The Mural

by Lauryn Brooks

For Peyton Kelly, being a lesbian isn’t something she’s in denial about. She's acutely aware of her sexuality – despite how uncomfortable it makes her in her conservative Georgia town.

When Jamie Kendall, the cute, openly-gay, new girl from Chicago moves to the small town of Branton, Peyton finds it harder to conceal the truth about herself. As the girls end up working together for a mural competition, Peyton is forced to recognize her fears of coming out and must find the courage to show everyone her true colors.

Genres: LGBT

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2021

Reviews

[Emily ~ emhoardsbooks]

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.

The Mural follows Peyton, high school senior and class president, as she tries to navigate the social pressures of a small town high school. To make matters more complicated, she's falling for the new girl, Jamie, but doesn't know how to come out to her friends and family.

I thought this was a really poignant coming of age story. While it had its classic YA moments of partying with friends and stressing about school work, it also dealt with a lot of heavy topics. I personally related to a lot of Peyton's experiences and feelings, and thought that the way her inner thoughts were written were very relatable.

I had a few issues with inconsistencies and the way some of the plot points were wrapped up in the end. However, I still liked the book as a whole. I enjoyed reading about the friendships and seeing Peyton's relationship with Jamie develop over time. And I feel like if you're looking for a sapphic YA contemporary along the lines of maybe ou Should See Me In A Crown, you should try this one.

Trigger Warnings: alcohol consumption, depression, forced outing, homophobia, mention of suicide

[Ben Durante]

As someone who grew up as part of the LGBT community in the south I related to the main character so much. This book was amazing and filled with so many lessons and relatable moments. I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in record time and once I was done, I read it again. Absolutely incredible writing.

[Faith]

AMAZING!! I love this book so much❤️❤️❤️

[Athina Lazeli]

I love this story!!

[Geo]

Amazing book, everyone should read it!

[Robert Peebles]

I love reading books by this Author she writes great books this book is very good I have read it 3 times it that good

[Rocio Robles]

So worth it. I love this book so much<3

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Homomisia
Forced outing
Alcohol consumption
Depression
Suicide mentioned

[Augustina Osemeke]

I love this story alot

[Jahnavi Bohra]

A book that keeps you at your toes, wanting to know what happens next. An amazing and beautiful story.❤😭