'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Junior Review: The Sun Is Also A Star

A touching story based on the author’s real-life, features Natasha, a Jamaican teen facing imminent deportation in the next 24 hours, and Daniel, who has been living in the shadow of his older brother his entire life. 

When they cross paths at a bookstore, neither of them knows that this is the start of a unique and heartwarming love story.

Both Natasha and Daniel have their own demons to fight, with each of them living in homes that feel broken as they dream of a way to escape their reality. 

Ironically, 'dream' is not a word in Natasha’s vocabulary as she only sticks to the facts and science. On the contrary, Daniel fantasizes about saying his poetry out loud, a thought he keeps hidden from his Korean parents. The reader gets to dive into each of their perspectives with chapters alternating between the two.

Fate connected Natasha and Daniel, who may seem like they’re living on different planets at first glance. Natasha resents her failed actor father who’s allergic to the truth, and Daniel is angry at his stuck-up older brother for placing heavy responsibilities on his shoulders. The author, Nicola Yoon, was artful in showing their love story blossom, as each time you thought things would go right, the story would take a drastic turn.

An important aspect of this novel was that nothing in life is predetermined and that every moment the universe gives you is to be cherished. It was not love at first sight the first time Natasha and Daniel met; in fact, it was far from it. But the universe was relentless and gave them so many opportunities to see the beauty in each other. Author Nicola Yoon also delved deep into the characters' insecurities as the reader saw their confidence grow throughout the novel.

The book takes place over the course of a wild day that was not picture-perfect. It tackles multiple issues such as fate, love, immigration, and how interracial couples show the diversity of love. 

Author Nicola Yoon taught the reader about the power of making choices and how we should always live in the present instead of thinking about what’s to come. I was hooked from the very first page to see how this story would play out between two people who came from different walks of life. Readers will love this feel-good story that shows the intensity of destiny.

'The thing about falling is you don't have any control on your way down.'


Title: The Sun Is Also A Star
Author: Nicola Yoon
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, $19.99
Publication Date: November 1 2016
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0553496710
For ages: 14+
Type: Young Adult