Jess’s Reviews > Interesting Facts about Space > Status Update

-reconnected & that Polly didn’t immediately take Enjd back without explanation, apology, & commitment to change/growth. The twist with Vin breaking in was surprising, & while I’m glad Enid forgave him, that’s crazy that he didn’t confess before she started moving! But another theme was that it’s better to be honest + transparent, even if we’re afraid of hurting people or seeming like bad people.

-would discover she wasn’t at fault & had assumed she was bc of her bully’s accusation. LOVED her complicated, but extremely loving relationship with her mom. That might’ve been my favorite aspect of the book. I liked that her mom also grew over the course of the story, & will hopefully get better w her depression symptoms since she’s dismantled her rumination over Enid’s dad. Loved that Polly & Enid-

-out & that Gina took it as an opportunity to become more open-minded. Loved the therapist’s approach to getting Enid to realize/come to conclusions herself; this is the best way to heal, when you can do it yourself (but with guidance & coaxing in the right direction)! Loved the twist of the fire (upon reflection, there was foreshadowing with the hot door, smoke smell, etc). I figured bc of her memory loss, Enid-

-because she was so swept up by making everyone else see the “correct” version of her. Similarly, she kept her friend at arm’s length & pushed away romantic interests bc she was afraid of being a “bad person” around them, which was actually her fear of her unique, neurodivergent traits showing, bc she’s afraid of those being seen as weird & wrong. Loved that her sisters & mom called Gina’s homophobia-

Incredible! As per usual, Emily Austin tackles a lot of under-discussed, human dilemmas. Here’s my takes on the themes: I liked the callback & analogy of “white dwarf,” symbolizing Enid’s growth into a truer, more openly complex version of herself. Loved the rep for autism, PTSD, living with disabilities &/or neurodivergence. With the intersections of being a lesbian woman too. Enid literally forgot herself-

I’m glad Enid’s sisters are supportive, avid queer allies :)

-since she saw it on Joan’s phone. End being mean to her mom :( as a defensive reaction to her discomfort & irritation. Also relatable. When Enid talked about feeling delayed in her development bc she has spent sm of her life camouflaging instead of being introspective… I understood that, & I feel many queer &/or neurodivergent people can relate.

Enid has repressed her high school memories bc that period of her life was uncomfortable for her. While she’s paranoid about a stalker, she does seem to have some evidence that someone’s at least been lurking outside her apartment. Maybe he’s just lost bc he’s new to the neighborhood?

-Enid also has compulsions similar to OCD symptoms. She only feels safe via repeating specific, irrational rituals. She people pleases in a way where she’s constantly looking to mold herself into something she deems socially acceptable. It’s not as strong as the MC of Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead. But Enid is insecure & doesn’t feel like her authentic self is someone who deserves connection.

-shes at arm’s length, or its a (poorly) manicured version of herself. She overanalyzes social cues, info dumps as a form of affection, becomes uncomfortable w vulnerability & directly expressing affection. She has a close relationship with her mom, like me, since it was just the 2 of them. Her mom did a great job raising her & supporting her interests + neurodivergent behavior, esp considering her own depression-