Review- Straight to Normal by Sharif D. Rangnekar

Straight to Normal on Goodreads

Release date: January 31st 2019

Published by: Rupa Publications

Page numbers: 232

REVIEW: 

The few autobiographies that I picked before bore me to no end, which is why I was wary of reading Straight to Normal, which is the biography of author Sharif Rangnekar. But LGBT is one of my favourite genres to read and explore, so when Rupa Publications came out with Straight to Normal, it took me a long time to take a decision but somewhere, I knew I had to read the book. And I am so glad I did. 

This is a book that Indian literature desperately needed. I am reminded of JK Rowling's lines about Harry Potter which I hope at some time also apply to Straight to Normal: 

"This boy will be famous. There won't be a child in our world who won't know his name. There will be books about him, he will be a legend." 

While Straight to Normal is fast paced and and will keep the reader on the edge of the seat, the incidents recounted by the author- with some of them being shockingly terrifying- will make the reader want to pause and just understand how difficult it sometimes is just to be human. Not accepting someone just because they are sexually attracted to people of the same sex is super ridiculous but Straight to Normal shows that it's never easy to accept humans as humans. Homosexuality is not a disease and if you feel it is, then pick up this book and see that the struggles we all face in spite of our sexual preferences are the same and in the end, we all have feelings. So next time you bash someone for petty reasons, take a decent look at how they are as a person rather than who they're attracted to. 

Straight to Normal gives a superb insight into the LGBT situation in India from the 1970s to today, which acts as an excellent resource for somebody who just wants to know what happened without wanting to spend heaps of time researching. This book will tell you what you need to know in terms of the sociological situation and also what a person goes through while trying to figure out what's happening. A lovely parallelism between the personal life of the author and the socio-political situation of the time makes it both an interesting and intelligent read. Like I said before, Indian shelves really needed this book and I want to thank Sharif Rangnekar for penning down his inspiring and raw story. 

Keep aside all your fiction reads for a while and pick up this book which won't take you more than a few days to finish. Besides, you'll end up gaining knowledge which is always a plus. I highly recommend this book to everyone, whether you like reading if not. Give it a go- trust me, you will leave it being aware and feeling happy you know more than you did before. I sure hope the author writes more, non-fiction or otherwise, because I sure am a fan of his splendid writing! 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Rupa Publications in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- Love Spell by Mia Kerick

Love Spell on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Chance César is fabulously gay, but his gender identity—or, as he phrases it, “being stuck in the gray area between girl and boy”—remains confusing. Nonetheless, he struts his stuff on the catwalk in black patent leather pumps and a snug-in-all-the-right (wrong)-places orange tuxedo as the winner of this year’s Miss (ter) Harvest Moon Festival. He rules supreme at the local Beans and Greens Farm’s annual fall celebration, serenaded by the enthusiastic catcalls of his BFF, Emily Benson. 

Although he refuses to visually fade into the background of his rural New Hampshire town, Chance is socially invisible—except when being tormented by familiar bullies. But sparks fly when Chance, Pumpkin Pageant Queen, meets Jasper (Jazz) Donahue, winner of the Pumpkin Carving King contest. Chance wants to be noticed and admired and romantically embraced by Jazz, in all of his neon-orange-haired glory.

And so at a sleepover, Chance and Emily conduct intense, late-night research, and find an online article: “Ten Scientifically Proven Ways to Make a Man Fall in Love With You.” Along with a bonus love spell thrown in for good measure, it becomes the basis of their strategy to capture Jazz’s heart. 

But will this “no-fail” plan work? Can Chance and Jazz fall under the fickle spell of love?'

Release date: August 27th 2018

Published by: NineStar Press

Page numbers: 200

REVIEW: 

After reading author Mia Kerick's It Could Happen, The Weekend Bucket List and My Crunchy Life- all of which I absolutely loved- I'm become a huge fan of hers, so when I got to know about Love Spell, no way was I going to let it pass. Just like her previous works, Love Spell was also an adorable, fun and believable read. 

Chance César, our male protagonist is a very average teenager who is trying to figure himself out. I found Chance to be super fun and extremely relatable with all his realistic problems and his plan to get the person of his dreams. His faith in an article that would help him win this person over was so fun to read as it reminded me of my silly but fun teenage years. 

When Chance meets Jasper, sparks instantly fly but Chance doesn't quite know if he has a chance with Jazz. This is where his mission with his friend Emily begins. Emily was one of the most adorable characters in the book who seemed super cool and fun. Jasper is portrayed as the brooding, mysterious and too kind to be true guy who helps run his home and at the same time perform his duties as a student. 

Even though it took me a long time to finish Love Spell, every time I got back to it, it felt like I hadn't left. I instantly connected with Chance and his addictive and attractive personality. Mia Kerick has yet again written a brilliant novel about teenage confusion and human nature. I would highly, highly recommend this one. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Mia Kerick and YA Bound in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick

My Crunchy Life on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

John Lennon fought for world peace, but sixteen-year-old hippie hopeful Kale Oswald’s only made it as far as tie-dying his T-shirts with organic grape juice. Now he’s ready to cement his new hippie identity by joining a local human rights organization, but he doesn’t fit in as well as he’d hoped.

After landing himself in the hospital by washing down a Ziploc bag of pills with a bottle of Gatorade, Julian Mendez came clean to his mother: he is a girl stuck in a boy’s body. Puberty blockers have stopped the maturing of the body he feels has betrayed him. They’re also supposed to give him time to be sure he wants to make a more permanent decision, but he’s already Julia in his heart. What he’s not sure he’s ready to face is the post-transition name-calling and bathroom wars awaiting him at school.

When Kale and Julian come face-to-face at the human rights organization, attraction, teenage awkwardness, and reluctant empathy collide. They are forced to examine who they are and who they want to become. But until Kale can come to terms with his confusion about his own sexuality and Julian can be honest with Kale, they cannot move forward in friendship, or anything more. 

Release date: June 26th 2018

Published by: Harmony Ink Press

Page numbers: 180

REVIEW: 

After reading It Could Happen and The Weekend Bucket List, I was really looking forward to reading author Mia Kerick's My Crunchy Life as I loved the author's previous works, and was looking forward to seeing what she had in store for readers this time. When I read the summary of My Crunchy Life, I knew it would be an interesting and pleasant read, and that's exactly how it turned out to be. 

Julian and Kale go to the same high school but never really meet until they bump into each other at a human rights organisation that helps create social awareness and lets people be. Julian is a biological male transitioning into female, while Kale is trying to figure out his chosen hippie lifestyle. When the two meet, some sparks fly all right, but there's so much they figure out about themselves and that was incredible to see. 

The most relatable and prizewinning part of young adult novels is the stress on family which played an important role in My Crunchy Life. Julian's mother works day and night to make sure her child's journey into the world is as easy and safe as it could be, while Kale's dad welcomes his nephew Hughie into his house and home with open arms. Neither of family is perfect, and that's what makes it super real and understandable. 

This is not a typical young adult high school drama novel, at least not completely. There is so much more to it than just friendship and romance. It's about the difficulties of life and how even the smallest incidents make someone lose all the confidence and faith that they have, but at the same time, it's about how even smallest positive and helpful voices help make it better. For a YA novel, it's very deep and raw yet fun and relaxing as its a short read sprinkled with humour. 

As always, author Mia Kerick's writing is meticulous. Her focus on her characters and what they are going through is what I love most about her books. Sometimes, I really don't care what a school or room or coffee shop looks like, I just want to know what's going on in the minds of the characters I eventually fall in love with as I read about them. Mia Kerick does just that, and she does it so well. 

I would definitely recommend this book to fans of YA LGBT reads. It is totally worth it. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by YA Bound and Mia Kerick in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- A Light Amongst Shadows by Kelley York and Rowan Altwood

A Light Amongst Shadows on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

James Spencer is hardly the typical “troubled youth” who ends up at Whisperwood School for Boys. Instead of hating the strict schedules and tight oversight by staff, James blossoms, quickly making friends and indulging in his love of writing, while contemplating the merits of sneaking love poems to the elusive and aloof William Esher.

The rumours about William’s sexuality and opium reliance are prime gossip material amongst the third years. Rumours that only further pique James' curiosity to uncover what William is really like beneath all that emotional armor. And, when the normally collected William stumbles in one night, shaken and ranting of ghosts... James is the only one who believes him.

James himself has heard the nails dragging down his bedroom door and the sobs echoing in the halls at night. He knows others have, too, even if no one will admit it. The staff refuses to entertain such ridiculous tales, and punishment awaits anyone who brings it up.

Their fervent denial and the disappearance of students only furthers James’s determination to find out what secrets Whisperwood is hiding... Especially if it means keeping William and himself from becoming the next victims. 

Release date: June 1st 2018

Published by: x-potion designs

Page numbers: 

REVIEW: 

In case you did not know, I am a huge, huge, huge fan of Kelley York. She is one of my favourite authors, who has given me some of my favourite reads like Hushed and Made of Stars. I missed her collaboration with her wife, Rowan Altwood the last time when they wrote Other Breakable Things, so when I heard about A Light Amongst Shadows, I was super excited to read it. I was also so glad to be finally reading something by Rowan Altwood, and it was truly worth the wait. 

A Light Amongst Shadows started out as a very magical book as it reminded me of Hogwarts with the grand description of the boys school, Whisperwood. Discovering the school with the protagonist James was incredible because with time, I formed a bond with him. Going to the dining hall from the dorms to the secret tunnels, the graveyard and the forest was an adventure and I literally felt as if I was there with James. 

James was a very typical Kelley York character who I loved. He had a dark past and he worked hard towards a bright future. His friendship with Oscar, his roommate, reminded me so much of previous friendships Kelley has written about. And his relationship with William was incredibly well done. For two boys to be so comfortable and confident with and about each other at a time when such stuff was out of the question, was magnificent to see. 

The story of A Light Amongst Shadows revolves around James and his extremely sharp mind which starts discovering really odd stuff at the school. He takes it in his hands to find out exactly what happened to his roommate when he disappears one day. I would have liked to know more about the whys behind the discovery that James makes at the end, but the how of it was sad but satisfactory. I also found the story to be slightly slow in terms of pace, but it was something I could pass as I didn't want the book to end anyway. 

Overall, A Light Amongst Shadows came as a pleasant surprise because it's very different from what I'm normally used to from Kelley York. There is no doubt that she does LGBTQ really well, but now I know that she does historical really well, as well. So when the two came together here, it was a win win situation. I would definitely recommend this one, but if you are a regular Kelley York reader like me, this isn't like the author's previous works, so just be prepared for that. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the Kelly York in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN)

Review- The Weekend Bucket List by Mia Kerick

The Weekend Bucket List on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

High school seniors Cady LaBrie and Cooper Murphy have yet to set one toe out of line—they’ve never stayed out all night or snuck into a movie, never gotten drunk or gone skinny-dipping. But they have each other, forty-eight hours before graduation, and a Weekend Bucket List.

There’s a lot riding on this one weekend, especially since Cady and Cooper have yet to admit, much less resolve, their confounding feelings for one another—feelings that prove even more difficult to discern when genial high school dropout Eli Stanley joins their epic adventure. But as the trio ticks through their bucket list, the questions they face shift toward something new: Must friendship play second fiddle to romance? Or can it be the ultimate prize?

Release date: April 19th 2018

Published by: Duet Books, the YA imprint of Interlude Press

Page numbers: 266 

REVIEW: 

The Weekend Bucket List sounded like a fun read when I first heard about it. I was really looking forward to reading it, so when I finally started the book, I was excited for the journey. The book ended up being fun for sure, but there was so much more to it than just that. 

The Weekend Bucket List starts off as a very fun and frolic read with closest friends Cady and Cooper ticking off items of their bucket list the weekend before graduation just because the two nerds want to experience what most high schoolers go through. Completing tasks like skinny dipping, running naked on the beach, sneaking into a movie theatre, conquering a fear and having their first kiss are some of the items of their list which they accomplish in a fun fashion. During this time, they come across hot, mysterious and very humble Eli, who joins them on their journey. 

When the weekend of the bucket list is over, Cady and Cooper’s relationship takes a different turn and this is where The Weekend Bucket List goes from being a fun read to a rather intense and realistic read as our main protagonists start figuring out who they are and what they want from life. This is the part about YA novels that I love the most- the discovery of self. And author Mia Kerick did it brilliantly in her book. 

I absolutely adored my ride with Cady and Cooper. While I instantly loved Cooper and Eli, Cady was slightly difficult for me to relate to, especially in the second part of the book. I didn’t dislike her and I did understand her situation and everything she was going through, but I felt she could have made better decisions. Nonetheless, I loved getting to know more about her family which again is something that YA novels focus on and I adore. 

Overall, The Weekend Bucket List is a very engrossing read. Once your finish part one of the book, it sails very smoothly and you just want to know more. I found myself having a great time with Cady, Cooper and Eli. I don’t normally say this because I’m cool with it, but I would have loved an epilogue for this book as it would’ve given me some more time with the lovely characters whom I could relate to and who made me fall in friendship. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by YA Bound and author Mia Kerick in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- Howl by Kelley York

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Ivan and his family moved in with their grandpa in order to rally around his sick little brother, Eli, as he went through treatment. It’s not a bad change; Ivan and Eli love to sit outside and listen to the wolves howling from the woods. It’s calming. At least, until Eli disappears from his bed to go looking for them. Chasing after his brother brings Ivan face-to-face with a strange, wild, beautiful boy living in the forest with the wolves…and nothing will ever be the same.

Part of Take a Chance Anthology.

Release date: December 8th 2016

Published by: Beaten Track Books

Page numbers: 32

REVIEW: 

Author Kelley York' short story, Howl, is a part of the Take A Chance anthology which releases on December 15th (which is today!). I am obviously super excited to read the book, but when I saw that Kelley's story was already available on Amazon (.in and .com), I bought myself a copy, and like any other book by the author, this one did not disappoint.  Howl is a beautiful and moving story that reflects Kelley's love for and respect towards animals. Now I myself love my animals more than humans and have a special spot for wolves in my heart, so this story for me was everything. 

There's really not much to say about this one particular short story, because it's easier to just read it for yourself and appreciate it. But what I would like to stress on is the fact that I have only read Kelley's contemporaries so far, but in no way was I apprehensive about trying something new from her, because I knew it would be good anyway. And it turned out to be just that. Like any other short story, however (or any other book from your favourite author), I wish there was more, and I sure as hell hope *hint hint* that Kelley continues this amazing story of Ivan, Eli and the magnificent wolves. 

As usual, Kelley's writing was just as beautiful as her story-telling. If this is just one of the many stories in the anothology, I really cannot wait to see what the other authors have in store for us. I'm sure this anthology will be amazing, mainly because it's LGBT, and also because some really cool authors have contributed to it. Meanwhile, if you get the chance, do give Howl a go, because it's a short, moving, emotional and extremely beautiful story. 

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN) / AMAZON (COM)

Review- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe on Goodreads

Hi, everyone! As this book is LGBT, I'm putting it under The Literary Others: An LGBT Reading Event, hosted by the lovely Adam @ Roof Beam Reader. 

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

Release date: February 21st 2012

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

Page numbers: 359

REVIEW: 

I read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe as part of The Literary Others: An LGBT Reading Event 2016, hosted by Adam at Roof Beam Reader. I'm so glad I saved this book for last, because it ended up being an absolutely incredible read that I devoured thoroughly. In spite of me being in my twenties and Aristotle and Dante being teens, I could relate to them so well that they now seem more like my friends than characters in a book.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe goes from Aristotle's point of view and his voice was both deep and innocent at the same time. Author Benjamin Alire Saenz's writing is so unique, poetic and velvety in the sense that it was so smooth and simple. I adore short chapters and small sentences because I feel those are the most difficult to write and magical to experience and easy to understand, which is why I loved the writing in this one.

Aristotle was an adorable boy, who reminded me of myself far more than I care to admit. He just seemed so real and raw that I couldn't help but go back to myself a few years ago and remember feeling the same. He was confused, damaged, lost, angry, kind and decent, and these qualities are so real and they made me love him so much. When he meets Dante, his life is turned completely and it makes him more acceptable of himself.

Speaking of Dante, he seemed too unreal to be true, but he was such a unique and one in a million type of guy. Dante, unlike Aristotle, always seemed sure of himself, but deep down there, there lay a lovely boy who wanted nothing but happiness for himself and others and who kept trying. Dante is one of those characters that stay with you forever because of his individualism. Even though I loved Ari more, it was difficult not to appreciate, accept and adore Dante.

Overall, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was an incredible read about two boys who could very well be you and I for they are so real and true. Not only did I love reading the book, but I also had a lovely experience doing it because it was truly unputdownable because of the catchy writing and capturing storytelling. An absolutely magical read, this book demands to be read for its way too adorable to be missed.

Buy the book: AMAZON/ FLIPKART

Review- This Book is Gay by James Dawson

This Book is Gay on Goodreads

Hi, everyone! As this book is LGBT, I'm putting it under The Literary Others: An LGBT Reading Event, hosted by the lovely Adam @ Roof Beam Reader. 

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Former PSHCE teacher and acclaimed YA author James Dawson gives an uncensored look at what it's like to grow up as LGBT. Including testimonials from people 'across the spectrum', this inclusive book explores everything anyone who ever dared to wonder wants to know - from sex to politics, how to pull, stereotypes, how to come-out and more. Spike Gerrell's hilarious illustrations combined with funny and factual text make this a must-have read.

Release date: September 4th 2-14

Published by: Hot Key Books

Page numbers: 271

REVIEW: 

The prospect of a book being both informative and fun at once always seemed odd to me, until I started reading This Book is Gay. The book is packed with information and you know what the best part is? It's fun. Fun, in the sense that it'll literally make you laugh out loud at some instances and also in the sense that for a non-fiction book (pardon my stereotyping), it is not boring at all, so that makes it kinda fun. This Book is Gay is such a good book.

There is so much to learn from this book, and not just in the sense that it will clear misconceptions and make you more aware of everything, but I honestly feel that the book should be used as a handbook or guide to know about homosexuality because it literally has everything you need to know. This book is not just for the LGBTQ community, but I feel it is for everyone because when homosexuals are forced to learn about heterosexuality, why shouldn't heterosexuals know about homosexuality? We're all humans, and for that sole reason, we need to know about fellow humans. And perhaps to be more understanding as well. Simple as that.

This Book is Gay is such a good, informative and fun read in which author James Dawson explains and shares as much as he can and as much as he has researched on LGBTQ. With illustrations, tables and even space to write some stuff, this book is so well done and well made. Some of the illustrations are extremely hilarious, and some of the questions that the author asks are so good that they really need thinking.

I would highly, highly recommend this book, because it'll make you a little wiser and a lot more accepting, hopefully.

Buy the book: AMAZON/ FLIPKART

Review- Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin

Beyond Magenta on Goodreads

Hi, everyone! As this book is LGBT, I'm putting it under The Literary Others: An LGBT Reading Event, hosted by the lovely Adam @ Roof Beam Reader. 

 BOOK SUMMARY:

A  2015 Stonewall Honor Book

A groundbreaking work of LGBT literature takes an honest look at the life, love, and struggles of transgender teens.

Author and photographer Susan Kuklin met and interviewed six transgender or gender-neutral young adults and used her considerable skills to represent them thoughtfully and respectfully before, during, and after their personal acknowledgment of gender preference. Portraits, family photographs, and candid images grace the pages, augmenting the emotional and physical journey each youth has taken. Each honest discussion and disclosure, whether joyful or heartbreaking, is completely different from the other because of family dynamics, living situations, gender, and the transition these teens make in recognition of their true selves. 

Release date: February 11th 2014

Published by: Candlewick Press

Page numbers: 192

REVIEW: 

Beyond Magenta is a book that's written and photographed by Susan Kuklin, who spoke to six transgenders who have shared their absolutely shattering but incredible stories. To know that there are people out there who suffer immeasurably simply for being who they are, is so heart breaking that it brings tears to the eyes. There are honestly no words to describe how raw and rustic this book is. 

Aside from just being a book full of stories where Jessy, Christina, Mariah, Cameron, Nat and Luke share their painful coming of age stories, Beyond Magenta is a powerhouse of knowledge because there is so much to learn from the book. It almost feels like as if, over the years, the word "different" equals bad or unacceptable. But that's clearly not true, because no dictionary defines different as that. Reading this book is like reading a widely acclaimed knowledge book, because it has so much to tell and teach. 

Every story in this book moved me so much that it made me want to hug the person I was reading about. Without even meeting Jessy, Christina, Mariah, Cameron, Nat and Luke, I feel like I know them quite well, and I want to be their friend. Each of their stories was engaging and sad but also very well shared and the latter is so very brave of them all. To know that there are people who might face the same problems as all of them, and to be assured that they will have them all to lean on to, is simply magical. 

Beyond Magenta is an emotional read, and definitely one that is an eye-opener to the world around us.

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN)

Review- How They Met and Other Stories by David Levithan

How They Met, and Other Stories on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes a confection from David Levithan that is sure to appeal to fans of Boy Meets Boy. Here are 18 stories, all about love, and about all kinds of love. From the aching for the one you pine for, to standing up and speaking up for the one you love, to pure joy and happiness, these love stories run the gamut of that emotion that at some point has turned every one of us inside out and upside down. What is love? With this original story collection David Levithan proves that love is a many splendored thing, a varied, complicated, addictive, wonderful thing.

Release date: 2014 (first published January 8th 2008)

Published by: Electric Monkey

Page numbers: 307

REVIEW: 

Authors normally pick up a pen to write, but I always imagine David Levithan picking up a wand. We might still be waiting for our Hogwarts letter, but I'm a 100% sure that David Levithan topped his OWLs and NEWTs, because he is a wizard and magic runs in his blood. He makes magic. I always, always imagine him waving his wand and words just coming out and forming that whole Avada Kedavra and Expelliarmus magic or something like Tom Marvolo Riddle- I am Lord Voldemort.

Now that I've proved that my most favourite contemporary writer of our time is a magician, let me tell you that he was as magical during his high school as he is now, because How They Met, and Other Stories is a collection of short stories written by the author in his school years. "If he's THAT incredible when he's so young, imagine what he'll do later", I'm sure someone must've said this to young David, and it goes to say, without doubt, that he kept getting better and better, to the point where he has established himself as a bright, brilliant, sparkling and shining star of an author.

How They Met, and Other Stories is incredible and every story is so different and unique that it feels like it's written by different people. Of course, I loved this collection as a whole, but some of my absolutely favourite stories were: Starbucks Boy, The Alumni Interview, The Number of People Who Meet on Airplane, What a Song Can Do and Without Saying. But I have to say that my most favourite story was Lost Sometimes, which is a sexy story of two boys in a more physical relationship. I have read almost all books by David Levithan, but I've never read something so sexy, gorgeous and exhilarating.

A book I always wanted to read, How They Met, and Other Stories had stories that I both loved and liked, but none that I didn't like. I didn't have any expectations, but I was way too happy with what I got, because the lovely magician never fails to deliver. I loved the book, but this book has proved that I love David Levithan even more.

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN)/ FLIPKART

Review- Branded by the Pink Triangle by Ken Setterington

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Before the rise of the Nazi party, Germany, especially Berlin, was one of the most tolerant places for homosexuals in the world. Activists, including Thomas Mann and Albert Einstein, campaigned openly for the rights of gay men and women, and tried to repeal the old existing law against homosexuality. But all that would change when the Nazis came to power and existence for gay people turned into one of fear. Raids, arrests, prison sentences and expulsions became the daily reality. When the concentration camps were built, homosexuals were imprisoned along with Jews and any other groups the Nazis wanted to suppress.

The pink triangle, sewn onto prison uniforms, became the symbol of the persecution of homosexuals, a persecution that would continue for many years after the war. A mix of historical research, first person accounts, and individual stories bring this time to life for readers. Stories of bravery in the face of inhuman cruelty, friendship found in the depths of despair in the camps, and the perseverance of the human spirit will both educate and inspire. 

Release date: April 15th 2013

Published by: Second Story Press

Page numbers: 155

REVIEW: 

When I first came across Branded by the Pink Triangle, I was very curious to know about the condition and situation of homosexuals during World War II because I never even gave it a thought. I always love reading about World War II because books based during that time are full of raw emotion and they shatter me. I also love reading LGBT books for more or less the same reason. So when I realised that there is a book that takes up both the themes, I was overwhelmed and I had to read the book. 

Branded by the Pink Triangle is a non-fiction account of homosexuality during Hitler's regime. Now we all know that this time was the most bloody and brutal of all history. This book isn't any different. It already kills me on the inside to read about the way people were treated during this period, but to have learned that homosexuals were treated even more badly by means that were absolutely disgusting and nasty, had me devastated. 

A very well written book with thoroughly researched information, Branded by the Pink Triangle is a true eye-opener to something that hasn't been spoken of enough, and that deserves a place in history and in all our hearts. Author Ken Setterington has put out a commendable and remarkable piece of work that deserves and demands to be read, just to understand everything a little better. And to all those people mentioned in the book... Wow, we salute you. 

Buy the book: AMAZON/ FLIPKART

Review- Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story by David Levithan

 BOOK SUMMARY:

It’s Tiny Cooper’s turn in the spotlight in this companion novel to New York Times bestseller Will Grayson, Will Grayson.

Jazz hands at the ready! Tiny Cooper (“the world’s largest person who is also really, really gay”) stole readers’ hearts when he was introduced to the world in the New York Times bestselling book Will Grayson, Will Grayson, co-authored by John Green and David Levithan. Now Tiny finally gets to tell his story—from his fabulous birth and childhood to his quest for true love and his infamous parade of ex-boyfriends—the way he always intended: as a musical! Filled with honesty, humor, and “big, lively, belty” musical numbers, the novel is told through the full script of the musical first introduced in Will Grayson, Will Grayson.

Release date: March 17th 2015

Published by: Dutton Juvenile

Page numbers: 208

REVIEW: 

Practically everyone who has read Will Grayson, Will Grayson by two of the most admirable authors of our times, John Green and David Levithan, has ended up loving Tiny Cooper more than the two Will Graysons. It was the same for me. I have said in my review of Will Grayson, Will Grayson that Tiny even beat Infinite Darlene from Boy Meets Boy for me. And that's saying something, because Darlene is just as epic as Tiny, if not more. My excitement for Hold Me Closer was up to the brim, and like any Levithan book, it lived up to my expectations. 

Hold Me Closer is the most fun book ever. Tiny Cooper is fantastic and fabulous topped with sparkles and lightning. In Will Grayson, Will Grayson, we got to see two sides of him where he is this daring, dashing and dazzling guy on the one hand; and on the other, he is a silent weeper who is very sensitive. Hold Me Closer, from the very beginning until the very end, is Tiny Cooper and only Tiny Cooper, and when you have that, it's bound to be fun and frolicky. 

The musical that adds so much to the plot of Will Grayson, Will Grayson came to life in Hold Me Closer. It's Tiny's life coming to life from the time he is born until the present day. Like any true musical, this one is full of laughter and tears, and a medley of emotions and feelings and that have the reader journey along with Mr. Fabulous and Fantastic all in one.  

Although Hold Me Closer didn't seem to blow me away in terms of its writing, David Levithan never fails to amaze me with the different style he picks up for each book and each character he comes up with. In that sense, Hold Me Closer was very unique and absolutely awesome. If you have loved or love Tiny Cooper, there's no reason why you wouldn't love his fabulously fantastic and fantastically fabulous life story presented in the most lovely way in this musical novel. 

Buy the book: AMAZON / FLIPKART

Sign-up Post for The Literary Others: An LGBT Reading Event

Hi, everyone! I am so excited that one of my most favourite bloggers, Adam @ Roof Beam Reader is hosting The Literary Others: An LGBT Reading Event again this year. The event takes place in October, and all you have to do is read books written by LGBT writers or that have LGBT characters. 

I had taken part in the event way back in 2012 as well, and I ended up discovering and reading some incredible books that became instant favourites. I hope the same happens this year as well, because this is one of my most favourite themes to read about. 

I sure hope you take part in the event as well, and if you do, make sure you let Adam know by commenting on his main post. 

Now I'm not a hundred percent strict with lists, but I'm going to make a rough one for this year, as that'll give me a great starting point since I do have many LGBT books on my to-read pile. If you do sign up, feel free to add the books on my list, to your list as well. Or just search LGBT on our blog- I've already read and reviewed many of the books. I'm trying to make this quality over quantity, so most of these books are huge, but I've heard nothing but incredible stuff about them. So with four weeks in October, I plan on reading four (hopefully) lovely books. Here's what I have planned (linked to Goodreads): 

*Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

*Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Kristin Cornn-Mills

*The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danfort

*Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite by Lianne Simon

Okay, clearly I cannot contain my excitement! Why isn't October here already? I hope you sign up for the event as well. Happy reading, everyone!