This book is more relevant now than it was when it was written; it’s about immigration, both legal and illegal. It’s a beautiful story with a powerful message that is more necessary now than ever before. Relevance made this already powerful book one of the most powerful I read last year. 

Nicola Yoon fast became one of my favourite authors when I read Everything, Everything (read my gushing review here). I was so grateful and excited when I received the review copy I cannot explain (I read it straight away, this review is just delayed because of essays and uni), and it did not disappoint. The characters were wonderful and diverse, the plot intriguing but not over complicated, and I loved the format too. 

One thing that Nicola Yoon excels at is writing diverse characters. She does it effortlessly - with some authors I find it can be quite forced - and the characters are unique and interesting, and well researched as well. I assume this because they are all very different with their varying backgrounds and thus would have to say that Yoon is successfully portraying different cultures and backgrounds. 

Normally, I hate insta-love in novels, though this was, in a way, the premise of this book. However, it felt more genuine, as it is one-sided (I could expand but I’m too close to spoilers as it is, though I’d say this is fairly clear from the first chapter). The love story in this, although cheesy at times (it is a romance though, so I’m not going to complain because it’s to be expected - and it is rather adorable), is lovely and real.

I loved the balance between the characters, the differences that actually brings them together instead of pushing them apart, such as the difference between their interests; one loves science and one loves the arts (I’m fairly sure this says on the back cover). Again, Yoon’s characters are not always the ‘perfect match’ at first glance because they aren’t essentially the same character in terms of interests as I find quite common in books (possibly this is something I picked up on because my boyfriend and I are complete opposites in terms of interests, I don’t know). I feel like the relationships between her characters are real and honest - not forced in any way - and it makes for a much, much more enjoyable read. 

There isn’t a massive amount to say about the plot. It’s simple, but wonderful. It only covers a day. That’s pretty much it. However, this short time frame really enabled me to connect with the characters and also understand their mindsets in their situations, especially with Natasha’s impending deportation. I’ve never read a book where the protagonist is facing this situation and thus it was interesting - and heartbreaking - to read about. 

Overall I would highly recommend this book, and anything else Nicola Yoon has written / writes. This has made me certain that Yoon is one of my favourite writers, as I loved this just as much as Everything, Everything, and will definitely be picking up any future books by her.

Thank you for letting me read this book. Really good read and easy to follow story line. Look forward to reading more from this author

Every now and then I'll read a YA book so that me and my teenage daughter can enjoy reading something 'together' - and I've read some surprisingly good books this way.

The Sun Is Also A Star is a beautifully crafted book of love and belonging.

Daniel is a romantic, a poet, a dreamer - he's always played second-fiddle to his older brother, but now his brother has dropped out of college, and his parents have turned their attention and expectations to him, pressuring him not to let them down too.

Natasha loves science, data, facts - she revels in that which can be proven. She has her future and career all mapped out in her mind. What she hasn't factored in is her family being deported due to her father's arrest. 

She has just 12 hours to find a way to stay in New York and fulfil her destiny.

Their chance encounter means that Daniel has just 12 hours to make Natasha fall in love with him.

Told from their alternating POVs, we witness their feelings for each other during this eventful day - along with some poignant stories from a couple of bit-parts.

Will the Universe help or hinder their relationship?

Beautifully written, although riddled with happy coincidences, it never became a cliche - just an easy-to-read, poetic story.