High School, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th ; Hard Cover, Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Realistic ; Not Recommended

When You Call My Name by: Tucker Shaw

This is an LGBTQ+ Romance set in the early 90s. Usually, I love books set within this time period because I was a teen during that era; however, this one falls short for me. The pop culture references sprinkled within the book are pretty obscure; I worry today’s teens will not have enough knowledge to understand the reference and grow bored of it, unable to relate.

I appreciated the way the author told of society’s attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community during that time period; however, I feel as though parts were very trite and predictable.

I also dislike the title – it feels like it’s trying to allude to Call Me by Your Name by Aciman (which it does not compare).

I do think that our high school libraries will have an audience for this title. I am curious to hear what today’s teens say about it it.

When You Call My Name