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Cover of WITH STARS IN HER EYES
3.67

Based on 355 Goodreads ratings

WITH STARS IN HER EYES

by her family as a child performer on the Christian music circuit, as well as her divorce from a blackmailing manipulator from the same community. The two women start bonding over romance novels and art, with their chemistry strengthening over months of intimacy. But Courtney is hiding her past, which eventually spills out as expected. The novel is conscious of its own genre, and as the two women talk books, they make references to plot elements like the slow burn and the third act breakup, which Burke then dramatizes, not always well. We also get the requisite assortment of best friends and small\u002Dtown quirky characters as well as the villainous ex and some charming episodes, such as a date in a field at night. The adherence to rom\u002Dcom tropes and types could make for easy reading, but a narrative that alternates between Thea and Courtney’s first\u002Dperson points of view, plus Courtney’s many names and personas, can be difficult to follow. "

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781250372

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This powerful coming-of-age novel follows a teenage astronomy prodigy navigating the complex constellations of first love, family expectations, and her own brilliant future. The protagonist's passion...

Our Review

This powerful coming-of-age novel follows a teenage astronomy prodigy navigating the complex constellations of first love, family expectations, and her own brilliant future. The protagonist's passion for mapping the night sky becomes both her sanctuary and her struggle as she confronts the gravitational pull between academic ambition and personal relationships. Sharply observed and emotionally resonant, the story captures that pivotal moment when childhood dreams collide with adult realities.

What sets this young adult novel apart is its authentic portrayal of a gifted student wrestling with imposter syndrome while trying to chart her own course beyond others' expectations. The astronomy metaphors never feel forced, instead providing a natural framework for exploring identity, connection, and the universal search for belonging. Teen readers who feel caught between different worlds will find both recognition and inspiration in this moving exploration of finding your place in the universe.

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