3.5 stars

When a fictional town in Kansas is labeled the ‘most homophobic town in America,’ a LGBTQ activist group moves to the area in an effort to open the hearts and change the perspectives of the town’s residents.

This story has multiple narrators, each of which narrates only once throughout the book (except for one). The author balanced the narration with differing viewpoints (characters who were residents and others who were activists). I was nervous that the different narrators wouldn’t present a cohesive story, but the author did an excellent job employing this literary technique to build the theme of community. I really enjoyed getting to experience the the different narrators’ innermost thoughts as well as the perception of the narrator by everyone else.

The only thing I wished was to have a little more time with some of the characters. A few of the storylines were left unfinished or unmentioned after the narrator's chapter. This is a fast, but thoughtful read that was a great example of bridging together differing communities in hopes of understanding each other.

3.5

Loved this book! Great cast of characters and hope for humanity!

I loved the stories and characters in this book. I don't know if the way the book came together gelled enough for me, like short stories not done developing into a novel. I hate to make that comment imagining how much work it must be to write a book but that is how it felt to read it.

reminded me of “the laramie project,” which i am sure was an influence. laskey weaves perspectives from about 20 different people in “the most homophobic town” in america as an lgbtq task force moves into town for two years. a good afternoon read.

the chapter titled “linda” is my absolute favorite, and i kept getting excited whenever her name is mentioned in other chapters. i could easily read a book about her, and jamal. in a book full of good characters, these two stuck out as the ones i want to know more about. i have half a mind to write the author and ask if that is in the works haha

When I described the premise of this novel to my wife, she said, “Shouldn’t it be a documentary?” No, it’s a more ambitious premise than most books dare, but Laskey pulled me right into it. Each chapter is from the point of view of a different character, and each is rendered vividly. I cared about each and every one of them, no small accomplishment.

I loved the way the story was told from multiple POVs, but it didn't feel realistic. The characters were stereotypical and I don't think it got deep enough.