Space mysteries, birds, and racial identity, once I started reading The Deep Sky I couldn't put in down, it absolutely blew me away!
Kitasei's writing and prose is the perfect balance of symbolism, bird facts, and flashbacks. Usually flashbacks can be hit or miss with me, often I just want to get on with the story and not focus on past events, sometimes it can feel jarring to bounce around the timeline. That is not the case in here, I really enjoyed seeing Asuka's past and getting to find out more about the complicated relationship she has with the crew. I won't lie, I cried multiple times reading this. It's hard not to feel attached to what she has gone through and experienced. I really like how she isn't a "perfect" main character. There is so much more to her then a one dimensional personality. She comes off as an asshole a lot especially in the beginning of the book, but as you discover why, it all just really reads as someone who feels so utterly alone and undeserving. 
I love the bird facts and symbolism! I'll admit I was googling birds trying to figure out more hints and clues and it gave some delightful bread crumbs to what was going on. (You guys, I loved everything about this book, I'll admit it) Typically my biggest gripe with some mysteries is either there are no surprises, or there aren't enough hints to even figure out what is going on if you have a sense to. I don't want to spoil anything, but it was masterfully done, and I now I know more animal facts which is such a plus in my mind.
Space is always so fun to read about, and Kitasei perfectly toes the line between reality, physics, and fiction. The concept of virtual environments and altering how your clothes to appear is just honestly the coolest concept I've ever read in a science fiction book. I am so deeply impressed with all the science-y things that occur. It really made it all feel so real and and I was sorely disappointed to come back to reality and realise I had to look at my grey walls of my apartment. (I think my ideal virtual reality would be hmm..fantasy I think!)
The mommy issues hit hard. I tend to avoid books with mommy issues because..well I'm sure you can guess, but the relationship between Asuka and her Mom is just *chefs kiss*. People are complex and imperfect and the way we all deal with our grief and our feelings of guilt/inadequacies manifest so differently and UGH I CRIED. 
I really related to Asuka's struggle with her biracial identity, and not feeling "Japanese enough".  (No sabo kids, where you at?) I can easily say this is the best depiction of what it is like to feel an outsider in your own culture. I've always felt such a disconnect with my heritage, and I really loved how beautifully it was shown. 
This book filled the hole that The Expanse series left behind in my heart, BUT now I have a hole left behind by THIS book!! (The cycle never ends!)
I also loved the inclusion of queer characters, and disability rep! AND THE ENDING WAS PERFECT!
I could rant for 10 more paragraphs about how much I love this book but I'll stop here. 
I HIGHLY recommend reading The Deep Sky! I can't wait to read her next book! No but seriously, Kitasei is now an author that I am going to be watching and waiting for news of her next book, I'm obsessed.
I lied one more part I loved: the depiction of racism, war, and the environment!