Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

What a magical, funny, heartwrenching book. Some things I really loved: –The depiction of grief as ambivalent. Feeling both like you left them behind and they left you behind. Feeling guilty for still being here and anger because they're not anymore. How the happiest memories turn sharp and painful. See also: [b:A Monster Calls 19229818 A Monster Calls Patrick Ness https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435813838l/19229818.SY75.jpg 13492114]–How Tristan gets to be scared. He gets to admit it, out loud, to himself and others. He even gets to go to therapy and get something out of it. And when he's honest about being afraid, he isn't met with ridicule. Because you can be courageous and terrified. You can be vulnerable and be a hero. See also: Into the Spiderverse–It's not often that fantasy featuring a male protagonist surrounds that protagonist with girls. And yet Tristan fights alongside Ayanna, Thandiwe, Chestnutt, and Gum Baby. Each have distinct personalities (and I love all of them), but are smart and capable in their own ways. The group dynamics feel refreshing and natural. Gum Baby is an icon, obviously.–How the noble quest to save the world is basically just roadblock after roadblock. Things don't always go to plan, and if this year has taught me anything it's that when things are already bad it's easy for them to get worse. There was something relatable about grandiose plans toppling basically as soon as they were made, over and over. Tristan is an endearing, compelling protagonist who is more than anything a friend. His boxing and storytelling skills are a beautiful combination and show clearly how athleticism and artistry are not mutually exclusive and often support one another. The diversity is intentional and powerful. The folklore brims with whimsy. It's exciting and intense, but it's also just a lot of fun. I'll be pestering everyone to read it.While unique, it's also one of those texts that reminds me of lots of other books. I'd recommend this if you like [b:Alice in Wonderland 24213 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass Lewis Carroll https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327872220l/24213.SY75.jpg 2375385], [b:Inkheart 444331 Inkheart (Inkworld, #1) Cornelia Funke https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394957292l/444331.SX50.jpg 2628323], [b:The Strangers 40390757 The Strangers (Greystone Secrets, #1) Margaret Peterson Haddix https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529990008l/40390757.SY75.jpg 59931992], [b:Small Spaces 36959639 Small Spaces (Small Spaces, #1) Katherine Arden https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539180297l/36959639.SY75.jpg 56656020], or [b:Morrigan Crow 34219873 The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor, #1) Jessica Townsend https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573171204l/34219873.SX50.jpg 55271407].