BOOKS

Our Favorite Queer Books!

‘Punainen erokirja’ by Pirkko Saisio

‘Punainen erokirja’ (English: ‘The Red Book of Farewells,’ German: ‘Das rote Buch der Abschiede’) by Pirkko Saisio is the last novel in the author’s autofictional trilogy. Set in Helsinki and spanning several decades, readers follow Pirkko through her youth and early adulthood. Early on, she realizes that she is attracted to women. This occurs during a time when Finnish law penalized same-sex attraction.

1 min read

‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ by Casey McQuiston

‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ by Casey McQuiston is pure escapism. The novel brings together the First Family of the United States and the British Royal Family in a romantic story full of passion and doubt. Alex Claremont-Diaz is young, impulsive, and passionate about politics. He is driven by a desire to help people. His mother, Ellen Claremont, is the first female president of the United States. His sister, June, would do anything to protect him.

1 min read

‘Instant Love’ by Jami Attenberg

‘Instant Love’ by Jami Attenberg follows the lives, loves, and heartbreaks of various interconnected characters. Holly, Maggie, and Sarah Lee are at the center of the story, but the novel also introduces a diverse cast whose lives intertwine in surprising ways. Each character wrestles with loneliness and longing, navigating the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. Some of these relationships explore queer love and the challenges that come with it.

1 min read

‘Only Mostly Devastated’ by Sophie Gonzales

‘Only Mostly Devastated’ by Sophie Gonzales is a novel that follows the complicated love story of Ollie, an out teenager, and his sweet and attractive crush, Will. After spending a magical summer together at the lake, Ollie is hopelessly in love but heartbroken when they have to part ways. Then, he is devastated when Will suddenly stops replying to his texts.

1 min read

‘Love and Other Thought Experiments’ by Sophie Ward

‘Love and Other Thought Experiments’ by Sophie Ward is a philosophically grounded exploration of ‘what if’ scenarios, such as what would happen if someone didn't die. Eliza and Rachel plan to have a child using Hal’s sperm. One night, Rachel tells Eliza that an ant entered her brain through one of her eyes. She’s convinced it happened; it wasn’t a dream. Eliza argues that it’s scientifically impossible.

1 min read

‘Jahre mit Martha’ by Martin Kordić

‘Jahre mit Martha’ by Martin Kordić tells the story of Željko, also known as Jimmy, and his love for Martha. Jimmy, the son of immigrants is fifteen when he meets Martha: his mom’s boss, his boss for a summer, wealthy professor, mom. He falls in love with her, and she develops feelings for him as well.

1 min read

‘The Stars and the Blackness Between Them’ by Junauda Petrus

She was the perfect reckless. ‘The Stars and the Blackness Between Them’ by Junauda Petrus is so sweet—and heartbreaking. And although...

1 min read

‘Die Sonne, so strahlend und Schwarz’ by Chantal-Fleur Sandjon

‘Die Sonne, so strahlend und Schwarz’ (~the sun, so radiant and Black) by Chantal-Fleur Sandjon is a YA novel like no other—a tender,...

1 min read

‘Heartstopper’ by Alice Oseman

The first volume of 'Heartstopper' introduces us to Charlie, who recently came out as gay, and Nick, a rugby player who seems to have his life together.

1 min read