Comprehensive Review of Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian

Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian

Introduction

Abdi Nazemian’s Like a Love Story (2019) is a historical young adult novel set in New York City during the height of the AIDS crisis in 1989. The novel follows three teenagers—Reza, Art, and Judy—as they navigate love, friendship, identity, activism, and the fear that being gay is a death sentence. With a mix of historical accuracy, deep emotional storytelling, and tributes to LGBTQ+ icons like Madonna, the book provides an intimate look at what it meant to be young, queer, and in love during a time of both great loss and great resistance.

Nazemian, an Iranian American author, infuses the novel with his own cultural background, making Reza’s journey particularly resonant as he grapples with both his sexuality and his immigrant identity. The novel has been widely praised for its depiction of the LGBTQ+ experience and its acknowledgment of queer history, earning a Stonewall Honor Award.

Plot Summary

Reza is a closeted Iranian American teenager who has recently moved to New York with his mother to live with his new stepfather and stepbrother. He knows he is gay but is terrified of coming out—partly due to his conservative cultural background, but also because of the overwhelming fear of AIDS, which he equates with death.

At his new school, he befriends Judy, a stylish and kindhearted aspiring fashion designer, and her best friend Art, the only openly gay student. Art is bold, unapologetic, and deeply involved in LGBTQ+ activism, particularly with ACT UP, a real-life organization fighting for AIDS awareness and treatment. As Reza and Judy grow closer, they start dating—but Reza cannot ignore his growing attraction to Art.

The novel explores the emotional turmoil that follows as Reza tries to maintain his relationship with Judy while secretly falling in love with Art. Meanwhile, Judy’s uncle Stephen, a gay man living with AIDS, serves as a mentor and father figure, teaching them about activism, love, and loss.

As Reza’s internal struggle reaches its breaking point, the three friends are forced to confront difficult truths about love, acceptance, and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Narrative Structure and Writing Style

  1. Multiple Perspectives

The novel is told from the alternating points of view of Reza, Art, and Judy, allowing readers to understand each character’s inner struggles, desires, and growth. This multi-perspective approach makes the novel emotionally rich and complex.

  1. Emotional and Poetic Prose

Nazemian’s writing is both heartfelt and immersive. He captures the intensity of teenage emotions—love, fear, anger, and hope—with lyrical, introspective prose. The novel balances historical realism with deeply personal storytelling, making it both educational and moving.

  1. Strong Sense of Time and Place

The late 1980s setting is vividly brought to life through references to Madonna, ACT UP protests, underground gay clubs, and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic. The historical accuracy and cultural references make the novel feel authentic and transportive.

Themes and Social Commentary

  1. The Fear and Reality of the AIDS Crisis

The novel does not shy away from the horrors of the AIDS epidemic. Reza’s fear of coming out is tied to his belief that being gay means dying of AIDS. Stephen’s declining health serves as a painful but powerful reminder of the real people affected by the crisis. The novel also highlights the role of activism, with Art and Stephen participating in ACT UP protests to demand better treatment and awareness.

  1. Identity and Coming Out

Reza’s journey of self-acceptance is central to the novel. As an Iranian American, he feels doubly isolated—not just as a closeted gay teen, but as someone navigating cultural expectations that make coming out even more difficult. His story resonates with many LGBTQ+ readers who face similar struggles with family, tradition, and self-acceptance.

  1. Love, Friendship, and Betrayal

The love triangle between Reza, Art, and Judy is complicated but realistic. While love triangles can sometimes feel contrived, this one is emotionally compelling because it reflects real-life struggles—Reza’s fear of coming out, Judy’s heartbreak, and Art’s frustration at being seen as a threat rather than a friend. The novel explores the complexity of relationships, showing that love is not always simple or easy.

  1. Activism and Resistance

Art and Stephen’s activism provides a historical lesson on the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The novel underscores how LGBTQ+ individuals have always had to fight for their rights, whether through protests, art, or simply by living their truth.

  1. The Power of Pop Culture

Madonna’s music is a recurring motif in the novel, symbolizing freedom, self-expression, and queer resilience. Her influence on the LGBTQ+ community is celebrated, showing how pop culture can provide comfort and inspiration in times of crisis.

Character Analysis

  1. Reza

Reza is a deeply sympathetic protagonist whose internalized homophobia and fear of AIDS shape much of the novel’s conflict. His character development—from a scared, closeted teen to someone willing to embrace his truth—is one of the book’s strongest elements.

  1. Art

Art is bold, passionate, and sometimes abrasive. He is the most involved in activism and serves as Reza’s gateway into queer culture. However, some readers find him overly aggressive, particularly in how he pressures Reza to embrace his sexuality before he is ready.

  1. Judy

Judy is sweet, supportive, and full of dreams. She serves as a bridge between Reza and Art but is also deeply affected by their betrayal. Her heartbreak is realistically portrayed, and her relationship with her Uncle Stephen adds emotional weight to her character.

  1. Stephen

Stephen is one of the novel’s most beloved characters. As a mentor and father figure to Art and Judy, he provides wisdom, warmth, and a heartbreaking perspective on the AIDS crisis. His eventual death is a gut-wrenching but powerful moment in the novel.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

✅ Authentic Historical Setting: The novel accurately portrays the LGBTQ+ experience during the AIDS crisis.
✅ Strong Emotional Depth: The characters’ struggles feel real and raw.
✅ Multi-Perspective Narrative: Gives insight into each character’s emotions and motivations.
✅ Representation of LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Experiences: Reza’s journey is particularly meaningful for queer readers of color.
✅ Message of Hope and Activism: The novel balances its heavy themes with messages of resilience and love.

Weaknesses

⚠️ Pacing Issues: Some key moments in the relationships feel rushed, particularly the transitions between Reza’s romantic relationships.
⚠️ Art’s Aggressiveness: Some readers find Art’s character pushy, especially in how he handles Reza’s coming-out journey.
⚠️ Abrupt Ending: The novel concludes quickly, leaving some plotlines underdeveloped.

Critical Reception and Impact

Like a Love Story has received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and historical significance. It has been recognized as a Stonewall Honor Book and praised for its LGBTQ+ representation. However, some readers have critiqued the book’s pacing and character dynamics.

  • Positive Reviews:
    • Celebrated for its historical accuracy and LGBTQ+ activism themes.
    • Praised for its diverse cast and exploration of intersectional identities.
    • Many readers found it deeply moving and educational.
  • Criticism:
    • Some found the love triangle underwhelming or forced.
    • Art’s behavior was seen by some as problematic.
    • The ending felt rushed compared to the novel’s earlier sections.

Conclusion

Like a Love Story is a heartfelt, powerful novel that captures the fear, love, and activism of the late 1980s LGBTQ+ community. While not without its flaws, its historical significance and emotional depth make it a must-read for those interested in queer history and coming-of-age stories.