I meant to write this post about gay and lesbian for Pride Month yesterday, but the day got away from me. Between work and trying to finish up school stuff, the day was over before I knew it. You know how it goes. But I had the day off, and since I finished most of my projects yesterday, here we are!
For Pride Month, my plan was to focus on different aspects of the LGBTQ community each Saturday (or Sunday). I’m going to do my best to focus on own voices stories when I can. Because supporting own voices authors is so, so important. Especially when it comes to diverse communities. And the more intersectional stories, the better!
Anywho, stay tuned to the blog for more Pride Month posts throughout the month of June! For this list, I’m going to alternate between lesbian and gay stories.
Lesbian and Gay Fiction
Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
Set in 1989 in New York, the AIDS crisis is a the forefront of Reza, Judy, and Art’s minds. Reza just moved to New York from Iran, struggling to hide his secret. Judy is a fashion designer that idolizes her uncle, and falls in love with Reza. Judy’s best friend, Art, is openly out and proud, documenting the AIDS crisis with his photos. As Reza and Art grow closer, Reza struggles with how to not break Judy’s heart.
This book just came out this past week, so I haven’t gotten the chance to read it yet. But it sounds absolutely fantastic, and it for sure is on my TBR!
Wild and Crooked by Leah Thomas
Kalyn Spence has never been able to escape her father’s crimes. When she moves back to Samsboro, she becomes friends with Gus, whose dad was the victim of Kalyn’s dad’s crimes. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. As Kalyn and Gus uncover the truth behind the past.
I reviewed this book the past month, but I still love everything about it. There’s so much diversity included in this book, and Kalyn and Gus are just friends, and it’s perfect. Seriously, go pick it up!
History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
When Griffin’s ex-boyfriend Theo dies in a drowning accident, Griffin doesn’t know how to handle it. Even though Theo had moved to California and started seeing someone else: Jackson. And the only person who seems to understand what Griffin is going through is Jackson. But no matter how much they try to work through it together, Griffin continues down a dangerous path.
Adam Silvera is probably one of my favorite, newer authors, and his books never fail to give you all the feelings. Plus, he talks a lot about his OCD, making Griffin relatable and making sure that this book will definitely tug at your heartstrings.
We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
Since leaving everything behind, Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone. No one knows what really happened. When her old friend, Mabel, comes to visit in her in New York, Marin has to fight the urge to run again. Because maybe the only way to come to terms with the past is to face it.
Filled with emotion, beautiful sentences, and strong characters, you’ll quickly get sucked into the universe LaCour has created, and you won’t want to put the book down until the very end.
This is Kind of An Epic Love Story by Kacen Callender
Nathan Bird doesn’t believe that happy endings exist. Those are only for the movies. After all, his only relationship hasn’t ended happily. But when his childhood friend, Ollie, moves back to town, things change. Nathan is desperate to save himself from a broken heart. But does that mean he’s missing out?
I just recently read this book, and though there was a lot of back and forth between the characters, I thoroughly enjoyed it. And there’s lot of representation in the book, too! So yay!
This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp
While a school shooter stalks the halls of Opportunity High School, four different teens share their experiences waiting for the worst. Stuck in the auditorium, the students and teachers don’t have anywhere to go.
Harrowing and a realistic look at school shootings today in America.