09 Jun Book Review of Navigate Your Stars
Navigating Life’s Lessons: A Reflection on Jesmyn Ward’s Navigate Your Stars
When Jesmyn Ward speaks, you listen. Having adored her novels like Salvage the Bones and Sing, Unburied, Sing, I was drawn to Navigate Your Stars, not just for its concise format but for the promise of insight from an author I hold in such high regard. This little book, born from her poignant commencement address at Tulane University, beautifully captures the essence of her journey, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the tapestry of her life experiences.
At its core, Navigate Your Stars is a reflective autobiography that binds together Ward’s personal story with universal truths about perseverance, education, and legacy. Through her eloquent words, Ward shares her admiration for her family’s resilience and the lessons she gleaned from their lives. This theme of lifelong learning resonated deeply with me—her assertion that education doesn’t end with a diploma but is a continuous journey struck a chord, as it challenges us to remain curious and engaged, no matter our age or circumstances.
The pacing of the book feels just right; it mirrors the contemplative nature of a commencement address while inviting readers to linger on her words. Ward’s candidness about her struggles—especially the harrowing moment of her brother’s death—adds a layer of vulnerability that elevates her narrative. It’s here, amidst the discussion of dreams and losses, that she writes, “Sometimes, you are twenty when you stumble upon an open doorway. Sometimes, you are thirty…” This line, in its simplicity, encapsulates the unpredictability of our paths and embodies a truth I find both comforting and profound.
Illustrator Gina Triplett’s accompanying artwork adds a luminous dimension to Ward’s insight. Each illustration is evocative, offering a visual representation of the themes she discusses. It’s a partnership that enriches the experience; as I read, the images often mirrored my own reflections and emotions, creating a dialogue between text and art that felt personal and expansive.
What truly stands out, though, is the wisdom Ward shares, not just to graduates, but to all of us navigating our own uncertainties. Her words are an invitation to reflect on our journeys, to celebrate our origins, and to embrace the unpredictability of life. The power in her voice is uplifting, urging us to find our pathways despite challenges—a sentiment many readers, including myself, will find especially resonant.
Navigate Your Stars is a treasure for anyone seeking encouragement or clarity in their own journey through life. Its messages of resilience, the importance of education, and the beauty found in hardship will prove meaningful to young graduates starting anew, seasoned readers reflecting on their paths, or anyone yearning for inspiration. This book not only impacted me as a reader; it re-ignited a spark of introspection about my own journey.
In a world that often rushes us along, Jesmyn Ward’s Navigate Your Stars is a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and navigate our stars thoughtfully. Whether you’re an admirer of her previous works or discovering her voice for the first time, this book is sure to leave you feeling inspired and connected to the beautifully messy journey we all partake in.
