How We Named the Stars

By: Andrés N. Ordorica

Narrated by: Christian Barillas

When Daniel de La Luna arrives as a scholarship student at an elite East Coast university, he bears the weight of his family’s hopes and dreams—and the burden of sharing his late uncle’s name. Daniel flounders at first, but then Sam, his roommate, changes everything. As their relationship evolves from brotherly banter to something more intimate, Daniel soon finds himself in love with a man who helps him see himself in a new light. But just as their relationship takes flight, Daniel is pulled away, first by Sam’s hesitation and then by a brutal turn of events that changes Daniel’s life forever.

As he grapples with profound loss, Daniel finds himself in his family’s ancestral homeland in México for the summer, finding joy in this setting even as he struggles to come to terms with what’s happened and faces a host of new questions: How does the person he is connect with this place his family comes from? How is his own story connected to his late uncle’s? And how might he reconcile the many parts of himself as he learns to move forward?

Equal parts tender and triumphant, Andrés N. Ordorica’s How We Named the Stars is a debut novel of love, heartache, redemption, and learning to honor the dead, a story of finding the strength to figure out who you are—and who you could be—if only the world would let you.

©2024 Andrés N. Ordorica (P)2024 Dreamscape Media

A heart wrenching love story

This is a beautifully told heart, wrenching, love story and also a great depiction of coming out.

An Emotional Roller Coaster

I listened to this book in one sitting because of how amazing it was. It sends you through a wave of emotions as you listen to the rise and fall of Sam and Daniel’s love story and what happens after. I highly recommend this book.

Beautiful Coming of Age

One of the best I've listened to in a while. The writing is beautifully poetic while always sounding true to the MC's voice, and the pacing is spot on. We're unaware of just how much tension and longing has been generated until it all comes crashing in. A gorgeous exploration of love and loss and how both open us up to our future selves. Bought a hardcopy as well to share with others.

Such a Beautifully written Book!!

One of the best books I've ever heard/read. This I give a 10/10. It really took me on journey of finding love, coping with loss, and gaining strength.

Little bit of a tear jerker

Good story, well written.. there are a few watery eyed moments but it’s a beautiful story.