Enid works for the space center. Having grown up to a single mother, unwanted by her father, and deaf in one ear, she’s no stranger to being label weird or quirky. With a manic-depressive mother, and her own paranoia, Enid is convinced something is fundamentally wrong with her. What else would explain why her father started a new family, her half sisters seem to ‘have it all’, her phobia of bald men, and why Enid can’t seem to sustain a romantic relationship for more than a few months. With seemingly only one friend, Vin, Enid is just trying to keep it all together and try and get the parasite inside her from getting out.
This is 100% a character driven novel. It’s an introspective look into Enid’s life and thoughts, with a ‘coming of age’ plotline. I tend to gravitate towards plot-based stories, but this one ended up with a firm grasp on my heart and man the ending got me. Austin explores a wide variety of topics from depression and PTSD to the challenges the deaf community faces. I would just recommend going into this book with an open mind and an open heart.
Interesting Facts About Space is truly a unique story. I wasn’t sure if I’d like this at first but by the end, I had developed such a soft spot for Enid, who is really a loving and caring person. I was so fully invested into her story that I was sad to see it end. Highly recommend especially if you just need something different.
Interesting Facts About Space comes out January 30, 2024. Huge thank you to Atria Books for my advanced copies in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
