Diving into the kaleidoscope of queer stories, amplifying LGBTQ+ authors one narrative at a time.
Queer women are often told that their lives are “too strange” for mainstream audiences. They are dismissed as a niche market, a subculture, and a “trend.” But the truth is that their experiences are just as complex, nuanced, and valid as anyone else’s. Sometimes their reality is even stranger than fiction. Or maybe fiction is just too real?
This article is a list of the Best Sapphic Books and focuses on this line between what’s real and what’s fantasy, fiction, and nonfiction. This Line often overlaps, giving us stories that you won’t believe are real and realities that you won’t believe didn’t exist.
We must say that they are in no particular order or rating. We curated a list encapsulating the spectrum between fiction and nonfiction in the Sapphic Literature theme.
From romance to mystery, memoir to sci-fi, essays to adventures, sapphic books offer a fresh perspective on the world. They challenge the norms, subvert the expectations, and celebrate the diversity of the Queer community. As the queer writer Jeanette Winterson once said, “Fiction and poetry are doses, medicines. What they heal is the rupture reality makes on the imagination.”
And that’s precisely what sapphic books do. They heal the rupture reality makes on the imagination by offering us new possibilities, new ways of being, and new worlds to explore. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, that our love is real, and that our stories matter.
There’s a sapphic book for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a steamy romance, a thought-provoking memoir, or a thrilling mystery. We hope you enjoy our selection of Sapphic books, from fiction to nonfiction, including everything in between. And in the end, you’ll tell us if reality is stranger than fiction or if we are just delusional. Enjoy!
Don't have time to read them all? Why not try listening to them? Audible is a great platform for listening to audiobooks because it offers a wide selection of books, including bestsellers and exclusive content. With Audible, you can listen to your favorite books on-the-go, whether you're commuting, working out, or doing household chores.
The Audible app also has features like adjustable narration speed, a sleep timer, and the ability to create bookmarks, making it easy to customize your listening experience. Additionally, Audible offers a membership program that gives members access to a certain number of audiobooks per month, making it a cost-effective option for avid listeners.
A great resource for people who want to maximize their time and make the most out of their daily activities. Try a free 30-day trial from Audible today, and you'll get access to a selection of Audible Originals and audiobooks, along with a credit to purchase any title in their premium selection, regardless of price (including many of the books on this list!)
For ebook lovers, we also recommend Scribd, basically the Netflix for Books and the best and most convenient subscription for online reading. While they have a catalog comprising over half a million books including from many bestselling authors, for some of the books on this list, you'll still have to purchase individually - either as a paperback or eBook to load on your Kindle - due to publishing house restrictions.
In this article we will cover...
- Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
- One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
- Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde
- Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
- Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
- Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
- Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily R. Austin
- Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
- You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Published: May 5, 2020
Genres and sub-genres: Realistic Fiction, Sapphic Literature, Poetry, Novels in Verse, Contemporary, Family, Dual Narratives, Caribbean Culture.
“Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo tells the story of two teenage girls, Camino and Yahaira, who live on opposite sides of the world but are connected by a tragedy. When their father dies in a plane crash, they discover that he had a secret life and that they are half-sisters.
The book takes place in the Dominican Republic and New York City, and the perspectives of Camino and Yahaira alternate throughout the story. Camino is a resilient and resourceful girl who lives in poverty but dreams of attending college and becoming a doctor. Yahaira is a talented chess player who lives in the United States with her mother and struggles with her identity as a lesbian.
As the two sisters navigate their grief and learn to trust each other, they confront the secrets and lies surrounding their father’s double life. The novel explores themes of family, identity, forgiveness, and the power of community.
Why we love it: It is a powerful story exploring family and sisterhood’s complexities. The novel’s use of verse gives it a unique and lyrical quality that adds to its emotional impact.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Grief is a house we inhabit that has no walls. It’s a house we navigate in the dark. Sometimes we bump into the walls or the furniture, but mostly we bump into ourselves.”
Other books we like by this author: The Poet X” and “With the Fire on High”.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Published: June 1, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Literature, LGBTQ+ Fiction, Adult Fiction, Time-Travel, Found Family, Contemporary.
“One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston is a romantic story about August, a young woman who moves to New York City to find herself and falls in love with a girl from the 1970s.
August is a college student who feels lost and unsure of her future, but she finds a sense of belonging when she moves into an apartment with a group of diverse and supportive friends. When she meets Jane on the subway, she is immediately drawn to her quirky personality and vintage fashion sense. As they spend more time together, August discovers that Jane is a time traveler stuck in the 1970s.
As August and Jane’s relationship develops, they must navigate the challenges of being from different eras and finding a way to be together. The novel explores love, identity, family, and the power of connection.
Why we love it: It’s an engaging story that combines romance, humor, and a touch of magical realism. The diverse cast of characters and the representation of bisexuality are out of this time!
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Sometimes it felt like being queer meant she was always looking for her reflection in everything, that everything meant something more, that everything was pointing her toward a secret truth she couldn’t quite find.”
Other books we like by this author: I Kissed Shara Wheeler and Red, White & Royal Blue.
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde
Published: January 1, 1982
Genres and sub-genres: Nonfiction, Sapphic Literature, Memoir, Feminism, Queer, Biography, Classics, Poetry, Autobiography.
“Zami: A New Spelling of My Name” is a memoir by Audre Lorde, chronicling her childhood in Harlem to her early adulthood in the 1950s. The book follows Lorde’s journey of self-discovery as a Black lesbian woman, exploring themes of identity, race, gender, and sexuality.
The book’s title, “Zami,” is used in the Caribbean to describe a communal gathering space for women, particularly Black queer women. The book is structured into several parts, each representing a different phase of Lorde’s life, from her childhood in Harlem to her teenage years in Catholic school and finally to her experiences as a young woman living and working in New York City.
Throughout the book, Lorde writes candidly about her experiences with racism, sexism, and homophobia and how these intersecting forms of oppression impacted her life. She also explores her relationships with other women, including her mother, her first love, and her closest friends, who provided her with community and support.
Why we love it: “Zami” explores the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in a way ahead of its time. Lorde’s writing is poignant, honest, and unapologetic, and her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of Black queer women.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“And I knew I would survive this, too, because I had already survived so much.”
“I was trying to make my way alone, to forge my identity, my sexuality, my sense of family all at once, while attempting to construct a life without giving up too much of myself.”
Other books we like by this author: Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches and The Cancer Journals.
Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
Published: May 7, 2019
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Literature, Queer Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Sapphic Romance, Royalty, Lesbians.
“Her Royal Highness” by Rachel Hawkins follows the story of Millie Quint, a hardworking and ambitious Texan girl who lands a scholarship to attend a prestigious boarding school in Scotland. As she embarks on this new journey, she finds herself rooming with Princess Flora, the royal heir to the Scottish throne.
Initially, Millie and Flora clash due to their vastly different personalities and backgrounds. Flora is used to getting everything she wants and is not used to being challenged, while Millie is determined to succeed and make the most of her opportunity.
However, as they spend more time together, they understand each other better and develop an unlikely friendship that eventually blossoms into romance.
Their relationship is threatened by Flora’s royal obligations, the pressure of being the future queen, and Millie’s insecurities and fears of not belonging in such a privileged world. The book explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating relationships in the public eye.
Why we love it: It explores the intricacies of class and privilege and how they can affect relationships. The chemistry between Millie and Flora is what you would expect from this kind of book; perfect! Also, their journey of self-discovery and acceptance is quite touching.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Love isn’t easy. Especially the perfect kind. It’s difficult, and you’ll want to rip your hair out just as many days as you’ll feel the wind at your back. But it’s worth it. It’s worth fighting for.”
Other books we like by this author: “Royals” and “Prince Charming.”
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
Published: January 18, 2016
Genres and sub-genres: Realistic Fiction, Sapphic Literature, Young Adult Fiction, Queer, Contemporary, Feminism, Lesbian, Coming of Age, Race.
“Juliet Takes a Break” by Gabby Rivera is an empowering novel that follows the story of Juliet Palante, a Puerto Rican writer and activist struggling to find her place in the world. Juliet is tired of fighting against social injustices and the expectations of her family and friends and decides to take a break and travel to Portland, Oregon, to reconnect with herself and her art.
As she navigates a new city and group of friends, Juliet explores her sexuality and identity as a queer woman of color. She meets a charming librarian named Kira and starts a passionate romance, but their relationship is tested by Juliet’s insecurities and Kira’s past traumas.
The book explores self-discovery, healing, and the power of community and love. It also addresses important issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia in society and how they affect marginalized communities.
Why we love it: The story encourages readers to embrace their true selves and stand up for their beliefs. It’s a must-read for anyone struggling to find their place in the world.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“It was like I had to learn to breathe all over again. Except for this time, I was doing it on my own. Without my mother’s voice telling me how to suck in air. Without my father telling me to be quiet and unobtrusive. Without Brooklyn’s sounds of trains and buses and my neighbors blasting music from their stoops. I was in a completely different environment, learning to be me in a completely different way.”
Other books we like by this author: America, Vol. 1: The Life and Times of America Chavez.
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
Published: October 25, 2011
Genres and sub-genres: Nonfiction, Sapphic Literature, Memoir, Feminism, Queer, Auto Biography, Lesbian, Coming of Age, Family Drama.
“Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?” is a memoir by Jeanette Winterson that explores her difficult childhood and coming-of-age as a young lesbian woman in a conservative religious household. Winterson grew up in a working-class family in Manchester, England, and was adopted by Pentecostal parents who raised her in a strict and abusive environment.
Despite these challenges, Winterson discovered a love for literature and writing that helped her navigate her turbulent home life and come to terms with her sexuality.
The memoir is structured around Winterson’s search for her birth mother and her attempts to reconcile her past and present. Winterson weaves anecdotes from her childhood with reflections on her adult life, exploring themes of identity, love, and resilience.
Throughout the book, Winterson grapples with questions of why she was adopted, how her childhood trauma has affected her relationships, and whether it’s possible to find happiness in the face of pain and adversity.
Why we love it: This is a moving and deeply personal memoir that speaks to the universal human experience of seeking love and acceptance in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Life is painful and messed up. It gets complicated at the worst of times, and sometimes you need help figuring out where to go or what to do. Lots of times, people just let themselves get lost, dropping into a wide-open, huge abyss. But that’s why we have to keep trying. We must push through all that hurts us, and work past all the memories haunting us. Sometimes the things that hurt us are the things that make us strongest.”
Other books we like by this author: “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” and “The Passion.”
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily R. Austin
Published: May 7, 2019
Genres and sub-genres: Literary Fiction, Mystery, Dark comedy, Sapphic Literature, psychological fiction, Coming of age, Mental Health.
“Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead” is a darkly comedic novel by Emily R. Austin that follows the misadventures of Gilda, a young woman struggling with anxiety and depression who accidentally lands a job as a receptionist at a Catholic church.
Despite having no experience with religion or administrative work, Gilda finds herself drawn to the quiet and orderly atmosphere of the church, where she can hide from the chaos of her own life.
As Gilda settles into her new role, she becomes increasingly entangled in the church’s secrets and scandals, including a mysterious death that occurred on the premises years earlier. Along the way, she forms an unlikely friendship with a priest named Father James, who is struggling with his crises of faith and identity.
Why we love it: It is a witty and heartfelt novel that explores themes of loneliness, identity, and mortality with refreshing honesty. Austin’s writing is clever and sharp, with a dark humor that perfectly balances out the weighty subject matter. This book will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about being alive. All the emotions at once!
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“People don’t always say what they mean. Sometimes they don’t even know what they mean.”
“I feel like I’m just existing, not living. Like I’m just waiting for something to happen.”
Other books we like by this author: “Oh Honey” and “Interesting Facts About Space”.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Published: January 19, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Sapphic Literature, Young Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+, Romance, Asian American Culture, Coming of Age, Friendship, Family.
“Last Night at the Telegraph Club” is a stunning historical novel by Malinda Lo set in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s. The story follows Lily Hu, a Chinese-American teenager who dreams of becoming a writer but is constantly held back by the expectations of her traditional family and society’s prejudices.
Despite this, Lily discovers her identity and sexuality as she navigates her growing feelings for her friend Kathleen, a talented artist and activist.
As Lily and Kathleen explore San Francisco’s vibrant queer scene, they are drawn to the Telegraph Club, a secret lesbian bar where they can be themselves without fear of judgment.
However, as the Communist witch hunts of the McCarthy era gain momentum and the Chinese Exclusion Act looms over their community, Lily and Kathleen must navigate dangerous political and personal tensions to protect their love and futures.
Why we love it: The author nails the description of the historical backdrop of San Francisco’s Chinatown and the LGBTQ+ community of the 1950s to create a compelling story. Also, Lily’s journey of self-discovery and the love story between her and Kathleen are deeply moving and will resonate with Queer People of all ages.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I realized that I wanted to be with her always, that I wanted to hold her and be held by her, and that I didn’t know how to navigate any of it.”
“I didn’t have the words for what I felt, but I knew I had to keep it a secret, even from myself.”
Other books we like by this author: “Ash” and “Huntress”.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Published: June 2, 2020
Genres and sub-genres: Realistic Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Sapphic Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, High School, Black Lives Matter, Music, Friendship.
“You Should See Me in a Crown” is an inspiring novel about Liz Lighty, a talented and ambitious Black teenager who dreams of attending Pennington College, a prestigious and predominantly white institution. Liz lives in the small town of Campbell, Indiana, where she faces discrimination and prejudice from her classmates and teachers due to her race, sexuality, and low-income background.
However, Liz’s life takes an unexpected turn when she decides to run for prom queen to win a scholarship allowing her to afford Pennington College.
As Liz navigates the challenges of the campaign trail, she falls in love with her charming and popular prom king opponent, Mack. But as their relationship deepens, Liz begins questioning whether she is ready to come out as a lesbian and risk her already precarious social standing.
Set against the backdrop of a fictional Indiana town, “You Should See Me in a Crown” explores themes of race, class, identity, and self-discovery. With a cast of memorable characters and a charming romance, this novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to find their place in the world.
Why we love it: This book tackles important issues such as race, class, and sexuality thoughtfully and engagingly. Liz is a relatable and inspiring protagonist who learns to stand up for herself and chase her dreams despite obstacles. Plus, the romance between Liz and Mack is swoon-worthy. Oh, baby, you should see Liz in a Crown!
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Black girls don’t always have to be strong; sometimes they’re just trying to make it through the day.”
“I don’t need anyone to tell me that the stars shine brighter in Indiana, that the air smells sweeter, or that the birds sing prettier. I already know that.”
Another book we like by this author: Rise to the Sun.
Is nonfiction a stranger to fiction? or did the line between the two doesn’t exist? Ultimately, sapphic literature celebrates queer women’s experiences and identities. As author and activist Roxane Gay have noted, “There is power in writing the things that we are told not to write. There is power in telling the truth. There is power in allowing ourselves to be vulnerable.”
Sapphic books, whether fiction or nonfiction, allow queer women to do just that—to tell their stories, share their truths, and connect with others who understand their experiences. And we do hope you connect with some of the stories on this list, and they were POWERFUL!
