The Loneliest Girl in the Universe | Lauren James
Published: 17th September 2017 by Walker Books
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you read the blurb of this book and think you know what's going to happen, you are wrong. In this book, Lauren James has perfected the art of the plot twist and the slow release of information so that you're on the edge of your seat throughout and never know who to trust or what to believe.
Published: 17th September 2017 by Walker Books
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you read the blurb of this book and think you know what's going to happen, you are wrong. In this book, Lauren James has perfected the art of the plot twist and the slow release of information so that you're on the edge of your seat throughout and never know who to trust or what to believe.
Now I must admit, when I first started reading The Loneliest Girl in the Universe I was a little underwhelmed as it seemed very similar to the 2016 blockbuster, Passengers starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt (aka the man of my dreams.) There are a number of ideas which appear in the book and the film, however, after 150 pages or so, the world of The Loneliest Girl comes into it's own and the story feels truly unique.
Romy is a completely badass 16 year old girl who is the first human born in space, travelling to a new planet all alone after the tragic and mysterious loss of her parents. The only 'earthly' things she's experienced have been through reading fanfics, watching her favourite tv programme, Loch and Ness and communicating with her friend at NASA, Molly. As well as reading it, she writes her own fanfic and we see her personal growth through the growth of the characters in her stories. She's strong, clever, logical and a fantastic role model for young adults; inspiring them to be strong and independent but to be unafraid of anxiety and having flaws.
When Romy finds out that another spaceship has taken off and is heading to the new earth with her, she is filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She soon becomes entwined in communications with J. Shoreditch on the other ship but all may not be as it seems...
This book draws you into a false sense of security and warmth and then rips the floor out from under your feet when you least expect it. The story is compelling and I became completely absorbed in it as I flipped through the pages at warp speed on my various tube journeys over two days. The Loneliest Girl in the Universe should definitely be on the top of you TBR and I'm sure you'll race through it in no time.
I'm still undecided on whether I would like a sequel to this book or not. Part of me feels satisfied with the ending but another part is intrigued to see how the story continues and I'd absolutely love to learn more about Molly and her time on earth which I think could be very interesting (Lauren, if you're reading, help a girl out and write this please!)
So yes, I'd definitely recommend this book. It's layered and emotional and the perfect read to get you out of a slump!
*This book was sent to me by Walker Books for review purposes. All views and opinions are my own*