To Grasp at a Star

To Grasp at a Star is an award-winning novella by Kenyan author Kingwa Kamencu, featuring two powerful stories that delve into the perilous issues of adolescence, rebellion, and the search for true belonging. The first story, "To Grasp at a Star," follows Makena, a teenager whose obsession with the glitz and illusion of show business leads her into escalating trouble and danger. The companion story, "Muddled Transition," portrays the struggles of Muthoni, a naive village girl who faces disastrous consequences after succumbing to intense peer pressure in a new environment. This volume is celebrated for its compelling and relatable exploration of coming-of-age challenges in contemporary African society, making it a key recommended reading for Kenyan secondary schools.