Essence

by J.E. Sumerau

Dating, relationships, and intimacy can be difficult enough waters to navigate for twenty-somethings with limited experience, knowledge and financial means. These experiences can become even more complicated for Queer people in southern small towns. In Essence, we meet and follow Brandon and Willa – two bisexual companions in their early twenties who at times are more than friends – as they seek to figure out what they mean to each other, intimate experiences with others, and their first encounters with poly relationships, non-binary people, intersex people, asexual people, and the complexities of falling in love. For more information on Essence and forthcoming novels in the Queering Dixie Series visit https://jsumerau.com/queering-dixie/

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2017

About the author

JE Sumerau is a novelist, scholar, and teacher writing about culture, relationships, & the southeastern U.S. in a wide variety of ways -> Follow on Instagram & Reels @jesumerau and Facebook @jesumerau & Twitter @jsumerau for updates.

Reviews

[Lain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essence is a great book if you're looking for a read about queer romance and life milestones. The leading characters are funny, particularly Brandon and Willa, and the dialogue between those two characters was initially what drew me in. How do you not read a story that opens with one of the characters arriving home and announcing, in response to the other's proclamation that he picked up groceries, that she purchased a new penis?? The answer is you don't-- you read the book.

The story, while funny, also follows the characters through their navigation of life trauma, love, and healing. 10/10 would recommend, especially for queer readers who want to see themselves represented (lots of bi, trans, ace, and intersex representation here! Also a realistic portrayal of what poly romance can look like)

xoxo loved this one <3

[Annelyn Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book and made greater by the fact that it is filled with characters from the LGBT+ community. I loved seeing how the characters develop through the story. It might be a story but there is a lot of realism to it that many people can relate to. A great addition to the fictional world. I highly suggest reading this book.

[Nik · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best bi+ young adult books I have read so far!