Ceiling Stars

by Sandra Diersch

Christine and Danelle have been best friends forever, a relationship as seemingly infinite as the glow-in-the-dark stars they have affixed to their bedroom ceilings. Lately, though, the girls have been drifting apart, as Danelle's quirky moods turn into wild and reckless acts. At first Christine wonders if her friend is on drugs, but what kind of drugs make you climb a rooftop one moment and send you into the depths of despair the next? The truth behind Danelle's ups and downs is far more complex and dangerous than Christine ever could have anticipated. Ceiling Stars is a moving story about the strength and limits of friendship in the presence of mental illness.

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm having a hard time pinpointing what was so underwhelming about this book to me. I think part of the issue is that there weren't really plot points involving the protagonist. She just watched other people have things happen in their lives. But I also didn't feel like that was by design. I feel like I was supposed to be invested in her and care about her, but she was kind of a non-character. Apart from that, the writing felt kind of flat. On the whole, I just wasn't interested.

Also, the author's note at the beginning turned me off. It said if you witness erratic behavior in a friend, to let "a trusted adult" know. Dude, your protagonists are 17, not 7. They're past the age of "just tell a grown up and they'll fix it."

[Emmebean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very powerful book about friendship and mental illness. Sandra Diersch portrayed mental illness very well and developed outstanding, memorable characters.

[Navy Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good look into friendship thru mental illness, this book has definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

[rayghen · Rating 4 out of 5]

truly one of the best books i’ve ever read. it’s such a beautiful story.

[On My SlOw FlOw NaMeAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really shows you the true meaningg of friendship. I love how even though her friend was in a serious probem she stayed her friend and helped her. I also think this book has a lot of lessons about friendship. I reccommend it to everybody.

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found Ceiling Stars a little boring.

[AdrienneViolet · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a moving story of friendship and emotion. I loved reading this I couldn't stop until the very end.