what Kelis Rowe writes in the future.
June 7, 2022
Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for allowing me to give my honest review on Finding Jupiter
Ray and Orion meet on Ray's Birthday at a skating rink and they knew it was love at first sight! Ray and Orion share a lot of things especially when it came to grief as they both lost someone close and they deal with it together as their tragedy happen around the same time.
Ray and Orion learn about first love and first everything together during their time in the summer before she returns to High School and He goes to college. But family secrets almost tear them apart.
Great YA book as it talks about love, grief and finding yourself.
Ray and Orion meet on Ray's Birthday at a skating rink and they knew it was love at first sight! Ray and Orion share a lot of things especially when it came to grief as they both lost someone close and they deal with it together as their tragedy happen around the same time.
Ray and Orion learn about first love and first everything together during their time in the summer before she returns to High School and He goes to college. But family secrets almost tear them apart.
Great YA book as it talks about love, grief and finding yourself.
February 21, 2022
I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read Finding Jupiter ahead of publication. Blurbing this book was absolutely my pleasure.
A beautifully written story about grief, healthy communication, trust and forgiveness. But most of all, this story is about two teens who aren't ready to fall in love, except their love is like gravity –inevitable and necessary. With cinematic storytelling, undeniable chemistry, and a fresh set of authentic characters, this story left me feeling comforted, inspired and grinning ear to ear.
A beautifully written story about grief, healthy communication, trust and forgiveness. But most of all, this story is about two teens who aren't ready to fall in love, except their love is like gravity –inevitable and necessary. With cinematic storytelling, undeniable chemistry, and a fresh set of authentic characters, this story left me feeling comforted, inspired and grinning ear to ear.
September 18, 2022
I thought I would be a cute black romance but I wasn't really that.
I didn't like how the characters were old souls when they literally 17 , know old songs from I don't know when.
I would have loved more modern aspect by the characters because even I am almost their age and didn't know a lot from things they were mentioning😭
I didn't feel the romance really and I was more interested in the mystery aspect so I skip through Orion pov and only read Ray pov And I kinda know what the plottwist was.
I didn't like how the characters were old souls when they literally 17 , know old songs from I don't know when.
I would have loved more modern aspect by the characters because even I am almost their age and didn't know a lot from things they were mentioning😭
I didn't feel the romance really and I was more interested in the mystery aspect so I skip through Orion pov and only read Ray pov And I kinda know what the plottwist was.
December 16, 2022
"𝗜𝗳 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀...𝗜'𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮, 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀."
I've seen mixed reviews for this book but honestly, I enjoyed it so much. First off, the author's note is incredibly touching and she introduced me to found poetry, a form of poetry I was unaware of but find so inspiring. Rowe takes us on a journey with these characters - their growth, fears and hopes, and the bold leap to trust. Finding Jupiter is 'finding oneself', finding the parts that are special and accepting that no matter what happened in your life, you're like a star - you can shine and be someone's galaxy.
"𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿, 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲."
I adored the references to the stars and the layout and the design compliments these characters.
I loved how the story progressed - Ray and Orion meet at a skating rink and Orion immediately has eyes for Ray. Both are accompanied by their friends and so they have a fun night. Orion and Ray meet up afterwards but both of them are insecure and shy. Their relationship goes through a growth that can be relatable to YA readers. It was wonderful to see how these two engaged with each other and the romance was light and heartwarming.
"𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿."
Ray's journal entries with her found poetry are included and those were my favourite parts. I need a graphic novel with Ray's journal entries. This book is definitely on my YA rec list and deserves more hype. One of the songs I thought of while reading this book was All of the Stars by Ed Sheeran. For fans of Radio Love by Ebony LaDelle, Instructions for Dancing and The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon.
Ages 14+
"𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘅𝘆, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗥𝗮𝘆...𝘀𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗻."
Thank you Pan Macmillan SA for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've seen mixed reviews for this book but honestly, I enjoyed it so much. First off, the author's note is incredibly touching and she introduced me to found poetry, a form of poetry I was unaware of but find so inspiring. Rowe takes us on a journey with these characters - their growth, fears and hopes, and the bold leap to trust. Finding Jupiter is 'finding oneself', finding the parts that are special and accepting that no matter what happened in your life, you're like a star - you can shine and be someone's galaxy.
"𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿, 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲."
I adored the references to the stars and the layout and the design compliments these characters.
I loved how the story progressed - Ray and Orion meet at a skating rink and Orion immediately has eyes for Ray. Both are accompanied by their friends and so they have a fun night. Orion and Ray meet up afterwards but both of them are insecure and shy. Their relationship goes through a growth that can be relatable to YA readers. It was wonderful to see how these two engaged with each other and the romance was light and heartwarming.
"𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿."
Ray's journal entries with her found poetry are included and those were my favourite parts. I need a graphic novel with Ray's journal entries. This book is definitely on my YA rec list and deserves more hype. One of the songs I thought of while reading this book was All of the Stars by Ed Sheeran. For fans of Radio Love by Ebony LaDelle, Instructions for Dancing and The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon.
Ages 14+
"𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘅𝘆, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗥𝗮𝘆...𝘀𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗻."
Thank you Pan Macmillan SA for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2023
Omg! This is so freaking beautiful! First off, give me a super sensitive male romantic interest any day! We need more of this because that macho crap is played out. Second, give me a head strong lead female with no chasteness in her bones, because seriously, girls are not as delicate as popular belief portrays. Third give me my hometown on a platter. Add a cute romance with skates and family secrets and I AM SOLD!
January 12, 2024
3.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ I wanted to love this more BUT it just fell a bit flat for me towards the end.
I really think this could’ve worked if there was a bit more time spent on developing the relationship between Ray and Orion, rather than an insta-love situation. While I love male leads being complete somos and endlessly in love with their partner(s), this one was less founded and more perplexing bc of what we know (and what we don’t know) about Ray. I loved disability rep with Orion though!
I didn’t love the actual reveal. I think there was a good message about secrets and lies being destructive, but the events themselves were a bit less conducive to THIS particular message and there was more that I think should’ve been explored there. Definitely look up trigger warnings before you read this book!
Anyway, I enjoyed it, and I think it’s very cute, but I wanted more…
I really think this could’ve worked if there was a bit more time spent on developing the relationship between Ray and Orion, rather than an insta-love situation. While I love male leads being complete somos and endlessly in love with their partner(s), this one was less founded and more perplexing bc of what we know (and what we don’t know) about Ray. I loved disability rep with Orion though!
I didn’t love the actual reveal. I think there was a good message about secrets and lies being destructive, but the events themselves were a bit less conducive to THIS particular message and there was more that I think should’ve been explored there. Definitely look up trigger warnings before you read this book!
Anyway, I enjoyed it, and I think it’s very cute, but I wanted more…
February 25, 2023
WHAT A FREAKING AMAZING BOOK!
WOW I LOVED EVERY SINGLE PAGE OF THIS STORY! Kelis Rowe your writing is incredible! Truly such a beautiful story that made me feel every emotion!
Ray was such a wonderful character. She was so resilient, smart, confident, and real! I love her! She closed her heart off from romantic love in the beginning but slowly let that wall down when she met Orion...
...oh Orion, my sensitive sweet boy! I adore him! He was so funny, caring, and loving. He loved Ray so fiercely! Their love was so special! I seriously couldn't get enough of their romance. They are now up there with the cutest YA book couples i've ever read about!
This book also dealt with grief. And I think the blurb on this book from J. Elle explains it perfectly: "Self-affirming and deeply moving. Rowe tenderly reminds us that it takes courage to love and love to heal." Both Ray and Orion learned to heal in this story and loving each other was a part of their beautiful journey of healing. I LOVED THIS BOOK! It made me so emotional but also SO FREAKING HAPPY!
Kelis Rowe thank you for writing such a great book! This is the Black YA story that I needed when I was younger! Representation matters! And in this book the representation is perfection.💜
WOW I LOVED EVERY SINGLE PAGE OF THIS STORY! Kelis Rowe your writing is incredible! Truly such a beautiful story that made me feel every emotion!
Ray was such a wonderful character. She was so resilient, smart, confident, and real! I love her! She closed her heart off from romantic love in the beginning but slowly let that wall down when she met Orion...
...oh Orion, my sensitive sweet boy! I adore him! He was so funny, caring, and loving. He loved Ray so fiercely! Their love was so special! I seriously couldn't get enough of their romance. They are now up there with the cutest YA book couples i've ever read about!
This book also dealt with grief. And I think the blurb on this book from J. Elle explains it perfectly: "Self-affirming and deeply moving. Rowe tenderly reminds us that it takes courage to love and love to heal." Both Ray and Orion learned to heal in this story and loving each other was a part of their beautiful journey of healing. I LOVED THIS BOOK! It made me so emotional but also SO FREAKING HAPPY!
Kelis Rowe thank you for writing such a great book! This is the Black YA story that I needed when I was younger! Representation matters! And in this book the representation is perfection.💜
June 21, 2022
You have to absolutely read this for yourself, it is pure magic.
We follow Ray and Orion as they cross paths for the first time in a roller rink in Memphis. Ray is home for the summer. They meet, Orion is crushing hard on Ray, he was just so cute (but it was refreshing to see a young black boy be allowed to be young and have a wholesome crush), he was so shy when he met her and while he wanted to seem calm and collected around her, he just could not. Also seeing Orion through Ray's eyes was just so cute, having dealt with the grief associated with a father that died the night she was born (I love how this feeling was layered, more than grief, she just did not know how to feel), she has kept her heart guarded. Until Orion came bulldozing in. (I don't want to spoil it).
The writing is so beautiful, easy to read, poetic in its elegance and each conversation between Jupiter and Orion just moves you closer to the stars. I will stop gushing now. If you like poetry (as much as I do) then you will love the writing in this book.
I want to really thanks to the author for writing such a beautiful story. It tells young black boys that they can be young and in love and there is nothing wrong with being vulnerable and accepting of love. It tells young black girls that it is okay to be who you are, be assertive, be in love, be angry, be open to change and be ready for happiness. We don't see that a lot in YA, black relationships tend to centre a lot of black trauma from adultification of children to police brutality, but this is breath of fresh air. We can love and be happy, the young CAN be young, make mistakes and find happiness, no matter how brief.
Thanks to Tandem Collective UK for making this book available to me as part of the readalong
We follow Ray and Orion as they cross paths for the first time in a roller rink in Memphis. Ray is home for the summer. They meet, Orion is crushing hard on Ray, he was just so cute (but it was refreshing to see a young black boy be allowed to be young and have a wholesome crush), he was so shy when he met her and while he wanted to seem calm and collected around her, he just could not. Also seeing Orion through Ray's eyes was just so cute, having dealt with the grief associated with a father that died the night she was born (I love how this feeling was layered, more than grief, she just did not know how to feel), she has kept her heart guarded. Until Orion came bulldozing in. (I don't want to spoil it).
The writing is so beautiful, easy to read, poetic in its elegance and each conversation between Jupiter and Orion just moves you closer to the stars. I will stop gushing now. If you like poetry (as much as I do) then you will love the writing in this book.
I want to really thanks to the author for writing such a beautiful story. It tells young black boys that they can be young and in love and there is nothing wrong with being vulnerable and accepting of love. It tells young black girls that it is okay to be who you are, be assertive, be in love, be angry, be open to change and be ready for happiness. We don't see that a lot in YA, black relationships tend to centre a lot of black trauma from adultification of children to police brutality, but this is breath of fresh air. We can love and be happy, the young CAN be young, make mistakes and find happiness, no matter how brief.
Thanks to Tandem Collective UK for making this book available to me as part of the readalong
April 14, 2022
I wanted to read this book solely because I thought the cover was gorgeous. I didn't even read the plot summary, just saw the cover and knew I needed to read it.
It's always so lucky when judging a book by it's cover works out. Reading about two teenagers, Orion and Ray, falling in love for the first time was truly out of this world. This book was so beautifully written. The beginning, when they are beginning to fall, it feels slower paced and scary, yet easy and comforting. It feels like the most natural thing in the world. It picks up rapidly in the last third of the book and is nearly impossible to put down. Their losses feel almost unbearable and it's hard to not feel like you're drowning with them. It's just so well written.
I had such a great time reading this book. I love the growth Orion and Ray had individually, together, and with their families. Seriously could not recommend this book enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's always so lucky when judging a book by it's cover works out. Reading about two teenagers, Orion and Ray, falling in love for the first time was truly out of this world. This book was so beautifully written. The beginning, when they are beginning to fall, it feels slower paced and scary, yet easy and comforting. It feels like the most natural thing in the world. It picks up rapidly in the last third of the book and is nearly impossible to put down. Their losses feel almost unbearable and it's hard to not feel like you're drowning with them. It's just so well written.
I had such a great time reading this book. I love the growth Orion and Ray had individually, together, and with their families. Seriously could not recommend this book enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2022
I LOVED this book. Ray and Orion’s story is filled with all of the angst and emotion that is typical of youth. Rowe told such an amazing story. It broke my heart and put I all back together again! I loved the concept of the found poetry. It was so beautiful!
I can’t wait to read her next book!
I can’t wait to read her next book!
March 8, 2024
that last 30% went dumb
February 25, 2023
OMG I finished Finding Jupiter earlier today and I am still crying.
The publisher Crown/Underlined actually sent me an advance copy of this book a few months ago, but despite the gorgeous cover, it seemed like a heavy book and I was going through a lot in my life and didn't think I could handle reading it. It sat on my nightstand all these months and I finally picked it up. After losing my mom very recently, this probably still wasn't the best time to read this story, but I'm glad I did.
Finding Jupiter is a YA book that I guess I'd classify as a romance, but with a very sad backstory. The book is told from the POVs of Ray, a beautiful, tall boarding school student, home for the summer, and Orion, a handsome young man about to start at Howard University on swim/academic scholarships. Fate brings the pair together at the roller rink on Ray's birthday, which also happens to be the anniversary of her dad's death and the anniversary of Orion's baby sister's death.
Ray and Orion become fast friends, but both feel a deeper connection, as if literally destined in the stars. However as their magical summer comes to an end, a secret from the night of Ray's birth threatens to tear them, and their families, apart.
This book is definitely heavy, but it is also beautiful. I'm not really a poetry fan, but I enjoyed the illustrations and found poetry sprinkled throughout the book.
Also, this book made me seriously nostalgic for roller rinks and teenage love.
Content Warnings: Desth of a parent, Death of a chils, desthbof a sibling
The publisher Crown/Underlined actually sent me an advance copy of this book a few months ago, but despite the gorgeous cover, it seemed like a heavy book and I was going through a lot in my life and didn't think I could handle reading it. It sat on my nightstand all these months and I finally picked it up. After losing my mom very recently, this probably still wasn't the best time to read this story, but I'm glad I did.
Finding Jupiter is a YA book that I guess I'd classify as a romance, but with a very sad backstory. The book is told from the POVs of Ray, a beautiful, tall boarding school student, home for the summer, and Orion, a handsome young man about to start at Howard University on swim/academic scholarships. Fate brings the pair together at the roller rink on Ray's birthday, which also happens to be the anniversary of her dad's death and the anniversary of Orion's baby sister's death.
Ray and Orion become fast friends, but both feel a deeper connection, as if literally destined in the stars. However as their magical summer comes to an end, a secret from the night of Ray's birth threatens to tear them, and their families, apart.
This book is definitely heavy, but it is also beautiful. I'm not really a poetry fan, but I enjoyed the illustrations and found poetry sprinkled throughout the book.
Also, this book made me seriously nostalgic for roller rinks and teenage love.
Content Warnings: Desth of a parent, Death of a chils, desthbof a sibling
June 27, 2022
All 5 stars have aligned for Finding Jupiter! Kelis Rowe has just changed the game of young adult for the teen black reader who doesn't see their love story. I absolutely adored this book and will be spreading the news far and wide.
The first thing that attracted me was the beautiful cover! Whoever illustrated this must have been impressed with themself after this because they did their thang. Second, the narrators of the audio book captivated me. They brought the words to life and helped to set the story. Lasly, the story was beautiful.
This is the epic old love story of boy meets girl, girl tries to resist boy, boy makes it impossible and you the reader are also left renderless. Yes hear me clearly, you will be defenseless against cinnamon roll Orion. He and Ray had me cheesing the entire book and now my face hurts. Rowe depicted what it was like to be young and in puppy love with butterflies and a bundle of nerves.
I appreciated that not only were their parents present in their lives but they were heavily involved and present. It was heartbreaking to see how their storylines interconnected but nice to see how everyone handled the fallout. This is not just Ray and Orion's story but the story of their family and building relationships that have been long ago broken.
Finding Jupiter spoke my language with the music, the skating and the poetry. I appreciate NetGalley and Random House Children's for giving me the opportunity to receive an arc in exchange for a honest review.
The first thing that attracted me was the beautiful cover! Whoever illustrated this must have been impressed with themself after this because they did their thang. Second, the narrators of the audio book captivated me. They brought the words to life and helped to set the story. Lasly, the story was beautiful.
This is the epic old love story of boy meets girl, girl tries to resist boy, boy makes it impossible and you the reader are also left renderless. Yes hear me clearly, you will be defenseless against cinnamon roll Orion. He and Ray had me cheesing the entire book and now my face hurts. Rowe depicted what it was like to be young and in puppy love with butterflies and a bundle of nerves.
I appreciated that not only were their parents present in their lives but they were heavily involved and present. It was heartbreaking to see how their storylines interconnected but nice to see how everyone handled the fallout. This is not just Ray and Orion's story but the story of their family and building relationships that have been long ago broken.
Finding Jupiter spoke my language with the music, the skating and the poetry. I appreciate NetGalley and Random House Children's for giving me the opportunity to receive an arc in exchange for a honest review.
July 17, 2022
"Jupiter and Orion, we go together."
Ratings: 3 ⭐️
Thank you so much @definitelybooks for sending me a proof copy in exchange of an honest review.
Finding Jupiter is about two teenagers who fell in love at the first sight after their first meeting in a skating rink. Ray was sceptical about beginning a friendship with Orion but the determination and tenacity that he showed towards Ray made her fell instantly in love with Orion. I loved the awkwardness that Orion had because, it is such a cute trait, I LOVE HIM.
Let's start with the things that I like on this book first. Soooo, the bright side of it is dual POVs. I love a romance book with a story told from two perspectives. It makes the story less dull plus we could know what both parties really feel. This book has a way to be such a fun and easy read.
On the contrary, the characters were one-dimensional and felt boring? The development of the romance is kind of dull and seemed out of place, like it was forced or something. I tried so hard to engage and invest myself to their relationship but I just didn't feel it. And the fact that Ray radiated a pick-me vibes even just for a few moments doesn't sit right with me. (Plus, it's my major turn-off for a character).
Definitely recommended for those who love YA contemporary romance.
Ratings: 3 ⭐️
Thank you so much @definitelybooks for sending me a proof copy in exchange of an honest review.
Finding Jupiter is about two teenagers who fell in love at the first sight after their first meeting in a skating rink. Ray was sceptical about beginning a friendship with Orion but the determination and tenacity that he showed towards Ray made her fell instantly in love with Orion. I loved the awkwardness that Orion had because, it is such a cute trait, I LOVE HIM.
Let's start with the things that I like on this book first. Soooo, the bright side of it is dual POVs. I love a romance book with a story told from two perspectives. It makes the story less dull plus we could know what both parties really feel. This book has a way to be such a fun and easy read.
On the contrary, the characters were one-dimensional and felt boring? The development of the romance is kind of dull and seemed out of place, like it was forced or something. I tried so hard to engage and invest myself to their relationship but I just didn't feel it. And the fact that Ray radiated a pick-me vibes even just for a few moments doesn't sit right with me. (Plus, it's my major turn-off for a character).
Definitely recommended for those who love YA contemporary romance.
November 16, 2021
I could not put this book down!!! It grabbed my attention from the very first page and just escalated from there! Ray and Orion start down the relationship path like most young adults do...slow and steady. As they grow to know one another, they fall in love. Each of them is new to the experience of opening up to someone else and it's lovely to read about the progression of their relationship. Then, the explosive plot twist hits, and it practically knocks the breath out of us all! I will definitely recommend this book to my young adult readers and add it to our classroom library!
April 1, 2022
I was provided a free eARC from Netgalley on behalf of Random House Children's, in exchange for an honest review.
The was a BEAUTIFUL book. I can't remember the last time I read a contemporary YA romance...so I went in with no expectations. I could not put this book down, I read it in one sitting. And it was amazing. A unique story about young love, mistakes, and grief. The characters were relatable while they worked through their own insecurities and fumbled through summer love. I laughed, I cried, and I finished the book with tear tracks, and a smile. BRAVO!
The was a BEAUTIFUL book. I can't remember the last time I read a contemporary YA romance...so I went in with no expectations. I could not put this book down, I read it in one sitting. And it was amazing. A unique story about young love, mistakes, and grief. The characters were relatable while they worked through their own insecurities and fumbled through summer love. I laughed, I cried, and I finished the book with tear tracks, and a smile. BRAVO!
August 10, 2022
Ah! What an incredible read. I read in two days and had so many notes, that I was texting the author's sister with thoughts and questions. First, I love that it shows so many things I love about my hometown Memphis. While it's not there anymore, I KNOW THAT SPOKEN WORD SPOT! I squealed often when parts of town and locations were mentioned. Memphis rarely gets love stories.
Also, this love between Ray & Orion. It doesn't get any sweeter or more complicated. A beautiful Black love story set in my beautiful Black city.
Also, this love between Ray & Orion. It doesn't get any sweeter or more complicated. A beautiful Black love story set in my beautiful Black city.
July 18, 2022
- painful, beautiful, and a story that everyone needs to read. rowe told an achingly beautiful story of black love, with awkward teenagers and cute moments together to top it off. the twist of how their lives were intertwined through their fathers was executed with care and depth, and reading both Ray and Orion struggle to come to terms with what happened felt real. this story was beautiful, hands down. 🫶🏻
July 7, 2022
i promise, i wanted to like this book so much, but... it was just bad.
did not even finish it.
the only good thing about it was the cover and the illustrations in the book.
did not even finish it.
the only good thing about it was the cover and the illustrations in the book.
June 12, 2023
Summer fling turns into full blown love
4.5⭐️
This book warmed my heart so much. Orion and Ray breaking through so many uncomfortable and heart shattering moments to embrace love.
Even through the heavy moments in this book, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
YA does it for me every time.
4.5⭐️
This book warmed my heart so much. Orion and Ray breaking through so many uncomfortable and heart shattering moments to embrace love.
Even through the heavy moments in this book, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
YA does it for me every time.
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September 24, 2022RTC
May 20, 2025
super cute
February 27, 2023
Im shooook! 10/10 would recommend. It’s got the cuteness and butterflies of YA but still touches on deeper things other than romance. I just love how this book tackles gender norms and grief , parental relationships. Wow just wow. Beautiful book. You will be feeling all the feelings in the best way
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