You Are Not Me ('90s Coming of Age Book 2)

When I finally set off to read this second book , knowing how devastatingly beautiful the first one was I knew I was going to be in for another nostalgic and heart tugging story that all at once comforted and scared me but ultimately had my heart ripped and sewn back up if left a bit broken. And I loved every precious word I read and easily felt at home continuing on with Peter's journey through love, heart break , hope and all the trappings I remember and might have gone through myself coming out gay myself in the late 80's and early 90's at 18 yrs old. I hope for Adam to find himself, I mourn for Peter's heartbreak, and see so much light and love with Daniel. Peter unbeknown to himself I think is becoming a more self assured and openly proud gay man even when he seems to think he is failing .Through his honest hope and desire to be true to his words and giving Adam all the chance in the world to see what is really right in front of him, yet he is so deeply in denial and living in shame of himself. Peter documenting his life with photos that I assume later in his life he can look back on and I hope in fondness is one of the real magic moments captured throughout the story. Daniel and Peter's relationship is so tender and full of love that I hope it's something that last through their lifetime however the ultimate end of this fantastic series ends. I truly love reading these books.

This is the second book in the series. I've read it right after Pictures of You because I was so curious about Peter's journey. As much as I loved the first book, I was still furious with Adam, but also with Peter's inability to let Adam go. "Young twisted love" doesn't even cover it!!! I know there are many readers who love Adam and defend him. But I can't feel sorry for him. Of course Peter is to blame too... but I'm so furious with the unfairness!! In the '90s people were so scared to come out. What am I saying here?! Ugh! Right now gay people still struggle to come out and gay marriage is legal... Anyway, this series is supposed to have 4 books and only 2 are released until now 😔 I haven't seen any info about the next book 😢 Hopefully I won't forget about Peter and Daniel until then 😭 P.S. I so want Peter to end up with Daniel and not Adam 😈😛😁

This book is like reading a Haruki Murakami novel: the symbolic way each action affects the story and the seemingly unimportant things that make the story a sea to drown in, breath it in until you can’t feel anything but the words, emotions and characters in it. This book left me gasping for air, feeling love and pride in Peter, Daniel and the future I believe they can build for themselves. This is the type of book I love most but am also scared of, because I know it will break me. Then please, let me be broken, because it was the best pain I felt in a long while. To me, the real appeal in this book was Peter- in all his wreaked confused uncertainties and bad choices. There is something so achingly human about him, fumbling and undecided as he is, that just breaks your heart at the same time it gives you an almost unbearable sense of hope. Peter embodies every youthful hope, romantic notion and brutal failure of youth (and reminds me of my own) in a whirlwind of first experiences and self-discovery. You truly want Peter to make the right choice, are devastated at times when he doesn’t, but can’t hate him or blame him for choosing them. The complexity of emotion Leta wove into this story is masterful and ingenious and each character has a world of feelings. Even the ones we don’t see much, like friends from Peter’s high school, shine when they appear even for a short time. This book is a complete story, there is no unnecessary detail, no missing plot-line, every word is right where it should be. The writing is beautiful, compelling, an art form, Peter’s world is constructed of the pictures he takes, of how he views it through the lens and filters. It’s a magnificent world, hurtful and cruel, yet sweet and romantic. The 1991 Leta describes is so familiar and yet far away, I keep thinking “oh, they didn’t have cell phones then” or reminiscing about some long forgotten small detail about daily life then. All these make the story that much better, you truly feel like you are growing up with Peter, hurting and loving with him in the ups and downs of his disappointments and yearnings. The love in these books is the twisted, non-fairytale variety and its as complex and changeable as the many ways Peter can capture a subject with his camera. The summer between high school and collage is a time for him to get to know himself, but will he find a man he can like, or even love, within? His journey is hard and sad, I spent one night crying myself to sleep while reading but was still always hopeful that it will be better, that he can break free from Adam and find a way to be a man he can love. The new characters are all unique, strange and lovable: Windy, Minty, Daniel and so much more. Every single person in this story grew in the sequel, even the ones you hate and want to disappear into a black hole, and it’s a beautiful thing to behold. Peter’s parents became a support in his life, unwanted at times as it may be, and he learns an important lesson: by letting go of loved ones even when it hurts us the most we can grow into people we can be proud of. I wish I had the chance to buy this book for every friend I have, because I feel like every adult reader need to red it.

A masterful follow-on to Book One. The cast of characters widens, and we meet new characters, such as Daniel, undergoing transformation. Characters already in the mix, such as Renee and Adam, are highlighted for continued transformation. Perhaps Renee is not transformed, but our view of her certainly is, which may be just as important. We learn about many characters' relationships with Peter; their views of him, and interactions with him, help inform our understanding of the narrator. Peter's mother undergoes change, and we gain more understanding of her than we had from the first book. Adam's transformation from doubtful to confirmed scuzzball abuser is complete. In addition to coming-of-age tales, I am addicted to ensemble stories, in which there may be a central character or narrator, but the ensemble itself acts as character, illuminating the story line, and dimming the spotlight on the main character from time to time. Ensemble stories require not just enormous talent, but also finely-honed skills in the crafts of writing and story-telling. Few authors try to write ensemble stories, because they are exceedingly difficult to write, and management of plot arcs and sub-plots fails without an expert's touch. Another stumbling block to writing ensemble stories is ensuring that every character has a place, a purpose and an identity. I cannot identify a single character, regardless of how small a role, who does not meet these requirements. Read book one, Photos of You, first. You might as well order this second book, You Are Not Me, at the same time. If you admire writing at its finest, and love well-told stories, I promise you'll want to read the second book as soon as you've finished the first. Ms. Blake is prolific and busy, and I'm at wits' end trying to come up with an incentive for her to write Book Three. I might have to reconsider the "Kidnap and Dungeon" scheme.

I love this book; there's no better way to describe it, just that I simply do. I didn't think I'd 100% love it after reading the roller coaster love of Peter and Adam in the first novel of the series, but this one made me want to read more. I just can't help but get feels every time Daniel is mentioned in this. He's a solid dude. Adam is in need of some character development, but there are 2 more books left and I'm sure his day will come, but even if it does, I don't think he should be with Peter. I won't write any spoilers but I'm glad that Peter's character got some growth about his relationships on not only how he treats people and also how he should be treated. I'm happy to see some improvement with his parents, too. Their scenes in this were well-written, actually, the entire novel is well-written, as if Peter himself were a real person who wrote out his feelings to share with the world. That's pretty difficult to pull of with a first person novel these days, but Leta Blake does it so well, you that anyone besides Peter wrote it until you get to the end and realize, "Wait, Peter's a fictional character," even if he does feel like a close friend. Leta's a terrific writer. I get lost in her books, completely absorbed. Hadn't been so ready to read the next installment of a series in a long time and I'm psyched for the 3rd and 4th installments. Also, after reading Leta Blake's website, I encourage anyone who's reading this to check it out. Every author deserves a chance to finish what they've started and this series needs love and support! It also deserves more reviews and I wish more people would take the time to leave great authors like this more encouragement.

As with Pictures Of You, the first book in this series, I loved "You Are Not Me" just as much. This book is wonderful, beautiful and heart wrenching. Peter has definitely matured even though he's still finding his way around the world. I was so excited to meet new characters and Minty, Windy and Antonio were awesome and I hope they continue in the series. Robert/Renee and Barry still have Peter's back and I adore their loyalty to him. As with the first book, this story is bittersweet and at times, I want to shake Peter by the shoulders and tell him to wake up! I know deep down Adam loves Peter with everything he has but it's just not enough. Daniel has my heart, he's a stand up guy with his family and friends and I hope he becomes a permanent fixture in Peters life (in the next books). The 90's were not an easy decade for the LGBT and we lost so many good people, this book is a tribute to the ones who didn't make it. Leta, all your characters become my friends and I miss them when I get to the end of your books ! Looking forward to continuing my journey with Peter !

This second book of the series is even better than the first. Peter has become one of my favorite fictional characters, although it's easy to forget it's fiction. I'm happy with the way it ended, I let myself imagine a HEA, but since I know there are two more books to go, and to wait on, I'm eager to see where this talented author takes this story. I know how I want it to go, but I'm not saying, because spoilers. You'll want to read book one (Pictures of You) first, but these two books will not disappoint.

This series keeps you right on the edge of wanting to throw the book at the wall and curling up in a ball and sob. I suspected Adam may not be the greatest guy, and in this book we get to know Adam a little better. As for Peter, he's not the greatest guy either, but he becoming his own man. Well on his way to greatness. As for Daniel, he claims to be flawed. I'm not so sure. Brilliantly written. After every scene at the club I felt like I had take a shower to rinse off the grime. Even watching Peter's mom evolve to her current state. The scene at the vets was very "too soon" for me. Bring on book three! 5.0 for Moon Pies and Jolly Zimas.

I love this series! This is a great second installment that shows Peter finally becoming the gay man he wants to be. I loved the scenes with Bobby and the glimpse of living with AIDS in the 90's. I like that he found some gay friends and they are all teaching him something different. I also hope Adam learns to live his truth and becomes a better man than what he looks right now. I can't wait to read the next book and see how this develops!

Great sequel to Pictures of You. An excellent and entertaining story

When I finally set off to read this second book , knowing how devastatingly beautiful the first one was I knew I was going to be in for another nostalgic and heart tugging story that all at once comforted and scared me but ultimately had my heart ripped and sewn back up if left a bit broken. And I loved every precious word I read and easily felt at home continuing on with Peter's journey through love, heart break , hope and all the trappings I remember and might have gone through myself coming out gay myself in the late 80's and early 90's at 18 yrs old. I hope for Adam to find himself, I mourn for Peter's heartbreak, and see so much light and love with Daniel. Peter unbeknown to himself I think is becoming a more self assured and openly proud gay man even when he seems to think he is failing .Through his honest hope and desire to be true to his words and giving Adam all the chance in the world to see what is really right in front of him, yet he is so deeply in denial and living in shame of himself. Peter documenting his life with photos that I assume later in his life he can look back on and I hope in fondness is one of the real magic moments captured throughout the story. Daniel and Peter's relationship is so tender and full of love that I hope it's something that last through their lifetime however the ultimate end of this fantastic series ends. I truly love reading these books.

This is the second book in the series. I've read it right after Pictures of You because I was so curious about Peter's journey. As much as I loved the first book, I was still furious with Adam, but also with Peter's inability to let Adam go. "Young twisted love" doesn't even cover it!!! I know there are many readers who love Adam and defend him. But I can't feel sorry for him. Of course Peter is to blame too... but I'm so furious with the unfairness!! In the '90s people were so scared to come out. What am I saying here?! Ugh! Right now gay people still struggle to come out and gay marriage is legal... Anyway, this series is supposed to have 4 books and only 2 are released until now 😔 I haven't seen any info about the next book 😢 Hopefully I won't forget about Peter and Daniel until then 😭 P.S. I so want Peter to end up with Daniel and not Adam 😈😛😁

This book is like reading a Haruki Murakami novel: the symbolic way each action affects the story and the seemingly unimportant things that make the story a sea to drown in, breath it in until you can’t feel anything but the words, emotions and characters in it. This book left me gasping for air, feeling love and pride in Peter, Daniel and the future I believe they can build for themselves. This is the type of book I love most but am also scared of, because I know it will break me. Then please, let me be broken, because it was the best pain I felt in a long while. To me, the real appeal in this book was Peter- in all his wreaked confused uncertainties and bad choices. There is something so achingly human about him, fumbling and undecided as he is, that just breaks your heart at the same time it gives you an almost unbearable sense of hope. Peter embodies every youthful hope, romantic notion and brutal failure of youth (and reminds me of my own) in a whirlwind of first experiences and self-discovery. You truly want Peter to make the right choice, are devastated at times when he doesn’t, but can’t hate him or blame him for choosing them. The complexity of emotion Leta wove into this story is masterful and ingenious and each character has a world of feelings. Even the ones we don’t see much, like friends from Peter’s high school, shine when they appear even for a short time. This book is a complete story, there is no unnecessary detail, no missing plot-line, every word is right where it should be. The writing is beautiful, compelling, an art form, Peter’s world is constructed of the pictures he takes, of how he views it through the lens and filters. It’s a magnificent world, hurtful and cruel, yet sweet and romantic. The 1991 Leta describes is so familiar and yet far away, I keep thinking “oh, they didn’t have cell phones then” or reminiscing about some long forgotten small detail about daily life then. All these make the story that much better, you truly feel like you are growing up with Peter, hurting and loving with him in the ups and downs of his disappointments and yearnings. The love in these books is the twisted, non-fairytale variety and its as complex and changeable as the many ways Peter can capture a subject with his camera. The summer between high school and collage is a time for him to get to know himself, but will he find a man he can like, or even love, within? His journey is hard and sad, I spent one night crying myself to sleep while reading but was still always hopeful that it will be better, that he can break free from Adam and find a way to be a man he can love. The new characters are all unique, strange and lovable: Windy, Minty, Daniel and so much more. Every single person in this story grew in the sequel, even the ones you hate and want to disappear into a black hole, and it’s a beautiful thing to behold. Peter’s parents became a support in his life, unwanted at times as it may be, and he learns an important lesson: by letting go of loved ones even when it hurts us the most we can grow into people we can be proud of. I wish I had the chance to buy this book for every friend I have, because I feel like every adult reader need to red it.

A masterful follow-on to Book One. The cast of characters widens, and we meet new characters, such as Daniel, undergoing transformation. Characters already in the mix, such as Renee and Adam, are highlighted for continued transformation. Perhaps Renee is not transformed, but our view of her certainly is, which may be just as important. We learn about many characters' relationships with Peter; their views of him, and interactions with him, help inform our understanding of the narrator. Peter's mother undergoes change, and we gain more understanding of her than we had from the first book. Adam's transformation from doubtful to confirmed scuzzball abuser is complete. In addition to coming-of-age tales, I am addicted to ensemble stories, in which there may be a central character or narrator, but the ensemble itself acts as character, illuminating the story line, and dimming the spotlight on the main character from time to time. Ensemble stories require not just enormous talent, but also finely-honed skills in the crafts of writing and story-telling. Few authors try to write ensemble stories, because they are exceedingly difficult to write, and management of plot arcs and sub-plots fails without an expert's touch. Another stumbling block to writing ensemble stories is ensuring that every character has a place, a purpose and an identity. I cannot identify a single character, regardless of how small a role, who does not meet these requirements. Read book one, Photos of You, first. You might as well order this second book, You Are Not Me, at the same time. If you admire writing at its finest, and love well-told stories, I promise you'll want to read the second book as soon as you've finished the first. Ms. Blake is prolific and busy, and I'm at wits' end trying to come up with an incentive for her to write Book Three. I might have to reconsider the "Kidnap and Dungeon" scheme.

I love this book; there's no better way to describe it, just that I simply do. I didn't think I'd 100% love it after reading the roller coaster love of Peter and Adam in the first novel of the series, but this one made me want to read more. I just can't help but get feels every time Daniel is mentioned in this. He's a solid dude. Adam is in need of some character development, but there are 2 more books left and I'm sure his day will come, but even if it does, I don't think he should be with Peter. I won't write any spoilers but I'm glad that Peter's character got some growth about his relationships on not only how he treats people and also how he should be treated. I'm happy to see some improvement with his parents, too. Their scenes in this were well-written, actually, the entire novel is well-written, as if Peter himself were a real person who wrote out his feelings to share with the world. That's pretty difficult to pull of with a first person novel these days, but Leta Blake does it so well, you that anyone besides Peter wrote it until you get to the end and realize, "Wait, Peter's a fictional character," even if he does feel like a close friend. Leta's a terrific writer. I get lost in her books, completely absorbed. Hadn't been so ready to read the next installment of a series in a long time and I'm psyched for the 3rd and 4th installments. Also, after reading Leta Blake's website, I encourage anyone who's reading this to check it out. Every author deserves a chance to finish what they've started and this series needs love and support! It also deserves more reviews and I wish more people would take the time to leave great authors like this more encouragement.

As with Pictures Of You, the first book in this series, I loved "You Are Not Me" just as much. This book is wonderful, beautiful and heart wrenching. Peter has definitely matured even though he's still finding his way around the world. I was so excited to meet new characters and Minty, Windy and Antonio were awesome and I hope they continue in the series. Robert/Renee and Barry still have Peter's back and I adore their loyalty to him. As with the first book, this story is bittersweet and at times, I want to shake Peter by the shoulders and tell him to wake up! I know deep down Adam loves Peter with everything he has but it's just not enough. Daniel has my heart, he's a stand up guy with his family and friends and I hope he becomes a permanent fixture in Peters life (in the next books). The 90's were not an easy decade for the LGBT and we lost so many good people, this book is a tribute to the ones who didn't make it. Leta, all your characters become my friends and I miss them when I get to the end of your books ! Looking forward to continuing my journey with Peter !

This second book of the series is even better than the first. Peter has become one of my favorite fictional characters, although it's easy to forget it's fiction. I'm happy with the way it ended, I let myself imagine a HEA, but since I know there are two more books to go, and to wait on, I'm eager to see where this talented author takes this story. I know how I want it to go, but I'm not saying, because spoilers. You'll want to read book one (Pictures of You) first, but these two books will not disappoint.

This series keeps you right on the edge of wanting to throw the book at the wall and curling up in a ball and sob. I suspected Adam may not be the greatest guy, and in this book we get to know Adam a little better. As for Peter, he's not the greatest guy either, but he becoming his own man. Well on his way to greatness. As for Daniel, he claims to be flawed. I'm not so sure. Brilliantly written. After every scene at the club I felt like I had take a shower to rinse off the grime. Even watching Peter's mom evolve to her current state. The scene at the vets was very "too soon" for me. Bring on book three! 5.0 for Moon Pies and Jolly Zimas.

I love this series! This is a great second installment that shows Peter finally becoming the gay man he wants to be. I loved the scenes with Bobby and the glimpse of living with AIDS in the 90's. I like that he found some gay friends and they are all teaching him something different. I also hope Adam learns to live his truth and becomes a better man than what he looks right now. I can't wait to read the next book and see how this develops!

Great sequel to Pictures of You. An excellent and entertaining story

Poor Peter. Why does he think he deserves second best?

loved it

Excellent depiction of first love and first coming out.

*Reviewed by Jane for Sinfully Gay Romance Book Reviews ~ 4.5 Stars* This is book 2 in the series and follows on directly from the first one. We pick it up at the start of the summer when Peter’s somewhat boyfriend Adam has gone to Rome to spend the summer with his family. Peter spends a lot more time with his friend and employer Robert and his partner Barry. They persuade Peter to try to make other gay friends and to have some life that is not just waiting around for Adam. He is still intrigued by Daniel, whom we met in book 1 and they end up spending a lot of time together as Peter becomes part of Daniel’s friendship group. I loved the dynamic of the group and that they were very welcoming and accepting of Peter and also very protective, especially after a drug related incidence occurs. During the whole of the first book, I wanted Peter and Adam together, and was very sceptical of his burgeoning infatuation with Daniel and really wanted that to fizzle out and for Adam to choose Peter and for first love to conquer all. This book turned that all on its head. I hated that Peter was waiting around to see if Adam would make good on his promise of them being together when he got back. I wanted Peter to take a chance with Daniel and to tell Adam to stick it. Adam keeps him dangling and Peter is so conflicted during a lot of this book, torn between following his promise to wait for Adam and his intense attraction to Daniel. Something does eventually happen with Peter and Daniel which is lovely and intimate but ultimately leaves both of them with a huge amount of guilt and awkwardness. You compare that to what happens with Adam when he returns. Their reunion is purely sexual and emotionally distant with no intimacy like Peter shared with Daniel. I think at this point Peter is realising that things with Adam may not be the same. We do see Peter’s final realisation that Adam is a selfish dick, same old, same old, wanting his cake and eating it and I for one was really glad when that happened. As this book takes place in 1991, we still have all of the touchstones for that time, we see that Daniel volunteers for an AIDS Response team and we’re introduced to the man he visits Bobby and the issues he is dealing with. That brought everything into sharp focus and took me back to that time. It was a very enlightening arc to the story. This book deals very well with the issue of condoms and safe sex and the need for education. We also see that Peter is still living his life through the lens and his photography remains a big part of who he is. The relationship with his parents continues to improve dramatically and that has a freeing effect on Peter. He has another means of support, especially when things go a bit pear shaped with Daniel and his friends. By the end of this book, the author had managed to entirely change the couple I was rooting for and this is no easy feat for me as usually I’m all in with my ship and it never deviates. The author leaves us with somewhat of a cliff hanger ending. I was screaming at the book not to end there, I desperately need to know what happens next. This book is slightly less angsty than the first and has some very touching scenes and heart warming moments and it sets it all up nicely for book 3 which I cannot wait to read. Highly recommended.

This is the second book in a series and best enjoyed when read in order. It's June 1991, and the AIDS epidemic is at it's peak, as is tension with Middle Easterners, as we're in the midst of the Gulf War. Peter Mandel is nearly nineteen, and just graduated from high school in Knoxville, Tennesee. He's gay, and out to his parents and a few friends, notably his boyfriend, the BF's siblings, and his drag queen boss. Peter otherwise keeps a low profile because he's been attacked for his sexuality, and to spare his mother pain; as a child she'd seen her elder brother brutally killed for being gay. Peter's boyfriend Adam thought he had a fool-proof plan to shield them from scrutiny: he got a girlfriend, Leslie, who he maintains a sexual relationship with, as well as with Peter. It killed Peter for their time together in senior year, but now it's summer and Adam's gone to Rome to live with his parents until college begins in the fall. His letters and calls to Peter all describe the big changes that will happen when he's back, but Peter's not so convinced. He's not comfortable being a piece on the side any longer, and he cares for Leslie, too--feels like a big jerk for lying to her, in fact. Peter meets Daniel through Robert/Renee, the lovely black drag queen he works for. See, Peter's a photographer, and he does Renee's publicity, as well as helps edit his filmography of famous drag queens. Daniel is a college student at UT, just like Peter, and they develop a good friendship, as well as an attraction. Daniel doesn't want to make a move, though, knowing Peter is holding out hope the he and Adam will build a stronger relationship when Adam returns--despite the fact that they'll attend different colleges in different states--and Leslie will be with Adam. So, yeah. There is a bit of romance, as Daniel and Peter spend more and more time together. Peter gets to know all of Daniel's close friends, and he sees how important it is to live his truth. Plus, he's filling out of his gawky-awkward stage, and finding that men are very much attracted to him whenever he gets out to the gay clubs. Should he wait for Adam? Is he only prolonging the heartbreak? This book is really rich with description of the times and occurrences. I love the throwbacks of corded phones, answering machines and film cameras. Developing!! Argh! There's also some really poignant moments regarding HIV/AIDS because Daniel is an outreach volunteer, and he gets Peter involved in some home care visits with a man who's dying of AIDS. Wow! That was so freaking intense, and I only expect it'll get more so in the next book. The context of HIV/AIDS is such a strong element of the book, with every person advising Peter on his safety, and some serious problems when risks are unnecessarily posed. Emotionally, Peter struggles with doing what he believes is right, and what is right for him. So many times I wanted to just pull him in for a long hug, and tell him to Get Rid Of Adam!!! Alas, I'm but a reader, and I must follow the path he chooses. The good part is: all of it. It's gritty, and scary, and captivating living life through Peter's opened eyes. He finds unlikely allies, and builds true relationships--even repairing a lot of the damage within his own family. His parents' benign neglect was more damaging than they realized, and they do a lot of soul-searching and reconnection in this book. That was fabulous. Peter does make mistakes, and I think he gets pretty lucky in some parts--particularly dealing with some substance use he wasn't quite ready for. While the romance is almost incidental to the story, it does exist. Expect it to be bittersweet. The end is upbeat, and I'm eager to see how Peter takes to his first semester in college.

First love is beautiful, but sometimes it can be destructive... It is the summer of ‘91, and Peter Mandel is ready to enjoy a summer of freedom. Out to his family, who are doing their best to be supportive, Peter is decided to leave behind the lies that surrounded his last year at High School. With his secret boyfriend Adam on Italy, Peter is able to make new friends, explore the gay community on his town and even find a new crush. But Adam is still in his life, and even in the distance he is an insidious presence which obliges Peter to continue lying to old and new friends. Peter still hopes that things with Adam will be different come September, but perhaps it is Peter the one who is different now… In the second instalment of Peter’s story we accompany him during his summer without Adam. Far from his influence, and the baggage of lies that surrounds their relationship, Peter is able to bloom and find real friendship. He meets new people, enjoys his job with Robert, and makes some mistakes… He matures and changes, and it is a pleasure to accompany him in his journey to adulthood. I loved his new friends, Minty, Windy and Antonio, and I fell completely for Daniel. Though Peter tries to be a better man, he still makes mistakes, and sometimes he behaves sullen and angry as the teenager he still is. All his anger and pain come mainly from his frustration because of Adam. Adam means trouble for Peter, but I am more prone to pity him than to hate him. In this book he is away, but he does not stop being part in the story, because of his presence in Peter’s mind. I think Peter knows everything is over with Adam, but a childish part of him wants to believe there is a HEA for them and that’s why he forces himself to keep loyal, or as loyal as possible. At the end, everybody is hurt, but there is a chance for better things to come, as happens every time a chapter finishes and a new one is about to start… I’m really enjoying this series. It is incredible how easy it is to relate to this characters, and to get emotionally invested in their lives. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next, what awaits Peter at University, what kind of man he is going to become. He’s endearing, and his story is one of those which refuse to leave your mind.

Peter’s story continues in this wonderful, superbly written book. This is the sequel to Pictures of You and can’t be read as a stand-alone. It is summer vacation. Peter is working with Robert/Renée on the videos and dresses. Peter’s boyfriend/not boyfriend, Adam, is in Rome with his family. Even from that distance, Adam’s influence on Peter’s life is all-consuming. Although that Peter is growing up and maturing whereas Adam is nothing but. Peter has come out to his family, which was not easy, but he dared to do so. In the first book I could feel some sympathy for Adam because of his upbringing, but not anymore. I find him a manipulating, selfish, cheating bastard. Peter is not without fault himself. Hey, he is a teenager, but he is trying, although he lets Adam effect him and his decisions too much. The web of lies and half truths are getting tighter and tighter, and you know the threads will have to snap, the only thing you don’t know is when. The buildup was killing me. So cleverly done. Through Robert and Barry Peter is meeting new friends: Minty and Windy, and of course Daniel. Daniel is a sweetheart, several years older. At that age, a few years is significant, and it shows. It is not that Daniel is pushing or anything, but his being there is enough for Peter to finally see Adam with different eyes. Daniel introduces Peter to the more important issues in life. The dangers of AIDS and HIV, the effects that have on gay men, Bobby being one of them. Peter pushes through his own self-absorbed bubble and sees the world around him. This story is heartbreaking, beautiful, poignant and thought-provoking. A perfect rendition of coming of age in the nineties. Although, besides several details characteristic of that period, it really is a story of growing up from teenager to young adult no matter the era it is set in.

1) This was a touching coming of age story that had me crying more than I expected. Peter was a compelling and endearing protagonist, his lack of confidence, his conflicting feelings, and his attempts at figuring out his future while unable to let go of his past making him beautifully flawed and leaving room for him to grow throughout this books. You are not me felt as much a story about blending new and old in terms of friendship and accepting who one is as it was the story of a boy dealing with a toxic, lies-infested love. The supporting characters were an interesting and diverse cast of ages and interests and worked well in highlighting different aspects of Peter’s life. 2) I adored this book. Coming of age stories sometimes make me nervous. And any book with HIV/AIDS in the the storyline must be handled with utmost care. Leta Blake did a beautiful job with these characters. The story is told through Peter who is newly out and is just beginning to embrace his sexuality. The reader is very in tune with his fear, uncertainty and hope. I rooted for him in spite of his inability to see what his friends did because his journey struck me as very honest. I look forward to reading more installments in this series. 3) I did not read the first installment in this series, though this book covered enough for me to follow along and not get lost wondering what happened in book one. Wow. Really, Wow. Leta Blake did an awesome job of painting life for Peter, who reaches, grows, explores, makes decisions in real-life: sticky, messy, complicated. This book had me cheering and jeering in turn--cheering for Peter and Daniel, and jeering at Adam. I enjoyed reading Peter's continued journey on how to be an out gay man, the warm and robust secondary characters, and the growing pains of real life.

You Are Not Me is the second in a four-part series, which cannot be read standalone. I loved this book even more than the first, and that's saying a lot. Like the first, this was a pick up, start reading, and don't put it down until I'm done endeavor. Leta's storytelling, of course, pulled me in deep. Her characters-in this case, Peter and Adam, seem so very real. Peter now learns to live his life for himself, not without error, not without pain. But he begins to learn who he is, what he needs. What is right for him. And poor Adam. As this happens, he just gets more afraid, more lost in himself, and just even more of a mess. Their tumultuous and tenuous relationship is tested, and ultimately in one of the most gut-wrenching scenes I've read (credit again to the amazing Leta), everything comes to a head. This is the 90s. It's hard to be yourself. Hard not to hide when you're gay and it seems like the rest of the world isn't. But Adam is not alone; he's made friends, friends who support him and help him even when he doesn't think he wants or needs it. One such friend seems to be a perfect fit for him. Daniel is the coolest guy. Sweet and sincere, but with his own issues, he's a breath of fresh air in what is an otherwise stinky mess. And the mess continues: Peter coming to terms with himself, who he is. With life and love. With his sexuality and what that means to him. How the rest of the world fits in-Adam, Daniel, his friends. Learning to communicate with his parents, who themselves are a stinking mess. So much coming of age. So much happiness, joy, sadness, pain. So real and true. While I don't agree with those that say this ended in a cliffhanger, once again Leta has left the future wide open for Peter, but this time with different options. And we, the readers, now have to wait to see how he explores them and what happens next on his journey. This next book cannot get here soon enough! ***Received a copy for review***

You Are Not Me, the second book in Leta Blake’s '90s Coming of Age series, is a story chock full of emotion. To get the background on the characters I recommend you read the first book in the series before beginning this one. Peter, the main character, has recently graduated from high school and come out to his parents as gay. He is enjoying his summer of freedom before college starts. Learning about himself, what being a gay man is to him and experiencing new desires. Peter is also struggling to accept himself and what he wants. The author touches on some serious subject matter in this novel, one of which is the scare of AIDS and its psychological impact on the homosexual community. Leta Blake does a fantastic job in conveying the emotions of her characters. She had me feeling their deep loneliness and sadness over the loss of friends to something so devastating. Blake took me on Peter’s journey of self-discovery through every turn of the page of You are Not Me. While laughing and crying I could not put this book down for a single moment until the very last word. I am definitely looking forward to book three in this fabulous series.

I loved the first book in the series and I went on and on, to anyone who would listen, about how great it was. I'm super happy to say that this book is just as good. This story picks up right after the other one ended. Adam is out of the country for the summer and Peter is on his own. He spends his time working and doing his photography. Peter's lonely without Adam but the infrequent telephone calls and letters make Peter start to realize that he was lonely even with Adam and their group of friends because none of them actually really knew Peter. Peter makes new friends through his employer and Daniel. This group of friends start to make Peter look at things differently. He starts to see that there are things outside of Adam (thank the heavens) and they take him along for some new experiences. Lot's of things happen in this and I tell you, the mom in me almost had a heart attack more than once, at some of the things Peter does. But, the magic of this series to me, is how much the writing makes me remember my own teen/college days. I wish I could say I always made good decisions but honestly it's a miracle that nothing bad ever happened to me. Anyways......so Peter makes some bad decisions and puts up with yet more crap from Adam but as he does he starts really questioning the man he wants to become. He starts asking himself some tough questions and when he doesn't like the answers he starts making changes. They come slowly and painfully. For both Peter and the reader. (Your heart's not getting out of this book without getting hurt either.) I don't want to spoiler anything so I'm not going to mention much more about the plot. This book has some super emotional scenes but it wasn't as heavy to me as book one. There is at least some light at the end of the tunnel in this one. I loved every minute of this and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book.