“A brilliant collection of short stories which tackle the struggles of identity alongside heart-warming tales of friendship, love and becoming who you’re meant to be.”
NO MAJOR SPOILERS
Proud is a collection of YA short stories and poems by various writers all on the theme of Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. The book has a foreword by Juno Dawson (This Book is Gay and The Gender Games) and each of the collection’s submission is accompanied by a piece of art by various artists and illustrators, reflecting their take on the story.
Written by a range of authors, from LGBTQ+ icons you may already know such as David Levithan and Tanya Byrne to a selected group of début writers, the book is full of different experiences and interpretations of being proud. What they all have in common though is an inspirational, understanding and supportive message which reminds readers they can be proud in whoever they are.
From the Ireland equal marriage referendum and transgender football players to coming out stories and a re-telling of Pride and Prejudice, this book covers a great range of different ideas and themes. While the various authors also create diversity in the genres featured, from romance and coming-of-age to poetry and fantasy writing. Whether you are coming out to friends and family, exploring your first love, are uncertain about your feelings or are even just an ally for the LGBTQ+ community, there’s a story in here for you.
Some of my personal favourites included; Penguins by Simon James Green, On the Run by Kay Staples, Almost Certain by Tanya Byrne, The Other Team by Michael Lee Richardson, and Love Poems to the City by Moïra Fowley-Doyle.
A brilliant collection of short stories which tackle the struggles of identity alongside heart-warming tales of friendship, love and becoming who you’re meant to be. Every writer and every reader of this book has something to feel proud about.
Reviewed by:
Catherine Muxworthy, Booksbirdblog
Added 10th May 2019
