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samvansam's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Blood, Bullying, Car accident, Death of parent, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Two teens from vastly different backgrounds meet by chance on the day one of them is about to be deported to Jamaica. Discussions of home, identity, fate, and science ensue. Romance can be super hit or miss with me. This one was a huge hit. I loved the characters, the naration looking at the lives of side characters, and the handling of intersectionality. The discussions about destiny were fun too. This book takes a strong look at racism, being a first generation American, Korean American experience, and being an illigal immigrant (I want to specify that this family was documented. They came over on a visa and stayed last the Visa's end date). I highly recommend giving this a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Infidelity and Sexual content
Deportation, living in poverty, living as an undocumented immigrantclaudiamacpherson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Sun Is Also a Star centers primarily on a single day in New York City, when cynical science-nerd Natasha Kingsley meets hopelessly romantic poet Daniel Bae. The story is told through the points of view of not only Natasha and Daniel, but also many of the side characters, illustrating the interconnectedness of cause and effect. As Natasha desperately tries to find a way to save her family from being deported that night, Daniel is preparing for a college interview for Yale, where his parents expect him to pursue the American Dream via the pre-med track. When the two are thrown in each others' paths by coincidence (or is it fate?), neither is prepared for the connection that they feel. Over the course of the day, Natasha and Daniel get to know each other, share family difficulties and their experiences of being an immigrant and a first-generation American, respectively, and clash over their opposing approaches to life. Natasha is ever the pragmatist while Daniel is a dreamer, but together they confront the themes of family and fate, science and the sublime.
I adore happy endings, and though this one was a little ambiguous, it was definitely positive. Throughout this book I loved watching each tiny twist of fate (or coincidence) that bound Natasha and Daniel together, and the final twist was the perfect end to a great book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Cursing
One of the side characters is mentioned as having suicidal thought and going so far as to write a suicide note and make a plan, but in the final chapter of the book we learn that she ultimately seeks help.
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