Introduction
It's that time of year again. Pride month!
It's around this time that a lot of people, lgbt+ and ally alike, love to find recommendations for books surrounding lgbt+ couples. Reading diversely is important and what better time to read queer stories than in pride month? So, without further ado, let me recommend some amazing queer books by some amazing authors.
(Links included)
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Mlm Recs
All That's Left in the World by Erik J. Brown
I absolutely love apocalypse stories, and when I heard that this was coming out, I knew I had to have it.
When Andrew, injured and starving, stumbles upon Jamie's house, he has nothing left to lose. A deadly pathogen has killed off the majority of the world's population. Both boys have lost everyone they loved. If they've learned anything from this, it's to be weary of what others will do in the name of survival. So when they meet, why does it seem so easy for them to trust each other?
All Thats Left In The World follows Andrew and Jamie as they flee in search of civilisation and a safe shelter. It'll be a long journey with only each other to keep them company. But they both have secrets that could cost them their lives.
Is it possible to trust someone you barely know in such a a time of need? And when they start to feel more than just a friendship developing, could everything finally fall apart?
Every Word You Never Said by Jordon Greene
Along with such a gorgeous cover, this young adult novel is a work of art.
Skylar's life has never been easy. Being adopted, non verbal, and feeling most comfortable wearing skirts, he finds it hard to fit in. When he moves to a new school in a new state with new parents, he's finally prepared to finally make some friends. But when a gorgeous boy, Jacob, catches his eye, he finds it hard to focus on much else. But Skylar doesn't trust easily. Especially when all he's known in life is mistrust and judgment.
Jacob, on the other hand, doesn't care what others think of him. After coming out over the summer, his father starts to act like it never happened. But Jacob doesn't care. He's going to go out and do whatever he feels like; dye his hair, paint his nails, and play his guitar, even if he goes directly against his father's wishes and gets grounded.
When Jacob and Skylar's paths cross, they quickly become involved in each other's lives. Jacob decides, after a sexist dress code is instated due to Skylar's clothes, that it's time to take a stand. No matter what it takes.
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
Arthur is a failed writer about to turn fifty, fearful he's done nothing impactful with his life. After a wedding invitation arrives, sent by his ex boyfriend of nine years announcing his engagement, Arthur is conflicted. If he says yes, it would be too awkward. If he says no, it would look like he's been defeated. When he finds the numerous literary letters sent from across the world, he decides to accept all of them. Arthur wants to find himself as he travels around the world in eighty days. In these eighty days he will encounter new love, dangerous situations, crazed fans, and so much more.
But, on his journey, he encounters the last person he ever thought he'd see. Through his self discovery, he goes through the realisation that he's starting the second phase of hi life and that it's moving faster that he thought it would.
This book is an amazing adventure full of so many emotions. It's fun and complex and emotional and Arthur is an interesting character to follow.
And, yes, I was recommended this books by @johneepixel7 on TikTok (please follow him, he gives amazing book recommendations)
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Wlw Recs
She Drives me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
Scottie has just recently broken up with her girlfriend. To make matters worse, she's just lost her first game, after the breakup, to her ex. After Scottie gets into a fender bender with her nemesis, the incredibly beautiful and mean, Irene Abraham, the two are forced b their mums to carpool until their cars get out of the shops.
After a rocky start, they start to spend time together. When the opportunity presents itself, Scottie decides to recruit Irene to help her get back with her toxic ex.
This book gives me the best version of a fake dating relationship that I've ever read. It's witty and so fun to read about these hijinks and how they unravel. I laughed through it a lot and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice, funny book to just have a good time to.
These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling
Hannah is an elemental witch with the ability to control earth, fire, water, and air. Living in Salem, Massachusetts, her magic has to be kept a secret and if she's ever seen performing magic in front of a Reg (non witch), she could lose it all. She spends most of her time avoiding her ex-girlfriend and fellow witch, Veronica, having fun with her best friends, and selling candles and crystals from Fly by Night Cauldron.
Turns out, dealing with her ex-girlfriend is the least of Hannah's worries as a horrifying blood ritual interrupts the bonfire at the end-of-school-year. Dark magic starts to appear all over Salem and Hannah's certain it's the work of a deadly Blood Witch.
I love witches. This gives me such good vibes and I really want to reread it every autumn. I loved the relationship and I was actually recommended this book by a close friend. So, thank you friend.
Afterlove by Tanya Byrne
Ash Persaud is determined to see her first love Poppy Morgan again. The bad part is, death separates them. The last thing Ash remembers is breaking glass and car headlights. But she's still alive, right? Or is she?
When Ash gets an RSVP from the afterlife, asking her to join a clan of fierce reapers who reap the souls of the city's dead, Ash can't decline. But Ash still can't shake the memory of her first love. Poppy. And she will do anything to see her again. Just for a few more days. Dead or alive.
I'm currently reading this book and it's amazing! It's a unique story unlike anything I've ever read. Reading about long lasting love is so beautiful in my eyes and seeing Ash struggle through her changing environment but never letting go of Poppy is brilliant. It's an enthralling story about love and loss and great lesbian representation. Especially for the supernatural fans and people who love to speculate about the afterlife.
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Bisexual Recs
Ophelia After All by Raquel Marie
Ophelia Rojas knows exactly what she likes: her friends, Cuban food, gardening, and boys. Lots of boys. Her friends and family are constantly poking fun at the amount of crushes she's had. But Ophelia loves being romantic and she doesn't want to change.
When she finds herself thinking more about the cute Talia Sanchez than the loss of her ex-boyfriend at prom, doubt begins to creep into her mind and disrupt her firm self image. In addition to the end of high school and the sudden fracture of her before solid friend group, her life is starting to spiral out of her control.
And as her secrets start to unravel, Ophelia has to make the choice between clinging to the fantasy version of herself she's always had or completely derailing everyone's expectations in the name of rediscovering who she really is, after all.
Ophelia, After All is an amazing coming of age novel detailing the journey of coming to terms with your sexuality and how it can affect you more than you expected. Through my own journey of discovering my sexuality, this book was super true to form and I felt it was super relatable.
Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei
Seventeen-year-old Mickey James III is a college freshman, a brother to five sisters, and a hockey legacy. With his father and grandfather having gone down in NHL history, Mikey is almost guaranteed the top draft spot in the league too. The only person standing in his way is Jaysen Caulfield, other contender for the top spot and Mikey's most hated teammate. But when rivalry starts to develop into something more, Mikey will have to choose his path and whether or not he's willing to risk everything for it.
This is a story about rivalry, falling in love, finding your team, and choosing your own path. It's gripping and had my heart racing. I absolutely loved it. Rivals to lovers plot lines are thrilling and one of the best tropes in romance literature. The characters are so defined and I found them so loveable.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Of course, we all know Heartstopper. It's one of the most well known queer stories of all time (in my opinion). And it's also amazing representation for so many people from different walks of life. It's a graphic novel series that a lot of people find comfort in. One character in particular has done wonders for young people and how they come to understand their sexuality. Obviously I'm talking about Nick Nelson.
Heartstopper follows the high school years of a group of friends, mainly focusing on the relationship between Nick, a popular rugby jock, and Charlie, a boy who's been recently outed to the entire school. When they meet each other in their new form class and start to hang out outside of school, an unlikely friendship starts to develop into something more.
Heartstopper is a beautiful story about young queer love in high school and helped me come to terms with my own identity. All of the supporting characters are well fleshed out and have distinct personalities and relationships. As well as amazing bisexual rep, Hearstopper also includes representation for gay people, lesbians, trans people, asexual people, and people of colour. Along with the great slice of life story, Alice Oseman illustrates the whole series, bringing the gorgeous characters to life.
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Transgender Recs
(trans as an umbrella term including non binary, genderqueer etc)
May the Best Man Win by ZR Ellor
Jeremy Harkiss, cheer captain and student body president, won’t let coming out as transgender ruin his senior year. Instead of listening to the outdated and horrible school admin, Jeremy decides to make a stand. And how better than by challenging his all-star ex-boyfriend, Lukas, for the grand title of Homecoming King?
Lukas Rivers is a football star and the head of the Homecoming Committee and all he's looking for is some order in his life after the funeral of his brother and the loss of his long term partner. But after Jeremy threatens to steal his crown, Lukas starts a plot to sabotage Jeremy's campaign.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, rivalry to lovers is superior, especially once you throw in the fact that they've dated in the past. I found it adventurous and funny and I was engrossed in all the conflict and the rivalry. Plus, how could you say no to that cover art? Absolutely gorgeous.
Act Cool - Tobly McSmith
August Greene, aspiring actor, just got himself a coveted spot at the prestigious School of Performing Arts, New York. Yet, the biggest problem in his life is his parents being unaccepting of his gender identity. And as part of his deal with his parents to be able to stay with his Auntie in New York, he isn't allowed to transition.
But August is confident he can play the part of who his parents want while also being the cool and confident person in company of his new friends.
Will August be able to finally be who he really is? Not who his parents want him to be and not what his friends want him to be. And where will he turn when the roles start hitting a little too close to home?
I wasn't surprised that I loved this book. August is such an interesting and complex character that I feel for so deeply. His journey was full of ups and downs. It was heartbreaking to see him suffer so greatly because of his parents and the rip between his identity and the world around him. Even though I can't directly relate to his character of his struggles, I still found his story absolutely beautiful.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Yadriel is trying to prove himself. After coming out to his family and having almost everyone question him, he decides to finally do what he has to to prove himself; summon a ghost. When his cousin is mysteriously murdered and missing, he knows summoning his ghost and bringing him home will earn him the respect he deserves from his family. But with the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he accidently summons the wrong ghost.
Instead of his cousin, he summons the ghost of Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about leave to the afterlife as easy as Yadriel had hoped. Left with no choice, Yadriel has to help Julian solve the mystery of his own death and his cousin's.
But solving the mysterious deaths aren't as easy as Yadriel thought, and the more time he spends with Julian, the less he wants him to leave when it's all over.
I am in love with this book and I think about it almost daily. The characters are unforgettable and the story is adventurous and fun. I never knew I loved the supernatural until I read this book. I cried many tears while reading this. I loved it so much I read it in almost one sitting. It slowed well and I definitely think this is one of my favourite books of all time.
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Ironically, Felix Love has never been in love. He desperately wants to experience love and find out why it seems so easy for everyone but himself. Worse even is that, eve though he's proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he's one marginalisation too many for society; black, queer, and transgender. Will he ever get his happily ever after?
When an anonymous student starts to send him transphobic messages after publicly posting Felix's deadname coupled with images of him pre transition, Felix needs revenge. What he didn’t expect, his catfish scenario landing him in a quasi–love triangle.
But as he navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship– his relationship with himself.
As always, I love stories of self discovery. Felix Ever After opens up the discussion about how gender identity is messy and doesn't always seem defined and have a look. It's important to have these conversations and show young readers that it's okay to feel this way about yourself and that they're not alone.
I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver
When Ben comes out to their parents as non binary, they're kicked out of the house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas. Struggling through their anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they decide to com out to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in their new school.
But Ben's attempt to survive the last half of their senior year invisible are destroyed when Nathan Allan, the funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship develops, so do their feelings for each other. But with this change, Ben also discovers a new and happier outlook on life.
Me and a friend bot read this book together and we both agreed that it was beautiful. I love seeing good representation of mental health (being someone who suffers from anxiety). Since I am not non binary, I can't comment on the relatability of Ben's struggle, but I can comment about how great the love story was. Reading love stories is such a great way to understand new perspectives and I am very happy I read this book.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride―or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone to have time for that. By night, he takes Paris by storm, dawning his dress and taking the stage as Lady Crystallia―the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!
Sebastian’s secret weapon is his brilliant dressmaker, and best friend, Frances. Frances is one of only two people who know the truth. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. And Frances can't take having to push away her dreams to protect her friend for much longer.
Oh my gosh, again with the graphics. These illustrations are gorgeous. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other and just wanted the best for both of them. It was a fun story and I was just smiling most of the way through.
Can't Take That Away by Steven Salvatore
Carey Parker dreams of being a diva, and bringing the house down with song. Despite their talent, they're still haunted by the emotional scars of an incident with a homophobic classmate. That in addition with their grandmother's spiralling dementia make it harder for Carey to find their voice.
Then Carey meets Cris, a singer and guitarist who makes Carey feel seen for the first time in their life. Carey finds the confidence to audition for the role of Elphaba in the school musical because of the rush of his blossoming new relationship. But this sets off a chain reaction of prejudice by Carey's tormentor as well as others in the school. It's up to Carey, Cris, and their friends to defend their rights and speak their truth. They refuse to be silenced.
A coming of age surrounding finding your voice is one of the best kinds. With the addition of it being about finding your true identity and embracing yourself, this book was just amazing for me. And I love Stephen Salvatore. I love every book written by him and I will continue to read what they publish.
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Asexual/Aromantic Recs
Loveless by Alice Oseman
Georgia has never been in love, never kissed anyone, never even had a crush. But Georgia is a fanfic-obsessed romantic she’s sure she’ll find her person one day. She's determined.
When she starts at Durham University with her two best friends. Georgia is ready to find romance, and with her outgoing roommate on her side and a place in the Shakespeare Society, her ‘teenage dream’ is close in sight.
But when Georgia's plans for a uni romance go too far, her relationships with her friends suffer for it and Georgia ends up questioning why love never works for her when it does for everyone else. And with so many new things being thrown at her, Georgia is as uncertain about her identity as ever.
Is she destined to remain loveless? Or has she been looking for the wrong thing all along?
Again with the Alice Oseman books. I just can't stop recommending their books. Just trust me, it's amazing.
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrum
Dev Deshpande has always believed in fairy tales. So it’s no wonder then that he’s spent his career crafting them on the long-running reality dating show Ever After. Dev always scripts the perfect love stories for his contestants, even when his own love life is crashing worse than ever. But then the show casts Charlie Winshaw as its star.
Charlie is far from the romantic Prince Charming that Ever After and Dev expected. Charlie doesn’t believe in true love, and only agreed to the show as a last-ditch effort to rehabilitate his dying image. In front of the cameras, he’s an anxious mess with no idea how to date twenty women on national television. Behind the scenes, he’s completely emotionally closed-off from everyone.
But as Dev struggles for Carlie to connect with the contestants, they begin to slowly open up to each other. Charlie starts to realise that he has better chemistry with Dev than any of his co-stars. But even reality TV has a script, and in order to find to happily ever after, they’ll have to reconsider whose love story gets told.
The reason I read this was because my friend says 'it's basically the Bachelor if the contestant fell in love with a producer.' And that had me hooked. Such an original concept that I've never even thought of before
The Meaning of Birds by Jaye Robin Brown
Jessica has always struggled with anger issues. But come sophomore year that all changes when Vivi barrels into her life. And as their relationship grows, Vivi not only helps Jess deal with her pain, but also encourages her to embrace her artistic talent. For the first time, it feels like Jess' future is filled with possibilities. In the midst of senior year, Jess’s perfect world is suddenly erased when Vivi passes away unexpectedly. Devastated by her loss, Jess begins to push everyone away and completely destroys her plans for art school. Because Vivi is gone and Vivi was her art.
Jess is consumed in her work-study program, letting all of her dreams die. Then she makes an unexpected friend who shows her a new way to channel her anger, and creativity. Jess may never draw again but she might just be able to keep going and plan her future without Vivi there to help her.
This loss is absolutely devastating to read about Grief is something his author captures so well. And having to grapple with the fact that you'll never see someone again is soul destroying. Seeing Jess slowly recover from her loss gives me hope that with loss can also come new beginnings and second chances.
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Conclusion
Reading has played a massive impact into how I discovered my identity and it still plays a huge part in my life. I know a lot of people who feel the same way about books that I do and I love sharing recommendations for my favourite books. I hope that, regardless of the month, everyone continues to read and recommend lgbt stories because it's important that we don't limit our pride to a single month of the year. I would also love to hear any other recs anyone has!
Happy pride month everyone!
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