Top 5 Wednesdays: Favorite LGBTQ+ Books (That Don’t Just Feature Cis M/M Relationships)

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On Wednesdays I post my “Top 5” which comes from a Goodreads group that creates topics for bloggers to write about. However, as I mentioned in last week’s post, the moderator is taking a hiatus for the Summer (June, July, & August) so the topics are kind of up to bloggers at the moment.

So far, I’ve been taking my topics from the list put together for June of 2018. Since I’m continuing to follow that pattern, today’s topic is “Favorite LGBTQ+ Books That Don’t Feature Cis M/M Relationships”. I thought about going a little rogue and making this an all-inclusive list of my favorite LGBTQ+ reads, but after reading the moderators note, I decided I’d stick to this one. Here’s what she said:

“This may seem oddly specific, but in honor of Pride being this month, I wanted to have a topic to celebrate LGBTQ+ books. But, the book community tends to, when given the chance, lift up cis m/m pairings the most. And while those books are still important and valued (we’ve even had topics covering m/m relationships earlier this year, which featured many cis m/m pairings), I wanted to shine the spotlight on some of those lesser known, recognized, and celebrated books. “

So, while I definitely agree that cis M/M books are just as important (and often very good), I do think it’s important to give other, lesser known books that feature pairings that aren’t as talked about in literature a little time to shine as well!

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The Miseducation of Cameron Post – Emily M. Danforth

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

If you were somehow unaware, I love this book. I may not rave about it quite as much as Arin (I love her talks about it), but I still think that this is my all time favorite LGBTQ+ read thus far. This story focuses primarily on Cameron, a girl who knows that she likes girls, as she grows into a teenager. Cameron lives with a very religious aunt who ends up sending her off to a religious organization that “fixes” gay people (so, ya know, a conversion camp). Although the book is very raw at times, it gives some of the absolute best wlw representation I have ever read in a book.

Wild and Crooked – Leah Thomas

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

On top of this book having an absolutely gorgeous cover that I just cannot get over, it also features an abundance of representation. Gus, the male main character, has cerebral palsy and is pansexual (Note: I have seen contradicting reviews that state that Gus is in fact gay, but he makes the statement in the book that he isn’t attracted to genders, he’s attracted to people, so I’m sticking to pansexual). Kaylyn, the female main character, is a lesbian, and there are also several other LGBTQ+ characters in this novel, though that is learned much later in the story line. In addition to all of the representation, this is a very fun book. There’s some mystery solving going on and an unlikely friendship that readers can really root for.

If I Was Your Girl – Meredith Russo

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

I just recently read this, and while it is not my favorite book as far as the writing goes, I did find it be an overall enjoyable read. The main character is a trans girl named Amanda who has moved in with her father after experiencing abuse and extreme bullying from the kids at her old school. Her entire life is uprooted, but she has a chance to start over. This had some serious insta-love, which I’m never a huge fan of, but I did like reading everything from Amanda’s point of view. Note: this can be a very triggering read! TW: transphobia, abuse, attempted sexual assault, homophobia, hate speech

My Whole Truth – Mischa Thrace

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

This book features Seelie, a lesbian girl who fought for her life against her rapist, killed him, and is now facing charges and isolation as she is blamed for acting in self defense. This is, admittedly, about much more than Seelie’s sexuality, and it’s important to go into it knowing that, but the rep is still there. Seelie’s sexuality just isn’t used as plot device or a twist. Note: this is a very triggering read. Proceed with caution!

I Wish You All the Best – Mason Deaver

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

OK OK, I haven’t actually read this yet and so therefore it cannot already be one of my favorites, but… I’ve heard such good things about it and really do think it should be on everyone’s TBR. One of the main characters in this story, Ben, is nonbinary, and from the synopsis, I gather that they fall in love with the other main character, Nathan. I love the cover and am super excited to pick this up myself.

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What are some of your favorite LGBTQ+ reads? Have you read any of these? Talk to me (: