Hi everyone! As I’m sure most of you already know June is Pride month, which is all about celebrating the amazing LGBTQ+ community all across the globe. It’s about acceptance, equality, celebration, education, and, of course, awareness of the troubling history concerning LGBTQ+ rights – and how there’s still some way to go. There’s tons of resources out there if you want to learn more about Pride – you can even check out this website to find out events going on near you if you’re in the UK.
I thought this was the perfect time to highlight some amazing LGBTQ+ reads with you all! These are all some of my favourite books so I’m really excited to be sharing them with you. Over the last few years I think there’s been a really push to be more inclusive in books, which is so promising to see. There’s a whole multitude of other LGBTQ+ books out there too which I really encourage you to pick up – if you have any other recommendations feel free to leave them in the comments for people to check out!
Perfect On Paper by Sophie Gonzales
Thoughts: This might just have been my favourite contemporary read last year… It was just so good! I loved Darcey’s relationship advice business, and what I loved even more was how amazing this was. I don’t usually like love triangles but I still wound up loving this, so I think that tells you a lot! I think my favourite aspect, though, would have to be the supportive LGBTQ+ club, and also the discussion surrounding internalised biphobia, which is super important.
Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales
Thoughts: This is the fabulously modern – and queer – retelling of Grease you never knew you needed! This is such a wonderful read, I loved how it kept to Grease’s roots whilst updating it and adding some extra dimensions. Ollie and Will’s relationship was super cute (even if there are some serious obstacles – the main one being that Will’s not actually out at school) and there were so many great moments shared between them. I really recommend picking this one up, that’s for sure!
She Gets The Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick
Thoughts: Honestly, this one’s up there with my favourite reads of the year so far! I really connected with the characters in this one, which is always such a nice feeling, and I found Molly and Alex ridiculously cute together. I loved how they teamed up to get with their dream girls only to end up falling for each other, it’s a really specific trope but it’s definitely a favourite of mine! If you’re looking for something cute and fun with some heavier topics too this is the book for you!
Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
Thoughts: This is another advice based one – the difference with this being that it’s much more humour based! I found Aideen’s character in this absolutely hilarious, and I think Smyth pulled off her voice remarkably well. Her relationship with Maeve was also super cute – there was lots of banter and tension throughout, which only made the end that much sweeter! There were lots of serious topics covered in here too (homophobia being one of them) so this was a really well rounded book I’d recommend.
If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich
Thoughts: I’m not sure if you can tell by now, but Sophie Gonzales is one of my favourite authors, haha! I really enjoyed her collab with Cale too, it follows two members of a boy band who are secretly dating and receive a lot of pressure from their management to keep it that way. I also really liked Zach’s process of coming to terms with his sexuality, which was nicely explored! If This Gets Out is all about staying true for yourself and not let anyone put any limits on you, which is actually why I will keep on recommending it!
The Falling In Love Montage by Ciara Smyth
Thoughts: This is a really lovely read! Saoirse and Ruby were both super cute together, and I appreciated their ‘no strings attached’ romance, even if it was a little predictable. I really enjoyed their list of montage worthy moments to share and they made for some really cute scenes – and some important discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in the genre, which definitely still has a long way to go. I’d definitely recommend this!
You’re The One That I Want by Simon James Green
Thoughts: This is actually another Grease retelling! If you couldn’t already tell I love the movie, haha. This is another really adorable read, Freddie and his second boyfriend’s relationship was really supportive and healthy and it was great to see LGBTQ+ relationships presented in such a positive light (which I know might not always be the case). I also really appreciated the discussion surrounding homophobia within schools – I definitely think they should all have support groups, which I’m sure would make the world of difference to someone struggling.
Have you read any of these? What are some of your favourite LGBTQ+ reads? Let me know in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed this post!
Ceri
Read And Review It 
Amazing post. I have been looking at some of these books. Think I need to read them. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you! I’d definitely recommend them, I hope you enjoy them if you do. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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What a great way to share pride month! I haven’t read any of these but really enjoyed The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle which I strongly recommend! Thanks for sharing about these.
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Thank you! Ooh I haven’t heard of that one, I’ll have to check it out! Thank you so much for the recommendation and for reading and commenting.
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I love that you have put together a list of interesting, emotional pride-focused reads! I have read your reviews of many of these books, so I loved seeing If This Gets Out on here, as it is a book I am planning to read. 🙂
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I’m so glad to hear that, I really enjoyed writing it too! Ooh yes I really hope you enjoy it when you get to it, thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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So many “no strings attached” situations are very predictable. LOL. What an interesting number of books you’ve shared. There’s variety in what you read and it shows in your reviews!
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Haha they definitely are, that’s what I like about them – they’re very easy to relax with! I’m so glad to hear you notice that, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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Great post I really need to read all of these lol, which one was your favorite?
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Thank you! I really hope you enjoy them all. I think either Perfect On Paper or Only Mostly Devastated would have to be my favourite, they’re both such fun reads and Sophie is one of my favourite authors! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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I loved If This Gets Out, I haven’t read any of the others but will have to check them out
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I’m so glad to hear that, I hope you enjoy them! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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I absolutely love this post! I think anyone whose part of the LGBTQ+ community will really appreciate you sharing these books with them. I’m going to be sharing this with my bestie, I know she’ll love it! Thank you so much for sharing with us lovely, great post Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
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I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it, that means a lot! That’s definitely what I was aiming for, it’s so important for people to know they’re not alone. I hope she enjoys it too, thank you so much for reading and commenting xx
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Thanks for these recommendations! They all sound like books I’d love and I’m definitely wanting to read more LGBTQ+ books right now. They All Die At the End is one I’d add to this list along with Heartstopper!
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I’m so glad to hear that, I hope you enjoy them if you end up reading any! I’ve heard some really great things about both of those but I haven’t had the chance to read them yet so I’ll have to bump them up my tbr! Thank you so much for the recommendations and for reading and commenting.
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Happy Pride Month! Love that you are using your platform to share books that are lqbtq friendly. I didn’t know you could get books like this when I first came out. It is so important for young people to know it is okay and you can read stories where you can relate. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren x
http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
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Thank you, Happy Pride Month to you too! I’m so glad to hear that you appreciate it, I definitely agree that it’s so important that books are inclusive and everyone can see themselves in them. Everyone deserves to be seen and no one should feel alone! Thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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Thank you so much for sharing your finds! I’m super excited to add some of these to my list. Representation and equality are vital and I can’t wait to dive into Perfect On Paper, She Gets The Girl, and You’re The One That I Want. Great list Ceri and thank you for the resources!
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Agreed, it’s so important everyone feels seen! I really hope you enjoy them all, they’re all amazing! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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They all sound great! When I was at university I used to read a lot of LGBTQ lit. That was a long time ago though and there’s a much better selection out there now!
Corinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
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They definitely are, I’d really recommend them all! I’m so glad to hear that, and I think it’s really promising that there’s even better finds now – definitely a step in the right direction! Thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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That’s awesome to see there are books and things the LGBTQ+ community can read. These books are interesting as well.
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It definitely is, inclusivity and representation is so important! I’d really recommend them all, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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These look great. Thanks for sharing some diversity in your books – great theme!! I added Only Mostly Devastated to my TBR – it looks like a great poolside read! Maybe I’ll get on the Sophie Gonzales train then. Her books look good!
Colleen | ChooseYourUni
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They definitely are, I really recommend them all! Ooh I’m so glad to hear that, Sophie Gonzales is honestly so talented and Only Mostly Devastated is what actually got me into her! I hope you love it as much as I do, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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I’ve never heard of these books but now I’m curious
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I’m so glad I could bring them to your attention then! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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These are all on my tbr! I have a couple on my kindle that I’m looking forward to reading. Some other ones I recommend are “Last night at the Telegraph Club” and Red, White, and Royal Blue. Thank you for this list :))
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I’m so glad to hear that, I really hope you enjoy them all! Ooh I haven’t heard of Last Night At The Telegraph Club, I’ll have to look into it – although I’ve heard some amazing things about Red, White, And Royal Blue! Thank you so much for the recommendations and for reading and commenting :))
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Love love LOVE that there are several books here that I don’t regularly see recommended on bookish socials. I have a few of these on my TBR already and now I’m even more excited to pick them up!!!
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I’m so glad you appreciate that, I always try and bring light to some lesser known ones too! I hope you enjoy them when you get to them, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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I absolutely LOVE that you wrote this post in celebration of Pride month! What a great selection of reads too. I must admit I haven’t read any of these but I’m a massive Grease fan so I think I’d love You’re The One That I Want. Thanks for your recommendations 🙂
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Aw I’m so glad you appreciated that, I really wanted to do something to celebrate! Ooh I really hope you enjoy it, thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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Thanks for these recommendations! I haven’t read any of these yet, but quite a few are on my TBR and I’m really looking forward to picking them up!
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Ooh I hope you enjoy them when you get to them! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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What a cute post! I’m excited to check out these books the next time I go shopping. I’m currently reading Heartstopper in Spanish as it was a gift on my last trip abroad. I find myself smiling and in a much better mood every time I read it – I’m been looking for more LGBT+ stories. These books are going on my TBR list after I finish! x
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Thank you! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Aw that’s so lovely – I haven’t read Heartstopper yet but it’s on my tbr! I’m glad I could help, thank you so much for reading and commenting x
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Thanks for all the recommendations!
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Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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