A review by radiodarkblue
Music from Another World by Robin Talley

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

You know when people ask you what book feels like it was written specially for you, well I think I finally found me! 
 
‘They keep trying to stop the world from changing, but nothing they do will make them matter in the end.’ 
 
Music From Another World is an amazing YA historical novel set in the late 70’s in California at the time when Harvey Milk is about to be elected as city supervisor. It follows Tammy and Sharon’s letters and their private diaries, as they are assigned pen pals by their catholic schools and become friends through letters while the world is changing quickly around them. 
 
I loved how it tackled religious bigotry, it was definitely not an easy read at times, because there was a lot of homophobia as our main characters are both in catholic schools and religious families, but it was very interesting though painful to see Sharon and especially Tammy dealing with constant homophobia while still being sure of who she is. 
 
‘Just knowing Patti exists makes me feel a little less strange sometimes.’ 
 
The fact that the novel was written through letters and diary entries made it very intimate and I feel like it definitely gave something even more special to this very emotional story. The characters were amazing, I instantly connected to Tammy’s character and now cherish her fictional existence. 
My favourite scenes were during the punk shows, when they gathered at the women’s bookshop and when they were protesting and supporting Harvey Milk. 
 
‘It doesn’t matter what she thinks of me. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks. I’ve wasted so much time being scared of her, Harvey. She’s the one who should be afraid of me.’ 
 
I don’t really know how to articulate this review as this book made me feel so much, but if you love queer history, punk music, the 70’s, friendship, brother-sister relationship, friends-to-lovers, let me tell you that you’re going to adore this novel. 
 
‘Tonight at the show, I was watching you dance, with your eyes closed and the music pounding. You were off in your own little world, a world I can only try to imagine, and I realized something. 
Well, okay, I’ve actually known it for a while. 
Sharon… I want to share the world with you.’ 
 
This book is about love, solidarity and community. Books about queer history have such a special place in my heart, they make cry but they also make me so proud of being who I am, of being queer.  

Expand filter menu Content Warnings