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A review by bethany6788
Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I picked this one to read after finishing Only This Beautiful Moment by @abdaddy - and I had no idea what it was about..I only knew I needed to read more of his words. What I got was the most incredible story told through the eyes of three teenagers growing up in the late 80s during the AIDS crisis. The emotional response I had to this story absolutely gutted me.
*spoilers*
From Art’s family not accepting him to Reza’s family knowing but denying to Judy’s uncle having AIDs… it was an incredibly well written and fleshed out story.
I loved each character - but especially Art. I felt like he was such a breath of fresh air. I loved his passion for photography and the descriptions of the events and friends and family he photographed made me wish I could see what he captured. His passion for life was evident and I loved how hard he loved. Yes, he made mistakes, but he kept working to be a better person.
Reza was such a wonderful character. He was terrified of who he was and came to accept himself throughout this story thanks to the love of his friends and chosen family. I found myself crying at a lot of his inner turmoil and shame he felt. It broke my heart. When he realized he loved Art I cried. When they were finally intimate, I teared up and laughed all in the same moment. What a beautiful journey for him.
Judy - oh she was such a lovely friend and even with her broken heart and betrayal, she found her way back. I loved how fiercely she loved and protected her people. I felt like she grew so much during the book and by the time we got close to the end - it about did me in, when she helps her mother care for her dying uncle. I cried for her and her loss but also for how much love she had.
Stephen was so full of wisdom and love and passion. His acceptance and care and need to be out there making the world better had me in my feelings. I loved how Reza’s stepdad came through for him. I loved how Judy’s mother was there for all of the kids. I had full on tears streaming down my cheeks from the time Stephen died til the end.
Again… please read these books by @abdaddy. I’m forever grateful I decided to pick up his books.
*spoilers*
From Art’s family not accepting him to Reza’s family knowing but denying to Judy’s uncle having AIDs… it was an incredibly well written and fleshed out story.
I loved each character - but especially Art. I felt like he was such a breath of fresh air. I loved his passion for photography and the descriptions of the events and friends and family he photographed made me wish I could see what he captured. His passion for life was evident and I loved how hard he loved. Yes, he made mistakes, but he kept working to be a better person.
Reza was such a wonderful character. He was terrified of who he was and came to accept himself throughout this story thanks to the love of his friends and chosen family. I found myself crying at a lot of his inner turmoil and shame he felt. It broke my heart. When he realized he loved Art I cried. When they were finally intimate, I teared up and laughed all in the same moment. What a beautiful journey for him.
Judy - oh she was such a lovely friend and even with her broken heart and betrayal, she found her way back. I loved how fiercely she loved and protected her people. I felt like she grew so much during the book and by the time we got close to the end - it about did me in, when she helps her mother care for her dying uncle. I cried for her and her loss but also for how much love she had.
Stephen was so full of wisdom and love and passion. His acceptance and care and need to be out there making the world better had me in my feelings. I loved how Reza’s stepdad came through for him. I loved how Judy’s mother was there for all of the kids. I had full on tears streaming down my cheeks from the time Stephen died til the end.
Again… please read these books by @abdaddy. I’m forever grateful I decided to pick up his books.