Rating: 
Summary: Poignant tale of first love
Review: I have to start by stating that I thought this was a well written, and quite inspiring tale of love developing between two teenage girls. I know a lot of people who think that romance stories are trash, but they are usually the people who have never seemed to have picked one up and read it, particularly one as well done as this one. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't technically perfect, but it had a good story to tell, and within that framework, it did a good job. I myself was in high school at the time this novel was published, since I saw the copyright was originally in 1982. I attended private(catholic) school for ten years, and switched to public school for my last two years so I could associate with what both girls were going through. Not living in New York, my public school was not quite as bad as Annie's, but we had our share of violence and drugs there too. The prvate school was also more restrictive and selective than the public school, with the snobs and rich kids, so I could identify with some of the problems that Liza had too. Those who have never attended a private school might have thought that some of the things Liza went through there were exaggerated, and to a degree, they may have been, but a lot of it seemed very true to life to me. I particularly liked the way that the girls slowly developed their bond of love, instead of jumping right into it. So many novels feel that they need to throw their characters together too fast, or treat love like a kleenex, something easily disposable when you're through with it. I had quit reading teenage type romances years ago because they had all seemed to be so much alike, without any real substance to them. This novel is different, and I can recommend it to anyone, gay or straight, teen or adult, because it has something worthwhile to say about both love and acceptance. I looked at the trial aspect as a sort of allegory of life. To me it represented more than just a trial of whether Liza would be let back into school, and if she would get a mark against her that would be reported to the college she was trying to get into. I looked at it as a sort of trial of life, the way that friends, family, and even the world can seem to judge us by what we do or who we are, without really knowing us. It's these trials that we have to overcome constantly, but getting through them always makes us stronger, and teaches us something about ourselves. The story also does a good job of showing the girls hesitancy in acknowledging their relationship to their families, or even to themselves for awhile. I can sympathize with that, even though I've never had to go through it. I can just think back and imagine the reaction I would have gotten from my family and friends if I had ever come home, and announced that I was gay. It's really not a pretty picture, even in my mind. If I had to list the single biggest complaint I had about the book, it would have to be the way in which the girls were discovered. That part seemed to suggest a weakness in the story itself, a sort of need to happen, particularly on the last day that Liza was supposed to be feeding the cats. However, for the story to really progress, some sort of crisis had to occur, and since I really couldn't think of a better one myself, it didn't detract that much from my enjoyment of the novel. All considered, that was really the only thing that didn't really seem to ring true to me, so I can't really complain. In other words, I recommend you to go out and pick up a copy of this book yourself, and see how you like it. If you're anything like me, you won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite - a love story for all ages!
Review: I've been a fan of Garden's since I was fifteen years old, and this book has to be her crowning achievement in regards to gay themes.
These girls are portrayed honestly, beautifully, and no matter what age, sexual orientation, or gender, the reader experiences deeply the gentle, awed love of these young women. I've given this book to every young person I knew who was dealing with their sexuality; it's an instant classic.
If you enjoy this work by Garden (or think you will) don't hesitate to buy her other work of art, New Moon Rising. You won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful!
Review: Let me add my voice to the others who wished they'd known of this book when they were first coming out. In any fiction about same-sex relationships, there's always a delicate balance between portraying the relationship as just two people in love, and showing the real problems that being part of a committed same-sex couple cause in society. Nancy Garden has done an excellent job with this balance. In some respects, this book reminds me of Rosa Guy's _Ruby_, only with a much happier ending -- the social class differences (though milder in this book) play a part in their story as well, and Garden deals with that issue as sensitively as all the others.
Rating:
Summary: Don't just read it once....
Review: I read this book in the coming out process of my sexuality. I picked it up due to a recommendation from a friend and I couldn't put it down. When I finished, I picked it up and read it again. I read it twice in one night. The story of Liza and Annie hit right home with me. It showed me how much love will prevail. The last two pages were the best two pages in the book. They were written so beautifully. They took my breath away and I'm certain they'll take yours, too. From one reader to another, this book is amazing and written with such passion. I recommend this book to any teenager or adult.
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Summary: I wish I had read this sooner . . .
Review: This book would have made my high school years much, much easier. I can relate to Liza so well. I don't know how realistic the school situation is (with Liza essentially being on trial for her relationship with Annie) but I focused on the depiction of Liza's coming to terms with her sexuality. Trust me, Garden is right on. I am a bit older than the intended audience (21), but I feel qualified to say that this book is suitable reading for high school students. There is no reason to closet the issue of homosexuality. It's out there, not going anywhere, so why not introduce a loving, stable relationship?
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Summary: Annie on my mind for 4 years
Review: I first read this book over the summer between 8th and 9th grade. That was four years ago. At that time, I was struggling with my sexuality. I immediately fell in love with this book and I read it over and over. The experiences between Annie and Liza in the early stages of their romance were exactly what I had been dreaming about. For those of you who have not read this book, it is told alternately third-person limited and first-person, as a retrospective journey through the senior year of a young girl. Eliza, or Liza, is a thoughtful, outgoing girl who meets Annie, an introspective thinker in a museum. Through a series of events, they realize their mutual attraction, following a kiss on the beach. Their romance is mired by cover-ups and secrets, but, as they profess their love for one another in central park, they know they'll try to make it work. When Eliza has the opportunity to house-sit for two of her teachers, she invites Annie along. What follows is a story of injustice, close-mindedness, and the desire to "Know the truth and the truth will set you free". This book has inspired me to seek the truth, and it has been an experience I will not soon forget. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone. You cannot leave your teens without having read this book. and i
Rating:
Summary: a magical book
Review: "Annie" is one of the books I take everywhere with me. Knowing that it's on my shelf, available in case I want to pick it up again, gives me enormous comfort. My reaction to it is so emotional that I hesitate to comment on specifics. Yes, the writing is good, the characters are believable. It's not a perfect book: the part of the plot that involves Liza's school feels tedious or at least dated. But, taken as a whole, "Annie on My Mind" is stunning and inspiring. I don't know of any better book for teenagers who are questioning their sexuality...or for anyone else looking for an exceptionally honest and sensitive book about first love.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Story
Review: This was such a great, sweet love story that everyone should read-gay, straight, or whatever. It's great for teenagers because this is one of the only homosexual-orientated books that doesn't just tell us what being gay is, it actually goes into the feelings behind it. Oh, and by the way...read this with a hanky!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfull Book
Review: This was a great book. I read it when i was a senior in high school. I was going through a relationship at the time. And it made me so aware of things out there. That love comes in those time when you least expect it. I have recommended the book to anyone who has been confused about love as well as their own sexuality. God knows they loved it.
Rating: 
Summary: an excellent work for young readers
Review: i first read this book at 20 and wished someone had handed it to me at 15, maybe some of the things im still working out as an adult would have surfaced in me at a younger age. the book truly captures the magical relationship between two girls, all of the uncertainties and the awkwardness. it is a must read.
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