Like a Love Story

In 1989 New York City, Reza is a closeted Iranian teen terrified of the AIDS crisis. He begins dating Judy to hide his secret, but he finds himself falling for Judy's best friend Art, the only out student at their school. The trio navigates the fear of the era, the vibrant world of underground clubs, and the urgency of ACT UP activism. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly and secularly with the AIDS crisis, homophobia, and the fear of death. The resolution is realistic but deeply hopeful, emphasizing that while tragedy exists, joy and community are acts of resistance. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a heavy sense of isolation and fear. As the characters find community and activism, the tone shifts from survival to empowerment, building toward a cathartic and resilient conclusion. IDEAL READER: A high schooler who feels like an outsider or has an interest in social justice history. Specifically, a student looking for stories where queer identity is linked to a broader historical legacy. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child withdrawing because they feel 'different' or perhaps they overhear their teen expressing hopelessness about current social issues. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of frank discussions regarding safe sex and the physical toll of AIDS. It is helpful to provide context about the 1980s political climate. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will focus on the friendship and romance drama, while older teens will better grasp the political weight of ACT UP and the intersectional nature of Reza's immigrant experience. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many historical novels that focus solely on the tragedy of the AIDS era, this book serves as a 'love letter' to the community, focusing on the beauty of queer culture and the mentors who paved the way.