The Stars and the Blackness Between Them: A Book Review
If you are looking for a deep, uplifting, and lyrical love story that explores black culture, astrology, and magic, you should check out The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus. This debut novel tells the story of two teenage girls, Audre and Mabel, who fall in love as they face different challenges in their lives. In this review, we will look at what the book is about, what makes it unique and engaging, and what are the critical reception and accolades of the book.
the stars and the blackness between them pdf download
Download: https://tweeat.com/2vxmuS
What is the book about?
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them is a young adult fiction book that was released on September 17, 2019 by Dutton Books. It has 320 pages in the hardcover edition and is divided into four parts, each named after a phase of the moon. The book alternates between the perspectives of Audre and Mabel, who have distinct and irresistible voices.
The main characters and their relationship
Audre is a 16-year-old girl who lives in Port of Spain, Trinidad. She is a lover of books, music, and astrology. She has a secret girlfriend, Neri, who is the pastor's granddaughter. When her strictly religious mother catches them together, she decides to send Audre to live with her father in Minneapolis. Audre is heartbroken and scared to leave her home, her grandmother Queenie, and her culture.
Mabel is a 16-year-old girl who lives in Minneapolis. She is a creative soul who enjoys writing poetry, making playlists, and expressing herself through fashion. She has an ex-boyfriend, Terrell, who still cares for her, and a best friend, Jada, who she kissed once in the woods. She is questioning her sexuality and her place in the world. She also has a vague feeling of illness that plagues her all summer.
When Audre arrives in Minneapolis, she meets Mabel at a dinner hosted by Mabel's father, who is Audre's father's best friend. They instantly feel a connection and become friends. As they spend more time together, they develop romantic feelings for each other. They also support each other through their struggles. Audre helps Mabel adjust to her diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, while Mabel helps Audre cope with her culture shock and homesickness. They also learn from each other's experiences and perspectives on blackness, queerness, spirituality, and love.
the stars and the blackness between them audiobook
the stars and the blackness between them summary
the stars and the blackness between them read online
the stars and the blackness between them quotes
the stars and the blackness between them review
the stars and the blackness between them by junauda petrus
the stars and the blackness between them epub
the stars and the blackness between them genre
the stars and the blackness between them characters
the stars and the blackness between them sparknotes
the stars and the blackness between them book club questions
the stars and the blackness between them awards
the stars and the blackness between them themes
the stars and the blackness between them analysis
the stars and the blackness between them ending
the stars and the blackness between them discussion questions
the stars and the blackness between them penguin random house
the stars and the blackness between them coretta scott king honor book
the stars and the blackness between them free pdf
the stars and the blackness between them ebook
the stars and the blackness between them goodreads
the stars and the blackness between them amazon
the stars and the blackness between them barnes and noble
the stars and the blackness between them excerpt
the stars and the blackness between them author interview
The themes and messages of the book
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them explores various themes and messages that resonate with readers of different backgrounds and identities. Some of these themes are:
The power of love to heal, transform, and liberate.
The importance of family, friendship, and community.
The diversity and richness of black culture across the diaspora.
The beauty and complexity of queer identity and expression.
The connection between nature, astrology, and spirituality.
The challenge of facing mortality and finding meaning in life.
The book also challenges stereotypes and prejudices that often marginalize black queer people. It portrays them as multidimensional human beings who have hopes, dreams, fears, joys, sorrows, strengths, weaknesses, flaws, virtues, passions, talents, beliefs, values The author and her background
The author of The Stars and the Blackness Between Them is Junauda Petrus, a writer, artist, and activist based in Minneapolis. She was born to a Trinidadian mother and a Minnesotan father, and she identifies as a queer black feminist. She has a BA in African American Studies from Howard University and a MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota. She is also the co-founder of Free Black Dirt, an artistic collective that creates original theater, music, and performance art.
Petrus was inspired to write The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by her own experiences of growing up in a mixed-race family, traveling to Trinidad, falling in love with astrology, and exploring her sexuality. She wanted to create a story that celebrates black queer love and culture, and that honors the ancestors and the cosmos. She also wanted to challenge the dominant narratives of black pain and trauma, and instead offer a vision of black joy and liberation.
What makes the book unique and engaging?
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them is not your typical young adult romance novel. It has many unique and engaging elements that make it stand out from other books in the genre. Some of these elements are:
The use of black vernaculars and astrology
One of the most distinctive features of the book is the use of different black vernaculars to capture the voices and personalities of the characters. Audre speaks in Trinidadian dialect, which is rich in slang, expressions, and proverbs. Mabel speaks in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), which is influenced by hip hop culture, social media, and activism. The book also includes words and phrases from other languages, such as Spanish, French, Yoruba, and Twi. The author provides a glossary at the end of the book to help readers understand the meanings and contexts of these words.
Another unique feature of the book is the use of astrology to shape the characters and their relationship. Audre is an avid astrologer who reads horoscopes, studies birth charts, and consults tarot cards. She believes that the stars have a plan for her and Mabel, who are both Pisces. She also uses astrology to understand herself and others better. For example, she knows that her mother is a Capricorn who values tradition and order, while her father is a Sagittarius who loves adventure and freedom. The book also includes astrological insights at the beginning of each chapter, which give clues about what will happen next.
The incorporation of magical realism and spirituality
Besides being a realistic story about two teenage girls in love, The Stars and the Blackness Between Them also incorporates elements of magical realism and spirituality that add depth and mystery to the plot. Magical realism is a literary genre that blends realistic settings with fantastical or supernatural elements. In this book, some examples of magical realism are:
Audre's grandmother Queenie has visions of the future and communicates with spirits.
Mabel sees a purple light around Audre when they first meet.
Audre finds a mysterious book called The Ancestors' Book of Magic in her father's basement.
Mabel has dreams of flying with Audre in space.
Audre and Mabel visit a healer named Njideka who performs rituals with herbs, crystals, candles, and water.
These elements of magical realism are connected to the theme of spirituality, which is another important aspect of the book. The book explores different forms of spirituality that are rooted in black culture and history. Some examples are:
Audre's grandmother Queenie practices Obeah, a folk religion that originated in West Africa and was brought to the Caribbean by enslaved people.
Mabel's father practices Rastafari, a religious movement that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s and worships Haile Selassie I as the messiah.
Audre and Mabel learn about Orishas, deities from Yoruba religion that represent different aspects of nature and human life.
Audre and Mabel read about Maroons, runaway enslaved people who established free communities in the Caribbean and resisted colonial oppression.
Audre and Mabel honor their ancestors by creating altars, writing letters, lighting candles, offering food, playing music, and saying prayers.
These forms of spirituality help Audre and Mabel cope with their challenges The representation of queer black love and culture
Perhaps the most unique and engaging element of the book is the representation of queer black love and culture. The book celebrates the diversity and beauty of black queer people, who are often marginalized and erased in mainstream media and literature. The book shows that black queer people have rich and varied histories, cultures, identities, expressions, and experiences that deserve to be seen and heard.
The book also portrays the challenges and joys of being a queer black person in a world that is often hostile and oppressive. The book depicts the realities of homophobia, racism, sexism, classism, and colonialism that affect the lives of Audre and Mabel. For example, Audre faces rejection from her mother, who believes that homosexuality is a sin. Mabel faces discrimination from her school, who tries to silence her voice as a black activist. Audre and Mabel also face ignorance and stereotypes from some of their peers, who do not understand their culture or identity.
However, the book also shows the resilience and strength of queer black people, who find ways to survive and thrive despite the obstacles. The book depicts the sources of support and empowerment that Audre and Mabel have in their lives. For example, Audre finds solace in her grandmother, who accepts her for who she is. Mabel finds inspiration in her father, who teaches her about her heritage and history. Audre and Mabel also find community in other queer black people, who share their stories and struggles.
Most importantly, the book shows the love and happiness that Audre and Mabel have with each other. The book depicts their relationship as tender, passionate, honest, and healing. The book does not shy away from showing their physical and emotional intimacy, as well as their conflicts and compromises. The book also does not define their relationship by labels or categories, but rather by their feelings and actions. The book shows that their love is valid, beautiful, and powerful.
What are the critical reception and accolades of the book?
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them has received widespread praise and recognition from critics, readers, and award committees. The book has been hailed as a stunning debut novel that offers a fresh and captivating perspective on love, life, and identity.
The positive reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly
Some of the most prestigious publications in the literary world have given glowing reviews to The Stars and the Blackness Between Them. For example, Kirkus Reviews gave the book a starred review, calling it "a stunning exploration of love's power to both heal and transform." Publishers Weekly also gave the book a starred review, describing it as "a lyrical novel that touches on themes of ancestral magic, astrological influence, mortality, identity within diaspora communities...and first love."
The Coretta Scott King Honor Award and other recognitions
The book has also received several awards and honors for its excellence in writing and representation. One of the most notable awards is the Coretta Scott King Honor Award, which is given by the American Library Association to outstanding African American authors of books for children and young adults. The book was one of three honor books selected for 2020. The award committee praised the book for its "poetic prose" and "authentic voice."
Other recognitions that the book has received include:
The Stonewall Book Award Honor Book, which is given by the American Library Association to exceptional books that relate to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience.
The Best Books for Teens 2019 list by New York Public Library, which is a curated selection of books that reflect diverse perspectives and experiences for young readers.
The Best Young Adult Books of 2019 list by TIME Magazine, which is a compilation of books that offer compelling stories and insights for teens.
The Best Books of 2019 list by School Library Journal, which is a comprehensive list of books that showcase quality literature for children and teens.
The upcoming film adaptation of the book
Another sign of the book's success and popularity is the upcoming film adaptation that is currently in development. The film will be produced by Gabrielle Union's production company I'll Have Another Productions, which focuses on stories that center women of color. Union is also set to star in the film as Mabel's mother. The film will be directed by Tina Mabry, who is known for her work on Queen Sugar, Insecure, Pose, and other acclaimed shows. The film will be written by Petrus herself, who will also serve as an executive producer. The film is expected to be released in 2023. Conclusion and recommendation
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them is a book that will touch your heart, mind, and soul. It is a book that will make you laugh, cry, think, and feel. It is a book that will inspire you to live your truth, love yourself, and connect with the universe. It is a book that you should not miss.
If you are interested in reading this book, you can find it in various formats and platforms. You can buy the hardcover, paperback, or ebook edition from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, or other online retailers. You can also borrow the book from your local library or download the audiobook from Audible or Libro.fm. You can also join a book club or discussion group to share your thoughts and opinions with other readers.
However you choose to read this book, we hope that you will enjoy it and appreciate its beauty and message. We also hope that you will look forward to the film adaptation and support the author and the cast. Thank you for reading this review and happy reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the genre of The Stars and the Blackness Between Them?
A: The book is a young adult fiction novel that incorporates elements of romance, drama, fantasy, and spirituality.
Q: Who is the target audience of The Stars and the Blackness Between Them?
A: The book is suitable for readers who are 14 years old and above. It is especially recommended for readers who are interested in black culture, queer identity, astrology, and magic.
Q: What are some similar books to The Stars and the Blackness Between Them?
A: Some similar books to The Stars and the Blackness Between Them are:
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson, which is about a black lesbian teen who runs for prom queen to get a scholarship.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, which is about a trans Latinx boy who summons the ghost of his crush.
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon, which is about a Jamaican girl and a Korean boy who fall in love in one day.
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor, which is about a Nigerian-American girl who discovers she has magical powers.
We Are Okay by Nina LaCour, which is about a girl who deals with grief and loneliness after losing her best friend.
Q: How can I learn more about the author of The Stars and the Blackness Between Them?
A: You can visit Junauda Petrus's website at to learn more about her biography, works, events, and contact information. You can also follow her on Instagram at @junaudaalma or on Twitter at @junauda.
Q: How can I watch the film adaptation of The Stars and the Blackness Between Them?
A: The film adaptation of The Stars and the Blackness Between Them is still in development and does not have a release date yet. However, you can stay updated on the progress of the film by following Gabrielle Union's production company I'll Have Another Productions on Instagram at @illhaveanotherproductions or on Twitter at @IHAProductions. You can also follow Tina Mabry on Instagram at @tinamabry or on Twitter at @morgansmark. 44f88ac181