Review: I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Kamilah Aisha Moon
When I stumbled across Kamilah Aisha Moon’s I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a contemporary sapphic romance focusing on two Black girls navigating the complexities of love and identity. Little did I know that this book would take me on an emotional rollercoaster, leaving me with joy, frustration, warmth, and that familiar ache of deep connection. Trust me when I say, this isn’t just another cute YA love story—it’s a vibrant tapestry of real feelings, raw experiences, and cultural nuance.
The setup is undeniably fresh: a beauty influencer, Lyric, and an artist, Juniper, find themselves in a fake-dating scenario fueled by the allure of brand deals and online fame. Lyric exudes confidence in front of the camera, yet her life is a delicate balancing act, held together by the love of her remarkable Grandma Viv. On the flip side, Juniper struggles with her grief and her queerness while grappling with the pressures of being seen—and not seen—by her family and followers. Their relationship evolves slowly, marked by the complexities of youth, which I found incredibly refreshing. It’s messy, awkward, and beautifully authentic—so relatable for anyone who’s ever been swept up in the throes of young love.
Now, let’s talk about Grandma Viv, who truly deserves a standing ovation. Her fierce love and wisdom felt like a comforting embrace amid the chaos of their lives. Watching her support Lyric through thick and thin, while managing her own grief, embodied that powerful, ancestral love that so many of us yearn for. In a world that often emphasizes the challenges between generations, Moon beautifully illustrates how love can transcend these barriers.
As for the writing style, the dual format—prose for Lyric and verse for Juniper—sparked curiosity, though it wasn’t without its hiccups. I adored the lyrical quality of Juniper’s sections, capturing her inner turmoil and displacement, but I sometimes longed for more depth during crucial moments, especially during conflicts with Lyric. The prose sections, while rich, occasionally felt overly expansive when a sharper focus would have sufficed.
What truly resonated with me was the authenticity of their romance. This wasn’t a fairy tale; it was real and messy, filled with missteps that made me want to cheer for both girls, even when they made questionable choices. Juniper’s resistance to her moms’ expectations and her tumultuous journey of self-discovery felt so relatable. Similarly, Lyric’s imperfections and guardedness were what grounded her as a character, just like any teen navigating the chaos of love and life.
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm offers more than just a slow-burn romance—it’s an exploration of family dynamics, identity, and the impact of social media on our lives, especially for young Black girls. The themes about being seen too much online yet feeling invisible in real life struck a profound chord with me.
For those seeking a sapphic YA story with depth that challenges the norms, this book is a must-read. It captures the chaos of youth, the warmth of familial love, and the beauty of discovering one’s self—all while centering the complexities of being a Black girl in today’s world.
So, grab your favorite cozy blanket, and dive into this poignant tale that beautifully intertwines the heartbreak and elation of first love. You’ll come out feeling seen—because, in our own complicated ways, we’re all just trying to figure it out.
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