A review by judeinthestars
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I’m not sure why but I struggled to write this review even though I loved this audiobook. I usually take notes as I read or listen, but didn’t for this one. I try to make time in between ARCs/ALCs for books and—mainly—audiobooks that I missed and The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School was on my list since this wonderful review by my friend Jules. It’s available on Everand (ex-Scribd) and I was finally able to listen to it recently.

Yamilet is looking forward to starting the new year at a different school since the girl she had a crush on outed her at her previous one. Even though she’ll be one of very few BIPOC students in a sea of white and probably one of even fewer queer students at this Catholic school. But she’ll be with her brother and will do everything she can to pass as straight.

I’m a white French enby born in the early 1970s, Jewish by culture but raised with little religion, so I can’t pretend I know much about how a Latina teenager, raised as a Catholic in the U.S. today, goes through life. And that’s what I love about books, that an experience so far removed from what I know can feel so relatable.

Sonora Reyes won a Lambda Literary Award for this book and I can see why. All the characters are well-written and multifaceted, starting with Yami, one of the best teenagers I’ve read. She is kind, smart, scared; she makes mistakes, she’s occasionally self-centred, she’s dedicated, and sweet. Her relationship with her parents (her father was deported back to Mexico years ago) feels so real, rife with complicated feelings, disappointment but also unforeseen grace. Her brother brought tears to my eyes, yet some interactions between the siblings made for light-hearted, amusing scenes.

The best word I can think of about this book is refreshing. The story is told in the first person from Yami’s point of view and the way she sees the world, how she navigates its hardships, is simultaneously naïve and impressively mature, as befits a teenager manoeuvring the transition to adulthood.

The many mentions of music and food add to the mood. One of my favourite moments was about Yami and Bo—the girl she falls for—sharing the songs they love. Speaking of Bo, I also appreciated very much that the romance was between two BIPOC characters. There aren’t a lot of white characters in this story and several of them have a lot of work to do on themselves, which, again, feels rather relatable.

Karla Serrato’s narration is terrific. Each voice fits its character perfectly and the pace is excellent. I have a feeling Yamilet will stay with me for a long while and the narration is part of what made me love her so much.

Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars