“It’s easy to fall in love with someone you don’t know. All the best qualities can be projected onto them. No flaws. No reality.”
— Natasha reflects on the idealized version of Daniel she's creating in her mind.
Archivist's Choice
The Sun Is Also a Star
Nicola Yoon (2016)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
450 min
Key Themes
See below
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A practical, science-focused girl facing deportation has her carefully planned future disrupted by a poetic boy who believes in destiny, all in one life-changing day in New York City.
Synopsis
On a morning in New York City, Natasha, a pragmatic, science-minded undocumented immigrant, is hours from her family's deportation to Jamaica. Her only goal is a last effort to stop their removal. Meanwhile, Daniel, a poetic and dreamy Korean-American teenager, is going to a Yale interview, feeling the weight of his parents' expectations. They meet by chance, an event Daniel thinks is destiny. Despite Natasha's doubt about fate and her immigration crisis, Daniel wants to convince her they belong together. Over one day, they explore each other's worlds, sharing talks, visiting a planetarium, and facing the realities of Natasha's deportation. As their bond grows, they confront their struggles and the threat that could separate them. After a farewell at the airport, hope for their future remains, leading to a reunion years later, suggesting some connections are strong enough to last.
Reading time
450 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Romantic, Hopeful, Poignant, Reflective
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy a romantic, emotional, and thought-provoking story about destiny, immigration, and finding love against all odds.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fantasy/sci-fi, or are looking for a lighthearted romance without serious real-world issues.
Plot Summary
A Fateful Morning in New York
Natasha Kingsley wakes up on her last full day in New York City, determined to stop her family's deportation to Jamaica, set for that evening. She goes to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office for a final appeal, carrying a folder of documents. Meanwhile, Daniel Jae Ho Bae is on his way to a Yale University alumni interview, a path his Korean immigrant parents have carefully planned. He feels the pressure of their hopes but secretly wants to be a poet. Their paths cross when Daniel sees Natasha on the street, drawn to her red jacket and the sadness in her eyes, leading him to follow her into a coffee shop.
A Chance Encounter and a Proposal
Inside the coffee shop, Daniel approaches Natasha, driven by his romantic feelings. He tries to convince her their meeting is a sign of destiny, an idea Natasha, who believes in science and logic, strongly rejects. She tells him about her upcoming deportation, hoping to deter him, but Daniel is not put off. He proposes a challenge: if he can make her fall in love with him by the end of the day, she must admit fate exists. Natasha, seeing no harm in a distraction from her growing anxiety, agrees, intrigued by his sincerity and unexpected charm.
The Immigration Office and a Lawyer's Help
Natasha attends her meeting at the USCIS office, where her appeal for a deportation stay is denied. Distraught, she leaves the office and is approached by Jeremy Fitzgerald, an immigration lawyer who had been watching her case. Jeremy, moved by her story and the unfairness of the situation, offers to take her case for free, seeing a possible way to appeal. He tells her to gather more documents and meet him later that afternoon, giving Natasha a fragile bit of hope amid her despair.
Exploring Each Other's Worlds
As Natasha deals with her legal situation, Daniel stays with her. They explore parts of New York City, visiting a Korean karaoke bar where Daniel shares his love for poetry, and a vintage clothing store where Natasha talks about her interest in astronomy and science. Through their talks, they discuss their families' histories, their personal goals, and their fears. Daniel introduces Natasha to his older brother, Charlie, who criticizes Daniel's lack of ambition and his adherence to their parents' expectations, causing tension and showing the pressures Daniel faces.
A Visit to the Planetarium
Daniel takes Natasha to the Hayden Planetarium, a place important to Natasha because of her interest in space. Under the simulated stars, Natasha's scientific view and Daniel's romantic idealism start to blend. They share a deep moment, talking about the vastness of the universe and the smallness of human lives, yet the importance of individual experiences. This shared time strengthens their bond, making Natasha question her strict logic and letting her feel a sense of wonder and connection she hadn't expected.
The Yale Interview and a Revelation
Daniel attends his Yale interview, which goes poorly as he struggles to express his true goals, feeling the weight of his parents' expectations. Meanwhile, Natasha learns that Jeremy Fitzgerald, the lawyer helping her, is a former classmate of Daniel's brother, Charlie, and that Charlie had recommended Jeremy. This discovery makes Natasha suspicious about Jeremy's real reasons for helping, making her wonder if Daniel arranged the meeting. She confronts Daniel, leading to a temporary disagreement between them, fueled by her mistrust and his perceived deception.
Confrontation and Reconciliation
Natasha confronts Daniel about Jeremy Fitzgerald, accusing him of manipulating her. Daniel, initially hurt by her distrust, explains he genuinely wanted to help and that Charlie's connection to Jeremy was a lucky coincidence, not a planned scheme. He apologizes for any misunderstanding and reaffirms his sincere desire to support her. Through an honest conversation, they overcome the miscommunication, strengthening their bond further. Natasha realizes the depth of Daniel's feelings and her own growing affection for him, pushing aside her skepticism.
A Final Appeal and a Heartbreaking Farewell
Jeremy Fitzgerald presents a strong case for Natasha, offering new evidence and highlighting the human aspects of her situation. However, despite his efforts, the judge upholds the deportation order. Natasha is heartbroken, facing the reality of leaving the only home she has known. She shares a tearful goodbye with Daniel, promising to remember him and their extraordinary day. Their farewell is a mix of love, regret, and the painful awareness of their separation.
The Airport and a Glimmer of Hope
Natasha, her parents, and her younger brother, Peter, arrive at the airport, preparing for their flight to Jamaica. The mood is somber and heavy with unspoken sadness. Before boarding, Natasha learns that Daniel, in a final act of love and hope, has left her a copy of Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' with a heartfelt inscription inside. This small gesture reminds her of their connection and the lasting power of dreams and poetry. As the plane takes off, Natasha looks out the window, holding onto the memories of her day with Daniel and the possibility of a future reunion.
Years Later: A Chance Reunion
Ten years later, Natasha is a successful medical doctor in Jamaica, having returned to the US legally for her studies. Daniel is now a successful poet, having gone against his parents' expectations and pursued his true passion. He is in Jamaica for a book reading and a literary festival. By a twist of fate, or perhaps destiny, they find themselves in the same coffee shop. Recognizing each other after a decade, they share a moment of deep realization and renewed connection. Their story, left open years ago, now has a chance to continue.
Principal Figures
Natasha Kingsley
The Protagonist
Natasha begins as a staunch skeptic of fate, but her day with Daniel softens her logical facade, opening her heart to love, vulnerability, and the possibility of unforeseen connections. She learns to balance her scientific worldview with emotional truths.
Daniel Jae Ho Bae
The Protagonist
Daniel starts as a dutiful son constrained by expectations, but his day with Natasha empowers him to embrace his true identity as a poet and stand up for his own dreams, ultimately leading him to a fulfilling life. He learns to assert his individuality.
Charlie Bae
The Supporting
Charlie remains largely static, serving as a foil to Daniel, but his small act of kindness towards Natasha reveals a hidden depth and concern for his brother.
Jeremy Fitzgerald
The Supporting
Jeremy's arc is brief but impactful, demonstrating his commitment to justice despite the ultimate outcome of Natasha's case.
Samuel Kingsley
The Supporting
Samuel remains burdened by his past actions, but he ultimately accepts responsibility and focuses on rebuilding his family's life in Jamaica.
Patricia Kingsley
The Supporting
Patricia endures the hardships with quiet strength, providing a stable presence for her family despite their upheaval.
Min Soo Bae
The Supporting
Min Soo Bae remains a figure of stern expectation, representing the external pressures Daniel must overcome to forge his own path.
Eun Ae Bae
The Supporting
Eun Ae Bae remains a supportive but traditional figure, pushing Daniel towards a conventional path.
Themes & Insights
Fate vs. Free Will
This main theme is shown through Natasha's and Daniel's different views. Natasha believes in scientific rules and logic, rejecting fate, especially since her family's deportation feels like an arbitrary, unavoidable fact. Daniel, however, is a romantic idealist who sees their chance meeting as destiny, trying to prove fate exists throughout their day. The story often includes 'the Universe's' perspective, suggesting that many small decisions and coincidences lead to important moments. Ultimately, the story implies a complex interaction: while outside events (like Natasha's deportation) are mostly beyond their control, their choices to engage with each other and follow their dreams are powerful acts of free will that shape their personal destinies. The ten-year reunion reinforces the idea that while paths diverge, some connections are strong enough to last, blurring the line between chance and predestination.
“What if free will is an illusion, and everything is fated, and it's just the sum total of our choices that brought us to this moment?”
The American Dream and Immigration
The novel looks at the American Dream through Natasha's Jamaican immigrant family and Daniel's Korean immigrant family. Natasha's family faces deportation because of her father's minor legal issue, destroying their hopes for a better life in the U.S. This shows how uncertain immigrant status is and how unforgiving the legal system can be. Daniel's parents, having found some success with their beauty supply store, pressure him to pursue a 'safe' and respected career (doctor) as their version of the American Dream, sacrificing personal passion for perceived security. The story shows how the dream can be both a strong motivator and a heavy burden, often failing those who seek it most.
“This is what I tell myself: I am a good person. I am a good person. I have to believe it, because if I don't, I won't be able to live with myself.”
Identity and Self-Discovery
Both Natasha and Daniel are finding out who they are. Natasha, initially defined by her scientific reason and her status as an undocumented immigrant, has to face her emotional side and her ability to love. Her upcoming deportation challenges her sense of belonging and makes her redefine 'home' and 'identity' beyond borders. Daniel struggles to balance his parents' expectations (a pre-med student for Yale) with his true passion for poetry. His day with Natasha helps him, empowering him to embrace his true self and follow a path that aligns with his inner desires, not outside pressures. Their shared experience helps them say and commit to who they truly are, even when facing difficulties.
“I want to be the kind of person who makes things happen, not the kind of person who just lets things happen to them.”
The Power of Connection and Human Interaction
The novel highlights how small, brief interactions can deeply change lives. The entire story depends on Daniel's decision to follow Natasha into a coffee shop. Throughout their single day together, their deep talks, shared experiences, and emotional openness create a strong bond that goes beyond their different backgrounds and imminent separation. The story uses all-knowing interludes to show how other characters' lives (like the security guard, the barista, the lawyer) are connected, reinforcing the idea that every person's story is part of a larger, complex web. The lasting impact of their one day, ending in their reunion a decade later, shows the enduring power of real human connection to inspire change and offer hope.
“Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Omniscient Narration and Interludes
Brief, third-person perspectives on seemingly minor characters or scientific facts.
The narrative frequently switches from the first-person perspectives of Natasha and Daniel to a third-person omniscient voice, often providing short, insightful interludes about secondary characters (like a security guard, a barista, a lawyer) or offering scientific/historical facts. This device broadens the scope of the story, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all lives in New York City and the vastness of the universe. It reinforces the theme of fate versus free will by showing how countless individual stories and random events contribute to the larger tapestry of life, making Natasha and Daniel's specific encounter feel both unique and part of something much bigger.
The Single Day Timeline
The entire main plot unfolds over a single, intense 24-hour period.
The core of the story takes place entirely within one day, from the morning of Natasha's deportation to her flight that evening. This compressed timeline creates a sense of urgency, intensity, and heightened emotion, making every interaction and decision feel profoundly significant. It forces Natasha and Daniel to rapidly confront their deepest fears, desires, and identities, accelerating their emotional and romantic connection. The limited time frame underscores the preciousness of moments and the idea that life-altering events can occur in a very short span, challenging conventional notions of how long it takes to fall in love or change one's life path.
Contrasting Worldviews
Natasha's scientific pragmatism versus Daniel's romantic idealism.
The stark contrast between Natasha's belief in science, facts, and logic, and Daniel's belief in fate, destiny, and poetry serves as a primary driving force for their interactions and the central philosophical debate of the novel. Their differing perspectives create immediate conflict and intrigue, allowing them to challenge each other's assumptions and expand their own understanding of the world. This device highlights how two seemingly opposite viewpoints can ultimately complement each other, leading to a richer and more nuanced understanding of life, love, and the universe. Their evolving acceptance of each other's perspectives reflects their personal growth.
Foreshadowing and Flashforwards
Hints of future events and a direct glimpse into the characters' lives ten years later.
The novel employs subtle foreshadowing throughout, often through the omniscient narrator's philosophical musings about choices and consequences. More explicitly, the story includes a significant flashforward to ten years in the future, revealing Natasha and Daniel's individual successes and their eventual reunion. This device provides a sense of hope and resolution, assuring the reader that despite the immediate heartbreak of their separation, their story is not truly over. It reinforces the themes of fate and enduring connection, suggesting that some bonds are meant to last, regardless of time or distance, and that personal growth can lead to unexpected second chances.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Some things are just meant to be. And some things are just meant to happen.”
— Daniel muses on fate and destiny as he tries to convince Natasha.
“Everything in my life has been planned. Everything in my life has been decided for me. I’m tired of not being in control.”
— Daniel expresses his frustration with his parents' expectations for his future.
“People are more than the sum of their choices. They are also the products of the choices they didn't make.”
— A narrative interlude reflecting on the complexities of human identity.
“The thing about love is that we all have a different definition of it.”
— Natasha considers the subjective nature of love and relationships.
“I’m not a believer in fate, but I’m a believer in people. And I believe in you.”
— Natasha, despite her skepticism, acknowledges her growing feelings for Daniel.
“Even if we don’t get to be together, I’ll always be grateful that I met you.”
— Daniel expresses his profound appreciation for Natasha, even with their uncertain future.
“The universe is a cruel, uncaring void. The key to being happy isn't to search for meaning, it's to just keep yourself busy with unimportant nonsense, and eventually, you'll be dead.”
— Natasha's cynical internal monologue early in the book, reflecting her scientific and pragmatic worldview.
“There are no ordinary people. There are only people we don’t know well enough.”
— A narrative interlude discussing the depth and complexity of every individual's life.
“What if today is the day that everything changes?”
— Daniel's hopeful internal thought at the beginning of the day, anticipating a significant event.
“You can’t just go around telling people you love them. It’s too big. It’s too important.”
— Natasha's cautious perspective on expressing profound emotions, contrasting with Daniel's impulsiveness.
“Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.”
— A reflective thought on the butterfly effect of seemingly minor choices.
“We are all just stardust with an expiration date.”
— Natasha's scientific and somewhat melancholic view of human existence.
“Love is not a feeling, it’s a commitment. It’s a choice.”
— Daniel's more romantic and enduring view of love, trying to convince Natasha.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Natasha's central conflict is her family's impending deportation to Jamaica, scheduled for 10:00 PM that night. She is desperately trying to find a lawyer or any legal avenue to prevent their forced departure, which overshadows all other events in her day.
About the author
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