In this tale about family, friendship and self-discovery, find out how Caleb discovers the path to the freedom he’s always longed for. Here’s a hint: it involves doing things outside his comfort zone, such as joining a spoken word group
This is my first LGBTQ+ romance class book and what a beautiful story!
Agay’s writing is so gorgeous and vivid. Caleb’s love for music colours how he views everything and I loved that. I love when a character’s passions are reflected in how they see they world, and there’s a lot of great musical symbolism woven in here. It adds so many more layers to Caleb’s characterization that feels so real to who he is.
I mentioned how vivid and beautiful Agay’s way with words are and this stood out the most for me in the scene where Caleb’s playing Mozart and recalling his afternoon with Franco. I could see so clearly how this would look on screen. It doesn’t hurt that I saw the live reading video of this scene before reading the book so it was even easier for me to picture it! 🙂 (click here for all the feels)
Caleb’s coming out isn’t without some heartbreaking moments. The guy he’s had a crush on kisses him and Caleb believed (hell i believed too) there was going to be a happy ending for him and Franco but it wasn’t to be. (side eyes Franco >.>) Then the coming out to his mother, lawd, that was painful. The things she said to him. 🙁 His mother after some conversations with Ginny (Caleb’s best friend’s aunts) does come around. She even teased him about a cute boy there at the end.
Another thing i liked about this book was the casual inclusion of Ginny’s titas being married, to each other. That made me smile and Ginny showing Caleb the tita’s vows near had me crying. Honestly, that was so beautifully written i highlighted the entire passage.
Lovely book, gorgeous prose, also the poetry! Franco’s poetry was glorious, highly recommend.
Rating: 
NOTE: quote graphics created by _jessuiabbie
Romance: Vintage Love / Once upon a Player / This Side of Sunny
Young Adult: Choco Chip Hips
Contact the author:
Blog: http://agayisagirl.blogspot.com
Twitter: agayskee
Facebook: Agay Llanera
Instagram: AgayLlanera
