Helpful List of Gay Books for When the Straights Are Tiring
Books are great!! Reading is fun!! I want to encourage you all to really get into stories but at the same time it’s exhausting when EVERYTHING in the media is straight. People wanna read about people who are like them, you know? And not everyone is straight, so enjoy these books that represent lgbt+ characters.
The Song of Achilles. I know it’s everywhere and not all that rare, but its such a good book. Theres a reason it’s so popular, I promise. There is so much fluff and wholesome content and, of course, plenty of angst. It’s written beautifully and I’ve yet to find it’s equal. Hands down my favorite on the list, but decide for yourself!! Features resident badass Briseis and all of the iconic heroes in the Trojan War. I’m just saying this book has a special place in my heart. mlm.
They Both Die at the End. This one isn’t as talked about, but it’s a great read. Features a gay and bi mlm relationship, with an obvious amount of angst from the title. Despite the impending doom, the book does have it’s sweet and cutesy moments, which I’m a sucker for. I really loved it.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Also a very popular book in lgbt ya novels, I can honestly say this one made me cry. It’s heart-wrenching and beautiful, featuring two Mexican-American teens figuring out their feelings for each other through thick and thin. It’s real and wonderfully written. mlm SLOWBURN.
Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel. One of my friend’s all time favorites, though I haven’t gotten the chance to borrow it yet. Features a wlw poc in highschool. I can’t tell you anything about it, other than I’ve been promised it’s really good! I’m definitely waiting to read it, so add it your lists as well.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Fair warning, I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s been on my list since forever. It’s’ supposed to be sad and gut-punching, but what good book isn’t? Follows a young girl who has to come to terms with her love for women on her own, while being told by the people around her that homosexuality is a sin. It hits pretty close to home for a lot of people, and I can’t wait to read it. Also it’s being turned into a movie soon so hurry!! wlw.
Simon VS the Homo Sapiens Agenda (aka Love, Simon). This book has BLOWN UP since it was adapted into the hit movie, Love, Simon. IF you’ve seen the movie before reading to book, be warned: the book is a bit different. I won’t spoil anything with details. It’s very fluffy with a small amount of angst and constant fear of being outed. The last few chapters read honest to god like fanfic with how sappy the whole thing is. Highly recommend.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue. Christ, this book is something else. Told by Monty, the patron saint of Bisexual Disasters. It’s wicked funny, truly, and had me smiling like a fool while this dumbass did his thing. Someone on this website described it as “Gay Historical Road Trip” which doesn’t quite do it justice, but says enough. Featuring the two most lovable characters in history (neither of them are Monty) and a fair amount of realizing that the main character is a [lovable] prick. mlm.
The Rest of Us Just Live Here. This is on here by the hair of its chin. I didn’t even really like it, but my friend did so I’ll humor her. The idea behind it was golden: a bunch of “normal” kids living in a world where almost everyone around them is some kind of Chosen One. While it only includes like two gay characters, one of whom is presumed to be straight right up until the end, it does have a fair amount of discussion about mental illnesses like OCD and Anorexia, though nothing too graphic.
The Love Interest. This book is wild. It’s pretty much published fanficton but with OCs. That’s the best way to describe it. I didn’t actually know it was gay when I bought it, but oh boy is it. It has the only acceptable use of a love triangle in literature history. I’d say you should give it a go. It’s a cute read if nothing else. Also the entire concept of the story is just?? Iconic? mlm
The entirety of the Magnus Chase series. Rick Riordan, bless him, really outdid himself with this one. Includes a pan main character, a deaf elf, a kickass muslim valkyrie and her betrothed, two gender fluid characters, and more. I love everything about this series. If you haven’t read the pjo and hoo series by Riordan, I highly suggest reading them first as they’re highly connected. Everything by him is a gem, each series gayer than the last. Bless. see also the Trials of Apollo series starring a literal bisexual god.
Carry On. If you’ve read Harry Potter, you’ll like this one. It started off just making an appearance in the book Fangirl, but Rainbow Rowell loved it so much she wrote it’s own story. It’s heart-wrenching and sad, but has just enough pure fluff and pining to keep readers content. I read the entire thing in one sitting the second I bought it, so trust me, it will keep you addicted. Also Rowell is working on the sequel as we speak!!
Note: I know there’s a serious shortage of wlw novels on this list. Mlm are for some reason much more popular, but as soon as I discover some more I’ll add them. For now, reblog with more books to help spread to readers looking for a little representation!
I keep all of the books I know are queer tagged as mogai, so you can search that on the blog. Some personal favorites:
-Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
-Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee
-Timekeeper by Tara Sim
-Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh
-The Imposter Queen by Sarah Fine
-Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller
-If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
-Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp
-Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston
-Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
-The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding
-Girls Made Of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
-Autoboyography by Christina Lauren
Plus a few coming soon that you should pre-order now:
-Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adobe Khorram
-Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman
-The Spy with the Red Balloon by Katherine Locke
-Beneath the Citadel by Destiny Soria
Reblogging again bc I lost this in my shit storm of a blog and I need to read some of these but can’t remember anything thus the list is in need lmfao
