Talley's gorgeous book follows 15-year-old stargazer Aki Simon, a girl determined to live her best life. At the start of the novel, she knows she's bisexual but has only had romantic encounters with boys. On a youth group trip, Aki meets Christa and the two pursue a relationship. Our Own Private Universe deals forthrightly with the mechanics of how two girls have sex, including how to practice safe sex. The girls' love story is one part of a larger narrative about what it means to find yourself and your voice. Also, be sure and check out Pulp, Talley's next book coming this Fall about a teen determined to connect with her 1950s-era lesbian pulp fiction idol.