Rosemary and Juliet

An InsightOut Book Club selection! Can two teenage girls find happiness in each other's arms when it seems the whole world is against them? In prose that is tender and compelling, Judy MacLean brings her contemporary take on Shakespeare's classic play to vivid life. Rosemary and Juliet is a fast-paced novel that finds two girls on the edge of womanhood and on the brink of disaster. But more than that, Rosemary and Juliet is about the turbulent intensity of first love and the conflict between the expectations of parents and the undeniable sexual realities lived by their children. A love that threatens to tear their families indeed, their whole community-apart . . . Rosemary Romey Arden is the only out lesbian at Divido High School. Her pro-choice, ex-hippie mom, Janis, runs A Woman's Decision, a clinic in nearby Santa Rosa, California. Targeted by local fundamentalists as a baby-killer whose abortion mill is the pinnacle of evil, Janis keeps herself sane by immersing herself in the women's movement and participating in peaceful protests against intolerance. But tall, athletic Romey only wants to live the normal life of a teenager, with one difference to find love in the arms of a girl, not a boy. Julie Wright's dad, a dedicated fundamentalist minister, heads the Divido Bible Church. Beautiful, dark-haired Julie's gift her exquisite, soaring voice takes the church choir to musical heights previously only dreamed of. Julie has always been a good girl, obedient, with a strong love in her heart for Jesus. But lately, a new feeling has come over her a feeling so strong it can't be denied and why should it? She calls this new sensation Yearning, and understands that it is precious and important. But . . . what is she Yearning for? And . . . how can she choose between her budding sexuality and the church community she loves? Judy MacLean's insight into the reality of being a lesbian teenager makes this at once a cautionary tale for parents of gay teens, a story of courage for young adults, and a treat for those who have lived through being young and gay. Rosemary and Juliet will captivate anyone who remembers first love and the fast-moving plot will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page! Can two teenage girls find happiness in each other's arms - when it seems the whole world is against them? In prose that is tender and compelling, Judy MacLeon brings her contemporary take on Shakespeare's classic play to vivid life. Rosemary and Juliet is a fast-paced novel that finds two girls on the edge of womanhood - and on the brink of disaster. But more than that, Rosemary and Juliet is about the turbulent intensity of first love and the conflict between the expectations of parents and the undeniable sexual realities lived by their children.