My rating:

Callisto, a shy sixteen-year-old, was named after one of Jupiter's moons. Her grandmother is a well-known astrophysicist, and Callisto is interested in the planets as well. She relates her feelings, and how she exists in relation to other people, through planetary metaphors; she sees herself as a moon that borrows light from other people, from people who are bright shining stars. But one of the only people that feels like a star to her is her five-year-old brother, Jeremy, whose care has fallen to her. Her mother is too grief-stricken and self-absorbed to pay attention to either of them,

Then she meets Tim, a handsome but superficial guy, and they become lovers. For a while, as she gains attention and popularity through being with him, she thinks he is a star, but later realizes he's not. When Callisto becomes pregnant, Tim indifferently gives her money for an abortion and leaves her to face it alone. Callisto is forced to take Jeremy to the clinic with her, as neither parent will take care of him, and she doesn't want to reveal why she has to go alone. But when Jeremy is temporarily lost, a lot of secrets come out, including Callisto's abortion, and Callisto finds a support she didn't know existed, at least in that depth, in her grandmother.

Beautifully written, this book reads at times like poetry. The story is thoughtful and introspective, and explores Callipso's struggle over what to do after she's pregnant, and the very real feelings of loss and turmoil she experiences after her decision to have an abortion—even though she remains sure that it was the right decision for her. It was refreshing to read a book that presents options to girls who've become pregnant. Although the novel strayed briefly in focus and intensity in the second half of the book, this is a very good read.