Starcrossed

by Mark Schreiber

A 2008 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers list nominee!   How can Christy Marlowe―an impulsive, wise-cracking horoscope-junkie―be in love with Ben, a well-mannered college freshman who prefers astronomy over astrology? Their fateful first meeting takes place at a plastic surgeon’s office, where both hope to erase painful memories along with unwanted tattoos. Is it a bad omen that Ben has the same name as Christy’s ex-boyfriend, a drug-pedaling punk in juvie for murder? It’s hard for Christy to care when Ben sends her heart "racing through galaxies of bliss." Just as Ben is worried about Christy’s obsessed ex who’s back on the streets, Christy is troubled by the sadness lurking in Ben’s ice-blue eyes. Burying the past isn’t easy and this comedy of love turns upside down when Christy and Ben become ensnared in their own lies. Starcrossed or starmates, can they forgo Romeo and Juliet’s tragic fate and find their way back to truth and trust?

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Teen, Contemporary, Fiction, Astrology, Love

305 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not so good but it was an okay job in writing. the book is about a stupid teenage girl who broke up with the one guy in her life who was able to put up with her and her crazy astrology fanatic-ness. she broke up with him after finding out that they truly deeply loved each other but she wanted to break up with him because their STAR SIGNS dont go well together. stupid %#^@%.... dumb nut...

bad characterism. bad idea. bad style in book. i only recommend this to teenagers who were able to sit through the book twilight and the movie without being irritating and not wanting to gag.

good luck to you all who read this book.

fare the well.

[Tamara Febus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book showed that even though the odds are against you, you can still be that one person who makes the one and a million chance.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, I read it from my school library. It's my 2nd time reading this and honestly, I'm glad, because, admittedly, while it wasn't inappropriate for my age per say, I read it two years ago and I can comprehend more stuff I wouldn't know in 6th grade, but alas in 8th, more maturity in me... actually I think I actually grew more immature... well you know, you can leave me with an animal for a weekend, but don't expect me to hold back my petty and unladylike jokes. Sorry, back to the book. What I meant is that sometimes it better to read it once inexperienced so later you can comprehend it better, but you still know it's good.
The Characters:
Christy- She IS a wise-crack, and I'm appreciative of that, she's also kind of whiny, but not in a boo-hoo my life sucks buy me new boobs kind of way, it's more like, hey life would a lot better if we follow my horoscope and buy that bike that I will name Buddy or Harold or some dog name. And oh I also have a tattoo of my ex-criminal boyfriend so I need to get that removed. But anyways. She's hilarious and ridiculous all wrapped into an extremely complicated sandwich. And good god she does what she wants and I can respect that... AND in the book, there could have been a fight between Ben and Christy for her age gap (and honestly, it's only two years), and her lying about it (which should have been the real issue but whatever, prioritized how ever you want) but she barred the door and would not leave until they fix it. Age is not an issue. Which makes the other BIG fight in the book hilarious, they split because Ben lied about his birthday (damn, this relationship is not working out so well so far), and it turns out his actual horoscope is Sagittarius and she's a Pisces, and in horoscopes that means there not compatible (I'm a Libra), so she flips her lid and leaves (Me, I just laughed my butt off the whole time, it was entertaining). She's just a person you couldn't forget.
Ben: Oh god bless him. I mean, holy crap how does he date her so well. If I were dating her it would NEVER happen.... okay so it's probably cause we're both kinda crazy (just a tiny bit) so we just wouldn't work and end up, liked dead, or something. But his calm, responsible (but don't get me wrong, he's not a drag)demeanor, and logically beautiful face just matches her personality. He's pretty funny too, but in moments, not constantly spilling out jokes so fast that road runner couldn't even catch em'. He kind of keeps her from falling off the rails sometimes. But I'm sad cause he's sad in the book. Anyways, I love him.
Back to Christy:
But, while I agree, she should learn more responsibility, she is 16 so it's not totally unethical.... unless this was the 1500's, cause she'd been burned at the stake.
Anyways, I honestly liked this book and the classic play it's based off of (and yes the rest is me complaining about Romeo and Juliet). So yeah. It's a good book to read and it's just fun... kind of, they're's some sad parts about Ben's parents and his dad committing suicide and his mom leaving when he was 10 years old. But it's not what the book is based around.

What I think is wrong about Romeo and Juliet:
I think while Shakespeare is a very brilliant writer of the late 1500 - early 1600's. But Romeo and Juliet makes me cynical. It's supposedly about two 13 year old lovers, who fell in 'love' at first glance and go through a series of test that actually expand over a couple of weeks together. Then Juliet pretend to die, then Romeo kills himself and then Juliet poisons herself and die -talk about a middle school romance gone wrong- I mean, since this was over 450 years ago so of course it's going to be more lax in marriageable age. But what gets me is the 'love at first sight' BS; again, it's probably going to be less difficult to gain love and affection fast - well because, it was over 450 years ago, it's going to be different then now a days, we have more time and more chocolate factories, I should know, I'd seen the movie, we don't get impressed over it anymore (just kidding, chocolate is always welcomed) but I don't care who you are, what freaking time you lived in, no one can fall, head over heels, in love with some one they haven't even known the name of... arrange marriages at least let you know the name of your soon to be spouse on the wedding night, pretty smart, cause who wants to marry fartsberryturd the 4th. Now that should be the reason Juliet should poison herself over. (Okay, sorry) So why kill themselves for self proclaimed first glanced love, keep telling yourself that, it's not going to come true, and Romeo, you sure you looked at her face while professing your love for her, just saying, I mean come on, I have 2 brothers and I mean they're stable (kind of, I swear I saw my younger brother tried to nibble my dog on the ear the other day), but like, I'm around there special brand of jokes. So in the end, just more blood to clean up at the end of the day, and blood stains in stone is hard to get out. So, screw you both, you had to do it there, couldn't quietly do it by the river, they could just pushed you in the river, a cheaper cleaning bill and food for the fish, and awww, you guys can next door neighbors while in your cells, and you know, burn in hell for eternity, new rule, if you have common sense, use it if not, Satan will find you. Anyways! So freaking cute. Of course, you're both rooming with your past lovers and former marriage shrink turned English teacher named Alga who went to hell after finding her husband cheating on her and de-maning him. He's across the room, they get to stare at each other for eternity).

PS... I may be bitter, but it fuels my passionate hate for idiots.

Also, I'm not the best reviewer as you can see. But whatever. I think it's funny. Probably mean (definitely), but funny.
Also, Also, I'm pretty good at making hell even more hellish... so Satan.... hit me up.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that isn't quite what you expect it to be because it's so much more. If you're looking for a lighthearted retelling of Romeo and Juliet, this isn't it. Starcrossed is really a novel about destiny's impact on the choices we make and how our pasts are always a part of us, no matter how hard we try to escape it.

Despite her naivete, Christy is a believable protagonist with heart speaking uncanny insight when you least expect it. Her character is a lot like Stargirl if Stargirl was into horoscopes and had mood swings. She might be overly emotional, but Christy comes across as one of those pure souls - unique, and a bit of a wild child. This novel follows the growth of Christy and Ben throughout their relationship as they deal with each other's views on life, love, and everything in between. It's especially entertaining because Christy and Ben's personalities are polar opposites of each other: Ben is a practical nerd while Christy is an impulsive, loud teenager. Both of them are broken and together, try to come to terms with their pasts and sort out how it affects their present.

Schreiber even does Christy's first person narration justice. The narrative voice captures her voice convincingly but rather than sacrifice good writing, allows readers to appreciate Schreiber's writing skill. There are too many writers who dumb down their word choice to make their characters more relatable or believable, but Christy and Ben are completely accessible in more sophisticated diction. They're both funny and smart while acting like real people! Even if Christy appears to be the dumb one, her vocabulary feels appropriate for the most part. In truth, her sarcasm and witty observations are better indicators of her intelligence. And Ben is a bit of an enigma, but I can't say too much about him without giving spoilers away.

Starcrossed is much more complicated than meets the eye. It was a read that resonated with me personally and it felt like it came into my life at the right time. I loved it and it was definitely worth checking out.

[Monica Caldicott]

Christy Marlowe is an impulsive, wise-cracking horoscope-junkie. She's the first one to admit that her first love didn't work out too well - after all, Benjamin is in jail for murder. Christy is ready to put her past, failed relationship behind her, and can't wait to have her tattoo of Benjamin's name erased from her skin.

While waiting at the plastic surgeon's office, she spies a gorgeous, hip college freshman who seems interested in her. He tells her, "I'm here to get a tattoo removed."

Read p. 8 - 10.

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t say that I entirely understood the book. I definitely didn’t connect with the romance or see how the romance was there between Ben and Christy. Christy was too immature for my liking, but she was also only 16.
I didn’t realize how old the book was before I bought it, but I could definitely tell in the writing that it was older.
It was interesting but not quite my taste.

[Sibel Gandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 / 5

[Greg Deaton · Rating 2 out of 5]

thought i was getting a different book with the same title. Read this one anyway. Meh. give it 1.5 stars.

[Ayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was awful.

The writing sounded like the diary of a 13 year old spoiled brat. There were so many exclamation marks I wanted to vomit.

Most gag-worthy quote: "Just remember, I'm not like lightening. You'll feel plenty if you dare me to strike!" pg. 47

It someone ever said that to me, I'd be questioning their mental stability.

And the runner-up: "I wanted to pinch him. With my lips." pg. 77

On to the characters. The main character, Christy, was the biggest beyotch I've ever read about. She talked about her friends like they were below her, and was so obsessed with horoscopes and talking to the dead that she let it interfere with her relationships. She berated her mom just for being a mom, even though her mom LET HER BE IN HER DARK CANDLELIT ROOM WITH AN EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD GUY AFTER HER LAST BOYFRIEND WAS A FREAKING MURDERER.

I didn't believe it at first, but lo and behold, on page 83 the mom pokes her head in and asks if they want her help with the Ouija board, and Beyotch says no and she just smiles and leaves the door open a little.

Why? What? No. It reminded me of that scene in Mean Girls where Regina is making out with a guy on her bed and her mother pokes her head in and says "Hey kids! You two want some snacks?", then giggles and closes the door.

Ben was actually decent to Beyotch for the first half of the book, until he gets a little too touchy feely (and not the sexy kind). And after that I completely lost all faith in this book.

Her hairdresser, Derek, was gay and I love gay people. But the author made no effort to make him any more than a freaking stereotype. "His boyfriend died of AIDS." Give me a break. It's not even that the author's promoting a stereotype. It's that he said, "Okay yeah I'll make this one gay, that way I don't have to develop any actual personality for him." It's such laziness on his part. Ugh.

I really wanted this book to be good. I really did. It was the first book I read from my latest book binge, and I felt nauseated by the time I set it down.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

Christy Marlowe has lived her life through the stars -- it's astrology all the way! Then one fateful day occurs where Christy goes to the surgeon to get her tattoo removed (featuring her ex-boyfriend's name) and meets Ben Penrose, who also wants to get rid of an unwanted tattoo. Turns out Ben, or Benjamin, is the exact name of Christy's ex-boyfriend, who was just sent to prison. The looking-at-each-other part of their encounter goes perfectly fine, but the actual talking between the two isn't so great. Christy can't believe how blunt Ben is, which isn't much of a turn-on.

After this first meeting, Christy and Ben don't see each other for quite some time, maybe because they didn't trade any information. Christy seems fine with it at first, but the more she wants to forget about Ben the more she thinks about him and so wants to meet up with him. Then another fateful day happens -- at the bike store, Christy and Ben finally meet up again. With the approval of Christy's psychic, Svetlana, Christy and Ben began a very intense relationship. They have everything in common and Ben actually gets along with Christy's parents, who didn't approve of the other Ben.

But then their relationship becomes filled with secrets and a few lies that both do not want the other to know about. And their love for each other just may be tested when Christy's ex-boyfriend is released from prison. Was it fate for Christy and Ben to meet or are the stars playing a wicked game?

STARCROSSED may seem a little unusual at first but, as the story progresses, the lives of Christy and Ben become even more intriguing. With a few influences from Shakespeare's well known play ROMEO AND JULIET, Mark Schreiber creates a tale that isn't only unique but is also absolutely lovely.

[Irene]

Starcrossed by Mark Schreiber takes the well known Shakespeare story, Romeo and Juliet and turns the story into a modern version. It’s about two characters, Christy Marlowe and Ben Penrose, who one day meet in a doctors office; both of them trying to remove tattoos of the names of the people they once loved, but want to forget. When Christy asks to see the tattoo and Ben reveals the tattoo on his arm and then Christy see’s her name on it. When she asks if Ben was short for Benjamin and he answered yes. Christy knew that meeting Ben was fate because tattooed over her heart was her ex’s name, Benjamin. Two strangers who had never met before until this day, coincidentally had tattoos with one eachother's name. The story goes on with Christy and Ben falling deeper and deeper in love with one another, but also discovering secrets and lies of one another as they go on. Are they really meant to be? Or will they simply end up dead like Romeo and Juliet?
Honestly, Starcrossed wasn’t as good as I expected it to be. Definitely there are moments where it made me laugh and even times it made me sympathize with the characters. But in general the book was just too boring and even a bit confusing too. No real conflicts happened. At least in Romeo and Juliet there was a big conflict, two people in love but their parents both opposing to the idea of them being together. In Star Crossed, no major conflict seemed to occur at all. Christy’s parents were more than happy about Christy dating Ben. If I had to choose between Starcrossed and Romeo and Juliet I’d rather reread Romeo and Juliet.
I really wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. The book was mainly a romance book with no drama at all. So I’d advise others not to read Starcrossed by Mark Schreiber unless they don’t mind reading a book that’s full of dullness.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in Barnes and Noble one afternoon after school ended, trying to find my next independent reading book when i stumbled upon "Starcrossed", by Mark Schreiber. The main thing that attracted me to it besides the blurb was the cover art, with its blue, white and gold tones along with a girls face who has a stripe of purple over her eye: from her eyebrow to right under her bottom eyelid. I was intrigued and decided to pick it up, and i am very glad that i did so. "Starcrossed" focused on the story of Christy Marlowe and Ben Penrose, two characters who meet in a plastic surgeon's office for a similar purpose: getting their tattoos removed. However, niether of them reveal that until later. Also, coincidentally, Christy's tattoo says Benjamin and Ben's tattoo says Christy. The book continues with their relationship forming although not until way later do they reveal their pasts, which make them re-evaluate their relationship. This book was very good because of the writing style and also the connections that I was able to make with the story. One connection was that in school, Christy was reading Romeo and Juliet, which i have read several times before in school as well. Also, the name Ben or Benjamin has significance to me because that is my little brother's name. I also enjoyed the use of sarcasm in the story shown through Christy by the author. Her wit and sarcasm kept me interested in her side of the story. Lastly, the mysteriousness of each character's secret past kept me interested in the story because it made me want to continue reading on and on. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story with a twist on Romeo and Juliet or who enjoys any type of love story.

[Areeba · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although it was the cover of the book which caught my attention but the book inside was as good as the cover.
I rate it 3 stars not just because I liked it but i think the editor didn't read the book through!, the book contained many grammatical mistakes and many parts of the book were incomplete! I totally loved the plot, two totally, completely different people meeting in a 'Plastic Sergoen office & co-incidence, that both were there to get there tattoos removed! Self-centered and obsessed with astrology, Christy also exaggerated over everything in life instead of making things work her way, she depends upon the stars which altogether leads a disrupt n her and Ben's relationship! Not a "Romeo&Juliet" book but there were many situations where a connection to Shakespeare could be made.
Benjamin was her ex- who after getting released from juvenile, was a barrier between her and Ben *(who she's in totally love with) though Benjamin's death meant a lot to her proving there had been times when she loved him!

It isn't necessary that everyone of us have a straight life where things never get screwed up, Ben made things better for Christy and both eventually change each other completely, and would go to any extremes to get each other but it makes us realize the fact that each of us have past, good or bad and to we can't change it but we could change the impact it always puts o our future.

The book is realistic but I would recommend it to teenagers only! :D

[Kaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had been really excited to read this book, and though it wasn't as great as I thought it would be, it was OK.

The plot of the book was enjoyable, though some parts, like Christy's extreme obsession with astrology and her in general aggravated me. She was a bit hyper-emotional ("YOU LIED TO ME? YOUR NOT A PICES? I think this relationship is over because the God indended it to be so"), and her blind faith in her horoscope was a pretty big blow to her intelligence rate, in my opinion. But otherwise, I liked it; though aggravating at times, the horoscope obsession could also be endearing, and the plot itself was pretty fun to read.

My problem with this book, however, was the quality of writing. I don't think an editor read this over at all. Some of the sentences were confusing and the grammar messed up. But besides sentence fluency, Mr. Schreiber's writing honestly wasn't that convincing. I didn't really believe that Christy was in love with Ben, or vice versa.

Overall, I think that this book was good - the plot anyway. Maybe if it had a different author, I could give it a better review.

[Ann Ewel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christy has two Ben’s in her life – her ex-boyfriend who got in trouble with the law and Ben Penrose, a college freshman. Christy is just 15 and believes in horoscopes and magic. Christy fudges the truth a bit, and Ben Penrose believes she has graduated from college and will be taking a gap year. What brought them together initially is that they were both at the doctor’s trying to get a tattoo removed – and by huge coincidence – their unwanted tattoos were of each other’s names. At first the relationship starts out fun and wonderful, but darky currents brew – and when Christy learns that Ben too hasn’t been completely honest with her – and led her to believe he had a different birthday (for the sake of having compatible horoscopes) Christy starts getting cold feet. But then her ex-Ben gets out of prison and jealousy erupts. Will Christy and Ben Penrose prove to be compatible after all? I think teenagers might like it. Christy's dialogue is so snarky, I don't know why either Ben would want to be with her.

[Prpages · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uhg...This book was at the one dollar section so I guess I shouldn't really be surprised. And lets face it I'm a bit desperate to read more books. I think they should officially classify book reading and buying as a drug. First off I didn't really see the point in this book at all. And frankly the main characters are just a bit stupid. You do not break into someone's house and snoop you do not go into a lightening storm with a golf club and you do NOT CALL YOUR BOYFRIENDS ALCHOLIC MOTHER IN HOPES OF A FRIGGIN REUNION. You just don't. And you do not base your relationship off of what astrological sign you both are. I mean don't get me wrong I love the stars and I like looking into all that sort of stuff and a lot of answers might even lie in the stars. But I'm sorry not wanting to be with someone who is if I might add exceptionally amazing because of their astrological signs is just a bit ridiculous. Although I don't really know if I would date a Sagittarius either soooooo......yeah that about sums it up.

[Fee♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would hardly call this book a edgy Romero and Juliet. I don't remember Juliet being so insecure. The ending in its own way made sense I guess...How far will you go for love?...To sum the whole story it was ok. I think the author should have opened up more about Ben, and showed healing, and not joking around after he just tried killing himself...I'm weird but I have my standards. The book has around 300 in somthing pages and you only really, really get to know Ben in like the last 5 pages lol What's up with that! Don't get me wrong Christy a really interesting character, but come on her character should have not tooken up the whole book if the book is about star-crossed LOVERS. The book was stupid there I said it enough with the forego parable...I don't recommand this book save yourself! It was funny I will admit but not enough to save the book from its own craziness. 3 stars for making me laugh.

[Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christy Marlowe needs to get something off her chest. It is a tattoo spelling out the name of her ex-boyfriend, Benjamin, who is currently in juvie for murder. While in the plastic surgeon's office she meets Ben, a college freshman, who is there for the same reason she is. His ex-girlfriend's name is Christy.

Christy is heavily into signs and horoscopes, but she's leery about getting involved with another Benjamin – or Ben as he calls himself. However, when Ben agrees to go have his horoscope read, she's hooked.

Ben freaks out when he finds out why Christy and her ex broke up. He also doesn't realize he is dating a younger woman or that Christy's lies don’t end there. Star Crossed is a complicated, funny romance, sweet enough to be enjoyed by all.

[Matmazel Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yıldız Çarpması bitti, öyle çok çarpılmadım başında söyleyeyim ama fena da değildi hani, yazarın hakkını almayayım. Aslında bakarsanız tüyap fuarında- dexteki büyük indirimi de hatırlarsınız- alacaklarımı aldıktan sonra gözüme takılmıştı, aklım kalmasın alayım dedim ve aldım. Fena etmiş miyim? Hayır sıkıcı bi kitap değildi -hem de hiç-Christy'nin hazır cevaplılığı hem güldürüyor hem de hayran bıraktırıyor, Ben'in bu yerinde duramayan kıza karşı olan tavırları ise etkiliyor...

yorumumun devamı için; Tıkla

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I LOOOOOVE the cover art to this book. It caught my eye right away and from what the summary on the back said, it looked like a great book. I definitely had high expectations for it, but sadly this book didn't meet them. However, it wasn't all bad. I love Christy's quirky and overdramatic personality, and Ben seems like a pretty stand up guy (none of my boyfriends ever tried to cook me dinner >.<) but some of the parts can be a little farfetched and ridiculous. Nonetheless, it was a pretty good read. Don't think I'd read it again, but it was good for the most part ^^

[Brittany · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't really enjoy this book. It was weird at times especially with the character Christy. I didn't see how these two Ben and Christy could be in a relationship. They seem too different and they always have some negativity towards each other. I seriously think in this story they're only together because of the horoscope stuff. They may have the tattoo in common, but it doesn't mean they have to be in love despite this and that. I didn't get their romance at all and it was nothing like Romeo and Juliet so sorry I didn't like this book much.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like the book but, the chick got kinda annoying, Its like just stop lying to him. All the trouble towards the end of the book could have been by passed. I also hate how the chick almost broke up with him just because he was born in nov. That really sent me off the deep end. But she kinda redeemed her self towards the end of the book after she Saved Ben.

[Belicia Buena-Terrones · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far this book is not to good. I started it thinking it would have some or at least a little feel of romeo and juliet but it hasnt. The characters are ok and there is an exciting twist right now I just remembered so Im eager to see how this story gos.

[Ailene · Rating 2 out of 5]

i guess it was okay [: there was a lot of rebellion in both the characters. rebels in books are sometimes cute, but somehow it was annoying in this. tattoos are cool, but never get a name of the person you're in a relationship in XP

[Erika Vw · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Gelezen in het Nederlands.
• Fysiek boek.
• 4.0/5

Gelezen als kind voor school. Mooi verhaal maar doordat ik met een deadline zat voor de boekbeschrijving, kon ik er niet met volle overtuiging van genieten. Zou mij nu niet meer zo aanspreken door de hoeveelheid romantiek.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A pair of starcrossed lovers take back their life." -C. Marlowe


I thought this book was cute because it shows how coincidences could happen and how love should be like. The only thing that I thought was weird was the boy and girls age difference.

[Marcie Lueck · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like to give ones. I like to believe that every book has some redeeming quality. I only gave this book two stars because I liked Ben #2. Otherwise, it would have gotten one star. I couldn't connect to Christy. She was way too whiny for my taste.

[L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say I didn't like it, but it wasn't exactly my cup of tea...
I'd drink it, but I wouldn't enjoy it as much as some others...

Nevertheless, it's probably a really good book...

None of my reviews make sense anymore...

:)

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was funny and intelligent . I recommened.

[Tova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! amazing! Its a cute little story about everyday Romeo and Juliet