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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I read my first Robin Talley book last year, and have been wanting to read another, but have been unsure of where to go from there. However, Music from Another World sounded interesting, and like the other Talley book I read, explored a piece of LGBTQ+ history I didn’t know much about, due to it not being taught in school.
Talley perfectly recreates the 1970s, a world where adults were still trying to hold onto conservative ideas, including the right to keep LGBTQ+ people from pursuing their livelihood and trying to reform their teens and “keep them from sin.” And she also manages to show this journey through two dynamic protagonists who are at different places in their journey of self-discovery: L.A. teen Tammy, closeted and hiding her sexuality from her uber-Christian family, and Sharon, who has a gay brother and supports him, but doesn’t think at the beginning to question her own sexuality.
It was wonderful to see these two convey their thoughts about themselves, their families, each other, and the political climate, both in diary entries and letters to each other. While this format can be hit-or-miss, it allowed the characters’ vulnerabilities to be conveyed in a different way, and one I really appreciated, both when the girls were together and wanted to write to each other anyway, and apart, and this book runs the full gamut of emotions, from the funny as they banter with each other, to the heartrending, when things seem bleak.
This a wonderful book about teens coming of age and finding themselves, resisting parental authority for the greater good in the process, providing hope for many queer people who may be dealing with similar issues right now. I recommend this to anyone with whom this story might resonate, teen or adult. I would also recommend it to other allies who are interested in reading about an important moment in LGBTQ+ history.
I read my first Robin Talley book last year, and have been wanting to read another, but have been unsure of where to go from there. However, Music from Another World sounded interesting, and like the other Talley book I read, explored a piece of LGBTQ+ history I didn’t know much about, due to it not being taught in school.
Talley perfectly recreates the 1970s, a world where adults were still trying to hold onto conservative ideas, including the right to keep LGBTQ+ people from pursuing their livelihood and trying to reform their teens and “keep them from sin.” And she also manages to show this journey through two dynamic protagonists who are at different places in their journey of self-discovery: L.A. teen Tammy, closeted and hiding her sexuality from her uber-Christian family, and Sharon, who has a gay brother and supports him, but doesn’t think at the beginning to question her own sexuality.
It was wonderful to see these two convey their thoughts about themselves, their families, each other, and the political climate, both in diary entries and letters to each other. While this format can be hit-or-miss, it allowed the characters’ vulnerabilities to be conveyed in a different way, and one I really appreciated, both when the girls were together and wanted to write to each other anyway, and apart, and this book runs the full gamut of emotions, from the funny as they banter with each other, to the heartrending, when things seem bleak.
This a wonderful book about teens coming of age and finding themselves, resisting parental authority for the greater good in the process, providing hope for many queer people who may be dealing with similar issues right now. I recommend this to anyone with whom this story might resonate, teen or adult. I would also recommend it to other allies who are interested in reading about an important moment in LGBTQ+ history.
A novel in letters between two girls in California who are experiencing the discrimination against LGBTQ+ people from different perspectives - and yet also have some commonalities.
Because this is set in the 1970's, it may be a bit difficult for some young people to picture it - but I think it's important to recognize the challenges faced back then, how far the gay rights movement has come, and how far there is still to go with the challenges currently being faced.
With this topic, obviously there are references to sexual identity. There is also kissing and bullying/hate speech. I can't remember if there was more in depth sexual references but I don't think so.
Because this is set in the 1970's, it may be a bit difficult for some young people to picture it - but I think it's important to recognize the challenges faced back then, how far the gay rights movement has come, and how far there is still to go with the challenges currently being faced.
With this topic, obviously there are references to sexual identity. There is also kissing and bullying/hate speech. I can't remember if there was more in depth sexual references but I don't think so.
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was so good and also BROKE MAH HEART! I want to adopt any and all queer kids whose parents don't accept them for who they are. It also taught me more about this period of time so I have more context on the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States.
Ahhh this was pretty freaking great. It’s wholly epistolary, taking place between 1977-1978, compromised only of letters between the girls at the center of the story plus some asides Sharon writes to her diary and Tammy writes to Harvey Milk. The year during which the book takes places is one of a self-discovery for both pen pals. They each go to religious schools in California, in San Francisco and Orange County, and they were tasked with getting to know the other as part of an assignment. Their letters back and forth easily surpass the minimum required for school and they keep writing, confiding in each other in ways they can’t with the people in their lives at home. Their friendship and their experiences are so sweet, especially as they confront and work to overcome the prejudice they receive from their families.
Ok, I LOVED this book. I read it in 3 days and it flew by so quickly. I loved the historical setting, all of the characters were there with a purpose (opposed to just being plot points), and the pacing was perfect. I always hate when a romance is either too drawn out or too sudden, but the way the romance was done here was just right. The plot was interesting the whole time, and I loved the intimate mode of using the girls' diary entries and letters to convey the story.
This book is an important WLW story that I recommend to everyone.
This book is an important WLW story that I recommend to everyone.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wonderful music references will have you running to a record store- or at least searching online- and creating a soundtrack to this book!
Oh, how I wish goodreads allowed half stars! 3.5/5
This one is kind of hard to rate since it isn’t the kind of thing I usually read, so I’m still trying to organize my thoughts. I’d say it’s a very solid and sweet historical YA, something I enjoyed while I was listening to it but nothing really grabbed me and wrenched at my heart strings. I liked the characters and had a good time with them, but I didn’t necessarily feel super attached to them, though I was definitely rooting for them. I also wish it had felt a bit more heavy on the period piece and the setting, not a lot of that came through.
I picked this up on sale as an audiobook and it did make for really good listening while casually cleaning or running errands. The voice actresses both do a really good job, and I think I probably enjoyed this more as an audiobook than I would have as a print book.
I think there are others who would really love this one, and I found it enjoyable, but maybe bot something that is super gripping and to my taste, but I’m still glad I read it!
This one is kind of hard to rate since it isn’t the kind of thing I usually read, so I’m still trying to organize my thoughts. I’d say it’s a very solid and sweet historical YA, something I enjoyed while I was listening to it but nothing really grabbed me and wrenched at my heart strings. I liked the characters and had a good time with them, but I didn’t necessarily feel super attached to them, though I was definitely rooting for them. I also wish it had felt a bit more heavy on the period piece and the setting, not a lot of that came through.
I picked this up on sale as an audiobook and it did make for really good listening while casually cleaning or running errands. The voice actresses both do a really good job, and I think I probably enjoyed this more as an audiobook than I would have as a print book.
I think there are others who would really love this one, and I found it enjoyable, but maybe bot something that is super gripping and to my taste, but I’m still glad I read it!