The Sun is Also a Star Theme of Consequences

The consequences in The Sun Is Also A Star aren't of the no-TV-for-a-week variety. Rather, Nicola Yoon does an amazing job of showing how actions that may seem insignificant to you might change somebody else's life—and vice versa. Taking a security guard's cigarettes might remind him of his late wife and prompt him to quit once and for all. Nearly getting hit by a car might inspire you to confess your undying love to a co-worker before it's too late. The most important example of an action-consequence relationship in this book is Natasha's phone call to thank Irene. Natasha's just hyped on hope and rambling to the USCIS agent in the building, but her simple act of recognition saves Irene's life. In a chills-inducing, full-circle moment, Irene is ultimately the one who helps reunite Natasha and Daniel.

Questions About Consequences

  1. Which character's actions during the span of the book have the largest consequences for Daniel and Natasha? 
  2. Do we have a societal responsibility to consider the consequences of our actions on others, or is it acceptable to pursue whatever makes you happy, no matter who else gets hurt? 
  3. The book's epilogue is titled "Irene: An Alternate History." Why do you think Nicola Yoon chose to include the word alternate?