8 LGBTQ+ Book Recommendations and a Pride Month Playlist

Hi y’all! It’s pride month, so I wanted to compile a list of some great LGBTQ+ books I’ve read in the past year. I’ve loved these books all for different reasons, so I hope you find one that resonates with you too. If you want to read the blurbs for the books or find where you can buy them, just tap on the book covers. There are also so many amazing books that have come out recently that I want to read like Felix Ever After, You Should See Me in a Crown, All Boys Aren’t Blue (which I’m all waiting 10-12 weeks for at the library?) and the list goes on, so you should check those out too.

1. Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann

This book simultaneously dragged me by the edges and felt like a warm hug. I loved seeing the intimacy in Alice’s platonic relationships and watching her come to terms with her identity through support and therapy. You should definitely read this book if you want to see biromantic asexual representation and for the fact that the love story takes place at a library (who doesn’t love a good library/bookstore romance).
Song: We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off by Ella Eyre

2. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

I talk about this book all the time, but I’ll reiterate that it’s humorous, heartwarming, and emotional all wrapped in one gloriously queer romance. I was inspired by the love and bravery within the pages, and it helped me come to term with the kind of person I wanted to be.
Songs (I couldn’t pick just one): Chanel by Frank Ocean; Serial Lover by Kehlani

3. Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz 

When I started this, I thought it would just be a light enjoyable read, but it was so much more than that. It was heavy, it was light, it was painful, it was honest. It was all the things that I struggle to be wrapped perfectly in a book. It touches on so many important topics from sexuality to PTSD to cultural identity. I feel it’s relatable to so many people, and its greatest feature is the acceptance and hope that’s present throughout this book. 
Song: Pretty Little Birds by SZA ft. Isaiah Rashad

4. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

This book was a necessary read in so many ways. Teens already have to deal with the expectations of society while trying to grow into themselves, but that’s compounded when their gender or sexual identity isn’t accepted. In this case, Cameron is sent to a gay conversion camp. Danforth writes a beautiful novel about the family we choose, acceptance, and discovery.
Song: Better Anyway by Lauren Sanderson

5. History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

I love love Adam Silvera’s writing. This story absolutely gutted me, and it was both hard and beautiful to watch two people trying to overcome a shared loss. Not all of their techniques were healthy or beneficial, but their decisions felt real.
Song: Naked by Ella Mai

6. What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Becky and Adam are a dynamic duo. My immediate tweet after finishing this book at 6 AM in December was “Amazing. Beautiful. Relatable. Perfect. Heartwarming.” I think that sums it up perfectly. I thought I would relate to Arthur more because he’s from Georgia and was new to a lot of things, but Ben’s outlook on relationships was so relatable. Also the musical references in this were top tier.
Song: Bloom by Troye Sivan

7. Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one and deducing who Blue could be was the best part for me. I love a good anonymous romance story and books set in Atlanta. I can’t wait for the next Simonverse book because the characters are so fun. Also, the Hulu show Love, Victor premiered today and that’s going to be my next obsession. Episode 1 was so cute, and I’m a Michael Cimino fan now.
Songs (I’m indecisive again) : Seventeen by Troye Sivan; Hard Feelings/Loveless by Lorde

8. Honeybee by Trista Mateer

I love poetry, but I don’t read many poetry books, so I was happy to stumble upon this one on Scribd. I basically highlighted and bookmarked every page because Trista writes so beautifully and openly about heartbreak and the aftermath. She talks about a woman she loved that couldn’t accept herself or Trista. Her words hurt and bring hope. They remind you that someone else has been in your shoes and show that the path to acceptance and moving on isn’t straight and linear.
Song: Sunflower by Shannon Purser

Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to hear about any LGBTQ+ book or author recommendations you have or if you’ve loved any on this list too! I’ve included a Spotify playlist of the songs and made a cute graphic (because I’m very extra). Happy listening and reading! And Happy Pride Month ?