LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ books center LGBTQ+ characters and themes, exploring identity, relationships, and community.
Honeybee
by Craig Silvey
When fourteen-year-old Sam Watson meets elderly recluse Vic on a bridge late at night, an unlikely friendship blooms. Together, they navigate life’s struggles—from gender identity and mental health to grief and healing. Honeybee is a tender, courageous Australian novel that explores resilience, acceptance, and the redemptive power of connection. It’s both heartbreaking and life-affirming, with a powerful voice at its center.
All Fours
by Miranda July
In All Fours, a 45-year-old semi-famous artist embarks on a spontaneous cross-country road trip from Los Angeles to New York, leaving behind her structured life. Her journey leads her to unexpected encounters and introspection, exploring themes of desire, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles and Monrovia, California, the novel delves into the protagonist's navigation of societal norms and personal freedom. Miranda July's narrative is a reflective and intimate exploration of midlife transformation and the pursuit of authenticity.
Last Call
by Elon Green
Last Call investigates the “Last Call Killer,” a serial murderer targeting gay men in 1990s New York. More than a true crime account, the book honors the lives of the victims and exposes systemic neglect by law enforcement. Through meticulous research and empathy, Elon Green illuminates a tragic chapter in LGBTQ+ history and the communities that rallied for justice and remembrance.
Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy
by Jessica Fern
In 'Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Consensual Nonmonogamy', Jessica Fern delves into the intersection of attachment theory, trauma, and navigating non-traditional relationship structures. Through a blend of research, personal anecdotes, and therapeutic insight, Fern explores how individuals with diverse attachment styles can cultivate secure and fulfilling connections within polyamorous dynamics. She offers readers a compassionate and practical guide to understanding and addressing attachment wounds within the context of consensual nonmonogamy, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and effective communication. This enlightening book challenges traditional relationship norms and provides valuable tools for creating healthier, more authentic partnerships.
Clear
by Carys Davies
Set in 1843 during the Scottish Highland Clearances, Clear by Carys Davies tells the story of John Ferguson, a minister dispatched to evict Ivar, the last resident of a remote island. As their lives intertwine, the novel explores themes of isolation, resilience, and human connection against the backdrop of Scotland’s turbulent history. Davies' narrative is praised for its "exquisite, craggy detail" and deep reflection on themes of home and belonging, earning her the 2025 Ondaatje Prize.
The Great Believers
In 'The Great Believers' by Rebecca Makkai, the narrative seamlessly weaves between two timelines - the 1980s at the height of the AIDS epidemic in Chicago and 2015 in Paris. The story follows Yale, a gay man grappling with loss and love during the crisis, and Fiona, a woman searching for her daughter in the present timeline, connected by a shared tragedy. Makkai explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the devastating impact of the epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community with grace and sensitivity. The novel powerfully captures the emotions of grief, hope, and the enduring power of human connection.
Call Me By Your Name
by Andre Aciman
Set in Italy during a scorching summer in the 1980s, 'Call Me By Your Name' explores the passionate relationship between 17-year-old Elio Perlman and 24-year-old Oliver, a visiting scholar. Andre Aciman weaves a sensual tale of first love, desire, and self-discovery as the characters navigate their emotions in the picturesque Italian countryside. The novel delves into themes of sexuality, identity, and the impermanence of time. Aciman's lyrical prose captures the intensity of young love and the ache of longing, offering a poignant and intimate exploration of desire. 'Call Me By Your Name' is a beautifully written coming-of-age story that lingers in the reader's heart.
Shuggie Bain
Douglas Stuart's Shuggie Bain portrays the harrowing coming-of-age of a young boy in 1980s Glasgow, navigating poverty and his mother's alcoholism. Shuggie's unwavering love for his mother, Agnes, anchors the narrative as he grapples with his identity and the harsh realities of his environment. The novel offers a raw and compassionate exploration of addiction, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family.
Young Mungo
Douglas Stuart's heartbreaking second novel depicts the precarious life and burgeoning love of a young gay boy in working-class Glasgow amidst sectarian violence and social hardship. With raw and tender prose, it explores themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and the search for intimacy in a harsh and unforgiving environment, echoing the emotional intensity of his debut.
The Priory of the Orange Tree
Series: The Roots of Chaos (#1)
An enthralling, epic fantasy about a world on the brink of war with dragons - and the women who must lead the fight to save it. The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction – but assassins are getting closer to her door. Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic. Across the dark sea, Tané has trained to be a dragonrider since she was a child, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel. Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep.
Martyr!
by Kaveh Akbar
Kaveh Akbar's debut novel, Martyr!, follows Cyrus Shams, a first-generation Iranian American poet grappling with the loss of his mother, who died in a tragic plane bombing. Haunted by grief and searching for meaning, Cyrus embarks on a journey that intertwines his personal struggles with broader themes of identity, legacy, and artistic expression. The narrative delves into the complexities of family, sacrifice, and self-discovery, highlighting the immigrant experience and the impact of loss. Akbar's prose offers a poignant reflection on the human condition and the quest for purpose.
Lily and the Octopus
In 'Lily and the Octopus' by Steven Rowley, we follow the heartwarming and emotional journey of Ted and his beloved dachshund Lily as they face the challenges of Lily's sudden illness. Blurring the line between fantasy and reality, the narrative explores themes of friendship, love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets. Rowley's poignant storytelling skillfully delves into the complexities of grief and acceptance, creating a touching and intimate portrayal of the human-canine connection. With its whimsical elements and profound truths, 'Lily and the Octopus' is a must-read for anyone who has experienced the unconditional love of a furry friend.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
by TJ Klune
T.J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heartwarming fantasy about Linus Baker, a caseworker who evaluates magical orphans for the government. He’s sent to a secluded orphanage where six unusual children—one of whom is the Antichrist—live under the care of the kind and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus. As Linus grows closer to the children and Arthur, he begins to question the rules he's always followed. With themes of acceptance, love, and found family, this whimsical and uplifting novel is a gentle reminder that kindness can change the world. A tender, magical modern fairy tale.
Nightcrawling
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley is a powerful debut novel that follows Kiara, a Black teenager navigating poverty and systemic injustice in Oakland, California. After a tragic family crisis and with no reliable support, Kiara turns to sex work to survive, eventually becoming entangled in a police scandal involving abuse and corruption. Mottley, who wrote the novel at just 17, brings poetic intensity and raw vulnerability to Kiara’s voice. The novel explores themes of exploitation, resilience, and the desperate search for dignity in a world that routinely devalues Black lives. Nightcrawling is unflinching, heartbreaking, and deeply human.
Exciting Times
by Naoise Dolan
Naoise Dolan's 'Exciting Times' is a captivating debut novel that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, love, and self-discovery. Set in Hong Kong, the story follows the witty and sharp protagonist Ava as she navigates the nuances of her romantic entanglements with Julian, a banker, and Edith, a lawyer. Through Ava's cynical observations and inner musings, the reader is drawn into a world of social status, desire, and emotional vulnerability. Dolan's writing is incisive and thought-provoking, offering a fresh take on contemporary love and the quest for authenticity. 'Exciting Times' is a compelling exploration of intimacy and identity that will resonate with many readers.
The Saint of Bright Doors
In a world where mysterious portals shimmer in every city, Fetter is raised by a ruthless mother who grooms him to assassinate his father—a powerful spiritual leader. Rejecting this destiny, Fetter flees to the capital, where magic, politics, and personal trauma collide. As he tries to find purpose beyond violence, Fetter is drawn into conspiracies surrounding the bright doors and their true meaning. Blending surrealism with sharp political critique, The Saint of Bright Doors explores themes of agency, faith, and identity in a brutal yet vividly imaginative world. It’s a bold, genre-defying debut that challenges fantasy’s traditional boundaries.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong's 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' is a remarkable and poignant exploration of identity, family, love, and the complexities of human connections. The novel is written as a letter from a son to his illiterate mother, delving into their shared history as Vietnamese immigrants in America. Vuong's lyrical prose weaves together themes of trauma, queerness, and generational trauma with breathtaking beauty and raw honesty. Through vivid imagery and poetic language, the book captures the struggles of navigating cultural divides and the search for acceptance and understanding. 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' is a deeply moving and profound work that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page.
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?
In 'Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?', Jeanette Winterson delves into her complex relationship with her adoptive mother, exploring themes of family, identity, and resilience. The memoir intertwines her tumultuous upbringing with her search for love and acceptance, ultimately leading to a powerful reflection on the importance of self-discovery and authenticity. Through lyrical prose and raw honesty, Winterson paints a vivid portrait of her journey towards understanding and forgiveness. This poignant and introspective narrative resonates with readers, offering a compelling exploration of the human spirit's capacity for healing and transformation.
How to Write an Autobiographical Novel
In 'How to Write an Autobiographical Novel,' Alexander Chee delivers a collection of insightful and thought-provoking essays that explore identity, creativity, and the power of storytelling. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Chee dives deep into his own experiences with topics such as politics, sexuality, and family, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the complexities of human existence. His prose is both elegant and emotionally resonant, drawing readers into a world where vulnerability and resilience intersect. This book is a testament to the transformative nature of writing and the ways in which it can help us make sense of our lives.
The Line of Beauty
Set in 1980s London, The Line of Beauty follows Nick Guest, a young gay man navigating the complexities of class, politics, and sexuality within the affluent Fedden family. As Nick becomes entangled in the family's social circles, he grapples with his identity and desires amidst the backdrop of Thatcher-era Britain. Hollinghurst's novel offers a satirical and intimate portrayal of privilege, hypocrisy, and the pursuit of beauty, culminating in a poignant exploration of love and loss during the AIDS crisis.
The Emperor of Gladness
by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong's The Emperor of Gladness is a poignant novel that follows Hai, a 19-year-old Vietnamese American grappling with trauma and addiction. After a chance encounter with Grazina, an elderly woman with dementia, Hai finds unexpected companionship and purpose. Set in East Gladness, Connecticut, the story explores themes of identity, resilience, and the healing power of human connection. Vuong's lyrical prose delves into the complexities of marginalized lives, offering a heartfelt narrative about finding hope and meaning amidst adversity.
I Heard Her Call My Name: A Memoir of Transition
by Lucy Sante
Lucy Sante's memoir, I Heard Her Call My Name, is an absorbing analysis of a long-standing search for identity in writing and life. The memoir charts Sante’s recent transition from male to female in her late 60s, alternating between explaining the challenges of her decision and reflecting on her past. Sante's narrative offers a candid and introspective look at gender identity, personal transformation, and the complexities of self-realization, providing readers with a profound exploration of authenticity and acceptance.
The Death of Vivek Oji
This emotional and lyrical novel begins with a body left on a Nigerian doorstep—the body of Vivek Oji. As family and friends piece together his life and death, a portrait emerges of a gentle, misunderstood soul navigating gender identity, family expectations, and queerness in a conservative society. Told with tenderness and poetic prose, The Death of Vivek Oji explores love, grief, identity, and the spaces between. It’s a poignant and powerful story about living one’s truth in a world that often refuses to see. Emezi offers a deeply human narrative full of compassion and quiet rebellion.
Girl, Woman, Other
Winner of the Booker Prize, Girl, Woman, Other follows twelve interconnected characters—mostly Black British women—whose lives span generations and geographies. Through poetic prose and experimental structure, Evaristo explores identity, gender, race, class, and sexuality in modern Britain. Each narrative stands alone while contributing to a larger tapestry of shared struggles, joys, and legacies. With empathy and nuance, the novel challenges stereotypes and celebrates multiplicity, offering a rich, panoramic portrait of what it means to be “other” in a changing world.