I’ve been carrying the story and characters of Camille Kellogg’s “Just Where You Are” with me all week. Moments catch me smiling, lost in thought about its warmth and wit. My Kindle has become a constant companion, the story’s pull a tangible presence even at the bottom of my bag. Knowing Kellogg’s talent for humor, thoughtfulness, and creating characters with immense heart, I had incredibly high hopes for this novel. And let me tell you, it exceeded every expectation. It truly is so wonderfully queer, and honestly, for many readers, that declaration alone is enough. But there’s so much more to love. The sheer abundance of pop culture references, interwoven with nods to both fictional and real LGBTQIA+ historical figures, created an immediate sense of connection. It felt like these characters were my own friends, engaged in the very conversations my friends and I have daily. This book felt like it was written for me, a sensation that’s incredibly rare and precious.
Authentically Queer and Relatable
“Just Where You Are” doesn’t just wear its queerness on its sleeve; it breathes it into every scene, every interaction. The characters navigate the world with a shared understanding, a language built on mutual experiences and cultural touchstones. This authenticity is what makes the story so deeply relatable, especially for LGBTQ+ readers who are searching for reflections of their own lives in fiction. It’s a celebration of queer identity, not as a singular experience, but as a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse threads. The novel creates a space where being queer is not just accepted, but中心, the very heart of the narrative.
Humor That Heals
Beyond its identity, “Just Where You Are” is genuinely funny. The kind of humor that erupts in unexpected laughter, even in the most mundane of settings – like a hospital waiting room, as was my experience, prompting curious glances and the inevitable question: “WHAT are you READING?”. It’s the kind of wit that lingers, sparking chuckles hours after you’ve turned the page, a testament to Kellogg’s sharp writing and the endearing personalities of her characters. The narration, closely aligned with Liz Baker’s perspective, is dryly observant and consistently witty. This levity isn’t just for entertainment; it serves a deeper purpose. As the story subtly acknowledges, this lightness, this “fluff” as one character might call it, is not frivolous. It’s a vital coping mechanism, a way for marginalized individuals to create pockets of joy and escape in a world that often feels heavy. These safe, soft spaces are not indulgences, but necessities – transformative and healing. The narrative never loses sight of the larger context these characters inhabit, the realities beyond their chosen havens of apartments, magazines, or running groups. These safe spaces are deliberately carved out, born from necessity and resilience.
Big-Hearted Romance and Self-Acceptance
The emotional core of “Just Where You Are” is undeniably its big heart. The romantic tension is palpable, brimming with longing glances – both exchanged and avoided – and the agonizing space between unspoken words. The central romance between Liz and Daria, mirrored in the secondary storyline of Jane and Bailey, thrives on the delicious friction of miscommunication and assumptions. This creates a crackling energy that permeates every page, a testament to the yearning and desire that fuels the narrative. But at the heart of this romance lies a profound promise, extended not only to the characters but also to the reader: “You are enough, even when you are too much.” This message of self-acceptance is woven throughout the story, reinforcing the idea that love, both romantic and self-love, embraces the entirety of who you are – past, present, and future selves, all intertwined. It speaks to the core theme of finding peace and belonging “just where you are” in your journey.
Feeling Seen in Identity and Presentation
What resonated most deeply, and perhaps unexpectedly, was the novel’s exploration of gender identity and presentation. The way Liz and Daria grapple with their feelings of self, their internal landscapes often feeling at odds with external perceptions, is portrayed with raw honesty and vulnerability. For every moment of laughter the book provided, there was an equally powerful moment that brought tears to my eyes. A particular line struck a chord: “Hearing Daria say these things, when Liz had felt lost in these feelings for so long—inexplicably, embarrassingly, Liz wanted to cry.” As someone navigating my thirties, the feeling of still “figuring things out” is incredibly real. The struggle to articulate oneself, to feel truly seen and understood, is a universal human experience, amplified for those whose identities exist outside societal norms. Watching Liz and Daria navigate their uncertain paths to love, both for each other and for themselves, amidst imperfect labels and evolving understandings, is profoundly moving. It’s a testament to the novel’s ability to tap into deep-seated emotions and validate the ongoing journey of self-discovery.
A Nostalgic Home in Queer Community
Reflecting on my own journey, realizing my lesbian identity later in life, I felt a pang of longing for the experiences I missed in my twenties. “Just Where You Are” beautifully captures the explosive emotions and formative relationships of that decade, particularly within the context of queer community. It embodies the essence of a supportive queer friend group – the kind that cheers you on, offers honest feedback, and shares in the giddy excitement of first dates. A group bound by shared cultural references and a deep understanding of each other’s experiences. This chosen family, though perhaps transient, becomes a cherished space, a home built within the walls of an apartment and, more importantly, within the hearts of its inhabitants. In this way, the book evokes a sense of nostalgia for a home I never personally inhabited, yet deeply yearn for. It’s a vicarious experience of belonging, of finding your place “just where you are” amongst kindred spirits.
Thank you, Liz, Jane, and Katie, for allowing readers to visit your world. And thank you, Camille Kellogg, for crafting this dream of a novel, a story that encourages us all to embrace possibility and chase joy, not fear. “Just Where You Are” is not just a book; it’s a new favorite, a comforting reminder that you are enough, exactly as you are, and exactly where you are meant to be.
