Summer is finally here, and with it, Pride Month, a time to honor the pioneers of the Gay Liberation Movement and salute those who have kept fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community ever since.
For us bookworms, it’s also the perfect season to dive into new reading adventures with some of the best LGBTQ+ fiction. Ready to celebrate love, diversity, and resilience? Here are some top-notch book recommendations to get your pride on and keep your summer reading list sizzling!
Author: James Baldwin
Genre: Classics, Romance, Gay, Fiction
Published: 1956
Number of Pages: 224
An introspective glance into the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. Set in the 1950s, it chronicles the journey of David, an American expat who lives in Paris. Upon meeting Giovanni, an Italian bartender, David is torn between his desire and the pressures of conventional norms. Baldwin's evocative prose explores themes of alienation, internal conflict, and the search for self-acceptance, making "Giovanni's Room" a timeless and essential read in LGBTQ+ literature.
Author: André Aciman
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Coming of Age
Published: 2007
Number of Pages: 256
A beloved novel turned iconic piece of queer cinema starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, “Call Me by Your Name” is a touching coming-of-age romance that unfolds during a summer in the 1980s in Italy. 17-year-old Elio spends his summer at his family’s Italian villa, where he meets Oliver, a 24-year-old graduate student of his father’s. Elio develops deep romantic feelings for Oliver, which slowly translate into a passionate and tempestuous relationship.
Through themes of desire, identity, and the complexities of first love, the novel explores the meaning of true intimacy and its transformative nature.
Author: Tomasz Jedrowski
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Gay
Published: 2020
Number of Pages: 191
A deeply evocative tale set in the 1980s Communist Poland, narrating the forbidden love story of Ludwik and Janusz. The two meet over the summer and share their love for literature, particularly James Baldwin’s ‘Giovanni's Room’. Their romance blooms in the idyllic countryside, away from the prying eyes of a repressive society. However, as they return to the political and social turmoil of Warsaw, politics threaten to tear them apart. Ludwik is drawn towards resistance and protest, while Janusz aligns himself with the regime to secure his future. Rich with historical detail and emotional depth, this novel showcases the complexities of love, freedom, and identity in a world marked by fear and oppression.
Author: Douglas Stuart
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Gay
Published: 2022
Number of Pages: 390
A raw and tender coming-of-age story set in Glasgow's gritty neighborhoods. It follows the journey of Mungo, a Protestant teenager, and James, a Catholic boy, who find solace and love in each other's company amidst the sectarian violence that divides their community. Through their forbidden romance, Mungo faces pressures from his family and peers, leading to a gripping exploration of identity, resilience, and the search for belonging. Stuart's narrative sheds light on the complexities of young love in a world fraught with conflict and prejudice.
Author: Julia Armfield
Genre: Horror, Fiction, Lesbian, Contemporary
Published: 2022
Number of Pages: 240
A haunting and lyrical exploration of love, loss and the unknown. Leah is a marine biologist who belatedly returns home changed after a deep-sea mission goes disastrously wrong. Her wife, Miri, is initially relieved to see her return, but Leah’s increasingly strange and detached behavior leads her to fear that the woman she loves has been profoundly altered by her time in the depths of the ocean. As Miri unravels the mystery of what happened to Leah underwater, the novel delves deeply into Miri’s emotional turmoil and the challenges of holding onto someone who is slowly becoming unrecognizable.
Author: Jenna Voris
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Lesbian, Music
Published: 2024
Number of Pages: 320
Seventeen-year-old aspiring journalist Darren Purchase has always idolized late country music legend Decklee Cassel. When it is revealed at her televised funeral that the time capsule she has left behind was found empty, fans embark on a scavenger hunt with musical clues that will ultimately reward the finder with a cash prize. Since Darren knows everything about her idol, she seizes this opportunity and sets off on a road trip with her coworker Kendall to break the story and uncover the beloved star’s secrets.
Their story is paralleled with the narrative of Cassel’s rise to fame in the ‘60s and the complex relationship with her songwriting partner and lover Mickenlee Hooper.
As Darren delves deeper into Decklee's past—the love, the heartbreak, the fame, the glory, she discovers that the real story she needs to tell is her own.
Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary
Published: 2021
Number of Pages: 470
A tense, thrilling novel set at the elite Niveus Private Academy. It follows Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo, two queer Black students who join forces to unmask Aces, an anonymous texter who begins revealing their deepest secrets. As the harassment intensifies, Devon and Chiamaka must uncover the sinister conspiracy behind Aces’ ominous facade. This gripping tale explores themes of racism and privilege, making for a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Queer, Fiction
Published: 2020
Number of Pages: 433
“Loveless” follows 18-year-old Georgia Warr as she starts university and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Despite her longing to experience romance, Georgia realizes that she does not feel sexual or romantic attraction the way those around her do. Through her struggles and triumphs, Georgia learns the true meaning of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. In this novel, Oseman beautifully explores the often overlooked aromantic/asexual spectrum, providing much-needed representation and challenging societal norms about love and relationships.
Author: Xiran Jay Zhao
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopia
Published: 2021
Number of Pages: 394
In the futuristic world of Huaxia, humanity is constantly threatened by alien creatures known as Hunduns. To defend their planet, men pair up with female concubine-pilots, who are often sacrificed in the process. Eighteen-year-old Wu Zetian joins the force to seek revenge on the ace male pilot who caused her sister’s death. To everyone’s shock, Zetian kills him through their psychic link and emerges unscathed, earning the title of the Iron Widow.
Paired with the notorious male pilot Li Shimin, and joined by her childhood friend, Geo Yizhi, Zetian leverages her newfound power to defy societal norms and shatter the oppressive patriarchal structures. “Iron Widow” is a thrilling blend of action, feminist rage, and a groundbreaking exploration of polyamory, making it a standout in LGBTQ+ representation and young adult literature.
Author: Simon Jimenez
Genre: Science Fiction, Queer, Fantasy, Space Opera
Published: 2020
Number of Pages: 391
In Jimenez’s stunning debut novel, humanity has spread across the stars, navigating the cosmic currents in search of survival and connection. Nia Imani, a solitary starship captain, lives a life marked by brief encounters and long separations, aging slowly while the universe around her races forward. Her world changes forever when she rescues Ahro, a mysterious boy with an extraordinary gift for music and a hidden past.
As Nia and Ahro journey through space, they form a deep bond that defies the loneliness of their existence. Alongside them travels a diverse found family—including a gay crew member, an asexual polyamorous engineer, and a brilliant scientist with a poignant romantic history—in search for love, identity, and the quest for belonging.
Author: Kacen Kallender
Genre: Young Adult, Transgender, Coming of Age, Contemporary
Published: 2020
Number of Pages: 368
“Felix Ever After” features Felix Love, a Black, queer, transgender teen grappling with the complexities of identity and love. Despite the irony of his last name, Felix has never been in love and desperately wants to experience it. When an anonymous student publicly exposes Felix’s dead name and pre-transition photos, he sets out to uncover the perpetrator.
Determined to get to the bottom of this, Felix creates a fake social media profile to catfish the suspected culprit. In the process, his relationships, along with his close friendship with Ezra, are tested and deepened, leaving him to question and reevaluate things about his own identity. By seeking and defining the love and hate around him, Felix must find his way to realizing that true love and acceptance essentially comes from within.
Author: Torrey Peters
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Transgender
Published: 2021
Number of Pages: 337
A groundbreaking novel that explores the complexities of gender, identity, and parenthood. Reese, a trans woman yearning for motherhood, is unexpectedly reconnected with her ex, Ames, who has detransitioned and now lives as a man. When Ames's boss and lover, Katrina, discovers she is pregnant, Ames proposes an unconventional solution: the three of them could raise the baby together. As their intertwined relationships get more and more complex, Peters sheds light into the challenges and joys of unconventional family structures, offering a thought-provoking look at love and the many forms it can take.
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Author: Alice Oseman
Genre: Graphic Novel, Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult
Published: 2018
Number of Pages: 288
A touching and uplifting series of graphic novels that follows the blossoming romance between Charlie Spring, a shy gay teenager who is still recovering from last year’s forced coming out, and Nick Nelson, a rugby player with a heart of gold. When the two are seated next to each other, an unlikely friendship forms, and Charlie starts to question whether his feelings for Nick might be more than platonic. While exploring his feelings, Nick, on the other hand, finds out new things about his own identity.
This graphic novel turned hit Netflix series beautifully captures the joys and challenges of young love, friendship, and self-discovery, giving queer romance a cute, heart-stopping twist.
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Author: Tucker Shaw
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Gay, Romance
Published: 2022
Number of Pages: 368
A moving young adult novel set during the height of the 1990s HIV/AIDS crisis in New York City. “When You Call My Name” follows two gay teens coming of age in the city. Adam and Ben’s lives intersect in unexpected ways as they each grapple with their identities, friendships, and the devastating impact of the epidemic. Adam, a high school senior, is dealing with the tragic loss of his boyfriend to AIDS, while Ben, a quiet and introverted student, struggles with his feelings for his best friend.
This tender story captures the fear, hope, and resilience of a generation faced with unimaginable challenges, offering a powerful tribute to the enduring strength of the queer community and the transformative power of love and friendship
Author: Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Gay, Coming of Age
Published: 2012
Number of Pages: 390
El Paso, Texas, 1980s. Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza is a lonely teenager with a lot of anger and unresolved feelings towards his family. One summer day at the pool, he meets Dante Quintana, an outgoing and expressive boy who offers to teach him how to swim. Despite their mane differences, they form an instant bond that will open their eyes to the secrets of the universe and will transform them both, helping Ari accept and embrace his true self.
Author: Adam Silvera
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Gay, Romance
Published: 2017
Number of Pages: 389
In a world where Death Cast lets you know it is your last day on earth, 18-year-old Mateo Torrez gets the call at midnight and, for the first time in his life, starts reassessing his life choices. His introverted nature and anxiety have caused him to waste his life away, but he swears to make the most out of his final day. On the other side of town, Rufus Emeterio gets the exact same call in the middle of a brawl with his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend. Ever since he lost his family in a tragic accident, his life had been a whirlwind, only kept together by his found family. When the funeral he organized for himself goes horribly wrong, he has to go into hiding, but the fear of spending his last day alone pushes him to look for company on the Last Friend app. There, he meets Mateo and the two boys get together to fulfill their bucket lists before their time runs out. Through this unlikely connection, a unique bond forms that takes them both on a journey of self-discovery and gives them the maturity to face feelings they’ve never experienced before.
Author: Casey McQuiston
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, New Adult
Published: 2019
Number of Pages: 448
A contemporary romance novel that follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Whales. Alex has despised the snooty prince ever since the day he first saw him, and their feud culminates in a diplomatic episode at a royal wedding. To manage the fallout, the two rivals must stage a fake friendship, but as they spend more time together, Alex realizes there is a secret loveable side to the cold prince, and the begrudging PR stunt turns into a head-over-heels secret romance.
“Red, White & Royal Blue” is a heart-warming romantic comedy that offers a charming narrative about breaking barriers and finding love in unexpected places.
Author: TJ Klune
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Magical Realism, Young Adult
Published: 2020
Number of Pages: 394
A heart-warming fantasy about Linus Baker, a solitary caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Linus is unexpectedly assigned to evaluate a secluded orphanage on a picturesque island, where six dangerous yet enchanting children reside under the care of the enigmatic Arthur Parnassus. As Linus learns more about the children's extraordinary abilities and Arthur's unwavering devotion, he discovers a sense of family and belonging he never knew he was missing. This charming and tender tale explores themes of acceptance, love, and the courage to embrace the unexpected.
Author: Madeline Miller
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mythology, Fantasy
Published: 2011
Number of Pages: 416
Set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece, this retelling of Homer’s Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus has managed to touch the hearts of millions of readers while swiftly becoming a classic in LGBTQ+ literature.
Patroclus, a young Greek prince newly exiled from his homeland, finds an unlikely friend in the face of King Peleus’s son, the legendary Achilles. Achilles is a demigod, a strong warrior whose remarkable skill attracts the envy and admiration of those around him, including Patroclus. However, as the bond between the two young men deepens, their relationship evolves from friendship to romance and faces numerous trials, both personal and on the battlefield.
The bestseller explores themes of love, honor, and destiny, culminating in the tragic events of the Trojan War, where both their fates are hanging in the balance. Miller’s lyrical prose and emotional depth bring new life to these ancient characters, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless epic.
Author: Hanya Yanagihara
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Mental Health
Published: 2015
Number of Pages: 814
A devastating ode to chosen families, Hanya Yanagihara’s “A Little Life” follows the life of four friends across several decades; Jude is an introspective lawyer with an enigmatic past of trauma and abuse. Willem, his best friend, is a kind-hearted aspiring actor. Malcolm, the mediator of the group, is a thoughtful, somewhat introverted architect, and JB, an openly gay man, is the outgoing artist and free spirit of the group. When the group leaves college, they start navigating careers and relationships in New York City.
The story centers around Jude, whose physical and psychological scars gradually come to light as he struggles to find himself worthy of loving and being loved. Unable to break through his self-imposed isolation, he does not know how to respond to his friends and found worrying about him and trying to save him.
Jude’s story is a harrowing yet deeply moving portrayal of pain, healing and the resilience of hope in the face of tragedy.
Author: Ocean Vuong
Genre: Fiction, Poetry, Contemporary, Queer
Published: 2019
Number of Pages: 246
A deeply moving novel written as a letter from a son to his illiterate mother. The narrative unfolds the story of Little Dog, a young Vietnamese-American, as he navigates the complexities of his identity, family history, and the burdens of intergenerational trauma. Through evocative prose and poetic insight, Vuong explores themes of race, class, and the immigrant experience, as well as the tender yet tumultuous bond between mother and son. This deeply intimate and lyrical debut captures the fleeting moments of beauty and pain that define our lives, offering a poignant meditation on love, memory, and survival.
Author: Alice Winn
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, War
Published: 2023
Number of Pages: 382
In this gripping historical novel set against the backdrop of World War I, two young men, Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood, are bound by deep friendship and hidden love. As the war rages on, both enlist and face the horrors of the battlefield, their bond tested by the brutality surrounding them. Gaunt, of German descent, grapples with his own identity and loyalty, while Ellwood's letters provide a lifeline amidst the chaos. This powerful narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
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Author: New York Public Library
Genre: Nonfiction, Essays, Politics, Historical
Published: 2019
Number of Pages: 335
An anthology that captures the essence of the LGBTQ+ rights movement through the voices of those who lived it. Compiled by the New York Public Library, this collection brings together essays, memoirs, articles, and first-hand accounts from activists, journalists, and participants of the Stonewall uprising. Spanning from the pre-Stonewall era to the explosion of LGBTQ+ activism in the 1970s, these powerful narratives shed light on the struggles, courage, and resilience of a community fighting for equality. "The Stonewall Reader" is an essential and inspiring chronicle of a pivotal moment in history that continues to resonate today.
We hope that this comprehensive list has helped you refresh your library with the best books to keep you company this Pride Month. From new releases to LGBTQIA classics, this collection is bound to tug at your heartstrings and broaden your horizons, so run to your local bookshop—or Amazon— and get to reading!
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Eirini is a passionate book nerd with a keen penchant for the whimsical and the witty. She holds a degree in English Literature - because what's better than reading books for homework? - and delights in dissecting the subtleties of storytelling. When it comes to fiction analysis, she is determined to turn every stone and go through every theory of the stories that excite her. Known for her playful approach and keen observations, her contribution offers readers a delightful exploration of literary themes that resonate with enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
