Kathleen Welton, an award-winning author whose books celebrate the beauty of nature, has written a compelling novel about young advocates, The Star Thrower: A Novel.
This relatable story tells of three friends’ confrontations with success and failure during modern times in a beach community, as they take on a large corporation to try to reveal its culpability in environmental degradation. The narrative traverses an expansive emotional spectrum: curiosity, humor, fear, determination, betrayal, compassion, vigilance, and intimidation are displayed by various stakeholders. It is a story that bears witness to the harsh and joyous realities faced by fresh college graduates who try to rally support for systemic social and environmental change.
When college best friends Ava, Sam, and Leo graduate from university, they feel uncertain about the future and choose to travel to Bali. For Ava, she is not sure what she wants to do, but following in her father’s footsteps to become a lawyer doesn’t seem like the right fit. Leo, though he’d been studying economics, really loves science. Sam, the bold outgoing motivator of the group suggests the trip to Bali, and they are convinced taking time to travel may help them find purpose. They venture forth to this foreign country and enjoy every minute of it. When they return, they have a new way of seeing the world along with a new, urgent purpose.
The first part of the novel shows the friends making a discovery about a vital natural resource in their home region. When they notice something off about a beach community, they investigate, conduct lab and computer analyses, and Ava even writes a book for children about sea turtles. They navigate social media channels to spread the word, and they even win the attention of a local high-profile journalist. The friends stick by each other through a series of challenges and betrayals while their campaign moves through a series of hopeful highs and devastating blows.
Their environmental advocacy introduces them to various community leaders, business owners, fellow supporters, and young people who show them what it takes to make real change happen. Through this growth and change, Ava carries the emotional weight of her late mother’s advice, delivered to her through a letter, and her father’s strong personality. Leo continues to grow as a scientist but needs to find experienced professionals to back up his data. Meanwhile, Sam tests the extent to which using all available resources to rally social support has both benefits and pitfalls. Each chapter opens with a quote from a famous thought leader, which gives this novel added sparkle to its brilliance. Vincent Van Gogh’s words capture the spirit, “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
Quill says: The Star Thrower deserves a place on every bookshelf for its power to inspire the reader to step up and contribute to causes that ensure a healthy future and well-being of our planet.
For more information about The Star Thrower, please visit the author's website at: kathywelton.com/
