Bingo Love written by Tee Franklin

[Edit: Originally published June 22,  2018]

Bingo Love is the utterly sweet and heartwrenching story of Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray, two young girls who find love in 1963, however, the homophobia of the time ends up tearing them apart and they don’t see each other again for almost 50 years. 

Something I really loved about Bingo Love was seeing an older queer couple. We get Hazel and Mari’s story from the moment they meet to the moment they pass away from old age. We get a bit more of the Hazel’s story, because Hazel is the primary protagonist. Seeing stories that show older queer people gives me such joy, partially because they make me feel less lonely and scared about my future, showing that queer people can make it to that age and still find happiness. 

Honestly, the fact that the book was focusing on two older queer women was the reason I picked it up in the first place. 

I also really appreciated the Hazel’s family’s reactions. Now, I’ve never had an older relative come out and shake up my world, but I know how my parents have reacted to me coming out and I appreciate so much the variance in reaction and how, even when people are angry and shouting, they’re never demonized or made into the Ultimate Villain™ of the story.

So if you’re in the mood for a sweet, heartwarming, and incredibly emotional story this Pride Month I would highly recommend Bingo Love.

You can find it here.

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