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readingqueerly's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The first half of this book went quite slowly for me, though that might be a me-problem as I've been struggling with a slump. But the second half of this book just flew by. The chemistry was palpable and during several moments I truly felt the complicated mix of emotions the characters were experiencing. The excitement of meeting someone special, the fear of knowing what that means because the special someone is not who you're supposed to want. The relief to find a community in a world that is not ready for you and the desperation to be together despite all odds and intervention from the law.
A really good YA/NA book with immense growth for the main character about very real problems that are still relevant to modern day.
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Racism
alica2's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I liked the interlude sections where we got POVs into Lily's parents and aunt, but these also didn't really seem to add much to the story since I never saw those parts of their character peek through in Lily's perspective. The ending also felt way too rushed for me, and I know every queer story doesn't have to have a happy ending but it just felt really unsatisfying and abrupt.
With that said though, I still loved the atmosphere and could feel the love and research that went into it. It was nice to be back in San Francisco, and especially to see a part of its history that I haven't really been exposed to. I think this would have been a perfect book for me when I was younger, and probably would have helped me figure things out sooner LOLOL.
Graphic: Racism and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
meagan123's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Lesbophobia and Homophobia
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, and Toxic friendship
sierraclimbs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Despite this story covering some challenging topics, I found it very easily digestible & engaging. I believe it is important to remember that, as different as it seems to our modern day reality, the 1950s wasn’t that long ago & the long standing racism & bigotry persists even in small ways today.
The story is very relatable while maintaining a historical accuracy that is clearly well researched & written with passion for telling untold stories of the time.
I think this book should be put on required reading lists for high schoolers everywhere.
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Outing, War, Bullying, and Sexism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Deportation
This is a historical fiction, all words & terms used are due to trying to stay faithful to the time period it takes place in. Nothing felt egregious or unnecessary.purplevibes123's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Racism, War, Lesbophobia, Outing, and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexism and Deportation
Minor: Child abuse, Violence, and Miscarriage
vael's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Graphic: Xenophobia, Lesbophobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Toxic friendship, Deportation, Miscarriage, Alcohol, Sexual content, Outing, Classism, Police brutality, Misogyny, War, Racism, and Racial slurs
andrearahman's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Minor: Racism and Xenophobia
ajay913's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Lesbophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Gaslighting, Bullying, Alcohol, and Racial slurs
Minor: Police brutality, Xenophobia, War, Misogyny, Transphobia, Adult/minor relationship, and Suicidal thoughts
literarypenguin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved the character of Lily and how we saw this story from her perspective mainly. She is Chinese, has many expectations placed upon her by her parents yet she has dreams of getting a career in space and mathematics. She also helps take care of her two little brothers who she is very close with. She also has a friend that she grew up with in the same city she live in named Shirley, the daughter of restaurant owners. This friendship with Shirley is tested throughout this book with Lily questioning their friendship and how Shirley has treated her in the years they have been friends. Not only does she rethink her friendships but she thinks about her sexuality. How she has always felt different then others and never had an attraction to the boys in her school. When she starts up a friendship with Kath, those questions come at full force as she starts to realize what these feelings might be. One thing I loved about Lily was her interest in space, sci fi, and mathematics. Her bond with her aunt and uncle is also very sweet that she had someone she could relate to.
The history weaved through this story about actual LGBTQ events, places, and history. I loved how the author brought up LGBTQ reading material that was available in those times. How the Telegraph Club was based on actual clubs that were around at those times. The facts put in to the story made this story so much better to me!
The romance between Kath & Lily was super sweet, very well developed, and a beautiful relationship. It was bittersweet especially at the end but thankfully it gave me hope that they would be alright. Their bond was and buildup of the romance was wonderful and showing a positive female female love.
I enjoyed this book and I may pick up the follow up of this story. Maybe even pick up more books from this author as well!
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Miscarriage
blossom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racial slurs, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Sexism