Wow, this one is going to stay with me for some time. I have to admit it took me quite a few pages to become hooked, partly because there were times when I couldn't tell if he was experiencing a reality induced by drugs, dreams, or possibly hallucinations induced by reactions to the electroshock therapy. And I didn't always get what was happening. But slowly, as Jonathan's and Webb's relationship started developing and I started getting used to the style, I became hooked. This was NOT an easy book to listen to. As you can imagine, electroshock therapy was so painful to hear about. And it was so sad to hear Jonathan talk about his desires as a mental illness. I think I had forgotten that homosexuality was on the DSM until 1973, so it was both horrifying and interesting to see it used in this book. This book was narrated by Tom Picasso and he was the perfect voice for this. I thought he brought Jonathan to life and when he spoke in Hal's voice, I just wanted to shrink away and/or punch him in the face.

This was NOT an easy book to read and if you're triggered by homophobia, internalized homophobia, racism, attempted sexual assault/pedophilia, and electroshock therapy, you may want to give this book a pass. But I fell in love with Jonathan and Webb, and I also loved Webb's family and learning about the Indian Two-spirits. And as much as it was not easy to read about, I'm glad I was reminded of how much of a shift it was when they finally removed homosexuality from the DSM. And the ending was not perfect, but it was hopeful, and I teared up for him with happiness. I could have done without as much of the metaphorical/metaphysical stuff, mostly because I didn't truly "get it" but I am really glad I gave this book a try.

Of course, now I need to go listen to some David Bowie, especially Starman.

This book was a challenge to read, I'll be honest. The emotions throughout were so strong and relatable that I struggled to make it through. But it was worth it, this book is worth the read, it's worth the discomfort and pain. Showing the history of abuse and mistreatment of people who are different, whether that be indigenous peoples, queer people, or those who are just difficult to understand.

I grew alongside Jonathan. I celebrated his victories and strength, and wept alongside him.

between the characters of color only having the comeback “youre white” when said “white boys” were calling them EVERY RACIAL SLUR KNOWN TO MAN and the cringey “look at me, this isn’t you” trope, this book was kinda hard to finish.

i realized two things:
1. i hate contemporary books
2. white authors need to be stopped

“for one moment in time,
two lonely astronauts floating in space,
finally find each other.”

Lo amé demasiado.
Algo que he visto en algunos de los libros que hablan de una minoría específica, es que descuidan a otra, por ejemplo, si habla del racismo, tiene varias conductas machistas y esas simplemente se ignoran, y siempre me ha dado un gran conflicto, este libro no, James Brandon se las ingenia para hablar de muchos temas importantes y a todos darles la importancia que se merecen.

No puedo imaginar mi vida sin poder ser quien soy realmente, viendo como toda la sociedad simplemente ha decidido que estoy enferma por ser yo, por mis gustos, por amar. Si bien me gusta pensar que siempre mejoramos, todavía nos falta mucho.

Una parte demasiado importante para mí siempre han sido los personajes, y una de las cosas que más me cautivo fueron justamente ellos, Jonathan y Web, con su simplicidad, hacían que se me derritiera el corazón, Starla es todo lo que está bien en el mundo, aunque los otros personajes siempre parecen estar en contra de ellos, me parecieron todos muy realistas.

Las partes de los tratamientos me revolvían el estómago y me sacaron más de una lágrima. Nadie merece vivir en un clóset, y creo que este libro es simplemente una manera de decir; no estás solo, aguanta un poco más.

No le doy 5 estrellas por el final, estuvo demasiado abierto para mi gusto, pero todo lo demás fue una obra de arte, la escritura atrae, los personajes enamoran y no puedo decir otra cosa mala del libro.

4/5