The Shameful Secret of Pride Month: A Tale of Two Worlds Book 1 Paperback – 4 Sept. 2024

This young adult novel is wonderfully unique and so needed. Written from the perspective of a fictional, yet multi-faceted 14 year old girl raised in an Orthodox Jewish community, it addresses a whirlwind of feelings and familial angst that centers around this question: What happens when a much loved aunt comes out as non-binary and in a relationship with a woman?Shevy, the novel's protagonist, is thoughtful and precocious but not rebellious. While some other relatives are more rigid and less accepting in their thinking, Shevy's mother leads by example by showing how a person can love without judgment while remaining religiously observant.This is a young adult novel with a theme of maintaining harmonious relationship despite religious differences. It doesn't seem to be trying to convince anyone to leave religion. The novel deals with some truly emotionally difficult subjects with grace and empathy, in a way would connect with both adolescent and adult readers. I am so glad that it is here.

Shane and Jood Lannette bring to light the necessary (and often hidden) perspective of what it is to be queer within the orthodox Jewish community. We need to make room for more of these stories. They have written characters that exist off the page, exhaling so much life. Shevy comes to life, after feeling like she must hide who she is, living in "two worlds". A fantastic, moving book.

The secret of pride month is educational and written from the perspective of a an 11 year old. It was very insightful into the orthodox community, yet very much focuses on being happy about who you are and loving oneself who who you are no matter the obstacles. I recommend highly especially for young people trying to navigate new challenges in their lives and learning acceptance of all despite our differences.

This is a tearjerker. It had me glued to it and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.This novel accurately describes the struggles that queer individuals who leave the community face as well as the hardships that those involved in their lives experience as well.

Beautifully written, story flows well. I couldn’t put it down and read the whole thing in one sitting.