katequiet's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
I hope there’s a sequel because there was some stuff at the end that felt unfinished. But it was very good otherwise it’s definitely going in my permanent collection.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Dysphoria, Car accident, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
kaynova's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- 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 can finally breathe, only someone took all the air out of the room.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Xenophobia, Dysphoria, and Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying
shapesandcolours's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: War and Suicidal thoughts
gxbi's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria and Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Deadnaming, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: War and Lesbophobia
atoft's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Mixing sci-fi, superhero and coming-of-age tropes with a strong emphasis on trans allegory, Galaxy: The Prettiest Star strikes a balance between teen drama and cosmic stakes. It's an easy read, with colourful, appealing artwork and an intriguing premise. Unfortunately though, the protagonist feels a little too one-note and underdeveloped, and the intergalactic threat of villains the Vane is constantly alluded to but never depicted. At the same time, some of the conflict between protagonist Taeylr and her assumed family, and the sacrifices each have had to make, feels wrapped up a little too easily, without being fully explored.
There is a long and somewhat problematic history of alien or non-human characters being used as allegories for queer, and especially trans or non-binary, people. Notable examples are "The Outcast" and "Rejoined" from Star Trek, which were seen as progressive at the time but come with a few troubling implications, including how they were used as a surrogate for actual representation of queer people among the cast. While this graphic novel comes from LGBT+ creators, there is certainly a larger discussion to have about the tradeoff between direct and allegorical depiction of queer issues.
As a whole, The Prettiest Star is a light read, the small-town romance is easy to get on board with, and hopefully the focus on exploring the experiences of trans young people (albeit with a somewhat convoluted sci-fi twist) will find an audience with those who need it.
There is a long and somewhat problematic history of alien or non-human characters being used as allegories for queer, and especially trans or non-binary, people. Notable examples are "The Outcast" and "Rejoined" from Star Trek, which were seen as progressive at the time but come with a few troubling implications, including how they were used as a surrogate for actual representation of queer people among the cast. While this graphic novel comes from LGBT+ creators, there is certainly a larger discussion to have about the tradeoff between direct and allegorical depiction of queer issues.
As a whole, The Prettiest Star is a light read, the small-town romance is easy to get on board with, and hopefully the focus on exploring the experiences of trans young people (albeit with a somewhat convoluted sci-fi twist) will find an audience with those who need it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Homophobia and Suicidal thoughts
aldoniathreads's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Car accident
anna_wa's review
adventurous
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Dysphoria
Moderate: Homophobia
f slurletheaster's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- 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
Love this book, the art is gorgeous, and i love the characters and their relationships with each other
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Transphobia, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Bullying
Minor: Homophobia, Car accident, Sexual content, and Death of parent
pucksandpaperbacks's review
CW: Suicidal thoughts, descriptive scene of a car accident, drunk driving, alcoholic parent, homophobic and transphobic comments and microagressions
Disability rep - Black girl side character/love interest who is an amputee and uses a prosthetic leg
Disability rep - Black girl side character/love interest who is an amputee and uses a prosthetic leg
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Homophobia, Transphobia, Misogyny, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Suicidal thoughts
beckbex's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Xenophobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts