Life Is A Banquet

by David Boyles

The classic queer story of Auntie Mame gets a Gen Z update in this bubbly tale of coming-of-age and finding chosen family. 17-year-old Isaac is feeling suffocated by his conservative Arizona suburb and his parents’ megachurch Christianity. But then he gets tutored by brilliant, free-spirited, and unapologetically queer college student Rachel, who helps Isaac come to terms with his own identity and introduces him to the sparkling and magical community that orbits around her and her ramshackle off-campus house. With the help of Rachel and her chosen family -- including her childhood best friend Johnny and sorority girl-turned-aspiring drag queen Vera -- Isaac will get an education unlike any other.

264 pages, Paperback

Published July 13, 2022

Reviews

[Hayley Stenger]

This a book about Isaac, a high school student who, after attending a religious school in Chandler, AZ, is introduced to Rachel. Rachel is a smart, self-assured college student. She has a home in Tempe that is a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people.
Isaac learns a lot from Rachel and her friends, a lot that was never taught to him, either from his religious upbringing or his school education.

Things about this book-

First, the author, @davidboyles made me laugh with glee at his understanding of the Southeast Valley. I was quoting much of it to my husband while reading. Boyles knows the ins and outs of the community I grew up with. It was wonderful for me to
read familiar shout-outs.🌵

Second, not only does Isaac get an education, but the reader does as well. There are many books here that are mentioned that I can use to further educate myself. Boyles also does an excellent job of incorporating details of state and federal law in a way that moves the story forward. The reader learns the history of several marginalized groups alongside Isaac. I feel like this book is a tool that a reader can use to begin a thoughtful journey into a deeper understanding of our society.📓👩‍🎓

Lastly, this book is funny at times, educational at others, but there is a lot of hurt here as well. As Isaac comes to terms with his identity and learns about his community, he finds he does not have a place in his birth family. I think that it comes across in this book how wonderful it is he found a chosen family, but also how sad it is that he had to do that. That theme is in my recent book, Stone Butch Blues (which is mentioned in Boyles' book!! I am ahead in my reading. 😊) I know that is a familiar place to be for many in the LGBTQIA+ community. I am reminded how sad I am for children whose parents choose not to love them. 🌈

Overall, Boyles does an excellent job.

[Lee Call]

A coming-of-age written in a memoir style, this lovely little novel was so educational and heartwarming!