The 20 Lgbtq Books: Best 2024 Update and Review

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Less

by Andrew Sean Greer

Less by Andrew Sean Greer is a delightful and humorous book about a struggling writer named Arthur Less who embarks on a whirlwind journey around the world to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. This lighthearted novel is a charming exploration of love, aging, and the complexities of relationships. The protagonist’s journey takes him to various exotic locales, where he encounters a cast of eccentric characters and navigates the challenges of middle age, all while reflecting on his past relationships and his own insecurities. The book offers a heartwarming and humorous take on the LGBTQ experience, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in a witty and heartfelt story.

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Red, White & Royal Blue

by Casey McQuiston

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a heartwarming and hilarious book about LGBTQ romance. It follows the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales, as they navigate their secret romance in the political spotlight. This enemies-to-lovers story is filled with witty banter, swoon-worthy moments, and a refreshing take on modern royalty. With its diverse and relatable characters, this lgbtq book is a celebration of love, identity, and the power of embracing one’s true self. McQuiston’s writing is captivating and thought-provoking, making this a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and entertaining book on lgbtq romance.

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The Color Purple

by Alice Walker

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a powerful and moving novel that explores the lives of African American women in the early 20th century. The story follows Celie, a young girl who faces oppression and abuse from her stepfather and husband. Through a series of letters, Celie finds solace in her relationship with the vibrant and independent Shug Avery. As their bond deepens, Celie begins to find her voice and strength, ultimately leading to her own liberation and self-discovery. The novel is a profound exploration of love, resilience, and the complexities of womanhood. With its themes of love and acceptance, the Color Purple is a must-read for those seeking a profound and moving book on LGBTQ experiences.

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Giovanni’s Room

by James Baldwin

Giovanni’s Room, a novel by James Baldwin, is a compelling book about LGBTQ themes and complex relationships. Set in 1950s Paris, the story follows David, a young American man struggling with his identity and desires. He becomes involved with Giovanni, a passionate and enigmatic bartender, as he grapples with his feelings for both Giovanni and his fiancée Hella. Through rich prose and vivid characters, Baldwin explores themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The novel delves into the complexities of sexuality and societal expectations, offering a poignant and thought-provoking glimpse into the lgbtq experience. Baldwin’s powerful storytelling and nuanced exploration of human emotions make Giovanni’s Room a timeless and impactful book on LGBTQ themes that continues to resonate with readers today.

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic lgbtq book that tells the story of a young and handsome man who remains eternally youthful while a portrait of him ages and reflects his inner corruption. As Dorian indulges in a life of hedonism and debauchery, his portrait becomes more and more grotesque, serving as a haunting reminder of his moral decay. This book about lgbtq themes explores the destructive nature of vanity, the consequences of living a sinful life, and the complexities of identity and desire. Wilde’s writing is both lyrical and thought-provoking, making this novel a timeless exploration of the human condition and the pursuit of beauty and pleasure.

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Stone Butch Blues

by Leslie Feinberg

Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg is a groundbreaking book on LGBTQ experience. It follows the journey of Jess Goldberg, a young butch lesbian coming of age in the 1960s and 70s. The novel explores the complexities of gender identity, the struggles of self-acceptance, and the harsh realities of discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ community during that time. Through Jess’s story, the reader gains an intimate understanding of the challenges and triumphs of being a gender non-conforming individual in a society that often rejects and marginalizes them. Feinberg’s powerful and raw prose captures the emotional depth of Jess’s experiences, making Stone Butch Blues a must-read book about LGBTQ identity and resilience.

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Call Me By Your Name

by André Aciman

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman is a beautiful and poignant coming-of-age story that explores love, desire, and self-discovery. Set in Italy during the 1980s, the novel follows the passionate summer romance between 17-year-old Elio and 24-year-old Oliver, a visiting scholar. As they navigate their intense feelings for each other, the story delves into the complexities of identity, longing, and the transformative power of first love. Aciman’s lyrical prose and evocative storytelling capture the raw emotions and complexities of human connection. This lgbtq book is a tender and intimate portrayal of love and desire, and the timeless exploration of the human heart.

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Middlesex

by Jeffrey Eugenides

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides is a captivating and thought-provoking book on LGBTQ+ identity. The novel follows the journey of Calliope Stephanides, who is born intersex and raised as a girl before transitioning to live as a man named Cal. Set against the backdrop of a Greek-American family saga, the story explores themes of gender identity, love, and the search for self-acceptance. With richly drawn characters and lush prose, Eugenides weaves a compelling narrative that spans decades and continents. Through Cal’s personal odyssey, the novel offers a profound exploration of the complexities of gender and sexuality, as well as the impact of family and culture on individual identity. Middlesex is a powerful and poignant LGBTQ+ book that delves into the universal human experience of seeking belonging and understanding.

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Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

by Jeanette Winterson

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson is a captivating book about LGBTQ identity and coming-of-age. The novel follows the protagonist, Jeanette, as she navigates her childhood in a strict religious household and grapples with her own sexuality. Winterson’s lyrical prose and poignant storytelling shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in conservative environments, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Through Jeanette’s journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, readers are invited to explore themes of love, identity, and the complexities of family dynamics. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is a powerful and thought-provoking book on LGBTQ experiences, and a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers around the world.

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The Price of Salt

by Patricia Highsmith

The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, a groundbreaking book about LGBTQ love, tells the story of Therese Belivet, a young department store worker, and Carol Aird, an older woman going through a difficult divorce. Set in 1950s New York, the novel explores the intense attraction and forbidden love that develops between the two women. Highsmith’s writing captures the complexities of desire and the challenges of living as a queer person in a society that was far less accepting than today. The novel was revolutionary for its time, offering a rare portrayal of a same-sex relationship that didn’t end in tragedy or punishment. The Price of Salt remains a powerful and important book on LGBTQ love, and its impact on literature and LGBTQ representation cannot be understated.

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The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a captivating retelling of the classic Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus. This lgbtq book explores the deep bond between the two heroes as they navigate the challenges of war, love, and destiny. The novel delves into their intimate relationship, offering a fresh perspective on their connection and the enduring power of their love. Miller’s lyrical prose and rich storytelling bring the ancient world to life, immersing readers in a tale of honor, sacrifice, and passion. The Song of Achilles is a beautifully written book about lgbtq themes that will enchant both fans of mythology and those seeking a poignant love story.

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The Hours

by Michael Cunningham

The Hours by Michael Cunningham is a captivating exploration of three women’s lives, interconnected by Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel delves into the intricate emotional landscapes of its characters, touching on themes of identity, love, and the struggle for fulfillment. Cunningham skillfully weaves together the stories of a discontented housewife in the 1950s, a book editor grappling with her attraction to another woman in the 1980s, and a modern-day New Yorker dealing with the repercussions of her past choices. This powerful and poignant book on LGBTQ themes offers a profound and thought-provoking look at the complexities of human existence, and the search for meaning and connection in the modern world. The Hours is a compelling and beautifully written LGBTQ book that will leave a lasting impression on readers.

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Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

by Alison Bechdel

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic is a captivating lgbtq graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel. The book delves into Bechdel’s complex relationship with her father, exploring themes of identity, family dynamics, and lgbtq experiences. Through poignant illustrations and compelling storytelling, Bechdel navigates her own coming-of-age alongside her father’s hidden lgbtq identity. The memoir offers a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of growing up in a lgbtq household, as well as the impact of societal expectations and gender roles.

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The Color of Water

by James McBride

The Color of Water by James McBride is a captivating memoir that tells the story of the author’s upbringing as the son of a white Jewish mother and a black father. The book delves into the complexities of race, identity, and family dynamics, as McBride unravels the mystery of his mother’s past and her struggles as a white woman raising twelve black children in the 1950s and 60s. Through alternating chapters, McBride shares his own experiences growing up in a racially divided world, while also recounting his mother’s journey from her childhood in the South to her eventual marriage to a black man. The Color of Water is a powerful and moving exploration of love, resilience, and the search for belonging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in stories of family, identity, and the human experience.

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The Line of Beauty

by Alan Hollinghurst

The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst is a compelling book on LGBTQ themes. Set in 1980s Britain, it follows the life of Nick Guest, a young gay man who becomes involved with a wealthy conservative family. The novel explores themes of sexuality, class, and political upheaval during the era of Margaret Thatcher. Hollinghurst’s prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the complexities of desire and the struggles of living as a gay man in a society that is often intolerant. The Line of Beauty is a beautifully written exploration of love, identity, and the impact of societal norms on individuals. It is a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQ literature or simply looking for a powerful and moving story.

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The Miseducation of Cameron Post

by Emily M. Danforth

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth is a captivating coming-of-age book about lgbtq identity and self-discovery. Set in the 1990s, it follows the life of Cameron Post, a teenage girl who is sent to a conversion therapy center after her conservative aunt discovers her in a compromising situation. Throughout the novel, Cameron grapples with her lgbtq identity and navigates the challenges of growing up in a small town where her sexuality is not accepted. Emily M. Danforth skillfully portrays the complexities of adolescence and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a powerful and thought-provoking book on lgbtq experiences that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

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The Well of Loneliness

by Radclyffe Hall

The Well of Loneliness, a groundbreaking book on LGBTQ themes, follows the life of Stephen Gordon, a young woman who struggles with her identity as a lesbian in a society that rejects her. Radclyffe Hall’s poignant and powerful novel explores themes of love, loneliness, and the search for acceptance in a world that seeks to suppress and deny one’s true self. Published in 1928, The Well of Loneliness faced controversy and censorship for its frank portrayal of same-sex relationships, but it remains a significant and influential work in LGBTQ literature. Hall’s lyrical prose and unflinching portrayal of the protagonist’s inner turmoil make this a compelling and enduring book about LGBTQ experiences that continues to resonate with readers today.

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Tipping the Velvet

by Sarah Waters

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters is a captivating book about LGBTQ themes. Set in Victorian England, it follows the story of Nan King, a young oyster girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. As their passionate affair unfolds, Nan is plunged into a world of music halls, cross-dressing, and sexual exploration. When their relationship takes a dark turn, Nan must navigate the complexities of love, desire, and self-discovery in a society that condemns her unconventional lifestyle. With beautifully crafted prose and vivid historical detail, this book on LGBTQ themes is a powerful exploration of identity, sexuality, and the quest for personal freedom. Tipping the Velvet is a thought-provoking and immersive read that will resonate with anyone who enjoys books about LGBTQ experiences.

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The Art of Being Normal

by Lisa Williamson

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson is a captivating book about LGBTQ youth and the challenges they face. The story follows two teenagers, David and Leo, as they navigate the complexities of gender identity and acceptance. David is struggling with the fear of coming out as transgender, while Leo has a secret of his own. As their paths cross, they form an unlikely friendship that changes both of their lives. This book on LGBTQ issues is a powerful and heartwarming exploration of identity, friendship, and the courage to be true to oneself. Lisa Williamson’s compelling storytelling and insightful portrayal of the characters make this a must-read for anyone interested in diverse and thought-provoking literature. The Art of Being Normal is a moving and important LGBTQ book that will leave a lasting impact on readers.

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The God Box

by Alex Sanchez

The God Box by Alex Sanchez is a powerful and moving book about LGBTQ youth and the struggles they face. The story follows openly gay high school student Paul, who is dealing with the challenges of being true to himself in a conservative environment. When Paul meets Manuel, a new student at his school who is also gay, they form a deep connection that helps them navigate the complexities of their identities. As their relationship deepens, they find support and understanding in each other, and together they confront the prejudice and ignorance around them. The novel is a poignant exploration of love, acceptance, and the importance of finding one’s own path. Sanchez’s compassionate and insightful writing makes The God Box a must-read for anyone interested in a book on LGBTQ experiences.