Best LGBTQ Books

This provocative classic tells the story of a young man in 1950s Paris who struggles with his desires and society's expectations. James Baldwin's powerful narrative explores the mysteries of love and reveals the complexities of the human heart in a highly controversial tale of passion and tragedy.

Explore the beauty of friendship and family in this lyrical novel by critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Follow the story of two opposites, angry Aristotle and know-it-all Dante, as their unlikely friendship blossoms into something life-changing. Discover the truths they uncover about themselves and the people they want to become in this touching tale of adolescence and self-discovery.

A graphic memoir about a woman's complicated relationship with her father, who was a strict English teacher and director of the local funeral home. After coming out as a lesbian in college, the author discovered her father was also gay. Shortly after, he passed away, leaving her to unravel the mysteries of his life.

A groundbreaking coming-of-age novel that launched the career of a celebrated author. Rubyfruit Jungle follows the story of Molly Bolt, who defies societal norms as a Southern adoptee forging her own path in America. With sharp humor and bold wit, Brown's prose masterfully portrays Molly's journey as a lesbian woman unapologetically loving and living life on her own terms. A literary milestone about being true to oneself, this transformative work continues to resonate with readers even after forty years.

In this modern classic, Alice Walker depicts the lives of African American women in early 20th-century rural Georgia. The story follows Celie and Nettie, two sisters separated as girls who sustain their loyalty and hope in each other through a series of letters spanning 20 years. The Color Purple broke the silence around domestic and sexual abuse, narrating the lives of women through their pain and struggle, companionship and growth, resilience and bravery. With deep compassion and beautiful writing, this Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner is a must-read journey towards redemption and love.

This memoir is a heart-wrenching, eye-opening, and giggle-inducing reflection on gender and self-acceptance. It follows the author's journey of growing up not sure if they were a boy, a girl, something in between, or all of the above, and dealing with social isolation and bullying. It's a powerful rallying cry for anyone who's ever felt like they don't belong and a hilarious guidebook for wearing tacky clip-on earrings in today's world. Get ready to never think about gender - both other people's and your own - the same way again.

Animal families take on many different shapes and sizes, and this illustrated children's book tells the fictionalized but true story of two male penguins who partnered up and raised a penguin chick in the Central Park Zoo.

This coming-of-age novel follows Cameron Post as she navigates survival in Miles City, Montana after the sudden death of her parents. Forced to move in with her conservative aunt and old-fashioned grandmother, she learns to blend in and keep her true self hidden. But when she meets the beautiful and unexpected Coley, Cam's world turns upside down. Aunt Ruth takes drastic measures to "fix" her niece, forcing Cam to confront the cost of denying her true identity. This stunning debut is a reminder to live life on your own terms.

This powerful debut novel from poet Ocean Vuong is a letter from a son to his illiterate mother. It unearths a family's history, rooted in Vietnam, and explores fraught love, race, class, and masculinity in America. It asks urgent questions about addiction, trauma, healing, and telling one's own story. With stunning urgency and grace, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous examines how to survive and find joy in disparate worlds, without forsaking who we are. A must-read debut novel.

This brave memoir by Carmen Maria Machado offers a unique exploration of the author's experiences in an abusive same-sex relationship. Using inventive storytelling techniques, she delves into the dark subject matter with wit and depth, incorporating horror themes to create an unforgettable and groundbreaking work.