Review of Glitch Girl! by Rainie Oet
Diving into Glitch Girl! felt like stepping into a time capsule of my own childhood, where the intersection of gaming and growing pains tugged at my heartstrings. Rainie Oet’s debut novel caught my attention not only for its explore of gender identity but for its take on the intricacies of friendship during the tumultuous years of adolescence. As I embarked on my third book for Pride Month, I was eager to unravel the threads of J—’s journey, a trans girl navigating the complexities of her identity while grappling with the challenges of middle school life.
At its core, Glitch Girl! is about J—’s obsessive friendship with Sam, set against the backdrop of the anxieties that accompany growing up—especially the added layers of being trans. Oet captures that delicate period in life when emotions are amplified and yet hard to articulate. I found myself captivated by how J—’s innocence coexists with her new experiences, reflecting the often chaotic swirl of feelings that define early adolescence. Yet, while this honesty is profound, it also veers into disquieting territory—making it both difficult and important reading.
One of the book’s standout features is its blend of reality and video game escapism, represented by J—’s engagement with Coaster Boss, a hybrid of The Sims and Roller Coaster Tycoon. This unique framing of her story served as both a delightful escape and a lens to view J—’s emotional turbulence. The disjointed, stream-of-consciousness writing style can be jarring, yet it effectively mirrors the chaotic nature of young thoughts. Oet evokes nostalgia with her nods to 2000s pop culture, adding layers of relatability to the narrative.
As J— spirals through dysphoria and the struggles of self-identity, her experience resonates powerfully. I cherished the authentic portrayal of ADHD, where J—’s voice never felt overshadowed by her diagnosis. The way Oet navigates mental health themes, truancy, and the confusing matrix of relationships showcases a variety of experiences that many young readers will relate to. It’s brave storytelling that invites empathy and understanding.
However, my enthusiasm for Glitch Girl! does come with reservations. J—’s limited perspective means that some secondary characters remain somewhat flat, which sometimes diminishes the emotional stakes in her interactions. While this aspect aligns with the reality of childhood perceptions, it occasionally bored me as a reader, longing for deeper connections beyond her singular viewpoint. Furthermore, the free-verse style—while emotionally impactful—felt like prose broken into lines, which might lose the attention of the very audience it aims to engage. It’s a bold choice that appears to resonate more with adult readers, as one StoryGraph reviewer aptly described it as “literary fiction for kids.”
Despite these caveats, I can’t help but recommend Glitch Girl! for its unique narrative and touching themes, though I advise readers to approach it with caution due to its heavier subject matter. It stands as a vital exploration of mental health and identity, making it especially significant during Pride Month. I found value in my reading experience, and I’m left curious about how young audiences will receive it. I also wonder if Oet might venture into prose in the future, as her compelling characters deserve a medium that allows their fullness to shine.
In sum, if you seek a heartfelt narrative that challenges perceptions of gender and friendship, Glitch Girl! is definitely worth exploring. Bring along your patience and an open heart, as it’s a journey that demands both.