4.5 stars

I loved this book. From the story to the way it was told.

The year is 1977. Being yourself took way more bravery compared to the slightly better present. Music from Another World is about Tammy and Sharon who become pen pals through their Christian schools. Tammy is a closeted lesbian and cannot be herself anywhere. Sharon feels like she does not fit in anywhere.

Both girls keep diaries which give good insights into what they (at first) cannot tell each other. And their letters to each other really evolve from "we have to do this pen pal assignment" to this beautiful friendship where both girls feel like they can be themselves and be accepted to something even more beautiful. And it all started with their mutual interest in punk music.

Besides school and church, Sharon starts to work with her brother as volunteers for equal rights. They make banners etc. And this part incorporates a piece of American gay history which helped pave the way forward.

I recommend this book especially to anyone who wants to read historical (YA) fiction with lesbian and bisexual characters and to those who love the friends to lovers trope.