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A review by lattelibrarian
Music from Another World by Robin Talley
4.0
I don't normally read historical fiction, but when I do, it's gay. Tammy and Sharon become penpals thanks to their school. What they don't expect is to become lifelong friends. They swear an oath to each other, promising to never say anything about each other outside of their letters. Which is a good thing in conservative, 1970s, Orange Country. Which is a good thing considering that Tammy is a closeted lesbian, and Sharon's brother is gay.
As they discover themselves outside of their strict religious upbringings, they realize they have interests outside what is acceptable for them: punk shows, women's bookstores, Castro street. But as the school year drags on, so does the pressure. Especially as Tammy's aunt launders money and seems to know more about Tammy than Tammy does. Especially as Sharon's brother gets more and more liberal with what he does with his time, caring less and less that he returns to the house smelling like marijuana.
The one thing I do have to admit that jarred me was the occasional use of "queer" in a positive way. In the 1970s, I have a hard time that even the most liberal gay person was keen on calling themselves "queer" when it was a slur tossed around by politicians, celebrities, strangers, and family alike.
Their letters become lengthier, there's more time between them, letters aren't replied to. The noose gets tighter and tighter, and it gets harder to hide who they really and what they're doing.
Additionally, I absolutely love the cover design. It looks like a collage, and ties in perfectly with not only Tammy's art style, but also with the themes of this book. That you can take bits and pieces of yourself and the things you like and turn it into something beautiful.
This was a beautiful story of love, friendship, identity, acceptance, and growing up. It takes on themes such as facing one's guilt, facing one's shame, facing one's internalized homophobia. It's a wonderful narrative, and great for the times we're in currently.
Review cross-listed here!
As they discover themselves outside of their strict religious upbringings, they realize they have interests outside what is acceptable for them: punk shows, women's bookstores, Castro street. But as the school year drags on, so does the pressure. Especially as Tammy's aunt launders money and seems to know more about Tammy than Tammy does. Especially as Sharon's brother gets more and more liberal with what he does with his time, caring less and less that he returns to the house smelling like marijuana.
The one thing I do have to admit that jarred me was the occasional use of "queer" in a positive way. In the 1970s, I have a hard time that even the most liberal gay person was keen on calling themselves "queer" when it was a slur tossed around by politicians, celebrities, strangers, and family alike.
Their letters become lengthier, there's more time between them, letters aren't replied to. The noose gets tighter and tighter, and it gets harder to hide who they really and what they're doing.
Additionally, I absolutely love the cover design. It looks like a collage, and ties in perfectly with not only Tammy's art style, but also with the themes of this book. That you can take bits and pieces of yourself and the things you like and turn it into something beautiful.
This was a beautiful story of love, friendship, identity, acceptance, and growing up. It takes on themes such as facing one's guilt, facing one's shame, facing one's internalized homophobia. It's a wonderful narrative, and great for the times we're in currently.
Review cross-listed here!