Carry On and Wayward Son

By Rainbow Rowell

4/5 Dragon Tails

Another read that made me feel like I was absolutely just missing out on so much. There were two reasons it took me so long to pick up Carry On: one, I used to not really read LGBTQ literature, and two, it's been a struggle for me to pick up YA fantasy after my roommates teased me in college. Both these reasons have deprived me of one of the greatest stories I've read in a while.

I'll admit, it took me a while to get into Carry On because I didn't know it was supposed to be a Harry Potter parody. Once I knew that, it was much easier to appreciate Rowell's genius. I also have to admit, I am a sucker for the cliched hate turned love. But, I have to say, this book made me realize how ridiculous it is that I allowed my roommates to change such a pleasure of mine. This YA fantasy came at the time I needed it most. With all the turmoil in the world, quarantine, and my own anxiety to deal with, Simon and Baz allowed me to forget it all. For the wonderful hours this book filled, I felt like I was anxiety-free. That's exactly how Carry On made me feel.