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A review by storytimed
Under the Lights by Dahlia Adler
4.0
Though this is another queer YA/NA novel where the main tension is a character discovering her sexuality/coming out, the showbiz aspect keeps everything feeling fresh and high-stakes. It also meant that Van had a very compelling reason to stay closeted. I did like that Brianna was very much out and had ex-girlfriends at the same time: we get more than one presentation of queerness and queer identity.
Though we're used to the alternating narrator structure setting up romantic plotlines, Van and Josh's storyline is all about friendship and the thematic similarity of both of them learning how to stand on their own. I actually ended up liking Josh a lot more than I thought I would. He's a douchebag, but affable about it, and the interplay between him and Van made me want a buddy-comedy setup where they get a shitty apartment and live together as roommates.
Though we're used to the alternating narrator structure setting up romantic plotlines, Van and Josh's storyline is all about friendship and the thematic similarity of both of them learning how to stand on their own. I actually ended up liking Josh a lot more than I thought I would. He's a douchebag, but affable about it, and the interplay between him and Van made me want a buddy-comedy setup where they get a shitty apartment and live together as roommates.