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sam jam

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Stargirl (Stargirl, #1)

by Jerry Spinelli

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Reading for the 2nd time

read in April 2024

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sam jam said:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

" I love this book. It is beautiful written with vivid detail and imagery. It is about acceptance and showing the world who you are without fear, but also shows the fear that comes along with it. People will accept you if you’re unordinary as long as y I love this book. It is beautiful written with vivid detail and imagery. It is about acceptance and showing the world who you are without fear, but also shows the fear that comes along with it. People will accept you if you’re unordinary as long as you still apply to them, as long as they can still understand or accept you in some way. But if you continue to be you, go out of the box, people are much less quick to accept that. And then you have to decide what’s more important, your self worth or others. The ending to this is very bittersweet. It feels the reader with regret and empathy towards the boy who could not get out of his circle and be ready to accept himself fully. I’ve had this book for 8 years and did not realize there was a second book, however, I don’t know if I’ll read it. I want Leo and Star to be happy together but I know that most likely won’t be the case. Especially since the second book is more a long letter than current events (from what I’ve seen). So for now, I am content. I will hold on hope that they reunite, and if not, that Leo will get over Star and stop regretting his choices. That he’ll continue to understand the influence she had on him and how lucky he was to have her when he did, without putting his life (or love life) on hold for her. Cause I admit, I’m a little worried he’s still somewhat hung up on her 15 years later. But I digress. I love this book, even if the ending always makes me a little melancholy.
-edit: I realize that Leo kind of had it coming, by the way. He couldn’t get over his own insecurities and “crowd” mentality and believed he needed to belong. So he made Stargirl change instead of himself, it was a cowardly thing to do and not a kind thing to do to someone who loves you that much. So yes, he doesn’t really deserve Star since he couldn’t accept her, but it doesn’t help the bittersweetness of their love become any less so. They had beautiful experiences and lovely times together, but in the end, sometimes people need to focus on themselves more than others. But also, those kids sucked, I realize it was kind of a dramatic way to show how much is placed in belonging, but those kids sucked, and while it’s difficult, he should’ve realized he didn’t need their validation anyways. This book does a great job of explaining some critical points of society and the fact Leo is kind of an unreliable narrator helps too. This book exposes the underside of the most basics parts of our society, how we all strive to be accepted and be accepting of others, yet cannot do the same for ourselves. ...more "

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Apr 30, 2024 11:22AM · see review