I loved the light-hearted idea of this novel, but the execution, characters, and storyline, all left a lot to be desired. Disappointing as LBGTQ+ fiction

I found the writing in this book to lack maturity - all of the characters seemed to have the same voice and ultimately they all seemed like caricatures or tropes. I was also put off by the fact that the author seemed to want to educate the reader on issues of tolerance and inclusivity through this novel, it was a bit heavy handed.

3.5 ⭐

I enjoyed the book, but the return to some characters and not others left me feeling a little disjointed - I would have preferred either a tighter, interwoven narrative or stand-alone chapters acting as a short story collection

*3.5
Certainly not perfect but definitely a nice little escape with endearing stories.

4.5 stars. Goodreads, puh-LEEZ add half star options.
As the blurb indicates, this is the story of an LGBTQ task force in small-town USA, and its impact on the people there. The book is a series of vignettes, each chapter from the perspective of a different character. I thoroughly enjoyed the way it was told, as it reflects the spread of the task force's influence and how it makes people reconsider. There is certainly some darkness and hard topics, depicted unflinchingly. (To write anything otherwise would be pandering, disingenuous, and unfair.) But ultimately, this is a story of redemption. Even the worst of the residents is written with a bit of sympathy, and even the most diligent of the activists has their flaws that make them human, rather than Rainbow superheroes. This book isn't perfect, but it might be necessary.

UNDER THE RAINBOW is written as a series of interconnected short stories, with a new narrator for each chapter. Characters pop up throughout the book as they interact with each other, driving the overarching story forward in time. This style gives readers a chance to see different POVs, and in turn, form their own conclusions on certain matters.

As with most books written in this format, there were some plotlines that captivated me more than others. And it's interesting to think that another person may have appreciated another plotline more, based on past experiences or how a character is written. To me, this is a testament to great writing.

The ending was hopeful, but realistic. I wanted a bit more closure for some characters, but overall I thought Laskey did a fantastic job bringing together the cast and leaving on a (mostly) positive note.

Compelling characters and endearing story for a quick read. Definitely recommend!

obrzydliwa, wulgarna, okropna, fuj.
Na szczęście słuchałam w audiobooku ale nawet tutaj coś zepsuli i jest dwóch lektorów, co trochę wybija z rytmu.
Nie mogę polecić ani troszeczkę. Sam pomysł brzmiał ciekawie ale... fuj

Happy Pride month! I realized that I do not read enough books that center the voices of LGBTQ folks and decided to pick up this short read. It is such a feel-good story about a Gay Rights group that moves to the “most homophobic city in America.” It made me believe in change, while being real about the pain that comes along with it.