Thursday, January 11, 2018

Book Shelf: Stargazing For Beginners by Jenny McLachlan

Science geek Meg is left to look after her little sister for ten days after her free-spirited mum leaves suddenly to follow up yet another of her Big Important Causes. But while Meg may understand how the universe was formed, baby Elsa is a complete mystery to her.

And Mum’s disappearance has come at the worst time: Meg is desperate to win a competition to get the chance to visit NASA headquarters, but to do this she has to beat close rival Ed. Can Meg pull off this double life of caring for Elsa and following her own dreams? She’ll need a miracle of cosmic proportions.....


More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Stargazing For Beginners is a sweet and adorable novel from Jenny McLachlan about friendship, family and discovering who you are.

Fifteen year old Megara Clark is a science geek who knows more about stars and physics than she ever thinks she could about her free spirited mother and her little sister. Then Meg’s mother takes off on a spur of the moment trip overseas and Meg is left to look after her baby sister Elsa until her mum returns. Desperate to win a competition that sees one lucky participant sent to NASA headquarters, stage shy Meg must manage to keep Elsa fed and clothed while also trying to beat her biggest competition, high school all-rounder and follow intellect Ed King. Elsa is a mystery, her hapless Grandfather is more hindrance than help and now one of her teachers wants her do join a social club with a group of socially inept individuals. Meg is in over her head, but as she slowly begins to find her rhythm, will Meg discover happiness can be found not just in space but on planet Earth too?

Stargazing For Beginners isn’t my first novel by Jenny McLachlan, having read her Ladybirds series in the past, but I definitely feel this was potentially her best book yet. Fun and sweet but with a real message Stargazing For Beginners features a rambunctious cast of characters and an endearing storyline that tells a sweet story of family and the bond between two sisters that develops when all they have is each other.

The protagonist in this story is very likable and sweet character. At the end of the day, Meg is a fifteen year old girl so her voice within the novel can come across as young at times, but she’s also very capable and highly intelligent. Her awkwardness and dorky nature endear her to the reader as Meg stumbles throughout life and slowly gains her bearings; making friends and self-discoveries along the way.

Jenny McLachlan has created another fun and very endearing novel with Stargazing For Beginners. Meg and her sister Elsa develop a really adorable relationship and I liked that McLachlan includes the perfect moments of friendship and romance into the story.

I’m excited about the prospect of Annie featuring in a companion novel and will definitely be keeping an eye out for that novel as soon as it’s released!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Format: Paperback ARC
Australian RRP: $14.99
Release Date: May 1st 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: This is another light and sweet read from Jenny McLachlan and I can't wait to read the companion novel featuring Annie!


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