I feel like And The Stars Were Burning Brightly is one of those books which should be essential reading for every teenager growing up in this current generation, but can be read by any age group as it tells such a vital, timely and devastating story. The book follows Nathan, as he deals with the suicide of his older brother Al and the subsequent questions and trauma that follows. While the rest of his family are grieving and dealing in their own way, Nathan grows more and more troubled by what led up to his brothers death and what could have been going on to lead him to take his own life.

This book is honestly one of the most heartbreaking stories I have read and is so deeply honest and raw. Danielle Jawando has managed to portray so many serious topics with such grace and power, allowing the reader to really connect with the story and characters. I’d also like to mention that the novel is very much inspired by the authors own life and experiences as a young person going through a very difficult time. I think it’s so admirable that she has chosen to put this experience into her novel and has the courage to do so. I’m certain this will help others who might be in a dark place and show them that there is still hope and light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. I really loved that there were mental health resources listed at the end as well.

The novel is told in dual perspective, so we follow both Nathan and Megan as they deal with the loss of Al and finding out the truth of what he was going through. I thought this was such a good choice as it allowed us to see exactly how both the characters were dealing with their overwhelming grief and guilt as well as the unique relationships they had with Al, as one was a family member and other, his best friend. It’s so clear throughout the novel just how much they loved Al and how special he was to them both, which makes what happens all the more gut wrenching. The relationships between the characters feel so true and I loved the bonds between Nathan and the rest of his family too.

As well as the dual perspectives, I thought the way in which the novel was written also added a lot. The majority of the characters we encounter in this novel are teenagers, and they talk, act and behave like teenagers and it was such an authentic portrayal in many ways. They use slang, they swear, they make mistakes – which is reflected in the text which again made it feel more authentic to me. Too often I think we hold teenagers to impossible standards, so it was refreshing to see a portrayal of teen characters which felt honest and allowed them to feel how they felt without a judgemental tone.

Tying in with the authentic element, I think Jawando managed to capture the toxic and harmful side to Social Media and the very real impact of it so well in this novel. Ranging from the negative comments to the sharing of private photos, to abusive videos going viral with endless trolling. There’s a real spectrum of all the nasty side of the internet and social networking apps depicted here and how they can be misused. I think she also captures how pervasive this abuse can be and how it’s not just a ‘joke’ as so many of the characters in the novel try to say in order to shift blame from themselves for contributing to Als fragile state of mind. On the flip side, Jawando shows how social media can be a source of good towards the end of the novel when Megan starts the hashtag #BurnBright and people use it to celebrate Als art and talent.

While the book is serious in nature given the subject matter, it also has moments which are more uplifting and hopeful as well, which is reinforced by how the novel ends. Al was such a bright and amazing person and deserved so much more in life than what he got, but through his loss, those around him come to key realisations about how they want to live as well. Prior to Als death, Nathan didn’t have any direction or hope about his future, assuming he wouldn’t amount to anything due to his lack of background and peoples perceptions of him as a young black man. Megan too had low confidence in her abilities as an artist and had a toxic friendship which was sapping her energy. However, through their shared loss, both these characters are inspired by Al and their love for him to live life on their own terms and move forward the way he would have wanted them to.

Overall, And The Stars Were Burning Brightly was an insightful and powerful story which will definitely touch a lot of readers with it’s depiction of suicide and the far reaching impacts of bullying. Above all however, this is a story of lost potential and the realities of dealing with such an immeasurable loss but finding hope and the strength to go on despite it all. I think Als hashtag says it best, Burn Bright.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW!  
Many thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK Children’s books for the free eARC of this book.  
TRIGGER Warnings for Suicide and Bullying.
So with these trigger warnings the subject matters in this book are not the easiest to read about. It’s raw and honest and kinda brutal in some ways. However I really enjoyed this book!  I loved getting to know the characters and their relationship and how they were dealing with really difficult circumstances. It flowed well and I enjoyed shorter chapters.  Anyone not from the UK might take a little while to get used to the dialogue but I think it really adds to the realness of the story. 
There’s a lot of hope in this book, and just being aware of the trigger warnings I would definitely recommend it to others.  Publication date is the 9th of March 2020 so add this one to your TBR guys.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 heartbreaking stars

This was such a well written book, the jargonistic and slang language used, really told the story from the hearts and minds of the main characters.

It’s such a tragic tale of what young people face these days and the devastating impact it can have on their lives.

A book like this should be on school curriculums to help young people see the damage that can be done.

This is a book about mental health, bullying & teenage suicide so please be aware before you start reading as it will emotionally affect you.

What a powerful book. Bullying has been around schools forever. The victims are meant to live with it while the bullies are '"ust having a laugh." "Doesn' t mean anything" "Don't be so sensitive, it's just banter!" But words can hurt as much as physical blows especially when it's relentless.
In today's social media life, this is played out on social media meaning that there is no escape for the victim. 
This is a story about how Nathan and Megan try to come to terms with the suicide of Nathan's brother, Al. As Nathan searches for why Al took his life, we discover why bullying happens, and why the sideliners let it happen, not joining in but thinking it's OK to watch, record and upload videos of the bullying. 
If it's happening to you, tell someone. Don't keep it to yourself.

Oh wow, what a beautiful book.

Burn Bright is one of those rare books that is profound and accessible in equal measures. Jawando addresses some important and hard-hitting issues with heartbreaking honesty - you can practically feel the emotion bleeding off the pages. There is no romanticising or overly poetic prose here - you can tell that Jawando is writing straight from the heart.

Nate and Megan are very different protagonists, but they are both likeable in their own way. Jawando has a real knack for authentic dialogue, and her use of dual narratives really brings the storytelling to life. Al's words, interwoven throughout, act as a poignant hinge for each new chapter.

Devastating and brilliant, Burn Bright is a must-read UKYA for 2020.

Another day, another book, and what a book!
Al was a talented artist. He was going places. An offer for Cambridge University, the support of his family and teachers. Then it all ends.
Nate is trying to cope with the loss of his older brother, Al, through suicide. Why did he do it? He had so much to live for.
Megan feels guilty. Why did she not spot the signs within her weird friend, Al? A behind closed doors friendship she was ashamed to acknowledge in front of others, until it is too late.
Nate and Megan tread a path, tentatively, together, to discover the truth, uncovering hate, social media and cyber bullying.
This debut by Danielle Jawando is harrowing and heart wrenching. A book that should be read by all young adults. Words are not always simply words. Banter is not always just banter. Words and banter can hurt.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful read on a not so easy subject. Al committed suicide, he’s brother who found him needs to know why. He sets out a journey to find the truth. The books narrative is brilliant, swapping between Nate and Al’s friend Megan and their story’s of what Al brought to there lives. I think this is a beautifully sad story of how teenage suicide can hurt everyone invoked and how the pressures of social media and fitting in can turns peoples lives upside down.

Jawando is a fine new voice in YA fiction. Here she has tackled a particularly important issue in a sensitive, yet forthright way. The narrative style is bound to be one that will engage young adult readers and stimulate discussion, and the themes linger long after having read this novel.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me. As a person who not too long ago tried to commit suicide, this story hit me close to home but I was amazed at how accurately the characters feelings were written. I know that the author has tried to commit suicide herself so she knows how it feels to reach that point in your life but it's hard to portray that well in a story but she did it.

There were times where I didn't think I could finish this book. I started it in a time where I wasn't doing very well. My own suicide attempt happend a little over a year ago and I'm still struggling with a depression. I questioned if this was a good time to read this book as it could trigger some stuff for me but I found that it was good for me to read this book. I have buried a lot of those feelings and my feelings about being bullied in high school for many, many years but this book made me revisit them and I think I'm stronger because of it now than I have ever been. 

It definitely has triggers and it has moved me to tears on several occasions but it's so important that people read this book. It has a place in my heart.

I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.... thank you.

This is a beautiful, emotional book that explores those left behind following a teenagers suicide.
What happened that made Al  feel like the only way out was death? Following the stories of Nate (Al’s younger brother) who found Al and his friend Megan. The author cleverly alternates between both characters interweaving Al’s story as she goes.
This book explores how teenagers feel forced to behave a certain way for fear of not fitting in and how social media means they feel they are never left alone! Very thought provoking.
This is my 1st book by this author but I will most certainly be looking for others.
Thanks go to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review

#BurnBright #NetGalley

You must read this book!
The book is based on the experiences of the author. It tells the story of Al a grade  A student in his final year at school. He is planning for university when he starts to encounter peer-related difficulties. At one stage he states "All I could think about was that hole in my photo. And I stopped drawing myself after that, maybe I didn't deserve to be seen"

This book is for teenagers but parents, teachers and anyone who works with young people should read it to see the immense pressures peer issues and social media have on young people. We must always remember to let them know support is available and hope is implicit.

The story begins three days after Al’s suicide. He hanged himself by his school tie in his bedroom and was found by his younger brother, Nate.
Nate can’t understand why Al did it. Al was clever, a talented artist, a kind and loving person - set to leave their Manchester council estate for a place at university. But Nate also blames himself; Al tried to call Nate on the afternoon he died, and Nate ditched the call. Nate is plagued by the idea that if he’d answered, Al would still be alive.
Nate begins a desperate search for a reason, which takes him to the school art room, where he meets Megan; Al’s friend and fellow artist. Between them, they gradually piece together a story of bullying targeted at Al but it is not until the day of Al’s funeral that the devastating full extent of the bullying becomes clear.
This book was so heartbreakingly sad I had to keep putting it down. Nate’s raw guilt, anger and overwhelming grief are brilliantly written. The horrendous bullying campaign to which Al was subjected is based on the author’s personal experience and the whole book has a stomach-dropping authenticity to it. This is a piercing and haunting read that will stay with you.
But, despite the high tissue count, this book has a message of hope: you are unique, you are special and you are meant to be here. Whilst the impact of Al’s death is devastating to his family and friends, it clearly demonstrates that there will always be people who want you around and whose lives will never be the same without you.
And there are other positive themes too - the power of social media for good as well as harm; how to be a true friend and how to recognise true friendship in others; that talking about your feelings does not make you weak; that life does go on after loss. There is also a challenge to law-makers about cyber-bullying; most of what Al endured was not illegal.
This is an incredible debut novel that could actually save lives.

Beautifully written and heartbreaking.  How a headmaster could let this sort of thing go on in his school is beyond me.  But I was also saddened by how these kids keep their feelings to themselves because they are afraid to share them.  If only people would talk to one another!

Nathan and Megan are brought together by Als’ death. Nathan is his brother, torturing himself with ‘what ifs’, blaming himself for not answering that  last phone call. Megan feels guilty that she didn’t publicly acknowledge her friendship with Al while he was alive.

A thought provoking story, that is all too likely given everyone’s dependence on, and use of the internet, twitter etc. This deals head on with the subject of bullying, and the fact that so many more boys and men kill themselves through this that we realise.  So well written, a must-read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review

And the Stars Were Burning Brightly was an absorbing contemporary novel tackling issues such as cyber bullying, suicide and the grief felt by those left behind, and the darker side of social media. The author dealt with all of these topics in a compassionate and realistic way, perhaps because of her own experiences.

The book begins and ends with a note from the author on her own experiences with bullying and suicidal feelings, both of which appear to have influenced her writing.

Al was a bright and talented young man with a loving family so what caused him to think that suicide was his only option? That is the question playing on fifteen-year-old Nate’s mind after the death of his big brother Al.

Struggling with his own feelings of guilt and anger Nate desperately feels like he need to find out what drove him to do what he did.

During his search he meets Megan, a friend of Al’s who is also suffering with her own feelings of guilt. Together they try to ensure Al is remembered in the right way.

And the Stars Were Burning Brightly was a real tear-jerker. I lost count of the times I welled up. I didn’t feel like the author was making it emotive for the sake of it though. I think the reason it was such an emotional read is that it was so easy to empathise with Nate and Megan.  

And the Stars Were Burning Brightly was written from multiple POV – Al, Nate and Megan. I liked that the author chose to include Al’s thoughts at the beginning of each chapter, I felt this helped the reader keep him in the forefront of their mind.

“I thought of me and Nate on the boxing-gym roof. Me and my little bro up on that roof, and my chance to tell him everything, but not being able to find the right words.

Then I sat back and prayed that the ride wouldn’t stop. Because I knew that when I did it wouldn’t be a neutron star anymore. I’d just be Al.

Al who was nothing.

Al who wanted to disappear.

Al who wanted to be up there instead…where nothing can touch you and all you know is helium and nitrogen and dust.”

One thing I thought the author captured accurately was the pain, anger and regret Nate felt after Al’s death and was unable to express.

“I turn over in the dark and wait for it to stop hurting. Not the kinda hurt when someone gives you a dead arm in school and you laugh your head off, pretending it doesn’t sting, even though it kills. This is a different hurt. One that seems to come from inside and pull down on me. Like all these different parts of me slipping away, and I can do nothing to stop it. It’s this hurt that takes over. That splits me right down the middle. That reminds me every minute that Al aint here, and there’s nothing I can do to change it.”

One of the very best things the author did in writing And the Stars Were Burning Brightly was to emphasise the need for young men to talk.

Another issue that was brought to light in this book was the way people negatively react to certain things, such as living on a council estate.

“People are always saying how much of a dump Wythenshaw is. That it is chavvy or proper rough and how you can’t even go to the shops for milk without getting stabbed. Which is a load of rubbish. Al would always say that, if anything, he felt lucky to be from one of the biggest council estates in Europe ‘cos it also had so much history. Looking at his Insta makes me think that maybe I’d taken it for granted. Cos Al was able to look closely and find all this good stuff and capture it. People only ever talk about the bad things around her. No one ever talks about how green it is, or how people look out for each other, how everyone on our estate helped pay for dad’s funeral.”

Despite the topics covered I felt it was ultimately a hope filled book. I think it is going to be massive and deservedly so.

CW Suicide, Suicidal ideation, bullying, homophobia, violence.

The Stars Were Burning Brightly is my first read for Black History Month. It’s a UK YA novel, inspired by the authors own life. There are beginning and end author’s notes about bullying, with resources, which is important in a novel such as this.

The story is told from two points of view. Nathan, a fifteen-year-old boy from Wythenshawe, Manchester. Nathans’ brother Al had recently committed suicide. The second point of view is from Al’s friend Megan. We even hear from Al as each chapter opens with a short paragraph of his writing/voice messages. 

Nathan is angry and guilty, feeling he’s let down his brother and wanting to find out what happened. He’s determined to find out what drove his brother to suicide. 

Megan is struggling because Al’s death reminds her of her father’s. Her best friend is also changing and acting with selfishness and cruelty towards her. 

This is a heavy and emotional book with important messages about mental health and grief. I did knock off a star for how Lewis subplot (no spoilers) as it wasn’t the most delicate of handling. Still, this is an important book with a vital message and I hope plenty of young people read it.

And the Stars were Burning Brightly by Danielle Jawando is a devastating read! Initially I struggled with the vocabulary, culture and time of the narrative. Once you get past the urban “youth speak” however, you are into a twisted story of desolate loss and cruelty, told in a very insightful way. Nate and Megan go through a traumatic and life changing experience after losing Al and their awakening to the impact of the social media and “belonging” culture is powerful and tragic yet ultimately inspires hope. This is such a vitally important subject with stark messages for friends and peers to be brave and live their “best Al’s life”. The overall topic and the unfolding of the extent of Al’s struggle is a message that needs to be heard. Perhaps this is one for the social studies curriculum in our schools (and even, dare I suggest it, our workplaces).

I really couldn't get into this book as the written language style was so poor and I found it rather annoying.
The book has so many 5 star reviews so I may pick it up when my expectations are lower but right now it wasn't for me.

What an incredibly moving novel. Al commits suicide leaving behind a bewildered family, including his brother Nate, who sets out to try to understand why. We hear from both boys, and the story is truly heartbreaking at times as it delves into social media bullying, never being free of it, constantly harassed wherever you are. A timely story that will stay with me.

This book really deserves 2 separate reviews; one of the story itself and one of the profound effect the background to the story will have on the reader.

Al commits suicide and no-one knows why but he leaves behind a devastated family of whom his brother Nate is determined to find out the truth.
Written mainly from the perspective of Nate but with paragraphs from Al at the beginning of each chapter he book delves deep into both the feelings of Al and also those he left behind. As the truth reveals itself the full horror of "social" media bullying is brought to the forefront
Bullies have always existed but at least in my day they could only bully you in person...the advent of a myriad of ways to target young people via the use of media is horrifying as are the consequences.
The story itself is so well written. It captures the voice and experience of the teenagers involved and brings each and every character to life. The well known pressures faced by teens on how to look, how to behave, what to think and who to be friends with are all captured across the characters with plenty of posturing hiding the real emotions of the girls in particular.
The background to the story is heartbreaking. Bullying by social media is an extremely distressing concept for any parent as it is so completely out of any control they may have in terms of getting things removed from sites and the heavy reliance of young people on the varying platforms to maintain their own presence and status is frightening.
The author is extremely brave in revealing that the book is written from personal experience and I hope that reading it will change the viewpoint of teenagers on all sides of the social divides and make them think a little harder about what they do, share and comment on.