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

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Alongside this depth there’s a lightness of touch too as Ryan Love has his characters create memories through simple moments and pleasures, as well as through the larger events, making the narrative feel familiar and real. In Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out we learn that life is made of these quiet, ordinary moments just as much as the dramatic occasions. Ryan Love exemplifies how bravery and contentment are possible for everyone, but that we might just need to make the effort to find happiness for ourselves. Despite the story being a little twee, I really enjoyed it and I would recommend it if you're looking for a comforting read that will tug at your heartstrings. While some of the characters show bigotry towards Arthur and Teddy, most show only love, support and compassion to them as they embark on a new chapter of their lives.

Thank you so much to netgalley, the publishers and author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. The feel-good read of 2023. Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle, Beth O’Leary and Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper. After hearing Arthur’s account of being a closet gay in the sixties, being subjected to conversion therapy at his father’s request, Teddy is grateful that attitudes have changed, but still wary of coming out, given his mother’s reaction. Then, having worked with Ben for some time, he realises he’s attracted, but Shakeel makes it plain he doesn’t trust the ambitious trainee’s motives. I’m not embarrassed to admit, that Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out by Ryan Love had me in tears on more than one occasion. Don’t worry, happy tears all around. Prepare yourself for a cosy and uplifting journey of self-acceptance and a new fictional grandad you’ll fall in love with from the very first chapter… 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.

To me, “Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out” is marketed as this lighthearted, heartwarming little book about a grandpa and a grandson both coming out to their family members as being gay. I honestly don’t think this book was either heartwarming nor lighthearted in the way that the author aimed for. This could have been such a fun little book in better hands, but as is, I'm selling my copy and crying into my pillow about it instead. Ugh, nothing gets me saltier than lost potential. The feel-good read of 2023. Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle, Beth O'Leary and Alice Oseman's Heartstopper. When 79-year-old Arthur Edwards gathers his family together to share some important news, no one is prepared for the bombshell he drops: he's gay, and after a lifetime in the closet, he's finally ready to come out.

First of all, okay, not everything about this was terrible. Arthur and Madeline were very sweet and their story was (superficially) moving. The multiple relationship threads running through the story come together beautifully at the end and the book is a joy to read from start to finish!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This story had so much potential that I want to cry because I have to DNF it. Honestly, I expected a sweet, funny, and meaningful story about this guy and his grandpa navigating coming out together and the intergenerational support and respect that the queer community desperately needs more of.Covering around a year of their lives, it's full of interesting twists, characters that really pull you in, and a brilliantly crafted plot. I found myself gasping more than once, laughing at some parts and feeling emotional during others. This story is hard to put down once you get going. It's also perfectly paced - I didn't feel bored at all while reading it, and every part seemed to move the story forward.

Arthur and Teddy have always been close, and now they must navigate first loves, heartbreak, and finding their place in their community. But can they – and their family – learn to accept who they truly are?Being the eldest of five kids, with parents who are both one of eight and nine respectively, family has always been a huge influence on my life. It was only natural that it would also play a big role in the story I wanted to tell in my first book, Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out.