Review of Stars Belong to Us: A Gay YA Novel by Annabeth Chatwin
From the moment I stumbled upon Stars Belong to Us, I felt a magnetic pull—I mean, who could resist a compelling story where the glitter of wealth clashes with the yearning for connection? Annabeth Chatwin’s latest release checks all the boxes for an engaging gay YA romance, and I found myself happily lost in the pages of Jonas and Eliot’s world, which felt like a vibrant cocktail of hope, heartache, and self-discovery.
Eliot is the quintessential prep school prince, bathed in privilege yet strangely isolated beneath his dazzling façade. When Jonas, the scholarship kid, enters his life, it’s like a jolt of electricity. Their contrasting backgrounds are painted vividly: Eliot, often surrounded by wealth but emotionally adrift, juxtaposes beautifully with Jonas, grounded in a modest existence yet rich in love from his single mother. I found myself rooting for Jonas not just to save Eliot from his lonely existence, but to help him realize that love is the truest wealth of all.
Chatwin’s writing style is both lyrical and authentic, pulling readers into the characters’ lives with precision and emotion. The pacing felt just right—never rushed, allowing us to savor those nuanced moments where joy and sadness intertwine. I particularly appreciated how genuine their connection felt. As one of Jonas’s friends puts it so aptly, “You don’t choose who you love," and that sentiment ripples through the entire narrative, making it resonate deeply with my own experiences of love and belonging.
The book is sprinkled with memorable moments that made me chuckle and reflect. One standout scene involves Eliot’s absurdly extravagant parties contrasted with the quiet intimacy Jonas creates within his own home. It’s a poignant reminder that the loudest rooms often hide the deepest silence.
As I turned the last page, I couldn’t help but feel the bittersweetness that accompanies young love—the joy of connection, the turbulence of societal expectations, all while the stars they longed for seemed just out of reach. The characters’ journey toward self-acceptance and their bond amidst class struggles left a mark on my heart that lingered long after I put the book down.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Stars Belong to Us to anyone who enjoys heartfelt young adult romances, especially those that explore the complexities of love in all its forms. Fans of contemporary LGBTQ+ literature will find a lot to cherish here. Chatwin’s portrayal of vulnerability and resilience in the face of societal norms is not only timely but necessary, reminding us all what it truly means to love—and to be loved—regardless of our circumstances.
In a world that often feels divided, this novel reinforces that love knows no boundaries and that sometimes, the stars really can belong to us, if we dare to reach for them. If you’re ready for a touching journey through both laughter and tears, then don’t hesitate to dive into this beautifully crafted tale. Trust me; you’ll come out on the other side feeling like you’ve touched the stars yourself.
You can find Stars Belong to Us: A Gay YA Novel here >>