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A review by carlyoc
A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Aria's plans to spend the summer after senior year in Martha's vineyard are ruined when nudes photos of her are leaked online by a boy she hooked up with at a party. Her parents decide to send her to spend the whole summer with her grandmother in California instead.
The situation isn't all bad. Aria loves her grandmother, who she addresses by her first name, Joan. Joan is an artist and Aria begins experimenting in painting while also assisting Joan with a project to turn her late grandfather's scientific notes into an art piece. Aria plans to become a planetary scientist like her grandfather.
There's also Joan's alluring gender queer gardener Steph, who sets off Aria's own queer awakening.
The novel explores coming to terms with your own sexuality as a young adult, grief, Aria's complicated relationship with her distant opera singer mother, the intersection of art and practical concerns, and the impact of the legalization of gay marriage in 2015 on the queer community.
The situation isn't all bad. Aria loves her grandmother, who she addresses by her first name, Joan. Joan is an artist and Aria begins experimenting in painting while also assisting Joan with a project to turn her late grandfather's scientific notes into an art piece. Aria plans to become a planetary scientist like her grandfather.
There's also Joan's alluring gender queer gardener Steph, who sets off Aria's own queer awakening.
The novel explores coming to terms with your own sexuality as a young adult, grief, Aria's complicated relationship with her distant opera singer mother, the intersection of art and practical concerns, and the impact of the legalization of gay marriage in 2015 on the queer community.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Grief
Infidelity is a major plot point. The protagonist is not cheated on but rather carries on a relationship with someone who has a committed monogamous.partner.