*This review was read and written honestly and voluntarily. Possible spoilers ahead.

Fear, anxiety, family woes, and struggles with his own religion.

The world around Oliver Goode seemed to be riddled with negativity, judgment, and painful incidents resulting in shame. Although some instances—like comforting Virginia Potts—weren’t his fault, will young Oliver be able to break free of his problems to live the life he wants?

This story is more than living through pain. It’s about finding faith in yourself and others.

So let’s travel back through time for a deeply moving coming-of-age story.

About Remembering Stardust

Remembering Stardust is a novel written by accomplished author C.D. Baker. The story details 18-year-old Oliver Goode’s life during the mid-60s when the Vietnam War and the Beatles were in full swing.

Between the war and the constant call for peace and love, young Ollie had other things to be concerned about. Ollie fears a great deal—what with being tortured by the death of his mother, the religious upbringing he can’t get on board with, and the tense relationship with his father. But all that changes when he meets a girl who steals his heart, Stardust Hopewell.

On this journey to the past, Ollies learns how to shed his anxiety, embrace his true self, find his voice, and escape his fears.

Kelly’s Honest Review

A beautiful story of love and forgiveness.

I have been on fast-paced, action-adventure fantasy and sci-fi high for a while now. So when I picked up Remembering Stardust, I was hilariously resistant to changing genres. But goodness was I happy to read this book.

Remember Stardust details the young life of Oliver Goode and his struggles living up to people’s expectations of him. Between his strained relationship with his father and the anxiety religion imposes on him, it’s impossible not to feel compassion for Ollie. But things seem to be on the up and up for Ollie after he meets a charming young lady, Stardust Hopewell. 

This is a story ripe with tension, and there were a few times I really felt anger toward the antagonists of the story. But Baker beautifully reminded Ollie (and me) that even people who do bad things can be forgiven.

Through a series of painful events that would frustrate any person, Ollie is challenged to be honest, loving, and forgiving when he has every reason not to be. I deeply resonated with this character and his constant questioning of life and religion.

C.D. Baker masterfully creates character arcs that will forever remain with me, and I look forward to reading other works by him in the future. 

Kelly’s Favorite Quotes

“Does Jesus really teach that this battered woman had to stay with a husband who beat her?”

“Was the Creator some kind of narcissist?”

“Nobody can box up a star.”

“Which is more important? Holiness or Love?”

“‘Really? Look at it out there. Where’s all the goodness Stuckey talks about?’

Shanna laid a hand on his forearm and looked into the young man knowingly. ‘Oh. It’s there, just buried underneath lots of fear.'”

“Our hearts are never far from that first panic we all had as children.”

“It seems odd, but when we let go, we are finally able to love, to dance… to play!”

Book Cover Rating

I love this cover. It encompasses everything that happens in the book, and it’s gorgeous. All elements, including fonts, images, and colors, are well-balanced, so it’s easy to consume what might be happening.

I would pick this book off a shelf just because of the cover. 

Overall score: A

Other Publishing Information

• Date Published: March 1, 2022
• Independently Published
• ISBN: 979-8786999502
• Genre: Coming of Age, Literary Fiction

More from the C.D. Baker

C.D. Baker writes from his home in upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Baker founded a business in 1978, was active on public and private school boards, and served several charitable organizations. He loved writing as a child but began a part-time professional career in February 1994.

By 2007 he had sold his business in order to devote himself to full-time writing and research. He is an honors graduate of the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, with a Master’s degree in theology.

Learn more about C.D. Baker on his website.