When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book s part of The 2017 Hub Reading Challenge receiving The Stonewall & Rainbow Awards. This book was lush, full of confusion, lies, secrets and the drama of families. I loved Miel, the girl who fell out of the water tower after her mother tried to cure her of the roses growing out of her wrists. Even more, I loved the story of Samir, the boy (the only person) who helps her throughout her life; is her best friend and her love. But life is not easy for these 2 as the author weaves mysticism, Pakistani and Latina beliefs, fairytales integral with their daily lives. Also Sam has protecting his mom and also hiding a big secret Sam (born Samira) protecting his mom in the practice of bacha posh - binding his breasts, wearing large pants, not taking gym, and deepening his voice. None of this matters to Miel, best friend in love with Sam. As the Bonner sisters (EVIL, EVIL, EVIL) bully their way into Miel's secrets, her fears, her love for Sam I was truly afraid. I rooted for Sam and his mom, Sam and Miel and lastly Miel and her sister. The character development was epic but I did have a heard time following some of the aspects of the character's lives but I could not put the book down, I just could not stop reading about Miel and Sam! I loved the moons, the pumpkins, the roses- and the many other symbols that pulsed with questions was just fantastic.

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Tell Ma Again How a Crush Should Feel by Sara Farizan

Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel by Sara Farizan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Leila is an Iranian American teen who attends Armstead Academy, has old fashioned parents and likes girls. When new student Saskia swallows her up with attention, Leila develops a crush on her. But as time goes on Leila is given mixed signals from Saskia, experiences old boyfriend jealousy, and lives in constant fear of being outed (can't have her parents EVER find out). What is a girl to do? I loved Leila, she is authentic as a teen who feels conflicted being Iranian, American & gay. She branches out and joins drama gaining new friends and becoming better friends with an old friend and a better sister. A thoroughly enjoyable story with strong characters.

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You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour and David Levithan

You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great audiobook! I loved narrators Matthew Brown and Emma Galvin as the voices of teens Mark and Kate who barely know each other and their paths cross one night in a gay bar as Mark takes the mic. What develops quickly is a very meaningful friendship when they realize their own friends maybe don't really understand them. I just loved both characters, Mark and Emma are real teens with insecurities, wants and needs. Teens will get the normal days and the drama filled days of these protagonists. They follow PRIDE week in San Francisco and attend their last days of school as Kate finally meets her crush, Violet and Mark is unsure of where he stands with Ryan. A wonderful book of friendship, bonding, and finding out who you are. Highly recommended!

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