A review by rayofhope
Big Gay Wedding by Byron Lane

challenging funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 I read this for a local queer bookclub. I'll admit that I had some trouble with it at the beginning, some of the topics approached in the book hit a little too close to home (like having a homophobic parent and grappling with being raised in a religion that doesn't support queer identities) -- but in that awkward way where it's a little to the left of my own experience, and so instead of feeling seen I just felt misunderstood. 
I didn't really connect with any of the characters, none of them seemed like people I would be friends with in real life. However, I feel like part of the issue was the audiobook reader. Once I mentally replaced Ezra and his family with version of the Rose family from Schitt's creek, (in terms of line delivery at least) I ended up liking them a lot better lol. 
The narrative poses a lot of interesting questions about the nature of life, and afterlife, and meaning. But most importantly it's about families. About navigating the misunderstandings and heartbreak that caring about other people inevitably brings. I'm glad I read it, even if it was challenging for me. 
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