In the literature world, LGBTQ voices continue to make stories more interesting and diverse. This hand-picked list of 11 best LGBTQ books lets readers explore the many sides of the queer community’s lives, from heartwarming romances to thought-provoking diaries. These stories are both entertaining and educational because they show the struggles, victories, and strength of LGBTQ people. Thus, let’s dive into the exciting worlds of these must-read books that will keep you interested.
1. Your Driver is Waiting, by Priya Guns
This fiery and funny social spoof is based on the famous 1970s movie Taxi Driver. The ride-share driver desperately seeks love, respect, and financial security until she decides she’s had enough of waiting.
Thus, a book that hits you right in the gut…Full of love and real friendship, stress, and the desire to set everything on fire…This is a powerful work of art.
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The book, released in 2017, has garnered a lot of praise for its exploration of difficult topics and its telling of interesting stories.
The story revolves around a character named Evelyn Hugo, a fabricated Hollywood star from the Golden Age of films. It unfolds through an open and honest interview between Evelyn and a writer named Monique Grant. Evelyn opts to disclose every detail of her private life to Monique, including her seven marriages.
The book talks about love, ambition, identity, and the cost of fame as Monique digs into Evelyn’s troubled life. Every one of Evelyn’s weddings shows a different part of her life and the entertainment business, weaving together a rich tapestry of relationships and experiences.
3. The Great Believers, by Rebecca Makkai
“The Great Believers” is a book that Rebecca Makkai wrote. Critics have praised the book, released in 2018, for telling powerful stories and examining how the AIDS crisis has affected the LGBTQ+ community.
“The Great Believers” is a story with many layers that takes place in two different times. The first story takes place in Chicago in the 1980s, when AIDS was very common. It’s about a group of friends, mostly gay men, who are dealing with the terrible effects of the disease on their community. The book is about death, friendship, and how strong the human spirit can be.
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4. Detransition, Baby, by Torrey Peters
“Detransition, Baby” is a book that Torrey Peters wrote. The 2021 book has gotten a lot of attention for how it explores gender identity, parenting, and relationships through the lens of a transgender person’s life.
The book is about three people: Reese, a trans woman; Ames, a guy who has stopped transitioning; and Katrina, Ames’s ex-girlfriend who is cisgender. At the start of the story, it is revealed that Ames has gotten his boss, Katrina, pregnant. This creates a complicated and unusual family situation. The characters struggle with identity, desire, and social expectations as they deal with the difficulties of being parents and having relationships that aren’t the norm.
5. Here Comes the Sun, by Nicole Dennis-Benn
Nicole Dennis-Benn wrote the book “Here Comes the Sun.” The book, which came out in 2016, is set in Jamaica and deals with tough issues like family, sexuality, poverty, and social standards.
The story unfolds in the fictional Jamaican town of River Bank. It revolves around four interconnected women bonded by blood, friendship, and their challenging environment. Margot, the eldest sister, juggles a job as a tourist guide with sex work to support her younger sister, Thandi. Additionally, their lives are shaped by the harsh realities of their surroundings. Moreover, young women like Thandi, who is smart and driven, have to deal with the demands and pressures of society. Further, Dolores, their mother, is a complicated person who has problems with her own wants and feelings of guilt.
6. I Wish You All the Best, by Mason Deaver
Mason Deaver wrote the book “I Wish You All the Best” for young adults. The book, which came out in 2019, has been praised for how it shows gender identity and the LGBTQ+ experience, especially through the lens of a nonbinary main character.
The book is about a nonbinary kid named Ben De Backer who tells their parents they are gay and is then kicked out of their house. Ben turns to their separated sister Hannah and her husband Thomas for help since he has nowhere else to go. Also, Ben finds their way around a new school, tries to hide who they are, and makes new friends as the story goes on.
7. Call Me By Your Name, by André Aciman
“Call Me By Your Name” is a book that André Aciman wrote. When it came out in 2007, the book got a lot of praise for looking at love, desire, and how complicated relationships can be. The book was later turned into a highly acclaimed movie by Luca Guadagnino in 2017.
The story takes place on the beautiful Italian Riviera in the summer of 1983. Further, a smart seventeen-year-old boy named Elio Perlman tells the story. Moreover, Elio’s family has a visiting scholar every summer, and this year it’s the charming and interesting Oliver. Elio and Oliver’s initial lack of interest turns into a passionate and intense love story over the course of the summer.
8. Like a Love Story, by Abdi Nazemian
Abdi Nazemian wrote the book “Like a Love Story,” which is for young adults. The book, which came out in 2019, is set in 1989 during the AIDS crisis and looks at love, friendship, action, and identity.
Three different characters, Reza, Judy, and Art, tell the story from their respective points of view. Reza, a teenage boy from Iran who just moved to New York City, is getting used to discovering that he is gay. Reza’s best friend is Judy, and Art is a photographer and campaigner. During a time of cultural and social change, the three characters grapple with their relationships and personal struggles. It’s challenging for them to stay true to themselves.
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9. All the Things We Don’t Talk About, by Amy Feltman
A “big-hearted, lively, and expansive portrait of a family” about a neurodiverse father, his nonbinary teen, and the sudden, terrible return of the woman who left them (New York Times bestselling author Claire Lombardo).
Morgan Flowers has no plans to show himself. Morgan’s neurodiverse father raised them.The absence of their strange mother, Zoe, has always troubled them. Thus, this feeling intensifies as they navigate their gender identity and first love. Julian, their father, has done his best to raise Morgan. Yet, he can’t replace Zoe, who left for Europe on Morgan’s first birthday. Zoe is bright but erratic, leaving a significant void. When Zoe’s girlfriend Brigid breaks up with her, she returns to disrupt Morgan and Julian’s fragile peace. They must confront the challenges of Zoe’s return.
10. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong
The book, released in 2019, has received a lot of praise for its beautiful writing and profound exploration of identity, family, and the immigrant experience.
The book presents itself as a letter from a son to his illiterate mother. Furthermore, the main character, Little Dog, reflects on his family’s Vietnamese immigrant history. He contemplates his coming of age and his complex bond with his mother. Furthermore, the narrative blends personal introspection, family anecdotes, and insights into the experience of being a gay person of color in the U.S.
11. If You Could Be Mine, by Sara Farizan
Sara Farizan wrote the book “If You Could Be Mine” for young adults. The book, which came out in 2013, is about love, identity, and the problems that LGBTQ+ people in Iran face.
Sahar and Nasrin are two close friends who have a lot in common. Additonally, the book takes place in Tehran, Iran. Moreover, in a society where being gay is illegal, Sahar discovers Nasrin’s arranged marriage. Additionally, Sahar ponders gender surgery as it’s more accepted. She fears losing Nasrin’s love. Thus, the situation challenges Sahar’s identity.
FAQs
Are these books suitable for all readers, regardless of identity?
Of course! The authors wrote these books so that readers of all genders can relate to them and learn from them.
Do these books cover a range of genres within LGBTQ literature?
Yes, the collection includes fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and other types of books that show how diverse LGBTQ writing is.
How do these books contribute to LGBTQ representation in literature?
These books help break down stereotypes, build empathy, and improve society’s understanding by showing LGBTQ situations as they really are.
Can these books be recommended for educational purposes or book clubs?
Of course! Many of these books contain valuable information addressing LGBTQ issues. They are ideal for both school and book club discussions.
Key Takeaways
- Different Narratives: These books have a wide range of LGBTQ voices and tell original stories that are true and have a lot of depth.
- In these books, both fiction and biographies, LGBTQ experiences are shown in a way that is true to life, which helps readers understand and relate to the characters.
- Strong Narratives: These books add to the ongoing talk about LGBTQ issues, culture, and identity by telling strong stories.