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Be Straight with Me
Be Straight with Me
is an unforgettable memoir-in-verse about a love that blurs the boundaries of gender and sexuality—told from the perspective of a young, straight woman who finds herself in a serious relationship with her gay male best friend. With unabashed honesty and piercing emotional clarity, Emily Dalton brings to life this timely, true story about a nonconforming romance and its consequences.
During her sophomore year at Middlebury College, Emily meets Max—“you” as she intimately refers to him in the book. Not exactly a tomboy, but not quite a girly girl either, Emily is intent on finding a masculine boyfriend to assuage a deeply rooted fear that she may not be quite feminine enough. Max—a boisterous class clown beloved by his many straight guy friends—has recently come out as gay and is embracing his newly claimed identity. Initially, Max and Emily dislike each other, but end up growing close after a make-out dare on Halloween. Then one night, Max reveals an unexpected physical attraction that catches them both by surprise. The relationship begins, playfully and in secret, and then spirals into something more. Max and Emily’s journey takes many forms—they experiment with drugs; they travel abroad; they try sleeping with other people (together), and everything in between—all in the name of “this bizarre, beautiful thing” they call love.
During her sophomore year at Middlebury College, Emily meets Max—“you” as she intimately refers to him in the book. Not exactly a tomboy, but not quite a girly girl either, Emily is intent on finding a masculine boyfriend to assuage a deeply rooted fear that she may not be quite feminine enough. Max—a boisterous class clown beloved by his many straight guy friends—has recently come out as gay and is embracing his newly claimed identity. Initially, Max and Emily dislike each other, but end up growing close after a make-out dare on Halloween. Then one night, Max reveals an unexpected physical attraction that catches them both by surprise. The relationship begins, playfully and in secret, and then spirals into something more. Max and Emily’s journey takes many forms—they experiment with drugs; they travel abroad; they try sleeping with other people (together), and everything in between—all in the name of “this bizarre, beautiful thing” they call love.
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 25, 2020
“Be Straight With Me” (2020): is a rare and intriguing debut memoir of collected poetic verse, where author Emily E. Dalton explores her alternative relationship with her charismatic gay male best friend, *Max Willard. This unconventional coming -of-age narration began at Middlebury College, Vermont - and spanned over time to mature adulthood. In addition to her writing, Emily Dalton works part-time as a blacksmith’s apprentice, and lives in Connecticut.
In the opening poem: “Sophomore September” Emily encountered Max and his entourage of devoted friends. Max had already decided Emily was “a snarly bitch” and while visiting her dorm room, stole a twenty dollar bill off her desk! In the next poem, Emily recalled impressions formed in childhood/youth, which is a sequence somewhat followed throughout the book-- how past experiences might influence current thoughts and actions.
The atmosphere among the college students was like a boisterous frat party. Emily was surprised to learn that Max was jilted after a brief affair with a male reality TV star. Max seemed quite happy to hang out watch videos with her roommate Joanna: in “Friends By Default”. Eventually, in “Joanna Gets A Boyfriend”- she moved out of their dorm room, and Max decided to sleep near Emily in Joanna’s empty bed.
Predictably, the friendship dynamic between Emily and Max would intensify and deepen as they became closer, Emily would write: “I’m having trouble determining whether/you fascinate me because I’m scared of you/or I’m scared of you because you fascinate me.”
“Over Christmas Break” Max met Emily’s family when they drove to Boston for the holiday's. Max was always charming and funny, everyone really enjoyed his company. Together, they almost appeared like a young straight couple. In the poems: “Max and Emily World” - “Later That Night”- they discovered and found each other in completely unexpected ways.
It is true that single gay men rarely have sexually intimate relationships with women. Max didn’t have to act or pretend that he was straight or bisexual either; Emily truly loved and accepted him just as he was. When Emily and Max moved to study abroad, she in Prague and he in Berlin, the distance and closeness of their relationship pattern began to shift, yet again, as they evolved further to establish their places in the world. Readers will not want to miss this unusual and unique memoir; this collection may likely become a reference for further study. Great cover, too! (*) Name changed for privacy concerns. ~ With thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley for advance notification of this title.
In the opening poem: “Sophomore September” Emily encountered Max and his entourage of devoted friends. Max had already decided Emily was “a snarly bitch” and while visiting her dorm room, stole a twenty dollar bill off her desk! In the next poem, Emily recalled impressions formed in childhood/youth, which is a sequence somewhat followed throughout the book-- how past experiences might influence current thoughts and actions.
The atmosphere among the college students was like a boisterous frat party. Emily was surprised to learn that Max was jilted after a brief affair with a male reality TV star. Max seemed quite happy to hang out watch videos with her roommate Joanna: in “Friends By Default”. Eventually, in “Joanna Gets A Boyfriend”- she moved out of their dorm room, and Max decided to sleep near Emily in Joanna’s empty bed.
Predictably, the friendship dynamic between Emily and Max would intensify and deepen as they became closer, Emily would write: “I’m having trouble determining whether/you fascinate me because I’m scared of you/or I’m scared of you because you fascinate me.”
“Over Christmas Break” Max met Emily’s family when they drove to Boston for the holiday's. Max was always charming and funny, everyone really enjoyed his company. Together, they almost appeared like a young straight couple. In the poems: “Max and Emily World” - “Later That Night”- they discovered and found each other in completely unexpected ways.
It is true that single gay men rarely have sexually intimate relationships with women. Max didn’t have to act or pretend that he was straight or bisexual either; Emily truly loved and accepted him just as he was. When Emily and Max moved to study abroad, she in Prague and he in Berlin, the distance and closeness of their relationship pattern began to shift, yet again, as they evolved further to establish their places in the world. Readers will not want to miss this unusual and unique memoir; this collection may likely become a reference for further study. Great cover, too! (*) Name changed for privacy concerns. ~ With thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley for advance notification of this title.
October 6, 2020
Be Straight With Me by Emily Dalton is a memoir about love. Emily falls in love with her college best friend Max. The memoir is little notes or diary entries to Max referred to as “you.” Max usually isn’t attracted to women. Their relationship is difficult for Emily and Max. Neither knowing what their relationship means and if they can actually be attracted to each other. Emily goes through dating other boys and feeling like she didn’t fit in from childhood.
Be Straight With Me is a very interesting memoir. I really enjoyed how Emily took specific life events and told them in a way that could relate to anyone. Emily always felt like she didn’t fit in. Some of the earliest memories in this memoir are from elementary school.
I listened to the audiobook with narration by Kate Rudd and thought she did a great job.
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for Be Straight With Me.
Be Straight With Me is a very interesting memoir. I really enjoyed how Emily took specific life events and told them in a way that could relate to anyone. Emily always felt like she didn’t fit in. Some of the earliest memories in this memoir are from elementary school.
I listened to the audiobook with narration by Kate Rudd and thought she did a great job.
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for Be Straight With Me.
May 21, 2020
be Straight with Me by Emily Dalton is a great reflection and memoir to add to your shelves!
I love picking up the odd memoir, because people have such cool stories to tell! Emily Dalton is one of those special people that has a great story and a great voice for it.
This memoir is presented in an interesting fashion - kind of like poems in their odd style on the page. Despite me labeling them as "odd", I found it quite quirky and it made it all the more interesting! It's not the typical memoir, and I liked that! It spiced up my reading and had me very interested as to why the story was presented this way!
Emily falls in love with Max, but there's a wee problem - she's straight and he's gay. Unlucky as it is, this memoir presents it in such a lovely fashion. Just because that seems like such a black and white comment (you know, I put the word problem to make it seem that way), it really isn't. They can be in love but not have their sexuality define the joy they can bring each other. It's unique and lovely and gave me all of the feels! It brings hope and inspiration and makes me believe in love in more ways than ever before! There's also heart break and loss though, and you know... that hurt, but the descriptions of love... ahh. Yes, I like that.
Even so, it's more than just love. There's experimentation and other joys of life that come along to Emily. It's a coming of age story in it's own right. I just liked the love part, because I'm a sucker for that kind of thing.
Overall, I like this book! I think it's sweet and whimsical and magical and majestic. Emily is a great story teller too!
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I love picking up the odd memoir, because people have such cool stories to tell! Emily Dalton is one of those special people that has a great story and a great voice for it.
This memoir is presented in an interesting fashion - kind of like poems in their odd style on the page. Despite me labeling them as "odd", I found it quite quirky and it made it all the more interesting! It's not the typical memoir, and I liked that! It spiced up my reading and had me very interested as to why the story was presented this way!
Emily falls in love with Max, but there's a wee problem - she's straight and he's gay. Unlucky as it is, this memoir presents it in such a lovely fashion. Just because that seems like such a black and white comment (you know, I put the word problem to make it seem that way), it really isn't. They can be in love but not have their sexuality define the joy they can bring each other. It's unique and lovely and gave me all of the feels! It brings hope and inspiration and makes me believe in love in more ways than ever before! There's also heart break and loss though, and you know... that hurt, but the descriptions of love... ahh. Yes, I like that.
Even so, it's more than just love. There's experimentation and other joys of life that come along to Emily. It's a coming of age story in it's own right. I just liked the love part, because I'm a sucker for that kind of thing.
Overall, I like this book! I think it's sweet and whimsical and magical and majestic. Emily is a great story teller too!
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
March 8, 2020
Unusual memoir-in-verse that tackles a universal predicament - falling in love with the perfect person for you, except they're not perfect for you, oh wait no they ARE perfect, oh wait no they're not but we love eachother anyway, and so on.
Max is gay, and Emily (the author) is straight. But then they fall in love anyway. Actually, this book doesn't handle sexuality in such a black and white manner, it fully acknowledges that sexuality flows on a spectrum. Actually actually, this is a book about love, and how complicated it can get.
And then we're rolling around in sweatpants,
giggling and shrieking
in a composition
of joy and terror,
fascinated by
and terrified of
ourselves.
The verse form works a treat - if you want to be really obstinate, you can basically read it as prose, but you'd be missing something. The verse form makes everything feel careful and delicate, as if the author is trying to feel things out, moving through a darkened room without touching any of the furniture (I guess the furniture is love..?).
A book for anyone who has ever been in love.
(Received an ARC through Netgalley)
Max is gay, and Emily (the author) is straight. But then they fall in love anyway. Actually, this book doesn't handle sexuality in such a black and white manner, it fully acknowledges that sexuality flows on a spectrum. Actually actually, this is a book about love, and how complicated it can get.
And then we're rolling around in sweatpants,
giggling and shrieking
in a composition
of joy and terror,
fascinated by
and terrified of
ourselves.
The verse form works a treat - if you want to be really obstinate, you can basically read it as prose, but you'd be missing something. The verse form makes everything feel careful and delicate, as if the author is trying to feel things out, moving through a darkened room without touching any of the furniture (I guess the furniture is love..?).
A book for anyone who has ever been in love.
(Received an ARC through Netgalley)
April 27, 2020
During this journey, we will have contact with the various experiences she had, still within the discovering herself and others: with the use of drugs, alcohol, and the various relationships she maintained contact with. All the experiences made her build the whole being that Emily is now, as she admits was in the mistakes she learned about herself. And this is the big message I got from this reading!
Full review in here:
https://nexttoabook.wordpress.com/202...
Full review in here:
https://nexttoabook.wordpress.com/202...
March 18, 2020
The beats and rhythms of a college "finding oneself through an intense relationship" story are pretty standard, but this one distinguished itself in two ways. First the use of (really good!) poetry to show the important college, post-college, and childhood moments that defined and shaped both the relationship and the growth or the narrator. A straightforward telling of the story would not have been half as interesting. And the fact that the people in the relationship were portrayed as being so complex, non-standard, flawed, interesting, loving, and heartbreaking made this rise above what could have been a cliche. Highly recommended!
**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2020
A different kind of love story, told with candour and beauty.
May 29, 2020
The storytelling was so compelling and real. It took me back to the growing up I did in college. Emily was so candid and the story unlike any other that I've read. I was so curious about the outcome that I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this book to those in any relationship questioning sexuality, commitment and boundaries.
The storytelling was so compelling and real. It took me back to the growing up I did in college. Emily was so candid and her story unlike any other that I've read. I was so curious about the outcome that I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this book to those in any relationship questioning sexuality, commitment and boundaries.
The storytelling was so compelling and real. It took me back to the growing up I did in college. Emily was so candid and her story unlike any other that I've read. I was so curious about the outcome that I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this book to those in any relationship questioning sexuality, commitment and boundaries.
June 4, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When you answer,
I choke on air, realizing I've been
holding my breath
since I picked up the phone.
There were some awesome moments of entertainment in this book, like its punny title and a particularly new and different phrasing of everyone's favorite cliché sentence.
In all seriousness, though...
I've been reading a fair amount of free verse lately because I find I'm both fascinated and somewhat confused by the format. 'Confused' in the sense that I don't understand it quite as much as I would like to, and can't quite grasp yet why I feel that it sometimes works brilliantly and sometimes just fails. In this case, though, it worked; I honestly can't imagine the story having anywhere the same emotional impact if it had been written in prose. I felt the poetry flowed beautifully and heightened the entire narrative.
Form aside, though... what a story! This was such a captivating read, gripping like a piece of fiction but, at the same time, somehow uncomfortable to read knowing that real people had actually lived these events. And, sure, that could be said about any (auto-)biography, but the content of this particular book was so intimate that reading it felt almost voyeuristic at times. As a reader, I also interacted with it differently - I was more forgiving of the "characters" and had different expectations for the developments and the ending - than I would have done in a fiction book with the same "plot", which I found very interesting as well.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
When you answer,
I choke on air, realizing I've been
holding my breath
since I picked up the phone.
There were some awesome moments of entertainment in this book, like its punny title and a particularly new and different phrasing of everyone's favorite cliché sentence.
In all seriousness, though...
I've been reading a fair amount of free verse lately because I find I'm both fascinated and somewhat confused by the format. 'Confused' in the sense that I don't understand it quite as much as I would like to, and can't quite grasp yet why I feel that it sometimes works brilliantly and sometimes just fails. In this case, though, it worked; I honestly can't imagine the story having anywhere the same emotional impact if it had been written in prose. I felt the poetry flowed beautifully and heightened the entire narrative.
Form aside, though... what a story! This was such a captivating read, gripping like a piece of fiction but, at the same time, somehow uncomfortable to read knowing that real people had actually lived these events. And, sure, that could be said about any (auto-)biography, but the content of this particular book was so intimate that reading it felt almost voyeuristic at times. As a reader, I also interacted with it differently - I was more forgiving of the "characters" and had different expectations for the developments and the ending - than I would have done in a fiction book with the same "plot", which I found very interesting as well.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
April 30, 2020
‘Be Straight with Me’ by Emily Dalton is a memoir that I received an advanced copy of from NetGalley. It is beautifully written in verse and digs into a topic that many can relate to - falling in love with someone who is equally perfect and wrong for you.
Emily and Max (not his real name) go to college together. Initially they do not get along but share the same friends. Until Emily’s roommate moves out of her dorm room and Max asks to sleep in the empty bed. A budding friendship is quickly formed and on the heels of that friendship, an attraction starts to build between them. The only confusing thing is, Emily is straight and Max is gay.
This is a story about how sexuality can be on a spectrum and how tough it can be to navigate through the struggle of figuring that out, whilst still learning how to be an adult in an unpredictable world. On an even deeper level, Dalton tackles how complicated love can be for anyone, especially those who my be confused about their sexuality. It feels as if she carefully and delicately chose each word to convey her thoughts and emotions during each of her experiences in life.
In short, this is a book for all of those who wish that simply loving someone meant that they would always love you in return.
Emily and Max (not his real name) go to college together. Initially they do not get along but share the same friends. Until Emily’s roommate moves out of her dorm room and Max asks to sleep in the empty bed. A budding friendship is quickly formed and on the heels of that friendship, an attraction starts to build between them. The only confusing thing is, Emily is straight and Max is gay.
This is a story about how sexuality can be on a spectrum and how tough it can be to navigate through the struggle of figuring that out, whilst still learning how to be an adult in an unpredictable world. On an even deeper level, Dalton tackles how complicated love can be for anyone, especially those who my be confused about their sexuality. It feels as if she carefully and delicately chose each word to convey her thoughts and emotions during each of her experiences in life.
In short, this is a book for all of those who wish that simply loving someone meant that they would always love you in return.
March 16, 2020
I received a copy of this e-book ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Let me start by saying I don't normally read poetry books. I do, however, love memoir as a genre, so I thought this story sounded intriguing. So many women today have that gay best friend and sidekick and soulmate, but his was such a unique book. The complex romantic relationship between Max and Emily can draw you in but this author had a way in her poetry to really describe heartbreak that you feel inside as you read. You think the author is making a bad choice of youth on one page and the next you tear up as you realize she is starting to get it too. The past was interspersed throughout with flashbacks of previous boyfriends throughout her youth. I was rooting for her by the end and ever hopeful that somehow, some way, Max and Emily would figure it all out and defy the odds.
Let me start by saying I don't normally read poetry books. I do, however, love memoir as a genre, so I thought this story sounded intriguing. So many women today have that gay best friend and sidekick and soulmate, but his was such a unique book. The complex romantic relationship between Max and Emily can draw you in but this author had a way in her poetry to really describe heartbreak that you feel inside as you read. You think the author is making a bad choice of youth on one page and the next you tear up as you realize she is starting to get it too. The past was interspersed throughout with flashbacks of previous boyfriends throughout her youth. I was rooting for her by the end and ever hopeful that somehow, some way, Max and Emily would figure it all out and defy the odds.
March 30, 2020
I LOVE that this memoir is in verse! I feel like it wouldn't have the same impact if it was written a different way. I've never really read something that shows how sexuality is much more of a fluid thing and not just black and white, that you can really love a person as a person. The ups and downs and complexities of Max and Emily's relationship is really FELT throughout the book. I definitely teared up during several parts of this, the author really makes you feel the heartbreak.
Thank you netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
Thank you netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
March 24, 2020
‘Be Straight With Me’ is a beautiful memoir told in verse and it really touched me. It’s a lovely but heartbreaking exploration of sexuality and the author reveals a lot about their personal experiences.
It frequently reminded me of ‘Just Kids’ by Patti Smith and I think this is one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. ‘Be Straight With Me’ is a quick read but it is packed with lots of emotion. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking to read a memoir which is unique, tender and honest.
It frequently reminded me of ‘Just Kids’ by Patti Smith and I think this is one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. ‘Be Straight With Me’ is a quick read but it is packed with lots of emotion. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking to read a memoir which is unique, tender and honest.
March 19, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.
This is a very interesting poetry collection. You can tell that it is very personal, which easily helps the reader connect with the author. Though this isn't the type of poetry I usually read, I enjoyed reading this book. Rating: 3/5 stars
This is a very interesting poetry collection. You can tell that it is very personal, which easily helps the reader connect with the author. Though this isn't the type of poetry I usually read, I enjoyed reading this book. Rating: 3/5 stars
October 26, 2020
Where to start, this is my first memoir and I can tell you it didn't disappoint.
Emily's writing me feel this love and sadness at the same time, there is this desperate feeling between them and is so confusing that made them do stupid things and at the end each of them have to find a way to each other without hurting. It's just so emotional because you get to see a difficult situation turn into something beautiful and disastrous.
I really recommend this book if so beautifully written and the audio is so great.
Emily's writing me feel this love and sadness at the same time, there is this desperate feeling between them and is so confusing that made them do stupid things and at the end each of them have to find a way to each other without hurting. It's just so emotional because you get to see a difficult situation turn into something beautiful and disastrous.
I really recommend this book if so beautifully written and the audio is so great.
November 2, 2020
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
"some of the most beautiful things in life come from mistakes."
when i read in the synopsis that this book was about a girl being in a relationship with her gay best friend, i told myself i couldn't pass on this one. in be straight with me, emily dalton leads us into her life with this memoir packed with strong emotions, full of love and heartbreak. the author was pretty straightforward regarding her life experiences and everything that happened in the relationship, which added a level of entertainment to the story. the fact that her feelings were poured out to the public and her sadness was shared with the reader made me appreciate this story in a great way. i recommend this to those who enjoy reading stories that deal with loneliness and breakups.
"some of the most beautiful things in life come from mistakes."
when i read in the synopsis that this book was about a girl being in a relationship with her gay best friend, i told myself i couldn't pass on this one. in be straight with me, emily dalton leads us into her life with this memoir packed with strong emotions, full of love and heartbreak. the author was pretty straightforward regarding her life experiences and everything that happened in the relationship, which added a level of entertainment to the story. the fact that her feelings were poured out to the public and her sadness was shared with the reader made me appreciate this story in a great way. i recommend this to those who enjoy reading stories that deal with loneliness and breakups.
May 29, 2020
Stunningly beautiful book. Incredible prose and honest storytelling. It is a quick read and completely worth your time.
September 14, 2020
"Some of the most beautiful
things in life come
from mistakes."
Thank you Andrews McMeel for providing me with an e-arc through NetGalley.
I cannot stress enough about how much I love this book! There is a reason why Andrews McMeel has taken a permanent place in my heart and that is because of their very keen talent to pick the most unique flair out of all the poets/poetesses! Rarely do I come across works that don't work out for me.
I knew this book is going to be a 5 star read the moment I started it. I never decide what rating a book is going to get but the moment I started this one I just knew it. And when I read the last line of this book, I will give this an infinite number of stars if I can...
During her sophomore year at Middlebury College, Emily meets Max—“you” as she intimately refers to him in the book. Not exactly a tomboy, but not quite a girly girl either, Emily is intent on finding a masculine boyfriend to assuage a deeply rooted fear that she may not be quite feminine enough.
Max—a boisterous class clown beloved by his many straight guy friends—has recently come out as gay and is embracing his newly claimed identity. Initially, Max and Emily dislike each other, but end up growing close after a make-out dare on Halloween. Then one night, Max reveals an unexpected physical attraction that catches them both by surprise. The relationship begins, playfully and in secret, and then spirals into something more.
Max and Emily’s journey takes many forms—they experiment with drugs; they travel abroad; they try sleeping with other people (together), and everything in between—all in the name of “this bizarre, beautiful thing” they call love.
As a strikingly soul-stirring memoir-in-verse, 'Be Straight With Me' explores a nonconforming love that blurs the lines of sexuality and gender - an enduring true story by a straight-woman, portrayed in the most poignantly haunting way by bringing into the light of the consequences of a romance as such.
I am never someone who reads blurbs before reading a book. "I have read it before and it is on my TBR because I liked the blurb when I checked it out first," is something I stand on. But when it comes to this arc, it began with the blurb, reminding me what this is about and grabbing my attention because:
Yes, this is a story I want to explore.
Yes, this is a story I want to know more about THROUGH poetry.
The moment I began reading this, I couldn't stop. Even though usually poetry reads are quick and gets finished in one sitting, this one just had to be set down at some points because it became quite emotionally overwhelming for me.
Memoir-in-verse is something that is very hard to nail and Emily has done more than just nail it with her unabashed honesty in her brutally authentic expression of a part of her life story. It is really hard for me to connect personally with memoir poetry unless the imagery is equally focussed on the emotions and the thought processes along with the experience. Or else, it would be nothing but prose. That is not the case with Emily as she weaves her story with poetry in a hypnotising way: transporting you to her world and making you experience it vividly. The intimate look into her experience, with her poetry style, leaves an everlasting impression.
It remains a mystery on why I connected this to this the way I did but I am more than just grateful that I did! One can wonder if it is because we all fall in love with a wrong person and if it is because it is a story of survival, healing, acceptance, coming in terms with who you are, self-love and so much more. But it is so much more than just that. It is a beautiful expression of everything in the spectrum of emotions.
This is something that needs to be held between your hands and experienced. This is a story you need to listen to.
This is the book that needs to be one amidst your exalted collection because it is mine and it will forever be.
I have never had more urge to explore more works by the author so whatever Emily will be putting out next, I am grabbing it! She just became one of my favourites and I am sure she will be yours too!
things in life come
from mistakes."
Thank you Andrews McMeel for providing me with an e-arc through NetGalley.
I cannot stress enough about how much I love this book! There is a reason why Andrews McMeel has taken a permanent place in my heart and that is because of their very keen talent to pick the most unique flair out of all the poets/poetesses! Rarely do I come across works that don't work out for me.
I knew this book is going to be a 5 star read the moment I started it. I never decide what rating a book is going to get but the moment I started this one I just knew it. And when I read the last line of this book, I will give this an infinite number of stars if I can...
During her sophomore year at Middlebury College, Emily meets Max—“you” as she intimately refers to him in the book. Not exactly a tomboy, but not quite a girly girl either, Emily is intent on finding a masculine boyfriend to assuage a deeply rooted fear that she may not be quite feminine enough.
Max—a boisterous class clown beloved by his many straight guy friends—has recently come out as gay and is embracing his newly claimed identity. Initially, Max and Emily dislike each other, but end up growing close after a make-out dare on Halloween. Then one night, Max reveals an unexpected physical attraction that catches them both by surprise. The relationship begins, playfully and in secret, and then spirals into something more.
Max and Emily’s journey takes many forms—they experiment with drugs; they travel abroad; they try sleeping with other people (together), and everything in between—all in the name of “this bizarre, beautiful thing” they call love.
As a strikingly soul-stirring memoir-in-verse, 'Be Straight With Me' explores a nonconforming love that blurs the lines of sexuality and gender - an enduring true story by a straight-woman, portrayed in the most poignantly haunting way by bringing into the light of the consequences of a romance as such.
I am never someone who reads blurbs before reading a book. "I have read it before and it is on my TBR because I liked the blurb when I checked it out first," is something I stand on. But when it comes to this arc, it began with the blurb, reminding me what this is about and grabbing my attention because:
Yes, this is a story I want to explore.
Yes, this is a story I want to know more about THROUGH poetry.
The moment I began reading this, I couldn't stop. Even though usually poetry reads are quick and gets finished in one sitting, this one just had to be set down at some points because it became quite emotionally overwhelming for me.
Memoir-in-verse is something that is very hard to nail and Emily has done more than just nail it with her unabashed honesty in her brutally authentic expression of a part of her life story. It is really hard for me to connect personally with memoir poetry unless the imagery is equally focussed on the emotions and the thought processes along with the experience. Or else, it would be nothing but prose. That is not the case with Emily as she weaves her story with poetry in a hypnotising way: transporting you to her world and making you experience it vividly. The intimate look into her experience, with her poetry style, leaves an everlasting impression.
It remains a mystery on why I connected this to this the way I did but I am more than just grateful that I did! One can wonder if it is because we all fall in love with a wrong person and if it is because it is a story of survival, healing, acceptance, coming in terms with who you are, self-love and so much more. But it is so much more than just that. It is a beautiful expression of everything in the spectrum of emotions.
This is something that needs to be held between your hands and experienced. This is a story you need to listen to.
This is the book that needs to be one amidst your exalted collection because it is mine and it will forever be.
I have never had more urge to explore more works by the author so whatever Emily will be putting out next, I am grabbing it! She just became one of my favourites and I am sure she will be yours too!
March 22, 2020
Relatable, heart warming and heart breaking, giving us real life experiences in an up and down love story where you simultaneously want them to end up together and also not end up together.
This memoir is a display of love, loss, and finding yourself through all of it. It displays the realities of sexual orientation being on a spectrum, that loving the “person” is possible and also sometimes impossible.
I was rooting for Emily the whole way along, but for Emily to find and be Emily. The courage in this memoir is apparent and in the end of I was proud of her.
This memoir is a display of love, loss, and finding yourself through all of it. It displays the realities of sexual orientation being on a spectrum, that loving the “person” is possible and also sometimes impossible.
I was rooting for Emily the whole way along, but for Emily to find and be Emily. The courage in this memoir is apparent and in the end of I was proud of her.
June 6, 2020
Emily's book is one of my favourite till date published by AMU. It has a unique vibe and theme. I especially love the memoir like theme and how the book proceeds.
The poems in the book are sharp and heart touching that they almost get you in the situation.
I definitely recommend this book
The poems in the book are sharp and heart touching that they almost get you in the situation.
I definitely recommend this book
May 23, 2020
This book is captivating. It is the first “memoire in verse” I’ve ever read so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It blew away every expectation I had. Quick and easy read that is powerful. It breaks your heart and heals you at the same time. One of the most moving pieces I have read in a very long time. Reading this during the quarantine we are in was such a good decision. It’s a time when I’ve been feeling numb, thankfully these words make me feel again.
May 23, 2020
First novel in prose I have read, beautiful , added something hard to define- like ripples in water. Smooth, seamless storytelling that flowed from beginning to end and brought the reader along like tubing on a river.
November 3, 2020
thank you to @andrewsmcmeel & @netgalley for this alc!
Be Straight With Me is a memoir in verse about a young straight white woman’s relationship with her gay best friend, which is somewhere between friendship and love. the book is written solely from the pov of the straight woman.
boy, did I hate this book. I was very sceptical from the start because I expected that, the author being the straight person in this relationship, she wouldn’t have much to say about why this relationship was the way it was. I was right. I really didn’t like the author, neither did I like the gay man she was in a weird relationship with. I think they’re both toxic, trying to have something with each other but at the same time not wanting to commit to one another, and both of them just in general wanting different things but still holding on to each other. when she said she wanted to keep the guy straight, I threw up a little in my mouth. when she said she would “let him do the gay thing”, I wanted to throw my phone across the room. I think the author is an incredibly jealous person who thought that the reason she couldn’t keep this guy is because he was gay, and not the fact that maybe he just didn’t want to be with her in the end. when they’re having a threesome she loves it when both people focus only on her, but as soon as they turn away to make out with each other she storms out of the room. toxic much? I think so.
this story should have been told from the guy’s pov; it was not her place to tell his coming out story and to speculate on his sexuality, when he could have told his own story and actually made some meaningful contributions instead of the author’s empty guesses that only had to do with her insecurities as a young woman. I didn’t gain a single thing by listening to this and honestly I don’t think anyone will, so I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone.
Be Straight With Me is a memoir in verse about a young straight white woman’s relationship with her gay best friend, which is somewhere between friendship and love. the book is written solely from the pov of the straight woman.
boy, did I hate this book. I was very sceptical from the start because I expected that, the author being the straight person in this relationship, she wouldn’t have much to say about why this relationship was the way it was. I was right. I really didn’t like the author, neither did I like the gay man she was in a weird relationship with. I think they’re both toxic, trying to have something with each other but at the same time not wanting to commit to one another, and both of them just in general wanting different things but still holding on to each other. when she said she wanted to keep the guy straight, I threw up a little in my mouth. when she said she would “let him do the gay thing”, I wanted to throw my phone across the room. I think the author is an incredibly jealous person who thought that the reason she couldn’t keep this guy is because he was gay, and not the fact that maybe he just didn’t want to be with her in the end. when they’re having a threesome she loves it when both people focus only on her, but as soon as they turn away to make out with each other she storms out of the room. toxic much? I think so.
this story should have been told from the guy’s pov; it was not her place to tell his coming out story and to speculate on his sexuality, when he could have told his own story and actually made some meaningful contributions instead of the author’s empty guesses that only had to do with her insecurities as a young woman. I didn’t gain a single thing by listening to this and honestly I don’t think anyone will, so I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone.
June 6, 2020
Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. I had to pace myself so I could make this book last more than a day. I found myself memorized by the intimate details and the relatability of this book. Be Straight with Me is beautifully written and an honest, raw story. I found myself recalling my own college years and remembering old loves. It brought me to a place I hadn’t thought about in years.
This book speaks to the heart and is captivating from page 1. I highly recommend this Be Straight with Me!
This book speaks to the heart and is captivating from page 1. I highly recommend this Be Straight with Me!
November 23, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Be Straight with Me is a short memoir, that is apparently written in verse. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kate Rudd.
This was an usual piece. Since I listened to it, I didn't pick up on the poem part. Rudd didn't seem to read it to any particular beat or pattern. It seemed more like a bunch of slightly conjoined thoughts.
If you're interested in learning about someone's college experience, while in an unusual relationship check it out. It wasn't my cup of tea personally though.
Be Straight with Me is a short memoir, that is apparently written in verse. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kate Rudd.
This was an usual piece. Since I listened to it, I didn't pick up on the poem part. Rudd didn't seem to read it to any particular beat or pattern. It seemed more like a bunch of slightly conjoined thoughts.
If you're interested in learning about someone's college experience, while in an unusual relationship check it out. It wasn't my cup of tea personally though.
March 26, 2021
This was a very fascinating book. I can't believe it's a memoir and a debut novel as well. Thanks to netgalley I have received an arc of this audiobook and it was amazing point blank.
The way that Emily described her love for her gay best friend and how the relationship unraveled.
they are best friends but somehow that line became blurry. *i can relate *
That fine line between best friend and lover is very complicated and confusing. This was just a great quick listen yet again it was hard hitting. I loved it
The way that Emily described her love for her gay best friend and how the relationship unraveled.
they are best friends but somehow that line became blurry. *i can relate *
That fine line between best friend and lover is very complicated and confusing. This was just a great quick listen yet again it was hard hitting. I loved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
annual re-read… favourite book in the whole world
FOURTH READ. Still my favourite book of all time. It somehow manages to get better every read. Found it extra gut wrenching this time - fantastic. 10/10, absolutely recommend to a friend.
FOURTH READ. Still my favourite book of all time. It somehow manages to get better every read. Found it extra gut wrenching this time - fantastic. 10/10, absolutely recommend to a friend.
June 7, 2020
I read this book in about two nights -- it reads really fast, yet the subject-matter stuck with me for much longer. It's a story that made me think about the lines between partnership, romance, and friendship.
The writing style is something I've never seen before: a memoir in verse... that you soon forget is in verse. The style fits the story snuggly, bringing the reader deeper into the world of the two protagonists.
When I closed the book, I was sad it was over. I was invested in the characters. They had become friends of mine. I wanted more.
The writing style is something I've never seen before: a memoir in verse... that you soon forget is in verse. The style fits the story snuggly, bringing the reader deeper into the world of the two protagonists.
When I closed the book, I was sad it was over. I was invested in the characters. They had become friends of mine. I wanted more.
December 30, 2020
Be Straight With Me by Emily Dalton is a memoir told in verse that documents the author's romantic relationship with her gay male friend in college. The memoir moves swiftly and skillfully puts the reader into her experience attending a remote private college in Vermont in the 2010s. Though my experiences in college differed, I identified with Dalton's relationship experiences and ruminations. The narration was a little flat, but the story captivated me and I wanted to keep listening to find out what would happen. I really enjoyed listening to this fascinating, authentic, atmospheric memoir. Thank you Andrews McMeel Audio and NetGalley for providing this ARC.
June 11, 2020
Me while reading the description: Oh, it’s memoir? nahh. And it’s in verse? double nahh. And it’s about LGBTQ+ stuff? Now—don’t get me wrong—I wholeheartedly support Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. I just haven’t read anything in that genre..... and I tend to stick to what I know..... so... Ahh, what the heck. I’m feeling adventurous, so I guess I’ll try something new. And if I don’t like it after 25 pages, then I can bail and go back to reading Harry Potter for the 85th time.
Me, on the last page, after reading the entire book in one sitting: *SOBBING WITH SO MANY FEELS* (then, once I’d pulled myself together...) Ok. Wow. I am SO glad I read that. Wow. Ok. Who is this Emily E. Dalton and when is her next book coming out!!?!????!
Me, on the last page, after reading the entire book in one sitting: *SOBBING WITH SO MANY FEELS* (then, once I’d pulled myself together...) Ok. Wow. I am SO glad I read that. Wow. Ok. Who is this Emily E. Dalton and when is her next book coming out!!?!????!
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