Leaving the Station
by Jake Maia Arlow
Nina LaCour meets Alyson Derrick in this cross-country journey of identity, love, and friendships as Zoe tries to figure out her life, one train stop at a time.
Zoe’s life has gone off the rails.
When she left Seattle to go to college in New York, she was determined to start fresh, to figure out what being a lesbian meant to her, to experiment with clothes and presentation away from home for the first time.
Instead, she lost touch with her freshman orientation friend group, skipped classes, and failed completely at being the studious premed student her parents wanted her to be.
But the biggest derailment of all? Her newly minted ex-boyfriend—and the fact that she had a boyfriend to begin with. When she met Alden, he made her feel wanted, he made her feel free. He made her feel . . . like she could be like him, which was exciting and confusing all at once.
So, Zoe decides a second fresh start is in order: She’s going to take a cross-country train from New York to Seattle for fall break. There, no one will know who she is, and she can outrun her mistakes.
Or so she thinks until she meets Oakley, who’s the opposite of Zoe in so many ways: effortlessly cool and hot, smart, self-assured. But as Zoe and Oakley make their way across the country, Zoe realizes that Oakley’s life has also gone off the rails—and that they might just be able to help each other along before that train finally leaves the station.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Jake Maia Arlow's Leaving the Station is a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the complexities of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a cross-country train journey. The novel deftly navigates the tumultuous waters of young adulthood, capturing the essence of what it means to be at a crossroads in life. With its compelling characters and relatable themes, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt lost or in search of themselves.
The protagonist, Zoe, is a character who resonates deeply with readers. Her journey is not just a physical one from New York to Seattle, but also an emotional and psychological odyssey. Zoe's struggle with her identity, particularly her sexuality, is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. Her initial attempt to reinvent herself in New York, only to find herself more confused and disconnected, is a narrative that many young adults will find familiar. The pressure to conform to parental expectations, embodied in her failed attempt to be a premed student, adds another layer of complexity to her character.
Arlow's portrayal of Zoe's relationship with her ex-boyfriend Alden is particularly noteworthy. It highlights the often messy and non-linear nature of coming to terms with one's sexual identity. Alden represents a safe space for Zoe, a person who makes her feel wanted and free, yet also adds to her confusion. This relationship serves as a catalyst for Zoe's decision to embark on her train journey, symbolizing her desire to escape and start anew.
The introduction of Oakley as a foil to Zoe is a masterstroke by Arlow. Oakley is everything Zoe is not—effortlessly cool, confident, and seemingly self-assured. Yet, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Oakley, too, is grappling with her own set of challenges. This dynamic between the two characters is beautifully crafted, as they learn from each other and grow together. Their interactions are filled with moments of vulnerability and honesty, making their relationship one of the highlights of the novel.
One of the most compelling aspects of Leaving the Station is its exploration of the theme of self-discovery. The train journey serves as a metaphor for Zoe's internal journey, with each stop representing a new opportunity for reflection and growth. Arlow's writing captures the essence of this journey, with vivid descriptions of the changing landscapes mirroring Zoe's evolving understanding of herself. The train, a confined space moving through vast, open landscapes, symbolizes the tension between feeling trapped and the potential for freedom.
Arlow's narrative style is both engaging and evocative. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the nuances of young adult interactions. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with action and dialogue. This keeps the reader engaged while allowing for deeper exploration of the characters' inner worlds.
Comparisons to authors like Nina LaCour and Alyson Derrick are apt, as Arlow shares their ability to craft stories that are both intimate and universal. Like LaCour, Arlow excels at creating characters who are deeply relatable, while Derrick's influence is evident in the novel's exploration of complex emotional landscapes. However, Arlow brings a unique voice to the genre, with a fresh perspective on the challenges of identity and belonging.
In terms of impact, Leaving the Station is a novel that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the last page. It is a story about the courage to confront one's fears and the power of friendship and love in overcoming life's obstacles. Zoe's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Overall, Jake Maia Arlow's Leaving the Station is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that captures the essence of young adulthood. Its exploration of identity, love, and friendship is both heartfelt and insightful, making it a standout addition to the genre. Whether you are a fan of coming-of-age stories or simply looking for a compelling read, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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