Happy Accident: An Advance Review of The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Published on by shelfiepodcast

Yoon_9780553496680_jkt_all_r1.inddTitle: The Sun is Also a Star
Author: Nicola Yoon
Genre: Contemporary / Romance
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: November 1st, 2016
Hardcover: 344 Pages
Source: Barnes & Noble B-Fest

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?

“Human beings are not reasonable creatures. Instead of being ruled by logic, we are ruled by emotions. The world would be a happier place if the opposite were true. For example, based on a single phone call, I have begun to hope for a miracle.

I don’t even believe in God.”

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher as prize for winning the trivia blast at B-Fest. The opinions in this review are mine and mine alone.

The Sun is Also a Star was not on my radar for 2016. I had heard of it, but it didn’t catch my eye. Sure, the synopsis is adorable and the cover is gorgeous, but I would not have purchased this book for myself. I’m not really one for contemporary young adult novels; it’s hard for me to relate to the life of a high school student. I mean, my ten year reunion is next month. I’ve aged out.

It actually took some serious convincing to get me to go to B-Fest at all. I expected that a 27-year-old blogger would stand out like a sore thumb. But I ignored the voice in the back of my head and went anyway. I am so glad I did. If I hadn’t, I am sure that I would never have read this remarkable book.

I was drawn in by her stunning prose, but I stayed for the characters. Daniel is a dreamer. Natasha is pragmatic—the two couldn’t be more different. When they meet, by chance, in the streets of New York, it quickly becomes clear that they are equally matched. Watching them grow both in and out of their relationship is a treat.

The side characters are just as fantastic. From Daniel’s confused older brother to Natasha’s depressed father, no one is unimportant. No one is left out. Each character is significant.

The story is told mainly in first person, swapping back and forth between Daniel and Natasha. Had this been the only way the story was told, the book would have still been good. What really set it apart, though where the chapters that offered commentary on everything from side characters to physics to hair. These chapters really helped to hit home that no one is too small to be important and nothing should be ignored. It was an interesting choice that really vaulted the book from a simple boy-meets-girl love story to something much, much more. This story doesn’t belong only to Daniel and Natasha. It belongs to everyone.

I was still skeptical when I picked the book up, but by page twenty I was committed. I didn’t mean to read the book in one sitting, but there was no putting it down. I was caught in her expertly crafted universe, where everything is connected, even the reader. From the vivid, diverse characters to beautiful explanations of physics and language, Yoon has delivered an honest tale of personal growth that speaks to all ages.

 

- The Butcher (1)

34 thoughts on “Happy Accident: An Advance Review of The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon”

  2. I’m glad you liked this book! I read Niccola Yoon’s debut novel earlier this year, but was still hesitant to read this. Like you, I’m not exactly excited for this book or anything. But now, I kind of am. Haha, thanks for the review!

    Liked by 2 people

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      3. It’s not the best book ever, but I have to admit it has its own charms. I gave it three stars on Goodreads, but haven’t been able to write a review yet 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Excellent review. So glad that you gave the book a chance. I loved Yoon’s writing in Everything, Everything; it’s beautiful, enchanting, and brilliantly executed, and I’m so glad she continues this trend in The Sun is Also a Star too. I cannot wait to read it.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. I know exactly what you mean by outgrowing some books. I’m in my early twenties and I also feel like book set in high school aren’t for me anymore. However, I’m so happy to hear that this is fabulous read of you, Caitlin! I met Nicola Yoon last year and she was such a doll. I also love Everything, Everything, her debut novel, and recommend it. ^.^

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. Pingback: The Webs We Weave: A Discussion of The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon – Shelfie: Your YA Snapshot

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