Living history about a relative. A picture spurs the authors quest to find out more about her grandmother and the life that she lived. I found the story extremely fascinating. They say through understanding the past we can understand ourselves and I think that’s true in this novel. I loved this book!

I really enjoyed this book and her look into her family history. Since there was no preface in the ARC I was a little unclear at times how much of it was fictionalized or how much she had found written accounts detailing events.

My favorite quote I highlighted was:
“Of course my inquisitive, well-meaning heterosexual friends would inevitably ask ‘when did you know you were gay?” I tried putting things in perspective by asking them, ‘When did you know you were straight?”

This compulsively readable book provides larger historical context for the author's Grandmother's youth in 1910s Wisconsin, the violent policing of sexuality and resulting dangers faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. In reading Ruby's story, I felt youthful spirit coming through the pages, which helped to uplift the heartbreak I was also feeling throughout. I hope this important book gets the attention it deserves.

This was an interesting book and I rrally liked it. Gaya Turner writes about her grandmother named Ruth who was gay in a small town Amherst Winsconsin.

Definetly an interesting read.

What a very interesting book I really liked it. GAYA Turner Write about her grandmother in 1900. It was interesting how her grandmother named Ruth was gay in a small town and Amherst Wisconsin. She wouldn't go back-and-forth and time. It all started with a Box of photographs her grandmother would take around and And her mother inherited. It was interesting how gay life was like at that time. All these women were forced to conceal their identity and also get beaten up as well. Sarah and hold the parties with these other gay people. And these women can dress up like men and just feel like themselves. Her grandmother fell in love with EL LA O'Brien. And she really loved this woman but she was torn between getting married or leaving her family. ELRA They loved Ruth and was very hard for her because she was so strong all in her butt just started to marry this guy named author. Ruth was pressured into this because her family built this was the right thing to do. EL LA O'Brien a O'Brien went over to Portland Oregon destroyed her life over again. I'm grandmother kept these photographs sitting but her granddaughter actually polished them with the book it was pretty amazing I think her granddaughter realized how hard it was for her grandmother in those days She was gay but she could be open about it and travel and do things and that's why she was tracing her aroun And if you thought it was important to explain this history to people. They're clinging right letters to each other they have to Do hide this because the mail will open their letters. I think this is a great book for teaching because it shows how people have survived this diversity over time and how much They can be themselves now. Nowaday. In the old days they would be killed or lose their jobs or even their homes. The title don't you dare Great because explains how they could not come out to their families or people on the olders Great read

Beautiful, heart-breaking, comforting, quietly intense, immersive, hopeful and contemplative. I'm so thankful to Netgalley for the chance to preview this novel. This story is the history, truth, and love of the LGBTQ community. As a queer person who's family is from the midwest I could feel the dusty wind on my face, feel the self-doubt and butterflies of Ruby and her granddaughter. I relate strongly to the characters and my heart rose and fell with their struggles and losses. It gave me a sense of gratefulness for where we are now in society as well as a fear of slipping back.
I can't think of anyone I wouldn't recommend this story to and honestly wish everyone would take the time to read it. I think queer people will appreciate learning and feeling part of their history and straight people will get a chance to walk in the shoes of someone else. Beyond the labels of society is the story of the human quest for love, acceptance, security, and belonging.

I really enjoyed this book.The premise had me curious about what she would discover and it didn’t disappoint. It was an eye opening and interesting read. I liked reading about Ruby’s past although I wasn’t sure how much of story was fiction. It would have been nice to see how the author came up with the story. (Like did other family members mention stories or have a diary?) It felt like an important read and seeing all the pictures really hit deep. This was an awesome read and I would definitely recommend others check it out.

Thanks NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

CW: physical violence

One of my absolute favorite subgenres of nonfiction is someone researching a relative of theirs, so I was immediately drawn into this story. Gayla Turner does an incredible job of sharing her family's history.

The book is written in a combination of old photographs, historical records, and the author's own testimony. Stories about older, hidden LGBTQ people are often lost to time and it is such a blessing when their stories are preserved for a time when it is safe for them to be revealed. Turner's grandmother's story is one that was, unfortunately, far too common. A young lesbian who is pushed into a marriage to a man she does not love or want, and forced to leave her community and partner behind. At times I had to pause in my reading because I was getting too emotional.

This is truly a special book, I absolutely recommend it. You will not be disappointed.

A grandmothers once invisible life is revealed in this intimate story.
When Gayla Turner finds a wedding photograph of her grandmother Ruby from June, 1915, the groom standing beside her is not her grandfather but a woman. These hidden photographs of a very secretive time begins the authors journey to learn more about her grandmother and the other woman. With curiosity piqued, the author begins a seven year journey filled with extensive research as she unveils not only a love story but a look at society limitations and the impacts then and now.
This is an exploration of love and loss, memories and moments with photographs of names and faces that make for a heartfelt read.
Highly recommended with thanks to NetGalley, Gayla Turner and BookBaby for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"In fact, we, the LGBTQ community, have always been here. We were required to lead invisible lives out of necessity. We loved who we loved in the background of society because it was too dangerous to do otherwise."

Having no idea beyond the summary, I didn't have any expectations one way or the other but I absolutely adored this book. In the authors own words, it is a mix of her grandmother's records, the historical records and some artistic licence to bring them all together. Ruby's story is heartbreaking in so many ways and important because of those same ways. You cannot help but think about the men and women hiding their true loves in history and those forced to continue to do so.
I loved the mix of Ruby's story and Gayla's about the research and experience in telling Ruby's story. It worked wonderfully to tie the timeline together and serves as a beautiful reminder of what those we love leave behind and its impact on us nowadays. This is a truly special book and I wholeheartedly recommend anyone, LGBTQIA+ or ally, to embrace the story.

“We are all simply who we are, and love is not a matter of choice”

Thank you Natgalley for this advanced copy of this book!

I absolutely enjoyed this little piece of nonfiction about finding love and the LGTBIAQ+ community. From the first page on I enjoyed the story thoroughly. It was very well written and I could emerge myself into the characters from the beginning. For me as a mood reader it is always complicated to find into a fresh book, but with this one it was no problem at all.
I only wish it would have been more pointed out the little fictional details to round up the story, but overall it was an amazing book I recommend everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I honestly LOVED this book - from the initial premise, I was hooked and it did not disappoint! The switch from the authors experience to her grandmothers life was something that really kept my attention. Ruby's story, though most of it likely reliant on fiction, was so raw to me. I appreciated the glimpse into how life would be like in those times for sapphic women. Additionally, the exploration of chums and how they had to continually transition from male to female presenting in order to obtain social ideals was really interesting.

The photos included throughout the book gave it another layer of realism, and it was gorgeous to be able to put faces to names of those throughout the story. Overall, I really enjoyed it and will certainly be recommending it to friends!

Three and a half stars.
This was fine. I was mildly engaged for most of the book, but grew tired of the story near the end. Some parts seemed to drag on for too long, and yet were still skimping on detail. I found it weird how the author took so much artistic liberty with her grandmother's life, and yet the book would have been incredibly dry without it. The switch between fictionalized flashbacks and the author's experiences visiting the town didn't work for me, and it might have been better to stick to one or the other. Then there was the end... obviously the author couldn't have written a happy ending for her grandmother and her lover, but it seemed pointless and kind of cheesy to end with the 2015 Supreme Court ruling. It seemed like the book was pretending to be about more than it was: speaking to the entire LGBTQ experience, rather than speaking to the experience of two queer women.
The strengths of the book? I mostly liked the premise, because I do enjoy getting to see through a historical perspective. Ruby was written as an interesting character. The author's passion on the topic is evident throughout, even if it wasn't particularly infectious.

“We are all simply who we are, and love is not a matter of choice”

“Let me tell you, the life we lead is not an easy one. There are many dangers in the world for us - it’s dangerous if other people find out, because of what they might do to us. Some will want to hurt us or put us into mental institutions. Some want to get rid of us altogether. Others will try to “cure” us by forcing us into marriage, thinking that all we need is a “good man”. Let me assure you, sweet lady, there is no cure for what ails us, because we are not ill.”

Okay first and foremost: this cover is beautiful! Before I even read the synopsis I knew it was going to be a great book because of the vintage Hollywood regency vibe the cover put off.

This book was both beautiful and heartbreaking. I love how it was very much a recollection of true events but that it also was beautiful storytelling. A great recollection of being LGBTQ+ in the early 1900’s and the challenges faced. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

In Don’t You Dare, author Gayla Turner discovers that her grandmother had a secret life that she knew nothing about— a love story with a mystery woman. Turner’s narrative alternates between her efforts in the present to uncover the truth of her grandmother’s past and historical reconstructions of what her grandmother Ruby’s life might have been like as a woman who loved women in 1910s Wisconsin. Turner weaves an engaging family history and sheds light on historical subjects whose stories are not often told. 3.75 stars.

Sometimes you learn the most surprising things about family - and those things bring you closer.

Gayla, a present day, out lesbian, is going through her grandmother's treasure box of photos - of a much younger Grandma Ruby, her friends and family.

Gayla is intrigued and begins an investigation of Ruby's story.

The story evokes a by gone era and explores what it was like trying to live a fulfilling life before women's and gay rights were considered guaranteed.

Book review : Don't you Dare by Gayla Turner is an immense thrilling and a romantic story that holds to find out secrets of your old.

Grandma stories we all hear in our childhood. But what if we get to know about their secrets and unravel hidden stories that they will never tell you. This book deals with such a spicy story of the author's grandmother Ruby.

This unforgettable book begins with the discovery of these hidden wedding photos dated June 8, 1915. As these photos unveiled an awe-inspiring secret, Gayla Turner embarked on a seven-year journey to find out more about her grandmother and the woman standing next to her dressed as the groom.

Curiosity led to extensive research that uncovered a love story between Ruby and the mystery woman in the photos. The author also uncovered a secret lesbian social club that was formed in the early 1900s by a local businesswoman. Women from as far away as Chicago traveled by train to the little farm town of Amherst, Wisconsin, to attend her exclusive parties. The local town people thought Cora held private tea and card parties so single young ladies could talk about how to find a husband. Little did they know, finding a man was not a subject of their conversations.

The author has beautifully depicted all the characters and the way she brings light to all the characters is really thrilling. The book is in beginner friendly language and depicts emotions beautifully.

I loved reading this book and look forward to more of the author books. I am thankful to netgalley and the publisher for providing me this book in return of an honest review.
Happy Reading!

Talk about an interesting story. How would you feel to find out someone had a completely different life that you knew nothing about? This is the journey the author went on to learn about her mother after she passed and learn who her mother really was.