StreamLine

Streamline is told from the perspective of Diana, who is autistic and lesbian and is used to everyone around her treating her like that is wrong. However, when she steps into the online gaming world of Garlandia, she is Lune, with an up-and-coming following and friends she can be herself with. She is in control of her life and surrounded by people who encourage her allowing her to grow into her best self.
Reading a book with an autistic protagonist was a new experience for me. Lune, as she prefers to think of herself, is like looking into the author’s brain and seeing her real-life pain and frustration coming off the page. The vulnerability we witness of this character expecting things to go wrong with friendships and being used to missing social cues that lead her into spiral thinking and tearing down her self-worth is intensely authentic. The defensive interactions with her mother and retreating to her room for sanctuary is something I identified with on a deep level. The raw emotion and explanation of her thoughts are captivating.
Through Lune’s gaming life, she forms true friendships and the courage to accept herself. Her decision to dress how she wants to and wear makeup the way she wants is a huge step for her and one that so many females can relate to.
Her relationship with Nocht is precious. It is the best explanation I have ever read about being with someone Trans and has helped me understand the dynamics a bit better. Nocht seems to have everything in order, but slowly through building a trusting relationship, Lune learns about the struggles Nocht is enduring.
This short book holds intense emotion and relatable coming-of-age themes. It has excellent representations of lesbian and trans characters that spark understanding and empathy. The online trolling and themes of friendship were relatable. Overall, this book is small but mighty and well worth the read.