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chelseakamm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
nickscoby's review against another edition
4.0
Note: I am grading on a curve. Truthfully, this is closer to a 3.5
So, in one universe, I really hate this book because the plot is contrived and there are, like, so many annoying coincidences that are enumerated a number of times. And because the main characters, particularly Daniel, say things that no actual human being actually utters. And because Charlie (Daniel's brother) is not really a character but a mustache twirling villain (I hate those). And because the ending is pretty unsatisfying.
But in *this* universe, I mostly love this book mainly because Yoon is just a damn good writer. She handles perspectives about science and poetry almost equally well (although clearly she prefers science). I enjoy Natasha and Daniel and the book sparkles when it focuses on those two. [The one exception is the first story about liminal character Irene which damn near broke my heart] It certainly helps that I imagined Yara Shaheedi in the role the whole time who I suspect is perfectly cast. I'm actually looking forward to seeing the movie and to reading more from Yoon.
So, in one universe, I really hate this book because the plot is contrived and there are, like, so many annoying coincidences that are enumerated a number of times. And because the main characters, particularly Daniel, say things that no actual human being actually utters. And because Charlie (Daniel's brother) is not really a character but a mustache twirling villain (I hate those). And because the ending is pretty unsatisfying.
But in *this* universe, I mostly love this book mainly because Yoon is just a damn good writer. She handles perspectives about science and poetry almost equally well (although clearly she prefers science). I enjoy Natasha and Daniel and the book sparkles when it focuses on those two. [The one exception is the first story about liminal character Irene which damn near broke my heart] It certainly helps that I imagined Yara Shaheedi in the role the whole time who I suspect is perfectly cast. I'm actually looking forward to seeing the movie and to reading more from Yoon.
blaineduncan's review against another edition
3.0
When the pragmatist meets the dreamer and, thanks to circumstances beyond their control, only have one day to meet randomly, get to know one another, sort through each of their serious—though familiar to some—familia problems, and, lest you forget this is definitely in the YA genre, fall in love, it’s up to fate, Natasha, and Daniel if any of these things will happen.
The plot and the dialogue are fast paced enough to help readers ignore the YA tropes and traps (unbelievably intelligent kids, all-too-quick love, annoyingly witty interactions, clunky dialogue). The connections the book attempts to make are worthy of deeper thought (what does happen after a brief encounter? What does it take to be in love?). But all of these things have been handled with greater depth in other novels; luckily, this doesn’t hinder ‘The Sun is Also a Star’ from being enjoyable. Short chapters, bouncing from Daniel and Natasha’s point of view, propel it from any bog.
Then there’s the epilogue ending, reminiscent of the great Cameron Crowe film ‘Say Anything.’ It was too perfect a bow on a nice enough gift of a book.
This one is three stars, though a high three.
The plot and the dialogue are fast paced enough to help readers ignore the YA tropes and traps (unbelievably intelligent kids, all-too-quick love, annoyingly witty interactions, clunky dialogue). The connections the book attempts to make are worthy of deeper thought (what does happen after a brief encounter? What does it take to be in love?). But all of these things have been handled with greater depth in other novels; luckily, this doesn’t hinder ‘The Sun is Also a Star’ from being enjoyable. Short chapters, bouncing from Daniel and Natasha’s point of view, propel it from any bog.
Then there’s the epilogue ending, reminiscent of the great Cameron Crowe film ‘Say Anything.’ It was too perfect a bow on a nice enough gift of a book.
This one is three stars, though a high three.
abby_can_read's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
📖
This was cute and it made me cry. This was wonderfully written.
This was cute and it made me cry. This was wonderfully written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Deportation
Minor: Death of parent, Infidelity, and Sexual content
lbrandes's review against another edition
emotional
fast-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
leafblade's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/75
I mean, it was alright but:
-natasha was way too annoying with science stuff and pessimism
-daniel was too cheesy
-all the side characters were flat and unlikable
-the story was so fucking bizarre at times
-the important topics like family relationships and other people's expectations and immigration and deportation were completely shadowed by the stupid love story
-the ending was predictable
-in some chapters it really, really tried to excuse cheaters and hit-and-runers
-it was not as fast paced as it needed to be
I mean, it was alright but:
-natasha was way too annoying with science stuff and pessimism
-daniel was too cheesy
-all the side characters were flat and unlikable
-the story was so fucking bizarre at times
-the important topics like family relationships and other people's expectations and immigration and deportation were completely shadowed by the stupid love story
-the ending was predictable
-in some chapters it really, really tried to excuse cheaters and hit-and-runers
-it was not as fast paced as it needed to be
merilizabeth's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written piece. The language was just marvelous. It took me through the pages of the story in record Time. Couldnt put it aside much. I watched the movie first and only then came the book for me, but now I want to see the movie again. For me that is a big deal. A story we all want to live through at least once.
christineponkey's review against another edition
4.0
cute
makes me yearn for the naivety of young love even though im literally not even old
makes me yearn for the naivety of young love even though im literally not even old
megannicks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
tishywishy's review against another edition
4.0
This book was adorable. Natasha loves science and understands why people fall in love but doesn't think it's rather practical . Daniel is a poet and a hopeless romantic. In one day, two teenagers try to challenge the odds against them (re: race, immigration, family relationships) and find love, romance, friendship and norebang. By the end, I was riveted wanting to know what happened. I also loves that the secondary characters had mini story lines.