Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick is Starstruck by Cyn Balog, coming July 12 from Delacorte.

Summary: Gwendolyn "Dough" X doesn't think she has much going for her—she carries a few extra pounds, her family struggles with their small bakery in a town full of millionaires, and the other kids at her New Jersey high school don't seem to know that she exists. Thank the stars for her longtime boyfriend, Philip P. Wishman—or "Wish." He moved away to California three years ago, when they were 13, but then professed his love for her via e-mail, and he's been her long-distance BF ever since.

At the beginning of her junior year, though, Wish e-mails that he's moving back to Jersey. Great, right? Well, except that Dough has gained about 70 pounds since the last time Wish saw her, while Wish—according to his Facebook photos—has morphed into a blonde god. Convinced that she'll be headed for Dumpsville the minute Wish lays eyes on her, Dough delays their meeting as long as she possibly can.

But when she sees Wish at school, something amazing happens. He looks at Dough like she's just as gorgeous as he is. But Wish is acting a little weird, obsessed with the sun and freaked out by rain. And the creepy new guy working at the bakery, Christian, is convinced that there's more to Wish's good looks than just healthy eating and lots of sun. He tells Dough that a mark on Wish's neck marks him as a member of the Luminati—an ancient cult of astrologers who can manipulate the stars to improve their lives. Is Wish and Dough's love meant to be—or are they star-crossed?


My Thoughts: Okay first, I really love the "fat girl" angle of this one... but that it isn't just a story of self esteem. And I also like the concept that perfect god-like Wish might not be so naturally perfect. It definitely has undertones to plenty of realistic things while still having what is probably a fun and enjoyable air. Also, I love the names in this one. Wish and Dough. Come on. That's awesome. As for the cover, it's simple but catchy and though it makes me think of Christmas, I can see it fitting with this whole story. The supernatural kind of twist in this one while otherwise likely realistic is my kind of read, and I cannot wait for it!