Review: When the Stars Lead to You by Ronni Davis

Title: When the Stars Lead to You
Author: Ronni Davis
Release Date: November 12, 2019
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 400

Content Warnings: depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, racism, classism, microaggressions

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Eighteen-year-old Devon longs for two things.

The stars.
And the boy she fell in love with last summer.

When Ashton breaks Devon’s heart at the end of the most romantic and magical summer ever, she thinks her heart will never heal again. But over the course of the following year, Devon finds herself slowly putting the broken pieces back together.

Now it’s senior year, and she’s determined to enjoy every moment of it as she prepares for a future studying the galaxies. That is, until Ashton shows up on the first day of school. Can she forgive him and open her heart again? Or are they doomed to repeat history?

From debut author, Ronni Davis, comes a stunning novel about passion, loss, and the power of first love.

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I honestly loved every single word of this book.

A lot of people will have issues with the story because it’s very much an instalove situation. Personally, though, I don’t have a problem with this because it’s how I tend to be. There is no building up to emotions with me – I just dive right in. This is something the main character, Devon, comes to realize is unhealthy towards the end. So while it might make some readers roll their eyes it is talked about.

Do you ever get overwhelmed? By everything?

when the stars lead to you by ronni davis

This was one of the most honest portrayals of depression I’ve ever read. Ronni Davis is an own voices author and it’s obvious. She goes so deeply into the topic through Ashton and held nothing back. It was at times hard to read because of how honest everything was. My heart ached for Ashton. I really feel that this story will help a lot of people understand how intense and overwhelming depression can be.

There are also so many important conversations on race throughout the entire novel. Devon put people in their place and I loved seeing her call the mean girl out for her comments that were a “joke”.

The entire thing is also sex-positive! Devon’s mom talks to her beforehand, doesn’t make her feel guilty for having sex, and makes sure she has the appropriate resources. Ashton and Devon have a conversation before and after having sex. Consent is discussed. Teens desperately need more stories like this.

Also, Ashton and Devon got snowed in together and my heart exploded.

Feelings aren’t good or bad. They just are.

when the stars lead to you by ronni davis

When the Stars Lead to You is raw and relatable. It’s a deeply important and powerful debut that will allow so many people to find themselves within the pages. Read it. Discuss it. Tell your friends about it. This book needs to be shared.

A digital ARC was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Additionally, all quotes should be checked for changes against the final copy.

You can also read my interview on mental health with Ronni Davis!