Stray City

by Chelsey Johnson
Stray City cover
Good Books rating 4.2
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 1873
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780062791863
  • Publisher: HarperLuxe
  • Published: 2018-03-20
  • Reviews: 4

Stray City is a contemporary fiction novel that explores themes of identity, family, and belonging. The story follows Andrea Morales, a 23-year-old artist who escapes her Midwestern Catholic upbringing to find herself in Portland's lesbian community. After a drunken encounter with a man, she becomes pregnant and decides to raise her daughter, Lucia, despite the challenges and surprises this brings to her life and relationships. The novel delves into the complexities of motherhood, community, and the search for one's true self. A decade later, when Lucia begins to ask about her father, Andrea is forced to confront the past she tried to leave behind. The book is a modern, anti-romantic comedy that celebrates the power of chosen families and the beauty of breaking societal norms. With its witty prose and relatable characters, Stray City is a compelling exploration of what it means to belong and find oneself in a world that often feels too small.

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.

Lesbrary · Danika · 2018-08-30
engaging 3.80

Danika recommends this book for its authentic portrayal of lesbian relationships and its engaging exploration of personal growth. The story offers a unique and captivating reading experience.

Danika's review highlights the authenticity and depth of the lesbian relationships portrayed in Stray City. The story's focus on Andrea and Ryan's dynamic is both sexual and semi-romantic, offering a well-rounded exploration of their connection. Danika appreciates the book's ability to tackle complex themes while maintaining an engaging and captivating narrative. She notes that while the book may not be for everyone, its unique perspective and authentic voice make it a standout read. The reviewer's recommendation is a testament to the book's ability to resonate with readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and the complexities of human relationships.

Quick quotes

    I do recommend this one, but I know it's not for everyone.

    Most of the book does deal with Andrea and Ryan in a sexual, semi-romantic relationship.

    It explored lesbian relationships with a real voice and an authentic perspective.

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