Reviews

I have not read a great deal of GLBTQ lit (only Jeanette Winterson's works), but I thought this book was amazingly powerful at conveying the love that develops between two teenage girls during a time when being homosexual wasn't nearly as accepted as today. Our world still has a LONG way to go in terms of tolerance, patience, and acceptance, but a few of the issues that arise in this story regarding the school atmosphere probably wouldn't be addressed today (I am not going to ruin plot points) because of more people standing up for the rights of others. I rooted for Annie and Liza the entire book; you can read it to find out what happens.

katy_alice's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

daisythesprout's review against another edition

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4.0

“And Annie showed me how ailanthus trees grow under subway and sewer gratings, stretching toward the sun, making shelter in the summer, she said, laughing, for the small dragons that live under the streets.”

3.5 stars

This is a book that will grow old. With more time, it'll become more obscure and harder to read.

But it will always be relevant, and always be loved - because it's a landmark in lesbian fiction. Taking that first step is always hard, especially writing a book about it. We change the world in small ways.

Was it the best book I've read? No. Was it even that well-written? Not really.

But still wonderful. Sometimes, seeing yourself in a story (the good and the not) is the best feeling.