Pride roundup: Favorite LGBTQIA+ reads!!

Hello friends!! I figured June would be a perfect time to round up some of my favorite reads with LGBTQIA+ representation. Picture above are a mix of favorites and books that have been waiting patiently on my TBR that I am trying to get to this month! I will also feature some past favorites that were either from the library or are lent out to trustworthy pals now.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

I can’t say enough good things about this book- it’s a hall-of-famer for me for sure!! Despite the emotional turmoil it caused me I find myself itching to pick it back up all the time. It’s about two teen boys, Mateo, and Rufus, who get “Deathcast” calls at midnight notifying them that they will die sometime that day. With a twist of fate, they find each other and squeeze a lifetime into mere hours. Here is a link to my full review- if you pick this one up have tissues at the ready!!

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

In a sharp contrast to The Both Die, Cerulean Sea brought happy tears to my eyes. This book feels like a hug- there’s no other way to describe it. More on the fantasy side of the spectrum, this book follows protagonist Linus, a caseworker, to an orphanage containing mythical children. Along the way he makes beautiful friendships with the children in the orphanage and becomes a little more than friends with Arthur, their caretaker. Definitely add this one to your TBR!!

Red, White, & Royal Blue By Casey McQuiston

I’ll say this- Red, White, & Royal Blue is WORTH THE HYPE!!! I adored this book and flew through it. Follow along with an international political scandal involving the First Son of the United States and the Prince of England- there isn’t a dry moment (and a lot of steamy ones). This is the perfect book to get you out of a reading slump- full review here!

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

I have yet to do a full review for Song of Achilles on the blog, but it was such a touching retelling of the classic tale of Achilles involving an emotional love between he and his lifelong companion, Patroclus. This book was the epitome of a slow-burn, I couldn’t put it down. Be ready to have your heart break a thousand times over.

We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry

We Ride Upon Sticks will remain one of my favorite books of all time. It was a funny, witchy, and earnest tale of a high school field hockey team that turns to witchcraft to win their state championship. I will absolutely be picking it up again in the future- I think it will be a major comfort read. Seriously can't recommend it enough! Full review here.

Redefining Realness by Janet Mock

Redefining Realness is Janet Mock’s touching memoir about her experience growing up as a trans girl and the hardships she went through along the way to becoming the role model she is today. I adored this book- Mock was so raw and emotional in her retelling. My heart goes out to young Janet, and it was amazing hearing her story. Full review here.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I haven’t loved a book like this in so long! I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of my favorite authors and she never fails to amaze me! This story follows Evelyn Hugo as she tells her life story to Monique- a journalist new to the scene. She tells all about her seven husbands and one true love- including a jaw-dropping plot twist! Full review here.

Naturally Tan by Tan France

If you are a fan of Queer Eye, pick up this memoir by the one and only Tan France! He reminisces on his childhood growing up in a Muslim Pakistani family in England, what it was like coming out, and how he got into fashion. It was heartfelt and snarky- just like him! I got this book when I met Tan on his book tour in 2019. He was lovely!

Real Life by Brandon Taylor

Real Life was such a deep, raw read. It follows Wallace, a Black gay man in graduate school, and his complicated relationship with his all white, all straight friend group. It delves into topics of belonging and what it means to be Black and queer in academia. I really enjoyed it and Brandon Taylor’s writing was exquisite. Full review here!

Memorial by Bryan Washington

Memorial was a similar read to Real Life for me, touching on similar topics. This story follows Benson and Mike, two men in a complicated relationship. They have seemingly lost their spark after five years of being together and nothing really changing. It takes Mike returning home to Japan to visit his dying father, and Mike’s mom going to Texas to stay with Benson for them to come to terms with their future. This book made my heart ache in the best way. Full review here.

Red at the Bone by Jaqueline Woodson

Woodson' writing is effortless- I loved Red at the Bone, a family drama (or “bildungsroman”, if you will) that depicts grandmother-mother-daughter relationships in a beautiful way. I tore through it!

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

This was the sweetest coming-of-age (YA) love story! It was wholesome and uplifting and the characters were so cute and funny. Reading it felt like I was watching a movie- so fun! A perfect read for a good dose of Black LGBTQIA+ joy.

Milk Fed by Melissa Broder

I just read this entire book yesterday, and wow! I can’t say it was easy to read- major TW for eating disorders. However, I found Broder’s descriptions of a complicated mother-daughter relationship to be very fascinating and seeing Rachel struggle and slowly recover was heartbreaking yet so real. This glimpse into Orthodox Judaism and an LGBTQIA+ relationship was unlike anything I have read before. I really recommend it! Full review coming soon!

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

This was such a fun, steamy romance! Though this story is about a relationship between a woman and a man, I loved how Hibbert didn't erase Chloe's bisexual identity and it very much played a role in the story. Such a good summer read!

What are your favorite pride month reads??

xx, Lauren