On Oct. 4, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt released their spectacular new Young Adult novel, Lost Stars by Lisa Selin Davis. The story shines as protagonist Carrie is transformed by first love and hard work from a troubled youth back into the intelligent girl she was before her sister’s untimely death.

When astrology nerd Carrie’s older sister, Ginny, dies in a horrific car accident, she is taken in by Ginny’s group of cool friends. To stop the pain of grief, Carrie indulges in drugs, alcohol and sarcasm. When her reckless behavior crosses a line, her father sends her to a summer work camp building a wooden walkway in a local state park. She wants to hate the job, but it gives her a sense of purpose. As she works through her emotional baggage, she meets Dean, a college freshman and budding musician who helps her see the beauty in her true self.

This book is everything a contemporary YA romance should be. Set in the ‘80s, it’s full of great music, love and transformation. The story is beautifully written with Carrie’s constantly changing emotional issues against the backdrop of the stars. Fans of Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor and Park will be drawn to this novel with its similar setting and use of music. However, the story stands fully on its own. You’ll fall in love with Carrie and Dean and find yourself hoping she finds her way through.

I really enjoyed this story and I think any fan of contemporary YA would be glad to have it on their shelf. It’s a gorgeous tale perfect for anyone who has ever lost their way and had to find their way back. Davis is an amazing storyteller.