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Rainbow Briefs
Have you ever looked at a picture, perhaps a photo of two guys in a tight hug, or two girls holding hands, and wondered, What happened before that moment? What will they do next?
These fifteen stories were inspired by images from the Young Adult LGBT Books Group. In these pages you'll find LGBTQ teenagers living their lives - experiencing first encounters and long relationships, coming out, staying closeted, questioning, loving, having adventures, dealing with family, with prejudice, with magic. Author Kira Harp provides this collection of Young Adult romantic, fantasy, and contemporary short stories.
These fifteen stories were inspired by images from the Young Adult LGBT Books Group. In these pages you'll find LGBTQ teenagers living their lives - experiencing first encounters and long relationships, coming out, staying closeted, questioning, loving, having adventures, dealing with family, with prejudice, with magic. Author Kira Harp provides this collection of Young Adult romantic, fantasy, and contemporary short stories.
218 pages, ebook
First published October 31, 2013
3 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Kira Harp
4 books21 followersI've been writing since I could put words together. Early stories were about dolls and horses and kids who surmounted the odds and came home with a kitten. Gradually I learned about punctuation and point-of-view and my characters grew up. But real life came along, with forays into psychology and teaching and then a biomedical career and children. Writing happened in my head, for my own amusement, but didn't make it to paper.
Then several years ago, my husband gave me a computer. And my two girls were getting older and developing their own interests. So I sat down and typed out a story. Or two. Or three. Now I have adult novels published, and my love of Young Adult fiction has led me to Featherweight, and the chance to share some of my YA stories.
I currently write constantly, read obsessively, and share my home with my younger teenager, my amazingly patient husband, and a crazy, omnivorous little white dog. I can be found at my author page here on Goodreads, and look forward to sharing many more stories with YA readers in the future. My first published YA story, Intervention, came out from Featherweight on January 1st 2012, and my second, The Benefit of Ductwork, will come out on January 5th. Both are part of the Helping Hands line of books with the profits going to LGBT charities.
Then several years ago, my husband gave me a computer. And my two girls were getting older and developing their own interests. So I sat down and typed out a story. Or two. Or three. Now I have adult novels published, and my love of Young Adult fiction has led me to Featherweight, and the chance to share some of my YA stories.
I currently write constantly, read obsessively, and share my home with my younger teenager, my amazingly patient husband, and a crazy, omnivorous little white dog. I can be found at my author page here on Goodreads, and look forward to sharing many more stories with YA readers in the future. My first published YA story, Intervention, came out from Featherweight on January 1st 2012, and my second, The Benefit of Ductwork, will come out on January 5th. Both are part of the Helping Hands line of books with the profits going to LGBT charities.
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October 26, 2013Most of these 15 stories have appeared on the YA LGBT Books group over the last two years, although I edited them for this collection. There are also three additional new stories in here - about an added 15K words or so. This collection comes out on Nov 2nd, as either a free read, or where not possible, with author royalties donated to The Trevor Project.
October 19, 2013
I'm not going to pretend there isn't some bias in this review. A few months ago, the author told me she'd been toying with the idea of doing this collection and I gleefully nudged her in the right direction until she said yes. Since April, she has completed an amazing assortment of stories covering all aspects of the beautiful GLBT rainbow and I couldn't be more proud to have been a part of producing this amazing work. That said, I hope everyone takes the time to download this book and encourages their friends to do the same. There's something in it for everyone - from members and supporters of the GLBT family to those seeking to understand what members of the GBLT community experience every day.
My favorite stories are Designing Sam (which made me cry more than once), Oblivious, Behind Door Number Two..., Making Connections and Doubts and Darkness.
My favorite stories are Designing Sam (which made me cry more than once), Oblivious, Behind Door Number Two..., Making Connections and Doubts and Darkness.
May 4, 2016
It seemed like an odd thing for me to do, to willingly pick up an anthology of Young Adult LGBTQ stories. I generally steer clear of most young adult books, I’m usually reticent about reading short stories–especially from unknown authors–and it is not very often I stray off the strictly m/m path. To pick up a book that includes all three, well, it is not something I would normally do. Except, I have a bit of a thing for Kira Harp (at least in her other authorial incarnation) and didn’t want to pass up the chance. Plus, what is life without a little adventure?
What I found inside was a veritable mix of sweet young love, magical romance, and a whole host of young people striving to find themselves in a world that wishes they would simply stay in their pretty little boxes. Practically every story I read was engrossing in its own way, leading me down fifteen different paths, with many unforeseen outcomes, but always a pleasurable ride. The stories that focused on romance were truly heart-filled and, well, romantic. When we were drawn into the turmoil of growing up, and coming out, it was both enthralling and heartbreaking. I’m not going to say which story, but there was a point where I was quite literally weeping. It is not often that a short-story, hell, any story, can make me see that maybe it is not too late to find myself. For that, if nothing else, I would recommend this book. But there is more. In the laughter, in the heartache, in the pure torture of growing up, this collection of stories lets you briefly into the world of these young men and women, and believe me, you don’t normally want to leave when they have said their last words.
While I would love to sit and have an endless discussion about every one of these fifteen stories, it would take up quite a bit of time. Instead I chose three stories, each having their own place in my heart.
Behind Door Number Two
Bri and her older brother Justin were very close growing up, but life changes, and so do people. But when Bri starts to worry that Justin is getting beat-up, she and her best friend (and total crush) Haley, set out to save Justin. But the truth is stranger than they know. And finding it out will lead to some rather startling revelations.
First off, I have an older brother named Justin. One that I used to be great friends with, but time, a divorce, and several hundred miles of Californian soil have separated us. So I think on some level I connected to this story almost from the first word. But even if I couldn’t stop picturing my Justin as Bri’s Justin, there was so much more to this story. The romance between Bri and Haley was there, it was a strong pull on the plot and on Bri, but the story was focused on Bri and Justin, and I appreciated the ability to build up the chemistry, as well as mystery. This short story was well written, and it actually felt complete–even if I would love to hear more about Bri and Haley.
In Unexpected Places
Zeke is gay, and has never really been able to hide it. Lisa is trans (M to F) and everyone seems to be going out of their way to make sure the whole world knows it. They’re not really friends, both too busy trying to survive the cesspool that is high school social politics, but they might have just become allies. Or, at least, a ride home when Lisa’s car gets a flat. But what starts as a nice gesture turns into chaos and a crazy adventure. And what I believe might actually be the beginnings of a beautiful friendship.
This story was just a fun ride. From cats, to monkeys, to one old-time Magician Extraordinaire, this story always seems to have something just around the corner to entertain and surprise you. Not much romance going on here, what with Zeke being gay and Lisa being, well, a girl, but I love that whole issue with Zeke’s feelings towards Lisa, and would have loved to see more from these two, because I am pretty sure that is going to cause some wonderful issues in the future. But the real fun here is the crazy day that these two are dragged through and how they grow closer, even if it is just the opening salvos of a relationship. If one doomed to be platonic. Maybe. I’ll just have to hope that the author might just be willing to gives us more.
Future, Imperfect
Julio is a high school dropout and may have messed up a lot of things in his life, but one thing he has always got right is Mark. Mark may not fit in the neighborhood, in his family, or with most of society, but he has always fit best next to Julio. When he gets a chance to move to New York to go to college, he knows he needs to take it, but leaving will mean losing the one thing he has wanted more than almost anything in the world.
While one of the shorter stories in this anthology, I think it might be one of the most romantically potent ones. It is just a short scene, a goodbye that could be for months, years…or maybe even forever, but even with a fence (and society) separating them, Julio and Mark are one hot mix of love and lust, hope and heartbreak. You never know what happens after goodbye, whether the countdown is to a welcome back, or just to mark the days that will become a nostalgic past, but you can really feel the heat and tension between these two boys. I love that these boys, who are so close to being men, make the right choice, no matter how hard it is for them. It is because they do this that I have hope that they might actually have a shot at a HEA.
These three stories are no means the best, or the worst, or any other category other than that they touched me in some way and I wanted to share them with you. To get the whole experience I really recommend you pick up the book. In most places it is a free e-book, and where it could not be free, the author royalties will be donated to The Trevor Project. None of these stories were really less than four stars, and some–quite a few actually–hit five stars. I think overall for this anthology is going to be 4.5 stars. Very good. You really should give these stories a try.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
What I found inside was a veritable mix of sweet young love, magical romance, and a whole host of young people striving to find themselves in a world that wishes they would simply stay in their pretty little boxes. Practically every story I read was engrossing in its own way, leading me down fifteen different paths, with many unforeseen outcomes, but always a pleasurable ride. The stories that focused on romance were truly heart-filled and, well, romantic. When we were drawn into the turmoil of growing up, and coming out, it was both enthralling and heartbreaking. I’m not going to say which story, but there was a point where I was quite literally weeping. It is not often that a short-story, hell, any story, can make me see that maybe it is not too late to find myself. For that, if nothing else, I would recommend this book. But there is more. In the laughter, in the heartache, in the pure torture of growing up, this collection of stories lets you briefly into the world of these young men and women, and believe me, you don’t normally want to leave when they have said their last words.
While I would love to sit and have an endless discussion about every one of these fifteen stories, it would take up quite a bit of time. Instead I chose three stories, each having their own place in my heart.
Behind Door Number Two
Bri and her older brother Justin were very close growing up, but life changes, and so do people. But when Bri starts to worry that Justin is getting beat-up, she and her best friend (and total crush) Haley, set out to save Justin. But the truth is stranger than they know. And finding it out will lead to some rather startling revelations.
First off, I have an older brother named Justin. One that I used to be great friends with, but time, a divorce, and several hundred miles of Californian soil have separated us. So I think on some level I connected to this story almost from the first word. But even if I couldn’t stop picturing my Justin as Bri’s Justin, there was so much more to this story. The romance between Bri and Haley was there, it was a strong pull on the plot and on Bri, but the story was focused on Bri and Justin, and I appreciated the ability to build up the chemistry, as well as mystery. This short story was well written, and it actually felt complete–even if I would love to hear more about Bri and Haley.
In Unexpected Places
Zeke is gay, and has never really been able to hide it. Lisa is trans (M to F) and everyone seems to be going out of their way to make sure the whole world knows it. They’re not really friends, both too busy trying to survive the cesspool that is high school social politics, but they might have just become allies. Or, at least, a ride home when Lisa’s car gets a flat. But what starts as a nice gesture turns into chaos and a crazy adventure. And what I believe might actually be the beginnings of a beautiful friendship.
This story was just a fun ride. From cats, to monkeys, to one old-time Magician Extraordinaire, this story always seems to have something just around the corner to entertain and surprise you. Not much romance going on here, what with Zeke being gay and Lisa being, well, a girl, but I love that whole issue with Zeke’s feelings towards Lisa, and would have loved to see more from these two, because I am pretty sure that is going to cause some wonderful issues in the future. But the real fun here is the crazy day that these two are dragged through and how they grow closer, even if it is just the opening salvos of a relationship. If one doomed to be platonic. Maybe. I’ll just have to hope that the author might just be willing to gives us more.
Future, Imperfect
Julio is a high school dropout and may have messed up a lot of things in his life, but one thing he has always got right is Mark. Mark may not fit in the neighborhood, in his family, or with most of society, but he has always fit best next to Julio. When he gets a chance to move to New York to go to college, he knows he needs to take it, but leaving will mean losing the one thing he has wanted more than almost anything in the world.
While one of the shorter stories in this anthology, I think it might be one of the most romantically potent ones. It is just a short scene, a goodbye that could be for months, years…or maybe even forever, but even with a fence (and society) separating them, Julio and Mark are one hot mix of love and lust, hope and heartbreak. You never know what happens after goodbye, whether the countdown is to a welcome back, or just to mark the days that will become a nostalgic past, but you can really feel the heat and tension between these two boys. I love that these boys, who are so close to being men, make the right choice, no matter how hard it is for them. It is because they do this that I have hope that they might actually have a shot at a HEA.
These three stories are no means the best, or the worst, or any other category other than that they touched me in some way and I wanted to share them with you. To get the whole experience I really recommend you pick up the book. In most places it is a free e-book, and where it could not be free, the author royalties will be donated to The Trevor Project. None of these stories were really less than four stars, and some–quite a few actually–hit five stars. I think overall for this anthology is going to be 4.5 stars. Very good. You really should give these stories a try.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 16, 2013
Omg. These were awesome, heart breaking, uplifting, funny and just downright fab. I wonder if Kira would consider making some into novels because I want to know what happens next.
October 26, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
This collection of short (sometimes super short) stories encompasses young adult themes. I am a big fan of both short stories and young adult, so I had high hopes. I was not disappointed.
Each story begins with a photo prompt description. The stories are a mix, m/m, f/f, transgender, contemporary, fantasy paranormal, it runs the gamut. Some stories (such as Tomorrow) are very short, just a scene in the life of. Others are longer. While I liked something about all of the stories, I definitely had favorites.
By far, Designing Sam, had the most emotional impact for me. Sam is a high school boy born into a female body with a family who absolutely will not understand. He wears a binder, dresses for his gender and tries very hard to accept himself. It takes a moment of self-hatred, wearing a dress to his sister’s wedding, to bring him to near breaking point and meeting the photographer to make him realize maybe there are nonjudgmental people out there. There is a point where Sam wonders if just every woman “wish sometimes that she had a cock and could have fast, hard, guy sex?” Well, maybe but oh, Sam, that’s not your situation. You are trapped in a body that should belong to someone else. Wanted to hug him.
I was sad for Chloe in this situation, who doesn’t know Sam’s secret and the story ends on a sad note for Chloe, so I hope they make up. Mrs. Knight, well every high school needs one of her. The story ends hopeful and positive.
Variations is a theme on a teen threesome who are trying to come to grips with what they want. It’s a sweet story that is maybe a little bit too rose-colored (people tolerate so little in real life) but is hopeful and sweet. I loved the idea of waiting for your first kiss until its perfect for everyone.
Coming Back is a paranormal story that actually made me laugh, the idea of Torren stealing the shifting spell and being a sea gull was odd (when he could have been so many things) but Baylor’s reminding him of what he ate as a sea gull as a little revenge, priceless.
The story Change of Plans is probably the saddest of all of them and made my heart ache for Con, who didn’t stand a chance, and Nick who’s brightness was probably going to be dimmed a little when he realized what real life really means. Heartbreaker, that one.
It’s an eclectic group of stories and a recommended read.
This collection of short (sometimes super short) stories encompasses young adult themes. I am a big fan of both short stories and young adult, so I had high hopes. I was not disappointed.
Each story begins with a photo prompt description. The stories are a mix, m/m, f/f, transgender, contemporary, fantasy paranormal, it runs the gamut. Some stories (such as Tomorrow) are very short, just a scene in the life of. Others are longer. While I liked something about all of the stories, I definitely had favorites.
By far, Designing Sam, had the most emotional impact for me. Sam is a high school boy born into a female body with a family who absolutely will not understand. He wears a binder, dresses for his gender and tries very hard to accept himself. It takes a moment of self-hatred, wearing a dress to his sister’s wedding, to bring him to near breaking point and meeting the photographer to make him realize maybe there are nonjudgmental people out there. There is a point where Sam wonders if just every woman “wish sometimes that she had a cock and could have fast, hard, guy sex?” Well, maybe but oh, Sam, that’s not your situation. You are trapped in a body that should belong to someone else. Wanted to hug him.
I was sad for Chloe in this situation, who doesn’t know Sam’s secret and the story ends on a sad note for Chloe, so I hope they make up. Mrs. Knight, well every high school needs one of her. The story ends hopeful and positive.
Variations is a theme on a teen threesome who are trying to come to grips with what they want. It’s a sweet story that is maybe a little bit too rose-colored (people tolerate so little in real life) but is hopeful and sweet. I loved the idea of waiting for your first kiss until its perfect for everyone.
Coming Back is a paranormal story that actually made me laugh, the idea of Torren stealing the shifting spell and being a sea gull was odd (when he could have been so many things) but Baylor’s reminding him of what he ate as a sea gull as a little revenge, priceless.
The story Change of Plans is probably the saddest of all of them and made my heart ache for Con, who didn’t stand a chance, and Nick who’s brightness was probably going to be dimmed a little when he realized what real life really means. Heartbreaker, that one.
It’s an eclectic group of stories and a recommended read.
January 8, 2014
These fifteen stories were inspired by images from the Young Adult LGBT Books Group. In these pages you'll find LGBTQ teenagers living their lives - experiencing first encounters and long relationships, coming out, staying closeted, questioning, loving, having adventures, dealing with family, with prejudice, with magic.
Rainbow Briefs was hands-down my favorite anthology read of 2013. The quality and variety of these shorts is amazing considering this book is free. I especially liked that this anthology was LGBTQ, with a nice mixture of lesbian, gay and trans stories to satisfy almost everyone.
Despite being YA, these stories don't speak down to their audience. I could relate to a lot of what was written from my own teenage years and it's rare I find that level of authenticity in any story. Kira Harp is certainly a master at speaking to a young adult audience and I would absolutely recommend this to any teenager struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity. I also recommend it for adults as well - these stories transcend the label of YA and are something everyone can read and enjoy.
I would have rated almost all of the stories four or five stars, but Designing Sam was easily my favorite. I haven't been moved to tears at a book for a long time, but this honest depiction of a trans teenager struggling with family and identity in a realistic manner really moved me. In a genre where sometimes we are so eager to get our HEA that we make families overwhelmingly accepting, it was good to see a parent in denial and a situation that wasn't wrapped up neatly with a bow on top. It's a stark reminder that we have a lot of work to do as a community to increase acceptance and awareness of LGBTQ issues.
I think you should go and download this book right now. I think you should spend a couple of hours pouring over these stories, reading even the ones that fall outside of your typical reading diet. Then pass it on to a young person you know who needs to understand that they are not alone in the world. These positive yet realistic stories could literally change a life.
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
Rainbow Briefs was hands-down my favorite anthology read of 2013. The quality and variety of these shorts is amazing considering this book is free. I especially liked that this anthology was LGBTQ, with a nice mixture of lesbian, gay and trans stories to satisfy almost everyone.
Despite being YA, these stories don't speak down to their audience. I could relate to a lot of what was written from my own teenage years and it's rare I find that level of authenticity in any story. Kira Harp is certainly a master at speaking to a young adult audience and I would absolutely recommend this to any teenager struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity. I also recommend it for adults as well - these stories transcend the label of YA and are something everyone can read and enjoy.
I would have rated almost all of the stories four or five stars, but Designing Sam was easily my favorite. I haven't been moved to tears at a book for a long time, but this honest depiction of a trans teenager struggling with family and identity in a realistic manner really moved me. In a genre where sometimes we are so eager to get our HEA that we make families overwhelmingly accepting, it was good to see a parent in denial and a situation that wasn't wrapped up neatly with a bow on top. It's a stark reminder that we have a lot of work to do as a community to increase acceptance and awareness of LGBTQ issues.
I think you should go and download this book right now. I think you should spend a couple of hours pouring over these stories, reading even the ones that fall outside of your typical reading diet. Then pass it on to a young person you know who needs to understand that they are not alone in the world. These positive yet realistic stories could literally change a life.
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
May 23, 2014
Somehow, in my switch between e-readers and email accounts, its seems a handful of titles got lost, so I'm happy to have found both the books themselves and an opportunity to share them with you!
Rainbow Briefs is a lovely YA LGBT anthology edited by Sara Winters. These are stories taken from the Goodreads Young Adult LGBT Books Group, with each based on a picture prompt shared with the group. Although comprised of about 15 stories, there are 2 in particular of interest to readers such as myself.
The first, Designing Sam, is based on the following prompt:
A slim girl with dark hair stands in front of her full-length mirror, looking into it. From the mirror, a muscular young man with the same hair and eyes stares back.
This was a powerful, emotional story of a young man coming out to a world that doesn't understand his gender, much less his sexuality. It's a sad tale a times, full of sorrow and pain, but one with an understanding (and uplifting) ending.
The second, In Unexpected Places, is one of the few that doesn't share it's prompt. Instead, it gets right to the story, which is a far less serious, almost madcap adventure about a young gay man and the young transgender woman he befriends. You can almost picture this as a 90s movie comedy, with the two outcasts trying to survive one of those too-crazy-to-be-true days.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
Rainbow Briefs is a lovely YA LGBT anthology edited by Sara Winters. These are stories taken from the Goodreads Young Adult LGBT Books Group, with each based on a picture prompt shared with the group. Although comprised of about 15 stories, there are 2 in particular of interest to readers such as myself.
The first, Designing Sam, is based on the following prompt:
A slim girl with dark hair stands in front of her full-length mirror, looking into it. From the mirror, a muscular young man with the same hair and eyes stares back.
This was a powerful, emotional story of a young man coming out to a world that doesn't understand his gender, much less his sexuality. It's a sad tale a times, full of sorrow and pain, but one with an understanding (and uplifting) ending.
The second, In Unexpected Places, is one of the few that doesn't share it's prompt. Instead, it gets right to the story, which is a far less serious, almost madcap adventure about a young gay man and the young transgender woman he befriends. You can almost picture this as a 90s movie comedy, with the two outcasts trying to survive one of those too-crazy-to-be-true days.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
April 4, 2016
I'm going to start by saying that the four star rating is mostly about the format (Short stories) than the content. It just doesn't allow me to fully connect with the characters, so the book doesn't transcend to more than a nice book I'll probably not re read.
It was still very enjoyable, though, with a wide array of characters and sexual orientations that is refreshing in a m/m dominated LGBTQA+ YA genre. Plus, the stories have touches of supernatural themes that keep it interesting and stray it from being terribly cliche.
Each story is different enough to keep readers interested, while still delivering a very welcome array of voices that is often lacking in these sort of books. So if you want a light read, or are just diving into LGBTQA+ genre, I'd say go for it, you'll definitely have a good time.
It was still very enjoyable, though, with a wide array of characters and sexual orientations that is refreshing in a m/m dominated LGBTQA+ YA genre. Plus, the stories have touches of supernatural themes that keep it interesting and stray it from being terribly cliche.
Each story is different enough to keep readers interested, while still delivering a very welcome array of voices that is often lacking in these sort of books. So if you want a light read, or are just diving into LGBTQA+ genre, I'd say go for it, you'll definitely have a good time.
November 6, 2013
Kaje Harper wrote some really good LGBTQ stories and they are free
February 9, 2017
This was such a beautiful book. I’d read it for a challenge and I couldn’t be happier with the result, I just loved it.
A common element among all of the stories told here was the amazing characters. I don’t think there was one story that wasn’t able to create great empathy for the MC on it. I don’t usually read YA books, but it seems like when I do, I really choose the best ones.
It was my first book from the author, but I’m very sure it won’t be the last. I liked all the stories, but there were some that I just fell in love with. The first one I loved was Designing Sam, so beautiful. Making Connections and Variations were also among the ones I loved the most, but every single one had something to like about it.
There is a little bit of everything, there is laughs, love, pain, sadness, sweetness, but most of all there is hope, there was always hope in every story. It was a lovely book, I couldn’t recommend it enough. It was a joy to read.
A common element among all of the stories told here was the amazing characters. I don’t think there was one story that wasn’t able to create great empathy for the MC on it. I don’t usually read YA books, but it seems like when I do, I really choose the best ones.
It was my first book from the author, but I’m very sure it won’t be the last. I liked all the stories, but there were some that I just fell in love with. The first one I loved was Designing Sam, so beautiful. Making Connections and Variations were also among the ones I loved the most, but every single one had something to like about it.
There is a little bit of everything, there is laughs, love, pain, sadness, sweetness, but most of all there is hope, there was always hope in every story. It was a lovely book, I couldn’t recommend it enough. It was a joy to read.
February 7, 2020
This was so cute. I am normally not a fan of short story collections, but these were really well done. They were funny and moving and so sweet. I started making a list of all the stories I wanted to be made into full length books, but the list got to long. I will have to read the next one soon.
Read
August 24, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Queermisia
Depression
Grief & loss depiction
Kidnapping & captivity
Queermisia
Depression
Grief & loss depiction
Kidnapping & captivity
January 4, 2015
I read this for the Rainbow Awards.
A very nice collection of shorts. Quite a few are average, several are above average and two were a 10 on my scale.
Individual stories and my scale on each:
Future, Imperfect 10
Oblivious 9
Tomorrow 7 too short
Designing Sam 10 wow, this was my first trans story. I think it is helping me understand somewhat.
Working 10, very cute despite being short
Coming Back 8. Interesting that this was longer than Working but not as satisfying.
Behind Door Number Two 7
Blind Sights, 7
My Own Kind, 7
Making Connections 9, sweet.
In an Orange Glow 7
Change of plans 8, I feel real conflicted about this as the ending is so ambiguous.
In Unexpected Places 9
Variations 7
Doubts and Darkness 9
A very nice collection of shorts. Quite a few are average, several are above average and two were a 10 on my scale.
Individual stories and my scale on each:
Future, Imperfect 10
Oblivious 9
Tomorrow 7 too short
Designing Sam 10 wow, this was my first trans story. I think it is helping me understand somewhat.
Working 10, very cute despite being short
Coming Back 8. Interesting that this was longer than Working but not as satisfying.
Behind Door Number Two 7
Blind Sights, 7
My Own Kind, 7
Making Connections 9, sweet.
In an Orange Glow 7
Change of plans 8, I feel real conflicted about this as the ending is so ambiguous.
In Unexpected Places 9
Variations 7
Doubts and Darkness 9
November 11, 2013
What a beautiful, heartwarming collection of stories. I wish I'd had access to something like this when I was a teenager. I'm so, so glad it's available to teens now.
There's something for everyone here...gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and even a few other surprises along the way. Added to that, the stories range from contemporary to fantasy, and you really never know what you're going to get. They're fun to read, and almost all of them left me with a warm, happy glow in my heart. I cannot recommend this collection highly enough.
There's something for everyone here...gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and even a few other surprises along the way. Added to that, the stories range from contemporary to fantasy, and you really never know what you're going to get. They're fun to read, and almost all of them left me with a warm, happy glow in my heart. I cannot recommend this collection highly enough.
January 21, 2014
Review Written for http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
I usually do individual reviews on anthologies but this was a short stories connection and I felt like I could not properly review each story without spoilers so I decided to just do an overall review.
I thought this was a very sweet collection of stories about the LGBT youth and community. There is something for everyone.
If you like short stories, LGBT young adult, coming out, dealing with life issues and many more conflicts this is for you!
I usually do individual reviews on anthologies but this was a short stories connection and I felt like I could not properly review each story without spoilers so I decided to just do an overall review.
I thought this was a very sweet collection of stories about the LGBT youth and community. There is something for everyone.
If you like short stories, LGBT young adult, coming out, dealing with life issues and many more conflicts this is for you!
September 12, 2014
Wow! All I read is M/M and when I saw there were F/F and M/F stories I was skeptical and fear continue reading. How wrong I was! This entire books is a joy to read! So many stories, fifteen in all, with so many wonderful characters. I laughed as well as shed tears for these teens. It's a wonderful book worth reading. And yeah, as many have said, there's a story for every single one of you out there. Give it a try!
February 4, 2015
I put off reading this book,and for the life of me, I don't know why. The short stories in this book cover the gambit, from m/m, f/f, transgender, bi and m/m/m. All of them are handled with loving care snd compassion. My awareness and understanding had benefited from the reading.
January 17, 2016
This is a collection of shorts compiled by the author of YA stories featuring every mix of LGBTQIA character.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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