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Let Them Stare
From Emmy Award winner Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye and #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy comes a bighearted story about friendship, love—and discovering the secrets and beauty of your own hometown.
Sully is ready to get out of Hearst, Pennsylvania. With a fashion internship secured, the gender-nonconforming eighteen-year-old is trading in their stifling small town for the big city. Sully even sells their beloved car, to Bread—er, Brad—the most boring (and maybe only other) gay kid in town.
When Sully’s internship goes up in smoke, they’re trapped in Hearst with no cash—and no car. Desperate, they go to the thrift store, their personal sanctuary. There, they discover a vintage bag—like "put this baby in an airtight case at the MET" vintage. If Sully can authenticate it, the resale value would be enough for a new life in the city.
But when they begin to investigate, Sully finds themself haunted. Literally. With the ghost of Rufus, a drag performer from the fifties with no memory of how he died standing—no, floating—in their bedroom, Sully’s summer has a new 1) help this ghostly honey unlock his past and move on and 2) make bank—after all, the Real Real doesn’t take poltergeist purses.
With Rufus in tow, and Brad—who’s looking pretty scrumptious these days—playing chauffeur, Sully delves into the history of the town they’re so desperate to escape. Only to discover that there might be more to Hearst than they ever knew.
Sully is ready to get out of Hearst, Pennsylvania. With a fashion internship secured, the gender-nonconforming eighteen-year-old is trading in their stifling small town for the big city. Sully even sells their beloved car, to Bread—er, Brad—the most boring (and maybe only other) gay kid in town.
When Sully’s internship goes up in smoke, they’re trapped in Hearst with no cash—and no car. Desperate, they go to the thrift store, their personal sanctuary. There, they discover a vintage bag—like "put this baby in an airtight case at the MET" vintage. If Sully can authenticate it, the resale value would be enough for a new life in the city.
But when they begin to investigate, Sully finds themself haunted. Literally. With the ghost of Rufus, a drag performer from the fifties with no memory of how he died standing—no, floating—in their bedroom, Sully’s summer has a new 1) help this ghostly honey unlock his past and move on and 2) make bank—after all, the Real Real doesn’t take poltergeist purses.
With Rufus in tow, and Brad—who’s looking pretty scrumptious these days—playing chauffeur, Sully delves into the history of the town they’re so desperate to escape. Only to discover that there might be more to Hearst than they ever knew.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 20, 2025
About the author
Jonathan Van Ness
9 books1,383 followersJonathan Van Ness is a Critics' Choice Award winning, Emmy nominated television personality, podcaster, and hairstylist to the stars. He can be seen starring on Netflix's Emmy Award-winning reboot series "Queer Eye," where he shines as the show's groomer, hair guru and self-care advocate. In addition to "Queer Eye," Jonathan stars on the Emmy-nominated series "Gay of Thrones," (Funny or Die) a witty social commentary series recapping HBO's "Game of Thrones." Launched in 2013, the series just finished its eighth and final season, and garnered Emmy nominations in 2016 and 2018 for 'Outstanding Short Form Variety Series.' Jonathan also continues to work on his passion project, his podcast "Getting Curious," a weekly exploration of all the things Jonathan is curious about. The podcast was listed as one of the Top Podcasts of 2018 by Time Magazine, and won the iHeart Radio Award for Best LGBTQ Podcast. 2018 was a breakthrough year for Jonathan, who realized two new passions - for the arts of stand-up comedy and figure skating. Jonathan is currently on his first worldwide comedy tour "Jonathan Van Ness: Road to Beijing" where he is going for comedy gold. Most recently, Jonathan announced that his revelatory memoir, OVER THE TOP, will be released in September 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
March 16, 2025
A T-Rex in drag on the cover and a nonbinary protagonist named Sully. Obviously I had to grab this.
“The good Hearst name does not deserve this sullying—”
“Excuse me!” I said, mock-offended, but also maybe truly offended. “‘Sullying’ is a compliment, thank you.” Damn right, Sully!
This is going to get weird when I write my review and talk about how cool Sully is, isn't it?
Full ARC review to come, thank you NetGalley for the eARC, my opinions and Sully-worshipping are free of influence.
“The good Hearst name does not deserve this sullying—”
“Excuse me!” I said, mock-offended, but also maybe truly offended. “‘Sullying’ is a compliment, thank you.” Damn right, Sully!
This is going to get weird when I write my review and talk about how cool Sully is, isn't it?
Full ARC review to come, thank you NetGalley for the eARC, my opinions and Sully-worshipping are free of influence.
June 2, 2025
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
I could totally picture this as a film one of these days. It really did have the makings of an entertaining one - complete with a bewitched, bothered, and bewildered colorful ghost, who is all the more determined in uncovering the truth behind his forgotten past - no matter what. There was a quirky investigative yet quaint charm to the characters' dynamics, that translated nicely into keeping me immersed in the mysteries that unfolded as the plot progressed at a steady pace. 👌
“We were from different eras, but we were both queer, we shared history.”
I appreciated how sully was able to appreciate how --- not good, but how different acceptance was in today's world as compared to the time that Rufus lived in. The hardships, the struggles, the heartache that existed in the 50s which led to a most tragic outcome for Rufus, is one that Sully is somewhat more fortunate in not being able to experience. 😢 Yes, there are those sadly who still face discrimination to an extreme extent; but the way Sully was determined to escape Hearst, Pennsylvania to find his bearings was turned around simply with how Rufus' past was able to shine light on how good a home and a chance to be himself existed within his already existing family and friends. 🫂
“It is the shadow of my flames, and I can’t stand to live only in shadows.”
And that was a hard pill to swallow, but undoubtedly an important one. It only could have happened thanks to Rufus' ghost living out in that Butler and chancing upon sully at a time when they both were in search of finding well, enlightenment. ✨ One who had a lover but can't remember why he's forgotten or how he ended up in an antique handbag, and the other, a nonbinary person in the midst of a massive life change like themselves can be even remotely considered crush-worthy by Bread-Brad, who in all fairness, is the perfectly acceptable standards of what it means to be gay. 🌈
Despite the casual swearing and f-bombs, the writing was engaging and fitting. Sully was self-deprecating and maybe self-centered at times, but vibrant in their staunch belief in who they were. and that shined at numerous occasions - be it to offer a comforting support in the midst of a crisis, or even sway Bread-Brad's emotions to see who difficult life has been for them, or even to be on the verge of a breakthrough in understanding how limited their knowledge is on queer history, and how important it is to remember it overcome with a sense of gratitude at how perhaps they may have misjudged how different things were. 💟
“There was still a long way to go, but society had changed.”
It is a trend I have been seeing a lot in YA reads recently; the importance not to forget the lengths and trials it has been to be seen - to be heard - to be accepted. 🏳️🌈 It's been a difficult path paved with hardships and heartbreak and loneliness, one where they have had to hide who it is they are and who they choose to love. but there has also been just as much love and solidarity and courage. Courage to survive and face the music with strength and resolve and never lose what matters to them most. ❤️🩹
I liked Sully and Brad's relationship; it was cute and sweet, despite being tinged with uncertainty and slight hesitation, as unsure Sully was about Brad's real intent for their future. but seeing Rufus' longing for the love that he couldn't remember save for the ache in his heart at his loss, was a bittersweet reminder of how in a way, he and brad were better off now in at least finding a way to be themselves, thus making it easy for them to find a way back to each other, despite their misgivings.
“What I must look like,” he said. “How people would stare.”
“Then let them stare,” I said firmly.”
And that made for an interesting dynamic between Rufus and Sully. Their banter was sharp and feisty, in a way, but also deep-rooted with a kinship of recognizing the loneliness that comes with being themselves and longing for the one who accepted their best versions of themselves. 🥺 That scene where Sully had to be strong for Rufus' pain was heartbreaking and a catalyst for Sully to be more determined to set his own personal choices aside so that Rufus could find the answers he was searching for.
The ending is what really convinced me how easy it was to imagine it as a movie - 'more drama than a Netflix binge - but very telling of being a complete in your face to all the naysayers who refuse to accept that times have changed. Though I did kinda cringe at how cheerily cheesy it was in its victory - very Hollywood-esque -mind you - after all that Sully and Rufus did endure, it was a most deserving happy ending to the past and a hopeful prospect for the future for the both of them. 💝
“Even when all had seemed lost, love is love, and love won.”
“He was a ghost in a place where he didn’t belong, just looking to figure out what to do next. And maybe, so was I.”
I could totally picture this as a film one of these days. It really did have the makings of an entertaining one - complete with a bewitched, bothered, and bewildered colorful ghost, who is all the more determined in uncovering the truth behind his forgotten past - no matter what. There was a quirky investigative yet quaint charm to the characters' dynamics, that translated nicely into keeping me immersed in the mysteries that unfolded as the plot progressed at a steady pace. 👌
“We were from different eras, but we were both queer, we shared history.”
I appreciated how sully was able to appreciate how --- not good, but how different acceptance was in today's world as compared to the time that Rufus lived in. The hardships, the struggles, the heartache that existed in the 50s which led to a most tragic outcome for Rufus, is one that Sully is somewhat more fortunate in not being able to experience. 😢 Yes, there are those sadly who still face discrimination to an extreme extent; but the way Sully was determined to escape Hearst, Pennsylvania to find his bearings was turned around simply with how Rufus' past was able to shine light on how good a home and a chance to be himself existed within his already existing family and friends. 🫂
“It is the shadow of my flames, and I can’t stand to live only in shadows.”
And that was a hard pill to swallow, but undoubtedly an important one. It only could have happened thanks to Rufus' ghost living out in that Butler and chancing upon sully at a time when they both were in search of finding well, enlightenment. ✨ One who had a lover but can't remember why he's forgotten or how he ended up in an antique handbag, and the other, a nonbinary person in the midst of a massive life change like themselves can be even remotely considered crush-worthy by Bread-Brad, who in all fairness, is the perfectly acceptable standards of what it means to be gay. 🌈
Despite the casual swearing and f-bombs, the writing was engaging and fitting. Sully was self-deprecating and maybe self-centered at times, but vibrant in their staunch belief in who they were. and that shined at numerous occasions - be it to offer a comforting support in the midst of a crisis, or even sway Bread-Brad's emotions to see who difficult life has been for them, or even to be on the verge of a breakthrough in understanding how limited their knowledge is on queer history, and how important it is to remember it overcome with a sense of gratitude at how perhaps they may have misjudged how different things were. 💟
“There was still a long way to go, but society had changed.”
It is a trend I have been seeing a lot in YA reads recently; the importance not to forget the lengths and trials it has been to be seen - to be heard - to be accepted. 🏳️🌈 It's been a difficult path paved with hardships and heartbreak and loneliness, one where they have had to hide who it is they are and who they choose to love. but there has also been just as much love and solidarity and courage. Courage to survive and face the music with strength and resolve and never lose what matters to them most. ❤️🩹
I liked Sully and Brad's relationship; it was cute and sweet, despite being tinged with uncertainty and slight hesitation, as unsure Sully was about Brad's real intent for their future. but seeing Rufus' longing for the love that he couldn't remember save for the ache in his heart at his loss, was a bittersweet reminder of how in a way, he and brad were better off now in at least finding a way to be themselves, thus making it easy for them to find a way back to each other, despite their misgivings.
“What I must look like,” he said. “How people would stare.”
“Then let them stare,” I said firmly.”
And that made for an interesting dynamic between Rufus and Sully. Their banter was sharp and feisty, in a way, but also deep-rooted with a kinship of recognizing the loneliness that comes with being themselves and longing for the one who accepted their best versions of themselves. 🥺 That scene where Sully had to be strong for Rufus' pain was heartbreaking and a catalyst for Sully to be more determined to set his own personal choices aside so that Rufus could find the answers he was searching for.
The ending is what really convinced me how easy it was to imagine it as a movie - 'more drama than a Netflix binge - but very telling of being a complete in your face to all the naysayers who refuse to accept that times have changed. Though I did kinda cringe at how cheerily cheesy it was in its victory - very Hollywood-esque -mind you - after all that Sully and Rufus did endure, it was a most deserving happy ending to the past and a hopeful prospect for the future for the both of them. 💝
“Even when all had seemed lost, love is love, and love won.”
they-told-me-to-read-it
March 2, 2025Rec via Paul Coccia during Reading the Rainbow panel at NTTBF 2025
May 7, 2025
Infinity stars; I loved this— it is a ghost story / non-binary MC / small town Pennsylvania/ YA romcom … and I know not everyone enjoys some of those elements… but ignore those biases because this book is delightful.
Sully can’t wait to leave Hearst, PA; after high school graduation they have a fun new internship with an influencer in New York City. But just as their new life is about to start, the internship falls through and they are stuck with no job and no car. So what better time to go thrifting? And because karma rewards those without hope, they are rewarded with a super rare, vintage, extremely valuable Butler bag. (Think of a vintage Birkin because I don’t think a Butler bag is a thing)
Lo and behold the handbag is haunted with the ghost of Rufus,
a queer diva who has been erased from the history of Hearst- so now it up to Sully to uncover and tell their story.
I love Julie Murphy- she wrote my favorite in the Meant To Be Series, “If the Shoe Fits” and other romcoms with a plus sized/ thick hottie FMC.
Queer Eyes’ Jonathan Van Ness first novel- I know them from their hair care only, but I am a fan.
I laughed a lot at the dialogue between Sully - a modern day 18 year old, and Rufus who asks too many questions. I was really enraptured by the historical love story between Rufus and Robby and finding out as they did what happened in the 1950s. I was absolutely rooting for Sully all the way, a snarky and confident kid, a great friend.
This is a happy ending with a lot of realism about our current state- and a lot of respect and integration of queer history. We simultaneously have so much to be grateful for and so much to keep fighting for. This book reminds me of a quote from Steel Magnolias “Laughter through tears is the best emotion.”
Indeed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC. Book to be published May 20, 2025.
Sully can’t wait to leave Hearst, PA; after high school graduation they have a fun new internship with an influencer in New York City. But just as their new life is about to start, the internship falls through and they are stuck with no job and no car. So what better time to go thrifting? And because karma rewards those without hope, they are rewarded with a super rare, vintage, extremely valuable Butler bag. (Think of a vintage Birkin because I don’t think a Butler bag is a thing)
Lo and behold the handbag is haunted with the ghost of Rufus,
a queer diva who has been erased from the history of Hearst- so now it up to Sully to uncover and tell their story.
I love Julie Murphy- she wrote my favorite in the Meant To Be Series, “If the Shoe Fits” and other romcoms with a plus sized/ thick hottie FMC.
Queer Eyes’ Jonathan Van Ness first novel- I know them from their hair care only, but I am a fan.
I laughed a lot at the dialogue between Sully - a modern day 18 year old, and Rufus who asks too many questions. I was really enraptured by the historical love story between Rufus and Robby and finding out as they did what happened in the 1950s. I was absolutely rooting for Sully all the way, a snarky and confident kid, a great friend.
This is a happy ending with a lot of realism about our current state- and a lot of respect and integration of queer history. We simultaneously have so much to be grateful for and so much to keep fighting for. This book reminds me of a quote from Steel Magnolias “Laughter through tears is the best emotion.”
Indeed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC. Book to be published May 20, 2025.
May 16, 2025
If you're looking for a cheesy read with queer history, a haunted handbag, poking some fun at influencer culture, and a little romance, this is it for you. It's giving Schitt's Creek vibes and alllllllllll the current slang. I feel like this book could be difficult to read in the near future when some of these phrases disappear from the vernacular, bestie. Honestly, I love Julie Murphy and Jonathan Van Ness and wanted to love this book, but I couldn't get over the aggressive cheesiness. For me, this book was mid.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access.
June 11, 2025
This cover is everything!
The cute chaos totally suits the book.
I was not expecting this to be paranormal, but I'm not mad about it.
I enjoyed the melding of past and present and Rufus was one of the greatest characters I've ever read!
Much love to Berkley Romance for my copy🥰
The cute chaos totally suits the book.
I was not expecting this to be paranormal, but I'm not mad about it.
I enjoyed the melding of past and present and Rufus was one of the greatest characters I've ever read!
Much love to Berkley Romance for my copy🥰
June 22, 2025
For the full disclosure, I do like Jonathan Van Ness a lot. He's my favourite on Queer Eye. There's sweetnes, vulnerability but also strength to him. And that comes across clearly in Let Them Stare. Because, let's face it, a lot of the ideas for that book must have come from Van Ness' own life.
Sully is a great character. They learn and grow in that story and I love that for them.
Let Them Stare is a cute but also an important story. A story of acceptance, embracing who you are and being proud of it always.
Overall a good read.
Sully is a great character. They learn and grow in that story and I love that for them.
Let Them Stare is a cute but also an important story. A story of acceptance, embracing who you are and being proud of it always.
Overall a good read.
August 6, 2025
Hell yeah, give me that enby MC! This was a great quick read, YA leaning, perfect blend of past and present, and had me tearing up at parts 🥹 This tells a lot of untold stories in a really heartfelt way!
June 3, 2025
This is such an important story! Yes, it skewed a bit young for me, but that’s to be expected since it is a YA novel and I am a 34-year-old woman. That said, it’s exactly the kind of book that needs to exist for young readers to feel seen, valued, and a little less alone!!
This story is bursting with heart and creativity—a ghost of a drag queen living in a designer purse?! I mean, obviously it’s a fun read. But beneath all the fabulous flair is a moving message about being true to yourself, finding your people, and understanding the history that shaped the queer community. There are moments that are genuinely heartbreaking, because queer history isn’t without pain, but the overall message is one of empowerment and belonging!
And to the surprise of absolutely no one—JVN crushed the audiobook narration. I cannot understate the importance of books like this, especially for kids growing up in places like Hurst, who might really need a reminder that they’re not alone!!
This story is bursting with heart and creativity—a ghost of a drag queen living in a designer purse?! I mean, obviously it’s a fun read. But beneath all the fabulous flair is a moving message about being true to yourself, finding your people, and understanding the history that shaped the queer community. There are moments that are genuinely heartbreaking, because queer history isn’t without pain, but the overall message is one of empowerment and belonging!
And to the surprise of absolutely no one—JVN crushed the audiobook narration. I cannot understate the importance of books like this, especially for kids growing up in places like Hurst, who might really need a reminder that they’re not alone!!
February 19, 2025
Let Them Stare is a delightful and heartwarming novel that seamlessly blends humor, queerness, and the supernatural into a truly enchanting story. Written by Jonathan Van Ness, known for their unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, and Julie Murphy, a seasoned YA author with a knack for crafting relatable, empowering characters, this book is a perfect collaboration.
At the heart of the story is Sully, a nonbinary protagonist who immediately wins readers over with their charm, wit, and resilience. Their journey of self-discovery and empowerment is beautifully written, with a sensitivity that makes them feel real and deeply relatable. The book never reduces Sully’s identity to a mere plot point; instead, their queerness is an intrinsic, celebrated part of who they are. Adding to the novel’s emotional depth is Sully’s strong bond with their supportive mother, whose unwavering love and encouragement provide a safe foundation for Sully to embrace their full potential.
One of the most delightful surprises in the story is Sully’s evolving romance with Brad. Initially unimpressed by him—going so far as to secretly call him "Bread" because he seemed as dull as dry toast—Sully gradually discovers a depth and kindness in Brad that they never expected. Their slow-burn romance is both heartwarming and authentic, filled with playful banter, moments of vulnerability, and an undeniable chemistry that makes their relationship one of the novel’s highlights.
The writing is as engaging as one would expect from this duo—Murphy’s experience in YA fiction shines through in the fluid pacing and compelling character dynamics, while Van Ness’ signature warmth and humor infuse every page with joy. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a wonderfully atmospheric read that balances whimsy with depth. I just loved reading about Rufus and his past as a queer man in the 1950s.
This books is an absolute gem, offering readers an uplifting, magical, and wonderfully queer adventure. Sully’s story is one of courage, acceptance, and self-love—a book that will undoubtedly leave readers smiling long after they’ve turned the last page.
Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
At the heart of the story is Sully, a nonbinary protagonist who immediately wins readers over with their charm, wit, and resilience. Their journey of self-discovery and empowerment is beautifully written, with a sensitivity that makes them feel real and deeply relatable. The book never reduces Sully’s identity to a mere plot point; instead, their queerness is an intrinsic, celebrated part of who they are. Adding to the novel’s emotional depth is Sully’s strong bond with their supportive mother, whose unwavering love and encouragement provide a safe foundation for Sully to embrace their full potential.
One of the most delightful surprises in the story is Sully’s evolving romance with Brad. Initially unimpressed by him—going so far as to secretly call him "Bread" because he seemed as dull as dry toast—Sully gradually discovers a depth and kindness in Brad that they never expected. Their slow-burn romance is both heartwarming and authentic, filled with playful banter, moments of vulnerability, and an undeniable chemistry that makes their relationship one of the novel’s highlights.
The writing is as engaging as one would expect from this duo—Murphy’s experience in YA fiction shines through in the fluid pacing and compelling character dynamics, while Van Ness’ signature warmth and humor infuse every page with joy. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a wonderfully atmospheric read that balances whimsy with depth. I just loved reading about Rufus and his past as a queer man in the 1950s.
This books is an absolute gem, offering readers an uplifting, magical, and wonderfully queer adventure. Sully’s story is one of courage, acceptance, and self-love—a book that will undoubtedly leave readers smiling long after they’ve turned the last page.
Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 18, 2026
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
TW: mentions of conversion therapy/asylums
3.5
I wondered what a JVN book would be like, and this was a pretty good answer!
This book feels like a good primer on queer history for teen readers who may not have been able to interact with their own history yet, and it also feels a bit like someone reaching out to take your hand in a very supportive, empowering way.
This book has lighthearted energy that makes it feel like a fun and quick read, but definitely does not fall into the category of “fluff”. There are some serious emotional and cultural struggles laid out that feels like a strength from both authors.
I similarly found the romance to be very sweet on its own, without suffocating the plot or feeling like it was tacked on.
For me, this book was a bit too thin- both in the history and in the plot itself. I would have likes more complexity, but I’m also not the target audience. It would have been nice, however, to have gotten more layers on the side characters, and more about Hearst itself.
Mostly, I was sad that Rufus never got to feel like a fully formed character. Likely because of his main role of helping Sully’s self actualization, and his gay side kick moments of throwing out some one liners, he remains very flat and fairly stereotypical.
TW: mentions of conversion therapy/asylums
3.5
I wondered what a JVN book would be like, and this was a pretty good answer!
This book feels like a good primer on queer history for teen readers who may not have been able to interact with their own history yet, and it also feels a bit like someone reaching out to take your hand in a very supportive, empowering way.
This book has lighthearted energy that makes it feel like a fun and quick read, but definitely does not fall into the category of “fluff”. There are some serious emotional and cultural struggles laid out that feels like a strength from both authors.
I similarly found the romance to be very sweet on its own, without suffocating the plot or feeling like it was tacked on.
For me, this book was a bit too thin- both in the history and in the plot itself. I would have likes more complexity, but I’m also not the target audience. It would have been nice, however, to have gotten more layers on the side characters, and more about Hearst itself.
Mostly, I was sad that Rufus never got to feel like a fully formed character. Likely because of his main role of helping Sully’s self actualization, and his gay side kick moments of throwing out some one liners, he remains very flat and fairly stereotypical.
July 15, 2025
This book was a touching story about a non-binary teen whose plans are to leave their small town behind and head to New York! Obviously, things don't go as planned, so instead, they wind up staying at home and procure a vintage (hella expensive) handbag that's haunted by the ghost of a 1950s Drag Queen! Adventure and hilarity ensue as they work together to try to figure out how the ghost died while also unlocking secrets about the small town.
This book definitely makes you look at the hard facts of LGBTQ+ history in America, and it brought a tear to my eye. It's horrendous the way people have been treated simply because they love someone or express themselves differently. It was a sad walk through American history, and it brings up the atrocities being faced by queer people today.
This book definitely makes you look at the hard facts of LGBTQ+ history in America, and it brought a tear to my eye. It's horrendous the way people have been treated simply because they love someone or express themselves differently. It was a sad walk through American history, and it brings up the atrocities being faced by queer people today.
May 31, 2026
It had a little bit of a slow start, but such a sweet story :)
May 25, 2025
Well, this book is just fabulous!! I knew I'd enjoy the audiobook once I saw it was read by JVN themself, but it was also really well-written and a great, fun ride. Just read it, honey!!
August 1, 2025
This book reads younger than its target audience. If it weren’t for the f-bombs I’d have pegged it as middle school level. Cute story, but the cheese factor is high.
May 27, 2025
Review: Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness & Julie Murphy
As someone who absolutely adores Jonathan Van Ness, I knew the moment Let Them Stare was released, I had to read it. After being deeply moved by Over The Top: My Story and Love That Story: Observations from a Gorgeously Queer Life, I was already well-acquainted with JVN’s unique blend of vulnerability, humor, and fierce authenticity. So, when this fictional story dropped—with the magic touch of Julie Murphy and the unmistakable heart of JVN—I dove in with high expectations, and wow, did it deliver.
Even though Let Them Stare is fiction, I could feel Jonathan’s soul in every page. Sully’s journey feels like a reflection of JVN’s personal truth—an exploration of identity, resilience, and finding power in our most authentic selves. I not-so-low-key hope JVN actually owns a fabulously haunted, super expensive, vintage handbag. Honestly, it just feels like something that would happen in their world!
The story is rooted in the small, narrow-minded town of Hearst, where Sully dreams of escape. But when things don’t go according to plan, Sully must stay and face everything they’d hoped to leave behind. The turning point? A return to their old thrift store job, only to discover they’ve been replaced. Fortunately, Clair—the store owner—offers Sully first dibs on a new batch of items. In that pile? A pristine vintage Butler handbag. And with it… Rufus.
What follows is a tender, magical, and heart-expanding journey. The weaving in of queer history made it all the more impactful—reminding us how layered and powerful our stories truly are. Let Them Stare is a celebration of queerness, of chosen family, and of finding magic in unexpected places.
Soul-changing, just like Sully’s story promises. And absolutely, unapologetically, a 5-star read.
As someone who absolutely adores Jonathan Van Ness, I knew the moment Let Them Stare was released, I had to read it. After being deeply moved by Over The Top: My Story and Love That Story: Observations from a Gorgeously Queer Life, I was already well-acquainted with JVN’s unique blend of vulnerability, humor, and fierce authenticity. So, when this fictional story dropped—with the magic touch of Julie Murphy and the unmistakable heart of JVN—I dove in with high expectations, and wow, did it deliver.
Even though Let Them Stare is fiction, I could feel Jonathan’s soul in every page. Sully’s journey feels like a reflection of JVN’s personal truth—an exploration of identity, resilience, and finding power in our most authentic selves. I not-so-low-key hope JVN actually owns a fabulously haunted, super expensive, vintage handbag. Honestly, it just feels like something that would happen in their world!
The story is rooted in the small, narrow-minded town of Hearst, where Sully dreams of escape. But when things don’t go according to plan, Sully must stay and face everything they’d hoped to leave behind. The turning point? A return to their old thrift store job, only to discover they’ve been replaced. Fortunately, Clair—the store owner—offers Sully first dibs on a new batch of items. In that pile? A pristine vintage Butler handbag. And with it… Rufus.
What follows is a tender, magical, and heart-expanding journey. The weaving in of queer history made it all the more impactful—reminding us how layered and powerful our stories truly are. Let Them Stare is a celebration of queerness, of chosen family, and of finding magic in unexpected places.
Soul-changing, just like Sully’s story promises. And absolutely, unapologetically, a 5-star read.
February 9, 2025
4 stars
JVN + Julie Murphy = a match made in queer YA heaven! I am HERE FOR IT!
Sully, the m.c., is a gender nonconforming teen who really has some feelings about their quaint Pennsylvania hometown, so when their opportunity for a brief reprieve falls apart, they are understandably bummed. Don't worry, though. Things take a turn for the...supernaturally better.
What I hoped for and expected from this novel was solid queer representation, some discussion of queer culture and gender, and some quippy dialogue and language. ALL of these come through in obvious and pleasurable ways. What I was NOT expecting and thus came through as added bonuses were some really nice connections to the experiences of queer folks from earlier time periods, a super hopeful tone even in the midst of some darkness, and some really fun secondary characters, including the undead!
This was a lot of fun to read, and while I'd have liked to get to know these characters even a bit more intensely, that leaves me hoping that I'll get that opportunity in future books. Speaking of future books, my central hope is that this is the start of a lengthy literary relationship.
I enjoyed this read and very much look forward to recommending it to my students!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Storytide for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
JVN + Julie Murphy = a match made in queer YA heaven! I am HERE FOR IT!
Sully, the m.c., is a gender nonconforming teen who really has some feelings about their quaint Pennsylvania hometown, so when their opportunity for a brief reprieve falls apart, they are understandably bummed. Don't worry, though. Things take a turn for the...supernaturally better.
What I hoped for and expected from this novel was solid queer representation, some discussion of queer culture and gender, and some quippy dialogue and language. ALL of these come through in obvious and pleasurable ways. What I was NOT expecting and thus came through as added bonuses were some really nice connections to the experiences of queer folks from earlier time periods, a super hopeful tone even in the midst of some darkness, and some really fun secondary characters, including the undead!
This was a lot of fun to read, and while I'd have liked to get to know these characters even a bit more intensely, that leaves me hoping that I'll get that opportunity in future books. Speaking of future books, my central hope is that this is the start of a lengthy literary relationship.
I enjoyed this read and very much look forward to recommending it to my students!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Storytide for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
May 30, 2025
A haunted vintage handbag, a nonbinary teenager, and mocking influencer culture? Sign me up! This totally gave me a hint of David from Schitts Creek vibes and that made it fun. I also enjoyed the historical aspect of it with a ghost that appears out of the handbag and tells his story and also brings a mystery to Sully that needs to be solved.
This also brings a message of finding yourself and finding the beauty in your hometown so slow down and appreciate the life you have and all the people and things that are in it. Love yourself for the authentic being you are. And you can't ask for more from a novel.
Thanks to Storytide and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
This also brings a message of finding yourself and finding the beauty in your hometown so slow down and appreciate the life you have and all the people and things that are in it. Love yourself for the authentic being you are. And you can't ask for more from a novel.
Thanks to Storytide and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
February 2, 2026
Started off slow and not liking the narrator, but after several chapters found myself enjoying it and even laughed out loud a couple of times. A little cheesy/corny/over dramatic, and sometimes the 'lesson' was spelled out a little too bluntly, but still a decent read. Might be a good book for a teen or young adult in your life who needs a reminder that they could grow where they are planted...with a warning that it references the real historical treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S., so avoid for extra sensitive teens (nothing too explicit, merely factual references).
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June 5, 2025
An absolutely perfect read to start off Pride month!!! God this was so cute. I'm going to go recommend this to everyone now.
December 26, 2025
cute story that offers a small peak into queer history
May 26, 2025
I loved this YA novel! It’s about Sully, a gender nonconforming teen who just graduated from high school and dreams of getting out of their small town in Pennsylvania and starting a new life in New York City. Unfortunately their summer plans of an internship in NYC fall through and they have to stay in town but a haunted vintage handbag, town secrets, and first crushes make the summer super interesting! I absolutely loved the representation in this book and all fun movie and celebrity mentions including The Devil Wears Prada, Freaky Friday, Bianca Del Rio and Paris Hilton. I loved the main story of finding yourself, your community with the touch of magical realism.
Thank you to the publisher for my ARC!
Thank you to the publisher for my ARC!
June 3, 2025
I am in love. Two of my favorites coming together in one book! The voice of the characters! The cover! The concept! I’m gagged! I’ll be doing the audiobook next!
June 1, 2025
4.5⭐
This was the perfect book to kick off Pride Month! A drag queen ghost from the 50s alongside a non-binary 18 year old today, both in a small town trying to solve their own mysteries.
This was the perfect book to kick off Pride Month! A drag queen ghost from the 50s alongside a non-binary 18 year old today, both in a small town trying to solve their own mysteries.
May 31, 2025
Loved it. Some of the writing was a little too Gen Z for me but the story was amazing and creative.
May 22, 2025
The premise sounds almost too wild to work: eighteen-year-old Sully Hartlow, desperate to escape their suffocating small town of Hearst, Pennsylvania, discovers a potentially priceless vintage Butler bag at their beloved thrift store, Yesterday's Today. But this isn't just any vintage find—it comes with Rufus, a fabulous drag performer from the 1950s who died with no memory of how or why.
What begins as a simple "authenticate the bag, sell it, escape to New York" plan evolves into something far more profound. Sully finds themselves pulled into a mystery that spans decades, uncovering the hidden queer history of their hometown while navigating complicated relationships with their best friends Emma and Guy, their crush-turned-something-more Brad, and their increasingly supportive family.
Character Development: Authentic Voices Across Generations
Sully: A Protagonist Worth Rooting For
Sully Hartlow is everything a modern YA protagonist should be—flawed, funny, fierce, and utterly human. Their voice crackles with wit and vulnerability, channeling the kind of sharp observational humor that feels distinctly influenced by Van Ness's comedic sensibilities. Sully's internal monologue is a delicious mix of pop culture references, fashion commentary, and genuine emotional depth.
What makes Sully particularly compelling is their journey from self-centeredness to community consciousness. Early in the novel, they're admittedly focused on their own escape plan, often dismissing the feelings and experiences of those around them. But as they dig deeper into Rufus's story and Hearst's hidden history, Sully begins to understand that sometimes the most revolutionary act is staying and fighting for change rather than running away.
Rufus: A Ghost with Gravitas
Rufus could have easily been a one-note comic relief character—the sassy ghost providing quips from beyond the grave. Instead, Van Ness and Murphy craft him as a fully realized character whose tragedy feels both historically grounded and emotionally resonant. His forgotten memories of persecution, love, and loss anchor the novel's exploration of queer history, while his fabulous personality and fierce loyalty to Sully provide much-needed levity.
The relationship between Sully and Rufus forms the emotional core of the story. They're kindred spirits separated by seventy years, both struggling with questions of belonging and authenticity. Rufus's gradual recovery of his memories parallels Sully's growing understanding of their own place in both their family and community.
Supporting Cast: More Than Just Window Dressing
Brad (affectionately nicknamed "Bread" by Sully) could have been another boring love interest, but Murphy and Van Ness give him genuine depth. His political ambitions and rule-following nature initially clash with Sully's chaos-creating tendencies, but their relationship develops naturally through shared adventures and mutual respect.
Eleanor, Sully's fierce city councilwoman mother, emerges as a particularly strong supporting character. Her unwavering support for her child, combined with her own political awakening throughout the story, provides a model of allyship that feels both aspirational and achievable.
Writing Style: A Successful Fusion of Voices
One of the biggest challenges in any co-authored work is maintaining narrative consistency, and Van Ness and Murphy largely succeed in creating a unified voice. The writing sparkles with Van Ness's trademark humor and cultural commentary while maintaining Murphy's gift for emotional authenticity and character development.
The dialogue feels particularly strong, especially Sully's internal monologue and their conversations with Rufus. The authors capture the way modern teenagers actually speak while avoiding the trap of trying too hard to be "current." Lines like "Miss Goop could see what was really going on behind the velvet rope" and Sully's various pop culture observations feel natural rather than forced.
Pacing and Structure
The novel's pacing occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitious plot. The mystery elements sometimes feel rushed, particularly the revelation about Cygnus Cobpen and the speakeasy discovery. While these moments are undeniably exciting, they might have benefited from more buildup and development.
However, the authors excel at balancing the various story elements. The romance never overshadows the mystery, the historical elements enhance rather than distract from the contemporary story, and the paranormal aspects feel grounded in emotional truth rather than existing purely for shock value.
LGBTQ+ Representation: Authentic and Layered
Let Them Stare offers rich, multifaceted queer representation that spans both historical and contemporary perspectives. Sully's experience as a nonbinary teenager in a small town feels authentic and specific, avoiding the trap of making them a representative for all nonbinary experiences while still addressing real challenges they face.
The historical elements are particularly well-researched and respectfully handled. Rufus's story as a drag performer in the 1950s, his relationship with Robby, and their ultimate tragedy reflects the very real persecution faced by queer people during this era. The authors don't shy away from the harsh realities of this period—forced institutionalization, family rejection, and social ostracism—while still finding hope and celebration in queer resilience and community.
Areas for Improvement
While the LGBTQ+ representation is generally strong, the book occasionally falls into the trap of making queer trauma the primary engine of historical narrative. Rufus's story, while moving and important, sometimes feels like it exists primarily to educate rather than to entertain. A bit more joy and celebration in the historical sections might have provided better balance.
Historical Elements: Bringing the Past to Life
The novel's exploration of queer history in small-town America is one of its strongest elements. The discovery of Robby's speakeasy and the careful excavation of its history feels both magical and grounded in real historical possibility. Van Ness and Murphy clearly did their research, and it shows in the authentic details of 1950s queer life and the specific challenges faced by gender non-conforming individuals during this period.
The way the authors connect past and present through the physical space of the speakeasy is particularly effective. The building itself becomes a character, holding secrets and stories that bridge generations of queer experience.
Romance: Sweet Without Being Saccharine
The romance between Sully and Brad develops organically throughout the story, avoiding the instalove trap that often plagues YA fiction. Their relationship grows from mutual attraction to genuine partnership as they work together to solve Rufus's mystery. Brad's growth from rule-following "teacher's pet" to someone willing to break into abandoned psychiatric hospitals for the sake of love and justice feels earned and realistic.
The authors handle the physical aspects of their relationship tastefully while still acknowledging teenage desire and curiosity. Their first kiss in the car outside Sully's house is particularly well-written, capturing both the awkwardness and electricity of young love.
Themes: Universal Messages in Specific Stories
Beyond its entertainment value, Let Them Stare grapples with several important themes:
Belonging and Community
Sully's journey from wanting to escape Hearst to finding their place within it speaks to the universal experience of learning to bloom where you're planted while still maintaining your authentic self.
Intergenerational Connection
The relationship between Sully and Rufus highlights how queer people across generations share common experiences while also showing how much progress has been made.
Family and Acceptance
The various family dynamics in the story—from Eleanor's fierce support to Uncle Chuck's growth to Rufus's tragic family rejection—explore different models of acceptance and love.
Historical Memory
The novel argues powerfully for the importance of preserving and celebrating queer history, particularly stories that have been erased or forgotten.
Final Verdict: A Sparkling Success with Minor Flaws
Let Them Stare succeeds admirably at its ambitious goals, delivering a story that is simultaneously entertaining, educational, and emotionally satisfying. Van Ness and Murphy have created something special here—a book that honors queer history while celebrating queer present and future.
The novel's greatest strength lies in its heart. Despite the paranormal elements and historical mystery, this is fundamentally a story about love—romantic love, familial love, friendship, and community love. It argues passionately that everyone deserves to be seen, accepted, and celebrated for who they are, whether they're a small-town teenager trying to find their place or a drag queen whose story was nearly lost to history.
What begins as a simple "authenticate the bag, sell it, escape to New York" plan evolves into something far more profound. Sully finds themselves pulled into a mystery that spans decades, uncovering the hidden queer history of their hometown while navigating complicated relationships with their best friends Emma and Guy, their crush-turned-something-more Brad, and their increasingly supportive family.
Character Development: Authentic Voices Across Generations
Sully: A Protagonist Worth Rooting For
Sully Hartlow is everything a modern YA protagonist should be—flawed, funny, fierce, and utterly human. Their voice crackles with wit and vulnerability, channeling the kind of sharp observational humor that feels distinctly influenced by Van Ness's comedic sensibilities. Sully's internal monologue is a delicious mix of pop culture references, fashion commentary, and genuine emotional depth.
What makes Sully particularly compelling is their journey from self-centeredness to community consciousness. Early in the novel, they're admittedly focused on their own escape plan, often dismissing the feelings and experiences of those around them. But as they dig deeper into Rufus's story and Hearst's hidden history, Sully begins to understand that sometimes the most revolutionary act is staying and fighting for change rather than running away.
Rufus: A Ghost with Gravitas
Rufus could have easily been a one-note comic relief character—the sassy ghost providing quips from beyond the grave. Instead, Van Ness and Murphy craft him as a fully realized character whose tragedy feels both historically grounded and emotionally resonant. His forgotten memories of persecution, love, and loss anchor the novel's exploration of queer history, while his fabulous personality and fierce loyalty to Sully provide much-needed levity.
The relationship between Sully and Rufus forms the emotional core of the story. They're kindred spirits separated by seventy years, both struggling with questions of belonging and authenticity. Rufus's gradual recovery of his memories parallels Sully's growing understanding of their own place in both their family and community.
Supporting Cast: More Than Just Window Dressing
Brad (affectionately nicknamed "Bread" by Sully) could have been another boring love interest, but Murphy and Van Ness give him genuine depth. His political ambitions and rule-following nature initially clash with Sully's chaos-creating tendencies, but their relationship develops naturally through shared adventures and mutual respect.
Eleanor, Sully's fierce city councilwoman mother, emerges as a particularly strong supporting character. Her unwavering support for her child, combined with her own political awakening throughout the story, provides a model of allyship that feels both aspirational and achievable.
Writing Style: A Successful Fusion of Voices
One of the biggest challenges in any co-authored work is maintaining narrative consistency, and Van Ness and Murphy largely succeed in creating a unified voice. The writing sparkles with Van Ness's trademark humor and cultural commentary while maintaining Murphy's gift for emotional authenticity and character development.
The dialogue feels particularly strong, especially Sully's internal monologue and their conversations with Rufus. The authors capture the way modern teenagers actually speak while avoiding the trap of trying too hard to be "current." Lines like "Miss Goop could see what was really going on behind the velvet rope" and Sully's various pop culture observations feel natural rather than forced.
Pacing and Structure
The novel's pacing occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitious plot. The mystery elements sometimes feel rushed, particularly the revelation about Cygnus Cobpen and the speakeasy discovery. While these moments are undeniably exciting, they might have benefited from more buildup and development.
However, the authors excel at balancing the various story elements. The romance never overshadows the mystery, the historical elements enhance rather than distract from the contemporary story, and the paranormal aspects feel grounded in emotional truth rather than existing purely for shock value.
LGBTQ+ Representation: Authentic and Layered
Let Them Stare offers rich, multifaceted queer representation that spans both historical and contemporary perspectives. Sully's experience as a nonbinary teenager in a small town feels authentic and specific, avoiding the trap of making them a representative for all nonbinary experiences while still addressing real challenges they face.
The historical elements are particularly well-researched and respectfully handled. Rufus's story as a drag performer in the 1950s, his relationship with Robby, and their ultimate tragedy reflects the very real persecution faced by queer people during this era. The authors don't shy away from the harsh realities of this period—forced institutionalization, family rejection, and social ostracism—while still finding hope and celebration in queer resilience and community.
Areas for Improvement
While the LGBTQ+ representation is generally strong, the book occasionally falls into the trap of making queer trauma the primary engine of historical narrative. Rufus's story, while moving and important, sometimes feels like it exists primarily to educate rather than to entertain. A bit more joy and celebration in the historical sections might have provided better balance.
Historical Elements: Bringing the Past to Life
The novel's exploration of queer history in small-town America is one of its strongest elements. The discovery of Robby's speakeasy and the careful excavation of its history feels both magical and grounded in real historical possibility. Van Ness and Murphy clearly did their research, and it shows in the authentic details of 1950s queer life and the specific challenges faced by gender non-conforming individuals during this period.
The way the authors connect past and present through the physical space of the speakeasy is particularly effective. The building itself becomes a character, holding secrets and stories that bridge generations of queer experience.
Romance: Sweet Without Being Saccharine
The romance between Sully and Brad develops organically throughout the story, avoiding the instalove trap that often plagues YA fiction. Their relationship grows from mutual attraction to genuine partnership as they work together to solve Rufus's mystery. Brad's growth from rule-following "teacher's pet" to someone willing to break into abandoned psychiatric hospitals for the sake of love and justice feels earned and realistic.
The authors handle the physical aspects of their relationship tastefully while still acknowledging teenage desire and curiosity. Their first kiss in the car outside Sully's house is particularly well-written, capturing both the awkwardness and electricity of young love.
Themes: Universal Messages in Specific Stories
Beyond its entertainment value, Let Them Stare grapples with several important themes:
Belonging and Community
Sully's journey from wanting to escape Hearst to finding their place within it speaks to the universal experience of learning to bloom where you're planted while still maintaining your authentic self.
Intergenerational Connection
The relationship between Sully and Rufus highlights how queer people across generations share common experiences while also showing how much progress has been made.
Family and Acceptance
The various family dynamics in the story—from Eleanor's fierce support to Uncle Chuck's growth to Rufus's tragic family rejection—explore different models of acceptance and love.
Historical Memory
The novel argues powerfully for the importance of preserving and celebrating queer history, particularly stories that have been erased or forgotten.
Final Verdict: A Sparkling Success with Minor Flaws
Let Them Stare succeeds admirably at its ambitious goals, delivering a story that is simultaneously entertaining, educational, and emotionally satisfying. Van Ness and Murphy have created something special here—a book that honors queer history while celebrating queer present and future.
The novel's greatest strength lies in its heart. Despite the paranormal elements and historical mystery, this is fundamentally a story about love—romantic love, familial love, friendship, and community love. It argues passionately that everyone deserves to be seen, accepted, and celebrated for who they are, whether they're a small-town teenager trying to find their place or a drag queen whose story was nearly lost to history.
July 4, 2025
This book was an absolute delight!! I highly recommend the audiobook, narrated by none other than JVN themself. The story was enjoyable on its own, but hearing it in their voice was *chef’s kiss*!
Outside of this book being full of all the very fun JVN-isms (plus a Beyoncé mention!), and so many other pop-culture references, it was a very heartwarming story. It was funny, cute, and at times heart-sinking. It had young love, chosen family, generational healing, queer history, mystery solving, a haunted handbag, a non-binary main character, and more. Truly, a great story, important messaging, and very entertaining.
Outside of this book being full of all the very fun JVN-isms (plus a Beyoncé mention!), and so many other pop-culture references, it was a very heartwarming story. It was funny, cute, and at times heart-sinking. It had young love, chosen family, generational healing, queer history, mystery solving, a haunted handbag, a non-binary main character, and more. Truly, a great story, important messaging, and very entertaining.
June 28, 2025
I read the physical book and listened to the audio book. I love JVN but I don’t think their narration did the book any favors. It felt forced and unnatural the way they read the book. Once I stopped listening to it I enjoyed the story more. I found Rufus’s character very lovable.
June 18, 2026
Loved this book! I chose it soley based on the cover image, but it ended up being really good. A lot of humor, a lot of heart, a little bit of romance, and a surprising amount of queer history.
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