Unearth 9 Essential LGBTQ+ Books Published in the 21st Century
Book RaiderHold onto your bookmarks, bubble tea, and bedside lamps, dear readers. We're about to venture on a literary journey through the vibrant landscape of 21st-century LGBTQ+ literature. In a world increasingly embracing diversity, it's not just fantastic to celebrate works that echo the lives and struggles of the queer community, it's necessary.
Throughout this quest, we won't just be snuggling up with unforgettable characters, beautiful prose, and heart-thumping plotlines. No, we will be diving nose-first into books that shape the narrative of an ever-evolving community. From young adult fiction to heartrending memoirs, these LGBTQ+ books published in the 21st century are more than just pages bound together; they are experience, empathy, insight and love splashed across every word, line, and paragraph. So, grab your reading glasses, it's time to unearth these literary gems.
In the Dream House
by Carmen Maria Machado
Why In the Dream House is on this list: This book is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ genre, offering an insightful and poetic memoir about the dark side of same-sex relationships. Plus, it was published in 2019, making it a shiny gem of 21st-century literature.
In this memoir, Machado explores her past in an abusive relationship with another woman. As we spiral through reality and fantasy, we watch her grapple with the silence around the enigma that is domestic abuse in queer relationships, using the backdrop of a haunted house to enliven her struggles. Pretty intense, huh?
What readers like: Readers appreciate the book's unique narrative style, which embraces elements of horror and gothic literature to narrate a deeply personal journey. They praise its honesty, making it a relatable and poignant read that doesn't shy away from the ugly truth. It's perfectly spiced with imaginative imagery, making it a page-turner, no second thoughts about that.
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What Belongs to You
by Garth Greenwell
Why What Belongs to You is on this list: Garth Greenwell’s debut novel serves as an important part of LGBTQ+ literature in the 21st Century as it dives into the joy and despair of desire, untangling complex aspects of queer love and sex.
The story flows with an American teacher who gets tangled up in an erotic relationship with a hustler named Mitko in Bulgaria. It balances on the thin line of paid sex and profound affection, while dealing with themes of alienation, shame, and longing. Parts of the plot tackles issues of societal bigotry, adding more substance to the palpable emotions.
What readers like: Readers are often drawn in by Greenwell's rich and evocative prose. The book has this particular knack for pulling you into the depths of the protagonist’s emotional turmoil, so you can almost taste his vulnerability. The rawness of feelings, the painterly descriptions of Bulgaria, and the detailed exploration of queer relationships give this novel an irresistible pull.
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The Song of Achilles
by Madeline Miller
Why The Song of Achilles is on this list: Alright, let's talk about The Song of Achilles, a gem that just had to make it to our list. Why, you may ask? Well, it has two major reasons: it's a brilliant work that explores the complexities of same-sex relationships in the context of ancient Greek mythology. Bang on theme for our LGBTQ+ list? Absolutely!
The story, inspired by Homer's Iliad, is a heart-tugging narration of the epic love story between the legendary Achilles and his close companion, Patroclus. It delves deep into their relationship, right from its roots, explores both its beauty and its tribulations, and ultimately climaxes in an intensely emotional depiction of Achilles' grief, post-Patroclus's death. It isn't just a book; it's a journey – one that takes you through the raw, unadulterated experiences of love, loss, and loyalty.
What readers like: What's there not to love? Miller does a wonderful job, painting a picture of ancient Greece so vivid, you'll feel like you're teleported. Plus, her portrayal of a same-sex relationship, in a time where it was anything but ordinary, is captivating. Not to forget her ability to make readers laugh, cry, and feel every emotion Patroclus and Achilles go through – that's pure genius. Safe to say, if you're into heartwarming tales of love and friendship that stay with you long after you've turned the last page, this one's probably gonna steal your heart.
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Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic
by Alison Bechdel
Why Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic is on this list: This phenomenal graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel is a cornerstone in LGBTQ+ literature. It brings to life her upbringing in an eccentric family, focusing on her complicated relationship with her closeted gay father, while coming to terms with her own sexuality.
Fun Home is not your typical family drama. It's no-holds-barred exploration of self-identity, gender, and sexuality that intricately intertwines the personal and political. Bechdel leaves no stone unturned in detailing her father's hidden life, their shared queerness, and the enduring impact of family secrets. Plus, it's told with beautifully unique artwork, making it a triple threat: it's insightful, groundbreaking and visually captivating.
What readers like: Readers have fallen for the honesty and heartfelt humour in this book. They appreciate the intricate, non-linear storytelling, the rich literary references, and the unflinching look at family dynamics. Many find themselves relating deeply to Alison's journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Besides, who doesn't love a compelling graphic novel that serves up significant family drama alongside social themes?
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On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
by Ocean Vuong
Why On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is on this list: This book artfully encapsulates the LGBTQ+ experience through the lens of an immigrant living in modern America. It’s a beautiful embodiment of LGBTQ+ storytelling in the 21st century.
This novel, or 'a letter to a mother that she can't read' as it touts itself, is written by a son, Little Dog, to his mother whom can barely read English. It dives deep into his emotions and experiences he had growing up as a young, gay man in a foreign land. It shows love in its rawest form--flawed and beautiful, filled with pain yet ultimately liberating.
What readers like: Readers love the honest and poetic style of this semi-autobiographical marvel. Its raw emotion, Vuong's artful language, the difficult yet relatable themes of identity, love and family, are the sucker punches you didn't know you needed. This is more than just a book; it’s a heartfelt journey that leaves readers both weeping and feeling absolutely beautiful.
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An Unkindness of Ghosts
by Rivers Solomon
Why An Unkindness of Ghosts is on this list: When it comes to weaving compelling narratives that explore the many shades of the LGBTQ+ experience, there's a reason Rivers Solomon is a trending name. Their novel An Unkindness of Ghosts ticks all the boxes for our list, presenting a layered and imaginative tale that takes us beyond the 21st century and into the far reaches of space.
An interstellar spaceship, sustained by racial segregation and oppression, isn’t exactly a dream home. In fact, it's pretty nightmarish. But it's reality for Aster, our brilliant, autistic and intersex protagonist. Dealing with life aboard the HSS Matilda, a spacecraft that reflects the harsh racial realities of pre-Civil War America, Aster becomes hell-bent on uncovering the ship’s many secrets, throwing readers deep into a captivating mix of sci-fi and social commentary.
What readers like: Readers are loving not just the breathtaking world-building and cool sci-fi elements, but also the way Solomon handles the delicate subject of social injustice and personal discovery. In a way that's both authentic and respectful, we've got a story that's not afraid to tackle big issues and incorporate LGBT themes in the process. And let's not forget Aster - a dynamic character who's both incredibly relatable and super compelling. Trust us, you won’t be able to put this book down.
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Red, White & Royal Blue
by Casey McQuiston
Why Red, White & Royal Blue is on this list: This heartfelt tale is a shining star of 21st century LGBTQ+ literature, not only for its delightfully queer romance but also for its clever exploration of identity and acceptance in the realm of modern-day politics.
Red, White & Royal Blue revolves around the budding forbidden romance between Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of Wales. Torn between their public personas and private affections, they navigate a journey of self-discovery and love amidst the constant scrutiny of the politically-charged world around them.
What readers like: Audiences are smitten by the exquisite blend of adorable romance, razor-sharp wit, and inspiring themes of self-discovery. The dynamic characters and their relatability, even in the fanciful world of palace intrigues and presidential campaigns, create an enchanting narrative. Plus, who wouldn't love a dash of royal glamour sprinkled with a struggle for love and acceptance?
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Long Live The Tribe of Fatherless Girls
by T Kira Madden
Why Long Live The Tribe of Fatherless Girls is on this list: T Kira Madden brings her personal reality into the public space with this award-winning memoir, and in doing so, she expands our understanding of the unique experiences lived by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Long Live The Tribe of Fatherless Girls is more than just a childhood story. It is a raw, truthful exploration of a girl's journey to adulthood, delving into themes of identity, family, love, loss and sexuality. It is also T Kira Madden's candid recounting of her life as a biracial, queer woman growing up in the wealthy part of Florida with an absent dad and a drug-addicted mum. Expect a heartwrenching narrative filled with late-night party scenes, horse races, and family secrets.
What readers like: Readers love Madden's brutally honest storytelling and the way she uses humor to season otherwise heavy moments. They admire her courage in sharing the less glamorous parts of her life and appreciate the authentic representation of queer experience. Readers commonly say they grew attached to Madden and rooted for her along the journey. If you aren't afraid of a little heartache, and delight in illuminating, real-life stories, you might find this book sticking into your mind long after you put it down.
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Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body
by Roxane Gay
Why Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body is on this list: Hunger isn't just a book, it's a thought-altering experience that takes you inside the life of an incredible LGBTQ+ author. Published in 2017, it encapsulates the spirit of the 21st-century LGBTQ+ experience in a deeply personal, intimate manner.
Hunger tells the tale of Roxane Gay's struggles with weight, self-image, and self-care as a woman in a world that's not always kind to differing bodies and identities. It's not a weight-loss success tale or a promotion of the 'Good Body' image, it's rather an honest, raw depiction of the experience of living in a world that is not built to accommodate your body. As a queer woman of color, Roxane brings us face-to-face with the enduring societal prejudices and bigotry still prevalent in our modern world.
What readers like: Readers mainly appreciate the raw honesty in Hunger. Roxane Gay's ability to lay bare her soul and share such personal experiences has resonated with many. They love the fact that it's not just a book about body acceptance but a powerful narrative of one's journey of understanding, accepting, and loving oneself, queer identity and all. It's a powerful memoir that hits you right in the heart, making it a much-needed add to any 21st-century LGBTQ+ library.
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