I really enjoyed this one! I also chose it as one of the books for my teen book club this summer at the library and had a great discussion with three teens - getting teens to show up for a library program is an EFFORT. Despite the low turnout, Last Night at the Telegraph club was a great selection for its local attributes and for young readers who identify as queer. The book takes place in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the mid-1950s in which it is not safe for two young girls to fall in love. Amidst the Red-Scare paranoia and the looming deportation of her father, main characters Lily Hu and Kath risk everything, including the ones they love, to let their relationship see the light of day. 

 

This young adult novel is excellent for adults and young readers alike. It is evident that the author Malinda Lo did a significant amount of research to make readers *feel* like they were walking the streets of Chinatown in the mid-1950s. I especially loved reading the author’s note which discusses the author’s decision to use time-appropriate language and goes into depth about the history of gender and community in Chinatown in the 1950s. I am super excited to read the companion novel titled A Scatter of Light. While on the longer side, Last Night at the Telegraph Club is an atmospheric and important read for all ages.