Don’t just read Starry Eyes …Experience it! 

I picked up Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett because of the stranded in wilderness plotline.  When I was younger, I used to read a lot of books about kids surviving nature: The Sign of the Beaver, My Side of the Mountain, The Island of the Blue Dolphins, Earthquake Terror, Hatchet. So, I was interested in the way the plot would shift in a young adult novel. Incorporating a romantic plotline never hurts either. 

Here goes: All Zorie wants is one last hurrah before senior year starts where she can forget about her father’s infidelity and connect with the guy she’s been crushing on. But when she shows up to the weeklong camping trip to find her former best friend/secret boyfriend, Lennon, among the group, things go downhill fast. Soon Zorie finds herself stranded in the forests of California, constantly impeded by her hive-producing anxiety. She’s forced to face many truths about her past and present relationships, while deciding which of the people in her life are worth keeping around, you know, if she can make it home. 

When it comes to camping, Zorie is more into glamping. She likes the idea of being away from the city where she has a better view of the night sky. As a budding astronomer, she’s particularly excited about viewing the Perseid meteor shower from the dark sky area at Condor Peak. Luckily, her astronomy group is planning to meet so they can all watch it together. Not-so lucky, being stranded in the wilderness means she might not make it. 

Unfortunately, timing was an issue for me as well. Although they happen once a year, the Perseids aren’t visible again until August 12. My next thought was to find out when another meteor shower was, even if it wasn’t the same one Zorie was going to see. For that I would have to wait until May 4 to see Eta Aquariids. So, I marked them both on my calendar and settled for good old star gazing. Although I did have a leg up. Because of the awesomeness of the local library, I was able to check out a telescope. 

I know my version of stargazing was pretty tame compared to Zorie’s. She was in the California wilderness; I was in my driveway. She was surrounded by fellow astronomy enthusiasts; I was surrounded by my family, complete with small children arguing about who gets to look through the scope next. She looked at numerous constellations she could identify by name; we spotted Orion’s Belt, which I only know the name of from my familiarity with Men in Black. But looking at the moon on a clear night where I can see the distinct shadows of individual craters and so many different shades of white depending on how much of the sun’s light is being reflected by particular spots, it’s easy to shut out the sounds of the neighborhood. A sense of peace settles over you at the idea that the universe is massive and you are this singular being in it. I can see the appeal for Zorie to learn all she can about the ever changing night sky.  

There you have it. Do yourself a favor and read Starry Eyes. As you read Zorie’s story, consider  finding a place to gaze at the night sky. Take in the stars around you, the moon, the breathtaking views. Mark August 12 on your calendar so you can see the Perseids. But maybe remember to go gazing with someone you trust, just in case… 

If you haven’t already read Starry Eyes, what are you waiting for? If you already have, why not pick it up again? Either way, take my advice when you do—don’t just read it, experience it! 

Want information about purchasing this book from Neighborhood Reads, a local Washington, MO book store? Click the book cover above!