The Sun is also a Star by Nicola Yoon

At 32 years of age (and feeling every year of it) I probably shouldn’t be reading young adult fiction, but I absolutely had to buy The Sun is Also a Star after reading Nicola Yoon’s amazing debut novel, ‘Everything, Everything’. 

Whilst the premise of this book might initially appear ‘boy meets girl’, there is more style and substance to it than many of the adult fiction novels I have read recently. Natasha is about to be deported (this isn’t a spoiler!) and meets Daniel, who’s life is at a turning point. One believes this is fate, the other doesn’t. 

Yoon has a real knack for writing characters that are relatable and likeable. Some young adult fiction can have very cliched teenage characters - even annoying to an extent. But Yoon gives them depth and a real purpose in what they are saying and thinking. Daniel is the boy you want to date if you’re 17, or who want your son to turn into if you’re 32! 

This book tackles issues of race, immigration and the complexities of family life, but it’s also about science, hope, love and taking chances. It perfectly captures those feelings of first love - of when you think everything happens for a reason, even if you don’t know what that reason is. It’s a book that makes you think. It teaches you things and encourages you to think about issues from another point of view. 

You might think that you’re too old for young adult fiction, but you’re never to old to learn new things and remember those feelings of first love.

Written by @littlewattsits

The sun is also a star is available to buy from Amazon and all good bookshops