The Sun is also a Star

This is a work of YA contemporary fiction. Daniel is a seventeen-year-old Korean-American poet who, against his traditional parents’ wishes, does not want to attend Yale or become a doctor. Natasha is a science-minded undocumented immigrant from Jamaica who’s been living in New York City since age 9, but is about to be deported that night. A series of coincidences and serendipitous events continuously bring Natasha and Daniel together throughout the day. Daniel knew from first sight that she was “the One,” but Natasha doesn’t believe in love or fate. Daniel believes he can use science to get Natasha to fall in love with him. In spite of herself, she does, over the course of one day. But her deportation is the doom looming over both of them.

I loved the first half of this book. Daniel’s and Natasha’s family histories, respectively, were fascinating. I enjoyed learning about Korean-American and Jamaican-American cultures. I also found it very creative that the author wrote some chapters in first person, some in third person, and some not from any character’s perspective at all, but presenting a history or a future. I’ve never read a book written in this way before. However, after 50%, it became a tad overwritten. The plot began to contain too many coincidences and drastic changes to Natasha’s character and outlook (all in the scope of one day) to remain believable.

*SPOILER ALERT* In the end, what disappointed me was that Daniel’s and Natasha’s lives were both ruined because her immigration lawyer cheated on his wife with his paralegal that afternoon, and therefore didn’t get to the court in time to help Natasha. And we’re all supposed to be okay with that. It’s mentioned briefly, in passing, how this lawyer’s life decisions screws up his children, but no mention of the poor wife whom he betrays. As for the paralegal? Her story ends with “And They Lived Happily Ever After.” No guilt, no remorse, no repercussions for wrecking an entire family. If the whole subplot with the lawyer and his paralegal had been removed from this book, then it could’ve had a more creative and satisfying ending.

I love Nicola Yoon's writing style. The book switches to different character perspectives throughout the book. A very cute love story that also visits hard topics like immigration and family members not accepting a biracial couple.

This book might be shelved in YA, which makes sense given the ages of the two main characters, but it is really for everyone. Especially adults who have almost, but not quite, forgotten what hopes and dreams feel like.

First off, the diversity of characters and perspectives in this book are a large part of the reason why I give this book a 5++ rating of stars. I love the sidesteps that Nicola Yoon takes to give us insight into the primary characters' background as well as the insights into the supplementary characters that Natasha and Daniel meet along the way -- because we are all connected, after all (much like the fabulous criss-crossing string art that makes this beautiful book cover). While I thoroughly enjoyed Everything, Everything, I found this book to have so much more depth in terms of story/plot and style. I actually found myself writing in this book (something I rarely do) because I needed whoever read my copy after me to appreciate those lines, too. For instance, "Maybe part of falling in love someone else is also falling in love with yourself." To me, this was just part of the golden nuggets that Yoon sprinkled throughout. Then, of course, there are the culture and immigrant issues that Yoon touches upon -- so, so very relevant right now. As an individual of mixed race background, I found myself relating to Daniel -- where do I fit? Then Natasha wisely tells him that "It's not up to you to help other people fit you into a box." Again, there was a line that resonated with me to my very core; an adolescent me would have benefited from that advice very much.

*Small spoiler* While I think many individuals are noting that this appears to have the predictable ending, I would argue that it does NOT -- this was just pointed out to me by one of my sharp-eyed students (I'm a high school English teacher and I always pass my books along). A careful reader might note the subtitles below each chapter title -- and therefore, the Epilogue - and perhaps even the last chapter prior to that - should not be considered a part of the novel's primary plot. The last true chapter reflects an individual favoring Natasha's initial perspective, somewhat cynical and very factual based while the Epilogue *<insert other character's name to avoid any spoiler> an Alternate History favors a reader with a more romantic perspective, like Daniel's primary worldview. However, the fact that the Epilogue is subtitled an Alternate History kind of implies that it didn't actually happen. In which case, my heart broke for other reasons not related to Natasha or Daniel. Overall, I just thoroughly enjoyed this book as it definitely strays from the YA predictable norm, in my humble opinion.

I was desperately hoping that this book would be just as good as everything, everything. And i can gladly say that i was very pleased. This book is beautiful and fills you with hope. This book makes you believe in love at first sight.

Nicola Yoon is receiving rave reviews for her second novel, The Sun Is Also a Star. While I liked it, I am still firmly picking Everything Everything as my favorite novel by this author.

This novel moves between two narrators: Daniel and Natasha. Daniel is a Korean immigrant who is struggling with his parents' expectations that he go to Yale and become a doctor. Natasha and her family are illegals being deported to Jamaica immediately unless they can find some last minute assistance to allow them to remain in the United States.

These two teenagers meet and have only a day together, yet both fall in love. I wanted Natasha and Daniel to have a happily ever after, for Daniel to be able to forge his own path, for Natasha's family to be allowed to remain in the United States.

This book was a very quick read, but in some ways I feel like the short chapters and speed of the story prevented me from being totally invested in Natasha and Daniel. Yoon's ending is also a bit unbelievable, which may bother some readers, but which I enjoyed a lot.

This is a good second novel from a talented author. I had such high expectations after Everything Everything, I'm not sure anything could live up that for me.

This book made me think about the importance of every thing and every moment no matter how small it may seem. How much one day can influence a life. Every character the two main ones came across was vital to the story. And everyone had their own story. It’s hard to explain, but READ THIS BOOK!

Pretty cute book. I loved reading it, it was kinda hard to read a little though because it was too close to home. Besides that, it was good. Unrealistic in some parts about love, but I guess that’s why it’s a book.

This book was so captivating and beautiful. I haven't read a story as enticing and out of this world as this one. By far my favorite book. The ending was superb and the way it was put together just absolutely told the story in a way that made your mind travel. I can't even describe the feeling I have after reading this book. I want more and I need more. Nicole Yoon is a brilliant writer. I'm captivated.

Nicola Yoon is a marvelous writer. Her style and voice are a smooth delivery system for her transcendent ideas. I think she's here to stay. If you haven't read it be sure to pick up her first novel EVERYTHING EVERYTHING.

One of the main characters ditches her core beliefs incredibly too quickly. The story just kind of moved along predictably after that.

One thing I did enjoy was the backstories of characters that played a part but not a huge role in the story. Interesting and it added to the value. Quick and easy read.

Nicola Yoon is a marvelous writer. Her style and voice are a smooth delivery system for her transcendent ideas. I think she's here to stay. If you haven't read it be sure to pick up her first novel EVERYTHING EVERYTHING.

One of the main characters ditches her core beliefs incredibly too quickly. The story just kind of moved along predictably after that.

One thing I did enjoy was the backstories of characters that played a part but not a huge role in the story. Interesting and it added to the value. Quick and easy read.

Very well written. I love the easy and comfortable way the characters were introduced, especially the unimportant characters; the security guard, the BMW driver, and especially Irene. While the ending wasn't a fairytale it tied everything together and I it made me smile.

much love
hope science
beautiful work
this made me want to think about the future and all the possibilities of life
i love how there perspectives were polar opposites yet the connection was still there yet fate never truly vanished

I enjoyed the narrators, although it took a little while to get used to them. I liked the story, so giving this 4.5 out of 5 stars.

So this book is pretty much told over the course of one single day. I don’t want to say it featured insta-love, but given that fact, it kind of does. But honestly, the progression of Natasha and Daniel’s connection felt natural. The universe parts were a little off-putting to listen to, but it was nice seeing background, thoughts, histories, etc. for some secondary characters.

The ending was kind of disappointing, but then the epilogue made me happier. It was kind of open ended, but given what had already happened, I’d like to think these two individuals finally got their happy ending after all. I liked the mixed race aspect of it, and the touching upon the subject when they were out in public together.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. I’d highly recommend it. I just wished I’d loved it a little more to give it that final .5 stars. I think all the different characters maybe overwhelmed me a little too much while listening, and I wanted more focus on the two teens. I can’t wait for Nicola’s next book! You can check out my review of her debut book here.