The Stars in My Mind

by Sydney Blondell

Harlow Baxter spends her days binge-drinking and partying with friends from school to try to numb the pain of not feeling loved by her mother and father. In an attempt to treat Harlow’s alcohol addiction and bipolar depression, Harlow’s father enrolls her in a therapy group meant for teens with chronic illnesses. The only problem with his plan is that Harlow can’t relate to the other teens because she is not physically ill. Not being able to relate to these teens only makes the cravings for alcohol worse.

Even though Harlow struggles to connect with her peers in therapy, she does find friendship with two members, Sloan and Clem. They love and support Harlow, but Harlow views their concerns as judgment and pushes them away.

It isn't until Harlow meets Silas Underwood - lead singer of Half Baked Men - that Harlow feels loved for the first time in her life. Harlow falls hard and fast for Silas, but in falling for Silas, her life quickly spirals out of control.

For months, Harlow’s entire world revolves around Silas and Silas’s needs, but on the night of her seventeenth birthday, the life she built with her love comes crashing down and she loses everything she’s valued most the past few months in a matter of hours.

Genres: Disability

336 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2023

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! Clem, Harlow, Silas, Sloan..?? I am VERY emotional now. This author handled mental health so very well and I’m excited for the next book!

[BookwormNoelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to be chosen to read an ARC of this book!
I felt like I was reading a real-life story about Harlow, her friends, and their respective struggles. The author’s writing made the journal so realistic! Some people want to change for the better, but don’t know how or cannot on their own. Sometimes a life changing event is the only thing that is able to help (along with the support of incredible chosen family).
I also like that Harlow listens to music (and shares the names of the songs).. it is a fun, lighter aspect of this book!

[Amandaa178 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so fucking sad,I love it.I don't know,the characters are incredible,Harlow,Silas,Clem,Sloan...I'm crying right now.They are people that are fighting with a lot of things and I admire them,I really admire them.
And also thanks to the autor Sydney for send me an ARC of the book!! <33

[Natalie ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5⭐️
this was overall a great read! It can be read as a standalone, but i highly recommend reading the stars in my heart first because it’s so good(and has disability rep!) the friendships in this book are so sweet and i love the emphasis on them. I enjoyed learning more about Harlow and the fact that this didn’t shy away from shadowing her mental health, specially how raw and real it is to recover. I’m excited for Clem’s story! This comes out March 14th! Thank you Sydney for the ARC :)

[Amari Miles-Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Stars in My Mind! I loved getting to know Harlow on a more individual level versus the group dynamic of her, Clem, and Sloan that you see in the first book. Her journey was a very real one with highs and lows which showcased how there is no linear path when trying to overcome addiction and coming to understand your mental health. Some people's journeys branch off before they reach their endpoint and following Harlow as she went through hers was a very surreal experience.

[Sydney Blondell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited for everyone to read Harlow’s story and get an inside look at her home life. This is another OwnVoices book for me, as I am bipolar like Harlow. I took the job of portraying mental illness very seriously and hope you all enjoy it!