Annie on My Mind

I found this book so infuriating but mostly because of the other characters - Sally, Ms. Baxter, Ms. Pointdexter, Walt - and their pearl-clutching. Then I realized this book was published in 1982 and the world was a bit of a different place. Glad to have read a classic piece of LGBTQ+ lit but also happy that we live more than 30 years in the future.

This is a beautiful love story between two girls and the writing is very sublime. The tale of close friendship and intense first love is depicted in a very endearing way and I found myself rooting for the pair right from the beginning. The characters, their confusion, their pain - everything is very realistic and empathetic.

There is some homophobia in the story from other characters but it's kinda true to the times but the girls also receive guidance and support from unexpected quarters. The ending is slightly bittersweet but also hopeful and we can definitely see why this book has had so much impact even after more than two decades of its publication.