Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit

Synopsis:
Joanna Gordon has been out and proud for years, but when her popular radio evangelist father remarries and decides to move all three of them from Atlanta to the more conservative Rome, Georgia, he asks Jo to do the impossible: to lie low for the rest of her senior year. And Jo reluctantly agrees.

Although it is (mostly) much easier for Jo to fit in as a straight girl, things get complicated when she meets Mary Carlson, the oh-so-tempting sister of her new friend at school. But Jo couldn’t possibly think of breaking her promise to her dad. Even if she’s starting to fall for the girl. Even if there’s a chance Mary Carlson might be interested in her, too. Right?
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Typically I love LGBTQ+ books. I enjoy reading whatever I can about the subject. I recently read Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit, and didn't like it at all. I thought it was a poor representation of the LGBTQ+ community. It also sends a bad message to LGBTQ+ teenagers that read it, which is the book's intended audience. 

At first, I did enjoy the book. The first couple of chapters were really good. Then the plot took a turn that I didn't like. I was not happy at all with the main character's compliance with the rules that her father set for her. It felt like the book was sending the message that you shouldn't be who you are, or tick to your values if it makes someone else uncomfortable. I thought that was a dangerous message to send to teens, most of whom are just starting to explore their own sexuality, and discover who they really are. Not cool. You should never have to hide who you really are, especially just to make someone else happy. 

Needless to say, I didn't like Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit at all. I thought it was a terrible representation of the LGBTQ+ community. I don't think that I will be reading any of this author's other books in the future. I do not recommend this book to anyone.

I give Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit: 1/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.jayerobinbrown.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayerobinbrown/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayerobinbrown
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/CarolinaJaye/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6577839.Jaye_Robin_Brown

I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.