Annie on my Mind

by Nancy Garden
Annie on my Mind cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Young Adult (YA)
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  • ID: 1857
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781504046619
  • Publisher: Open Road Media
  • Published: 2017-09-05
  • Reviews: 4

Annie on My Mind is a landmark in LGBT fiction, offering a poignant and realistic portrayal of a lesbian relationship. Liza Winthrop and Annie Kenyon's deep connection blossoms into a profound romance, but they face significant obstacles from their families and schools. This novel, which sparked a First Amendment lawsuit over banned books, is a timeless story of love, identity, and self-discovery. /n/nPublished in 1982, Annie on My Mind was one of the first books to positively depict a lesbian relationship, making it an important milestone in literature. Nancy Garden's iconic novel has been recognized as one of School Library Journal’s 'One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century,' highlighting its enduring impact and relevance.

Reviews
Vishy the Knight · 2022-07-16
impactful 4.00

The reviewer acknowledges the book's historical significance and its impact on LGBTQ+ representation in YA fiction. They appreciate the story's emotional depth and the authenticity of its characters.

Vishy the Knight reflects on the historical context of Annie on My Mind, noting its pioneering role in representing lesbian relationships in YA fiction. They praise the novel's emotional depth and the authenticity of its characters, highlighting how the story captures the complexities of young love and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The reviewer also appreciates the book's timeless themes and its ability to resonate with readers today.

Quick quotes

    Annie on My Mind was probably one of the first lesbian stories told in YA fiction, and it was much ahead of its time.

    The characters are well-written and believable, making their journey all the more compelling.

    This book is a powerful exploration of love, identity, and the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

BookHype · Jane · 2020-01-20
joyous 5.00

The reviewer finds the book to be a joyous read, praising its beautiful writing and the authentic portrayal of the characters' relationship. They highlight the novel's emotional resonance and its ability to captivate readers.

Jane shares her enthusiasm for Annie on My Mind, describing it as a joyous read that takes readers on a journey of two young adults falling in love. She appreciates the beautiful writing and the authentic portrayal of the characters' relationship, noting how the story captures the complexities and joys of young love. Jane also highlights the novel's emotional resonance and its ability to captivate readers, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Annie on My Mind was a joyous read, taking me on a journey of two young adults falling in love with each other.

    The writing is beautiful and the characters are portrayed with such authenticity that it's hard not to be drawn into their story.

    This book is a testament to the power of love and the importance of being true to oneself.

The Paris Review · James Frankie Thomas · 2019-06-03
inspiring 4.50

The reviewer highlights the book's groundbreaking nature and its enduring relevance, praising its exploration of love and identity. They appreciate the novel's timeless themes and its impact on young adult literature.

James Frankie Thomas delves into the significance of Annie on My Mind, noting its pioneering role in YA fiction. They admire how the story captures the complexities of first love and the challenges faced by young LGBTQ+ individuals. Thomas emphasizes the book's emotional depth and its ability to resonate with readers across generations. They also reflect on the societal context of the time, highlighting how the novel's themes were ahead of their time and continue to be relevant today.

Quick quotes

    Annie on My Mind is a groundbreaking novel that explores the complexities of love and identity in a way that feels both timeless and urgent.

    The characters are beautifully drawn, and their relationship is portrayed with a sensitivity and honesty that is rare in literature.

    This book is a testament to the power of love and the importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.

Lesbrary · Rachel · 2014-11-24
heartfelt 4.75

This book holds a special place in the reviewer's heart as it was their first lesbian novel. The story is touching and the characters are well-developed.

Rachel shares a personal connection to this book, as it was the first lesbian novel they ever read. They appreciate the emotional impact and the well-crafted characters, which make the story resonate deeply. The narrative is heartfelt and the themes are handled with care, making it a memorable read. Rachel also reflects on the author's passing, adding a layer of personal significance to their review.

Quick quotes

    On a personal note, Annie is a very special book for me.

    This was the first lesbian novel I ever read.

    The story is touching and the characters are well-developed.

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