We didn't think it was possible for any author to tell a more passionate love story in less time than Shakespeare's four-day whirlwind of teenage hormones, Romeo and Juliet, but Nicola Yoon might have him beat with The Sun Is Also A Star. Most of the action takes place in just one day, but it's a day that changes the lives of the main characters forever.

Speaking of those main characters, they're about as star-crossed as they come, though only one of them would agree; aspiring poet Daniel is a hard-core believer in fate. He'd give anything to escape his seemingly inevitable destiny of attending Yale and becoming a doctor.

On his way to an interview with a Yale alum, he sees Natasha rocking out to some music on the street. He's immediately smitten, and after a meet-cute and a heroic moment, he bets her that he can scientifically get her to fall in love with him by the end of the day.

It'll be an uphill battle, though: Natasha doesn't even believe in love.

They both have important meetings to attend and families who won't approve of their romance.

Oh, and Natasha's also an undocumented immigrant who's supposed to be deported back to Jamaica at the end of this Very Important Day.

Well, that raises the stakes a little.

The two spend the day getting to know each other, and even cynical Natasha can't deny they have a connection that seems bigger than the two of them.

Upon first glance, their story may seem like a simple teen romance, but the novel is interspersed with all sorts of complicated questions. Does fate exist? Do the consequences of our actions change their importance? How far is too far to go in chasing your dreams? Will Daniel and Natasha ever make out? (Spoiler alert: Yes.)

Far from a typical boy-meets-girl saga, the existential conundrums in The Sun Is Also A Star will stick with readers long after Daniel and Natasha's story is over.

Real talk: If you don't care about The Sun Is Also A Star, you may be a robot. Please identify the traffic lights in this Captcha to continue reading.

We jest, but this novel should truly have universal appeal. Whether you're a scientific cynic like Natasha or a sensitive romantic like Daniel, a dreamer like Samuel or a realist like Dae Hyun—or a little of both—you'll recognize yourself in these characters.

Natasha and Daniel's romance is one for the ages, sure to inspire readers to notice strangers on the street who might become their One True Love. If meet-cutes and banter aren't your style—well, first of all, you'll have a lot in common with Natasha. You may also enjoy challenging your perceptions on fate, family, love, and even the meaning of life itself. Yeah, this book goes that deep.

In case none of that sounds appealing, there's also this: The movie was just released (as of May 2019) as a major motion picture. In the roles of Natasha and Daniel are the genetically-gifted Yara Shahidi (Blackish) and Charles Melton (Glee, Riverdale), so the film should instantly be Oscar contender for Best Cheekbones. Imagine how enlightened you'll feel when all your friends are gushing about this movie and you'll be able to say, "Well, in the book, Daniel actually had a red tie."