We Are All Constellations

by Amy Beashel

A heartbreaking but hope-filled tale about the stories we tell ourselves to survive from the author of The Sky is Mine

'This poignant YA story of long-frozen grief and gradual self-discovery is slyly funny, romantic and filled with unlikely beauty.' The Guardian

A heartbreaking but hope-filled tale about the stories we tell ourselves to survive...

You are strong. You are brave. You are not alone.
Seventeen-year-old Iris is happy. She's fearless, she's strong. She is everything but a girl who lost her mum.

But Iris's dad and step-mum have been keeping a secret. One big enough to unravel her. Only the magnetic Órla can provide an escape, until things get...complicated. As Iris questions who she is, it becomes clear she can't run away from grief.

What happens when someone who has never faced up to the darkness lets it in?

Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Lesbian, Queer, LGBT, Mental Health, Grief

336 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2022

Reviews

[tappkalina]

March 1, 2024

DNF at 42%
Tried again because the cover haunts me, but should have listened to past me.



February 24, 2023

DNF at 20%
This was one of my most anticipated books for the year 😭😭, but 20 percent in nothing has happend so far, and I have zero idea about who these characters are.

[Nieves · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Somos constelaciones"es una historia dura y muy necesaria por todos los temas que trata. Una lectura que esconde un gran mensaje y te hace reflexionar 📦🏚️💠💫

Desde que vi este libro en la presentación de novedades de la editorial me llamó la atención por la portada tan bonita que tiene y por los temas que trata 🌟

Está narrado desde el punto de vista de Iris, la protagonista. Los capítulos son cortos y el ritmo de lectura es ligero y tiene un halo de misterio que te atrapa. En los primeros capítulos, me sentí un poco descolocada y no llegaba a entender a la protagonista hasta que seguí avanzando, después ya llegó un momento en que necesitaba saber más 🤭

En la novela la autora habla de diferentes temas: la salud mental, el machismo, la violencia sexual, el suicidio, el acoso, el amor y la sexualidad✨

Es un libro que nos muestra como el apoyo de nuestras amistades y nuestra familia es primordial en ciertos momentos de nuestras vidas 🌠

Un tema muy original que se trata en la novela es urbex, edificios y casas abandonadas. La verdad, es que no sabía ni que existía y me ha parecido muy interesante 🏚️

Los personajes son muy reales y auténticos. Iris va pasando a lo largo de la novela por diferentes etapas emocionales mientras va descubriendo distintas cosas de su pasado 💠

Ha sido una historia que me ha gustado por la evolución de la protagonista y por todos los temas de los que nos habla la autora. Uno de ellos me ha parecido de lo más necesario, ya que se habla muy poco en los libros sobre él y el otro, no lo conocía para nada y me he quedado con ganas de saber más sobre él. Es un libro que os recomiendo leer 💜

Reseña completa: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3-rIQOIj...

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is not what I expected it to be. It’s raw and real, so very real. Beautifull repressentation of mental health, the world is blessed with such a meaningful book. Thank you Amy💛

[Marie Sinadjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely book tackles a lot, but don't be frightened by all the content/trigger warnings, because it deals with those topics so beautifully and with utmost care. It doesn't come off preachy or trying too hard to be relevant to the youth, and even as a much older reader it resonated with me. Such is the power of Amy's writing; she has a way with words that really tugs at the heart, all while telling a well-woven tale. Her characters are complex — so utterly human — but relatable, even the "worst" ones. And while the story is painful and heartbreaking in so many places, it's not actually graphic, nor is it a pit of despair. It's real, and it's complicated, and it's messy, but it's also hopeful and brave and fierce.

The cover is beautiful, though I might be a tad biased because I like pinks and purples. I really loved the font stylings and I felt they were very effective in conveying Iris' feelings and thoughts to the reader. I'm not much of a poet, but I liked the poems featured and I think it would be nice if someone actually made videos of them being performed ala Tala.

As a Filipino currently living in the UK I also have to say that I really enjoyed Tala and all the cultural goodness that were sprinkled into the story! Now I miss palitaw 😭 but I'm hopeful that if they could make that here, so can I LOL. But, yes, Amy's pretty much spot on with the references. I had a laugh at how much of a big deal pasalubong and 18th birthdays are, and Iris calling Tala's mom Tita is just 👌 (Though the official language of the Philippines is actually Filipino, not Tagalog.)

RECOMMENDED LISTENING: "North Star" by Chris Mann

[Karen Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are all Constellations is a book about grief, mental health, sexuality and attitudes to assault. There’s a lot going on, but it is explored with compassion and understanding. Unafraid to examine difficult topics, but done in a way that feels thoughtful and sensitive.
Seventeen year old Iris is a keen urban explorer. Strong. Fearless. Determined to forge her own path. And then she learns the truth of what happened to her mum on Christmas Eve seven years earlier.
With her world rocked, Iris heads into what can best be described as a tailspin. Doubting everything she’s ever known, she finds herself increasingly at odds with those she’s relied on. Self-absorbed and judgmental, this Iris is vulnerable as everything she has believed is called into question.

[Librosigualamagia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5⭐
💜Esta es una historia juvenil donde se tratan temas complejos
✨Es la primera vez que leo a la autora y su pluma no ha terminado de encajar conmigo 🙈⠀
💜Esta narrado en primera persona por Iris,nuestra prota
✨Iris es una chica que va al instituto y tienes sus hobbys. Uno de ellos no es nada convencional pero la hace feliz. Va a casas abandonadas a explorar
💜Un día una de esas casas le resulta familiar y es entonces cuando su pasado regresa con fuerza y cambiará todo lo que ella creía conocer
✨La sinopsis no revela mucho más así que yo tampoco lo haré...es mejor que se sorprendan como me pasó a mi
💜Es una historia en la que al principio no entiendes nada y te cuesta engancharte pero una vez entras quieres saber más
✨Se tratan temas muy complejos como la salud mental,los trastornos mentales,la muerte, el duelo...pero también otros tenas mas propios de la edad como la autoestima, las primeras veces, la identidad sexual...etc
💜Me ha gustado que le dé visibilidad a estos temas pero no me ha gustado como ha manejado algunos de ellos...me hubiera gustado que desde el principio le diera importancia a la terapia y a buscar ayuda
✨Me ha costado un poco empatizar con Iris, no sé si debido a la edad,pero no he llegado a conectar del todo con ella
💜Los personajes secundarios también son importantes en la trama🤩Cada uno cumple un papel en la vida de Iris y conocemos parte de sus historias pero no profundiza en algunos aspectos que quedan en el aire
✨Ha sido una historia con la que no he conectado totalmente pero en la que se tratan temas muy importantes que no he visto en otras novelas
💜Si les gustan las historias juveniles,donde se traten estos temas complejos,con amor,amistad y familia, les puede gustar

[Zoe Radley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a good book for generating discussions around tough subjects such as depression, death and grieving. And also how to handle the loss of a loved one and that to just smile and carry on is not really the best thing to do. I also think that the characters that are LGBTQ are exceptionally written as in there’s no over the top-ness it’s just normal like any relationship and it feels real. The only issue I had with this book is that I didn’t feel much for the main character, she’s just a bit too spiky and when she does become a bit softer it doesn’t really work as it just feels forced, the other thing is I just found her a bit psychotic as in not much of an emotion was going on. The only thing I wasn’t convinced by was Tela and the description of a sexuality as it can be both not just one thing to me any way… it’s not the fear of sex and yes there is an element of not being attracted towards the opposite sex but that’s also generalising it… it’s a bit of both but you can be asexual and still love someone and find them attractive. On the whole it’s a good story just it’s a bit basic in others.

[Samira Müller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first 80 pages I wasn’t sure if I liked the book. Frankly, I thought it was all over the place and tackled too many issues at once. I’m not one to easily admit they were wrong but… I was. This book is a masterpiece toppling issues of grief, suicide, mental health, sexual assault and LGBTQ topics that are incredibly relatable if not to any teenager, then definitely to any woman. The last 30 pages, I was bawling my eyes out.
We are all constellations uses literary devices that I had rarely seen before exquisitely well (nice use of exquisite, Sam).The story is character-driven and makes you truly fall in love with them. From Iris to her best friend Tala even to Iris’ step brother Noah and the rest of her family. As well as órla and bronagh, who help Iris through her self discovery. The characters organically grow and develop relationships in ways that made me feel like I was growing with them.
I’m glad I read this.

[isla · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my gosh ok where do i begin
THIS. BOOK. IS. AMAZING.
i probably say that a lot but oh well
ok spoiler time
i LOVED iris' character development and órla slays and OMG TALA MY ACE QUEEN
and bronagh and sarah's friendship made me cry AND THE POEMS and i love that rollo helped iris on her days with órla he slayed
and i want to be besties with knowall
ngl i bought it bc the cover was pretty and ciara smyth said it was good BUT THIS IS MY NEW FAVOURITE BOOK OK BYE

[Flora Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! i went through so many emotions in this book and could relate to the charector at times and made me cry even more. The romance is so good and so true for teenagers discovering thier sexuality. this book goes through so many serious topics in such a beautiful way. wish i could read it for the first time again but also dont because i would definately cry too much.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There is a lot that goes on in this book however this shouldn't stop someone from reading it.

The way that this book show how someone deals with grief, depression, sexuality and the way family can struggle to help is something I could have done with a few years ago.

Even though there is a lot to unpack this was beautifully written.

[Dalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Iris's mother dies she is beyond devastated. Her life is turned upside down when a fire unexpectedly kills her mother. In order to cope with her grief she finds solace in her friend Tala as well as visiting unoccupied homes. She seems to be doing good until she comes across her home, the one that should be burned down.

We Are All Constellations is the story of grief, depression, anxiety, and how you need a support system near you in order to overcome it all.

This book was heartbreaking and you felt for Iris. Depression is horrible and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but especially a teenage girl dealing with the death of her mother.

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was not about what I thought it was about, but still good! Had some kinda deep parts but in my opinion that made it better

[Catherine Lefay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Una historia con potencial que me dejó muy indiferente.
No es una mala novela, pero tampoco una buena, es olvidable.

[Nina Rokkjær · Rating 4 out of 5]

mums

[Hairi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf it at chapter 7.

[Stine Kristensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Anaïs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't have high hopes for this book, but I ended up loving it!!!

[Moon Alliance · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite moment was when she was on the roof calling the suicide line

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written YA book exploring growing up with the loss of a parent. Grief mingled with the confusing feelings of adolescence produced mixed emotions in Iris. She outpours her feelings through Urbex - the exploration of abandoned or empty urban places. This comes with its own dangers, especially for young women in a world where it is increasingly more threatening to walk around alone. The book deals with the theme of ending violence against women and girls and bringing men and boys on board to help fight it. The book also deals with the theme of sexuality well through adolescents still exploring where their preferences lie. I really enjoyed my first read from Amy Beashel. #weareallconstellations #amybeashel #netgalley #rocktheboat2022 #TandemCollectiveUk

[Laura - Bogidyl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the subjects but just not the execution. The book never grabbed me, and I didn't care much for the main character.

[Karen Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a bit to get into the book. But it was really beautiful, and the characters were well-developed and real. This book was a really special coming-of-age story addressing mental health and grief.
Learnt SO much British slang lolol. Really helps that I’ve been living in England cause there are many foreign things.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are all constellations is a moving, heart wrenching, but always heartwarming story, of loss and dealing with grief. It is well written and you really feel that you get behind the characters of the book and you really just want to reach through the pages and give them a great big hug.

Let's meet the leading lady of this book. Iris who is just 17 years of age. She has lost her beloved mother and is trying to be strong, fearless, brave and normal. She is trying to deal with the loss of her mother but is managing to not deal with it at the same time.

But then Iris meets Orla and Iris believes that Orla can give her the escape that she needs, an escape to stop the pain and to ignore the things that are going on around her. Like her dad and step mother keeping a big secret from her. But as she spends more time with Orla she becomes more and more not herself until she does something that is really not herself.

As we all find with grief running away from it and trying to hide from it is never going to work. Sometimes you have to let the pain in and let it swallow you. So that you can open up to the people who you love who are there to support, love and protect you. Sometimes the best thing to do is let others in.

Asking for help. Makes you brave, it makes you strong, and it above all lets you know that no matter what you are going through you are not alone.

[Aria Harlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me all the feels it was heart-wrenching at times and uplifting and full of hope in others. I loved it and read it in one sitting.

[Jennifer Burkinshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a YA novel that WILL stand the test of time as we follow Iris's unravelling of the mystery surrounding her mum's death seven years earlier. It has an unforgettable climax which makes beautiful sense of the title, We are All Constellations. One of the very best UKYA writers we have.

[Joy Corkery · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a bit torn with We Are All Constellations. While it wasn’t a bad read by any means, the story didn’t really fulfil me. I wasn’t racing to see what would happen next and my interest waned in and out. However, with a book like this, I know it is at its most magical when you read it at a time when you really need it.

The characters also didn’t rope me in. While I felt for Iris, I couldn’t get on board with her entirely. To be honest, that’s probably a sign of a teenager well-written. At times I found her mature, other times borderline spoiled brat.

On the flip side, because I really don’t want this to be a scathing review, I loved the messages that We Are All Constellations shared. The most important for me was around not suppressing your emotions. I really don’t think people understand how important it is not to always pretend you are find. Much of our anger, sadness and discontent stems from our inability to tell others we are not ok.

I also thought this was book an important reflection on mental health. Rather than it be told through the eyes of the sufferer, it is told through their family and friends. It’s so, so difficult to love someone and want to help them but also make the decision that you need to step away. I believe We Are All Constellations will help people struggling with these feelings.

[kelita.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tengo que decir que al principio me costó conectar con la historia y los personajes, ya que la primera mitad es bastante introductoria, algo que al final he visto necesario por los temas tan delicados que trata. No obstante, solo fue necesario seguir leyendo para entender mejor la trama principal.
⠀
Iris, de diecisiete años, pierde a su madre en un incendio y desde entonces, tiene que vivir con su padre, su madrastra y hermanastro. Nuestra protagonista sale adelante con su mejor amiga, realiza excursiones y visita casas abandonadas, pero mientras todo eso sucede, Iris también descubrirá un secreto que hará que su vida de un completo giro… A partir de ese momento, ¿qué sucederá en la vida de Iris?
⠀
En esta historia, como ya he dicho, se tratan temas delicados sobre salud mental, pero también podréis ver cómo el valor de la familia y la amistad están muy presentes.
⠀
¿Qué nos encontraremos?
ꕥ LGTBIQ+
ꕥ Urbex
ꕥ Suicidio
ꕥ Acoso
ꕥ Duelo
ꕥ Problemas familiares
ꕥ Amistad
ꕥ Amor
⠀
Si os animáis a leer este libro juvenil, no olvidéis que, a pesar de ser una historia bonita, trata temas de salud mental en adolescentes. Creo que es importante saberlo, porque soy consciente de que no a todos nos puede gustar el mismo tipo de historias🫶

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly how stunning is this cover, secondly this is young adults but I am an old adult and I loved this book.

Iris lost her Mom when she was 10 and 7yrs later she lives with her Dad, Stepmom and stepbrother who are hiding a secret from her that will cause her world to implode.

I loved Iris. Her friend Tala and her family were just wonderful. And Orla just made my heart happy.

This is such a perfect story of love, loss, grief, searching, anger, acceptance, pain and hope, it is utterly heartbreakingly beautiful. The subjects explored here are heavy but they are written with such care and compassion that it doesn’t feel too much. The story shows life as both harsh and complicated, breathtaking and joyful. There is such a lyrical quality to the writing, it was such a joy to read.
Superb.

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all constellations is emotional book that is beautiful written and brought tears to my heart. I really like the front cover the colour and Iris hugging her mum it’s beautiful. This is story about love , loss , friendship. I really connected with Iris and you can’t help but want to hug her and be there for her through her grief. Amy Beashel is a powerful writer that moves you while your reading the book. The story is about Iris who lives with her dad and stepmom and they are hiding secret from her that going to shatter her world. This is a page turner and you can’t help but carry on reading to the end to see what happens with Iris. 5 stars heartbreaking but lovely story and beautiful written.

[Angie W. Niconella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro bastante fuerte. Hablar de muerte es duro y más si es por suicidio. Lo cierto es que en las palabras se encuentra un consuelo aunque solo sea desde la realidad de quién se queda. Quien se va siempre será un interrogante, amar ese interrogante es un reto al "yo" y al "hubiera" que nunca dejarán de doler del todo.
Creo que está historia toca temas muy serios y profundos, temas que todos debemos reconocer como parte de la realidad que habitamos, individualmente y como comunidad, porque a veces solo vemos las luces más brillantes (sean virtudes o defectos) y olvidamos la constelación.