What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing California: An Edge of September Novel
High school senior Drew Cox gave up on his parents long ago. With a mom who only uses him for the paycheck he brings home and a dad who abandoned them both, “family” has become a four-letter-word. He escapes his disappointing reality through classic rock and his four best friends. But when a fight breaks out between them over an unexpected pregnancy, the only relationships Drew has ever been able to count on are shattered.
As his friends gnash teeth, Drew’s mother decides to move in with her newest boyfriend, leaving him homeless and more alone than ever. When his father reaches out unexpectedly, Drew is torn between rebuilding his relationship with his dad—his last chance at family—and staying for the friends, and the girl, who need him now more than ever. With feet in two separate worlds, Drew must decide where his loyalty lies and what he’s willing to sacrifice for a family.
As his friends gnash teeth, Drew’s mother decides to move in with her newest boyfriend, leaving him homeless and more alone than ever. When his father reaches out unexpectedly, Drew is torn between rebuilding his relationship with his dad—his last chance at family—and staying for the friends, and the girl, who need him now more than ever. With feet in two separate worlds, Drew must decide where his loyalty lies and what he’s willing to sacrifice for a family.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2021
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 2, 2021
This is a great debut novel about the emotional lives of high school friends. As a YA novel, it is deep and emotional focusing on the struggle to find your way in life, even when that way is messy and not at all what you planned. But, like wise Cam says in the book, “Unplanned is not the same as unwanted.”
The story is told in Drew’s perspective, but each of the friends has their obstacles they are dealing with. Drew thinks he has to be the glue that holds everyone together, but never really opens himself up to those closest to him. He definitely grows a lot, even though it doesn’t happen like I would think/hope.
I cried in this book, and didn’t want to stop reading it. I was fully drawn in to this hodge podge of friends that all seem so different, but definitely work together. If you enjoy Heart wrenching YA novels with deep heavy themes, this book is for you!
Content: swearing, parental abandonment, teen pregnancy, panic attacks, depression and attempted suicide
Romance: only make-out scenes on page, but mentions of people having/wanting sex.
The story is told in Drew’s perspective, but each of the friends has their obstacles they are dealing with. Drew thinks he has to be the glue that holds everyone together, but never really opens himself up to those closest to him. He definitely grows a lot, even though it doesn’t happen like I would think/hope.
I cried in this book, and didn’t want to stop reading it. I was fully drawn in to this hodge podge of friends that all seem so different, but definitely work together. If you enjoy Heart wrenching YA novels with deep heavy themes, this book is for you!
Content: swearing, parental abandonment, teen pregnancy, panic attacks, depression and attempted suicide
Romance: only make-out scenes on page, but mentions of people having/wanting sex.
December 31, 2021
I just finished this book this morning, cuz I’ve had to work the last couple nights. But holy cow, I did not want to stop reading! As you can see from the second picture, I was reading on all my breaks at work trying to find out what would happen next to Drew and his motley crew of friends.
This is a great debut novel about the emotional lives of high school friends. As a YA novel, it is deep and emotional focusing on the struggle to find your way in life, even when that way is messy and not at all what you planned. But, like wise Cam says in the book, “Unplanned is not the same as unwanted.”
I cried in this book, and didn’t want to stop reading it. I was fully drawn in to this hodge podge of friends that all seem so different, but definitely work together. If you enjoy Heart wrenching YA novels with deep heavy themes, this book is for you!
Content: swearing, parental abandonment, teen pregnancy, panic attacks, depression and attempted suicide
Romance: only make-out scenes on page, but mentions of people having/wanting sex.
This is a great debut novel about the emotional lives of high school friends. As a YA novel, it is deep and emotional focusing on the struggle to find your way in life, even when that way is messy and not at all what you planned. But, like wise Cam says in the book, “Unplanned is not the same as unwanted.”
I cried in this book, and didn’t want to stop reading it. I was fully drawn in to this hodge podge of friends that all seem so different, but definitely work together. If you enjoy Heart wrenching YA novels with deep heavy themes, this book is for you!
Content: swearing, parental abandonment, teen pregnancy, panic attacks, depression and attempted suicide
Romance: only make-out scenes on page, but mentions of people having/wanting sex.
October 28, 2021
Drew... oh, Drew... he grows SO much through his story. This book is such a beautiful story about finding yourself, finding where you belong, and choosing your people. I especially love any and all moments with Drew and Brigid. (What can I say, I'm a romantic!)
If you're looking for something to tug at your heart that's full of character growth, pick this one!
Thanks to the author for my copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Content: some language, mentions of depression, teen pregnancy, attempted suicide, abandonment
If you're looking for something to tug at your heart that's full of character growth, pick this one!
Thanks to the author for my copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Content: some language, mentions of depression, teen pregnancy, attempted suicide, abandonment
October 29, 2021
In her debut novel, Annie Jakes tackles some huge topics in a relatable, emotional way. Filled with themes of friendship, family, and growing up, Drew’s story tugs at the heart strings. I loved Drew’s group of friends and the support they give each other. I also loved how all the characters, Drew in particular, grow throughout this book. I enjoyed this coming of age story and am excited to see what Jakes writes next.
*Thank you to the author did an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
*Thank you to the author did an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 1, 2022
From start to finish this book kept me going. I wanted to know more and more. The characters deal with so many real and thought provoking journeys that you can’t help but join them, and root for them. Especially Drew. He has so many moments of truth in this book i just couldn’t stop hoping for him.
I found that i was able to relate to things i went through as a teen and see things teens are going through now. It’s a great read for any age.
Highly recommend
I found that i was able to relate to things i went through as a teen and see things teens are going through now. It’s a great read for any age.
Highly recommend
May 1, 2022
This book is a heartwarming story of young friends who are all experiencing the growing pains of life, love, and loss. Annie Jakes tells this coming of age story beautifully through the eyes of Drew, a young and talented man to whom life has dealt a pretty rotten hand. The characters were excellently written and they feel as though they could have been kids I knew in high school. Bravo, Annie. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
May 30, 2022
Great story about a young teen required to deal with more responsibility than he should ever have to. It’s great to watch his growth as well as the dynamic and trials of his friends/family. Great read!
July 13, 2022
A gritty ride through the issues that all too many teens are dealing with every day. I can't wait to see what comes next from the Edge of September world!
August 15, 2022
Cute, fun read. Drew was super relatable as a main character. I was cheering for him and Brigid to get together!!!
March 1, 2023
It is such an amazing story I LOVE!!! Hope you have more books coming out soon. Annie Jakes by far is my favorite author! I hope everyone reads this amazing young adult novel.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews