Diving into the kaleidoscope of queer stories, amplifying LGBTQ+ authors one narrative at a time.
Queer Women know how essential it is to have representation in literature. Lesbian books are more than just stories; they are mirrors reflecting our experiences, struggles, and love. Whether fiction or nonfiction, these best lesbian books provide a platform to see themselves and their lives printed on paper. As Jeanette Winterson once said, “Books are a way of shaping the world. They are containers of truth and containers of possibility.”
When choosing between fiction and nonfiction, the decision can be tough. On the one hand, fiction allows us to explore different worlds and characters we may never encounter. It can be an escape from reality, and at the same time, it can offer insights into our own lives.
On the other hand, nonfiction provides us with raw, real-life experiences that we can relate to and learn from. It can be a source of inspiration and motivation.
Lesbian fiction had come a long way from when “lesbian pulp” novels were the only representation available. Today, we have a plethora of genres to choose from, including romance, mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy. We can read about queer women falling in love, fighting for their rights, and going on adventures.
But nonfiction is just as important. The experiences of real-life queer people are invaluable and help us understand our world. In “The Argonauts,” Maggie Nelson writes about her experiences as a queer woman, mother, and partner. She writes, “Art is one way to make sense of the world. But so is life.”
The following list was curated as a mixture of Lesbian Books in both Fiction and Nonfiction. These books are not in any particular order or ranking but based on popularity, cultural impact, and powerful stories. We hope you like them and feel free to immerse even deeper in the stories of these Queer Women.
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...
- Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
- In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
- Loveless by Alice Oseman
- Patsy by Nicole Dennis-Benn
- I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre
- Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein
- Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
- The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch
- The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Published: February 23, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Lesbian Literature, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Family, Friendship, Identity.
“Honey Girl” by Morgan Rogers tells the story of Grace Porter, a young woman who has just finished her Ph.D. in astronomy and is struggling to find her place in the world. After impulsively marrying a woman she meets in Las Vegas, Grace breaks from her life and heads to New York City to reconnect with her estranged father.
As Grace navigates the complexities of her new marriage and reconnects with her father and his new family, she begins questioning the path she has chosen for herself and the expectations of those around her. With the help of her new friends, including a charming musician named Yuki, Grace begins to discover her true self and what she wants out of life.
At its core, “Honey Girl” is about the search for meaning and fulfillment in life. It explores the tensions between familial expectations and personal desires and the challenges of breaking free from the paths others have laid out for us.
Why we love it: Oh, Honey! The story is a vivid and evocative description of the places and people that Grace encounters on her journey. From the glittering lights of Las Vegas to the bustling streets of New York City, the novel is filled with rich and immersive settings that transport the reader into Grace’s world. Girl! You are in for a treat!
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Sometimes the hardest thing is knowing that you’re not alone.”
“I think I’m just really scared of being unimportant. Of living a life that doesn’t make a difference to anyone.”
Other books we like by this author: This is her debut novel.
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
Published: November 5, 2019
Genres and sub-genres: Memoir, Lesbian Nonfiction, Domestic Violence, Psychological Thriller, Creative Nonfiction, Autobiography, Feminist.
“In the Dream House” by Carmen Maria Machado is a powerful memoir that explores the author’s experience of being in an abusive same-sex relationship. The book is divided into short chapters, each with its narrative style and structure, ranging from literary criticism to folklore to screenplay format.
The memoir follows Machado’s journey from falling in love with her partner to the escalating abuse and manipulation she endured. She reflects on the complexities of same-sex relationships and the challenges of seeking help and support when society doesn’t recognize queer people as victims of domestic violence.
Why we love it: The book is a groundbreaking memoir on a subject often overlooked in domestic violence discussions. Machado’s writing is honest, powerful, and courageous, and she uses various narrative techniques to explore the complexities of her experience.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I was so accustomed to being loved in this way – with clenched teeth and a fist – that I couldn’t imagine being loved any other way.”
“I had never heard of domestic abuse happening between two women before, and I thought it was my fault – that I was somehow bringing it on myself.”
Other books we like by this author: Her Body and Other Parties, Bloody Summer, and The Low, Low Woods.
Loveless by Alice Oseman
Published: July 9, 2020
Genres and sub-genres: Lesbian Literature, Young Adult Fiction, Romance, LGBTQ+ Fiction, Asexual Representation, Coming of Age, Contemporary Fiction.
“Loveless” by Alice Oseman is a young adult novel about Georgia Warr, a college student who has never experienced romantic attraction. Georgia has always felt like an outsider in her friend group, and her lack of interest in dating has made her feel even more isolated.
As Georgia begins her freshman year of college, she becomes determined to find love and experiences romantic attraction like her friends. She starts a podcast about love, hoping to learn more about the subject and find someone to date.
Along the way, Georgia meets various characters, including her new roommate, a group of LGBTQ+ activists, and a charming guy named Rooney. Despite her efforts to find love, Georgia realizes she might be aromantic, meaning she doesn’t experience romantic attraction.
As Georgia comes to terms with her identity, she embraces who she is and finds a sense of community with others who identify as aromantic or asexual. She also begins to rebuild her relationships with her friends, who she had pushed away in her quest for love.
Why we love it: It is a Heart-Stopping novel (I had to, sue me!) that explores asexuality and aromanticism in a way that is relatable and accessible. The writing is engaging and funny and captures the nuances of young adulthood with compassion and insight.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I didn’t want to be in love. I just wanted to be normal.”
“I didn’t want to be just a character in someone else’s love story. I wanted to be the protagonist of my own life.”
Other books we like by this author: Solitaire, Radio Silence and HEARTSTOPPER (I know we are fangirling too hard over here, but if you know, you know).
Patsy by Nicole Dennis-Benn
Published: June 4, 2019
Genres and sub-genres: Lesbian Literature, Queer, Fiction, Contemporary
Literary Fiction, LGBTQ+, Immigration, Jamaican, Motherhood.
“Patsy” by Nicole Dennis-Benn is a novel about a Jamaican woman named Patsy, who dreams of leaving her hometown of Pennyfield to start a new life in America. Patsy is a single mother trapped in an unhappy marriage and yearns for the freedom and opportunity she believes can be found in the United States.
After years of planning and saving, Patsy finally gets her chance to leave when she is granted a visa. She leaves behind her daughter, Tru, hoping to bring her to America once settled. In Brooklyn, Patsy discovers a new world of freedom and self-discovery but also faces the harsh realities of being an undocumented immigrant and struggling to make a living.
Meanwhile, back in Jamaica, Tru is coming of age and discovering her sexuality while struggling with her mother’s abandonment. She turns to her father’s new wife, Cicely, for support and guidance but also begins questioning her identity and the expectations placed upon her.
As Patsy navigates her new life in America, she must confront the sacrifices she has made for her dreams and their impact on those she left behind. The novel explores themes of motherhood, identity, sexuality, immigration, and the complexities of love and family.
Why we love it: It captures a woman’s journey to find herself and break free from societal constraints. Along the way, it tackles important social issues, including immigration, queer identity, and the struggles of single motherhood. Beautifully written and emotionally charged, this literary gem offers powerful storytelling and insightful social commentary.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“Motherhood is not for everyone. It takes a village, and some women don’t have that. I wish someone had told me that before I became a mother. It’s too late for me now. But it’s not too late for you.”
Another book we like by this author: Here Comes the Sun.
I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre
Published: March 2, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Lesbian Literature, Lesbian, Young Adult Fiction, LGBTQ+, Lesbian Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Friends to Lovers
“I Think I Love You” by Auriane Desombre is a young adult novel that follows two teenage girls, Emma and Sophia, who are brought together by their shared love of the British rock band, The Cure. The story takes place in Los Angeles and centers around the perspectives of Emma and Sophia, both grappling with their issues.
Emma is a talented musician who struggles with performance anxiety and feels pressure from her parents to pursue a more conventional career path. Sophia is a driven and ambitious student who feels like an outsider in her family due to her parents’ expectations for her future.
As Emma and Sophia bond over their shared love of The Cure, they develop feelings for each other, leading to a complex and emotional journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with their identities.
Why we love it: It tells a touching story of friendship and first love. Also, the novel does an excellent job of capturing the power of music to bring people together and provide a sense of belonging.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I’ve spent my whole life trying to be what everyone wants me to be. But when I’m with you, I feel like I can finally be myself. And I never want to lose that.”
“Sometimes, the things that make us different are the things that make us the most beautiful. And if we can learn to love ourselves for who we are, then other people will, too.
Other books we like by this author: Six Angry Girls.
Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein
Published: October 27, 2015
Genres and sub-genres: Lesbian Nonfiction, Memoir, Music, Punk Rock, Feminism, LGBTQ+, Celebrity Memoir, Pacific Northwest History.
“Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl” is a memoir by Carrie Brownstein, a musician, actress, writer, and co-founder of the band Sleater-Kinney. The book chronicles Brownstein’s life from her childhood in the Pacific Northwest to her rise to fame in the music industry as part of the riot grrrl movement in the 1990s.
Brownstein’s writing is raw and honest as she delves into the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in the male-dominated punk rock world. She also explores her struggles with mental health and identity, including her experiences as a queer woman.
Throughout the book, Brownstein reflects on the power of music and the punk rock community to provide a sense of belonging and purpose, especially for those who feel like outsiders. She writes, “Punk rock had shown me that I was not alone in my teenage angst or my search for identity. It had given me a space to feel wild and free, and I couldn’t let go of that feeling.”
Why we love it: Listen to her songs on Spotify and Watch Portlandia. We Love EVERYTHING involving her.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I had been hiding for years, even from myself, that I wanted to be in a band. It felt like a confession, an admission of inadequacy, to say I wanted to create something rather than criticize something.”
Other books we like by this author: The Portlandia Activity Book, Kim Gordon: No Icon and Portlandia: A Guide for Visitors.
Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
Published: May 26, 2020
Genres and sub-genres: Lesbian Fiction, Young Adult, LGBTQ+, Lesbian Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Hollywood.
“Something to Talk About” by Meryl Wilsner is a heartwarming romance that follows two women, Jo and Emma, who work in the Hollywood industry. Jo is a successful showrunner, and Emma is her assistant.
After being photographed together at an awards show, rumors spread that they are in a secret romantic relationship. As Jo and Emma navigate the aftermath of the photo and their growing feelings for each other, they must also deal with the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry and the pressures of being in the public eye.
The book takes place in Los Angeles, California, and is told from the alternating perspectives of Jo and Emma. Jo is a successful and driven showrunner who has worked hard to get where she is. She’s also a caring boss who is supportive of her colleagues.
On the other hand, Emma is a talented assistant who is passionate about her work and is grateful for the opportunities that Jo has given her. She also navigates her struggles, including her father’s illness and career aspirations.
Why we love it: It is a beautiful love story that celebrates the complexities of relationships and the power of authenticity. The chemistry between Jo and Emma is electric. The book also explores important themes around women in the workplace.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I’ve learned that life is messy and hard and beautiful and it’s all of those things at the same time. It’s all the emotions and none of them. It’s everything and nothing.”
“Everything is complicated. We’re human. We’re flawed. We’re constantly evolving and changing and growing.”
Other books we like by this author: Mistakes Were Made and Cleat Cute.
Published: April 12, 2011
Genres and sub-genres: Lesbian Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography, Non-fiction, Feminism, Mental Health, Addiction, Trauma, Creative Writing.
“The Chronology of Water” is a memoir by Lidia Yuknavitch that explores her life through a nonlinear narrative structure. Yuknavitch takes the reader on a journey through her experiences of abuse, addiction, mental illness, and trauma, all while celebrating her triumphs and the people who have supported her along the way.
The book begins with Yuknavitch’s childhood, growing up in a turbulent household with a physically abusive father and a mother who struggled with mental illness. Yuknavitch shares her experiences of sexual abuse and how these early traumas shaped her into the person she is today.
Throughout the book, Yuknavitch also chronicles her struggles with addiction and its impact on her life. She shares how her addiction affected her relationships with her family and loved ones and how she eventually found the strength to overcome it.
Why we love it: It is a powerful memoir that celebrates the human spirit’s resilience and the strength it takes to overcome trauma and adversity. Yuknavitch’s writing is poetic, raw, and honest, with vivid descriptions of her experiences, making for a moving reading experience.
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I believe in the power of stories to save us. I believe in stories as a way of survival.”
“There’s a smell to healing. There’s a taste to it. There’s a sound to it. And there’s a feeling to it. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can hold it.”
Other books we like by this author: are “The Small Backs of Children” and “The Book of Joan.”
The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott
Published: June 1, 2021
Genres and sub-genres: Lesbian Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Friendship, Adventure, Terminal Illness, Coming of Age.
“The Lucky List” by Rachael Lippincott is a heartwarming adult novel about friendship, love, and self-discovery. The story follows Emily and her best friend, Sloane, who have been inseparable since childhood. But when Sloane is diagnosed with a terminal illness, their world is turned upside down.
To help Sloane make the most of the time she has left, the girls create a bucket list of things they want to do together. However, when Sloane passes away unexpectedly, Emily is left to complete the list alone. Along the way, she meets a new friend, Beckett, who joins her on her adventures and helps her come to terms with Sloane’s death.
Through Emily’s journey of completing the Lucky List, you are taken on an emotional rollercoaster filled with joy, sadness, and hope. Lippincott’s writing is beautifully crafted, weaving together love, friendship, and self-discovery themes that will resonate with readers of all ages.
Why we love it: Through Emily’s journey of completing the Lucky List, you are on an emotional rollercoaster filled with joy, sadness, and hope. Lippincott’s writing is beautifully crafted, weaving together love, friendship, and self-discovery themes.
Where’s my allergy medication? I swear is allergies. (Proceeds to cry in a fetal position)
Quotes from the book that captures its essence:
“I’m realizing that the most important things in life aren’t the big things. They’re the little moments, the ones we take for granted.”
Other books we like by this author: She Gets the Girl, Pride and Prejudice, and Pittsburgh.
So, which should you choose? Fiction or nonfiction? The answer is both. As lesbian writer Audre Lorde once said, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” We need fiction and nonfiction to understand the diversity of the lesbian experience. We need stories that take us on adventures and stories that show us the reality of our lives.
In the end, lesbian books are more than just stories. They are reflections of the LGBTQ+ community. They are sources of inspiration, comfort, and joy. They remind us that our experiences are valid and that we are not alone.
As lesbian writer Alison Bechdel once said, “We are all queer trying to get through the day.” Lesbian books are a way of getting through the day and a reminder that life imitates art, and art imitates life.
