maddiec127 's review for:

Ziggy, Stardust and Me by James Brandon

3.5

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It's cute 🤷‍♀️

I personally enjoyed this book, but I could definitely see how it isn't everyone's cup of tea. I'm a big David Bowie fan so l was drawn to this book for very obvious reasons. I was a bit hesitant going in because I read a review criticizing the excessive use of 70s slang as well as the ellipses which worried me a bit lol, but I'll say as I read it it made sense.

Like the ellipses followed the dialogue, and the 70s slang was very in line with Jonathon's character. I think that this book offers a really well researched and written look into what gay teens in the 70s might've been feeling or going through. The subject of internalized homophobia is a tough one that requires a lot of respect when discussing, and I think that Brandon does it well. My heart aches for all of the queer kids who have or do feel like this. If you are unable to deal with the self hatred that Jonathon feels then don't read this book. Point blank period. It's heartbreaking of course, but it's a major piece of his character that is explored throughout the book and you can't complain about it being "dramatized" or "sad" when it's simply his feelings (that might I add are completely understandable with his background and the historical setting the book is set it). I think the ending was a bit unsatisfactory, but l think that's just because I prefer knowing concretely what happens rather than a "write your own ending" type ending which is what this felt like. Overall, I thought that this book explored internalized homophobia well and offers a cute love story.