SHORTLISTED for the Northern California Book Award
NPR"Sarafina brings the stars down to Earth"

The Guardian"Offers a window on what it is like growing up to be a scientist today as a woman of colour. "

Northern California Book Reviewers"A remarkable narrative of the way that a life obsession exists within a life."

Booklist“Fascinating…readers will be intrigued and inspired"

Physics World“An uplifting tale of passion, resilience, and strength”

Apple Books“Elegantly written & emotionally powerful…a truly inspiring read”

Philadelphia Inquirer“Should help STEM-curious readers feel less alone in the universe”

Sean Carroll“Sarafina Nance’s story is utterly unique, but universal at the same time. It’s about having a dream—in this case, to devote one’s life to investigating the mysteries of the universe—and pursuing it in the face of incredible obstacles. The best book you will ever read about growing up to be a scientist.”

Mary Roach“Thanks to Nance’s genius for clear explanations, I understand how, with pressure and time, suns are created. How fitting, then, to be learning of Nance’s own journey: the dark pressures of childhood, the molten hot passion for science, and the way these forces combined to make the brilliant light that is Sarafina Nance. A star is born!”

Sasha Sagan“Starstruck is a warm, poignant, heartfelt, and deeply moving exploration of what it means to come of age in this universe.” 
Phil Plait“Nance weaves together poetic aspects of the astrophysical universe with her own lived traumas and triumphs, producing a memoir like none I’ve ever read. A powerful reminder that scientists are very human, and science a very human endeavor. The universe doesn’t care about our personal traumas, but Nance still finds hope and a means to reflect on her own life by looking to the stars. After reading this, perhaps you will, too.”

Moiya McTier“Nance’s vulnerability and lyrical prose shine on the page like the stars she studies. She has artfully woven together honest vignettes of her life with loving descriptions of the universe. Reading Starstruck made me wish I loved space half as much as Nance clearly does.”

Alexi Pappas“With breathtaking intimacy and fearlessness, Sarafina shows us how life—just like the massive stars she studies—can undergo periods of turbulence: violent and messy, but also beautifully transformative. I was enchanted by the joy of discovery and inspired by her resilience.”