Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out: The uplifting, feel-good read of 2023

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Arthur’s grandson, Teddy, is also learning to embrace his sexuality. They are both beautifully written characters, both vulnerable and relatable in their own ways. You can’t help falling in love with Teddy and Arthur. The two POVs weave perfectly throughout and the supporting cast of characters (especially Oscar and Madeleine) are expertly crafted. Then there's Elisabeth, who comes across like a caricature villain rather than a daughter who is struggling to deal with her father's news. I write this as someone whose own wife was outed by a family member and is still dealing with transphobic views within the family, so I am not against this kind of representation. But it is handled so poorly in this story that I simply cannot continue reading.

Sometimes, I simply don't know where to start when writing a review. "Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out" is a book that makes you feel a lot of things. Don't get me wrong, I loved the book, it's just that the story is sad, but also endearing and, at the same time, it makes you wonder why some people can't accept others the way they are. Gentle, honest and beautifully authentic’ Julietta Henderson, author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman Teddy is an insightful study of self-doubt and self-sabotage as he struggles to find the right moment to come out as gay. His habit of putting himself down and avoiding taking risks is one so many readers will recognise and it’s his development over the course of the story that is so engaging. His need for approbation from Elizabeth is heartbreaking at times. Arthur is an absolute inspiration…Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Christmas with the Best Drinks Books On The Shelves

This book exudes happiness, wholesomeness and inclusion. It tells the story of a grandfather and grandson both grappling with the coming out process and the prejudices that still exist in our society. But there is so much more here....excellently well thought out family and friendship dynamics and a bit of a subversion of expectations when it comes to happy endings. For me, the hero of this story is Madeline, who was the epitome of grace and forgiveness. Maybe more focus could have been put on her, but ultimately this wasn't her story. Super-cute, super-accessible, and suffused in the cheering truth that there’s no age limit to finding love and living free, Ryan Love’s Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out tells a heart-warming story of a grandfather and grandson who decide to come out. While it doesn’t shirk from presenting homophobia at its most shattering, this is, above all, a charming feel-good novel that brims with family drama and the warm-hearted glow of following your heart. In fact, through its easy-to-read, relatable style and loveable lead characters, this story wears its heart loud and proud on its sleeve. Arthur and Teddy have always been close, and now they must navigate first loves, heartbreak, and finding their place in their community. The second thing, if you’re still here reading this review, was about Elizabeth, Teddy’s mother and Arthur’s daughter. Both times someone comes out to her, she manages to make it so totally about herself it’s almost impressive. She accuses Arthur of ruining their lives, and cuts him off almost completely. She outs him to the entire town shouting about it in the convenience store! And Arthur, much more nice than I would be about it, is willing just to wait for her to come around and forgive him! Like, sorry, but Elizabeth should be on her knees begging for Arthur’s forgiveness.The problem I have with some things getting skipped or not getting enough explanation is that this story, even though it’s feel-good, handles really serious problems. They need attention, explanation, and time in this story. So, you can say the pacing felt a bit off. quote That's what I mean when I say that this book makes you feel a lot of things. It makes you think and wonder, it makes you sad, happy, maybe even angry at times, but that rollercoaster of emotions is worth it. What a heartfelt story. I so enjoyed meeting and getting to know Arthur and Teddy. There’s a slightly young adult tone to the style that I think gives the book universal appeal. Arthur’s grandson Teddy also has a secret… the same secret in fact. But is he ready to take the same step as his grandad, or is one bombshell in the family enough? Too often, queer literature is enjoyed only by the LGBT+ community, but this is a novel ready to be loved by the masses.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐