Recommendations: LGBTQIA+ Reads

Hi and welcome to the reading world!

Today, in honor of Pride Month, I want to share some reads that feature amazing LGBTQIA+ characters. Please note this list is by no means comprehensive (I have some exciting LGBTQIA+ reads on my TBR and there are plenty more!) but I wanted to share some recommendations across a few genres.

If you’re looking for read-a-thons to celebrate Pride Month, the one I’m participating in is the Queer Lit Readathon that is being hosted from June 6-12 by Kathy Trithardt, Rogan Shannon, and Jean’s Bookish Thoughts. This readathon is going on across Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, The Storygraph, and Goodreads, so I’m excited to take part! And these are great reads for anytime of the year, so feel free to check back for recommendations off this list in the future as well, and I’ll be sharing more recommendations on my Instagram!

This list is organized by overarching genre and I’ve made a subcategory dedicated to YA/MG picks, so let’s get started!

Sci Fi/Fantasy:

The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

This is a multidimensional sci fi with a thriller level plot. It’s got a protagonist that is sharp, smart, and tough with a heart of gold and has some incredible side characters as well. I loved this one and have a full review of it!

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

Black Sun was my favorite read of 2020, and I can’t wait to read more about the characters’ adventures in the sequel! Until then, however, I’ve got a full review of this one as well.

A Dead Djinn in Cairo by P. Djèlí Clark

This is a short but exciting novella (and one of my Underrated Reads Recommendations) set prior to the events of A Master of Djinn. I loved this introduction to Fatma and some of the other characters I’m hoping to see when I pick up the full length novel!

Contemporary/Literary Fiction:

Patsy by Nicole Dennis-Benn

Patsy is an incredible book that definitely is one of my top reads of the year so far. This multigenerational story follows both Patsy as she makes a difficult decision and how her life unfolds after this, and also her daughter True and the outcomes Patsy’s decision has on her life as well. I’ve got a review of this one as well and also a book recommendation if you read Patsy and want a book to pick up next– it’s an incredibly powerful story.

The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.

This is a historical fiction novel that I read on audiobook. The incredible writing style and narration made this novel one I’m definitely planning on rereading after picking it up back in February after it was one of my Most Anticipated Releases of January.

Romance:

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner

This is a slow burn romance, but one that I really enjoyed. Jo is a powerful character who thinks of others and does what she can to help the people around her. Emma is trying to figure out what she wants her life to look like and comes into her own throughout the story.

Non-Fiction:

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

This is the author’s memoir of an abusive relationship she was in. It’s definitely got a lot of difficult material, but it’s an important read I think back on. I read this one in March after putting it on my Spring TBR and still think back on it as a powerful and impactful read.

Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby

Samantha Irby is a comedian, and I highly recommend listening to her essay collections on audiobooks!

YA/MG:

Heartstopper by Alice Osman

This is probably my favorite graphic novel series. It’s got a great group of characters and I’m so excited for the next volume!

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

The audiobook of this one is excellent, and the story itself focuses a lot on family and grief.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

This is such a sweet story (and a Five Star Read of mine!) and one that I honestly don’t see a lot of buzz about!

So, there is a brief list of some books I’ve read and loved that feature LGBTQIA+ characters. I ended up featuring quite a few of these on my first Audiobook Recommendations post as well, so be sure to check that out if you enjoy reading over audio especially.

As always, please check out The Storygraph for a list of content/trigger warnings for these books compiled by readers if there is anything you’d like to be aware of prior to reading. I hope that you find some incredible reads this Pride Month, and some more amazing LGBTQIA+ reads throughout the year!

If you read any of these, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments! I would especially love to get some LGBTQIA+ recommendations in the comments as well!

Thanks for stopping by!

-Rae