𝕃𝔾𝔹𝕋+ ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕤 🏳‍ :rainbow: :book:

Howdy. Today I’m going to share a list of LGBT novels I’ve read over the years. I’m going to try not to include the more popular ones (Simon vs the Homosapien Agenda...Carry On...etc) because everyone knows those. Let’s give the lesser known books some love. :eyes:

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1 . The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

One of my fave books EVER!!! Based on the events taking place in The Iliad by Homer, The Song of Achilles recounts the deeply romantic relationship between the hero Achilles and ex-prince Patroclus. An absolutely beautiful, heart-wrenching story that you’d enjoy if you have an interest in LGBT relations throughout ancient Greece. Also a good way to learn about The Iliad if you’re interested in ancient texts, too.

2 . The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

A Gothic novel from the late 19th century that discusses philosophy and public morality, but also homosexuality and beauty. Oscar Wilde was gay himself and was publically demonized for having a relationship with another man on top of writing this very controversial book at the time, but he aggressively defended himself and his story which I find really cool. This book is about a young, beautiful man whose extreme narcissism and arrogance makes him sell his soul in order for a picture to be painted of his exact image. Things don’t go as well as he wanted them to... :stuck_out_tongue: Give it a go! It’s not a difficult read and it’s not that long either.

3 . Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

It’s been a while since I read this one but I enjoying it a lot! The setting is a town that’s extremely accepting of LGBT, it’s actually quite wholesome. There’s a transgender character, several gay characters...overall it’s very sweet and some parts are very emotional. I definitely recommend because the plot to me seemed very realistic of LGBT+ teenagers going through high school, first love, and whatnot.

4 . The Rainbow Trilogy (Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, Rainbow Road) by Alex Sanchez

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I read this trilogy during high school and I was obsessed with it! There are three main characters: one jock who questions his own sexuality, one shy and closeted boy, and one openly gay & flamboyant boy. Over the span of 3 books, the story goes into topics like the coming out process, sex education, HIV/AIDS, and much more. All 3 main characters are pretty likeable imo and the interactions are all very sweet. Also quite realistic if you ask me. I love these books SO MUCH!

5 . Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg

This good book focuses on hiding your sexuality. This is something we probably all have done at some point in time. To see it being played out in literature, it can really make you take a step back. “Have I really done this? Hide my identity from others?” Yeah, most likely, my friend. We all want acceptance from others, and sometimes we do so by covering up our true selves. This book discusses this idea at length as the main character hides his homosexuality from his classmates. The further the story goes along, the better it gets. Trust me. You’ll want to read this one.

6 . We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

This book made me cry. The main themes are loneliness and grief, but the main character is in love with her straight best friend and their relationship is the most bittersweet thing ever. The writing is so tender and good. Very sensitive and emotional. It still hurts to think about this book. It’s a very important book. LOVE LOVE LOVE SO MUCH.

7 . They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

This story takes place in a world where you’re told when you have 24 hours left to live. The two main characters, one gay teen and one bisexual teen, are going to die soon. They share one last adventure together on their last day of their lives. It’s also bittersweet because the title spoils the ending, but still. The characters compliment each other so well and some parts are kinda funny. Great book all in all.

8 . Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden

OMGGGG SO SWEET. This is a beautiful story about two girls in high school that end up falling in love. Pretty simple. But sooooo cute. I won’t say too much and I’ll only advise you to check out this book on your own. I really enjoyed it and it was so very interesting to me seeing how two very different girls came together and shared a very special relationship with each other. There are a few bumps in the road but I will tell you this: there is indeed a happy ending.

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Hope you enjoyed my list. :two_hearts: