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Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey - 4/5 stars

Published: 2020, Tom Doherty Associates

Genre: Speculative Fiction

Reviewer: Jonah L., Class I

As someone unfamiliar with the author Sarah Gailey, I was unsure of what to expect when I began reading this book. Despite my lack of familiarity, I enjoyed reading Upright Women Wanted. The story takes place in a futuristic American Southwest where the government strictly controls access to information. Esther, the protagonist, runs away from her home after her girlfriend, Beatriz, is executed and her father attempts to force her into an arranged marriage. She joins the Librarians, a group who distributes government propaganda to many towns. Although Esther thinks she knows everything about the Librarians, she soon finds out that there is more to them than she had realized, as she simultaneously explores questions of her own identity and place in the world.

Upright Women Wanted is a story of self-acceptance and social commentary on the state of American society. The novel is extremely gripping and entertaining, and it leaves readers with a sense of satisfaction. The book contains important themes as Esther confronts internalized homophobia, among other issues. Many readers will be able to form connections with the characters of the story, allowing them to truly be rewarded for reading it. Sarah Gailey manages to create characters that are realistic, relatable, and interesting, leaving many readers eager for more. I don’t have anything negative to say about the book, as it was never boring or overly sensational. For anyone who wants an entertaining and insightful story, I would definitely recommend this book. Sarah Gailey did a fantastic job and I’m sure people will easily be able to enjoy Upright Women Wanted.