Expectation: A story about straddling two worlds.
Reality: One of the most beautifully written novels I’ve ever read.
All in E-Book
Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson
Targeted to middle grade readers, “Brown Girl Dreaming” is an exceptional introduction to more mature books in verse and poetry, and an accessible conversation starter about the experiences of BIPOC people in the southern United States during the tail-end of the Civil Rights era.
On Cats – Charles Bukowski
If you’re a fan of Bukowski, this collection is likely a must read as it features many previously unpublished works. But if you’re a cat lover looking for saccharine sweet stories, you won’t find them here.
The Black Flamingo – Dean Atta
Written for younger readers, it’s an accessible introduction to conversations about intersectionality as we see Michael process the various facets of his identity before fully embracing and sharing openly the parts that make him feel seen, not as a “this or that,” but as a person.
All the Young Men – Ruth Coker Burks with Kevin Carr O’Leary
In modern gay history, a lot of attention is (rightfully) paid to the individuals that demanded action on AIDS, but we haven’t heard much about the everyday warriors -- the caregivers, like Ruth Coker Burks -- who were often not family members or trained medical professionals but that stepped up to help people live and die with dignity when they were shunned by so many.
A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness
Expectation: A mushy, hopeful tale of a teen manifesting a monster to help him grapple with the death of a parent and the ways it will change his life.
Reality: A simply told, yet incredibly impactful exploration of the ways in which we lie to ourselves.
The Houseplant – Jeremy Ray
“The Houseplant” proves that you can pack as much story, character development and emotion into a 5,000-word standalone story as some full-length novels.
Shuggie Bain – Douglas Stuart
Expectation: A bleak, yet heartfelt story about overcoming obstacles and discovering who you are.
Reality: This would be the most depressing book I’ve ever read if “Betty” didn’t take the crown last week.
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell – Robert Dugoni
Expectation: A coming-of-age story about friendship.
Reality: A decades-spanning novel that explores faith, fate, friendship and love that is always enjoyable but also a bit far-fetched.
Recommended For: I saw one reviewer on Goodreads compare it to “Forrest Gump,” and while I never read the book, I can certainly see comparisons to the film. So, if you like a character that ends up in implausible situations with tidy endings, you’ll enjoy this.
The Bright Lands – John Fram
Expectation: Small town secrets brought to life in a queer take on “Friday Night Lights.”
Reality: You can’t write a synopsis without giving away the twists, but it has the tone of “American Horror Story” with the bonkers plot twists of the best Blake Crouch and Stephen King novels.
Flamer – Mike Curato
Expectation: A quick read about those early moments when you start to accept that you might be gay.
Reality: A beautifully drawn, impeccably written and emotionally raw graphic novel that many queer people will find relatable.
The Saturday Night Ghost Club – Craig Davidson
Expectation: A story of outcast teens saving Niagara Falls from what lurks in the shadows – basically a Canadian "Stranger Things."
Reality: The only ghosts present are the ones that haunt us, but the story hits enough of the right notes to keep you interested.
FKA USA – Reed King
I’m not going to tell you anything about this book other than it is the worst one I’ve read this year and probably in the top three worst books I’ve actually finished.
Don’t Call Us Dead – Danez Smith
Smith’s writing is accessible, especially to novice poetry readers, but it also challenges and enlightens on each page. I’d encourage others to read this collection, especially as many of us are trying to educate ourselves on what it means to be a person of color in America.
The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
A classic that explores the struggles of mental illness — even though that may not be what you get out of it.