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A review by alexlong
Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness, Julie Murphy
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This sweet, silly little story was totally refreshing, especially after I had two DNFs in a row. I appreciate the excellent character development and casual inclusivity (diverse without making it about the diversity). I could see this translating very well to film and quickly becoming an indie cult classic.
One note, which I share with the utmost sensitivity and love as a LONG time JVN fan… Have you ever gone to support your bestie doing their hobby and they’re lowkey terrible at it but you cheer them on wholeheartedly anyway because you’re happy they’re happy? This is how I felt about the audiobook narration by JVN. I’m an audiobook girlie and struggled with their cadence, emphasis, pacing, etc. I often had to rewind to understand what the sentence was actually saying because the pauses and emphases were in unexpected spots. It’s also tough, I think, when a public figure has SUCH an iconic, recognizable voice, to suspend disbelief for a fiction story imagining them as a different character other than themselves.
All that said, I recommend this book for anyone seeking a lighthearted, funny, heartwarming, cross-generational queer joy story. I’m lucky enough to have gotten to meet JVN and had them sign my hardcover copy, so I’ll be rereading it old school style to see what new gems I pick up on with the second read.
One note, which I share with the utmost sensitivity and love as a LONG time JVN fan… Have you ever gone to support your bestie doing their hobby and they’re lowkey terrible at it but you cheer them on wholeheartedly anyway because you’re happy they’re happy? This is how I felt about the audiobook narration by JVN. I’m an audiobook girlie and struggled with their cadence, emphasis, pacing, etc. I often had to rewind to understand what the sentence was actually saying because the pauses and emphases were in unexpected spots. It’s also tough, I think, when a public figure has SUCH an iconic, recognizable voice, to suspend disbelief for a fiction story imagining them as a different character other than themselves.
All that said, I recommend this book for anyone seeking a lighthearted, funny, heartwarming, cross-generational queer joy story. I’m lucky enough to have gotten to meet JVN and had them sign my hardcover copy, so I’ll be rereading it old school style to see what new gems I pick up on with the second read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Transphobia
Moderate: Medical trauma