So Many Stars by Caro De Robertis is a bold attempt to weave a handful of oral histories together as if they are stars scattered through the sky. While the idea of each story being a piece of a constellation is lovely, the output of them eventually became overwhelming or confusing. De Robertis' book is in a similar format to the start of Svetlana Alexievich's Secondhand Time. We have all these voices coming together to paint this greater picture, but in the end, Alexievich gives individuals a time to really have their story sit together so we can better understand them. As this book went on, I found myself further and further away from each individual interviewed. I could not remember who was who and all of their identities, which is a shame in a book about identities. It ultimately did a disservice to the narrative because it caused a distraction rather than completing the constellations promised.

De Robertis’s work here is phenomenal. At a time where, globally and more overtly than ever in the United States, conservative groups are vilifying, policing, and denying the existence of trans and gender diverse people, this book offers a much needed light in the darkness.

The book is the result of hours of interviews from 20 individuals. These narratives share valuable lived experiences, made all the more valuable in bringing people of color to the forefront. Too often in books, studies, histories, or other narratives, people of color are underrepresented, which does a disservice given how much they have contributed, and continue to contribute, to the LGBTQ+ community and its history. De Robertis and the interviewees have done us all a great service in sharing these stories.

The book can be read chronologically or thematically, and either would produce a satisfying experience. While some sections are darker than others, throughout the work inspires hope, camaraderie, and love. I hope this book inspires others not only as they fight for themselves and each other but to collect the stories of the queer ancestors that came before us before we lose them and their wisdom.