Books: “How we Named the Stars” by Andres N. Ordorica
“How We Named the Stars,” a first novel by Andres N. Ordorica, seems to check all the boxes: 1) first love 2) LGBT 3) Hispanic 4) first-generation college student and 5) young adult. Unfortunately that does not an entirely satisfying read make.
The story is set in modern-day Ithaca, New York, where Daniel de la Luna, the young Mexican-American protagonist from California, shows up for his freshman year at Cayuga University (a thinly disguised reference to Cornell), a bit frightened and overwhelmed by the panache of his fellow students. Then he meets Sam, his roommate, also from California. Sam is an all-American extroverted—and yes studly—soccer player. Daniel, who never thought of himself as gay or straight, is properly gobsmacked and basically in lust.
To Daniel’s relief, Sam appears to be a genuinely nice guy, the furthest thing from the stereotypical idea of a frat bro. The two get along just fine, even though they live in different worlds (Daniel, literary; Sam, sports.)
This dynamic shifts somewhat when the two decide to take a camping trip together. They guzzle beers and tequila and gaze at the stars (hence the title)—Sam is much more knowledgeable about astronomy having grown up in a wealthy family.
One night, as they cuddle to keep warm (this is Ithaca in autumn after all) they have an accidental “Brokeback Mountain” moment. Neither discusses the incident but Daniel, shocked, wonders: could this guy be…well, you know.
The two students part company for the summer and Daniel returns to California, where he learns his beloved and homesick grandfather has gone back to his home in Chihuahua, Mexico. Ay, Chihuahua! Daniel visits him in Mexico and learns certain truths about himself, including an Uncle Daniel whom he was named after.
“Stars” is most successful at being a “first love” novel, particularly in the way Daniel moons over the fellow he is sure he cannot have. Where it doesn’t succeed is the portrayal of the straight guy Sam. The author said in an afterward to the book that this character is not based on anyone he actually knows and it shows. I also believe some of the coincidences between Daniel and the dead uncle are so contrived they make the novel feel amateurish rather than a fully thought out grownup novel.
No matter. The writing is lovely (if a bit elegiac and gooey for my taste). But if you want a young adult/LBGT/Hispanic/first-generation college kid book, I’ve got just the book for you. Something to read while waiting for the next edition of “Heartstopper.”