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A review by joyride
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
3.75
The plot is a bit of a mess. It's pretty predictable, jumpy with timelines, and a bit clumsily written.
But I still love this book a lot. The mashing together of genres was campy, weird and fun. And most of all, Aoki knows how to write great characters. I spend days just thinking about these characters and how real they feel. Like Katrina is my sister my best friend !!! Katrina!! I love you!! I felt for her so much. She is messy, horny, awkward, anxious, pissed off and that's OKAY! I'm so glad she wasn't perfect and angelic because god knows I'm fucking exhausted by that kind of asian/asian american character. Let us be weird and fucked up!!! And ofc Lan, Shizuka, etcetera I loved them all. Having the vast majority of the cast be Asian and also be set in an Asian stronghold like SF was also incredibly touching and meaningful to me- I've really never read anything like it.
Having violin being such a central theme(?) in this book was also very personally meaningful. I have..complicated emotions about playing that gd instrument, but the way Aoki wrote about it made a part of me itch to get my fingers back on one and play. That is something I haven't felt in years. I enjoyed hearing familiar exercise books, composers and experiences mentioned. Quite heartwarming. I don't think I ever met another queer violinist during my time - and certainly not an asam one - so another reason I feel so close to and fond of Katrina. You aren't alone!! <33
I left this book feeling like I had lived in the world Aoki created. These characters are my neighbors and friends and people I see on the street! It certainly isn't a perfect book but it is FUN and a GOOD time.
But I still love this book a lot. The mashing together of genres was campy, weird and fun. And most of all, Aoki knows how to write great characters. I spend days just thinking about these characters and how real they feel. Like Katrina is my sister my best friend !!! Katrina!! I love you!! I felt for her so much. She is messy, horny, awkward, anxious, pissed off and that's OKAY! I'm so glad she wasn't perfect and angelic because god knows I'm fucking exhausted by that kind of asian/asian american character. Let us be weird and fucked up!!! And ofc Lan, Shizuka, etcetera I loved them all. Having the vast majority of the cast be Asian and also be set in an Asian stronghold like SF was also incredibly touching and meaningful to me- I've really never read anything like it.
Having violin being such a central theme(?) in this book was also very personally meaningful. I have..complicated emotions about playing that gd instrument, but the way Aoki wrote about it made a part of me itch to get my fingers back on one and play. That is something I haven't felt in years. I enjoyed hearing familiar exercise books, composers and experiences mentioned. Quite heartwarming. I don't think I ever met another queer violinist during my time - and certainly not an asam one - so another reason I feel so close to and fond of Katrina. You aren't alone!! <33
I left this book feeling like I had lived in the world Aoki created. These characters are my neighbors and friends and people I see on the street! It certainly isn't a perfect book but it is FUN and a GOOD time.