Jess’s Reviews > A Scatter of Light > Status Update

I did like how, 10 yrs later with 28 y/o Aria, she’s blended paintings & science in her career! How cool. She never puts a label on her sexuality, but I think that’s ok. Some people don’t. Loved this & Lo’s writing again, as I did with her first novel that I read ofc.

I’m ok w Aria & Steph not being endgame bc, while I felt they had sweet & steamy moments, I think they had too many lifestyle clashes. I actually agreed with Steph’s points during their final convo (it reminded me of something in my past, ow, but that person was right lol!) The two shared a loving connection, but weren’t right long term, & this still allowed Aria to discover more about herself & what she wants

I’m sad about Joan; Aria never even got to confide in her about her sexuality :( I loved the reveal about Lily & Kath getting married! Their love persevered time & society :’) I love lesbians! I have no idea what’ll happen with Steph & Aria. What a mess. Steph should’ve just broken up with Lisa; ik they have love, history, & Steph feels indebted to her… but times & people change. You have to love & let go

-aren’t always as they seem. In Aria’s case, I think that symbolizes heteronormativity/society & what she thought of herself previously. Just bc that’s the precedent, doesn’t mean other things aren’t possible & she can choose a free/queer life. I hope Joan’s ok 🥹

-it feels plausible. I wonder how things will conclude between her & Steph. Personally, I think their age gap (18 & 22) & lifestyle gap (Steph is employed, in a serious relationship, lives independently with said gf — Aria isn’t independent & is about to go to college) is kinda weird. Maybe Steph is a stepping stone on Aria’s journey of self-discovery & queerness, & they won’t get together.

Aria’s experiences with Nathan were tough for me to read; Aria hasn’t labeled her sexuality yet (if she will at all), but seeing her detach herself while she’s with Nathan bc she’s confused/not into him is like how I as before I realized I wasn’t into men. She enjoys the fact that he’s interested in her, but doesn’t actually want his attention. I’m enjoying her piecing things together gradually-

-queerness has varied from Lily’s in Last Night at the Telegraph Club. I appreciate how Aria’s inner voice & personality clearly has room to grow/nature, but she doesn’t feel unintelligent, abrasive, or rash. She feels human! This is truly a coming of age story; not a teen drama, like a lot of YA books. I loved to see the dyke march! Yay pride & celebrating love + self-expression

-dynamic between her & her grandmother, Joan. Refreshing to not see racism within a Wasian interracial family dynamic (even though there are certainly many real life cases of this, as I’m all too familiar). Aria’s Asian heritage hasn’t been touched on much yet (it’s certainly been discussed though), but I feel like that may change soon. It’s interesting to see how Aria’s inner conflicts/discovering her-

Adoring this so far; Malinda Lo’s YA novels don’t ever feel juvenile, silly, or like she doesn’t trust her audience to be able to piece things together (unlike many other novels geared towards that age demographic). This allows me to connect more with the characters, become more immersed in the story, & appreciate the overall message. We have a queer (lesbian?) Wasian mc (sounds familiar…) & I love the-