ARA Review by Susy6869 of Swimming in a Sea of Stars

[Susy6869]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, Swimming in a Sea of Stars.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright is a YA novel that focuses on important issues teens face. This novel could be compared to Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

The novel begins with Addison’s journal. Her therapist gave her the journal to write her thoughts in. It’s her first day back at school after her attempted suicide. The story weaves in Booker, the boy who wants a relationship with Addison, but is afraid he’s somehow responsible for her suicide attempt. And he’s struggling with his own issues. His cousin is dying of cancer. Celia has a horrible home life and encounters Addison in the high school bathroom. Addison gives her hoodie to Celia and the words she speaks to Celia gives the girl the courage to tell the school counselor just how bad her home life is. Avery has a locker by Addison. Avery’s brother has been thrown in jail for selling drugs and she must figure out her brother’s secret life. Damion is famous by the TikTok videos he posts and uses the money to help his mother who has Alzheimer’s. Avery and Damion help each other and their paths cross Addison. The five teen’s lives are interwoven and they all help one another. In the end, Addison is ready to talk to her mother about why she attempted suicide.

This novel is well-written and an outstanding addition to this genre. I bought both the Kindle version and Audible version. I would recommend this book for every school library in the states. It deals with suicide, domestic abuse, sickness – all the issues teens face today. It highlights how difficult it is for teens to navigate through these “grown up” issues, such as a mother who can’t remember your name because she suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. It deals with blended and broken families, cancer, and suicide.

Swimming in a Sea of Stars is exceptionally written with well developed characters. It draws you in and keeps you there until the end and I give it a 5 out of 5 stars. Well done!

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