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A review by lenoreo
The History of Us by Nyrae Dawn
4.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2021/06/29/summer-of-love-week-2-the-history-of-us-by-nyrae-dawn/
4 stars — Man I had a hard time starting this review…but as always, my thoughts eventually poured out.
There were so many raw moments in this book, I felt them so hard. My poor boy, I warned him there would be crying and I almost immediately delivered.
I think one of the most amazing parts of this book was that we got to see just how wildly varied everyone’s experiences can be, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. And that while understanding other people’s stories can definitely help put things into perspective, it also shouldn’t take away what someone else is going through — there doesn’t need to be comparisons. Everyone’s fear and anxiety is valid.
Bradley was quite authentically a teenager to me. He struggled with his emotions, and as a consequence he could be quite the dick at times. But it was a joy to watch him grow and learn and change. It wasn’t immediate, and there were setbacks, but I rooted for him to find his way.
I knew something was going on with TJ, and my heart aches for that boy. He was also authentically teenagery to me — I appreciated that (even if it was frustrating at the time).
I kind of loved their crushes on one another, and the development of their relationship over the road trip. They were kind of adorable together. There were times where some of Bradley’s reactions and changes felt convenient, or quick, which is probably why I didn’t rate higher.
The strength of this story was truly in the wide variety of queer folks they interviewed for the documentary. It was actually kind of a brilliant way to explore a lot of different topics, and to showcase both the good and the bad experiences. I still feel ripped apart from some stories…Dustin’s and Greg’s in particular.
5 years later and this book still feels overwhelmingly relevant and accessible. I highly recommend it to teenagers and adults alike.
4 stars — Man I had a hard time starting this review…but as always, my thoughts eventually poured out.
There were so many raw moments in this book, I felt them so hard. My poor boy, I warned him there would be crying and I almost immediately delivered.
I think one of the most amazing parts of this book was that we got to see just how wildly varied everyone’s experiences can be, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. And that while understanding other people’s stories can definitely help put things into perspective, it also shouldn’t take away what someone else is going through — there doesn’t need to be comparisons. Everyone’s fear and anxiety is valid.
Bradley was quite authentically a teenager to me. He struggled with his emotions, and as a consequence he could be quite the dick at times. But it was a joy to watch him grow and learn and change. It wasn’t immediate, and there were setbacks, but I rooted for him to find his way.
I knew something was going on with TJ, and my heart aches for that boy. He was also authentically teenagery to me — I appreciated that (even if it was frustrating at the time).
I kind of loved their crushes on one another, and the development of their relationship over the road trip. They were kind of adorable together. There were times where some of Bradley’s reactions and changes felt convenient, or quick, which is probably why I didn’t rate higher.
The strength of this story was truly in the wide variety of queer folks they interviewed for the documentary. It was actually kind of a brilliant way to explore a lot of different topics, and to showcase both the good and the bad experiences. I still feel ripped apart from some stories…Dustin’s and Greg’s in particular.
5 years later and this book still feels overwhelmingly relevant and accessible. I highly recommend it to teenagers and adults alike.