kaynova's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was basically tearing up by the end of this book, all the emotions building up inside of me and all I wanted to do was hold Galaxy, tell Kat she's wonderful, and give Angus and Sally a forehead kiss.
This book was about self-discovery AND self-acceptance. Galaxy (Taylor, her mask name) grew over the time, yes she grew with Kat's help, but all she really needed was someone to affirm those feelings that lurked in the shadows. That it was okay to be herself, to be who she wanted to be, and thrive. She felt like the only way to protect herself and others was to be Taylor, though it killed her inside. She finally saw that wasn't the case, realizing she wasn't protecting anyone from harm, she was protecting their peace (Buck's friendship, Phil's 'weird parenting tactics', the high school expectations of them) and while trying to protect THEIR peace of mind, she was harming herself and it wasn't fair.
I think Sally and Kat were my favorite characters because Sally reiterates that no child knows hate, it is taught and she has too much love and care to see Galaxy hide herself. Her being by her sister's side in her crowned galaxy glory was beautiful and it made me so happy and hopeful that kids know that everyone is different, but doesn't mean you have to be rude or harmful to them. Kat, she was not just a black, queer disabled woman, she was brilliant, resilient and worldly. She was understanding at the right moments and taking up the space that was she knew was hers. I read Kat in a way that I wished I could be, even in my adult years. But to know a character like this can exist for others to wish, love, and adore, makes me happy.
I am so happy I purchased this book, I will always come back to it when I need to remember to stay true to myself even if other people want to lie about who I am.
Graphic: Homophobia, Xenophobia, Dysphoria, and Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying
gxbi's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Dysphoria and Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Deadnaming, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: War and Lesbophobia
a_proud_bibliophile's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
letheaster's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Xenophobia, Transphobia, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Bullying
Minor: Homophobia, Car accident, Sexual content, and Death of parent
inamerata's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Dysphoria, Transphobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Death of parent
indeedithappens's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Body shaming, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Colonisation, Death of parent, Car accident, Sexual content, Genocide, and Abandonment
mewchellie's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Moderate: Death of parent and Bullying
bi_n_large's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
pikitat's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Bullying and Xenophobia
daya_fae's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Bullying