Stage Dreams

it just didnt hit like i wanted it to.

2.25

This was fun. Everything took me a hot minute to get used to (like that coloring. It's gorgeous, but unusual) and once I did - and once the plot took off - it seemed like the story was over. Grace and Flor are likable and cute together and I would totally be willing to read more of their adventures.(I think the annotations in the back of the book are a fun idea, though I just picked and chose which ones I wanted to read. Hilarious coincidence: one of the notes talks about Elizabeth Van Lew. [bc:The Secret of the Lion's Head 293794 The Secret of the Lion's Head Beverly B. Hall https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348765439l/293794.SY75.jpg 285076] )

Love that this exists. The story is a 3.5 to 4, however the annotations is 5. I love that there's a reference to records of trans and two spirit people from the era. The comment on conscription— and Flor's possible understanding of it's somewhat figurative meaning — is well done.

An interesting glance into a time not frequently seen in literature. I appreciated the historical notes in the back!

Short and sweet. This reminded me some of both [b:Princess Princess Ever After 30025791 Princess Princess Ever After Katie O'Neill https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1461784181l/30025791.SY75.jpg 50430951] and [b:The Prince and the Dressmaker 34506912 The Prince and the Dressmaker Jen Wang https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1494400495l/34506912.SX50.jpg 46116413], but with less royalty and more confederacy. Though the plot is really simple, the immediate acceptance of Grace by multiple characters is affirming, and the illustrations are soft and pretty.

I read a few reviews for this graphic novel across the blogosphere and was interested in it, especially because I'm always on the lookout for new discoveries. And I don't think I've ever read a western, so I decided to give it a try.

As it's just 100 pages long, I didn't expect a lot of plot or character development, just something fun - and it totally delivered on that aspect. Grace is a trans southern belle running from her family because she doesn't wanna fight in the war and has dreams of her own, while Flor is the stylish queer Latinx outlaw who robs stagecoaches and wants to save money for a secure future. Though Flor kidnaps Grace, they eventually settle on a plan to work together and what follows is a cute adventure of their own where they discover some truths about themselves and develop feelings in the process. This story is hella cute and sweet, and so full of acceptance that it made me very happy. The art style is also very unique, and while I didn't know anything about how colored pencil art would work for a graphic novel, it's perfect here. The color palette and style feel very appropriate for the dry New Mexico setting, while also giving out a cutesy vibe. And I especially loved the cotillion gowns.

Finally, I just wanna say that if you love westerns or queer graphic novels, you should definitely check this one out because it'll leave you with a big smile on your face. Just go into it without any expectations and ready to have a rollicking time.