In honor of Pride Month, let’s discuss books with LGBTQIA issues.
In honor of Pride Month, let’s discuss books with LGBTQIA issues.
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In honor of Pride Month, let’s discuss books with LGBTQIA issues.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Happy Pride month, family!
Less
This is the Way It Always Is
Do you mean, This is How it Always Is? I loved that one.
Yes, sorry I was too lazy to look it up last night
Sing You Home
F
Is that a book?
@Ryan no it means I am following this thread
Ooooooh! Ok!
@Ryan sorry for the confusion
No worries. I’ve just never seen that before. ??
@Ryan ?
I thought it meant something else … very happy to be wrong.
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I’m gay and I’m ashamed to say I haven’t read Call me by your Name yet.
However, Boy Erased and Running with Scissors were very good.
I did weep inconsolably at the movie, though.
I’m in school for library science and just did a research project that involved me learning about the issue of LGBTQIA materials not being easily accessible (other than pride month) and the exclusion that LGBTQIA teens often feel in libraries. It’s important to make these books mainstream – books are for and about everyone!
As a future children’s librarian, thanks for posting!
I’m an elementary librarian and books with LGBTQ characters are definitely becoming more available in the last few years! Some great ones are George by Alex Gino, Lily and Dunkin, Drama, Princess Princess Ever After, Better Nate Than Ever, This Day in June, Our Mother’s House, The Misadventures of Family Fletcher, A Family is a Family is a Family, and many more!
Great picture books, too. Worm Loves Worm, Julian is a Mermaid, And Tango Makes Three
I love Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin. Written in the 50s. James Baldwin was a GAy Black Author.
Yes and so much more. He’s an amazing writer and very relevant today. As a 60+ white woman I have learned so much from him and from others discussing his works.
His book, Another Country, is on the list- involves various sexuality issues
@Nancy yes. Yes! What a voice ahead of his time. I’m almost through all his writings. He’s become one if my top three authors!
@Shona did you see the documentary?
@Nancy no! I had no idea there was one!
@Shona yes it is called I’m Not Your Negro and it’s about his life of course but mostly his last writings that were never published. There is a book that goes along with it. It was in theaters almost 2 years ago. It is on Netflix or Amazon and iTunes. You see clips of Baldwin and listen to his beautiful voice. It is narrated by Samuel Jackson. You will love it. Though it is heartbreaking.
Nancy Vasileff Jacob ahh makes sense. 2 years ago I was deployed for Louisiana flooding and working a gazllion amount of hours! I’m going to go look it up and watch it!
@Shona good. I’ve seen it now 3 times.
Running with Scissors was very good.
One of my all-time favorite books. Have you listened to the audiobook? Lin-Manuel Miranda narrates it, and it is fantastic!
It’s one of my favorites also! I have not listened to the audiobook, but I’m putting it on my list now. Thank you for the suggestion!! ?
Just downloaded it from Hoopla… Thanks for the recommendation.
@Jenny adding!
We Are Okay
George by Alex Gino
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Call Me By Your Name must be on the list of books
Audio book is perfection!
@Nancy TY if I ever think audiobook I try this one first
Simon and the HomoSapiens Agenda, the new movie Love Simon is based on it
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33257569-how-to-survive-a-summer
Try this one! It’s about a teen’s experience at a gay “conversion” camp for boys. I went to grad school with the author, and he’s amazing. The book is too.
So, I’m ashamed to say I’ve never read a LGBTQIA book. Any recommendations?
Watch the comments here. Tons of titles.
Call me by your name
Tales of the City!!! It’s so good!! And on the list!
I’m ashamed to say I don’t know what QIA means. LGBT I know…but QIA?
@Susan it means questioning , intersex , asexual
@Karin , thank you !
@Susan Me either!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo By Taylor Jenkins Reid – one of my favorite books!
I have this on my kindle but haven’t read it yet!
Love this!
Geography Club by Brent Hartinger
Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
Anything written by David Sedaris
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
Believe Me by Eddie Izzard
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Transistor Radio. Can’t think of author but very interesting and insightful book. Jayne
Great book!
Chris Bohjalian I believe.
Great book
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Young Adult Fiction. It’s brilliant, and moving.
Tales of the City by Armistad Maupin. Best ever
The 57 Bus was amazing!
Just finished that a couple weeks ago. Loved it.
In my reading list!!
Miseducation of Cameron Post
Folllowing for recommendations!
Following
There’s The Passion by Jeanette Winterson. I read that book years ago and from what I recall, the story points to Venice (where some of the story takes place) as a city in flux given its waters rising and dropping similarly as sexual orientation can be fluid.
Following
Not fiction but Laura Jane Grace’s autobiography is fantastic
Following
If you’re in the mood for fluffy teen romance, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue” is a delight!
…
Also heard good things about Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
This is in my TBR pile!
It’s a wonderful book!
That really was a wonderful book.
I just picked up the hardback at Goodwill and I’m so excited to read it. It’s in my very well-read wife’s top five books. She told me to read it slowly and savor it!
Great novel.
If I was Your Girl by Russo, Girl Mans Up by Girard, Parrotfish by Wittlinger, Being Emily by Gold, Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Cronn-Mills, This is How It Always is by Frankel, The Dark Wife by Diemer, Silhouette of a Sparrow by Griffin
I loved This is How it Always is.
Haven’t read it but saw the movie – “Call Me By Your Name”
Audio book is FANTASTIC!
I’m writing one!
A classic: The Children’s Hour by Lillian @Hellman.
Favorite but a play. Just watched the movie again last week
tales of the city <3
Following, I want to read all of these
The first one I had ever read was Ruby Fruit Jungle. That’s really dating myself. ??
I took Lesbian Culture and Politics in college and it was required reading!
@Ariana it’s an old book. I read it almost 30 yrs ago. I didn’t think it was still in print.
I read that in middle school – it was my moms book for university. I had no idea what it was about, I just really liked the title ?
@Ally I was the same way. It was my mom’s book. Not a clue.
I read Ruby Fruit last year for a gender studies class. It was really good
I can’t wait to read “When Katie Met Cassidy”
Me too!
The one’s I’ve read are mostly for kids or teens. The one’s I’d recommend are: “Beautiful Music for Ugly Children”, “If I Was Your Girl”, the “Goldie Vance” and “Lumberjanes” graphic novels, and “Starting from Here” by Lisa Bigelow, . I’m looking forward to reading “Star Crossed” by Barbara Dee, “All Out” by Saundra Mitchell and “Symptoms of Being Human”.
@Ami I forgot about Nimona! “Giant Days” is on my to-read list; it’s always on hold at the library, which I guess is a good problem to have.
I love Giant Days. I hope you enjoy it! Nimona is my hero. She can be anything in the world and she chooses to be Nimona.
The Lord John Grey series by Diana Gabaldon.
Ahhhh…my first girlfriend had me read that!
Graphic novels: “Nimona” and the “Giant Days” series
If you’re looking for further readings, you might check out the Stonewall Book Awards ( http://www.ala.org/rt/glbtrt/award/stonewall ) and Rainbow Book List ( https://glbtrt.ala.org/rainbowbooks/ ). Both are run/maintained by librarians and sponsored by the American Library Association, so you know they read a lot!
Thanks
Just read This Is How It Always Is by Laurel Frankel. I wasn’t fond of her style of writing (I wanted to edit her paragraph long sentences), but the subject matter is timely and thought provoking. Asking myself throughout the book, “What would I have done?”
Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
I love that book!
I have this book on TBR. I think I’ll have to pull it off the shelf.
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green (young adult/teen), And Tango Makes Three (picture book)
These have been on my list too.
For children, also a picture book, Asha’s Mums.
And Tango Makes Three is beautiful! I cried.
Tell the Wolves I’m Home is an excellent novel.
Yes!
One of my all time favorite books.
I don’t know why, but I didn’t expect it to be so good. It’s definitely a keeper in my collection.
Who has read Less? Thoughts? My Bookclub is picking LGBTQ book for this year. We have read much diverse literature but are deficient in that area. I see a lot of suggestions here but curious about Less. Thanks.
That’s on my To Be Read list!
Just bought it.
What is Less, please?
Won Pulitzer.
Guy travels around the world avoiding his ex getting married. Comedy
@Laurel tell me about this title Laura. And give me some other LGBTQ titles. Need to be much better read on the possible important topic.
Less is excellent (Pulitzer Lit 2018). Another book by Andrew Sean Greer, with characters set in 3 different timeframes, is The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells.
@Cherie age group likely to find this LESS evocative?
Late 40s, midlife crisis
I really enjoyed it! Great writing, fun story
@Amber thanks. Do you think it would be a good bookclub discussion book?
@Laurel thanks !
Definitely!
I read Ash by Malinda lo which was a retelling of Cinderella where the two main characters become lovers in the end a great book.
Aaaaarrrruuuggghhh. I JUST figured out what the Q meant. What does the I & A mean?
Intersex and Asexual
The I stands for intersex, and the A stands for either asexual or allied.
Thank you.
Trans-sister Radio is one I even shared with my 80 yo mother.
Currently reading “I’ll Give You the Sun”
I was just wondering today if there were lesbian authors or characters in any book on the Great Reads List.
Bastard Out of Carolina is a great read. It has some disturbing stuff in it (child abuse), but it is really very well written. Judy something….shouldn’t be hard to google, there was a movie as well, but we all know the book is always better?
Oh, sorry, that one isn’t on the list
The Color Purple, Another Country… can’t remember the whole list now, lol!
Tales of the City series by Armstead Maupin is on the list
Specifically asking for lesbians authors and characters. Do Baldwin and Maupin have lesbian characters? I have looked up Alice Walker and it appears she may be Bi.
@Laurel I read it so many years ago and I believe it focused mostly on the gay community, although there was a transgender character.
Stone Butch Blues. Tipping the Velvet.
Loved Tipping the Velvet!
Stone Butch Blues was the first gay novel I read…secretly, while my husband was sleeping.
Tales of The City series by Armistead Maupin….. like hanging out with old friends…
House of Impossible Beauties
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides is a great read about LGBT and a famiiy’s history from Greece to Detroit.
I couldn’t get into the book..after 50 pages, I quit..
Joy Kravetz Berger I felt the same way but I had to finish it. Other people were raving about it, so I thought it was just me!
We read this in bookclub a few years ago. It was kind of slow but it was thought provoking.
If you want a good chuckle, anything by David Sedaris will do the trick. “Call Me By Your Name” reduced me to a blubbering mess-it was heartbreakingly beautiful. I know it’s a play, but “Angels In America” is phenomenal. I’m reading “And The Band Played On” right now in honor of Pride month. It’s a history of the AIDS epidemic and those brave men and women who helped out so many of the victims ????
LOVE David Sedaris
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
I literally lol my way through Leah on the Offbeat. Which is the sequel to Simon Vs the Homosapiens Agenda. I only recommend select YA books to adults and both of these make the cut.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies
For the younger generation that missed the Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin, you must try that series. Funny and heartfelt stories that anyone would like. On the list of books. #greatamericanread
In My Own Country by Abraham Varghese.
This book made me cry
One of my favorite books is Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai a wonderful novel about growing up gay in Sri Lanka
I also enjoyed detective novels by Joseph Hansen featuring David Brandstetter an insurance investigator and Michael Nava’s legal thrillers featuring Henry Rios & Murder at the Nightwood Bar by Katherine Forrest
Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown.
Vanilla by @Billy
@Seth has several great books
I haven’t read these yet but I’ve seen them at the library and based on the descriptions they’re on my “to read” list. The first 2 were recommended by a teen librarian that I know.
1) Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green
2) George by Alex Gino
3) Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teen speaks out by Susan Kuklin
4) Born Both: An Intersex Life by Hida Vilora
5) “You’re in the Wrong Bathroom” And 20 Other Myths and Misconceptions About Transgender and Gender-nonconforming People by Laura Erickson-Schroth
Why be happy when you could be normal. -Jeanette winterson
And the Band Played On by Randy Shiltz.
Yes!
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell is sort of like Harry Potter if Harry and Draco got together.
I’m thrilled over these suggestions!! ?️?
Are there any book you all would recommend that is LGBT books and Middle School appropriate?
George is a juvenile book (children’s book). The main character is 10 years old. So it might be a bit on the young side of a middle schooler depending on their age.
“George” by Alex Gino, “Drama” by Raina Telgemeier, the Lumberjanes graphic novels.
Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a teen book so that may be too much since most of the teen books at the library fit the range of 14-18.
“Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” (the movie Love, Simon is based on it). “Boy Meets Boy” by David Levithan. “Out of the Pocket” by Bill Konigsberg. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Oh, and I haven’t read George but it was recommended to me by a Teen Librarian who is part of the LGBTQ community.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a favorite of mine. Maybe more high school level though?
Angela Guthrie Shimitz, Probably, at the library it’s in the teen section, which is usually geared for anywhere from age 14 – 18. I suspect it depends on the age of the middle schooler.
I’ve had at least one person respond that they read The Perks of Being a Wallflower in the 8th grade.
Best Man by Richard Peck
Thank you. I’m trying to expand my classroom library.
Lily and Dunkin–Lily is a transgender girl who wants to start transitioning before puberty hits; Dunkin has bipolar disorder. I teach middle school and thought it was appropriate.
Followings
The Paying Guests (Sarah Waters) and Days Without End (Sebastian Barry) both historical fiction and LGBTQ!
I just checked out Days Without End, and I am really looking forward to reading it!
I love Sarah Water’s books
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters was a Book Club pick (Battenkill Books Book Club, Cambridge NY). I enjoyed it and was very surprised by it; good writing; good story; well defined characters.
Becoming a Man by Paul Monette – change my life!!
I read on the We Need Diverse Books page that many people turn to fan fiction for this because it’s hard to find good published fiction.
Loved this one!!
Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe .
I came here to mention this, but you beat me to it. Loved this.
@Laura… I think this should be mandatory .. it’s such an easy going sweet story.. cliffhangers .. friendship, how to stay friends in an unequal situation.. how to be parents of..
Fried. Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg. FAV!!!!
Yes!!
Following
Tipping the Velvet
Lord John Grey ( character from the Outlander series) has his own series of books that are awesome!
I am reading Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade.
Love these books, own them all
I really liked The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32602219
At least 2 of the Reading List books have LGBQT characters: Another Country, by James Baldwin ( also read Giovanni’s Room), & The Color Purple, by Alice Walker.
A very old one that I read many years ago, The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall. From a very different era.
A Home At The End Of The World by Michael Cunningham
I love that book.
The Women of Brewster Place, by Gloria Naylor; Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, non-fiction, but transgender Lady Chablis; Sexing the Cherry, by Jeanette Winterson; Carol,or the Price of Salt, by Patricia Highsmith
Wonderful! Had forgotten the connections with these!! Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is also in this realm.
Also by Jeanette Winterston, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit.
Don’t forget Tales of the City! @Deborah
I just finished George for the first time. I specifically read it because it was a top banned book. I enjoyed it.
Dark Reflections- Samuel Delany.
Giovanni’s Room- James Baldwin
Trouble on Triton- Samuel Delany
Left Hand of Darkness- Ursela Le Guin
And this!
https://www.amazon.com/How-We-Bent-Light-Lamere-ebook/dp/B079Z3VT2W
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Montana native Emily M. @Lisa
I really enjoyed this book, I was going to name it as well…
The Price of Salt/Carol is very well-written and the movie is quite faithful to the book. Also, The Picture of Dorian Grey implies that Dorian’s sins involve relations with young men – interesting when you consider what happened to Wilde.
A graphic novel ‘Pricess, Princess Ever After.’
Princess* oops! A good children’s book is ‘Worm Loves Worm.’
Yes! Worm Loves Worm. And there’s also King & King.
@Erica I’ll have to check that one out!
@Megan I also love Stella Brings the Family
The Mask Carver’s Son by Alyson Richman. Wonderful story and the main character is gay. Love this author’s work.
Also Disobedience by Naomi Alderman
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202677
Yes!
On my library holds list!
Rita Mae Brown’s Rubyfruit Jungle
Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg is a vital read.
That’s one of my favorites too. Other good books by transgender authors are Gender Outlaws, by Kate Bornstein, Transgender Warriors, by Leslie Feinberg, and many others:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/91823.Trans_Books_by_Trans_Authors
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters.
Another vote for Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz . Also, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky, More Than This by Patrick Ness, Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk, Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, and The Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon.
I liked Invisible Monsters…forgot I read it!
Lily and the Octopus – Steven Rowley
Tell the wolves I’m home – Carol Rifka Brunt
The Children’s Hour
A Different Kind of Daughter is a mind-blowing book about a Pakistani family and what they do to support their gender nonconformjng daughter in the midst of severe cultural adversity. So enlightening in so many way…
I was recommended The miseducation of Cameron Post and I was not disappointed. It has a very powerful message and it’s set in Montana! We Montana’s have mad pride for our state, I think it’s fitting since it’s pride month ?
Tin Man
I loved “Becoming Nicole” which covered issues dealt with by the family of a transgender girl who was also a twin. I have a transgen nephew, identical twin of his sister. The book covered scientific reasons one twin would become transgender while the other did not. Very interesting, sensitive, and comprehensive in points covered.
The Front Runner by Patricia Nell Warren, first novel with gay characters I ever read.
The Hours by Michael Cunningham.
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh.
Maurice by E M Forster.
Tales of the City as many have mentioned.
More happy than not by Adam Silva was also incredible! Very thought provoking, at the end of the story you’ll want to turn it over and read it all over again!
On my TBR list is Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero, which is a horror/comedy novel about basically Scooby-Doo and the gang twenty years later. It has a lesbian couple from what I’ve heard. Has anyone read this yet?
Yes, there’s a lesbian relationship. Sort of a side-story to the central plot as the characters reveal their feelings.
Here’s my review (for what it’s worth ?) on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2077347211
Her Body and Other Parties is fantastic and as an added bonus, the author is queer too. ?
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel… Gives the reader lots to think about and is very well written. I enjoyed this book, I even reviewed it for my book club.
What’s the IA at the end of LGBTQ mean?
Also stands for asexual – dual meaning
Intersex, Asexual/aromantic. I don’t include ally in my mind. Love allies but we need our own group!
Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne
Reading this book currently very good read
Read it a few months ago …. very good!
fried green tomatoes <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Annie on My Mind.
Tell the Wolves I’m Home
I forgot about this one. Such a good book
I just finished Hearts Invisible Furies! Great writing!
Fun Home is a great graphic novel.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26135825-fun-home?ac=1&from_search=true
For fun try the picture book Santa’s Husband by Daniel Kibblesmith https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34848673-santa-s-husband?ac=1&from_search=true
I loved Simon Vs the Homosapiens Agenda and Leah on the Offbeat, both by Becky Albertalli
The Heart’s Invisible Furies, John Boyne. Incredible.
We are having a Pride book event over on my bookclub TBR and Beyond. I’ve chosen quite a few books to read – Heart of Iron, Reign of the Fallen, People Like Us, all of Becky Albertalli’s books, Lumberjanes, We Are Okay, Queens of Geek and a few others.
Days Without End by Sebastian Barry
Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenni Fagan
In One Person-John Irving.
Luna, The Perks Of Being a Wallflower, and Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
I’m reading Trans-Sister Radio right now by Chris Bohjalian
I read that one several years ago. Interesting and thought provoking.
Julie Ann Peters – Between Mom and Jo
Less by Andrew Greer won the 2018 Pulitzer for literature.
So funny and well written. It would make a great summer read.
For kids, George is great, Gracefully Grayson and The Pants Project.
LGBTQ sci-fi is my jam. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin, Ring of Swords by Elenor Arnason.
In One Person by John Irving.
I loved Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters. It’s a wonderful historical novel.
Sarah Waters is amazing. I was also going to recommend her books.
Following
Elizabeth Lynn’s Chronicles of Tornor. Marvelous stories.
One book I really like is called Drama. It’s a graphic novel.
Wish they made a book about demisexuals (I’m demisexual).
I had to look up what that was. You are right, it would be a break from the norm
Maybe it’s time for you to start writing … to see if you can get one out there
Maybe I should.
This Is How It Always Is. It’s a wonderful book about family and love.
The Immortalists ?
Would love to read some. We have someone in our family and am constantly looking to find ways to understand his struggle.
William Corlett “Now and Then.”
Living Right by Lalia Ibrahim
Middlesex
This would have been my reading suggestion too.
It was quite illuminating on the history of Detroit as well.
Middlesex… it’s been a while since I’ve read it, but it’s a mustread
Reading Simon vs the HomoSapien Agenda right now and really enjoying it
I read this earlier in the year and LOVED it.
Leah On the Offbeat is hysterical
Orphan #8.
Loved that book!!
The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith – this was made into a movie a few years ago, retitled as “Carol,” starring Cate Blanchet and Rooney Mara and is beautifully filmed. I’ve listened to the audio book as well, it’s just as good.
I know Suzanne Brockman has a book series that features gay secondary and primary characters, I can’t recall the names at the moment.
For YA, Harmony Ink Press is a YA publishing line dedicated to the whole LBGTQ spectrum: https://www.harmonyinkpress.com/
Harmony Ink’s sister line DSP Publications publishes gay fiction, in a variety of genres – mystery, horror, fantasy, historical, etc. https://www.dsppublications.com/books
(Sorry for giving publisher links instead of books, but there are just too many authors to list. J)
And if you’re looking for romance there is a ton of that out there too. I can give links for those too if people are interested.
I lost the thread that made mention of children’s books, but In Our Mothers’ House, by Patricia Polacco is a wonderful book about a family with two moms, and how they are accepted (or not) within their neighborhood.
Two Boys Kissing – it’s YA but truly so beautiful
I see the new Pulitzer winner is the LGTB “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer – I may have to pick this up today.
I laughed so much while reading “Less.” Such great writing!
A Little Life – such a beautiful story of love…mixed with tragedy and emotional turmoil. A lot like most of our lives.
I felt like that book was inside my heart. Amazing impact. I find myself seeking out people who have read it. Such a need to share the experience.
Oh, I appreciate you saying this because that is exactly how I feel about it. Wow, to allow yourself to truly open yourself to these characters is such a gift to yourself, to your heart and soul. It totally tears you apart at times, but even that is somehow beautiful.
I have been trying to set aside some time to read this, but 600-700 pages. Before reading I knew I would want to have some folks to share it with, May just do that this winter. Gather a few reader friends and get together after reading this. Kind of an informal book group. Meet only when we know we will need a discussion. Any locals interested?
Yes. That book moved me in unique ways. It is not for the faint of heart, but what a profound piece of literature.
definitely not for the faint of heart
I’m adding A Little Life to my list of books. Sounds terrific. Thank you.
Symptoms of Being Human. Just finished this YA novel. I read it in two days–I could not out it down. Main character, Riley, is gender fluid. You never know Riley’s birth gender, and it does not matter. I was so sad when I finished the book as I could stay in Riley ‘s world forever. Cannot recommend highly enough!!!
Yes!!! That book is incredible!
The Flood Girls. It’s about acceptance where you would never expect it. Funny and quite sad.
I read Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan in high school and I loved it!
I also read Virginia Wolf’s Orlando in college (which is sort of LGBT kinda??) and loved that as well.
Following for more reccs!
Stranger than Fan Fiction by Chris Colfer.
Anything by Sarah Waters, particularly Fingersmith; takes place in Victorian London with lots of twists and turns
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers REALLY made me think about these issues when I read it for the first time. I think I was about 18 at the time.
They Both Die in the End by Adam Silvera was unique and had some beautiful moments.
The Price of Salt.
I just finished The Best Man by Richard Peck. Cute story about a boy and his role models. I also just picked Up Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro, and White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig. One of my reading goals this year is to be more diverse in my reading.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides is the book that really opened my eyes. Just beautiful
Another vote for Tipping the Velvet! I sat on a bench in a hotel lobby to finish it after checking out!
Personally, I enjoy when we have queer characters and they don’t have issues. They just are. The level of meh is almost surreal. Like in the Robin Hobb Elderlings books.
The book I loved most the year is Less, by Andrew Sean Greer. It is about an academic and author, Arthur Less, who is nearly 50 and heartbroken over the loss of his young lover who will be marrying another man. Arthur’s subsequent journey is both hysterical and beautiful. I just can’t say enough about this book.
Mena van Praag books
A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White, and Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt.
I really enjoyed tell the wolves too!
Following
Not fiction but I did just read Redefining Realness by Janet Mock. What impressed me most about her memoir is the context given outside her own experience. She reminds the reader throughout that the experiences and futures of other trans women of color, trans youth, and sexual abuse victims are considerably more bleak. She provides background information and statistics so that the reader does not regard her success as more than just that, HER success. Although Janet did experience many of the pitfalls of trans life, she did manage to navigate her way to her true self. This is an important story!
Confessions of a Mask by Yukio Mishima is a classic. Also enjoyed The Master and The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Tobin.
I loved reading Yukio MIshima and adored so many of his books. Then when I found out more about him, I hate to say it did take away somewhat from future reading. He was an extreme person. One of my reading friends told me she doesn’t like to know about the author. Hmm . . .
I read the Blackdagger Brotherhood books and they’re the only books I have ever read with gay characters in them.. They’re Vampires.. Blay & Quinn are 2 of my favorite characters from the series!!
I feel like I should’ve read more books with gay characters since I’m gay…I hope they don’t take away my “gay card” for this…lol
Song of Achilles
No one has mentioned Call Me By Your Name. I read it 2 books ago. I thought it was very moving especially the ending. Then I watched the movie and was so disappointed it did not have the same ending. I thought it was a great book. Laughed and cried.
I heard they are making a sequel to the movie to cover the ending in the book!
I just went to my niece’s graduation and the author Andre Aciman was the speaker, he was very inspiring. I gave only seen the movie and will now read the book.
The movie was good but the book was sooo much more. It broke me
@Donna That movie was so slow I had to watch it in two parts. I was trying to decide what was bothering me about it when I read a review that it seemed like two straight guys having sex.
It’s a love story. (They are not straight)
Ok, on my list, thanks.
Following…
Days Without End by Sebastian Barry is so beautifully written that at times it took my breath away. With the backdrop of the Indian wars and the Civil War, the main characters are two men who happen to love each other.
Ohhh this sounds so good!
It does sound good.
It is very good.
I don’t think anyone has mentioned Alan Hollinghurst yet. His novels are always centered around gay characters. His recent one is “The Sparsholt Affair.” Other works include “The Swimming Pool Library,” “The Stranger’s Child,” and “The Line of Beauty,” which won the 2004 Man Booker Award.
I was going to add the
Spatsholt affair but I had to Look up how to spell it!
Reading This is how it always is by Laurie Frankel. Excellent so far!
I loved this book. I am recommending it to everyone.
Trans-Sister Radio by Chris Bohjalian
For Today I Am A Boy by Kim Fu
oh yeah, trans-sister radio was really powerful.
I read it so many years ago. It was very good!
nicola griffith is interesting for lesbian themes, and of course ‘aristotle and dante discover the secrets of the universe.’
Rubyfruit Jungle comes to mind or Patience and Sarah.
Fried green tomatoes
Tales of the City!
The song of Achilles
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – best book I read last year
I really enjoyed it. I went into it on a friend’s recommendation, not knowing what it was about. I ended up loving it.
Ahhhhh discarded this one.. not being 100% sure and having way too many books as it is…
Correcting my mistake next time!
I liked it very much too. It’s good. Dorine bring back your discard. ?
Following – great book list!
following
As a straight woman, I want to say thanks for the great ideas. I love books that explore humanity in all its beautiful forms. Perhaps literature can help to create bridges, one person at a time.
Symptoms of Being Human is one of the best out there in my opinion. The author is Jeff Garvin. My book group had a great discussion. It is YA.
Tell the Wolves I’m Home Carol Brunt Story of a gifted girl who slowly realizes her uncle, a gifted painter, is gay. Takes place in the 80’s when people were uncomfortable and uninformed about HIV. She begins a relationship with her uncle’s partner that nurtures her gifts as they deal with his death. Love their adventures in the Cloisters in NYC.
Loved this book!
Because of your recommendation and in honor of the month…I just checked this one out of the Library. Thanks!!
SO many great LGBT books published by @BOLD!!
The Lost Laguage of Cranes
Middlesex is a rich modern epic. Dante and Aristole Discover the Secrets to the Universe is everything good about YA literature.
YA books:
They Both Die at the End
The Pants Project
Simon and the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Love Felice Picano! Especially Like People in History, but The Lure and The Book of Lies were also very good!!!
My book club read Becoming Nicole by Amy Nutt and we all loved it!
“This is the way it always is” is a fantastic book focusing on a family with a young transgender child.
Coffee Will Make You Black! Interesting, funny, and poignant book!
KJ Charles kindle books
Tales of the City series, by Armistead Maupin. Perhaps a tad dated now but oh so good!
Yes, so good!
Becoming Bobbie – R.J. Stevens
The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky
Naked in the Promised Land: a Memoir – Lillian Faderman
I’m also interested in reading something by Gerri Hill, but haven’t gotten around to it at this point.
“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” has a very funny trans character in it
Lady Chablis was great in that role in the movie.
I recommend Cheryl Rainfield’s work.
Reading “I Celebrate Myself – the Somewhat Private Life of Allen Ginsberg” by Bill Morgan made me absolutely fall in love with Allen Ginsberg. He was brilliant, compassionate and brave. This biography even cross-references with “The Collected Poems of Allen Ginsberg.” One can read about a time in his life and then go directly to a poem from that time.
I’m curious how many younger readers will be familiar with Allen Ginsberg and his contemporaries. Yes, I live in a small town but still found it shocking when a young girl attending local Community College had not heard the word Beatnik.
I’m familiar, though not too young, I’m 38. We learned about the beats in school, and also had the Naropa Institute and the Beat Bookstore in Boulder, Colorado. You practically had to know these names if you were an artistic kid.
I practically literally ran into Allen Ginberg years ago, when we were both going into the UMC on the Boulder campus for an event.
cool!
@Carol 38 is young! I had thought most would learn about the Beats in school. I would love to visit the Naropa Institute and Boulder’s bookstores. Was only there briefly a couple times, long ago.
I didn’t learn about the beats in school at all. But I did see Allen Ginsberg speak a number of years ago. It was pretty amazing.
Although this book is epic in its content and story it does have as a major theme intersex/gender identity. A great read.
Thank you. A must read!
Great reading suggestions thank you!
Giovanni’s Room -James Baldwin
Tales of the City, on the GAR list
Hood by Emma Donoghue
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe
Still love Rita May Brown’s Ruby Fruit Jungle, Six of One , Half A Dozen The Other. Heard her speak at a women’s music festival way back when.
“Under the Udala Trees,” Chinelo Okparanta “Here Comes the Sun,” NIcole Dennis-Benn
Stray City …
“Another Country,” James Baldwin
Tales of the City, Orlando, M Butterfly
The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne is excellent!
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.
My choice too!!! Love Ruth and Idgie!!!!
The Color Purple shows how a badly abused woman could find love in another woman
The book had so many avenues to travel I went down many paths
@Betty didn’t it! There the role of women not yet freed from the yoke of slavery and 2nd class citizenship. There is the strengths of women in adverse situations amd the hope of reconciliation of past wrongs. I read it sevrral times and saw the movie more than once.
One of my favorite books!
Saw the movie over a dozen times. It should have been the one to win the Oscar that year. It is truly a work of art especially how Africa coincides back and forth with her world.
Sycamore by Bryn Chancellor
Trying Hard to Hear You
Give me a break all those letters how am I to know what they mean
Please don’t scoff at other people’s identities. Rather, this could be viewed as what it is, an effort toward inclusivity and an opportunity to learn something new. For the record, the letters mean L- lesbian, G- gay, B- bisexual, T- transgender, Q- queer or questioning, I- intersex, A- asexual
@Kate , you are a fine person. I can only hope to have your patience some day.
What does Intersex mean?
Intersex means you are born with variations in your sexual characteristics. This can manifest itself in your chromosomal make up, genitalia, or sex hormones. There’s lots of good info on the website for the Intersex Society of North America if you want to learn more. http://www.isna.org/faq/what_is_intersex
Betty, I hope you’ll choose to read some of the titles suggested throughout the comments. And while your comment makes me think you are frustrated, kudos for your honesty. An open book + an open mind = win-win!
The older you become the more demanding you are of great literature there are less surprises as one becomes older
Someone used about 6 or 7 letters and I have no idea what they stand for, like lol. I know what that means. This was too coded
@Betty not sure how old you are, I’m 61 and love the opportunity to learn new ideas and viewpoints. The stories of people who are not like me are often the most fascinating. To each their own …
@Betty not sure what you mean by “too coded” – is the initialization what you object to, or is it the fact that human sexuality isn’t binary? I’d be happy to provide suggestions of non-fiction books to help with your understanding of the fluidity of sexuality and gender identity
This conversation is so off course, all I wanted to know was what the letters, like lol, stand for
@Betty well, IMO, asking members of a book club about something is because you want to know more than just what the initials stand for. You could Google it next time if you don’t want to actually, like lol, learn something.
@Caren, your text was well written I am up on sex but not all the abbreviations of words for texting
You are telling me to learn something lol
What is going on all I wanted to know was the a abbreviation of letters now people are telling me about sex a d patience, this is so absurd I can only laugh.
I Don’t think I’m in my book club, sorry ladies,each of us are responding to something and we’re out of synch
All of Armistead Maupins books!!!!!
I just got Tales of the City and can’t wait to start it!
The Wrong Side of the Sun: The Dáuþeins by Gabrielle Nykol, exciting read and well written
Oranges are Not the Only Fruit, and other books by Jeanette Winterson.
If I Was Your Girl
And the first book by and for bisexuals I ever read, Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out by Loraine Hutchins (Editor), Lani Ka’ahumanu (Editor).
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.
Great book
I’m really enjoying The Song of Achilles. Good one!
I just bought The Art of Being Normal – I haven’t read it yet, but has anyone else?
Sounds like a great read, I’ve never quite mastered “Normal”
My current fave is Call me by your name. All the feelssssss.
Up next is A Little Life.
A Little Life was so good. It was one of those books that stays with you.
Just finished Call Me By Your Name, Exquisetly well written book……
Trans-sister Radio by Chris Bohjalian
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides; Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx
OMG – thank you for reminding me of Brokeback Mountain. It is one of the most beautiful stories. Annie Proulx is a master.
not my kind of reading…..
Mary, not judging, just curious: why not?
enough garbage to read…don,t need to add to it….just my take…..
Caren, you had to have known the answer ahead of time. There’ll always be those that consider LGBT people “trash.”
What an unacceptable response, Mary.
@Mark I try not to assume; having been a reproductive and sexual health educator, I try for teaching moments. Sadly, some people refuse to learn. ?
@Mary I hope you’ll reconsider your belief that LGBTQIA = trash. People all have the same desire to live a life of dignity, love, and respect.
Mary Conroy you didn’t even have to say anything, yet you took time to be hateful. Could’ve just kept on scrolling but nope you had to make sure we knew you were hateful. Very sad and pathetic.
Why comment on this thread at all?.Need attention? I feel sorry for you.
She is entitled to her opinion.
I just finished Less, the book that just won the Pulitzer. Andrew Sean Greer is a lovely writer.
I just got that one and should be starting it soon.
Finger smith by Sara Waters
Awesome book!
I loved The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson.
Lots of YA books on gender topics.
I once did a study of LGBT- themed YA books for a teacher’s in-service course in my school district.
Perks of being a wall flower
Unfortunately my daughter’s school banned the book. She was very upset about it because it is one of her favorites.
People who ban books are stupid.
Perks is such a great and sad and wonderful book.
Suggestions from my local library for Pride month
Middlesex! Loved it.
Blue is the warmest color by Julie March. A great French novel, that shows first love. I really love a good romance story and this was beautifully written.
Kristen Marie what do all those letters stand for
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual or allied. Google is a great thing.
The Kate Martinelli books by Laurie R King are fantastic, if you like mysteries.
Love these!
George.
Call be by your Name
Loved this one too
An Exaltation of Larks and A Charm of Finches by Suanne Laqueur are incredible
Good titles sometimes make me want to investigate the book!
Lord John Grey (he’s gay) books are historical mysteries with interesting relationships.
I said the same thing! I love Diana’s books.
The Hearts Invisible Furies is terrific
This is how it always is by Laurie Frankel. It’s about a little boy wanting to be a girl and the choices parents make. Very good.
I recently red The Immortalists (has one gay character and I thought he was stereotyped) and Tin Man, which is beautiful.
I think it was the time he was living in that made him a stereotype. San Francisco was the place to be at the time.
@Chinelo wrote much on Lesbian relationships and loneliness. Very deep in her prose and ahead of her time as well.
Middlesex
I adored “Tin Man” (one of my faves of the year so far). Last year I read “This is How It Always Is,” by Laurie Frankel, and that story (about a transgender child) has stayed with me a long time. Learned a lot reading that novel about one family’s experience.
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO falls into this category. Also, a book I received an ARC of, MY EX-LIFE. Armistead Maupin’s TALES OF THE CITY.
Saw the movie the other night on tv, very good.
https://crimereads.com/from-gimmicks-to-characters-queerness-in-crime-fiction/
Nice
Am a fan of Brandstetter, Rios, & Delafield, too. I do not want to read any book that kills off the gay character.
For gay kinky crimefighting, read The Killer Wore Leather by Laura Antoniou.
Sandra Anne Farrell Understandable.
in part Scarborough by Catherine @Hernandez
Oranges are Not the Only Fruit — moments in this book I guffawed! Jeanette Winterson is the author.
Great book!
I’m reading The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
I would love to hear from someone who identifies as LQBTQIA as to what fiction books they would recommend for someone who does not to read.
Thanks, I’ll check that out
Words Without Borders has lots of international suggestions this month
I’m starting Amy Bloom’s White Houses. She is coming tour local library to speak about it next week. I can’t wait to hear more about her research for it and what inspired her to write the story.
Interesting read.
I must admit that I haven’t read any mentioned, but will start! Tales of the City sounds intriguing!
Very funny series
Oranges Aren’t The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson, Angels in America by Tony Kushner, Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall is one of the first explicit novels about a lesbian love affair and a must read for those interested in the history of LGBTQ lit.
QIA??
Questioning , intersex ,asexual
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. It also won the Pulitzer.
That is one of my favorite books.
Maurice by E.M. Forster and Under the Udala Tree by Chinelo Okparanta. I just sort of stumbled upon these and thought they were quite well done.
Maurice is one of my favourite books.
Tales of the City
Breaking the Surface – Greg Louganis