yogurtyong's reviews
113 reviews

Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun by Jonny Garza Villa

A coming of age YA debut novel about high school, coming out, friendship, first love, and a homophobic father. Reading about the friendship among Jules and his friends brought back so many fond memories of my high school experience, and the heartache we all went through when we were all going our separate ways after graduation. 

Johnno by David Malouf

This was a quick and uneventful (slightly frustrating) read. On one hand, you can tell how good the author is with his words; but on the other hand, I wasn’t quite sure what the book was trying to say? Was it about male friendship? Was it about Dante reminiscing about how weird Johnno was growing up? The final letter from Johnno would have made more of an emotional impact if we were actually made to care about Johnno a bit more?

The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas

dark emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Exquisite storytelling. Christos’ writing made me fall in love with all the characters in the book, even the random pov’s of the bystanders added so much to the main characters’ stories. 

It was refreshing reading about the love story between 2 gay men (Ivan and Pericles) in their 50’s, who’d both had their fair share of heartbreak and trauma in life. Having read his other book, Loaded, this book is a departure from the drug and sex-fuelled teenage angst, and in its place we got this poignant and mature portrayal of love. 

I have to say that the last chapter threw me off kilter for a moment, being the pov from Lena instead of Pericles or Ivan, but it offered an insight to the whole picture that tied up the story wonderfully. 

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

My first ever sci-fi read and I’m glad it was this book! The details Andy Weir got into (about the Eridians, about the Astrophage, about Tau Ceti) were frankly beyond impressive. I especially loved the unexpected friendship between our MC Ryland Grace and our beloved Eridian, Rocky! You’d find yourself rooting for their success at every turn, and the ending put the biggest smile on my face.

Second-Best Men by Fearne Hill

4.0

It’s not often you fall in love with not only the main characters, but also the cows, the bull, the old dog and all the furry friends too?! Rob and Evan’s relationship was hot and cute, and I’m pleased to read about the coming out journey of a 36-year old dairy farmer - it definitely added an extra layer to the story. 

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles

4.5

Bridgerton but make it gay and pump it with actions - what’s not to love! 

Parallel by Matthias Lehmann

4.0

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

5.0

This book was a surprise to me, a good surprise. There was so much heart and so much joy to be found in The Guncle, especially in the interactions between the GUP and the kids Maisie and Grant. Grief was a main talking point throughout the book, with everyone grieving Sara’s passing, Patrick dealing with Joe’s death, and it was done so very eloquently. 

The part that hit me the most was when the question ‘when did you stop being a kid’ was asked - it was such a profound question and it was explored through different answers from different characters. Certainly something that provoked lots of post-reading thoughts. 

I loved this book with all my heart - it was inclusive, it was real, it was adorable and it was the ultimate feel-good read to kick start 2024. 

Star Child by Claire A. Nivola

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I finally got my hands on the A24 release of Star Child, after pining for it so hard since I stumbled upon the monologue by Joaquin Phoenix in the trailer for the film C’mon C’mon (absolutely beautiful film). It is everything I expected and more - it’s a story of a star child being born as a human child, to experience growing up, learning about emotions, going through life and eventually having to say goodbye. It perfectly sums up the quintessential human experience, in such a powerful way.

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

5.0

Utterly devastating story about the struggles of a gay man to accept his own identity in the 1950s. David, despite being a rather unlikable character, fell in love with Giovanni like he had never before, ended up abandoning his true love in pursuit of what the society deemed ‘normal’ back then. David’s inner turmoil and the constant tug-of-war of his own feelings were written so palpably throughout, especially nearing the end of the story.

While it isn’t an easy read, Giovanni’s Room is a beautifully written book and a crucial read for all queer people.