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Swimming in a Sea of Stars
A single kindness can save a life.
Journal entry: Heading to school. I know what everyone will say. There goes the girl who tried to kill herself.
Addison is no stranger to feeling stressed, insecure, and sad. Her therapist recommended she keep a journal to help her understand those feelings better, which she really needs today. It’s her first day back to school, several weeks after she survived her suicide attempt. She knows there are rumors about why she did it: A lousy home life? Bullying? Heartbreak? None of them are true, but it doesn’t matter because Addison still feels like she’s drowning. She still holds secrets she’s not ready to share.
During the school day, Addison encounters four other students struggling with their own secrets:
Booker is anxious about seeing Addison. They were sort of a couple until he tried to kiss her. She fled and then tried to end her life. Those two things couldn’t be related, could they?
Celia feels trapped by her mother’s abusive boyfriend. She can guess why Addison did what she did.
Damion is TikTok-famous and thinks befriending Addison could boost his followers. But what no one knows is he needs the world to remember him since his sick mom doesn’t anymore.
Avery is considered a loner and doesn’t know Addison, but they have neighboring lockers. With Avery’s older brother in jail for dealing drugs, Avery is desperate for meaningful human connection.
Swimming in a Sea of Stars is a poignant and gripping novel about how we’re all interconnected, like the stars in the night sky that form constellations and map out the universe, and if even one star goes missing, the effect is profound.
Journal entry: Heading to school. I know what everyone will say. There goes the girl who tried to kill herself.
Addison is no stranger to feeling stressed, insecure, and sad. Her therapist recommended she keep a journal to help her understand those feelings better, which she really needs today. It’s her first day back to school, several weeks after she survived her suicide attempt. She knows there are rumors about why she did it: A lousy home life? Bullying? Heartbreak? None of them are true, but it doesn’t matter because Addison still feels like she’s drowning. She still holds secrets she’s not ready to share.
During the school day, Addison encounters four other students struggling with their own secrets:
Booker is anxious about seeing Addison. They were sort of a couple until he tried to kiss her. She fled and then tried to end her life. Those two things couldn’t be related, could they?
Celia feels trapped by her mother’s abusive boyfriend. She can guess why Addison did what she did.
Damion is TikTok-famous and thinks befriending Addison could boost his followers. But what no one knows is he needs the world to remember him since his sick mom doesn’t anymore.
Avery is considered a loner and doesn’t know Addison, but they have neighboring lockers. With Avery’s older brother in jail for dealing drugs, Avery is desperate for meaningful human connection.
Swimming in a Sea of Stars is a poignant and gripping novel about how we’re all interconnected, like the stars in the night sky that form constellations and map out the universe, and if even one star goes missing, the effect is profound.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
29 people are currently reading
3477 people want to read
About the author
Julie Wright
62 books726 followersJulie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. She's written over twenty novels since then. She is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her books Cross My Heart and Lies Jane Austen Told Me, The American Library Association listed “Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me” in their 2020 top ten best romances and "A Captain for Caroline Gray" in their 2021 top ten best romances.
She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).
She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.
She hates mayonnaise.
She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).
She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.
She hates mayonnaise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
October 6, 2023
✰ 2 stars ✰
“What do you feel about me? What does it matter to you if I live or die?”
“You ever hear the song ‘One More Light’ by Linkin Park?”
She shook her head.
“It basically asks who cares if one more light goes out in a sky of a million stars. Because if there are a million stars out there, what difference does one make? But I care. One light makes all the difference.”
Ah, I feel really guilty for not liking Swimming in a Sea of Stars, especially when it's a story that deals with teenagers coping with some very serious and sensitive issues. But, I couldn't find anything worthwhile from it. It was meant to be meaningful and poignant, but it pained me to continue reading, despite my own reasons for not ever completing something once started.
'Mental health is a tricky subject.' I can not agree more; it's not only difficult to convey, but also to read, knowing that whatever you may find lacking or find not so satisfying, it may, in fact, be helpful to others - something they can perhaps relate to. Something that can give serve as a light of hope in the darkness that they find themselves in. I really wish it could have been like that, but there was just too much of what I didn't like that made it harder for me to see it. 😮💨
“Emotions and grief and pain are weird. Everyone feels them differently and reacts differently.”
The writing was so very amateurish; the dialogue and the sentence structures felt so stilted and the characters felt so very flat and one-dimensional. I inwardly cringed at each mention of a certain person's skin color - his white skin, he had brown skin, she had black skin' - it was not portrayed well and I just felt it unnecessary. 😩 Covering a broad scope of topics with multiple POVs, in my opinion, is always a recipe for disaster. No one character gets fleshed out enough for you to feel empathetic to their plight, and you never quite have the complete sense of closure for their situations. I know I'm supposed to feel something and see how 'everyone is trying to keep from drowning in their own oceans, but I didn't see it. The writing didn't tug at my heart strings - no matter how hard I tried. 😟
I liked the idea that it was a story about how it would show how each of the respective characters depicted were affected by Addison's suicide attempt; but I didn't think that each concerned person would be struggling with their own mental health and personal issues was the right choice. I could not relate completely to any one of their situations, because I would have liked to have seen some concrete resolution to their particular problems.
Yes, 'people weren’t clothes. People were decisions and moments. People were cause and effect', but how can I understand that if I'm hopping from one character's issue to the next There wasn't even any decent epilogue to tie it all together - some sort of cohesive ending that made it not read so disjointed! Not to mention, I didn't quite like that all their problems were so very effectively resolved in one day. Reading this reminded me a lot of Jo Knowle's Read Between the Lines, which also adopted a few of the ideas presented here - sans the journal entries.
And the journal entries -- I don't think they added any weight to the story development either. It seems rather unrealistic that at every hour at any given minute Addison would be writing in her journal, even at the advice of her psychiatrist. 😞 It was supposed to read like an emotional epiphany when you feel that all hope is lost and you're drowning in an ocean alone, only to realize that you're not swimming alone - that there are others out there who are in the same boat with you...But, it never came. Not to me.
“Living a long life is all fine and good. But it isn’t about the people who remember you when you’re one. It’s about who you remember while you’re here. It’s about who is occupying your mental space.”
I feel a bit ashamed to be so critical of a story that addresses so many sensitive issues involving self-harm, parental neglect and abuse, depression, cyber-bullying, sexual harassment, just to name a few. But, why an author feels the need to address all these mental health challenges rather than just focus on one issue is what always baffles me. Even with it's alluring title and cover, it didn't deliver that feeling of the characters rising above their challenges - no matter how hopeful or promising the writing intended it to be. 😢
“What do you feel about me? What does it matter to you if I live or die?”
“You ever hear the song ‘One More Light’ by Linkin Park?”
She shook her head.
“It basically asks who cares if one more light goes out in a sky of a million stars. Because if there are a million stars out there, what difference does one make? But I care. One light makes all the difference.”
Ah, I feel really guilty for not liking Swimming in a Sea of Stars, especially when it's a story that deals with teenagers coping with some very serious and sensitive issues. But, I couldn't find anything worthwhile from it. It was meant to be meaningful and poignant, but it pained me to continue reading, despite my own reasons for not ever completing something once started.
'Mental health is a tricky subject.' I can not agree more; it's not only difficult to convey, but also to read, knowing that whatever you may find lacking or find not so satisfying, it may, in fact, be helpful to others - something they can perhaps relate to. Something that can give serve as a light of hope in the darkness that they find themselves in. I really wish it could have been like that, but there was just too much of what I didn't like that made it harder for me to see it. 😮💨
“Emotions and grief and pain are weird. Everyone feels them differently and reacts differently.”
The writing was so very amateurish; the dialogue and the sentence structures felt so stilted and the characters felt so very flat and one-dimensional. I inwardly cringed at each mention of a certain person's skin color - his white skin, he had brown skin, she had black skin' - it was not portrayed well and I just felt it unnecessary. 😩 Covering a broad scope of topics with multiple POVs, in my opinion, is always a recipe for disaster. No one character gets fleshed out enough for you to feel empathetic to their plight, and you never quite have the complete sense of closure for their situations. I know I'm supposed to feel something and see how 'everyone is trying to keep from drowning in their own oceans, but I didn't see it. The writing didn't tug at my heart strings - no matter how hard I tried. 😟
I liked the idea that it was a story about how it would show how each of the respective characters depicted were affected by Addison's suicide attempt; but I didn't think that each concerned person would be struggling with their own mental health and personal issues was the right choice. I could not relate completely to any one of their situations, because I would have liked to have seen some concrete resolution to their particular problems.
Yes, 'people weren’t clothes. People were decisions and moments. People were cause and effect', but how can I understand that if I'm hopping from one character's issue to the next There wasn't even any decent epilogue to tie it all together - some sort of cohesive ending that made it not read so disjointed! Not to mention, I didn't quite like that all their problems were so very effectively resolved in one day. Reading this reminded me a lot of Jo Knowle's Read Between the Lines, which also adopted a few of the ideas presented here - sans the journal entries.
And the journal entries -- I don't think they added any weight to the story development either. It seems rather unrealistic that at every hour at any given minute Addison would be writing in her journal, even at the advice of her psychiatrist. 😞 It was supposed to read like an emotional epiphany when you feel that all hope is lost and you're drowning in an ocean alone, only to realize that you're not swimming alone - that there are others out there who are in the same boat with you...But, it never came. Not to me.
“Living a long life is all fine and good. But it isn’t about the people who remember you when you’re one. It’s about who you remember while you’re here. It’s about who is occupying your mental space.”
I feel a bit ashamed to be so critical of a story that addresses so many sensitive issues involving self-harm, parental neglect and abuse, depression, cyber-bullying, sexual harassment, just to name a few. But, why an author feels the need to address all these mental health challenges rather than just focus on one issue is what always baffles me. Even with it's alluring title and cover, it didn't deliver that feeling of the characters rising above their challenges - no matter how hopeful or promising the writing intended it to be. 😢
July 15, 2023
A beautiful, genuine story of healing, determination, hope, and friendship. A must-read for you and the teenager in your life. Addison, Booker, Celia, Damion, and Avery are the kids in every neighborhood. They are the kids in all of our lives. And if we listen, they will speak. STAY. GET HELP. SPEAK UP.
July 17, 2023
Swimming in Sea of Stars is a beautifully written, heartwarming story, with hard subjects and thought provoking characters and their actions. Each character is written so well. (Elijah and Sophia were my heroes). The book is written from five different perspectives of five kids each going through something hard, in this one day. Addison’s perspectives are journal entities. The whole book is so powerful. Showing the connections and actions from one small act. There are many powerful thought provoking moments that had me in tears. Addison had no idea her words or actions impacted the other characters.
“It’s about the people you remember, not the other way around.”
Content: abuse (no details), drug dealing (no details), talk of attempted suicide (no details).
I received a copy from the publisher. All views and opinions are my own.
“It’s about the people you remember, not the other way around.”
Content: abuse (no details), drug dealing (no details), talk of attempted suicide (no details).
I received a copy from the publisher. All views and opinions are my own.
April 11, 2023
This book is nice for it explores the issues about mental health which sometimes people are too afraid to talk about. Since it was set only in a day, I don't think it provided the characters enough exposure for the reader to get to know them.
Overall, I could say that it's a decent story, but it would have been nice if the author had provided an epilogue to explain what happened to everyone particularly when some of them just faded towards the end.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I could say that it's a decent story, but it would have been nice if the author had provided an epilogue to explain what happened to everyone particularly when some of them just faded towards the end.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
This is an important book. It is beautiful and real and healing. It helps me know that I am truly not alone and that there is a path to healing from all I’ve been through. I don’t know the last time I’ve read a contemporary YA novel that’s been so real and necessary.
I met Julie Wright at a writing conference this March, and we had a conversation about the burdens of mental health and the importance of knowing that everyone has unseen struggles. She gave me an advance copy of this novel, which releases in August. I am so grateful for authors like Julie Wright who write books that we really need today, because tackling the issues that are being faced unseen by so many aren’t easy to write about.
This will definitely be a go-to book when I feel alone or overwhelmed by my own struggles.
I met Julie Wright at a writing conference this March, and we had a conversation about the burdens of mental health and the importance of knowing that everyone has unseen struggles. She gave me an advance copy of this novel, which releases in August. I am so grateful for authors like Julie Wright who write books that we really need today, because tackling the issues that are being faced unseen by so many aren’t easy to write about.
This will definitely be a go-to book when I feel alone or overwhelmed by my own struggles.
June 17, 2025
this was an absolutely amazing book!! my 10 year old and i read it together and it brought up fantastic discussions on really hard subjects. the stories were beautifully written and shared in such a way that gives hope and healing. i highly recommend this book!
July 3, 2023
It covers a girl's first day back to high school after attempting to commit suicide, showing the impact that she has on others as they also have their own struggles. The story includes lots of unique viewpoints, full of stories that need to be told. It took me a bit by surprise as the entire book takes place in one day.
April 11, 2023
Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright. Thanks to @shadowmountainpublishing for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Addison is back to school after her attempt to take her life. She encounters four other students with secrets and needs of their own.
This was a heartfelt read about a group of teenagers, all going through very different things but finding connection with each other. It’s a very fast read with short chapters for each perspective. Usually in this type format, I look forward to one perspective more than others but that was not the case here. They were all interesting. It’s a story that’s heartbreaking but also hopeful.
“Loving a long life is all fine and good. But it isn’t about the people who remember you when you’re gone. It’s all about who you remember while you’re here. It’s about who is occupying your mental space”
Swimming in a Sea of Stars comes out 8/1.
Addison is back to school after her attempt to take her life. She encounters four other students with secrets and needs of their own.
This was a heartfelt read about a group of teenagers, all going through very different things but finding connection with each other. It’s a very fast read with short chapters for each perspective. Usually in this type format, I look forward to one perspective more than others but that was not the case here. They were all interesting. It’s a story that’s heartbreaking but also hopeful.
“Loving a long life is all fine and good. But it isn’t about the people who remember you when you’re gone. It’s all about who you remember while you’re here. It’s about who is occupying your mental space”
Swimming in a Sea of Stars comes out 8/1.
September 22, 2023
There are plenty of books that talk about the aftermath of suicide, but few that do what this one does. What happens after a suicide attempt that didn't succeed? How do you go back to school, rebuild relationships, and find a path forward? This book explores that question, and through a cast of revolving narrators, reminds us that everyone is going through hard stuff we can't see and even our failed attempts at kindness might be enough to change a life.
July 19, 2023
Oh my heart! I thought that this book would be heavy and sad with the topic(s) addressed. But it wasn't. It is so well written! I couldn't stop once I started. I loved this group of students. Some knew each other and some didn't.
The way the author wrote the book starting at the beginning of the day for Addison and finishing the book at the end of the same day was clever. Yes, it's just a day snapshot but there's so much that can happen in a day.
I also really loved the theme of everyone having their struggles and that a lot of the time those struggles aren't shared or talked about. But they are there and we need to be careful in recognizing that and being there to love and support, to be kind and give strength to each other. What a powerful and wonderful thing that these students learn!
I hope everyone who reads this will take heart that theme and lesson. What a difference doing so could make in our lives, others lives and the whole world's lives!!!
I don't want to go into details but just want to reiterate how much I loved this book! I'm so glad I took a chance on it. Honestly, I couldn't stop until I finished it!!! And even with the topics discussed I want my teenagers to read it!
Content: Clean. There is talk about suicide, suicide prevention, abuse (physical/sexual), drug distribution, pregnancy out of wedlock. With all of those listed I'm sure you're thinking how is this clean. I promise you that the author wrote this book with great sensitivity to those topics. They are mentioned just in the sense that they are happening and not in great detail. The students/characters were well written in how they supported and found help in these situations! Honestly very well done and one I HIGHLY RECOMMEND for parents and youth to read!
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
The way the author wrote the book starting at the beginning of the day for Addison and finishing the book at the end of the same day was clever. Yes, it's just a day snapshot but there's so much that can happen in a day.
I also really loved the theme of everyone having their struggles and that a lot of the time those struggles aren't shared or talked about. But they are there and we need to be careful in recognizing that and being there to love and support, to be kind and give strength to each other. What a powerful and wonderful thing that these students learn!
I hope everyone who reads this will take heart that theme and lesson. What a difference doing so could make in our lives, others lives and the whole world's lives!!!
I don't want to go into details but just want to reiterate how much I loved this book! I'm so glad I took a chance on it. Honestly, I couldn't stop until I finished it!!! And even with the topics discussed I want my teenagers to read it!
Content: Clean. There is talk about suicide, suicide prevention, abuse (physical/sexual), drug distribution, pregnancy out of wedlock. With all of those listed I'm sure you're thinking how is this clean. I promise you that the author wrote this book with great sensitivity to those topics. They are mentioned just in the sense that they are happening and not in great detail. The students/characters were well written in how they supported and found help in these situations! Honestly very well done and one I HIGHLY RECOMMEND for parents and youth to read!
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
July 2, 2023
I appreciated how this book shows the power of stepping outside your comfort zone to connect and relate to those around you. It also reminds readers that any person can make a huge difference in the world even when they are completely unaware of the difference that their existence makes. Addison's return to school impacts four other teens' lives in ways she may never realize and she makes the first steps toward healing from her past traumas. Even though this book takes place over the course of one single day, the author shows readers how choosing to take a step in the right direction, one day at a time, can get you headed in the right direction.
I appreciated how each character made progress on their journey to dealing with their personal struggles and how the author gently discussed topics in a way that reduced possible trigger warnings for sensitive readers. The author does give the reader all the answers to the questions of life, but ends the book with an opening for in-depth discussion. There are several follow-up questions that would make this book useful in a book group or to help parents and teen learn to communicate about traumas and inner turmoil.
I enjoyed the writing style and found it easy to empathize with the characters. It was a little difficult to keep some of the stories straight (some of the girls have similar struggles they are dealing with), but by the end, I was happy with the resolutions for each character. I would definitely read more from Julie Wright in the future and I hope this book encourages other readers to notice others around them and remember to be aware of small actions that can make a huge positive impact in the lives of others.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
I appreciated how each character made progress on their journey to dealing with their personal struggles and how the author gently discussed topics in a way that reduced possible trigger warnings for sensitive readers. The author does give the reader all the answers to the questions of life, but ends the book with an opening for in-depth discussion. There are several follow-up questions that would make this book useful in a book group or to help parents and teen learn to communicate about traumas and inner turmoil.
I enjoyed the writing style and found it easy to empathize with the characters. It was a little difficult to keep some of the stories straight (some of the girls have similar struggles they are dealing with), but by the end, I was happy with the resolutions for each character. I would definitely read more from Julie Wright in the future and I hope this book encourages other readers to notice others around them and remember to be aware of small actions that can make a huge positive impact in the lives of others.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
June 8, 2023
This book pulls at your heartstrings but is also uplifting and positive. The book begins with Addison (main character) returning to school after being out for a time due to a suicide attempt. Her fears and thoughts are portrayed through journal writing and her story intertwines with four other teens who are also dealing with issues of their own. The story is told through multiple perspectives and covers one full day. I thought the author did a wonderful job in illustrating that we often have an impact on another person's life without even knowing that we did. My favorite part was the interaction between Addison and Celia in the school restroom. I embraced each teen as I learned more about them as the story unfolded. Wright did a beautiful job respecting the mental health issues in the story and was empathic in how the interactions played out. I feel that this book would appeal to young adults and highly recommend that they read it. It's a powerful little book that is thought provoking and shows that every individual has worth and that being kind is something that we all should strive to be.
July 30, 2023
“One light makes all the difference.”
I loved this book! Going into it, I worried that it would be “sad” or “heavy.” It was just the opposite. Though there are things that will tug on your heartstrings, it’s ultimately hopeful. It shows how just one person can make a difference, even if it’s just a simple greeting. Told in a “day in the life” format, this story shares the struggles of five teenagers over the course of one day. It’s beautifully written with careful sensitivity to readers going through struggles like suicide, parental death/illness, abuse, cancer, drug dealing, and economic struggles.
Addison dreads her first day back at school after her suicide attempt. She carefully selects a jacket with long sleeves to hide her scars. Her therapist recommended keeping a gratitude journal, so through the course of the day, she shares her thoughts and feelings. What she doesn’t realize, is how her interactions make a huge impact on others.
Booker doesn’t know what to think about Addison. They’ve been friends for a long time which led to him wanting to kiss her. But, she ran away and then the next thing he knows, she’s in the hospital. Is he somehow to blame? He’s also trying to come to terms with his cousin’s cancer diagnosis.
Celia is trapped in an abusive situation. She loves her mother, but her mother’s drug use, abuse and abusive boyfriend are putting her life in danger. When a kind person offers her a jacket and advice, Celia has to decide if she’s willing to tell someone what’s happening to her.
Damion’s social media star world revolves around content and a positive image. Yet, behind his fame is a young man dealing with a devastating parental diagnosis. Being on the Hope Squad, he knows he needs to do something to help Addison readjust to coming back to school. He also needs to be seen doing it to improve his image. His interactions throughout the day change his perceptions, and he might just get the real support he needs in return
Avery’s brother is in prison for drug dealing. After her mother died, her whole family fell apart. She longs to reach out to people, but it’s hard. She feels like she’s looked down on because of where she lives and her brother’s choices. But, Avery realizes she can make a difference and before the day is out, she may just renew friendships and create new ones.
I enjoyed the way all these characters interacted with each other. It really shows how one person can affect another just in the course of a day. Really listening and paying attention are so key. I loved the way a simple greeting was viewed so differently. One person felt really lame, yet for another the greeting meant everything. The brilliant idea of having the whole book take place in one day was so well done. At the end, I wanted the story to continue and see what happened next for these kids I came to really care about.
Highly recommend this thoughtful, well written YA book! I’d definitely recommend it to teenagers. Though I would check the trigger warnings. While the author doesn’t give a lot of details and handles all the situations these kids face with respect and circumspection, any mention of these struggles may be triggering to some, so parents may want to read it first if there is any concern. I received an advanced complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
I loved this book! Going into it, I worried that it would be “sad” or “heavy.” It was just the opposite. Though there are things that will tug on your heartstrings, it’s ultimately hopeful. It shows how just one person can make a difference, even if it’s just a simple greeting. Told in a “day in the life” format, this story shares the struggles of five teenagers over the course of one day. It’s beautifully written with careful sensitivity to readers going through struggles like suicide, parental death/illness, abuse, cancer, drug dealing, and economic struggles.
Addison dreads her first day back at school after her suicide attempt. She carefully selects a jacket with long sleeves to hide her scars. Her therapist recommended keeping a gratitude journal, so through the course of the day, she shares her thoughts and feelings. What she doesn’t realize, is how her interactions make a huge impact on others.
Booker doesn’t know what to think about Addison. They’ve been friends for a long time which led to him wanting to kiss her. But, she ran away and then the next thing he knows, she’s in the hospital. Is he somehow to blame? He’s also trying to come to terms with his cousin’s cancer diagnosis.
Celia is trapped in an abusive situation. She loves her mother, but her mother’s drug use, abuse and abusive boyfriend are putting her life in danger. When a kind person offers her a jacket and advice, Celia has to decide if she’s willing to tell someone what’s happening to her.
Damion’s social media star world revolves around content and a positive image. Yet, behind his fame is a young man dealing with a devastating parental diagnosis. Being on the Hope Squad, he knows he needs to do something to help Addison readjust to coming back to school. He also needs to be seen doing it to improve his image. His interactions throughout the day change his perceptions, and he might just get the real support he needs in return
Avery’s brother is in prison for drug dealing. After her mother died, her whole family fell apart. She longs to reach out to people, but it’s hard. She feels like she’s looked down on because of where she lives and her brother’s choices. But, Avery realizes she can make a difference and before the day is out, she may just renew friendships and create new ones.
I enjoyed the way all these characters interacted with each other. It really shows how one person can affect another just in the course of a day. Really listening and paying attention are so key. I loved the way a simple greeting was viewed so differently. One person felt really lame, yet for another the greeting meant everything. The brilliant idea of having the whole book take place in one day was so well done. At the end, I wanted the story to continue and see what happened next for these kids I came to really care about.
Highly recommend this thoughtful, well written YA book! I’d definitely recommend it to teenagers. Though I would check the trigger warnings. While the author doesn’t give a lot of details and handles all the situations these kids face with respect and circumspection, any mention of these struggles may be triggering to some, so parents may want to read it first if there is any concern. I received an advanced complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
March 8, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC of this book coming Aug 2023. The book moved to the top of my TBR pile as I saw theater productions of Dear Evan Hansen twice this past week and I was curious how this YA book covers a teen suicide attempt.
The focus of the story isn’t just on one student. The setting is an inner city high school with a diverse student body and economic disparity. The story covers one full day for a small group of teens. It is Addison’s first day returning to school after missing a month because of a suicide attempt. Booker is anxious about seeing Addison as they are friends and were almost a couple. He also has a cousin who is facing cancer. Addison performs an act of kindness towards Celia who is being physically abused in her home. Damion wants to be seen with Addison to improve his Tik-Tok fame but has issues at his house too. Avery has a locker by Addison and use to be friends with Damion. Her brother is in jail for selling drugs.
The book goes from character to character giving their backstory and actions during the day. I like that small interactions can be meaningful. The one comment or act of kindness that can make the world of difference to the receiver. I also like that even though there are bad adults in the story there are also many who are trying hard to do all the right things for these kids. I got the message that you can’t know what is going on with someone or their home life from their outward appearance. And I like how the author gives each person some connection or moment of understanding or friendship during the day.
I think because of the amount big things going on in a short time period I didn’t connected emotionally to any one story. Addison’s story is told through journaling entries she is doing because of her therapist. And I’m okay that her reasons are alluded to and not graphically detailed. But I wanted to hear the conversation with her mom at the end of the story. And know her mothers reaction.
One thing that stood out to me is that when I was a teen in the 1970’s this book and content wouldn't have been written and available to me. I appreciate that todays teens have YA books that cover hard topics. And if they see themselves in similar situations it encourages them to seek help. And I always love a message that kindness and understanding is never a wrong choice. This is a clean book for language and intimacy, but in includes abuse towards teens and a child. I’ve enjoyed the author before for a historical romance but this is the first YA I’ve read from her. For middle school and up. (4.5 Stars)
The focus of the story isn’t just on one student. The setting is an inner city high school with a diverse student body and economic disparity. The story covers one full day for a small group of teens. It is Addison’s first day returning to school after missing a month because of a suicide attempt. Booker is anxious about seeing Addison as they are friends and were almost a couple. He also has a cousin who is facing cancer. Addison performs an act of kindness towards Celia who is being physically abused in her home. Damion wants to be seen with Addison to improve his Tik-Tok fame but has issues at his house too. Avery has a locker by Addison and use to be friends with Damion. Her brother is in jail for selling drugs.
The book goes from character to character giving their backstory and actions during the day. I like that small interactions can be meaningful. The one comment or act of kindness that can make the world of difference to the receiver. I also like that even though there are bad adults in the story there are also many who are trying hard to do all the right things for these kids. I got the message that you can’t know what is going on with someone or their home life from their outward appearance. And I like how the author gives each person some connection or moment of understanding or friendship during the day.
I think because of the amount big things going on in a short time period I didn’t connected emotionally to any one story. Addison’s story is told through journaling entries she is doing because of her therapist. And I’m okay that her reasons are alluded to and not graphically detailed. But I wanted to hear the conversation with her mom at the end of the story. And know her mothers reaction.
One thing that stood out to me is that when I was a teen in the 1970’s this book and content wouldn't have been written and available to me. I appreciate that todays teens have YA books that cover hard topics. And if they see themselves in similar situations it encourages them to seek help. And I always love a message that kindness and understanding is never a wrong choice. This is a clean book for language and intimacy, but in includes abuse towards teens and a child. I’ve enjoyed the author before for a historical romance but this is the first YA I’ve read from her. For middle school and up. (4.5 Stars)
August 7, 2023
Swimming in a Sea of Stars was a powerful read. The fantastic thing is the whole book takes place in a 24-hour time period. We follow 5 teens who are going through something difficult in their private lives. What they don't realize at first, is how they will end up interacting with one another and change the outcome of the day in all of their lives. What a great message for teens and all people to realize and remember: that everyone matters. Julie Wright brilliantly shows in this novel how a smile, acts of kindness, and a few positive words can change people's lives.
There are so many things that work to make this a great novel, and one thing I loved were the parts of the book written by Addison in her journal assigned by her therapist. There is so much honesty and truth as Addison expresses her feelings and interactions on that first day back at school after her suicide attempt. Between the five teens and their problems in life, there will be something that any teen or adult will be able to relate to.
I hope many teens get the chance to read this book. Hope Squads across the country should make this a book their members read. If you already didn't know, Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. The program reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. My son was on the Hope Squad at his high school. It made a huge impact on his life and many others he helped along the way. Swimming in a Sea of Stars will do the same. Just like Booker mentioned in the novel about the Linkin Park song, 'One More Light', it asks who cares if one more light in the sky goes out in a sky full of a million stars? Who cares? This has been one of my son's favorite songs and he loves this group. This song is telling listeners that they are important and cared about. Author Julie Wright is also telling people that they are cared for and loved. We as readers are blessed that Julie has written such an influential novel that parents, teens, and teachers can read and be encouraged in opening up their eyes and truly seeing the needs of others around them.
5-Star Read*****
Side note-None of the hard topics inferred in this novel are going into depth about their sensitive topics.
There are so many things that work to make this a great novel, and one thing I loved were the parts of the book written by Addison in her journal assigned by her therapist. There is so much honesty and truth as Addison expresses her feelings and interactions on that first day back at school after her suicide attempt. Between the five teens and their problems in life, there will be something that any teen or adult will be able to relate to.
I hope many teens get the chance to read this book. Hope Squads across the country should make this a book their members read. If you already didn't know, Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. The program reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. My son was on the Hope Squad at his high school. It made a huge impact on his life and many others he helped along the way. Swimming in a Sea of Stars will do the same. Just like Booker mentioned in the novel about the Linkin Park song, 'One More Light', it asks who cares if one more light in the sky goes out in a sky full of a million stars? Who cares? This has been one of my son's favorite songs and he loves this group. This song is telling listeners that they are important and cared about. Author Julie Wright is also telling people that they are cared for and loved. We as readers are blessed that Julie has written such an influential novel that parents, teens, and teachers can read and be encouraged in opening up their eyes and truly seeing the needs of others around them.
5-Star Read*****
Side note-None of the hard topics inferred in this novel are going into depth about their sensitive topics.
March 22, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley!
So where to start. I wasn't too sure what to expect with this one. At my age, young adult books are truly hit or miss. Especially those covering mental health. I find that a lot of books just don't get it right. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised with this book!
I really liked that the book wasn't focused on just one person, but rather quite a few high school students. There's a diverse population at the school, and this book introduces us to several students coping with their own battles / struggles. I think a lot of teens will find themselves in some of these students and easily relate to their struggles. Interestingly, this book only covers one full day for these students. I actually liked that aspect. Our "main character" is Addison, whom has just returned back to school after a suicide attempt. [ relatable for many, right? ]. The author did a good job at covering this topic sincerely and not ... making it.. fake or sugarcoated which is so very important.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to others and read others by the author.
So where to start. I wasn't too sure what to expect with this one. At my age, young adult books are truly hit or miss. Especially those covering mental health. I find that a lot of books just don't get it right. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised with this book!
I really liked that the book wasn't focused on just one person, but rather quite a few high school students. There's a diverse population at the school, and this book introduces us to several students coping with their own battles / struggles. I think a lot of teens will find themselves in some of these students and easily relate to their struggles. Interestingly, this book only covers one full day for these students. I actually liked that aspect. Our "main character" is Addison, whom has just returned back to school after a suicide attempt. [ relatable for many, right? ]. The author did a good job at covering this topic sincerely and not ... making it.. fake or sugarcoated which is so very important.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to others and read others by the author.
March 19, 2023
I really liked this book--it's right up my alley: realistic fiction about teens dealing with grief. The five main characters all go to the same school, and their stories intertwine but not in an obvious or over-the-top way. It all felt very natural. It really felt like this author is writing with a voice that teens would find authentic. There is no preachiness in this book (which I'm so thankful for as an adult reader); instead, the plot lines will resonate with teen readers and make their impact.
November 15, 2023
I read this in 24 hours. I felt like it was super well-done, especially considering the topics it covers (attempted suicide, mental health, cancer, etc.). It was amazingly uplifting and hopeful. A good reminder that EVERYONE is going through hard things and that the littlest kindness goes a long way. Highly recommend this book!
January 3, 2025
A beautiful book that depicts in a simple yet authentic way the daily reality of many teenagers today and how small kindnesses and empathy can change the course of someone’s life. It also shows that everyone is experiencing something hard. Often that hard is unseen—something to always remember when we interact with others. I think a lot of people can relate to this book, especially teens.
August 24, 2023
had an interest in every single character but definitely wanted more for celia. the other POV had the beginnings of a friend group and celia was just left behind.
November 6, 2023
This talks about teenager struggles. Since I have teenagers I felt like it was helpful. It is pretty juviline and caters to youth. It has the story of I think 4 teenagers all during the same 2 days. I thought it was worth the read. "We are all struggling with something but it's important to help others" is the premise.
January 14, 2024
Wow! Just, wow! I could not put this beautifully written book down. The stories of these young people’s lives and their struggles are so real. The little things one does or says to another really do matter as we make our way through this life. Even to help someone considering suicide. Be kind and gentle with each other, because we have no idea what others are going through. Let us watch out for those that are drowning, and rescue them.
March 22, 2025
It’s YA and tackles suicide. I loved the characters and how they all handled what they are going through and how they all helped each other.
January 28, 2024
4 stars
This book has some really good things going on that will make it a good one for YA discussion. Circling around one girls return to school after being hospitalized for a suicide attempt the entire book takes place in about 10 hours. Alternating narratives give us different views of how this event has impacted those around her.
What I didn’t love about the book was that the dialogue, and a lot of the interactions felt very contrived. It just didn’t feel authentic or how people (especially teens) really talk. Lots of positive quote repeating from all characters didn’t feel natural and kept pulling me out of the story. That brought it down a star for sure.
The great thing about the book is the message that our interactions and acts of kindness (or cruelty) matter. We cross paths and help or we hurt. Everyone has difficulty in their lives that we will never know about. We should handle each other with care.
Quick read with a great message.
4 stars (B)
This book has some really good things going on that will make it a good one for YA discussion. Circling around one girls return to school after being hospitalized for a suicide attempt the entire book takes place in about 10 hours. Alternating narratives give us different views of how this event has impacted those around her.
What I didn’t love about the book was that the dialogue, and a lot of the interactions felt very contrived. It just didn’t feel authentic or how people (especially teens) really talk. Lots of positive quote repeating from all characters didn’t feel natural and kept pulling me out of the story. That brought it down a star for sure.
The great thing about the book is the message that our interactions and acts of kindness (or cruelty) matter. We cross paths and help or we hurt. Everyone has difficulty in their lives that we will never know about. We should handle each other with care.
Quick read with a great message.
4 stars (B)
October 6, 2023
Great book! We all struggle with things. We don't know what someone else is going through. We can see and include and love others. Stay and shine! :)
Great quotes:
"You have worth. You have value. You have a place. To quote Linkin Park: 'Who cares if one more light goes out in a sky of a million stars?' The answer is that I do. I care. Please do not deprive the world of the good that you bring to it. Say and shine!"
"The therapist said I'm special and this diary will help me figure it out (p. 1)."
"I am in the ocean, waving frantically. But no one's waving back at me. I'm out here alone. Maybe that's not true either. I have my mom. But she's so busy being busy. She works a lot to keep us both fed, to keep a roof over our heads... Which is why I wonder... how much better would her life be if I wasn't here anymore (p. 2)?"
"Can a pen save me from myself? Will it save me from everybody's curious looks (p. 11)?"
"My old friends don't know how to talk to me. Some of them stopped talking shortly after visiting me in the hospital. I think they were afraid suicide might be contagious. It's been long enough now that no one talks to me except my mom. Well, and my therapist (p. 11)."
"Maybe no one will notice me. I'm wearing a long-sleeved hoodie over a long-sleeved shirt. Both go all the way to my fingers so the scars aren't visible. Maybe no one will see (p. 12)."
"Those days were bad days no matter what Celia did or didn't do. It had been a week since her mom's last really bad days (p. 15)."
"You don't have to fight alone. The thought came unbidden to her mind (p. 17)."
"She looked up and saw Damion Archer. A popular kid, not just by high school standards but by first-world standards. He was internet famous... he was also the stereotypical hot guy every girl in high school fell for... He'd asked her a question (p. 17)."
"'You okay? You don't look like you're okay. I can get you some help.'... 'I don't need your help' (p. 18)."
"The worst part about having a therapist? They want you to rehash. They ask all the prying questions--the ones that don't have answers, or at least don't have good enough answers (p. 20)."
"I am afraid everyone will notice my return. I am afraid no one will notice. I am afraid I'll be assigned to someone so they can babysit me. I am afraid of ... everything (p. 21)."
"'That girl who tried to kill herself awhile back? She's coming back to school today. If you actually care about what it means to be on the Hope Squad, you'll talk to her, help her out' (p. 24)."
"She has cried so much. Because of me. She doesn't know that I see her cry. If I were gone, would the tears eventually dry up? Would she be able to move from the place of sad we never talk about (p. 27)?"
"Most of the school had been talking about Addison Thoreau since it happened, but that pretty boy couldn't be bothered to learn the girl's name (p. 28)?"
"She was tired too. Tired of being scared. Tired of worrying. Tired of being intensely freaked out. Tired of being hung up on by some girl with unnecessary attitude (p. 31)."
"What would that be like? To have two people invested in her the way those two were invested in Addison? She'd have someone to talk to about her brother. She'd have someone to give her advice. She'd have someone (p. 33)."
"Would it have hurt her to carve a space where she belonged in the hills of Silver River instead of feeling like this observer she always seemed to be (p. 34)?"
"'I'll see you later.' A girl who has never spoken to me in my life just said that to me. She didn't look at my arms, at my wrists. Her eyes never dropped from mine. It's possible she doesn't know who I am or what I did. But she said she'd see me later like she meant it, like I would be here later to see. It's a lot for someone to presume right now (p. 38)."
"He wasn't sure Addison's attempt hadn't been his fault. Addison's attempt. That was the only way he knew how to reference the whole thing. Suicide, die, kill: those words made his stomach feel like he'd eaten too much and was going to throw it all up (p. 39)."
"'If she's not talking to you and she's not talking to me, then maybe whatever happened doesn't have anything to do with either of us. It's not your fault. And it isn't something she did to us. She has things going on that aren't about us. Emotions and grief and pain are weird. Everyone feels them differently and reacts differently' (p. 42)."
"There is no need to psychoanalyze behavior that is completely pedestrian (p. 47)."
"Celia didn't think her dad hated her, but he loved the woman who did. Fact: It was hard to forgive him for that (p. 50)."
"'I have something you can wear if you want. I probably overdressed for the day. Do you want it?' (p. 51)"
"'Girl, you're in a bathroom, crying, and your shirt has cigarette burns in it. That's definitely something. Are you... hurting yourself?... You're not a human ashtray, you know. And if someone's using you as one, that's totally messed up. If those really are cigarette burns, you need to tell someone' (p. 53)."
"The door was open, and she crossed the threshold into the office--the first step to something that, she hoped, would be better (p. 56)."
"I used to think my high school was huge, that it was a place where you could get lost in the anonymity of the crowd, but it turns out avoiding someone in that crowd is hard when he's in most of my classes (p. 58)."
"'No one sent me. I'm here because I want to be here' (p. 63)."
"They go on to live happy, good lives. Okay, he hadn't said happy or good, but they went on to live. Doesn't it stand to reason that they were happy? That they did some good somewhere? Why else would they stay (p. 66)?"
"The question I need to ask now is, am I part of the nine, or am I the one (p. 67)?"
"'You just said something that got me thinking in a way I haven't been thinking for a long time, and, anyway, I just wanted to say thank you' (p. 68)."
"'You don't have to go. You can come with us.' Avery wanted to slap that offer right off his mouth. Seriously? Was he serious right now (p. 69)?"
"'Wait a minute. Your baby's name is Tyler? Like my brother?' 'Like his father' (p. 73)."
"She learned that little Tyler was four months old and that he liked it when his dad sang to him. Up to that point, Avery hadn't known Tyler ever sang (p. 77)."
"It took me awhile to realize I never said thank you. To anyone. For anything of importance. Not really... After talking to the therapist, I've decided it's important to say thank you when you have the chance. You never know when there won't be chances later (p. 80)."
"The few things he did overhear made him feel like throwing up. Celia had been hurt. A lot (p. 84)."
"'Addison. She's a good person. Don't let the rumors about her convince you of anything different' (p. 85)."
"'Tell Addison thanks. Tell her I'm glad she's okay' (p. 87)."
"'It should be me thanking you... That girl hasn't talked to anyone in her life before now, but she opened up to you. Like I said, you definitely must be a trustworthy soul to have someone like her talk to you' (p. 88)."
"Why do I have not trouble talking to people who are practically strangers (p. 89)?"
"Celia had spoken her truth out loud. People had listened. They had believed her. They had helped her. She hadn't been sure that was how it would work. She had heard stories that it hadn't worked that way for others. But those were stories. This was her reality (p. 95)."
"'Like shooting stars
We rend open the night
Burned bright, then burned out'
It's saying we're bright and brilliant but fleeting. What if I am just fleeting? What if I skip the bright and brilliant part? What if I don't have that moment where I rend open the night, but, instead, I am the one ripped open? (p. 97)"
"'You could say I was somewhere between deathly sick and dead' (p. 102)."
"Hopefully, it would get around that he'd been hanging out with Addison, that she had called him her friend. Then, even if there were rumors floating around that he was a guy just flexing his fame, people might at least question what they heard versus what they saw in reality. Maybe then the savage onslaught of messages could end. The threats to pay him a visit at home might stop (p. 103)."
"'Not everyone who knows me likes me... And worse, not even everyone knows me' (p. 107)."
"There's a baby in my brother's room. My brother's baby is in my brother's room. My nephew is in my brother's room (p. 109)."
"She'd learned in her psychology class that strong, healthy relationships helped those who suffered from depression to cope. If she had tried to be one of those strong relationships for her brother, would he have landed himself in jail? If she allowed healthy relationships in her own life, would she be better able to cope? (p. 116)"
"'Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all' (p. 120)."
"I'm in the stupid bathroom again. I almost texted Mom to come get me, but she needs to work. She's taken off so much time already. I also ripped out that last page in the journal. I threw it in the trash, but then I panicked and dug it out again, smoothed it out, and put it back in its place (p. 126)."
"She ran her hand over the clothes she'd received. It was the second time clothing had been offered to her that day. And both offerings had felt like a hand pulling her out of the dark and closer to light--closer to normal. She set the clothes on the bed, grateful she'd have something comfortable to sleep in (p. 132)."
"A lot of people lie about who they are and where they've been. They come to the internet to reinvent themselves. For a long time, I wasn't allowed on the internet. My mom worried about the world having access to my private thoughts. She didn't need to worry. I lie online. I think most people do (p. 134)."
"He couldn't remember the last time he felt like he'd had a true friend--a person looking out for him and being with him, no strings attacked. Sure, he had fans, but fans and friends were not really the same thing (p. 136)."
"Maybe this was the place where Damon was rolled over by the combination of his success and his demons. He frowned and tucked his sketchbook away. If people knew the truth... But they didn't. And it wasn't anyone's business but his (p. 141)."
"I hugged Hazel while she cried. I am not responsible for her. But I am responsible for how I treat her. She is my friend. I will treat her gently. That's how it works (p. 143)."
"Forgetting Celia meant she'd stuffed her brain too full of real life (p. 145)."
"It never occurred to her that families could grow too. Experience had only taught her about shrinkage and loss. But apparently families expanded as well as contracted, like breathing (p. 147)."
"I think my mom's friend Piper hates me... I need to calm down. What would the therapist say? She would tell me to calm down. She would tell me that I don't know what Pieper's life is like either and that maybe Piper has struggled with things I don't understand (p. 160)."
"They were contacting her dad. Fact: She didn't know how she felt about that (p. 169)."
"She knows. About the abuse from when I was a kid. I never told her (p. 170)."
"He couldn't unload any of his mental carnage on his mother (p. 176)."
"She applauded as he acted out the scenes to the songs in between mixing things together for a coconut-ginger chickpea soup. It had lots of curcumin in it. He'd read that curcumin was good for people with Alzheimer's. He'd gotten good at making soups... It would have been easy to get sick of the same sort of meal all the time, which was why Damion worked to make sure no two flavors happened in the same week... When he heard his dad's car pull into the garage, he breathed a sigh of relief. Entertaining his mom all on his own exhausted him, and he still had to finish storyboarding his next video (p. 176)."
"Hazel listened while I talked. She really listened, and I talked way more than I ever imagined possible. Way more than I have ever done with even the therapist... She hugged me so tightly before she left I almost couldn't breathe, but now that she's gone, taking my secrets with her, I feel like I'm breathing better than I have in years (p. 180)."
"That's progress, isn't it? Believing in a tomorrow? I should have believed sooner. I should have told someone besides a therapist my secrets sooner (p. 181)."
"The sad truth is that I will never get the chance to rewind and do over. Will I (p. 181)?"
"Damion Archer was going to a head-shaving party? 'You ever feel like everything you knew was wrong?' (p. 188)"
"Do I want to go? No. Yes. Maybe (p. 191)."
"'I blew up my life' (p. 199)."
"Fact: Sometimes, accidents made good things happen. Penicillin was discovered because a guy accidentally left out a bunch of petri dishes filled with staph infections while he went away for a while, only to come home and discover the dish with mold in it hadn't grown more of the infection. That accident ultimately saved lives. Not that dropping a glass on the floor was a lifesaving event, but Celia didn't want to argue with Sophie (p. 203)."
"Celia moved to the bed where she could tuck herself under the bedspread, whether to find comfort in it or hide beneath it, she wasn't sure. When she pulled the white cover over her, she saw Addison Thoreau's hoodie. She pulled it close and hugged it to her chest (p. 204)."
"'You didn't even like me.'... 'Baby, that is not true. Not true at all. I love you. And I should've fought for you. I should've fought to keep you with me. And I didn't. I can't make what I did or didn't do right. There isn't any way to go back and fix it, but I can be better going forward if you'll forgive me and give me a chance to prove I love you... So, do you want to be with us? Is it okay if I come get you?' (p. 206)"
"Booker stopped talking and looked at me. He really looked at me... Maybe that's why the Booker question is so hard for me to face. I am no longer invisible to him (p. 208)."
"'I'm getting hate mail' (p. 210)."
"Damion quickly draper an arm over Avery's shoulder and squeezed her into him. 'If you keep calling her my girlfriend, she might give me a black eye' (p. 214)."
"Damion had fans, not friends. Fans who didn't know what his real life was like. But being with Avery made things in his real life seem better, bearable. 'Why'd we stop being friends, Avery?' 'You got famous... It was probably a million little things' (p. 215)."
"'It isn't about the people who remember you. It's about the people you remember. I remember being your friend. I'd like to try that again if you'll let me' (p. 217)."
"Just like that, Avery was his friend again. Just like that, everything was better. Everything was bearable. He wasn't alone anymore (p. 217)."
"Is it a good sign that I'm actually facing my demons enough to be in Booker's house? Or is it a bad sign that my time in his house is spent hiding in his bathroom (p. 218)?"
"Did anyone else know about Damion's mom? She hadn't known, and she was Damion's friend (p. 219)."
"'I really gotta learn how to talk to people' (p. 220)."
"Though she felt friendship toward Addison, they were skimming the surface of acquaintance. Avery would have to remedy that. Not only because she felt Addison needed friends but also because the day had taught her how much she needed them as well (p. 221)."
"'You okay?' he asked, likely because she was so quiet. It almost made her cry to hear Damion ask such a question considering all he had going on in his own life. She had so misjudged him (p. 223)."
"'I'm your friend, Archer, not your fan. And not saying I'm super good at knowing how friendship works since I don't have any friends other than you, but I think it's okay to handle it badly if you need to. I'm sorry about your mom. She was always so nice to me' (p. 225)."
"It would have been good to have people she knew-ish to talk to (p. 231)."
"'I'm sorry. Look, Booker, I didn't come here to fight with you. I came... I just wanted to explain what happened and let you know it isn't your fault. I've had some crappy things happen to me in the past, and it's going to take some time for me to sort it all out. Anyway. I don't think we should hang out until I get stuff figured out if that's okay with you.'...
'It's not okay with me... You've had crappy things happen, and you want to work through them. I want to help you with that... I want you to be happy. I don't think being alone is going to help you work through everything... you can have other humans help--humans who care about you... I just want you to know you're not alone. And if you say that space away from me is what you need, then okay. But even then you're still not alone. Because I'm here whenever you need me' (p. 233)."
"'What do you feel about me? What does it matter to you if I live or die?'...
'I care. One light makes all the difference. Ever since the day you moved into town and walked into Colby's science class, I've wanted to know you, to talk to you, to hear you say my name. I feel everything about you... Addison, I want to be there for you, but in order for me to do that, I need you to be here. I need you to stay. I'm not saying you won't have more bad stuff in your future. I can't promise that, but I can promise that there will be good things too. I just don't want to see you miss the good' (p. 235)."
"She was lucky to have Booker on her side (p. 236)."
"There weren't just a million stars in the human family. There were more than eight billion. In a sky of a billion stars--in eight billion stars--did she still matter?.. how did she feel about her own light? (p. 239)"
"What a day. The journal thing helped me get through it. At least I think it did. It's not like the journal showed anything special about me the way that the therapist said it would. But it helped me sort through my feelings (p. 239)."
"Everyone is fundamentally the same, made from the dust of long-dead stars. And maybe we shine just as brightly. Maybe, if we let ourselves, we can shine even brighter. I'm in a good place. A place where I'm not drowning. A place where I'm not swimming either. Not yet. But I am treading water today... I'm still here. And I'm staying (p. 240)."
"Suicide is a painful and serious public health concern that can have long-lasting consequences for individuals, families, and communities. It is devastating for all involved (p. 241)."
"You are important to this world. You have a light that only you can give. Stay and shine (p. 241)!"
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being aware of me in my darkest hour of depression, for stepping in and saving my life, and for being aware of us all and loving us all (p. 244)."
Great quotes:
"You have worth. You have value. You have a place. To quote Linkin Park: 'Who cares if one more light goes out in a sky of a million stars?' The answer is that I do. I care. Please do not deprive the world of the good that you bring to it. Say and shine!"
"The therapist said I'm special and this diary will help me figure it out (p. 1)."
"I am in the ocean, waving frantically. But no one's waving back at me. I'm out here alone. Maybe that's not true either. I have my mom. But she's so busy being busy. She works a lot to keep us both fed, to keep a roof over our heads... Which is why I wonder... how much better would her life be if I wasn't here anymore (p. 2)?"
"Can a pen save me from myself? Will it save me from everybody's curious looks (p. 11)?"
"My old friends don't know how to talk to me. Some of them stopped talking shortly after visiting me in the hospital. I think they were afraid suicide might be contagious. It's been long enough now that no one talks to me except my mom. Well, and my therapist (p. 11)."
"Maybe no one will notice me. I'm wearing a long-sleeved hoodie over a long-sleeved shirt. Both go all the way to my fingers so the scars aren't visible. Maybe no one will see (p. 12)."
"Those days were bad days no matter what Celia did or didn't do. It had been a week since her mom's last really bad days (p. 15)."
"You don't have to fight alone. The thought came unbidden to her mind (p. 17)."
"She looked up and saw Damion Archer. A popular kid, not just by high school standards but by first-world standards. He was internet famous... he was also the stereotypical hot guy every girl in high school fell for... He'd asked her a question (p. 17)."
"'You okay? You don't look like you're okay. I can get you some help.'... 'I don't need your help' (p. 18)."
"The worst part about having a therapist? They want you to rehash. They ask all the prying questions--the ones that don't have answers, or at least don't have good enough answers (p. 20)."
"I am afraid everyone will notice my return. I am afraid no one will notice. I am afraid I'll be assigned to someone so they can babysit me. I am afraid of ... everything (p. 21)."
"'That girl who tried to kill herself awhile back? She's coming back to school today. If you actually care about what it means to be on the Hope Squad, you'll talk to her, help her out' (p. 24)."
"She has cried so much. Because of me. She doesn't know that I see her cry. If I were gone, would the tears eventually dry up? Would she be able to move from the place of sad we never talk about (p. 27)?"
"Most of the school had been talking about Addison Thoreau since it happened, but that pretty boy couldn't be bothered to learn the girl's name (p. 28)?"
"She was tired too. Tired of being scared. Tired of worrying. Tired of being intensely freaked out. Tired of being hung up on by some girl with unnecessary attitude (p. 31)."
"What would that be like? To have two people invested in her the way those two were invested in Addison? She'd have someone to talk to about her brother. She'd have someone to give her advice. She'd have someone (p. 33)."
"Would it have hurt her to carve a space where she belonged in the hills of Silver River instead of feeling like this observer she always seemed to be (p. 34)?"
"'I'll see you later.' A girl who has never spoken to me in my life just said that to me. She didn't look at my arms, at my wrists. Her eyes never dropped from mine. It's possible she doesn't know who I am or what I did. But she said she'd see me later like she meant it, like I would be here later to see. It's a lot for someone to presume right now (p. 38)."
"He wasn't sure Addison's attempt hadn't been his fault. Addison's attempt. That was the only way he knew how to reference the whole thing. Suicide, die, kill: those words made his stomach feel like he'd eaten too much and was going to throw it all up (p. 39)."
"'If she's not talking to you and she's not talking to me, then maybe whatever happened doesn't have anything to do with either of us. It's not your fault. And it isn't something she did to us. She has things going on that aren't about us. Emotions and grief and pain are weird. Everyone feels them differently and reacts differently' (p. 42)."
"There is no need to psychoanalyze behavior that is completely pedestrian (p. 47)."
"Celia didn't think her dad hated her, but he loved the woman who did. Fact: It was hard to forgive him for that (p. 50)."
"'I have something you can wear if you want. I probably overdressed for the day. Do you want it?' (p. 51)"
"'Girl, you're in a bathroom, crying, and your shirt has cigarette burns in it. That's definitely something. Are you... hurting yourself?... You're not a human ashtray, you know. And if someone's using you as one, that's totally messed up. If those really are cigarette burns, you need to tell someone' (p. 53)."
"The door was open, and she crossed the threshold into the office--the first step to something that, she hoped, would be better (p. 56)."
"I used to think my high school was huge, that it was a place where you could get lost in the anonymity of the crowd, but it turns out avoiding someone in that crowd is hard when he's in most of my classes (p. 58)."
"'No one sent me. I'm here because I want to be here' (p. 63)."
"They go on to live happy, good lives. Okay, he hadn't said happy or good, but they went on to live. Doesn't it stand to reason that they were happy? That they did some good somewhere? Why else would they stay (p. 66)?"
"The question I need to ask now is, am I part of the nine, or am I the one (p. 67)?"
"'You just said something that got me thinking in a way I haven't been thinking for a long time, and, anyway, I just wanted to say thank you' (p. 68)."
"'You don't have to go. You can come with us.' Avery wanted to slap that offer right off his mouth. Seriously? Was he serious right now (p. 69)?"
"'Wait a minute. Your baby's name is Tyler? Like my brother?' 'Like his father' (p. 73)."
"She learned that little Tyler was four months old and that he liked it when his dad sang to him. Up to that point, Avery hadn't known Tyler ever sang (p. 77)."
"It took me awhile to realize I never said thank you. To anyone. For anything of importance. Not really... After talking to the therapist, I've decided it's important to say thank you when you have the chance. You never know when there won't be chances later (p. 80)."
"The few things he did overhear made him feel like throwing up. Celia had been hurt. A lot (p. 84)."
"'Addison. She's a good person. Don't let the rumors about her convince you of anything different' (p. 85)."
"'Tell Addison thanks. Tell her I'm glad she's okay' (p. 87)."
"'It should be me thanking you... That girl hasn't talked to anyone in her life before now, but she opened up to you. Like I said, you definitely must be a trustworthy soul to have someone like her talk to you' (p. 88)."
"Why do I have not trouble talking to people who are practically strangers (p. 89)?"
"Celia had spoken her truth out loud. People had listened. They had believed her. They had helped her. She hadn't been sure that was how it would work. She had heard stories that it hadn't worked that way for others. But those were stories. This was her reality (p. 95)."
"'Like shooting stars
We rend open the night
Burned bright, then burned out'
It's saying we're bright and brilliant but fleeting. What if I am just fleeting? What if I skip the bright and brilliant part? What if I don't have that moment where I rend open the night, but, instead, I am the one ripped open? (p. 97)"
"'You could say I was somewhere between deathly sick and dead' (p. 102)."
"Hopefully, it would get around that he'd been hanging out with Addison, that she had called him her friend. Then, even if there were rumors floating around that he was a guy just flexing his fame, people might at least question what they heard versus what they saw in reality. Maybe then the savage onslaught of messages could end. The threats to pay him a visit at home might stop (p. 103)."
"'Not everyone who knows me likes me... And worse, not even everyone knows me' (p. 107)."
"There's a baby in my brother's room. My brother's baby is in my brother's room. My nephew is in my brother's room (p. 109)."
"She'd learned in her psychology class that strong, healthy relationships helped those who suffered from depression to cope. If she had tried to be one of those strong relationships for her brother, would he have landed himself in jail? If she allowed healthy relationships in her own life, would she be better able to cope? (p. 116)"
"'Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all' (p. 120)."
"I'm in the stupid bathroom again. I almost texted Mom to come get me, but she needs to work. She's taken off so much time already. I also ripped out that last page in the journal. I threw it in the trash, but then I panicked and dug it out again, smoothed it out, and put it back in its place (p. 126)."
"She ran her hand over the clothes she'd received. It was the second time clothing had been offered to her that day. And both offerings had felt like a hand pulling her out of the dark and closer to light--closer to normal. She set the clothes on the bed, grateful she'd have something comfortable to sleep in (p. 132)."
"A lot of people lie about who they are and where they've been. They come to the internet to reinvent themselves. For a long time, I wasn't allowed on the internet. My mom worried about the world having access to my private thoughts. She didn't need to worry. I lie online. I think most people do (p. 134)."
"He couldn't remember the last time he felt like he'd had a true friend--a person looking out for him and being with him, no strings attacked. Sure, he had fans, but fans and friends were not really the same thing (p. 136)."
"Maybe this was the place where Damon was rolled over by the combination of his success and his demons. He frowned and tucked his sketchbook away. If people knew the truth... But they didn't. And it wasn't anyone's business but his (p. 141)."
"I hugged Hazel while she cried. I am not responsible for her. But I am responsible for how I treat her. She is my friend. I will treat her gently. That's how it works (p. 143)."
"Forgetting Celia meant she'd stuffed her brain too full of real life (p. 145)."
"It never occurred to her that families could grow too. Experience had only taught her about shrinkage and loss. But apparently families expanded as well as contracted, like breathing (p. 147)."
"I think my mom's friend Piper hates me... I need to calm down. What would the therapist say? She would tell me to calm down. She would tell me that I don't know what Pieper's life is like either and that maybe Piper has struggled with things I don't understand (p. 160)."
"They were contacting her dad. Fact: She didn't know how she felt about that (p. 169)."
"She knows. About the abuse from when I was a kid. I never told her (p. 170)."
"He couldn't unload any of his mental carnage on his mother (p. 176)."
"She applauded as he acted out the scenes to the songs in between mixing things together for a coconut-ginger chickpea soup. It had lots of curcumin in it. He'd read that curcumin was good for people with Alzheimer's. He'd gotten good at making soups... It would have been easy to get sick of the same sort of meal all the time, which was why Damion worked to make sure no two flavors happened in the same week... When he heard his dad's car pull into the garage, he breathed a sigh of relief. Entertaining his mom all on his own exhausted him, and he still had to finish storyboarding his next video (p. 176)."
"Hazel listened while I talked. She really listened, and I talked way more than I ever imagined possible. Way more than I have ever done with even the therapist... She hugged me so tightly before she left I almost couldn't breathe, but now that she's gone, taking my secrets with her, I feel like I'm breathing better than I have in years (p. 180)."
"That's progress, isn't it? Believing in a tomorrow? I should have believed sooner. I should have told someone besides a therapist my secrets sooner (p. 181)."
"The sad truth is that I will never get the chance to rewind and do over. Will I (p. 181)?"
"Damion Archer was going to a head-shaving party? 'You ever feel like everything you knew was wrong?' (p. 188)"
"Do I want to go? No. Yes. Maybe (p. 191)."
"'I blew up my life' (p. 199)."
"Fact: Sometimes, accidents made good things happen. Penicillin was discovered because a guy accidentally left out a bunch of petri dishes filled with staph infections while he went away for a while, only to come home and discover the dish with mold in it hadn't grown more of the infection. That accident ultimately saved lives. Not that dropping a glass on the floor was a lifesaving event, but Celia didn't want to argue with Sophie (p. 203)."
"Celia moved to the bed where she could tuck herself under the bedspread, whether to find comfort in it or hide beneath it, she wasn't sure. When she pulled the white cover over her, she saw Addison Thoreau's hoodie. She pulled it close and hugged it to her chest (p. 204)."
"'You didn't even like me.'... 'Baby, that is not true. Not true at all. I love you. And I should've fought for you. I should've fought to keep you with me. And I didn't. I can't make what I did or didn't do right. There isn't any way to go back and fix it, but I can be better going forward if you'll forgive me and give me a chance to prove I love you... So, do you want to be with us? Is it okay if I come get you?' (p. 206)"
"Booker stopped talking and looked at me. He really looked at me... Maybe that's why the Booker question is so hard for me to face. I am no longer invisible to him (p. 208)."
"'I'm getting hate mail' (p. 210)."
"Damion quickly draper an arm over Avery's shoulder and squeezed her into him. 'If you keep calling her my girlfriend, she might give me a black eye' (p. 214)."
"Damion had fans, not friends. Fans who didn't know what his real life was like. But being with Avery made things in his real life seem better, bearable. 'Why'd we stop being friends, Avery?' 'You got famous... It was probably a million little things' (p. 215)."
"'It isn't about the people who remember you. It's about the people you remember. I remember being your friend. I'd like to try that again if you'll let me' (p. 217)."
"Just like that, Avery was his friend again. Just like that, everything was better. Everything was bearable. He wasn't alone anymore (p. 217)."
"Is it a good sign that I'm actually facing my demons enough to be in Booker's house? Or is it a bad sign that my time in his house is spent hiding in his bathroom (p. 218)?"
"Did anyone else know about Damion's mom? She hadn't known, and she was Damion's friend (p. 219)."
"'I really gotta learn how to talk to people' (p. 220)."
"Though she felt friendship toward Addison, they were skimming the surface of acquaintance. Avery would have to remedy that. Not only because she felt Addison needed friends but also because the day had taught her how much she needed them as well (p. 221)."
"'You okay?' he asked, likely because she was so quiet. It almost made her cry to hear Damion ask such a question considering all he had going on in his own life. She had so misjudged him (p. 223)."
"'I'm your friend, Archer, not your fan. And not saying I'm super good at knowing how friendship works since I don't have any friends other than you, but I think it's okay to handle it badly if you need to. I'm sorry about your mom. She was always so nice to me' (p. 225)."
"It would have been good to have people she knew-ish to talk to (p. 231)."
"'I'm sorry. Look, Booker, I didn't come here to fight with you. I came... I just wanted to explain what happened and let you know it isn't your fault. I've had some crappy things happen to me in the past, and it's going to take some time for me to sort it all out. Anyway. I don't think we should hang out until I get stuff figured out if that's okay with you.'...
'It's not okay with me... You've had crappy things happen, and you want to work through them. I want to help you with that... I want you to be happy. I don't think being alone is going to help you work through everything... you can have other humans help--humans who care about you... I just want you to know you're not alone. And if you say that space away from me is what you need, then okay. But even then you're still not alone. Because I'm here whenever you need me' (p. 233)."
"'What do you feel about me? What does it matter to you if I live or die?'...
'I care. One light makes all the difference. Ever since the day you moved into town and walked into Colby's science class, I've wanted to know you, to talk to you, to hear you say my name. I feel everything about you... Addison, I want to be there for you, but in order for me to do that, I need you to be here. I need you to stay. I'm not saying you won't have more bad stuff in your future. I can't promise that, but I can promise that there will be good things too. I just don't want to see you miss the good' (p. 235)."
"She was lucky to have Booker on her side (p. 236)."
"There weren't just a million stars in the human family. There were more than eight billion. In a sky of a billion stars--in eight billion stars--did she still matter?.. how did she feel about her own light? (p. 239)"
"What a day. The journal thing helped me get through it. At least I think it did. It's not like the journal showed anything special about me the way that the therapist said it would. But it helped me sort through my feelings (p. 239)."
"Everyone is fundamentally the same, made from the dust of long-dead stars. And maybe we shine just as brightly. Maybe, if we let ourselves, we can shine even brighter. I'm in a good place. A place where I'm not drowning. A place where I'm not swimming either. Not yet. But I am treading water today... I'm still here. And I'm staying (p. 240)."
"Suicide is a painful and serious public health concern that can have long-lasting consequences for individuals, families, and communities. It is devastating for all involved (p. 241)."
"You are important to this world. You have a light that only you can give. Stay and shine (p. 241)!"
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for being aware of me in my darkest hour of depression, for stepping in and saving my life, and for being aware of us all and loving us all (p. 244)."
September 25, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, Shadow Mountain, and Julie Wright for the opportunity to read Swimming in a Sea of Stars in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is heavy in the topics of suicide and self-harm and readers with depression or a history of depression or self-harm should read with caution. While this novel explores a lot of emotions, it has it joy and kindness within as well, the things that pull people through the hard times.
Swimming in a Sea of Stars follows Addison's perspective through her journal entries after she survives her suicide attempt. Going to school is hard, because now she is known as the "girl who tried to kill herself." Her journal is where she expresses her feelings as an outlet. Upon her return to school, she learns that she certainly isn't the only troubled teen at school.
Booker, Addison's friend...or kind of boyfriend?...wanted to kiss her, but it was after that when she tried to kill herself. Booker beats himself up over the event, thinking the two are related, not knowing if they are. And can they still be friends?
Celia, another girl at school, feels like she understands Addison. Sometimes ones home life, especially when domestic abuse is involved, is enough to push anyone over the edge.
Damion helps take care of his mom. On good days, she might remember who he is. With little help from his brother, the responsibility is high. He thinks befriending Addison might boost his TikTok following. He wants the fame and adoration, for someone to know who he is, that he exists, when there are days his mom doesn't.
Avery doesn't know Addison, but of course she heard about what happened. With her own brother in jail and the secret girl and child he left behind, Avery finds herself lonely and stuck in her own downward thoughts. Maybe making friends with Addison would benefit them both?
I loved the journal-entry aspect of Addison's story, while the other characters had their own sections denoted by their name and told in their third person limited perspectives. I found Avery's story the second-most interesting. She has a lot going on! All of these characters are relatable in what they deal with in their lives. It is part of being human, and the struggles of the teenage years, that will bring any reader to connect with at least one ore more characters in this novel. Being human is hard, but it is the way we shine for each other that keeps us going and gives us purpose and meaning in our lives.
A phenomenal novel for a young adult audience filled with gripping emotions and real situations that are faced by the people we know. We just don't see what others are going through. That is why finding someone to be your anchor will benefit you both as you grow and find your purpose.
This novel is heavy in the topics of suicide and self-harm and readers with depression or a history of depression or self-harm should read with caution. While this novel explores a lot of emotions, it has it joy and kindness within as well, the things that pull people through the hard times.
Swimming in a Sea of Stars follows Addison's perspective through her journal entries after she survives her suicide attempt. Going to school is hard, because now she is known as the "girl who tried to kill herself." Her journal is where she expresses her feelings as an outlet. Upon her return to school, she learns that she certainly isn't the only troubled teen at school.
Booker, Addison's friend...or kind of boyfriend?...wanted to kiss her, but it was after that when she tried to kill herself. Booker beats himself up over the event, thinking the two are related, not knowing if they are. And can they still be friends?
Celia, another girl at school, feels like she understands Addison. Sometimes ones home life, especially when domestic abuse is involved, is enough to push anyone over the edge.
Damion helps take care of his mom. On good days, she might remember who he is. With little help from his brother, the responsibility is high. He thinks befriending Addison might boost his TikTok following. He wants the fame and adoration, for someone to know who he is, that he exists, when there are days his mom doesn't.
Avery doesn't know Addison, but of course she heard about what happened. With her own brother in jail and the secret girl and child he left behind, Avery finds herself lonely and stuck in her own downward thoughts. Maybe making friends with Addison would benefit them both?
I loved the journal-entry aspect of Addison's story, while the other characters had their own sections denoted by their name and told in their third person limited perspectives. I found Avery's story the second-most interesting. She has a lot going on! All of these characters are relatable in what they deal with in their lives. It is part of being human, and the struggles of the teenage years, that will bring any reader to connect with at least one ore more characters in this novel. Being human is hard, but it is the way we shine for each other that keeps us going and gives us purpose and meaning in our lives.
A phenomenal novel for a young adult audience filled with gripping emotions and real situations that are faced by the people we know. We just don't see what others are going through. That is why finding someone to be your anchor will benefit you both as you grow and find your purpose.
August 1, 2024
So this book was beautiful. A story about 5 lives all with their own heartbreaking stories. I have often wondered what life would be like if we could each read novels written about each other, and how that would impact how we treat each other. This book sort of gave you as the reader that perspective. You could see the strengths in each character. The way Damian chooses to be positive and laugh even through his struggles. The way Avery sees those around her and fights for them. The way Booker chooses to be a safe person for someone to come to when life is unbearable. The way Celia decides to be brave. The way Addison is full of wisdom that she imparts without even realizing it. And you see how each of these characters, over the course of a single day, impacts and changes the lives of the others. It doesn't fix all their problems, but it doesn't lighten their loads.
This is a book that reminded me it's okay to let people in and be vulnerable. It reminded me that I need to look out for and watch the people around me because we all have burdens we are carrying. It reminded me of what it means to truly listen and truly be a support and a friend. It reminded me that we need each other, and that we don't need to carry our burdens alone.
The characters in this book have no idea how much they help each other. None at all. But as a reader you know. And as a reader you are grateful for the kindness of each one because it lifts the burdens of the others, something you cannot do as the reader.
In the end it's true, we are all stars. And sometimes we need each other in order to keep shining, and we never know who that light will reach.
This is a book that reminded me it's okay to let people in and be vulnerable. It reminded me that I need to look out for and watch the people around me because we all have burdens we are carrying. It reminded me of what it means to truly listen and truly be a support and a friend. It reminded me that we need each other, and that we don't need to carry our burdens alone.
The characters in this book have no idea how much they help each other. None at all. But as a reader you know. And as a reader you are grateful for the kindness of each one because it lifts the burdens of the others, something you cannot do as the reader.
In the end it's true, we are all stars. And sometimes we need each other in order to keep shining, and we never know who that light will reach.
March 26, 2024
Um wow. This book is really good. This is the reminder that everyone has their own crap they are dealing with and we don't understand our own and definitely don't understand theirs and why would we share because no one needs to know our crap but maybe they wouldn't mind helping us with our crap and maybe we can help them with theirs. And while we think everyone is judging us they are just worried about themselves. Okay, that about sums it up. I will be thinking about this book for long time. This would be a good book for older teens but read it yourself first. There is a lot of material introduced that may need discussion (suicide, abuse, bullying but also reaching out to help and support and just saying thanks or caring about someone for even just a minute or two).
There is a sky full of stars but that doesn't mean we don't need one more. We need you, you matter.
There is a sky full of stars but that doesn't mean we don't need one more. We need you, you matter.
October 26, 2023
Empathy amplified.
I think this is one of those rare books that should be read by all teens. It's a gentle reminder that everyone, no matter how their lives appear to others, has hard stuff going on behind the scenes. The interwoven lives of several students at a high school are explored in a manner that feels realistic right down to the awkwardness of not knowing what to say in unusual situations. All the hard issues such as attempted suicide and hidden abuse are handled in a way that makes this book acceptable for younger readers. No trigger complaints here other than not liking the word 'Jackbag.'
I think this is one of those rare books that should be read by all teens. It's a gentle reminder that everyone, no matter how their lives appear to others, has hard stuff going on behind the scenes. The interwoven lives of several students at a high school are explored in a manner that feels realistic right down to the awkwardness of not knowing what to say in unusual situations. All the hard issues such as attempted suicide and hidden abuse are handled in a way that makes this book acceptable for younger readers. No trigger complaints here other than not liking the word 'Jackbag.'
October 25, 2025
This was an oddly quiet, oddly peaceful sort of book for me. Strange, given the topics it tackled. But there's something so beautiful about the way this book followed one day in the life of five very different, yet very intertwined, characters. It handles the subject of attempted suicide so gracefully, in a way that didn't trigger me at all, which is absolutely a first for me. I wish I knew more about what happens to the characters after this one day, but the ends it tied off on were full of hope and new beginnings, so that's really just me loving the beans and wanting to see more of them. <3
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