Grace Under the Stars is not just a coming-of-age novel—it’s a coming-into-strength novel. It’s about the small but mighty acts of resistance that young people take when the world fails them, about how courage doesn’t always roar—sometimes it’s just holding someone’s hand while running away at dawn. This book will break your heart and then carefully stitch it back together. It’s a reminder that even when the night feels endless, there are stars to guide us—and sometimes, those stars are the people who run beside us when we’re too scared to go alone.
I grew up in the 80s, so this book felt like flipping through a photo album of my teenage years. The friendships, awkward moments, and figuring life out—it all felt super familiar and real. I got pulled into the story quickly and found myself rooting for the characters. It’s the kind of book that makes you think about your own growing-up years. If you love nostalgic coming-of-age stories, definitely give this one a go.
This story pulled me in from the first page and never let go. Grace's journey is heartbreaking, brave, and beautifully written. Set in the 1980s, it captures the raw emotions of grief, friendship, and the fight to belong. The characters felt so real, especially Grace, who shows incredible strength in the face of loss and uncertainty. This book made me cry, hope, and root for Grace every step of the way. A deeply moving read I won’t forget.
I knew this would be right up my alley with the decade and subject matter. And the author did not disappoint! Beautiful formatting and poignant storytelling. I really dug this one!