Reviewer (text)
Kaela N., Teen Board Member
THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon is a stand alone novel filled with the perfect balance of the in the moment romance. Nicola Yoon is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING, which is another young adult contemporary novel. THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR blows EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING out of the water with its quick pacing, unique structure, and fascinating tidbits.
"THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR blows EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING out of the water with its quick pacing, unique structure, and fascinating tidbits."
THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR focuses on Natasha Kingsley, a Jamaican teenager who is being deported in less than 24 hours, and Daniel Bae, a Korean-American who happens to stumble upon her by what he believes to be fate. Natasha is doing everything in her power to stop her family from having to leave America. Daniel is on his way to a college admissions interview with Yale as requested by his parents. Instead he stumbles upon Natasha jamming out to music and ends up following her around New York. As the day progresses, Daniel attempts to persuade Natasha of their instant connection. They share countless cliche romantic moments all the while counting down the hours until Natasha is deported.
I loved the style of writing Nicola Yoon implemented in THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR. The novel is told from both Natasha and Daniel’s perspectives with some short informational chapters thrown in between. These chapters include anything from the characterizations of Daniel’s brother to the history of black hairstyles. Daniel’s chapters are those of a hopeless romantic. Natasha, however, believes in science. The contrast between the two of these view points is beautiful. Natasha will use facts to support anything she may or may not be feeling while Daniel will just go with it. The only major flaw with this book is how much it is based off of the concept of instant love. Over 90% of this book takes place in one day, and it revolves around Daniel and Natasha falling in love after having just met. Personally, I think these types of story lines are cute; however, I do prefer a connection that is a little more realistic. My favorite part of THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR would have to be the background stories of the minor characters. I love knowing all about the security worker that Natasha encounters once a week and the secretary of a Yale’s admissions interviewer. So, if Nicola Yoon wants to write a novel supporting her belief of love at first sight I say so be it. She wrote it fantastically and I do not doubt that I will read it over and over again.
All in all, THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon is another top notch novel to challenge EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING. THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR is perfect for the contemporary loving young adult reader or anyone else who wants to sit down and enjoy getting lost in some uncomplicated love. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone as long as their imagination is up for it.
Teaser
Natasha believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. She's 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 her family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Daniel is the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. Something about Natasha makes him think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store --- for both of them.
Promo
Natasha believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. She's 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 her family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Daniel is the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. Something about Natasha makes him think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store --- for both of them.
About the Book
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?
Audiobook available, narrated by Bahni Turpin, Raymond Lee and Dominic Hoffman.
