Shooting the Moon

by V.M. Jones

Pip McLeod’s life is a balancing act between family, friends and his sporting passion — rock-climbing. But under the surface new currents are stirring — forces that threaten everything he believes indestructible. As events spiral out of control, Pip is brought face to face with a dramatic choice that changes his life forever as he learns what it means to confront issues of life and death alone. And in the face of ultimate loss, what matters most of all?

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

255 pages

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Linley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shooting the moon came as a bit of surprise. I was expecting an average YA read and instead I was treated to a really good story. In my mind I could picture Dad so easily and the influence he had over the household. I could see the goals the teens had that were so huge that they blotted out the sun. A great piece of writing from a local author.

Recommended to all from Y9 to adult who can get into a story about family, relationships, success and failure.

[Jennifer Bagazin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing is ever too late. I think this has been the enduring theme throughout the whole book. It was a beautiful story about being lost and and being found. Just because your parents dont exactly express their love for you everyday doesn't mean they dont appreciate your existence. Love moves in mysterious ways, yet some people are just poor communicators of their feelings (I should know). I could relate to Pip in a lot of ways, and surprisingly, with Nick too. Nick, after a few misdemeanors that comes from being a teenager and a handful of harsh words, he began to drift away (just like I had before my friends finally pulled me down to Earth before I did something really stupid) and became a drug dealer and even attempted to kill himself. This just shows that a few spoken words can change how a person sees themselves, so you better be careful of the things that come out of your mouth.

Everything about the book screams "needs psychological intervention" and in the end Pip's family finally had that closure they badly needed. Their family finally mended their injuries and finally accepted each member for who they really are, and not the expectation they had believed. This is a really moving story about trust, betrayal, and redemption. Communication is the best way to solve any problem. Use it to your advantage, and remember: Nothing is ever too late.

[Devon Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad at all but I had to detract a star for the anti-marijuana agenda & fear-mongering which came across very ignorant & out of touch. Selling weed can be hazardous admittedly but smoking it killing a million brain cells a day? You sure about that? Jesus get a grip sixteen year-olds smoke weed chill out

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a follow up to juggling with mandarins and was pleasantly surprised. Often a second book can be a let dow, but I found this book showed the reader another side to the family. A bit mushy at the end ... But ok overall.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as spectacular as Juggling With Mandarins - she tried to squeeze in too many Themes - but otherwise good. Nice to see those characters again.

[Lubna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was unfulfilling, and maybe I should owe it to the fact that it's middle grade, but I have read alot of middle grade books that entertained me a whole lot more.

The book is about a young boy who's figuring his life out still, having family struggles got in his way alot, but he loves rock climbing and he works hard to be the best at it.

I would have loved to read more rock climbing in action, those were my favorite parts about the book honestly. I enjoyed reading about his home life as well, it got triggering but accurate at some point, but it escalated so unnecessarily.


Bottom line: if you're an adult I don't think this is a good choice for you, however younger folks could enjoy it or so I think.

[Olivia Eagles-smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because i find it interesting to know about what happens in other peoples lives. This category on the bingo board it ticks off is, "A book with a boy, as the main character." My favorite Quote from the book is. "Dad needs you." I like this quote because i learnt, that how ever much you think your dad doesn't want you, he will need you some day. A character that interested me was nick, Pips older brother. Their parents find out that hes dealing and taking drugs, and the whole book revolves around this. I like how a familys life changes so easily. This was a nice book to read.

[Nuggle3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!