Stray City

by Chelsey Johnson
Stray City cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Contemporary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1873
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780062791863
  • Publisher: HarperLuxe
  • Published: 2018-03-20
  • Reviews: 3

Stray City follows Andrea Morales, a 23-year-old artist who flees her Midwestern Catholic upbringing to find a home in Portland's thriving lesbian underground. After a drunken night leads to an unexpected pregnancy, Andrea must reconcile her past with the life she's built, especially when her daughter starts asking about her unknown father. The novel is celebrated for its witty and poignant exploration of modern family dynamics and the search for identity. This debut novel is praised for its originality and humor, offering a thoroughly modern anti-romantic comedy. It delves into themes of belonging, the families we choose, and the sometimes messy decisions that shape our lives. With its richly drawn characters and engaging narrative, Stray City is a literary experience that resonates with readers seeking a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Reviews
Bookmarks Reviews · 2025-10-10
joyous 4.50

The debut is a thoughtful and joyous literary experience that celebrates its characters and rewards its readers.

The reviewer found the book to be a thoughtful and joyous literary experience. They appreciated how the story celebrates its characters and liberally rewards its readers with a rich and engaging narrative. The reviewer noted that the book is both heartwarming and insightful, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of human relationships. They also highlighted the author's skill in creating a world that feels both familiar and fresh.

Quick quotes

    Johnson's debut is a thoughtful and joyous literary experience, one that celebrates its characters and liberally rewards its readers.

    The story is both heartwarming and insightful, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of human relationships.

    The author's skill in creating a world that feels both familiar and fresh.

Well Read Tart · 2024-06-25
heartwarming 4.50

This heartwarming story redefines family and challenges traditional notions of belonging. It celebrates the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

The reviewer found the story to be a sweet and poignant exploration of what it means to be a family. They particularly appreciated how the narrative redefines family structures and the concept of belonging. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are both relatable and inspiring. The reviewer also noted that the book wonderfully captures the essence of personal growth and the challenges of navigating relationships.

Quick quotes

    This sweet story about a lesbian who ends up pregnant wonderfully redefines the concept of what makes a family -- as well as what makes you belong to one.

    The story is a beautiful exploration of the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

    The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are both relatable and inspiring.

AutoStraddle · Vanessa · 2019-02-12
engaging 4.00

The book is a love story that beautifully portrays friendship and community. It offers a unique perspective on queer life in Portland.

The reviewer highly praised the book for its portrayal of friendship and community. They found the narrative to be both engaging and heartfelt, offering a unique perspective on queer life in Portland. The reviewer appreciated the authenticity of the characters and the way the story captures the essence of belonging and acceptance. They also noted that the book is a celebration of love in all its forms, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Stray City Is a Love Story about Friendship, Portland, and Chelsey Johnson's Queer Community.

    The narrative is both engaging and heartfelt, offering a unique perspective on queer life in Portland.

    The book is a celebration of love in all its forms, making it a compelling read.

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