Annie On My Mind

By: Nancy Garden

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

Length: 7 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

This groundbreaking book, first published in 1982, is the story of two teenage girls whose friendship blossoms into love and who, despite pressures from family and school that threaten their relationship, promise to be true to each other and their feelings.

©2007 Nancy Garden (P)2008 Listening Library

Such a heart-warming story

I have read both the print version and listened to the Rebecca Lowman performance, and I loved both. I have read this story at first when I was 15, and then recently at 21. Both times, I could not believe how much Garden's writing has impacted me. As a young lesbian, this was the first lesbian novel I had ever read. Even now, Annie on My Mind has remained my favorite lesbian novel. I would strongly urge mothers to buy this book for their lesbian daughters. I think the ideal ages for this books is 13-18 years old, even though I loved it at 21.

Short version: this book is lovely. Just absolutely warm.

Highly recommended

this is our all time favorite book my wife and I love This book this book is very relatable the narrator was awesome!!

well written book a love story .

love is where you find it. Not Just for Men and Women! I loved it!

A Necessary Classic!

This rightly has the reputation of being a masterpiece. And while I do not find the book absolutely perfect, I have every confidence in its beauty and message.
1. Moral Issues. These are treated rather delicately and respectfully, which I was a little surprised to discover after knowing beforehand that this book had been banned at least once in the US. It does raise some questions about authority, religion, and traditional moral codes. However, it was only in a way to highlight the hypocrisy and demonization. It takes more of a “live and let live” attitude than a preachy one. I found that incredibly admirable, especially considering the very real history of atrocities committed against LGBTQ+ members. And it is so refreshingly HONEST! I could intuit that while the author employed a good deal of restraint, the messages were clear and candid.
2. Sapphic Romance. This was my main reason for reading Annie On My Mind. I identify as a pansexual even though my life is fairly celibate. But I am more attracted to feminine people than masculine overall, and I wanted to learn more about healthy lesbian romance and relationships. Since it's a teen novel, it tastefully avoids any real erotic details but still gives advice on how sexual tensions can strain a romantic relationship and how strong or overwhelming these feelings can be. It was eye-opening even to me as an adult, and I'm very thankful for the treatment of the subject.
3. Psychological Effects and Catharsis. I cried, hard, through a great proportion of this book. I felt understood by a complete stranger, like the author had peered into my very soul. That is unprecedented in my life.
4. Plot and Pacing. The weakest part of the book for me— and this is common of most works of fiction— was the plot. It was a good plot, just not a great one. HOWEVER, the pacing was fantastic and drove me to finish the audiobook in only two days instead of what would usually be a week or more for me!
5. Performance. The performance was great, but I did not find it particularly exceptional. I was pleased that the author had a pleasant, clear, and sympathetic voice, though. Some of the characters she performed were instantly recognizable, too!
6. Characters. Some were developed, many were hollow, and most did not feel as real as they would be in real life. But this could be defended as a way to allow the readers— who are assumed to be young people— to more easily see themselves reflected in the story. So it does lack in character development, but as a novel for adolescents and young adults, this could be seen as a strength rather than a weakness. I am not a professional book critic, but I have written a few novels myself. And Annie On My Mind? It is not what I would have or could have written. But as a writer, I recognize it as a work of genius— and even more importantly, a compassionate and accurate love letter to the human condition. And I doubt I could give higher praise to any novel than that!

Hits You

Would you listen to Annie On My Mind again? Why?

This story really took me back to when I was 17 and unsure of myself. I appreciated how honest the author made the characters feelings. It was refreshing to see a not over-the-top representation of teenage love. To the girls, there was no sense of politics, or huge statements, they just loved each other. This is a must read if you are looking for a "feel good" romance story. It's a bonus to me that they are two women.

A Queer Story with a Happy Ending

Would you consider the audio edition of Annie On My Mind to be better than the print version?

The careful and slow pace of Rebecca Lowman kept us in the moment. It was nice to hear the character thinking and feeling so carefully which added to the overall qualities of the book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This was a book that I did complete in 24 hours. Every time I paused it in places because I was worried it would all go rotten, the authentic would find ways to make it beautiful or (in case of actually bad situations) ok.

Any additional comments?

This is a very special book. I thought it was excellent and a very good story - would highly recommend.

A sweet retelling of a meaningful, first relationship in the main characters life, that keeps a pleasant taste in your mouth afterwards. One of the only feel good lesbian romances I have read, a story of love told with the seccinct, uncomplicated and unmlodramatics of hind sight. A first person narration that felt at times as though it were in third.

It was satisfying to see a book where rediculously evil characters are reprimanded and loved ones were forgiving and understanding. A realistic world where people can still be a little prejudiced and also be good people. It's also nice to see a story where parents are not a bad guy any shape or form, just human.

It was beautiful and satisfying in the way the events played out.

Love it

It is a beautiful love story, very inspiring. I wish I would have read this in high school.

Timeless life saver

I came across this book my senior year of high school, a very confusing time for me. Bet confused and lonely I was close to giving in and calling it quits on life. Annie On My Mind couldn't have come at a better time. Finally I found book, a love story that made me feel less of a freak and more "normal." Annie and Liza's journey together gave me hope for my future. Still to this day Annie On My Mind is a very cherished favorite. Thank you, Nancy Garden for being the light at the end of the tunnel.

this book is amazing

this is the type of book that will stick with me for the rest of my life. it made me proud of who I was, and it was so refreshing to see lesbians who didn't die at the end, as they usually do. thank god this book exists.

Nostalgic

I came across this book in high school and it was the light at the end of the tunnel at a time in my life when all I felt was darkness. I re-visited this book after 10+ years and it brought back some powerful emotions. Forever grateful for this beautifully written book and the wonderful narration.