Annie on my mind

Garden, N. (1982). Annie on my mind. NY: FSG. Liza Withrop is a young college student at MIT reminiscing on her relationship with Annie. Liza and Annie met in a New York museum and their relationship bloomed from just friends to love. The girls try to cope with their secret relationship and feelings in hopes of not hurting their family member’s feelings. Over spring vacation, Liza was cat sitting for two teachers. The girls decided to take advantage and spend each day together at the lesbian teacher’s house. One eventful evening, one thing lead to another and the girls were caught in the sheets by a prudish secretary. This set the wheels in motion by society where her personal life and those of her teachers were on display and their future decided by them. Through the guidance of her lesbian teachers, Liza realizes to accept her love for Annie. The theme of acceptance of homosexuality was difficult for both Liza and Annie. They were not afraid of loving one another, but the reaction of society and the implications if may have on their life. The theme in this story to be accepting of who you are sends a strong message to teenagers having difficulty with any personal issue. Related books: Dare Truth or Promise by Paula Boock, grl2grl by Julie Anne Peters, and Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence by Marion Dane Bauer