Strange Attractors by Ana K. Wrenn, narrated by Abby Craden

It took me a long time to find the courage to read, or rather listen to this book. I knew it would be painful and, to be fair, it was. Meeting the author in Denver did the trick though, and I started listening on the plane home (I know it was weeks ago but life got in the way as usual).

I have mixed feelings about this book but before I get into those, let me state that I absolutely recommend it. My mixed feelings aren’t bad and they’re not so much about the story as they are about how it made me feel. And isn’t that what we ask of stories? That they make us feel?

I’m a very character-driven reader, and my main issue here was that I never warmed up to Dr Sonja J. Storey. I feel for her and I get where she’s coming from but it doesn’t make me like her or whatever. It doesn’t matter though, the plot itself is so intricate, the mood so captivating, that I had to know what was going to happen next. The story is a bit messy at times but since it’s told from Sonja’s point of view and she’s a huge mess, it makes sense. The twists, the uncertainty kept me going. I love the way the author keeps the reader on their toes. Who do you trust?

Crystal Byrd, the love interest, is a very good character, even if I’m not sure what she sees in Sonja. I love how she keeps calling her out, never scared of her and never allowing herself to be mistreated. She’s pushy and I don’t usually go for that but in her relationship with Sonja, it works. She brings stability to Sonja’s chaotic mind and life (Sonja teaches chaos theory, which is ironic).

It won’t surprise anyone that the narration is top notch. Abby Craden nails the pace and tone, conveying Sonja’s trepidation perfectly.