Review of The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Literature Reviews - 2025

Review of The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Overview

Nicola Yoon’s The Sun Is Also a Star is a contemporary young adult novel that explores themes of love, fate, immigration, and identity. Published in 2016, the book follows Natasha, a Jamaican immigrant facing deportation, and Daniel, a Korean American boy caught between his family’s expectations and his personal dreams. The novel is structured uniquely, incorporating multiple perspectives, historical facts, and even interludes from the "universe" itself.

Plot Summary

The novel takes place over a single day in New York City. Natasha, a pragmatist who believes in science over destiny, is desperately seeking a way to stop her family from being deported. Meanwhile, Daniel, a romantic at heart, is preparing for an important college interview that will determine his future. When their paths cross, Daniel becomes convinced that fate has brought them together, and he embarks on a mission to make Natasha fall in love with him before the day ends.

Strengths

  1. Unique Narrative Style
    • Yoon's decision to weave in historical facts, side-character perspectives, and universe musings adds depth to the story. These segments provide context about immigration, cultural identity, and serendipitous encounters, elevating the book beyond a simple love story.
    • The inclusion of different perspectives—such as Natasha’s immigration lawyer or Daniel’s parents—adds richness and a broader societal lens to the narrative.
  2. Immigration as a Central Theme
    • The book doesn’t just touch on romance but also explores the struggles of immigrants in the U.S. Natasha’s family’s impending deportation creates real stakes, adding urgency to her story.
    • Daniel’s experience as a second-generation Korean American reflects the pressures many children of immigrants face—balancing personal aspirations with familial expectations.
  3. Diversity & Representation
    • Yoon presents a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own challenges. The novel highlights the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and immigration status, which is rare in YA romance.
    • The cultural dynamics within Daniel’s and Natasha’s families feel authentic and add to the emotional weight of the story.
  4. Poignant Writing
    • Yoon’s prose is engaging, poetic at times, and filled with thought-provoking quotes. Her ability to create emotional moments ensures that the story resonates even beyond its pages.

Weaknesses

  1. Insta-Love and Unrealistic Romance
    • One of the biggest criticisms of the book is the “insta-love” trope. Natasha, who explicitly states that she doesn’t believe in fate, falls for Daniel within hours. This can feel forced and unrealistic.
    • Daniel’s pursuit of Natasha, despite her initial rejection, borders on uncomfortable persistence. Some readers found his infatuation a bit excessive, even labeling it as “stalker-ish.”
  2. Underdeveloped Themes
    • While the book introduces important issues like immigration and cultural identity, some critics feel these themes are used more as plot devices rather than being fully explored. Natasha’s deportation, for example, adds urgency to her love story but doesn’t get the nuanced discussion it deserves.
  3. Character Depth
    • Some readers found Natasha and Daniel one-dimensional—Natasha as the "rational girl who learns to believe in love" and Daniel as the "hopeless romantic." Their personalities, while contrasting, don’t necessarily evolve beyond their initial archetypes.

Critical Reception

The book has received mixed-to-positive reviews. Many praised its emotional impact and diverse representation, while others criticized its reliance on YA romance clichés. Some readers found it deeply moving, especially the depiction of immigrant experiences, while others were frustrated by the romance’s lack of believability.

Final Verdict

Overall, The Sun Is Also a Star is an engaging YA novel that blends romance with social commentary. While its insta-love premise may not appeal to all readers, the book’s exploration of fate, immigration, and cultural identity adds a compelling layer to the narrative. Yoon’s writing is beautiful, and her ability to intertwine different perspectives makes the book stand out.