First-generation Asian American experience stories will always have my heart and this one was no different. Navigating life after the death of her older brother, Stella is terrified of going to college. With her family orbiting each other life ghosts in their grief, the family's move to sunny California feels like another attempt to separate themselves from the reality of their loss. In attempt to help her submit college applications, Stella's parents enlist the help of her childhood friend Alan to take her on a tour of the UC schools - the only issue, Stella hasn't spoken to Alan in years and the last time they saw each other left their friendship in pieces. 

published September 30th, 2025 - 304 pages

That starting paragraph might be a bit too dramatic, especially that last line. In all seriousness, All the Way Around the Sun delivered on everything that I was looking for based on its synopsis. We get to explore so many of my favorite themes in young adult stories from childhood friendships, mending parental relationships, the strength of familial bonds, and of course, the Asian American experience. 

With him, I always found some way to say yes.

This was initially pitched to me as being perfect for fans of Ann Liang's Never Thought I'd End Up Here and if you loved Leah and Cyrus, you're going to love Stella and Alan. They have the same childhood friends arc that ended in misunderstanding and are given a second chance at friendship in their high school years. With Stella and Alan, the memories of their childhood highlight their comfortable understanding of one another - something that even years apart couldn't erase. I loved how respectful Alan was despite all the misunderstandings, how he admitted his errors and how he sought to prove his steadfast dedication to Stella even if that meant giving her space.