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Annie On My Mind


Summary: 
Originally published in 1982, Annie On My Mind is a story of two girls from two very different worlds who meet at a museum and become friends. Eventually, that friendship develops into a tentative romantic relationship. When their relationship becomes known to Liza's school and their parents, the girls struggle to cope with the fallout, eventually separating and moving to opposite sides of the country to attend college. Liza reflects on their relationship as she tries to write a letter responding to the many that Annie has sent her from college. As Liza comes to term with her sexual orientation and relationship with Annie, the two reconcile via a phone call.

Strengths:
The fact that this book has not been out of print since its publication 33 years ago is a testament to the way it resonates with young adult readers. This coming of age story centers around the complex process of examining ones own sexuality and sexual orientation and dealing with the reaction of society. I originally read this book about 17 years ago, and as a young adult reader I was drawn to Liza's character. The contrast between the two girls' personalities and backgrounds make it easy to find yourself relating to one character or the other.

More Books By Nancy Garden: 

 Good Moon Rising
Lark in the Morning

 Garden, N. (1982). Annie on my mind. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux. 


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