While, of course, no books or topics are exclusive to a month, Pride Month is an especially opportune time to uplift and celebrate the voices of LGBTQ+ writers. Here are three books on my list for this month; I hope you read and enjoy them, and share what other LGBTQ+ books you read!
Reverie by Ryan La Sala
When I read this novel, I enjoyed the fantasy and mystery aspects coupled with suspense and fun. In Reverie, high-school student Kane wakes up in the hospital one day with a gap in his memories and only conflicting stories from family, friends, and the police about what happened. Determined to find the truth and stop a threat that seems connected to Kane’s memory loss, Kane teams up with classmates who claim to be his friends. But the more Kane uncovers, the stranger and more magical his world becomes, until the problem becomes not uncovering the secrets, but untangling the truth before the world falls apart. In the novel, most of the characters identify as a part of the LGBTQ community, and all are complex characters, something I really appreciate in my novels. The character development takes center stage within the thrilling plot as the characters form their own destinies, despite how their environment seeks to influence them.
Real Queer America by Samantha Allen
Real Queer America is on my to-read list for this month; a memoir, travelogue, and documentary published in 2020, it is about queer communities in “Red State America.” Already after reading the introduction and part of the first chapter, I have learned from Allen’s shared insight about finding family and home anywhere. With its honesty, recognition of resiliency, and hope for a better future, I am looking forward to finishing it!
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
Another book on my list, Less, is a fictional story about a novelist traveling the world, accepting random literary invitations in an attempt to avoid a wedding invitation from his previous boyfriend. In this journey, readers find satire, humor, and romance. I am particularly drawn to novels like these, stories that highlight an aspect of the human experience and explore the heart of the matter—a balanced feat, which I look forward to experiencing with Less.