13 Genre-Spanning Books About LGBTQIA+ Experiences
Literature has been a haven for queer-identifying individuals for centuries, which means there’s no shortage of perspectives and narratives available.
For Pride month, I’ve committed to reading only stories written by LGBTQIA+ writers and/or featuring predominately queer characters.
If you’re interested in a similar challenge, let me help you narrow down your choices with a little “Read This, Not That: Pride Edition.”
MUST READ: Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Why read it: BIPOC queer author, bisexual/questioning main characters, immersive writing, classic literature
If you only have time for one novel this month, make it this dark exploration of internal homophobia and toxic masculinity that’s buoyed by Baldwin’s phenomenal writing. While it’s not a light-hearted read, it deserves its place among the best and most heartbreaking queer stories ever told. Read my full review here.
Rating: 5/5 stars Format: Audiobook (library loan)
Young Adult
READ THIS: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Why read it: Queer author, middle-aged gay characters, humor with heart, supernatural elements, chosen family.
I would read more young adult novels if they were all as charming as this Pixar-like story that will keep both adults and teens enthralled. If you want a lighter version of “Harry Potter” mixed with “The X-Men” then look no further than this gem about accepting yourself and fighting for others. Read my full review here.
Rating: 4/5 stars Format: Audiobook (library loan)
SKIP THIS: Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sass
Why skip it: A pandering, mediocre and problematic novel that represents everything that’s wrong with young adult fiction.
The book is hot garbage. Poorly paced, tired stereotypes and an implausible timeline of events add up to a head-scratching 400-pages. Set in a conversion therapy program, it’s full of unlikeable, one-dimensional characters and ridiculous plot twists. One of the worst novels I’ve ever finished. Read my full review here.
Rating: 1.5/5 stars Format: Audiobook (library loan)
Historical Fiction
READ THIS: The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.
Why read it: BIPOC queer author, alternating POVs, social commentary.
Gorgeous, if a tad over-written, you will be immersed in this tale of two enslaved young men finding love and salvation on a Deep South plantation in pre-Civil War America. Memorable characters, lyrical mysticism and a tense last third help overcome a somewhat confusing structure. Read my full review here.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars Format: Audiobook (library loan)
SKIP THIS: Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart
Why skip it: It is one of the most depressing books I’ve ever read.
This bleak story about overcoming obstacles and discovering who you are is not bad by any means. But there’s a sense of helplessness that permeates the pages, making the pain unrelenting. Keep “Giovanni’s Room” and “The Prophets” for your difficult Pride reads and save this one for when your tears have dried. Read my full review here.
Rating: 4/5 stars Format: eBook (library loan)
Thriller
READ THIS: The Bright Lands by John Fram
Why read it: Queer author, supernatural mystery, gay lead and strong female supporting characters.
You can’t write as synopsis without giving away the twists, but this queer take on “Friday Night Lights” has the bonkers plots twists of the best Blake Crouch and Stephen King novels with a truly surprising finish. Read my full review here.
Rating: 4/5 stars Format: eBook (library loan)
SKIP THIS: The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
Why skip it: A somewhat fresh-take on an unoriginal premise that’s noteworthy mainly for the family at its center, excessive gore and ambiguous ending.
A gay couple with a kid navigates the end of times - or do they? Fans of "what would you do?" stories will have an easier time overlooking the plot holes and generally weak character development. Read my full review here.
Rating: 3/5 stars Format: Audiobook (library loan)
Nonfiction
READ THIS: The Deviant’s War by Eric Cervini
Why read it: Queer author, micro-history, political intrigue, the early fight for queer rights in America.
What’s Pride without some history? This deep dive into the push to decriminalize homosexuality in the United States is as exhaustive as it is informative. Well-written and researched, there’s a lot of detail that can, at times, feel repetitive. Read my full review here.
Rating: 4/5 stars Format: Audiobook (library loan)
SKIP THIS: All the Young Men by Ruth Coker Burks and Kevin Carr O’Leary
Why skip it: A mediocre telling of a truly remarkable story.
Ruth Coker Burks deserves a ton of recognition for her selfless service and sacrifice to those with HIV/AIDS, but this book is just not well done. You can gain a similar, although fictional, perspective through Jill's story in "It's a Sin." Read my full review here.
Rating: 3/5 stars Format: eBook (library loan)
Contemporary Fiction
READ THIS: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Why read it: Bisexual and lesbian main characters, Old Hollywood, secrets, lies and gossip galore.
This script-flipping take on the Old Hollywood mythology is engrossing and utterly entertaining. Featuring a kick-ass main character, a surprising love story, affecting friendship and a twist at the end that pulls it all together. This is a crowd-pleaser across the board. Read my full review here.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars Format: Audiobook (library loan)
SKIP THIS: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Why skip it: Overcooked and pointless, at half the length it would’ve been twice as interesting.
How can a story about queer immortals be both utterly engrossing and completely boring? While an accessible fantasy plot, it ultimately becomes a repetitive "be careful what you wish for" parable with a disturbing abusive relationship at the center. Read my full review here.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars Format: Audiobook (library loan)
BONUS: Explore a New Genre
GRAPHIC NOVEL: Flamer by Mike Curato
Why read it: AAPI queer author, self-acceptance, 1990s flashback, summer camp memories.
A beautifully drawn, impeccably written and emotionally raw graphic novel that many queer people will find relatable. Read my full review here.
Rating: 5/5 stars Format: eBook (library loan)
POETRY: Don’t Call Us Dead by Danez Smith
Why read it: BIPOC genderqueer author, social commentary, memoir, stigma-busting.
Smith’s writing is accessible, especially to novice poetry readers, but it also challenges and enlightens on each page. Read my full review here.
Rating: 4/5 stars Format: eBook (library loan)
Want more? Check out last year’s Pride read recommendations.
