The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Written by the same author as Everything, Everything, The Sun is Also a Star is a young adult novel that primarily shifts in perspectives between two teenagers. Natasha is a pragmatic, no nonsense young girl desperately searching for a way to avoid her family’s impending deportation, a result of her father’s recent arrest for DUI. Daniel is a young Korean-American whose pre-med future has been mapped out for him even though he’d rather be a poet. Their lives intersect, and they spend a day together-- likely the most magical and heartbreaking either of them has ever experienced. Making this novel unique, the entire plot takes place over the course of one day. Also, there are a few short chapters from other perspectives that add to the omniscience of the story. I had a hard time getting into the book at first; I felt confused. But, after I settled in, I really enjoyed it. I’d recommend this book to anybody who likes YA lit and to those who enjoyed Everything, Everything as they have the same sort of “forbidden-love” feel.
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys
I am sad that, at this point, I have read all of Sepetys’ books. What an amazing author. Out of the Easy departs from the WWII setting of Between Shades of Gray and Salt to the Sea. It takes place in New Orleans in 1950. The books centers around Josie, the well-read daughter of a brothel prostitute, who longs to attend college in New England. Working as a personal assistant to the brothel’s madam, Willie, and also at a bookstore with her best friend, Patrick, Josie has all the perfect combination of book and street smarts. Yet, because of her lack of pedigree, loyalty to Willie, and thieving mother, she feels as though she’ll never escape the French quarter. Additionally, Josie becomes obsessed with the mysterious death of a bookstore patron, which only proves to complicate matters further. I loved this novel for it’s colorful setting, it’s complex characters, and it’s fast paced plot. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fiction read. Bonus for historical fiction fans. I was sad when it ended.
