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mid_reads_books's review
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Earl "Trey" Singleton has escaped from his wealthy family and moved into New York to live his life as an openly gay, independent man. He soon connects with the local gay community, a community that tries hard to fight against the ongoing AIDS crisis that remains ignored by the government. Trey quickly makes friends with other queer folks who plan to take action in any way they can and we get to see him getting more and more involved in activism, picking up some important lessons along the way.
I just love love LOVE this book. It's a very fun and thought-provoking book. In addition to being a historical fiction, it's also a coming of age book and I really enjoyed seeing Trey grow throughout it. It felt very natural and there is just so much to love about him.
I'm a huge fan of historical books that teach me about the events from the period they take place in and My Government Means To Kill Me was just perfect on that front. We get to learn about Black and gay activism alongside Trey and the story is written in such an immersive way that made me feel like I was right there with them. The sense of community is also very central to this book and that's part of what makes the experience of reading it so vivid. This is a book that gets you to think and feel a lot and I know I will keep recommending it over and over again.
Did that ending have to break my heart the way it did though? That's a question I'll keep asking myself everytime I'll think about this book. I also have a lot of questions about the liberties taken in MGMTKM when it comes to fictionalized traits/actions of real life people. I had no idea one could do that.
Generally speaking, this book was very interesting when it comes to structure and style, and its use of footnotes was extremely fun.
If you're looking for a fun historical fiction full of interesting characters, that is both informative and entertaining, I strongly recommend this book!
I just love love LOVE this book. It's a very fun and thought-provoking book. In addition to being a historical fiction, it's also a coming of age book and I really enjoyed seeing Trey grow throughout it. It felt very natural and there is just so much to love about him.
I'm a huge fan of historical books that teach me about the events from the period they take place in and My Government Means To Kill Me was just perfect on that front. We get to learn about Black and gay activism alongside Trey and the story is written in such an immersive way that made me feel like I was right there with them. The sense of community is also very central to this book and that's part of what makes the experience of reading it so vivid. This is a book that gets you to think and feel a lot and I know I will keep recommending it over and over again.
Did that ending have to break my heart the way it did though? That's a question I'll keep asking myself everytime I'll think about this book. I also have a lot of questions about the liberties taken in MGMTKM when it comes to fictionalized traits/actions of real life people. I had no idea one could do that.
Generally speaking, this book was very interesting when it comes to structure and style, and its use of footnotes was extremely fun.
If you're looking for a fun historical fiction full of interesting characters, that is both informative and entertaining, I strongly recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Sexual content
midslibrary's review
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Sexual assault
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