Photo cred: jackidominique, The Game of Nerds
Daniel is a hopeless romantic. Natasha only believes in what science can prove. The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon follows Natasha on her last day in America. Her family moved here from Jamaica when she was young, but they have recently been found living here on an expired visa. Daniel is a Korean American who believes in fate. On this day, he decides to follow where the wind blows, and the wind blows him toward Natasha. As soon as they meet, he feels that they are meant to be, but Natasha can’t buy into that notion. The book takes place in one day (Think Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist). One day that may define the rest of their lives.
The book is not solely dual narrative (dual narrative happens to be a favorite of mine!), as it has short chapters focused on minor characters — a subway conductor, a security guard, a lawyer and his assistant, both main characters’ fathers. The glimpses into these lives affect the overall story in some smalls way, and also show many forms of broken hearts and broken dreams.
Most people who didn’t like the The Sun is Also a Star credit it to the “insta-love.” I know the idea of koi no yokan makes some people roll their eyes. This book is not for cynics of the non-hopeless romantic variety. But whatever, I like my books on the happy and cute side. There’s enough darkness in the world, and I’d rather my reading be a distraction than adding to my pile of reasons that life just sucks until you die. However, this book did bring me to tears on multiple occasions.
The Sun is Also a Star
Length: 348 pages
Favorite Quote: “Sometimes your world shakes so hard, it’s difficult to imagine that everyone else isn’t feeling it too.”
Ratings: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
