I just finished this story and tears are still slipping down my cheeks. More importantly though, the message of hope and the significance of each and every person and action provides comfort. So many meaningful and significant quotes/thoughts that have my heart poignantly reflecting upon. For example, Your one light in the sky of a million stars matters. The story looks at a day in the life of five primary high schoolers. So much personality, insights, and character development packed in what felt like a small package. It is a YA book, so it read easily and quickly, but WOW, did it hit hard. Being surrounded by teens made these characters come to life. So many of their thoughts and stories resonate with what I hear around me. Having people bold enough to see you, be your friend, and speak a moment of truth or just simply share a meaningful moment with you cannot be underestimated. I feel like the narratives and insights capture these moments beautifully. My heart is full and my mind will be pondering for a long time. I would like to thank the author, Julie Wright, for her boldness on writing such a daunting topic. Suicide can never be handled lightly or flippantly; Wright handled it honestly and respectfully. I loved the perspectives of the one who attempted suicide as well as the impact it had on others. There’s a lot of maturity portrayed throughout the dialogue, so I would absolutely be in favor of allowing my teens to read. I think it opens and allows for healthy and meaningful conversations. There are many trigger topics, so please be aware, but know that they are handled carefully, respectfully, and redemptively.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC of this book. Just from reading the synopsis alone, I knew that this book would be an emotional read, addressing a lot of difficult topics. Told in multiple POVs, the book tells the stories of different individuals with different backgrounds, and reminds us readers that there is always more to a person than what meets the eye. That those who are suffering the most inside may be the ones who look the happiest or most carefree. That negative emotions like fear, anxiety and depression takes the form of a normal human. Especially in a society like today where it seems like the status quo is to put on faces and “pretend” as if you have your whole life put together, this book serves as a great reminder to be compassionate and empathetic. To be willing to reach out and ask others how they are feeling, and how we could help.

Another intriguing aspect of this book I found really enjoyable is how it deep dives into the personal issues faced by the main character’s acquaintances. It shows that what happens to her would also significantly affect those around her, and this too, serves as a reminder that, in the event of a loss of life, it is not simply about the person who is now no longer here, but also about those that are left behind. Moreover, I really enjoyed how all of the characters, despite leading different lives, are entwined to one another, showing that the world is much smaller and interconnected than we think. And the fact that the author does not victimize the characters and turn it into a pity party makes the intended message of the story even more powerful.

Admittedly, there were some parts of the book that seemed like it wrapped up a little too easily — which may be the consequence of addressing so many different points simultaneously — and there were some scenes that I hoped were fleshed out. For instance, I really wanted a full scene between the MC’s mother and herself when she finally revealed the challenges she had been facing, rather than the text suddenly cutting from the point where she was about to talk to her mom to the point where the conversation already ended. I also hoped that Celia’s story was more integrated with the others’, as hers was mostly independent. And even though her story was crucial, given that the other characters’ stories were intertwined, it left hers a bit out of place.

Nonetheless, it was still such an incredible read, and the way that it ended in a hopeful tone serves as a heartwarming reminder that, regardless of all the darkness that one may be plagued with, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.

his book is nice for it explores the issues about mental health which sometimes people are too afraid to talk about. Since it was set only in a day, I don't think it provided the characters enough exposure for the reader to get to know them.

Overall, I could say that it's a decent story, but it would have been nice if the author had provided an epilogue to explain what happened to everyone particularly when some of them just faded towards the end.

Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

This book was heartbreaking. It wasn't easy to read or the most fun read, but I'm so glad I did and I fell in love with all these characters.
I'm not sure why, but I truly thought this book would be mostly Addison and her journal entries, but all the characters crawled into my heart and I want them all to be so happy and healthy. The addition of the others characters added so much to the story and the fact that the whole book takes place over the course of one day was so unique and showed what a difference a day makes.
I thought I would be able to pick my favorite characters, but I love them all and want to protect them so much. The only part of this book I had a hard time with was believing that all these high schoolers would be capable or emotionally competent to have these conversations all day. I sure hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I would have loved the story as much if they had been tiny tennage jerks so I'll take it.
The writing in this book is gorgeous and heart wrenching and both awful and wonderful and you'll have to read it for youself to understand the complexity and contradictions.

Addison is no stranger to feeling stressed, insecure, and sad. Her therapist recommended she keep a journal to help her understand those feelings better, which she really needs today. It’s her first day back to school, several weeks after she survived her suicide attempt. She knows there are rumors about why she did it: A lousy home life? Bullying? Heartbreak? None of them are true, but it doesn’t matter because Addison still feels like she’s drowning. She still holds secrets she’s not ready to share. The book goes from character to character giving their backstory and actions during the day. I like that small interactions can be meaningful. The one comment or act of kindness that can make the world of difference to the receiver. I also like that even though there are bad adults in the story there are also many who are trying hard to do all the right things for these kids. I got the message that you can’t know what is going on with someone or their home life from their outward appearance. And I like how the author gives each person some connection or moment of understanding or friendship during the day.

Reviewed for NetGalley:

Addison begins writing in a journal, per the recommendation of her therapist after a recent suicide attempt.

The story then moves on, following several characters that are adjacent to Addison and ultimately interconnected.

I have a hard time with multiple perspectives, just not my reading preference.

Celia was the most likable perspective, and was glad to see a conclusion to her story.

This book was hard to read. It's a needed topic to talk about, but it's tough to read.
It took me a bit to get into the writing and find the flow. There were multiple characters and we figure out how they all intertwine and how it all had an affect on Addison.

A tough, but good read.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

This book was not for me. The writing style was my main issue and I had trouble distinguishing each characters voice because they all sounded the same

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC of this book coming Aug 2023.

This story switches between multiple narrators, slowly culminating with how each one relates or is influenced by the other. Our primary narrator is Addison who is writing in her diary every hour on her first day of school after returning from a suicide attempt and what led her to her attempt and the whys behind her wanting to leave and to stay. The story covers her full day, start to end, with each chapter starting off with her diary entry for that hour and then having several other characters point of views being told and the problems they are facing on that day.

We have Celia, who is being abused at home, Damion who is becoming a Youtube and social media star with his animations, Avery who is dealing with the consequences of a brother in jail for selling drugs, and Booker who was friends with Addison and dealing with the a cousin who is going through cancer. As the day goes on, we see how each character connects and effects the others day in positive ways that slowly help change each of their lives. As the characters move through out the day, we see how even minor interactions can positively change lives. which matters when you can feel that you don't matter to anyone. The story is shaped in a way that showcases that our interactions and choices do matter.

I feel this book does a great job going between both female and male narrators and having an authentic voice when it comes to young adult lives. Each character felt distinct while some of their problems felt a bit stilted and somewhat over simplified. Damion's online bullying and home life could have used more time or space in the book and Booker's interaction and backstory was also limited. Avery's problem seemed low stake, given the backstory of the character, which ended with her having some of the most impacts on the other students' lives. Celia's story, along with Addison's, have the grittiest backgrounds and their stories delve into the darker side of human nature and childhood.

Overall, I feel this is a good story and I recommend this for grades 8 and up.

The premise sounded great, but I couldn't get past the first few pages. The diary entry read like an adult failing to capture the teenage perspective, and Booker's section didn't feel real enough for the context. After looking into the author's other work, which isn't my bag at all, I'm not surprised this was a fast DNF for me. My rating is middle-of-the-road because I didn't read enough to judge the book as a whole.

Everyone has their struggles, and sometimes, they don't just affect us but others as well. A ripple effect if you will. This is a lovely story that anchors Addison's story as the center while it follows the lives of four others who are dealing with their own challenges, may they be related to their families, friends or themselves. The friendships are so sweet and I like that, despite the romantic teasing here and there, it's never the focus. It's always about reassuring one's worth and that everyone is precious.

Thanks to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for providing me with the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well done. Interesting perspectives, and I liked the way the author handled the teenage voice. Thank you shadow mountain and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley!

So where to start. I wasn't too sure what to expect with this one. At my age, young adult books are truly hit or miss. Especially those covering mental health. I find that a lot of books just don't get it right. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised with this book!

I really liked that the book wasn't focused on just one person, but rather quite a few high school students. There's a diverse population at the school, and this book introduces us to several students coping with their own battles / struggles. I think a lot of teens will find themselves in some of these students and easily relate to their struggles. Interestingly, this book only covers one full day for these students. I actually liked that aspect. Our "main character" is Addison, whom has just returned back to school after a suicide attempt. [ relatable for many, right? ]. The author did a good job at covering this topic sincerely and not ... making it.. fake or sugarcoated which is so very important.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to others and read others by the author.

Wow let me tell you this book hits you in the heartstrings. Julia Wright did an outstanding job with this book and the teams that she has running through it.
I just reviewed Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright. #SwimminginaSeaofStars #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Wow, this was a wonderful book! I loved the interwoven stories. While the topics in the book are heavy, the overall feeling of the book is not and I appreciated the way the author was able to discuss such heavy topics without weighing the book down and making it depressing. For being about heavy topics the book is uplifting and I really enjoyed reading it. The book starts on the main character, Addison’s, first day back to school after an extended absence post- suicide attempt. The reader is then able to see how her story weaves into the story of others and the true impact our lives have on those around us even when we don’t realize it. I loved the overall message of the book and really enjoyed reading it. Highly recommend! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

This was an insightful read at times, providing glimpses into the lives of different high school students and how their lives intersect. It illustrates how you never know the difference your words and actions might make to someone. To Addison, it was just a hoodie. To Celia it was a lifeline that gave her the courage she needed to act.

In this day and age, I did feel uncomfortable reading about black main characters written by a white woman. There were times it felt incongruent and a little forced. But at the same time, it highlighted inherent racism within society because as a white person, my assumption is that characters are white unless explicitly stated otherwise. Indeed in this book, the only time we're outright told a character's skin colour *is* when they're black.

The ending did feel a bit rushed, with some inconsistencies and contradictions with things that characters had said previously.

Overall a thought provoking read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC of this book coming Aug 2023. The book moved to the top of my TBR pile as I saw theater productions of Dear Evan Hansen twice this past week and I was curious how this YA book covers a teen suicide attempt. The focus of the story isn’t just on one student. The setting is an inner city high school with a diverse student body and economic disparity. The story covers one full day for a small group of teens. It is Addison’s first day returning to school after missing a month because of a suicide attempt. Booker is anxious about seeing Addison as they are friends and were almost a couple. He also has a cousin who is facing cancer. Addison performs and act of kindness towards Celia who is being physically abused in her home. Damion wants to be seen with Addison to improve his Tik-Tok fame but has issues at his house too. Avery has a locker by Addison and use to be friends with Damion. Her brother is in jail for selling drugs.

The book goes from character to character giving their backstory and actions during the day. I like that small interactions can be meaningful. The one comment or act of kindness that can make the world of difference to the receiver. I also like that even though there are bad adults in the story there are also many who are trying hard to do all the right things for these kids. I got the message that you can’t know what is going on with someone or their home life from their outward appearance. And I like how the author gives each person some connection or moment of understanding or friendship during the day.

I think because of the amount big things going on in a short time period I didn’t connected emotionally to any one story. Addison’s story is told through journaling entries she is doing because of her therapist. And I’m going okay that her reasons are alluded to and not graphically detailed. But I wanted to hear the conversation with her mom at the end of the story. And know her mothers reaction.

One thing that stood out to me is that when I was a teen in the 1970’s this book and content wouldn't have been written and available to me. I appreciate that todays teens have YA books that cover hard topics. And if they see themselves in similar situations it encourages them to seek help. And I always love a message that kindness and understanding is never a wrong choice. This is a clean book for language and intimacy, but in includes abuse towards teens and a child. I’ve enjoyed the author before for a historical romance but this is the first YA I’ve read from her. For middle school and up.