Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of heart-tugging YA romances with a big dose of real-world issues, this one’s for you! Nicola Yoon masterfully weaves together the lives of Natasha (a facts-only, science-minded pragmatist) and Daniel (a poetic dreamer), both children of immigrants, during one life-changing day in New York City. The writing style is fresh, filled with multiple POVs - including glimpses into the lives of side characters - which gives the story extra depth. Expect lots of emotion, clever commentary on fate vs. science, and insightful looks at culture, race, and the immigrant experience. Readers who loved books like "Eleanor & Park" or anything by John Green will definitely vibe with this.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers aren't sold on the 'insta-love' premise - falling in love in just one day feels a bit unrealistic for those who prefer slow-burn romance, and the storyline does require some suspension of disbelief. If you’re not into coincidences, fate-driven plots, or YA novels with a hefty dose of sentimentality, this might not hit the mark. A few felt the characters leaned into stereotypes or wished for more depth, and if you’re not into multiple narrative perspectives or philosophical musings, the structure might throw you off.
About:
'The Sun Is Also a Star' by Nicola Yoon follows the story of Natasha, an undocumented immigrant from Jamaica facing deportation, and Daniel, a Korean American poet. The book explores themes of fate, love, and immigration as the two characters cross paths in New York City on a pivotal day in their lives. Through a series of coincidences and interactions with other characters, Natasha and Daniel navigate their budding relationship while grappling with family expectations, cultural differences, and the uncertainty of their futures.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Issues of deportation, family dysfunction, and some casual discussions of immigration laws.
Has Romance?
The romance between Natasha and Daniel is central to the plot.
From The Publisher:
Natasha: I'm a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I'm definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won't be my story.
Daniel: I've always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents' high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store-for both of us.
The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?
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The #1 New York Times Bestseller
A National Book Award Finalist
A 2017 Michael L. Printz Honor Book
A New York Times Notable Book
A BuzzFeed Best YA Book of the Year
A POPSUGAR Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Booklist Editor's Choice
A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
Recipient of the John Steptoe New Talent Award
A Walter Award Honor Book
"Beautifully crafted." -People
"A book that is very much about the many factors that affect falling in love, as much as it is about the very act itself. . . . Fans of Yoon's first novel, Everything Everything, will find much to love-if not, more-in what is easily an even stronger follow up." -Entertainment Weekly
"Transcends the limits of YA as a human story about falling in love and seeking out our futures." -POPSUGAR.com
Ratings (71)
Incredible (10) | |
Loved It (24) | |
Liked It (21) | |
It Was OK (11) | |
Did Not Like (4) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (139):
Read It (75) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (38) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (24) |
4 comment(s)
The only insta-love story I can halfway believe. They were able to confide many painful memories and hardships with each other that made me trust in their connection. And, I really enjoyed both characters.
I loved this book it is so interesting and lovely and witty and so beautiful out together I just love it !! Really recommended to anyone , it really is one of those stories that you think about hours after you’ve finished reading it <3
An engrossing teen romance about how little
coincidences can add up to big life changes. Natasha Kingsley is a seventeen year old girl
undocumented immigrant from Jamaica who is on a mission to overturn her family’s deportation. Daniel Bae is a seventeen year old boy who is on his way to an interview for a recommendation into Yale with plans to become a doctor. Due to several minor things happening, including a long security check and a case officer not being at work, fate throws Natasha and Daniel together.
Throughout the course of the novel, the author creates an interwoven tale which makes the reader not only care about the two main characters but also the background character such as their parents and people they interact with. I enjoyed the use of them asking each other questions as a way to establish intimacy and well as the way in which author takes the reader on a journey and even when you think the story is going to end one way, the author provides a pleasant surprise.
We deserve a sequel!
What can you read after
The Sun Is Also a Star?
About the Author:
NICOLA YOON is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Sun Is Also a Star and Everything, Everything, her debut novel, which was turned into a major motion picture. She grew up in Jamaica and Brooklyn and lives in Los Angeles with her family. She's also a hopeless romantic who firmly believes that you can fall in love in an instant and that it can last forever.
Follow @NicolaYoon on Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram.
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