Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
(Photo courtesy of Rainbow Rowell’s Website)
Three words that have probably been repeated multiple times, but I’m going to say them again: Gay Harry Potter. An enemy to lover story (what Draco and Harry couldn’t be) that was a fanfiction in the book Fangirl, also by Rainbow Rowell. You don’t need to read Fangirl to understand Carry On, but both of these books are great. Carry On has wizards, vampires, lots of kissing, a mystery, and a twist at the end. A sequel titled Wayward Son is also due September 23.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
(Photo courtesy of Goodreads)
Want a book that will absolutely and positively make you cry? This is the one for you. With a gay and bisexual lead, the book covers their last day on Earth and they choose to spend it together even if they’re complete strangers. The characters will make you fall in love with them and although you know what’s coming with the title, make you want to cling to every last word until they’re gone.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alira Sáenz
(Photo courtesy of Goodreads)
A book with a happy ending. This book is a love story between a know-it-all and an angry boy that meet one summer and become close friends. With a lot of sweet moments, this book is sure to make your heart melt with the letters and the friendship that slowly becomes something more.
Pulp by Robin Talley
(Photo courtesy of Good Reads)
First set in the 50s, Pulp presents a hidden lesbian relationship between two best friends living in Washington D.C. who run trials that could expose them and put them in danger. One of those girls becomes obsessed with (surprise) pulp fiction and starts writing her own. The book later shifts to the storyline of another girl who is reading the books 62 years later and wants to find the author. It connects two generations which show how far equal love has gone and how much further it still has to go.
Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi
(Photo courtesy of Goodreads)
Another enemies to lovers novel, this comedy is a coming of age sapphic comedy. Just looking at the cover makes one soft because really, how often do we get book covers with LGBT couples gazing at each other like that? These two girls which involve a smart, yet overachieving cheerleader and a strong-willed film kid will steal your heart with their love story that’s “engaging and edgy.”
These books are just 5 of the many books out there that have great LGBT+ representation. As readers and human beings, we crave representation in different forms of media. Books are one of those things where we want to step in and learn about characters who are just like us. As you read books with LGBT characters, remember to never settle for bad books simply because they have the representation you crave. Move on and read those books that aren’t in the spotlight and have characters that will move you with their stories.