CANDY COLORED SKY by GINGER SCOTT

“They didn’t see you. Not really,” I say. Her sceptical expression dims with her intense glare. “And you do?” This question is the easiest one from her I’ve ever had to answer. “Oh, I see you. I have always seen you, Eleanor. Always. More than anyone ever has.”

Candy Colored Sky by Ginger Scott was a beauty of a book, so much so, we couldn’t put it down and upon finishing had to sit and process the words for a while. Whilst agonisingly heartbreaking, this story is inspiring, hopeful, sweet and uplifting. It is real life, and Candy Colored Sky had an authenticity we do not often come across in our fiction, which we loved. Told purely in eighteen year old, Jonah Wydner’s pov it offers a perspective we are not often privy to, either. A young man who despite his own self-deprecating thoughts knows exactly who he is and what his heart wants. Steadfast and loyal, his character stole our hearts and we saw him as nothing short of wonderful.

‘I don’t know exactly who I’m supposed to be around her, or rather, what version of me she needs the most. I don’t think I actually have versions.’

His voice was multifaceted, his will and strength immeasurable. His heart all-encompassing and endearing, and his sense of humour and sarcasm perfectly placed and vital in such a way it lightened moments of utter tragedy. Whilst the journey he was on was not his own on the surface per se, he himself learnt a lot about himself and went through an experience of reconciling his own feelings and emotions in face of tragedy. When Jonah loves, he truly loves and will fight for it and protect it with his entire being.

‘…for the first time, maybe ever, I experience a deep, satisfying ache that stretches inside my ribs and pushes down inside my body, pinning me to my chair with a force stronger than gravity. It’s painful, but it also feels as though it’s supposed to be.’

Brilliantly written and compelling, Ginger Scott ensures you connect with every single character and whilst the storyline moves along slowly, time truly ceases to exist on your journey alongside, Jonah. We don’t often read YA these days as the essence of this genre can oftentimes lose its ‘age’ and realism, whilst still staying in its fictional lane, however, when we do and are treated to such a wonderful book as Candy Colored Sky we feel invigorated and in awe. No hesitation in our recommendation, that this is a book that needs to be read. Everyone should meet Jonah!

‘I won’t hang up, and I won’t fall asleep myself for quite a while. But I will make sure she finds peace. Tonight. Tomorrow. Always.’