“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” – Lemony Snicket
(I love, love, loved this book and will not stop talking about it for the foreseeable future. Apologies in advance to all my coworkers).
If you combined Percy Jackson with the Hunger Games, added a hefty dose of queer representation, and made it based on Mexican mythology, you'd have the Sunbearer Trials. Aiden Thomas always knocks it out of the park, and this book is no exception. Sunbearer Trials is the perfect blend of a fantasy novel and contemporary fiction, with rich, lush world building, both likeable and unapologetically unlikeable characters, high stakes, magic, and a protagonist with so much heart, you can't help but root for him from page one. Teo and his story teach us that being your truest self is worthy of celebration and exaltation, no matter how hard you have to fight for it. After all, there's a little bit of hero in all of us.
As a connoisseur of Peter Pan retellings, I feel uniquely qualified to tell you that this is one of the best out there. James is the first Lost Boy and as such, he is responsible for all the other Lost Boys, despite how intent Peter seems to be on getting them all killed. One day, fed up with Peter's antics, James grows, just a little, but enough. From then on, every time Peter does something particularly reckless or savage, James gets a little taller and a little older. Until one day, it all comes to a head, and Captain Hook is born. The writing is beautiful, the characterization of James and Peter unique and spot on. You should read it, and if you need further reason to trust my assessment, I have a Peter Pan tattoo. To say I'm committed to this story would be an understatement.
When Dean gets cast as Romeo in his school's production of Romeo + Juliet, he discovers that he may not want being perceived as Romeo to stop once the play wraps. With some good friends and a whole lot of guts, Dean takes the first step into showing the outside world, who he’s been on the inside all along. I read this book in two days and, like Juliet, was in love with Dean from the moment I met him. I am sure you will be too!
I honestly don't know how to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Mateo and Rufus both get a call to let them know that at some point during the next 24 hours, they are going to die. Through the Last Friends app, they find eachother and unite in the quest to live the rest of their lives in a single day. Faced with the reality of their own mortality, the two teens find more in eachother than they were ever expecting. Have some tissues nearby. I definitely needed them. Great for fans of If I Stay or Before The Fall.
Holy cow. This book surprised me in all the right ways. It pushes hope through the quiet dark and proves that you and your authentic self are always worthy of love, no matter who you are, how you identify, or what you are going through. This genuine, tender, and heartfelt book is the story of a nonbinary teen coming out and trying to find his place with his identity, written by a nonbinary author. Definitely one to curl up in.
Thomas Page McBee has positioned himself firmly in my favorite authors lists and this book is no exception. McBee's work examines masculinity through a microscope, approaching it from the perspective of a trans-man. His trademark examination of what it means to be a "good man" is brought to the forefront as he trains for an amateur boxing match at Madison Square Garden. Intimate, informative, and accesible, this book should be on everyone's to-read list.
I am in love with Felix Love. I wanna hug him and not let go. Which is no surprise considering that Felix was crafted by one of my absolute favorite authors, Kacen Callendar. They have written yet another tender look at the fluctuations of identity that I could not put down. Felix is on a quest to find love, and discover the truth about his gender, and to find out who outed and deadnamed him at his fancy arts school, all while trying to produce art he wouldn't be ashamed of showing at the end of semester gallery show. Missteps, hijinks, catfishing, callouts, friendships and romance fill every page. It's not an understatement to say that this book will capture your whole heart. Do yourself a favor and let it.
This book flows through the difficult to navigate seas of identity, and examines how gender, race, and sexuality interact throughout the course of a childhood. Johnson uses the story of their own life and the trials they have experienced from childhood to young adulthood as a canvas upon which is painted the story of growing up queer and black in America. They pull no punches and tell no lies. I felt their pain, and celebrated their triumphs. I found solace and enlightenment in their words. A gorgeous book in every way imaginable.
A story absolutely dripping with the core essence of humanity with a fun sci-fi twist, Early Departures blends together grief, loss, love, and friendship in a look at the bonds that keep people together, even when they're falling apart. If you've ever wanted a second chance to make something right, you will find yourself in the eyes of Jamal, who has one more shot at making things right with his ex-best friend, Q, before he dies. Again. Perfect for any reader who wants realism but not the same old story they've read before. Justin Reynolds is truly a master of experimental teen fiction!
I LOVE KACEN CALLENDER. Now that we've gotten that out of the way--this book is a sensitive, and beautifully tender look at grief and the search for identity told through the eyes of King, who has recently lost his brother. But when his ex-friend goes missing, King is forced to confront his identity within the expectations of his family and his community, and ultimately discover that the right thing is to always be true to yourself.
This book is the earth shattering rage of the unsung and trampled. A scream of reclaimed power in the dead of night. The stories are dripping with heroines long abused, and offers them a chance to tell their own stories in their own words. Some remain based in the classical, others surge forth into the modern day. There is no telling what the next story will hold, but one thing is for certain--their siren song will no longer go unheard.
Such A Fun Age absolutely oozes with urgency and relevance. The visceral prose in this absolute freight train of a book speaks to the struggles of modernity and all the nuances that come with it, from racial prejudice to the trials of growing up. In its pages you will find women who are trapped within their own cages of circumstance yet trying desperately to break free, with dialogue and mannerisms so real you can almost reach out and touch them. Definitely in the running to be one of my favorite books of the year.
This collection is the silent scream of the modern woman told up against the passions of Aphrodite. The struggles paralleled, the hope apparent. Themes of forgiveness, love, anger, and sadness flood the pages. Perfect for Rupi Kaur fans, and definitely not a collection to miss.
Let Stephen Fry whisk you away to the world of the Ancient Greeks with his funny, imaginative, and true to form tales of the gods, goddesses, nymphs and nereids that covered the hills of Mount Olympus and beyond. Fry gives the gods form and voice in a way that I have never read before. You see them at their best and their worst, their petty interplays and politics pouring through the page in rich dialogue and warmhearted, approachable prose. A great primer or refresher for anyone interested in these tales, this is a thorough and beautiful work sure to entice and enthrall.
Nikita Gill is an insanely talented poet. This collection is no different. Each poem is overflowing with power, love, and life of the goddesses of Ancient Greece. Written in the voices of the goddesses themselves, Gill explores the power and impact of goddesses, both big and small, who history has pushed aside or forgotten. But they are back, and they will not let you forget them again.
This book made me want to put on a sweater and sip a pumpkin spice latte while eating kettle corn and carving jack-o-lanterns. It's a tale that explores all different kinds of love, with protagonists that will make you want to seize the day. Snuggle up with this for an hour or two and let it warm you from the inside out.
I absolutely LOVE Caitlin Doughty and this new book is no exception. Doughty answers questions about death that she has received from tiny mortals over the years and answers them with equal doses of science, history, and humor. (Unfortunately Viking funerals are not all that Hollywood has cracked them up to be). Fall into this one and let your weird Aunt Caitlin answer all the questions you have about death but were too afraid to ask. And yes, your cat will eventually eat your eyeballs.
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Madeline Miller does it again! Circe is one of the epic poets most formidable witches. Not just anyone could turn a whole crew of men into pigs with a word. Yet Homer never mentions the woman part of her; her flaws, desires, and desperations that all serve to grow her power by the day. Miller fills in the gaps. Great for fans of mythology or anyone seeking a great story, this book will have you hooked from page one!
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I LOVED this book! This remarkable queer hate-to-love story stars two of the most well-written, diverse, jump off the page protagonists I've read in a long time. Rachel and Sana are forced to work together on Rachel's final film project in the midst of dreams, family expectations, and a good dose of romance (obviously). Make your heart happy and dive into this one full force! You won't regret it!
Jack and Kate meet at a party and Jack falls for her, immediately and hard. But then Kate dies. That should be the end of their story, but Jack finds himself back at the beginning, at the party where they met, to try again. And again. And again. What ensues is an unstoppable and intense story of friendship, love, and a chance to do it all over again that will have you hooked! Perfect for fans of John Green, Nicola Yoon, or Becky Albertalli
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Evan Panos is a stuggling gay kid in a Greek Orthodox family. His mother has always told him he has evil in him and has a tendency to get violent. Coming out for him is a worst case scenario. He just has to make it to high school graduation, when he can move out and live the life he wants. But then he falls for his best friend, and things don't go according to plan. A challenging, heart-wrenching, but ultimately uplifting story about living your truth, and finding the courage to stand out.
I devoured this book! A bold and unapologetic look at the lives of three generations of Palestinian women, both in America and Palestine, attempting to balance the expectations of silence and womanhood that is placed upon them in their religion and culture with their need for freedom and modernity. Enlightened and gripping--the definition of unputdownable!
Two high schoolers, Max and Jordan, each have secrets they'd rather not share. They get thrown together in a 1980s era food truck with no idea of what they are doing in the middle of the summer in Arizona. What follows is a heart filled, but slightly dark, romantic tale of facing your fears and finding a safe place to tell your secrets. (Content warning: Rape)
Startlingly introspective, humorous, and full of heart, Less will take your breath away and warm your soul. Greer has written an enlightened and intelligent coming of age story set in midlife with a protagonist who will charm you from page one. Right on the line between light and literary, Less is the perfect read for anyone looking for a little levity in the midst of crisis. Do yourself a favor and don't miss this.
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Byx is an Endling, the last of her kind. With the help of a found family, made up of humans and beasts alike, she must undertake a dangerous mission, across countries and dangerous lands, sometimes narrowly escaping with her life. But it is important, as Byx may not be the last of her kind after all. This start of a new series could very well be Katherine Applegate at her most imaginative! Don't pick this up unless you have nowhere to go. It is the defintion of unputdownable!
A fun and relatable graphic memoir about finding your place in the world! Vera feels out of place in America, split between her Russian Orthodox heritage and American suburbia. So when she hears about a Russian summer camp, she doesn't give up on the idea until her mother lets her go. But it turns out that Summer Camp might not be as fun as it sounds.
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Super fun read based on the bestselling comics! The Backstagers have to face one their greatest foes yet when the theatre ghost light breaks, releasing a spirit that's out to take over theatres worldwide! Can they solve the mystery and still put on a successful performance? Full of fun, mystery, heart and magic!
Nate is an aspiring screenwriter who doesn't believe in happy endings. Oliver James is his deaf ex-best friend who just moved back to town. A wonderful story full of heartwarming meet cutes, people of color, and first loves. Definitely one to put on your list. I read it in one sitting!
Anyone that knows me knows that I love literally anything that Mary Beard does. This one is no exception. Beard walks the reader through art from past to present and analyzes how it has shaped our culture, our concepts of gods and religion, and our view of ourselves. Great for history buffs, art fans, or anyone who wants to delve deeper into the collective psyche of humanity.
The sequel we've all been waiting for has arrived, and it did not disappoint! Felicity is back and leading her own adventure this time around. Her quest to become a doctor continues with as much trouble as one would expect given that she is a woman in 1700s Europe. But she isn't giving up, even if it means sailing across the ocean with a woman of questionable character, reuniting with her estranged childhood friend, and solving the mystery of the stolen work of a female scientist. Perfect for anyone who loved the first book, or anyone who is feeling like reading a girl-power, pirate filled romp through historical Europe! Could not put it down!!
An amazing primer for kids on LGBT history through the story of Harvey Milk. Extremely colorful illustrations take the reader through Harvey Milk's life, campaign and dreams, and then through Gilbert Bakers creation of the iconic pride flag. A story that needs to be told, told in a beautiul way.
Raphael doesn't understand why every adult around him seems to think that his love for Jerome is strange. He just loves Jerome. He loves his kindness, strength, and imagination. He loves holding his hand of field trips and planning their future adventures...This book is perfect in every way.
Matthew moves to Manhattan with his mother in 1970s NYC. There he forges an unlikely friendship with Lou Reed. The man is drug addled, erratic, and unreliable, but Matthew is pulled along for the ride anyway as he navigates many firsts in his life. A gritty and heartbreaking coming of age story full of urgency, vulnerability, and authenticity. I will admit, I picked this up because of its cover, but I don't regret that decision. A beautiful book through and through.
Arthur and Ben meet at a post office in NYC, when Ben is getting ready to send off a box of his ex-boyfriend's stuff. But they lose each other before they have the chance to exchange numbers, or even names. What follows is a warm and heart felt rom com full of missed connections, misunderstandings, and bad timing. And I loved every minute of it! Great for fans of Albertalli and Silvera's previous works, or anyone looking for a great story that will leave them wanting more!
Leah is back, this time as the star of her own story! Leah has been feeling off lately, like she doesn't fit into her own skin. Part of it is that she hasn't come out as bi to anyone but her mother. Part of it is graduation and college. And maybe just a little of it has to do with her crush on Abby. Funny, charming, and addictive, this sequel to Simon vs. the Homo Sapien Agenda is the perfect follow up with just as much heart! Definitely not one to miss!
This historical fiction anthology takes you on a trip throughout history and into the lives of queer teens. Some stories are completely new, some are retellings of classic tales. From a trans soldier in 1900's Mexico, to a modern day Lizzie Bennet pondering her asexuality, these stories tell tales of first love, adventure, and self-discovey. This book is sure to entertain and leave you wanting more!
Jerome is a young boy who is killed by a police officer in his neighborhood. He watches the ensuing fallout as a ghost; looking after his family and friends as they grieve. Shortly after, he meets the ghost of Emmett Till, a boy who was killed in 1955. Emmett helps Jerome along his journey, and helps him come to terms with what happened to him through the lens of the past and the present. Tough and relevant subject matter approached in a beautiful and sensitive way. This is a perfect book for understanding and beginning a discussion about current issues that many in our country are facing everyday.
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Raw, important, and timely. As one of the first to speak out against the hidden abuses in Hollywood, McGowan's voice is one that cannot, should not, be ignored. She takes you through her childhood, growing up in a cult, landing in Hollywood, and the hardships and abuses she endured along the way. A must read, but not an easy one. Be ready to feel. (Contains strong language throughout)
Madeline Miller does it again! Circe is one of the epic poets most formidable witches. Not just anyone could turn a whole crew of men into pigs with a word. Yet Homer never mentions the woman part of her; her flaws, desires, and desperations that all serve to grow her power by the day. Miller fills in the gaps. Great for fans of mythology or anyone seeking a great story, this book will have you hooked from page one!
A fantastic and beautiful reimagining of the Illiad from the perspective of Patrocles! Patrocles, an awkward and exiled young prince, is set to serve under the demi-god Achilles during their childhood. As they grow, their relationship evolves into something deeper and soon they are inseperable. But as war breaks out and they are called to fight one the shores of Troy, fate changes their lives forever.
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh all the way through, this is the one for you. Hilarious but personal essays touch on multiple subject such as family life, aging, celebrity, vacations, and the realization that no one lives forever. Dry, self-depricating, and slightly absurd, this book is perfect for anyone and everyone looking for a quick read with lots of heart!
Wow. This book grabbed me at page one and didn't let me go. In a near future, all fifteen year old girls gain the power to conduct electricity, and to awaken the power in older women. Within a matter of months, a worldwide power shift occurs. Women use the power to escape abusers, start religions and revolutions, or to cement their place in the world. Told from the perspective of several key players, the reader gains a intimate perspective of this world, and can feel the power on every page.
In two concise yet poignant essays, Beard takes a hard look at past and present in order to analyze the relationship between women and power. From the Odyssey's Penelope to Hillary, women have been trying to carve out places of power for themselves in structures that resist them. Why is this the case? What can we do about it? Definitely a must read for anyone interested in social progress!
Unconventional, strange, and beautiful. An apocalyptic flood hits London at near the same moment that our unnamed narrator gives birth to her first child. The pages that follow a sparse and haunting descriptions of her struggles and triumphs on the road to survival. Great for the reader willing to take a chance on something different.
Alan Cole is from a family that is anything but nice. When his brother finds out that he has a crush on one of his male classmates, he proposes a game with very high stakes; complete a list of near impossible tasks or Nathan will out him to the whole school. A solid read with strong lessons about accepting yourself and finding the strength to show the world who you really are.
Real-life-mortician Caitlin Doughty sees the way Americans handle death to be cold and removed. So she traveled the world to view death rites and practices across different cultures. From Japan, where robots retrieve loved one's ashes from a vault, to Indonesia, where people dress and prop up their deceased loved ones mummified corpses, Doughty provides a thorough and intriguing memoir that will have you hooked!
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Queer girls. Portland. The '90s. As far as plots go, this one checked all my boxes from the get go. Chelsey Jonson has crafted a truly beautiful tale--an emotionally intelligent coming-of-age story about identity, creating a family, and being open to life's twists and turns. Heartfelt, funny, and sensitive, Andrea Morales' story is one that will have you begging for more.
Speak No Evil is, at its heart, a story of humanity under pressure. Delicate yet unrelenting prose explores what it is to hurt, to desire, to need, to lose, and to survive. Everyone needs to read this book.
What a wondorously strange little book. Two stories in one, converging when you don't expect it. The first of Adam Thorn, a gay teen from Frome, Washington trying to navigate life in a repressive home. The other, a more fantastical story of a spirit queen, trapped in the body of a girl who drowned in the lake she inhabited. Both stories are full of heart and struggle for autonomy, love and safety. My first foray into the works of Patrick Ness, but certainly not my last.
Wow. This book is the definition of unputdownable--I read it in one sitting! Marin opts to stay in an empty dorm over Christmas break rather than go home to California. The reasons, and grief, behind this decision unfold through Marin's intense introspection, and a visit from her friend (and ex-girlfriend) Mabel. With prose as lonely, beautiful, and heartbroken as Marin herself, LaCour pulls you in and doesn't let go.
Such a fun read! A young, bisexual, British lord takes a tour of Europe with his sister and his best friend/secret love before returning home to work under the abusive hand of his father. After stealing a puzzle box from a Duke as revenge for disrespect, Monty finds himself and his friends on an adventure that none of them were expecting, but one that might just save them all. A wondrously humorous and romantic romp that will make you fall in love at first page. I could not put this down---wish I was reading it right now! I might have to read it again...
A great read about the fluctuation of identity and truly getting to know yourself! Ramona is an out-and-proud lesbian in a small, beach town in Mississippi. Working two jobs and trying to keep her family together in the wake of Katrina,her future seems identical to her present, despite her newly-pregnant older sister. But when her childhood friend Freddie comes back into town and gets her swimming, her world shifts. The pool brings new opportunities and Freddie brings questions of identity.
A tender and honest look at identity and sexuality in the midst of self discovery and one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read! Aristotle and Dante are unlikely friends. Aristotle is an angry loner with a brother in prison who is never talked about at home. Dante is a optimistic, talkative teen who questions everything. Through these questions and their time together, Aristotle begins to question things too, including himself and his own identity.
One of the strongest narrative voices I’ve read in a very long time! Tom Barrens lived in the idealistic future that was envisioned in the ‘50s. Everyone has flying cars, food and clothing fabricators, and avocados that never go bad. That is, until Tom messes it all up and creates the life we have today. Hilarious, clever, and enthralling, Mastai’s debut novel will have you hooked!
