Kelly Quindlen

This YA lesbian bildungsroman was a fast, engaging read. Thank goodness we don't judge people forever for mistakes they make as teens (wishful thinking?), because the main character of this novel was particularly self absorbed and thoughtless. Of course, this meant she had a lot of room to grow! I found the lack of ability to consider the realities of other people pretty grating, but also realistic, and it ultimately gave the character a clear arc. While of course 18 year olds in the US are show more going to try to get around drinking laws (consider that in the western world, it's only in the US where an 18 year old would need to!), I did think it was pretty sketchy for adults in the book to aid and abet this a couple of times—especially as all these adults own or operate a bar, so if discovered it would certainly get their liquor license looked at! show less

I lied. There are a few more notable YA books I want to add to my library and this is one of them. From the first page, you're immediately dropped into "The Six Pack," a group of six friends about to complete their final semester at a Catholic high school. Everything was supposed to be fun and easy; that is until best friends Hannah and Baker fall in love with each other. "Her Name in the Sky" is raw, vulnerable, and does a fantastic job of portraying the shame and guilt queer people show more experience as a result of being raised in a religious community. I would highly recommend this to anyone struggling with either religious trauma or compulsory heterosexuality. It helped me heal and let go of a lot of things I was dealing with as a result of growing up in a high control religion. This book is well written, well paced, and an emotional read with (fortunately) a happy ending. It left me feeling hopeful for the future and braver in my own convictions. A definite must read.

Spice Level: Rated PG-13
- Hannah and Baker get it on at the beach house
- VERY non descriptive language used
- soft core, very tame

WARNINGS:
- homophobia/internalized homophobia (it's Catholic school)
- violence against gay people (with hospitalization)
- RELIGIOUS TRAUMA
- some foul language

Five and Above Club show less

While all adolescent bildungsroman are about the struggle to grow, this book is kind of unique in that it is about that struggle directly, with no metaphors, subterfuge, or red herrings. Personal growth is the main conflict of the story and the heroine's direct goal. I found that very refreshing! Coupled with that were varied and well-realized characters; realistic, complicated friendships; and great descriptions of the urgent, anxious, and tender feelings of first romances. The main show more character is a lesbian, and her best friends are gay and bi, and this is also an unusual and delightful story because none of them experience homophobia—instead, these YA characters have concerns about whether their crushes feel the same way (just like straight people!) and whether they will be accepted and loved by their communities for their full, multifaceted selves (also just like straight people!). It meant more to me than I realized it would, that this exists. show less

I was surprised by the emotional intelligence of this book. Going into it, I figured it would be the same as most other YA Romances I've read, and I was happy to be proved wrong. I'm glad there was no blow out fight and that Scottie took the time she needed to heal. It's so rarely shown in any form of media. Plus, who doesn't love the enemies to lovers trope?