New York City in the 80's was, of course, one of the centers of the AIDS epidemic, devastating the gay population there and elsewhere in the U.S., and also one of the centers for AIDS acitvism, specifically Act Up. This novel focuses on three teens in New York at that time who are all affected by the AIDS crisis. Art is an out and proud gay teen, even though he's the only one in his high school. He likes to dress flamboyantly and comes to school on the first day of the year with his hair dyed lavender and cut into a Mohawk. Reza, on the other hand, is very quiet and reserved. He is also gay, but he has barely even admitted that to himself. His family (including a new stepfather and stepbrother) have just moved to New York, by way of Toronto and originally from Iran. Not only does his culture not acknowledge homosexuality, but what he sees of the AIDS crisis in New York terrifies him. He thinks that being gay would be a death sentence, so he is determined to try not to be. Art's best friend, Judy, has a gay uncle named Stephen, who is dying of AIDS and already lost his beloved partner to the devastating disease. Both Art and Judy are involved with him in Act Up. On the first day in his new school, Reza meets Art and Judy and immediately likes them both and feels attracted to Art. But Judy has a crush on Reza, and he is determined to ignore his "gay feelings." The three friends must somehow negotiate this difficult year, amid fear, hurt feelings, broken hearts, and changing circumstances.
A coming-of-age story at its heart, this novel is also so much more than that. That time and place provide a very specific--and frightening--backdrop to growing up, especially for two gay boys and the girl that cares about them (and her uncle). This is a love story but also a story of friendship, longing, identity, and cultural changes happening in the world around them. In fact, they become a part of those changes, as Art and Reza both deal with the negative responses from their families, their classmates, and society as a whole. The novel is beautifully written and engrossing, and it pulled me right into the story from the start and made me care deeply about these characters and their fates. The chapters alternate between the perspectives of the three teens, as well as Stephen. The audio was very well-done, with multiple narrators (check out the sample below). For both straight and queer teens today, I think the historical background of this novel will be very enlightening and will help them to understand the sacrifices and hard work that came before. Like a Love Story is a compelling, beautiful, and original story of love, friendship, and change. (And isn't that cover perfect?)
432 pages, Balzer + Bray
HarperAudio
This book fits in the following 2022 Reading Challenges:
Diversity Reading Challenge
Big Book Summer Challenge
Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. My review is my own opinion and is not influenced by my relationship with the publisher or author.
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Listen to a sample of the wonderful audiobook here, from the first chapter and Reza's perspective, and/or download it from Audible.
You can buy the book through Bookshop.org, where your purchase will support the indie bookstore of your choice (or all indie bookstores)--the convenience of shopping online while still buying local!
Or you can order Like a Love Story from Book Depository, with free shipping worldwide.
Oh, I'm so glad you liked this novel. I thought it was wonderful.
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