While the month is winding down, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some delightful stories I’ve read this year featuring characters who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, nonbinary, pansexual) community. Whether you identify as part of the community or not, I hope you can agree that all people should be treated with respect and compassion. If you cannot agree on that…this is not the post for you.
One of the things I love best about reading is that it’s a beautiful way to see through someone else’s eyes and gain a deeper understanding of their experience. I try to read widely and have appreciated the ways that libraries have been expanding their collections to feature more diverse stories and storytellers. With that said, I acknowledge that this short list features authors who all appear to be white. If you know any BIPOC authors who write LGBTQ+ stories you love, please share!
In any case, here are 5 books or series I’ve enjoyed this year, all featuring LGBTQ+ love stories.
#1 If you like historical fiction with a literary bent:
Infamous, by Lex Croucher
This book was delightful. Full of engaging characters–including a flawed lead who is oblivious to what is right in front of her–this one is both a send-up and homage to literary heroes of the 20th century. It’s also laugh-out-loud funny in places and the love story is very sweet. The romance features more “the fire flickered and died” type of fade out after the characters are kissing rather than an explicit play-by-play. Does it feature anachronisms? Probably, but I wasn’t alive at that time and neither were you. It had refreshingly modern sensibilities wrapped up in a historical setting. Aside from one bizarrely resolved storyline, I really enjoyed this one.
#2 For those who like found families (also suitable for young readers):
The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune
The librarian at the school where I work recommended this one. It is about a man in his early 40s who works for DICOMBY– the Department in Charge of Magical Youth–who is tasked with investigating an orphanage full of “dangerous” children on an island. The language is simple in the way that the very best fairytales and childhood stories are. It features adults who say the things we all wish adults had said to us when we were young. While our lead is gay (the label isn’t used, but it’s implied) and he finds love, I’d argue this story is far more about family and belonging than it is about romance. It’s a beautiful story and one I strongly recommend for readers of any age.
#3 For those who like intricate magic systems
A Restless Truth, by Freya Marske
This is the second in a series, the first is A Marvellous Light and features a love story between two men, although I think it could be read as a standalone without much confusion. One of the two heroines is the sister of the lead from the first book, while the other is a rebellious young heiress. (If it matters to you, one is a lesbian and the other either bi or pan.) This features an engaging mystery on board a ship as the two young women, alongside a journalist and a burnt-out aristocrat, search for a murderer and a missing object. It’s fun and funny, with a tender (and explicit) love story to boot.
#4 For those who like criminals with hearts of gold
The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes, by Cat Sebastian
Not a lot of love stories start with blackmail or murder, but this one manages to do it in a way that’s charming. After the blackmail and murder, our duo (both of whom are implied to be bi) set off on a madcap road trip. Funny and sweet, this one was engaging all the way through.
#5 For those who like contemporary magical realism
The Witches of Thistle Grove series by Lana Harper
While I’ve only read the first three so far, the whole series features four magical families with unique talents. Payback’s a Witch stars two women falling in love, while the love story in From Bad to Cursed is between a man and a women. I enjoyed Back in a Spell despite its flaws–the nonbinary representation wasn’t particularly well done and the love story was rushed. Still, the heroine in it was intriguing. Overall, this is a fun series with an interesting world that’s getting more complex with each book. I like the way each family has their own unique magic. The writing is also frequently very funny.
Well, there you have it, five books/ series to enjoy. Happy reading!
Beyond the Bookshelves 