Color Outside the Lines has been one of my anticipated anthologies before the start of 2019. And I was not disappointed.
Summary
This is an anthology centered around interracial relationships and the complicated, rewarding and sometimes hilarious dynamics between friends, family, and first loves. The collection features Anna-Marie McLemore, Elsie Chapman, Karuna Riazi, Lydia Kang, L.L. McKinney, Lori M. Lee, Lauren Gibaldi, Tara Sim, Eric Smith, Caroline Tung Richmond, Kelly Zekas, Tarun Shanker, Samira Ahmed and Adam Silvera, and more.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this free book from Edelweiss. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
It’s always challenging to review anthologies, because I wonder if I review the stories, or the anthology as a whole. First off, the concept of this anthology is not only moving, but also so well executed. As Mandanna writes in the introduction, “representation matters” and these stories of relationships that cross borders, families, prejudices, and more are tender and heartfelt. Within this anthology are stories about superheros, ghosts, resistance, and poisons. They transform in front of your very eyes.
Favorite Stories
Color Outside the Lines has a stellar list of authors. Any anthology with this line up would immediately tempt me, so this book is a match made in heaven – combining talented writers and emotional themes. Anthologies are always gifts. Whether it be because they help you continue to love your favorite authors, or introduce you to new ones. Some of my favorites were Anna-Marie McLemore, Eric Smith, Tara Sim, Samira Ahmed, and Elsie Chapman. I mean it feels even unfair, because this was also one of the anthologies where I didn’t skip over a single story because it wasn’t working out for me. Even the ones that were not my favorite, there would be a line in it that would just resonate with me.
Overall,
I cannot sing the praises of this anthology enough. If you like any of the authors, if you’re part of a (pieced) together family like mine, this is a book you need to read.
Find Color Outside the Lines on Goodreads.
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