The Chaos of Standing Still

By: Jessica Brody

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Over the course of one chaotic night stranded at the Denver airport, Ryn confronts her shattered past thanks to the charm of romance, the uniqueness of strangers, and the magic of ordinary places in this stunning novel from the author of Boys of Summer.

Ryn has one unread text message on her phone. And it's been there for almost a year. She hasn't tried to read it. She can't. She won't. Because that one message is the last thing her best friend ever said to her before she died.

But as Ryn finds herself trapped in the Denver International Airport on New Year's Eve thanks to a never-ending blizzard on the one-year anniversary of her best friend's death, fate literally runs into her. And his name is Xander.

When the two accidentally swap phones, Ryn and Xander are thrust into the chaos of an unforgettable all-night adventure, filled with charming and mysterious strangers, a secret New Year's Eve bash, and a possible Illuminati conspiracy hidden within the Denver airport. But as the bizarre night continues, all Ryn can think about is that one unread text message. It follows her wherever she goes, because Ryn can't get her brilliantly wild and free-spirited best friend out of her head.

Ryn can't move on. But tonight, for the first time ever, she's trying. And maybe that's a start.

As moving as it is funny, The Chaos of Standing Still is a heartwarming story about the earth-shattering challenges life throws at us - and the unexpected strangers who help us along the way.

©2017 Jessica Brody Entertainment, LLC (P)2018 Tantor

I am in tears

After reading "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel," I was very curious to read one of Jessica Brody's published works. The reason I chose this one is because I live in Denver, and I love traveling via DIA, and I love the conspiracy theories and landmarks, so I figured I would really enjoy a story set there. LITTLE DID I REALIZE I was getting myself into a book that was going to bring about many tears and really speak to my heart. Ryn and her love for her lost friend moved me deeply. Her adventures with Xander were endearing, and there were so many moments that had me laughing too. I really enjoyed the whole character arc of Ryn and how there was more beneath the surface with Xander too and even coming to understand Lottie more deeply. I'll leave it there because I don't want to spoil anything, but suffice it to say that I really enjoyed this read. I wept a lot, but it felt good!

Also, as the introvert that as a teenager was dragged into questionable situations by a wilder, more extroverted bestie, I will be appreciating and hugging said extroverted bestie a little more tightly. ♡

The Go-Go’s are better

If you are a fan of Jennifer Niven, then I recommend this book. The story had me mad, crying, and laughing out loud. I thought it would be equal parts Ryn and Xander, but instead it centers around Ryn and her grief. Though, I would have enjoyed listening more about Xander’s background and his relationship with his parents.
The narrator is great with character voices, but I’m not a fan on how she pronounces most words (either nasally or sounds like she’s swallowed her tongue). It didn’t annoy me enough to stop listening. I plan to purchase the book to see if I end up liking Ryn and her best friend (IMO, her bf was a crap friend). Maybe reading it in my own voice will change my opinion. Even though I didn’t like her, I was still invested in the story and everything that was going on. Very well written.

This book is wild!

The thing about slice of life books is that the adventures are relatable! Loved this one! I know this book is for teenagers, but it contained a message that my 31 year-old self needed to hear!