I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m not usually the girl who picks up a Young Adult novel and likes it. For some reason, I’ve always felt like they are too sappy and cheesy for me. Instead, I like to get lost in a hefty historical fiction novel or weepy romantic drama.
But, a few weeks ago, I decided to branch out and read something a little bit different. After reading positive reviews on GoodReads, I bought The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon.
Image Credit: GoodReads
Honestly, the cover of this book is what convinced me to buy it. Look at how cool it is! I knew it would look really neat on my bookshelf. (I know–I’m such a nerd!)
Enough of my rambling…let’s get on with talking about the book.
Star is a novel told through three different perspectives: Natasha, who is facing imminent deportation back to Jamaica; Daniel, a Korean-born wannabe poet who is trying to follow his parent’s wishes to attend a prestigious university; and lastly, “The Universe”–an omniscient being who explains different situations throughout the novel.
Anyway, Natasha and Daniel meet randomly at a record store one day in New York City. Natasha is discouraged after meeting with an immigration lawyer, while Daniel is preparing for his prestigious college interview.
From the moment he sees her, Daniel is taken by Natasha. However, Natasha isn’t all that impressed with Daniel; she’s not a whimsical person and more of a straight-shooter. The teens talk for a moment and then depart, never expecting to see each other again.
However, Natasha and Daniel end up running into each other a couple more times that day. Natasha begins to warm up to Daniel, and they strike up a friendship, even beginning to fall for each other.
Without giving too much of the story away, I will just tell you why I enjoyed it so much. First off, I loved that Star is told through different perspectives; you really explore Natasha and Daniel’s thoughts and how they changed throughout the novel. Although they have different personalities and outlooks on life, both teens are having to deal with dysfunctional families and tricky circumstances.
Now, for my favorite part of Star–the perspective of “The Universe.” Like I mentioned, this character is like an omniscient being who is watching over Natasha and Daniel’s circumstances, commenting and explaining them as the story goes along. I think that is really unique!
All-in-all, The Sun Is Also A Star is worth a read. Not only is it a realistic love story between two very different teens, but it also has depth. You get to see how Natasha and Daniel’s stories impact the people around them, from their families to a random stranger they meet on a rooftop.
I know this review seems all over the place, but that is also how the novel is written. You experience a lot of feelings from a lot of different people–in a short amount of time. You will see what I mean when you read it.
There is never a dull moment in this novel! Like I said, I am usually not a fan of Young Adult novels, but I loved The Sun Is Also A Star. It is uniquely told, and will make you laugh, tear up and root for Natasha and Daniel.
Lyndi Locke 