Diving into the kaleidoscope of queer stories, amplifying LGBTQ+ authors one narrative at a time.
The LGBTQ+ community has long been marginalized and underrepresented in literature. However, in recent years, there has been a push for more diverse and inclusive representation in the literary world.
This has led to a proliferation of LGBTQ+ books, both fiction and non-fiction, that provide a deeper understanding of the queer experience and offer a much-needed representation of diverse voices and perspectives.
In this article, we will be reviewing the ten best LGBTQ books that have significantly impacted the literary world. From heart-wrenching romance to thought-provoking non-fiction, these books offer a glimpse into the diverse and complex lives of queer individuals.
We will start with “Call Me By Your Name” by Andre Aciman, a novel that has become a cult classic since its release in 2007. The book tells the story of a summer romance between a 17-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man, set against the stunning backdrop of Northern Italy. The novel explores themes of love, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships with a poignant and aching beauty.
Another book we will be reviewing is “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer, a novel that won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The book follows the journey of a struggling author, Arthur Less, as he travels around the world to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. The novel is a funny and touching exploration of love, loss and self-discovery.
We will also be reviewing “Hold Still” by Nina LaCour, a novel that explores the emotional aftermath of a high school student’s suicide. The book is a powerful and tender portrayal of grief and the healing power of friendship.
“Annihilate Me” by Christina Ross is a romantic novel that explores the relationship between two women, one of whom is a celebrity and the other a college student. The novel is an intense and emotional love story that delves into the complexities of fame and the price of love.
Another book we will be reviewing is “The Heart’s Invisible Furies” by John Boyne, a novel that spans seven decades of Irish history and follows the life of a gay man, Cyril Avery, from his childhood to old age. The novel is a sweeping and epic tale of love, loss, and the search for acceptance.
“The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith is a novel that tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with an older woman. The novel is a groundbreaking work of lesbian fiction published in 1952 under a pseudonym. It is a powerful exploration of desire and the societal pressure to conform to heteronormative expectations.
Next, we have “The Argonauts” by Maggie Nelson, a nonfiction book that is a blend of memoir and criticism. The book explores the author’s experiences as a queer woman and a mother and her thoughts on gender, sexuality, and parenthood.
Another nonfiction book we will be reviewing is “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin. This novel, published in 1956, is a powerful exploration of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. It tells the story of a young American man living in Paris who falls in love with another man.
“The First Third” by Will Kostakis is a novel that explores the coming out story of a young man and his journey to self-acceptance. The novel is an honest and heartfelt portrayal of the struggles many LGBTQ+ youth face as they navigate their identity and the world around them.
Finally, when considering the best LGBTQ books, we have “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde. This classic novel, published in 1890, tells the story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. The novel is a biting critique of societal beauty standards and the dangers of vanity and narcissism.
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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...
- Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
- Less by Andrew Sean Greer
- Hold Still by Nina LaCour
- Annihilate Me by Christina Ross
- The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
- The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
- The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
- Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
- The First Third by Will Kostakis
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
“Call Me By Your Name” by Andre Aciman is certainly one of the most famous LGBTQ Books and tells the story of a summer romance between a 17-year-old boy named Elio and a 24-year-old man named Oliver. The novel is set in Northern Italy and is a poignant and aching exploration of love, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships.
The novel follows Elio as he discovers his sexuality and falls in love with Oliver, a graduate student working with Elio’s father. The novel is a coming-of-age story that explores the different facets of the gay experience, from the initial attraction to the heartbreak that follows the end of the summer.
The novel is written in a simple yet evocative language that creates a sense of intimacy and longing. The imagery is rich and vivid, painting a picture of the Northern Italian landscape that is both beautiful and melancholic.
The characters in the novel are well-developed and nuanced. Elio is a complex and relatable protagonist struggling to understand his feelings. Oliver is a charismatic and mysterious figure who is both a mentor and a lover to Elio.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how it explores the theme of desire. The novel is not afraid to delve into the darker, more sensual aspects of love and sexuality. This makes the novel a powerful and authentic exploration of the gay experience.
Overall, “Call Me By Your Name” by Andre Aciman is a beautiful and heartbreaking novel. It is a powerful exploration of love, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the gay experience and the coming-of-age story.
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
“Less” by Andrew Sean Greer is a novel that tells the story of Arthur Less, a struggling author who is turning 50 and facing a midlife crisis. The novel is a funny and touching exploration of love, loss and self-discovery as Arthur embarks on a journey around the world to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend’s wedding.
The novel is written in a witty, clever and often humorous tone. The story is told through a series of interconnected vignettes that are both comedic and poignant. The novel explores a wide range of themes, such as aging, the passage of time and the search for meaning.
The characters in the novel are complex and relatable, particularly the protagonist Arthur Less. The reader empathizes with Less as he navigates the ups and downs of his journey, and the reader feels invested in his journey. The novel also explores the theme of love and the different forms it can take in one’s life.
The novel is also a commentary on the literary world and the publishing industry, as Less is a struggling author. The novel is also a commentary on the gay experience as Less is a gay man and touches on the difficulties of being gay in a heterosexual world.
“Less” by Andrew Sean Greer is a novel that is both insightful and enjoyable. It is a witty, clever and often humorous exploration of love, loss and self-discovery. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the gay experience, the passage of time and the search for meaning. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2018, a testament to its great quality.
Hold Still by Nina LaCour
“Hold Still” by Nina LaCour is a novel that tells the story of a high school student named Ingrid, who is struggling to come to terms with the suicide of her best friend, Caitlin. The novel is a powerful and emotional exploration of grief, friendship, and the complexities of human emotions.
The novel is written in a raw and authentic style that creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The story is told through a series of journal entries that Ingrid writes to Caitlin in the aftermath of her death. This narrative structure allows the reader to deeply understand Ingrid’s inner thoughts, emotions and struggles.
Ingrid is a complex and relatable protagonist struggling to come to terms with losing her best friend. The novel explores themes of grief, friendship, identity, and the complexities of human emotions. The novel also touches on the theme of the LGBTQ+ experience, Caitlin was a lesbian, and her suicide was partly due to her struggles with her identity.
The novel is also a commentary on the high school experience and the difficulties of navigating through one’s teenage years. The novel is a powerful exploration of the impact of suicide on those left behind and the importance of mental health.
“Hold Still” by Nina LaCour is a powerful and emotional novel. It is a raw and authentic exploration of grief, friendship and the complexities of human emotions. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the LGBTQ+ experience and the impact of suicide on those left behind.
Annihilate Me by Christina Ross
“Annihilate Me” by Christina Ross is a novel that tells the story of a young woman named Vol 1, struggling to come to terms with her sexuality and her relationship with her girlfriend, Kennedy. The novel is a steamy and emotional exploration of love, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships.
The novel is written in a passionate and evocative style that creates a sense of intimacy and longing. The story is told from Vol 1’s point of view, allowing the reader to understand her inner thoughts, emotions and struggles. The novel explores themes of love, sexuality, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.
Vol 1 is a complex and relatable protagonist struggling to come to terms with her sexuality and her relationship with Kennedy. The novel explores the theme of the LGBTQ+ experience, Vol 1 is a lesbian, and her struggles with her identity are a central theme throughout the novel.
The novel is also a commentary on the college experience and the difficulties of navigating through one’s young adult years. The novel is a steamy exploration of love and sexuality, with intense and emotional scenes.
“Annihilate Me” by Christina Ross is a novel that is both steamy and emotional. It is a passionate and evocative exploration of love, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the LGBTQ+ experience and the difficulties of navigating through one’s young adult years.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
“The Heart’s Invisible Furies” by John Boyne is a powerful and emotional novel that explores the complexities of identity, love, and acceptance. The story follows the life of Cyril Avery, an Irishman born out of wedlock, as he navigates the societal prejudices and discrimination of mid-20th century Ireland.
The novel begins with Cyril’s birth in 1945 and spans several decades, covering major historical events such as the rise of the Catholic Church, the decriminalization of homosexuality, and the legalization of divorce. Through Cyril’s experiences, Boyne masterfully illustrates how societal norms and expectations can shape and limit an individual’s identity and potential.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how Boyne portrays the characters; they are all very relatable and human. Cyril’s struggles with self-acceptance and his search for love and belonging are heartbreaking and relatable. The novel also features a diverse cast of secondary characters, each adding depth and complexity to the story.
The novel does not shy away from tackling difficult and controversial subjects such as homosexuality, adoption, and abortion. Boyne handles these subjects with sensitivity and nuance, depicting how societal prejudices and lack of understanding can devastate individuals and families.
Overall, “The Heart’s Invisible Furies” is a thought-provoking and powerful novel that explores the human experience in a heartbreaking and uplifting way. It is a beautifully written novel that is both deeply moving and emotionally powerful. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish literature and those who want to understand the complexities of the human experience.
The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
“The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith is a groundbreaking novel that explores the love story between two women in the 1950s. The novel, originally published under the pseudonym “Claire Morgan,” broke new ground in its portrayal of a lesbian relationship and the societal taboos that surrounded it at the time.
The story follows the lives of Carol, a lonely divorcee, and Therese, a struggling young artist, as they navigate their blossoming romance. Highsmith masterfully develops their characters and relationship, providing an intimate and realistic portrayal of the struggles and joys of same-sex love.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how it portrays the period. The novel is set in a time when homosexuality was not openly accepted and the societal pressure that this put on the characters. Highsmith doesn’t shy away from depicting the discrimination, misunderstanding and prejudice that Carol and Therese face, but their love story is also full of hope, joy and resilience.
Highsmith’s writing is evocative and powerful, and the book is both a gripping love story and a poignant commentary on the societal norms of the time. It’s a novel that has stood the test of time and is as relevant today as it was when it was first published. It is a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQ literature and the fight for equality.
In conclusion, “The Price of Salt” is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complexities of same-sex love in a time when it was not accepted. Highsmith’s writing is masterful, and the characters are complex and relatable. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQ literature, and it remains an important piece of literature today.
The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
“The Argonauts” by Maggie Nelson is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir that explores the complexities of love, identity, and family. The book tells the story of Nelson’s relationship with her partner Harry and their journey to have a child together. It’s a book that is both deeply personal and political, as it delves into the issues of gender, sexuality, and the challenges of being a queer parent.
One of the things that make “The Argonauts” so compelling is how Nelson writes. Her prose is poetic and raw, and she is not afraid to be vulnerable as she shares her experiences. The book is also incredibly insightful and thought-provoking, challenging readers to rethink their assumptions about gender, sexuality, and family.
Another strength of the book is how it interweaves personal narrative with critical theory. Nelson draws on the works of a wide range of thinkers and writers, including Roland Barthes, Jacques Lacan, and Eve Sedgwick, to explore the complexities of her own experiences. This makes for a deeply rich and layered reading experience, as the book seamlessly combines personal narrative with critical theory.
Overall, “The Argonauts” is an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking book that is not to be missed. It’s a book that will challenge readers to rethink their assumptions about love, identity, and family, and it’s a book that will stay with them long after they’ve finished reading. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
“Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin is a powerful and emotional novel that explores the complexities of love, desire, and identity. Set in 1950s Paris, the story follows the relationship between David, an American ex-pat, and Giovanni, an Italian bartender.
The novel is written in a raw and visceral style, capturing the intensity of the character’s emotions and the passion of their love. Baldwin’s writing is beautiful and painful, as he honestly portrays the characters’ inner turmoil.
The novel explores the themes of love, sexuality, race and identity in a way that is still relevant today. Baldwin’s portrayal of David and Giovanni’s relationship is particularly striking, as he shines a light on the societal pressures that can prevent true self-expression and acceptance.
One of the most powerful aspects of this novel is Baldwin’s ability to convey the depth of human emotion through his writing. The characters’ love for each other is palpable, and the reader can feel their pain and longing with each page turn. The novel is a heart-wrenching exploration of the human condition and will leave a lasting impression on readers.
Giovanni’s Room is a powerful, thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers today. Baldwin’s writing is raw and emotional, and the story is beautiful and painful. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of love, desire, and identity.
In conclusion, James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room” is a powerful and emotional novel that explores the complexities of love, desire, and identity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in love, sexuality, race, and identity. Baldwin’s writing is raw and emotional, and the story is beautiful and painful. It is a heart-wrenching exploration of the human condition that will leave a lasting impression on readers.
The First Third by Will Kostakis
The First Third” by Will Kostakis is a coming-of-age novel that tells the story of Billy, a teenage boy growing up in Sydney, Australia. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and sexuality as Billy navigates the complexities of growing up and finding his place in the world.
One of the standout features of this novel is the authenticity of its characters. Kostakis has a keen eye for detail and a gift for creating relatable and realistic characters. Billy, the protagonist, is a particularly well-crafted character.
He is a complex and nuanced teenager struggling to understand who he is and what he wants from life. The reader can connect with Billy personally and understand his struggles. The other characters in the novel are also well-developed, each with unique personalities and problems.
Another strength of this novel is its sensitive treatment of the subject of sexuality. Billy is gay, and the novel explores the challenges he faces as a result. Kostakis handles this subject matter with care and understanding, and Billy’s struggles with his sexuality are depicted in a way that is both honest and relatable. The novel also deals with other important issues, such as bullying and mental health, and does so thoughtfully and engagingly.
The writing in “The First Third” is also noteworthy. Kostakis has a distinctive voice that is both humorous and heartfelt. He can convey complex emotions and ideas in a way that is accessible and enjoyable to read. The novel is written in a style that is both engaging and easy to read, making it a pleasure to read.
Overall, “The First Third” is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. It is a powerful and moving story that explores important themes in an honest and relatable way. Kostakis has created a book that is both entertaining and enlightening, and it will surely be a hit with readers.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a classic novel by Oscar Wilde that tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray who becomes entranced by his beauty and the influence it has on those around him.
The novel is a masterful exploration of the corrupting nature of vanity and the pursuit of pleasure. Wilde’s writing is both witty and profound, and he has a keen insight into the human psyche. The characters in the novel are well-developed and complex, and the plot is engaging and thought-provoking.
The story is set in London in the late 19th century and follows Dorian as he becomes increasingly obsessed with his beauty and its effect on others. As he indulges in a life of pleasure and excess, his portrait, hidden away in his attic, begins to reflect the true horror of his soul.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the way Wilde portrays the characters. Dorian, for example, is initially presented as a naive and innocent young man, but as the story progresses, he becomes increasingly selfish and cruel. Similarly, the other characters in the novel are also portrayed as flawed and imperfect, which makes them all the more relatable.
Overall, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that is still as relevant today as it was first published. It is a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature and the human condition.
