Last Night at the Telegraph Club Paperback – December 28, 2021

I read this book as a sophomore in college for a unit on banned books. Knowing that there is a generation of students who won't get to read this book and think about/discuss the themes Lo presents is devastating. Despite the debates surrounding the book’s appropriateness for younger kids, I believe this book is EXACTLY what children need to be reading. Specifically, I think middle school-aged children could gain a lot of value in reading this book to help them understand sexuality, relationships with family and friends, and that not everything is as black and white as some people may believe. Lily and Kath’s relationship is written so beautifully, and as a reader, it felt real.Even though I would categorize this as a YA novel, anyone at any age can gain a lot from reading this. The story is captivating and real. Lily (the main character) doesn't get everything she wants, and while the ending is somewhat satisfactory, it leaves the reader wanting to know more, which I think has its pros and cons. Personally, I liked the general ending, but to be honest, I wanted to know more about what ended up happening regarding some of the storylines of the book. For example, Lily’s father had some issues regarding his immigrant status. We hear bits and pieces here and there, but we never really find out if/how it gets solved. Relationships like Lily and Tommy’s (a performer at the Telegraph Club) spark interesting conversations about power dynamics and where the line is between nurturing and overstepping.I understand parents, guardians, and teachers may be worried about “exposing” children to “difficult” content and discussing things like sexuality with young individuals. But in my opinion, books like this are the perfect way to lay the groundwork for those types of conversations. We are delivered messages and lessons through an interesting story with layers about what it is like to be a teenage girl in a World of uncertainty– something I think many can relate to. Please read. Please give to your children to read. Please don't let this book be erased.

I'm going to say this at the top: don't skip the authors note!!!!This book touches on so many topics from queer scene in 1950s, being Asian American in 50s, traditional vs American Asian, relationships with the family, friendships and growing apart, finding yourself, communism and immigration, racism and assimilation, etc. Taking this journey with lily was wild. We all grow up and evolve and discover things about ourselves. I identify as straight but empathize and stand with the queer community and I can't imagine those/these times. Like let people live. I thought lily was brave at the end to stay true to herself and I was so curious how it was going to end and I was happy enough with it. I want to watch some documentaries now mentioned in the book. There's more that can be said but ill leave it here.

A beautifully written, historically accurate coming of age queer love story.The author even includes in the end a section discussing why she uses the language she does. This is a really good glimpse into the realities of queerness in the '50s and it wasn't all pretty. The unique viewpoint of Asian American life in the '50s prompted some history deep diving on my end and I love when a book prompts further interest in topics you realize you knew very little about. We're all so absorbed in our own worlds and it was a pleasure getting to glimpse into another world that wasn't actually another world at all.Wonderful young adult read.

I enjoyed the book for a couple of reasons. The research time that the author put into this work is incredible. The place where the book takes place in "SanFrancisco" was very well written as I worked there for several years. The atmosphere surrounding the "adult clubs" on Broadway was very realistic.The characters were very believable and their personalities were consistent throughout the story. A loose thread was what happened to lilly's friend as she is just dropped from the story.The saying goes "always leave them wanting more".I am looking forward to more along this theme from the author.

Book was in very good shape as described, I can't wait to read it

Sweet vulnerability. Engaging historical story with love as its basis. Enjoyed it.

I didn’t finish the book I got about halfway through before I decided to stop reading all together. I liked the history and culture, and how it translates into the story, but because this book takes place in the 1950s there is some racism that takes place and even incorrect terminology used. It isn’t for everyone and know what you can and can’t handle. The beginning of the book describes underage girls in what feels like a slightly inappropriate manner but maybe it’s just me. I rate this book (at least as far as I’ve read) 5/10 stars.

Saw that this was a banded book from a TikTok, where the author was talking about it. Didn’t know much about it when I purchased it other than I think the thought of any book being banned from us as Americans is ridiculous. Read the book , loved it hope that you will invest in this author. We’ll definitely be purchasing more items from her.