Told from the point of view of Eliza (Liza) Winthrop, a seventeen year old senior, planning on attending MIT upon graduation. In the fall of her senior year at a struggling-to-remain-open private High School, Liza meets Annie. Annie is from the other side of New York and attends a public high school, polar opposite of Liza's. An instant bond is made between the girls. From the beginning, Liza isn't sure what she's feeling, but knows it's different than any way she's felt about someone before. Once both girls realized and disclose their feelings, a relationship buds. As all first relationships, there are explorations and firsts- emotionally and physically. But the girls' relationship remains a secret, as being opening gay was uncommon. When the girls are caught scandalously alone by a school administrator, events unfold that cause Liza to confront who she truly is and unfortunately pay the consequences of ignorance of others. It is clear that Liza struggles to be guilt-free of who she is, especially because it comes at a cost of those she loves and admires, including family and teachers. In the end, she fully embraces who she is and Liza and Annie reconnect.
This young adult book chronicles the ups and downs of a girl's life as she discovers new truths about herself. Since the subject of being gay is still not exactly a welcomed subject in many places, especially in schools and with teenagers, this book does many things. It helps enlighten people who may not understand what it is like to be gay, as well as has the potential to be read autobiographically by teenage readers who may be going through similar realizations and feelings. Garden does a great job of not stereotyping homosexuals. The tone of most of the book is pretty somber, and the author does a great job of portraying the emotions felt by the characters, so the reader can feel what they feel, regardless of sexual orientation. Other books similar to Annie on My Mind :
Dare Truth or Promise by Paula Boock
Kissing Kate by Lauren Myracle
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