Queer Pride for June

by Zach

It's June and that means it's time to appreciate queer pride and history. This list is going to be long, with recommendations for all ages and through different genres. Some will be books I've already recommended, and some will be books which I have heard good things about but haven't read myself. We're all here to learn, even me.

There are a incredible amount of queer and trans books and stories at the LGBTQ Iowa Archive and Library--that library is located at 538 S. Gilbert Street on the second floor of the PS1 Close House, so go visit for other reads beyond these.

The Civil War of Amos Abernathy

Leali, Michael, author.

jFICTION Leali Michael
LGBTQ+, Early Chapter Books, Fiction

"Amos Abernathy lives for history. Literally. He's been a historical reenactor nearly all his life. But when a cute new volunteer arrives at his Living History Park, Amos finds himself wondering if there's something missing from history: someone like the two of them. Amos is sure there must have been LGBTQ+ people in nineteenth-century Illinois. His search turns up Albert D. J. Cashier, a Civil War soldier who might have identified as a trans man if he'd lived today. Soon Amos starts confiding in his newfound friend by writing letters in his journal--and hatches a plan to share Albert's story with his divided twenty-first century town. It may be an uphill battle, but it's one that Amos is ready to fight."--Amazon.com.

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For Pride I want to focus on this book because of how special to me it is now. If I had had this book when I was Amos' age I could have seen myself so much earlier than I did. Maybe I would have come out sooner, maybe I would have been able to accept myself sooner. As I was reading I saw myself in a lot of the characters, even now as an adult there's a lot you can learn and realize about yourself looking back at how teens are today versus how you might have been. The writing and relationships in this book had me feeling like a teen again, but in the best way--the nervousness of my first relationship, the excitement that comes with sitting next to one another watching a movie, pushing your leg against them, moving your pinky closer and closer until you're finally holding hands at that one instance is so so special but so so tiny in scope. The Civil War of Amos Abernathy is also incredibly inspiring. Sometimes it's important to break the rules of the world which are neither just, nor fair, and that message comes through here--books like this will change lives for not only the children and teens who read them, but our whole future. It will tell them that things sometimes need to change and change can come from them.
- Zach

Light from uncommon stars

Aoki, Ryka, author.

SCIENCE FICTION Aoki Ryka

"Good Omens meets The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet in Ryka Aoki's Light From Uncommon Stars, a defiantly joyful adventure set in California's San Gabriel Valley, with cursed violins, Faustian bargains, and queer alien courtship over fresh-made donuts. Shizuka Satomi made a deal with the devil: to escape damnation, she must entice seven other violin prodigies to trade their souls for success. She has already delivered six. When Katrina Nguyen, a young transgender runaway, catches Shizuka's ear with her wild talent, Shizuka can almost feel the curse lifting. She's found her final candidate. But in a donut shop off a bustling highway in the San Gabriel Valley, Shizuka meets Lan Tran, retired starship captain, interstellar refugee, and mother of four. Shizuka doesn't have time for crushes or coffee dates, what with her very soul on the line, but Lan's kind smile and eyes like stars might just redefine a soul's worth. And maybe something as small as a warm donut is powerful enough to break a curse as vast as the California coastline. As the lives of these three women become entangled by chance and fate, a story of magic, identity, curses, and hope begins, and a family worth crossing the universe for is found"--

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This is perhaps one of my favorite books of all time. I think the story was so amazingly silly and wonderful and I was hooked the whole way through. Read this if you need a smile.
- Zach

To be taught, if fortunate

Chambers, Becky, author.

SCIENCE FICTION Chambers Becky

"At the turn of the twenty-second century, scientists make a breakthrough in human spaceflight. Through a revolutionary method known as somaforming, astronauts can survive in hostile environments off Earth using synthetic biological supplementations. They can produce antifreeze in subzero temperatures, absorb radiation and convert it for food, and conveniently adjust to the pull of different gravitational forces. With the fragility of the body no longer a limiting factor, human beings are at last able to journey to neighboring exoplanets long known to harbor life. A team of these explorers, Ariadne O'Neill and her three crewmates, are hard at work in a planetary system fifteen light-years from Sol, on a mission to ecologically survey four habitable worlds. But as Ariadne shifts through both form and time, the culture back on Earth has also been transformed. Faced with the possibility of returning to a planet that has forgotten those who have left, Ariadne begins to chronicle the story of the wonders and dangers of her mission, in the hope that someone back home might still be listening."--

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This book introduced me to Becky Chambers and had me hooked from the beginning. I read it during the start of the pandemic, and it helped me through it. While it was an incredibly sad book, it also is incredibly hopeful. While I was isolated, I saw their isolation and depression and difficulties and I found myself feeling hope for myself and humanity. I don't know how to explain it fully, but this book changed my life and was one of the best books I read in 2020.
- Zach

Whipping girl : a transsexual woman on sexism and the scapegoating of femininity

Serano, Julia, author.

306.768 /Serano

"In the updated second edition of Whipping Girl, Julia Serano, a transsexual woman whose supremely intelligent writing reflects her diverse background as a lesbian transgender activist and professional biologist, shares her powerful experiences and observations -- both pre- and post-transition -- to reveal the ways in which fear, suspicion, and dismissiveness toward femininity shape our societal attitudes toward trans women, as well as gender and sexuality as a whole. Serano's well-honed arguments stem from her ability to bridge the gap between the often-disparate biological and social perspectives on gender. In this provocative manifesto, she exposes how deep-rooted the cultural belief is that femininity is frivolous, weak, and passive, and how this "feminine" weakness exists only to attract and appease male desire. In addition to debunking popular misconceptions about transsexuality, Serano makes the case that today's feminists and transgender activists must work to embrace and empower femininity -- in all of its wondrous forms."--provided by Amazon.com.

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This book is non-fiction and focuses more on the theory behind transsexual and transgender activism. It's written by trans woman Julia Serano, and focuses on trans-feminism, cissexism, transphobia, and trans-misogyny. It's a fascinating read and will definitely help open your mind to new ideas and think further on some aspects of common culture.
- Zach

One last stop

McQuiston, Casey, author.

FICTION McQuiston, Casey

"From the New York Times bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue comes a new romantic comedy that will stop readers in their tracks... "Dreamy, other worldly, smart, swoony, thoughtful, hilarious - all in all, exactly what you'd expect from Casey McQuiston!" - Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author of The Proposal and Party for Two Cynical twenty-three-year old August doesn't believe in much. She doesn't believe in psychics, or easily forged friendships, or finding the kind of love they make movies about. And she certainly doesn't believe her ragtag band of new roommates, her night shifts at a 24-hour pancake diner, or her daily subway commute full of electrical outages are going to change that. But then, there's Jane. Beautiful, impossible Jane. All hard edges with a soft smile and swoopy hair and saving August's day when she needed it most. The person August looks forward to seeing on the train every day. The one who makes her forget about the cities she lived in that never seemed to fit, and her fear of what happens when she finally graduates, and even her cold-case obsessed mother who won't quite let her go. And when August realizes her subway crush is impossible in more ways than one-namely, displaced in time from the 1970s-she thinks maybe it's time to start believing. Casey McQuiston's One Last Stop is a sexy, big-hearted romance where the impossible becomes possible as August does everything in her power to save the girl lost in time"--

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One of my favorite books from last year--I cannot stop recommending it. It's a gay romance which involves time travel and mystery. Maybe this is perfect for those visits to a big city, when you're on the subway and realize the incredibility of life and everyone around you.
- Zach

Check, please!

Ukazu, Ngozi, artist, author.

GRAPHIC NOVEL Ukazu Check

"Eric Bittle may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It is nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There's checking (anything that hinders the player with possession of the puck, ranging from a stick check all the way to a physical sweep). And then, there is Jack-- his very attractive but moody captain"--Provided by publisher.

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I loved this series immensely. The second book is where the characters truly came into themselves, but the first book was so great too. The story was perfect, it had me nearly in tears on multiple occasions. It's a story that a lot of people can relate to I think, I certainly did, and it's a story which has depth. There's fear, there's love, there's friendship, there's homophobia and a fight against it, there's graduation, there's leaving home and learning to go back, there's learning who you are and who you love. It has me all sappy and I read it all in a day. I will definitely come back to this.
- Zach

Legends & lattes : a novel of high fantasy and low stakes

Baldree, Travis, 1977- author.

SCIENCE FICTION Baldree Travis

"The much-beloved BookTok sensation from Travis Baldree, Legends & Lattes is a novel of high fantasy and low stakes. *The new paperback edition will include a very special, never-before-seen bonus story, 'Pages to Fill.'* Come take a load off at Viv's cafe, the first & only coffee shop in Thune. Grand opening! Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior's life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen. However, her dreams of a fresh start filling mugs instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune's shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners, and a different kind of resolve. "Take a break from epic battles and saving the world. Legends & Lattes is a wholesome, cozy novel that feels like a warm hug. This is my new comfort read."-Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart"--

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This is just a lovely, cozy read. Cozy may be a winter thing, but think of your recent nights of rain, grabbing a cup of something warm and sitting with a puzzle--that's the night this book is for. I recommend the audiobook highly. If you're into DND this is especially for you.
- Zach

A psalm for the wild-built

Chambers, Becky, author.

SCIENCE FICTION Chambers Becky

"In A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Hugo Award-winner Becky Chambers's delightful new Monk & Robot series gives us hope for the future. It's been centuries since the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and laid down their tools; centuries since they wandered, en masse, into the wilderness, never to be seen again; centuries since they faded into myth and urban legend. One day, the life of a tea monk is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of "what do people need?" is answered. But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how. They're going to need to ask it a lot. Becky Chambers's new series asks: in a world where people have what they want, does having more matter?"--

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Here's the last series I have to recommend by Becky Chambers. The Monk and Robot series is so so sweet--with a main character who is non-binary who travels along with a Robot. And that's really it. There is some world lore, but truly the story is mainly slice-of-life and that's why I loved it. It's perfect to read on a sunny day while drinking tea.
- Zach

Last night at the Telegraph Club

Lo, Malinda, author.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Lo Malinda

"Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu can't remember exactly when the question took root, but the answer was in full bloom the moment she and Kathleen Miller walked under the flashing neon sign of a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club. America in 1954 is not a safe place for two girls to fall in love, especially not in Chinatown. Red-Scare paranoia threatens everyone, including Chinese Americans like Lily. With deportation looming over her father--despite his hard-won citizenship--Lily and Kath risk everything to let their love see the light of day"--

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A lovely lesbian novel portraying the difficulties of life during the 1950's for queer people, women, and people of color. I highly recommend it.
- Zach

The long way to a small, angry planet

Chambers, Becky, author.

SCIENCE FICTION Chambers Becky

Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain. Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.

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This series is filled with love and joy. I can say with absolute certainty that each book will be one of the best books I've read this year, and I cannot wait for more by Becky Chambers--so far I have read everything written by her and I'm excited to read everything in the future! The series is a collection of stand alone novels, but that doesn't take away from my love. Usually I love when a series continues with the same characters because you grow to love them more as time goes on, but each story ended so satisfactorily that I felt content and happy with their conclusions. My one sadness is that the series is over, that I won't be able to see any new tales in this universe, but I will happily revisit it anytime. (P.S. Record of a Spaceborn Few was my favorite!)
- Zach

Project Nought

Furedi, Chelsey, author, artist.

GRAPHIC NOVEL Furedi

When Ren Mittal is transported from a bus stop in 1996 to the year 2122, he discovers he is part of a time-travel program to help students in the future learn about history, though the tech conglomerate who brought him there may not be as benevolent as they appear.

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I had a wonderful time reading this book. It took so little time and I wish I didn't binge it but also that's what happens with great books. The art was astounding and that's why I first picked the book up. And because it was gay. I found myself staring at panels because they were so simply made yet provocative. Not for the background, but the characters themselves. I loved all the characters and their queerness too. Friends, lovers--I think the end made me love the book because not everyone needed to be in a relationship to love each other, they can care in other ways. I also appreciated the plot a lot, it was easy at first but I'm glad it went against my expectations again and again. I had questions about the science of things that it went more into later in the book, and the logic of it all made sense by the end which I also appreciated.
- Zach

Mooncakes

Walker, Suzanne (Suzanne Wakeen), author.

GRAPHIC NOVEL Walker

Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers? bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town. One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any town home. Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery.

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This was a cute story--the plot was somewhat thin, but the characters make a story, and this book was not an exception. I thought the relationships were lovely, and I love a story about witches, especially families of witches. And gay love stories. Those are always good!
- Zach

Magical boy : a graphic novel

Kao Studios, author, illustrator.

GRAPHIC NOVEL Kao Magical

Although he was assigned female at birth, Max is your average trans man trying to get through high school as himself. But on top of classes, crushes, and coming out, Max's life is turned upside down when his mom reveals an eons old family secret: he's descended from a long line of Magical Girls tasked with defending humanity from a dark, ancient evil! With a sassy feline sidekick and loyal gang of friends by his side, can Max take on his destiny, save the world, and become the next Magical Boy? A hilarious and heartfelt riff on the magical girl genre made popular by teen manga series, Magical Boy is a one-of-a-kind fantasy series that comic readers of all ages will love.

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I found this book to be interesting--it might be hard to read for some because of transphobia which is somewhat constant from the parents (and the magic itself I guess??). But I found it good overall. I didn't love the way the panels were placed in the book either, as it made it somewhat hard to read, but I do want to read the second book in the series, just to see how it ends. Maybe give it a try!
- Zach

The prince and the dressmaker

Wang, Jen, 1984- author, artist.

GRAPHIC NOVEL Wang

Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride--or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia--the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!

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Another wonderful book! I felt giddy and hopeful reading this. The art was beautifully well done and the characters were cute... AND THEY ADVOCATED FOR THEMSELVES. I was worried for all characters giving up a part of themselves but it worked out in the end and I loved that. They deserve the best.
- Zach

Call me Nathan

Castro, Catherine, author.

GRAPHIC NOVEL Castro

"Assigned female at birth, Nathan spends his formative years facing questions without answers. As puberty hits and begins to change his body, it all just feels wrong, and something needs to change for it to feel right. He finds himself at a crucial crossroads. Becoming oneself is the work of a lifetime, no matter our gender, sexuality, or refusal to be limited by such categorizations. For Nathan, his courageous first steps towards discovering his true self happen through transition. Based on a true story, Catherine Castro and Quentin Zuttion explore the tenacity and bravery that such a journey entails while society continues to wrestle with the meaning of identity. Call Me Nathan issues a moving call for understanding, a powerful denunciation of prejudice, and a celebration of everything it means to love."--Back cover.

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A beautiful story about coming out and coming into oneself. It was good to see a happy ending.
- Zach

An absolutely remarkable thing : a novel

Green, Hank, author.

FICTION Green Hank

"In his much-anticipated debut novel, Hank Green--cocreator of Crash Course, Vlogbrothers, and SciShow--spins a sweeping, cinematic tale about a young woman who becomes an overnight celebrity before realizing she's part of something bigger, and stranger, than anyone could have possibly imagined. The Carls just appeared. Coming home from work at three a.m., twenty-three-year-old April May stumbles across a giant sculpture. Delighted by its appearance and craftsmanship--like a ten-foot-tall Transformer wearing a suit of samurai armor--April and her friend Andy make a video with it, which Andy uploads to YouTube. The next day April wakes up to a viral video and a new life. News quickly spreads that there are Carls in dozens of cities around the world--everywhere from Beijing to Buenos Aires--and April, as their first documentarian, finds herself at the center of an intense international media spotlight. Now April has to deal with the pressure on her relationships, her identity, and her safety that this new position brings, all while being on the front lines of the quest to find out not just what the Carls are, but what they want from us. Compulsively entertaining and powerfully relevant, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing grapples with big themes, including how the social internet is changing fame, rhetoric, and radicalization; how our culture deals with fear and uncertainty; and how vilification and adoration spring from the same dehumanization that follows a life in the public eye"--

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I read this book alongside a science fiction book club held at the LGBTQ Iowa Archives and Library which you should check out!. I had such a good time talking about this book with friends because it provided a lot of discussion points which we could move through easily. The story itself was unique, and I had a lot to talk about when book club came around--but I will warn you: There's a cliff hanger, though since the second book is out it isn't so big of a deal, but anyway! Read this and the next book!
- Zach

A scatter of light

Lo, Malinda, author.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Lo Malinda

Aria Tang West was looking forward to a summer on Martha's Vineyard with her best friends--one last round of sand and sun before college. But after a graduation party goes wrong, Aria's parents exile her to California to stay with her grandmother, artist Joan West. Aria expects boredom, but what she finds is Steph Nichols, her grandmother's gardener. Soon, Aria is second-guessing who she is and what she wants to be, and a summer that once seemed lost becomes unforgettable--for Aria, her family, and the working-class queer community Steph introduces her to. It's the kind of summer that changes a life forever.

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This book was really good, except for the way the relationship began. BUT I was very happy with the ending, which I was surprised with. Maybe you'll enjoy it!
- Zach

A memory called empire

Martine, Arkady, author.

SCIENCE FICTION Martine Arkady

"During a time of political instability in the highest echelons of the imperial court, Ambassador Mahit Dzmare arrives in the center of the multi-system Teixcalaanli Empire only to discover that her predecessor, the previous ambassador from their small but fiercely independent mining Station, has died. But no one will admit that his death wasn't an accident--or that Mahit might be next to die. Now Mahit must discover who is behind the murder, rescue herself, and save her Station from Teixcalaan's unceasing expansion--all while navigating an alien culture that is all too seductive, engaging in intrigues of her own, and hiding a deadly technological secret--one that might spell the end of her Station and her way of life--or rescue it from annihilation"--From publisher.

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This story is clearly relating itself to the empire of the United States. It's colonialism, imperialism, annexations etc. There were also clear ideas about work, being capitalistic versus for survival. It's important to note these things alongside the queer-ness which was present in the book because it helps us recognize intersectionality. There was also a fascinating focus on language and translation which I did not expect. Martine gives us as readers scraps of the world from a non-native's perspective, and because of that we get to see the way she thinks about this language that she has grown to love purposefully, and thought critically about her whole life.
- Zach

The priory of the orange tree

Shannon, Samantha, 1991- author.

SCIENCE FICTION Shannon Samantha

The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction--but assassins are getting closer to her door. Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic. Across the dark sea, Tané has trained to be a dragonrider since she was a child, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel. Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep.--

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If you're ever in the mood for a queer epic fantasy novel, this is the one you should read. The character relationships are complex and meaningful, the plot is brilliantly thought and woven together, and the world is immense and spanning. I'm so excited to read the prequel book!
- Zach

Red, white & royal blue : a novel

McQuiston, Casey, author.

FICTION McQuiston, Casey

After an international incident affects U.S. and British relations, the president's son Alex and Prince Henry must pretend to be best friends, but as they spend time together, the two begin a secret romance that could derail a presidential campaign.

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Although not as wonderful as "One Last Stop" by the same author, I think this book was a wonderful read, deserving a full 5 out of 5 stars. It was weird, but interesting and gave a critical viewpoint on it's characters and their power.
- Zach

Heartstopper

Oseman, Alice, author, artist.

GRAPHIC NOVEL Oseman Heartstopper

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. A sweet and charming coming-of-age story that explores friendship, love, and coming out. This edition features beautiful two-color artwork. Absolutely delightful. Sweet, romantic, kind. Beautifully paced. I loved this book. -- Rainbow Rowell, author of Carry On Shy and softhearted Charlie Spring sits next to rugby player Nick Nelson in class one morning. A warm and intimate friendship follows, and that soon develops into something more for Charlie, who doesn't think he has a chance. But Nick is struggling with feelings of his own, and as the two grow closer and take on the ups and downs of high school, they come to understand the surprising and delightful ways in which love works.

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I began reading this series at the height of the pandemic in 2020. It kept me sane through the worst of it all, and it provided a bit of sunshine. While the story at first focuses on a buddying romance, it also delves deep into mental health issues. I loved this series, and continue to love it. There's a new novella out which I will be reading immediately!
- Zach

The empress of salt and fortune

Vo, Nghi, author.

SCIENCE FICTION Vo Nghi

"A young royal from the far north, is sent south for a political marriage in an empire reminiscent of imperial China. Her brothers are dead, her armies and their war mammoths long defeated and caged behind their borders. Alone and sometimes reviled, she must choose her allies carefully. Rabbit, a handmaiden, sold by her parents to the palace for the lack of five baskets of dye, befriends the emperor's lonely new wife and gets more than she bargained for."--Provided by publisher.

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I'm a story-teller. I love writing as much as I love reading, so when I read this series it really spoke to me in a variety of ways--and the main character is non-binary! I would say the second book is my favorite of the three, it read so easily and far too quickly because I wish I could read a thousand more pages of this world. They were very quick and lovely reads and I will want to go back to revisit the lovely stories that are told here.
- Zach

On a sunbeam

Walden, Tillie, 1996- author, illustrator.

GRAPHIC NOVEL Walden

In two interwoven timelines, a ragtag crew travels to the deepest reaches of space, rebuilding beautiful, broken structures to piece the past together; and two girls meet in boarding school and fall deeply in love, only to learn the pain of loss.

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The art alone for this book was astounding. I cannot recommend Tillie Walden enough--think of a starry night spent with a loved one and you'll get the kind of vibes Walden is giving.
- Zach

The fire next time

Baldwin, James, 1924-1987.

305.896 /Baldwin

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I read this book 6 years ago, but it still left an impression on me. I think the first essay in this book was astounding and so well-wrought. James Baldwin was a paving stone for queer people and gave them a way to see themselves through his writing. An oldie but a goodie.
- Zach

They both die at the end

Silvera, Adam, 1990- author.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Silvera Adam

In a near-future New York City where a service alerts people on the day they will die, teenagers Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio meet using the Last Friend app and are faced with the challenge of living a lifetime on their End Day.

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I really hoped the ending was different from what it was, but the title tells all. Give it a read if you're willing to break your own heart in two for the main characters.
- Zach

Tales of the city

Maupin, Armistead.

FICTION Maupin, Armistead

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Another oldie but goodie comes from Armistead Maupin. Not only does he have a great name, he's also a fantastic writer. The chapters in this book were short and quick and I learned to love the characters so quickly. This and More Tales of the City were my favorites of the series, and I would recommend them highly to anyone dreaming of a San Francisco day.
- Zach

Fun home : a family tragicomic

Bechdel, Alison, 1960-

BIOGRAPHY Bechdel, Alison

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This book is a heartbreaking memoir by the famous Alison Bechdel. The art and writing combined masterfully to create an aching story of family and mental illness.
- Zach

Two boys kissing

Levithan, David.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Levithan David

A chorus of men who died of AIDS observes and yearns to help a cross-section of today's gay teens who navigate new love, long-term relationships, coming out, self-acceptance, and more in a society that has changed in many ways.

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This book is really special to me because it was one of the first times I saw myself in a main character. I remember hiding this book under my pillow when I wasn't reading it so my parents wouldn't find it because I hadn't come out to them yet and I was scared. Everything turned out all right, and I would like to think this book gave me courage to be bravely myself.
- Zach

The amazing adventures of Kavalier & Clay : a novel

Chabon, Michael, author.

FICTION Chabon, Michael

The beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a masterwork by Chabon. It is the American epic of two boy geniuses named Joe Kavalier and Sammy Clay and their quest to become American icons in the comic book world. Now with special bonus material by Chabon.

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I was surprised this book was gay but incredibly happy about it too!!! I read this book over the summer and the combination of writing, art, and history that the author portrays throughout won me over immediately. It's a somewhat long book, but I sped through it and I think you will too.
- Zach

The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo : a novel

Reid, Taylor Jenkins, author.

FICTION Reid Taylor

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The story of the seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo is wonderful, filled with lessons on love, family, and identity, as well as characters that fill your heart to bursting. I found it endearing, sweet, hard, and annoying (in a good way). I read about 75% of it in a day. It enthralled me, so be prepared if you take to the page!
- Zach

Nimona

Stevenson, Noelle, author, illustrator.

GRAPHIC NOVEL Stevenson

"Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are. But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit"--

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If you're a fan of She-Ra, or truly any queer comic or tv series, I think you'll enjoy this book. It's the story from the point of view of a villain's henchman, and their journey alongside their villain. It was sweet and thoughtful while also fun the whole way.
- Zach

Let's talk about love

Kann, Claire, author.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Kann Claire

Alice's last girlfriend, Margo, ended things when Alice confessed she's asexual. Now Alice is sure she's done with dating... and then she meets Takumi. She can't stop thinking about him or the rom-com-grade romance feelings she did not ask for. When her blissful summer takes an unexpected turn and Takumi becomes her knight with a shiny library-employee badge, Alice has to decide if she's willing to risk their friendship for a love that might not be reciprocated-- or understood.

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At one point I thought I was asexual, and reading this book helped me feel seen while also getting to understand my own sexuality and romantic values.
- Zach

Borrowed Time

Paul Monette

This "tender and lyrical" memoir (New York Times Book Review) remains one of the most compelling documents of the AIDS era-"searing, shattering, ultimately hope inspiring account of a great love story" (San Francisco Examiner). A National Book Critics Circle Award finalist and the winner of the PEN Center West literary award.

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This book shaped the way I viewed the world. I was researching the AIDS epidemic for a book I was writing at the time. I wanted to know the story of those who suffered with it while also learning about how they faired taking care of their loved ones and the toll that took... I don't know if there was anything amazing about this book--I can't remember much about it anymore. But what I can tell you is when I finished reading the book, I looked to the back cover and discovered that the author was alive. He survived his partner who perished from AIDS. I went online to find him because I wanted to send him a letter--to let him know how much he influenced me. And I found out he had died. He died in the 90's from AIDS. And the horrors of the normalcy of it all hit me and I began to sob. I was distraught for an hour at the least, giving way to fits and bursts of tears and sobs. I felt someone I had learned to care for and hear about leave, and it broke me. Thinking of all those lives, carelessly ignored. I raged too. This might be a book for you to hone your rage against and to remember those lost to queerphobia.
- Zach