Welcome to Book Nites, our monthly exploration of LGBTQ+ literature! Join us as we dive into a diverse range of stories and voices that celebrate and reflect the queer experience. Each month, we’ll feature a new book, handpicked to spark discussions, broaden our horizons, and strengthen our community bonds.
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-June 2024 –
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The Relic – Douglas Preston
“The Relic” by Douglas Preston is a thrilling novel that plunges readers into the heart of mystery and suspense. Set in the labyrinthine corridors of the New York Museum of Natural History, the story begins with the arrival of a mysterious artifact from South America. As a series of gruesome murders terrorizes the museum, a team of scientists and an intrepid FBI agent must uncover the truth behind the relic. With its blend of scientific intrigue, ancient curses, and relentless action, “The Relic” keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the boundaries between myth and reality.
While The Relic is primarily a suspenseful thriller, its underlying themes of identity and transformation resonate deeply with the LGBTQ+ community. The characters in the novel grapple with understanding and accepting the true nature of the mysterious creature, much like how individuals in the LGBTQ+ community often face challenges in discovering and embracing their own identities. The story highlights the struggles and fears associated with revealing one’s true self, drawing a parallel to the journey many LGBTQ+ individuals undertake. By exploring these themes, “The Relic” invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with identity and the courage it takes to confront and accept one’s true nature.
Year of Books
February
ABCs of LGBT – Ashley Randall
March
Thirty Names of Night – Zen Joukhadar
April
Ancillary Justice – Ann Leckie
May
June
The Relic – Douglas Preston
July
ABCs of LGBT – Ashley Randall
August
Thirty Names of Night – Zen Joukhadar
September
Ancillary Justice – Ann Leckie
October
November
The Relic – Douglas Preston
Looking for more to read?
Check out these titles categorized by theme:
Lesbian
| Title and Author | Theme | Potential Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| “The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith | Explores a love affair between two women in 1950s, delving into societal norms and quest for connection. | Slow pacing; portrayal of lesbian relationships limited by era’s attitudes. |
| “Stone Butch Blues” by Leslie Feinberg | Powerful narrative on gender nonconformity and complexities within the lesbian community in the 20th century. | Raw depiction of violence and discrimination may be distressing. |
| “Tipping the Velvet” by Sarah Waters | Coming-of-age story set in Victorian England about a young woman discovering her sexuality and navigating love. | Explicit scenes; complex emotional dynamics may not resonate with all. |
| “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” by Jeanette Winterson | Semi-autobiographical novel about a young girl rebelling against conservative upbringing and embracing her lesbian identity. | Non-linear narrative and fantasy elements might be confusing. |
| “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters | Tale of deception, theft, and forbidden love in Victorian England exploring class and sexuality. | Intricate plot with twists might feel complex. |
| “Annie on My Mind” by Nancy Garden | Tender story of teenage love between two girls depicting joys and challenges of a young lesbian relationship. | Portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues may seem dated. |
| “Rubyfruit Jungle” by Rita Mae Brown | Pioneering novel in lesbian literature presenting a bold, humorous take on a woman’s journey to accept her sexuality. | Protagonist’s attitude and choices might seem unsympathetic. |
| “Carol” by Patricia Highsmith | Tale of forbidden love challenging societal norms of the 1950s, focusing on a young woman’s affair with an older married woman. | Frustrating social/legal constraints of the era on lesbian relationships. |
| “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” by Emily M. Danforth | Story of self-discovery and resilience of a girl sent to a conversion therapy center after her same-sex attraction is discovered. | Conversion therapy depiction and associated trauma unsettling. |
| “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name” by Audre Lorde | “Biomythography” combining history, biography, and myth exploring the author’s identity as a Black lesbian. | Non-traditional narrative style mixing reality with myth might not appeal to all. |
| “Pulp” by Robin Talley | Interweaves two stories set in different eras, exploring lesbian identity and impact of literature across generations. | Juggling two timelines might be confusing; historical aspects might not resonate. |
| “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Follows life of a movie star, revealing truths about her life and relationships with women. | Focuses more on life story; lesbian relationships are part but not central. |
Gay
| Title / Author | Theme | Potential Downside |
|---|---|---|
| “Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman | A poignant story about a sudden and powerful romance between a teenage boy and a summer guest at his parents’ cliffside mansion on the Italian Riviera. | Some readers may be concerned about the age difference and power dynamics in the relationship. |
| “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin | Explores the complexities of sexuality and identity through an American man’s struggle with his desires in Paris. | The novel’s depiction of turbulent emotional struggles can be intense and melancholic. |
| “A Single Man” by Christopher Isherwood | Follows a day in the life of a middle-aged gay English professor in Los Angeles, grieving the loss of his partner. | The book’s deep exploration of grief and solitude may be heavy for some readers. |
| “Maurice” by E.M. Forster | A story set in early 20th-century England about a young man coming to terms with his sexuality. | The historical context might feel distant for modern readers; some may find it slow-paced. |
| “The Line of Beauty” by Alan Hollinghurst | Set in the 1980s UK, exploring themes of class, politics, and sexuality through the eyes of a young gay man. | The book’s detailed portrayal of the AIDS crisis and drug use can be distressing. |
| “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer | A humorous and touching story about a middle-aged gay writer traveling the world to avoid an ex-boyfriend’s wedding. | Some may find the protagonist’s escapism and self-deprecation less relatable. |
| “What Belongs to You” by Garth Greenwell | An intense narrative about an American teacher’s complicated relationship with a young Bulgarian man. | The novel’s raw depiction of desire and power dynamics can be unsettling. |
| “The City and the Pillar” by Gore Vidal | A groundbreaking novel that follows the life of a young gay man in post-World War II America. | The portrayal of gay life in a different era might not resonate with everyone; some might find it dated. |
| “The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man’s World” by Alan Downs | A psychological exploration of the challenges faced by gay men in modern society. | Being more of a self-help book, it’s less about storytelling and more about introspection and analysis. |
| “Something Like Summer” by Jay Bell | A coming-of-age story about finding love and facing life’s challenges as a gay teenager. | Some readers may find the romantic tropes and young adult narrative less engaging. |
| “Boy Erased: A Memoir” by Garrard Conley | A memoir about the author’s experience in a gay conversion therapy program. | The subject of conversion therapy is heavy and could be distressing for some readers. |
| “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller | A reimagining of the story of Achilles and Patroclus, exploring their relationship in ancient Greece. | As a mythological retelling, some aspects of the story might not appeal to those looking for contemporary realism. |
Bisexual
| Title / Author | Theme | Potential Downside |
|---|---|---|
| I’m A Fan by Sheena Patel | tells the story of an unnamed narrator’s involvement in a seemingly unequal romantic relationship. With a clear and unforgiving eye, Sheena Patel makes startling connections between power struggles at the heart of human relationships to those in the wider world, offering a devastating critique of social media, access and patriarchal systems. | The novel’s intense examination of power imbalances within relationships and societal structures may be confrontational for some readers, and the critique of social media’s role in these dynamics could be provocative. |
| I’m The One That I Want by Margaret Cho | A memoir by asian american comedian margaret cho who opens up about her being a bisexual woman in entertainment and how it has affected her life | Candid reflections on the experiences of being a bisexual Asian American woman in the entertainment industry could include mature themes and personal revelations that some readers might find intense. |
| Insatiable by Daisy Buchanan | a risque fiction following a woman looking to turn her life around and meets another woman herhusband, who turn her life around in ways she could have never imagined. | A bit more risque and touches on topics relating to sex, non-monagamy and BDSM. May be a bit too intimate for some readers but may interest readers who are looking to join us for something a bit more adult. |
| Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar | a light YA fiction about two girls, one of whom hass recently come out as bisexual and is trying to prove herself to her peers. the other is a girl whom the first doesnt like but they end up realizing new feelings about themselves and eachother in the process. | a very light read! not too many cons here and again i think it will be a fun easy read for those who are not looking to read anything too in depth. The themes may be a bit juvenile as it is a YA novel but i dont think that will be too much of a problem, |
| Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo | a compelling and fun read, spanning many different voices and sexual and gender identities, including a trans pansexual character. | The book spans various sexual and gender identities and may include explicit discussions that some readers might find challenging or triggering. |
| Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney | depicts what it’s like to have a lesbian best friend you have a fluid attraction to as a bisexual woman, and how that may or may not be skillfully navigated. | Explores complex emotional relationships and fluid sexuality, which may be challenging for readers seeking clear-cut narratives or those sensitive to nuanced portrayals of intimacy. |
| Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolfe | a successful writer and noted bisexual — makes love and art across Europe, first as a male and then as a female who comes to embrace gender-nonconformity. | might be a bit of a dense read, possibly save for a summer read when folks have more free time |
| Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin | tells the story of an emarican expat named david in paris. In the nightlife venues of 1950s post-war Paris,David engages in love affairs with men. But in the daylight, he wears his attraction to women like a badge of honor — one that can protect him from the humiliations of life as a gay man. | Deals with themes of identity, alienation, and internalized homophobia, with emotional depth that could be intense for readers sensitive to these issues. |
| Bi: Notes for a Bisexual Revolution by Shiri Eisner | Written by a bisexual woman as a manifesto of sorts, touching on the points that serve doily to delegitamize bisexuality. | The book’s activist tone and direct approach to bisexuality and feminist theory can be provocative, particularly for readers new to these discussions. |
| The Rules do not apply: A memoir by Ariel Levy | depicts serious relationships with both men and women, as well as heartrending retellings of miscarriage and separation | Intensely personal and emotional narratives including miscarriage and relationship breakdowns that some readers may find distressing. |
| Bi: The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality by Dr Julia Shaw | Shaw explores all that we know about the world’s largest sexual minority. From the hunt for a bi gene, to the relationship between bisexuality and consensual non-monogamy, to asylum seekers who need to prove their bisexuality in a court of law, there is more to explore than most have ever realised. | Some readers may find the academic exploration of bisexuality, which includes legal and scientific discussions, to be quite heavy or challenging. |
Trans
| Title / Author | Theme | Potential Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| “Ancillary Justice” by Ann Leckie | Explores themes of gender identity and roles in a space opera setting, challenging traditional gender perceptions. | Complex narrative and non-traditional approach to gender might be confusing. |
| “Orlando” by Virginia Woolf | A novel traversing gender and time, exploring the fluidity of gender identity in a historical context. | Its older language and narrative style might be challenging for modern readers. |
| “If I Was Your Girl” by Meredith Russo | A coming-of-age novel about a trans girl navigating her new life post-transition in a new school. | Deals with themes of transphobia and bullying, which could be triggering. |
| “Nevada” by Imogen Binnie | Follows the life of a trans woman dealing with identity issues and personal growth in modern America. | Contains adult themes and language, might not be suitable for all readers. |
| “Symptoms of Being Human” by Jeff Garvin | The story of a gender-fluid teenager finding their identity and dealing with high school challenges. | Focuses heavily on the struggles of being gender-fluid, which can be intense. |
| “George” by Alex Gino | A middle-grade novel about a young trans girl’s journey to self-acceptance and coming out. | Some may find it overly simplistic due to its target younger audience. |
| “Whipping Girl” by Julia Serano | A collection of essays about transgender issues, feminism, and how society views trans women. | Academic and dense at times; may be challenging for casual readers. |
| “The Art of Being Normal” by Lisa Williamson | A novel about two transgender teens, exploring themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance. | Some plot points may be seen as predictable or cliché. |
| “Luna” by Julie Anne Peters | A novel focusing on a teenager transitioning from male to female and her relationship with her family. | The older perspective on trans issues may feel dated to some readers. |
| “Transgender History” by Susan Stryker | Provides an overview of transgender history and the fight for trans rights. | More of an educational read; might not appeal to those looking for a narrative story. |
| “The Danish Girl” by David Ebershoff | Inspired by the true story of a transgender pioneer, this novel explores identity, love, and transformation. | Some historical inaccuracies and dramatization for the sake of narrative. |
| “Trans Like Me” by CN Lester | A personal account and exploration of what it means to be transgender in today’s society. | Some readers might find it too subjective or specific to the author’s experiences. |
Queer Plus
| Title / Author | Theme | Potential Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| “Queer: A Graphic History” by Meg-John Barker and Julia Scheele | Explores the history and concepts of queer theory in an accessible graphic format. | May be too theoretical or abstract for those seeking a narrative story. |
| “Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out” by Susan Kuklin | Profiles the stories of six transgender or gender-neutral young adults, offering diverse perspectives. | The real-life struggles depicted can be intense and emotional. |
| “Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us” by Kate Bornstein | A groundbreaking book challenging traditional notions of gender and identity. | Some concepts might be complex or controversial for certain readers. |
| “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson | An informative, humorous guide about the experience of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc. | The casual tone and humor might not resonate with all readers. |
| “Nonbinary: Memoirs of Gender and Identity” edited by Micah Rajunov and Scott Duane | A collection of essays from nonbinary individuals about their experiences. | Diverse perspectives mean some stories may resonate more than others. |
| “The ABC’s of LGBT+” by Ashley Mardell | An accessible introduction to the vast spectrum of queer identities and experiences. | Might be seen as too basic for those already familiar with LGBTQ+ topics. |