Like a Love Story

Set in 1989 New York City during the AIDS crisis, Like a Love Story centers on Reza, an Iranian teenager who moves from Toronto with his mother to live with his new stepfamily. Struggling with his identity as a gay person in a time of fear and prejudice, Reza finds himself caught between pursuing an authentic life and meeting others' expectations. The story focuses on the complex dynamics between three teenagers: Reza, fashion-loving Judy, and Art, an openly gay student and activist photographer. As Reza navigates his relationships with both Judy and Art, he must confront difficult truths about himself and his place in a changing world. The AIDS crisis forms a critical backdrop, with the characters participating in activism and witnessing its impact on their community. Through its focus on identity, activism, and connection, Like a Love Story explores how young people find courage and community during times of social upheaval. The novel examines the intersection of personal discovery and political awakening, while highlighting the role of art, fashion, and music in resistance and self-expression.

Readers emphasize the book's portrayal of the 1980s AIDS crisis through the perspective of teenagers, with many noting its educational value for young readers learning about LGBTQ+ history. The romance storyline resonates with readers who appreciate the authentic depiction of first love and self-discovery. Readers liked: - Madonna references and cultural touchstones of the era - The representation of AIDS activism and ACT UP - Character development, particularly Art and Judy - Educational aspects for young readers Readers disliked: - Pacing issues in the middle section - Some found the writing style repetitive - Several mentioned the love triangle felt forced - A few noted historical inaccuracies Ratings: Goodreads: 4.29/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (500+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 Multiple readers cite the book as a YA companion to works like "And The Band Played On," making complex historical events accessible to teens while maintaining emotional impact.

We Are Lost and Found by Barbara Sher A teenage boy navigates first love, family tensions, and the AIDS crisis in 1980s New York City.

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera A sixteen-year-old confronts his sexuality and identity in a near-future Bronx where memories can be erased.

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta A mixed-race gay teen discovers drag culture while exploring his identity through poetry and performance.

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan Former boyfriends attempt to break the world record for longest kiss while a Greek chorus of men lost to AIDS tells their story.

The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara Members of New York's LGBTQ community build chosen families in the ballroom scene during the height of the AIDS epidemic.

🌟 The author, Abdi Nazemian, drew from his own experience as an Iranian immigrant to the U.S. in crafting Reza's character and perspective. 🌟 ACT UP, featured prominently in the novel, pioneered dramatic protest tactics like "die-ins" and helped change public perception of AIDS from a "gay disease" to a public health crisis. 🌟 Madonna, who serves as a cultural touchstone throughout the book, was one of the first major celebrities to publicly support AIDS advocacy and LGBTQ+ rights in the 1980s. 🌟 The book's 1989 setting coincides with the peak of AIDS-related deaths in New York City, when the disease claimed over 4,500 lives in a single year. 🌟 Like a Love Story won the 2020 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Young Adult literature and was named a Best Book of the Year by NPR and Kirkus Reviews.