A review by katrod
The Prettiest Star by Carter Sickels

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Oof.  This one hits right in the gut, especially when you read what Sickel’s inspiration for this story was.  I was born as the AIDS crisis was calming down, but I do remember it being a huge topic of conversation.  I will never truly know just how devastatingly horrifying it was to live among that fear and hatred, but this book brings the reader pretty close to that understanding.  It is such an intimate portrayal of life, death, fear, belonging, and acceptance.  It’s a story I’ll feel the impact of for my whole life.