![]() ![]() ![]() Katrina, newly transitioning, has some horrifying experiences and deals with a lot of transphobia. But it works.Ī blend of fantasy, romance, science fiction, and contemporary elements (and even some magical realism), this book manages to be hopeful and optimistic while not shying away from the realities facing young, queer people of color. I was reading the beginning, thinking, “OK, this girl plays the violin, this violin teacher needs a new student, I see where this is going,” and then, boom! Aliens. Despite having read the summary when I requested a copy for review, I was extremely surprised when the aliens showed up. ![]() Featuring a bevy of characters and narrative perspectives, Aoki weaves the tale of Katrina, a trans teenager fleeing an abusive home life, Shizuka, an older-than-she-looks violin teacher out to save her soul, Lan, an alien refugee from the Galactic Empire who owns a donut shop, and Lucia, the daughter in a family that only passed its trade through its sons. Light from Uncommon Stars, by Ryka Aoki, is described as “ Good Omens meets The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” and wow, is that an accurate comparison. The story of a young trans runaway meeting a woman who has one more soul to gather before she can get out of her deal with a demon, also featuring aliens, Light from Uncommon Stars is a bizarre and brutally honest book about finding the real you, finding your place in the universe, and the healing power of music. ![]()
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