The Sun Is Also A Star

Author: Nicola Yoon
Genre: Young Adult
Type: Hardcover
Pages: 348
Source: Publisher (RHC)
Publisher: Delacourt Press
First Published: November 1, 2016
First Line: "Carl Sagan said that if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe."

Book Description from GoodReads: 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?

My Rating: 3/5 stars

My Review: A little over a year ago I read Yoon's Everything, Everything) and enjoyed the quirky and witty teen romance.  In this latest book, she has written a story about two teenagers who find each other at very critical junctures in their lives and fall in love.  

This book has it's moments of witty writing, addresses several current issues (illegal immigrants, depression/suicide, parental pressures, cultural differences ...) and has a wonderfully refreshing culturally diverse cast.  But it also had aspects that I struggled with including the weak chemistry between Natasha and Daniel and my lack of connection to them or the plot. Their InstaLove felt needy (and quite cheesy) rather than romantic to me. Perhaps readers who love all things romantic will have an easier time believing the idea of two people falling hopelessly in love with each other within 12 hours. Personally, I couldn't do it. 

While the book focuses on Daniel and Natasha, I LOVED how different perspectives of secondary, and even tertiary characters, were brought into the story line showing how even brief interactions can greatly influence others.  From a janitor, to a waitress, to a security guard and various family members, Yoon gives readers snapshots into characters' lives (as well as interesting random facts) which I think broadened the scope of the book.

Overall, this was a good, light read clearly with the romantic reader in mind.

Disclaimer:  My sincere thanks to DoubleDay Canada for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.