When embarking on a book challenge, having a reliable source of diverse titles at hand can be a game-changer. Whether it’s Read Harder, 52 Book Club, Popsugar’s Reading Challenge, Mount TBR, or any other hosted challenge, an alphabet of books from A-Z can be both a valuable resource and a fun reading experience in itself. You’re free to add your own twist, such as focusing on a specific theme, genre, or author diversity.
Alternatively, you could leverage the hard work already put into this collection and enjoy an alphabetical journey through queer literature. This unique approach also allows for some creative freedom, swapping out tried-and-true favorites with more challenging titles that might not typically be part of your usual reading list. Whatever path you choose, rest assured that you’ll not only face a fun challenge but also discover new and exciting books to enjoy.
This comprehensive collection spans various genres, from nonfiction and science fiction to romance and classics, showcasing the vast range of queer literature available. Whether you’re looking for something familiar or willing to venture outside your comfort zone, there’s sure to be a title that piques your interest and encourages exploration.
The beauty of any reading challenge lies in its DIY nature – you get to curate your own experience!
These suggestions serve merely as a starting point, providing inspiration and guidance to help you tackle the entire alphabet of queer books from A-Z.
Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place by Neema Avashia
As the memoir unfolds, readers are given a rare glimpse into the childhood of a young girl raised by Indian immigrant parents in a small Appalachian town. Amidst the rustic backdrop, Neema Avashia’s experiences as one of the few brown faces and a queer individual in her community serve as a poignant reminder that even within tight-knit communities, individuals can still find themselves on the periphery.
As an adult looking back, Avashia reflects on the decisions made by her parents – particularly her father, who toiled away at a chemical plant – and how they contrast with her own journey of self-discovery. This memoir is a powerful exploration of the universal quest for belonging, as Avashia’s story delves into the similarities between her parents’ desire to fit in and her own pursuit of authenticity, both driven by an innate longing to find their place within the American Dream.
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
Devon’s upbringing was marked by the harsh realities of being a member of an ancient yet dwindling family of Book Eaters. These supernatural beings sustain themselves by devouring stories and books, but their very survival is built on a foundation of exploitation. From a young age, Devon understood that her family would never prioritize her well-being or happiness.
As she navigated the treacherous landscape of her world, Devon found herself torn from her daughter’s side and left to shield her young son, who harbored an insatiable hunger for minds rather than pages. Faced with the daunting task of safeguarding her child, Devon was forced to forge an unlikely alliance with those she once considered adversaries.
Her quest for freedom and a sense of security became an all-consuming drive, as she sought to break free from the shackles of her family’s dark legacy.
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu, edited by Carmen Maria Machado
In a bold reimagining, author Carmen Maria Machado injects new vitality into the lesbian vampire classic with her incisive commentary. Unlike its original iteration, where Carmilla’s vampirism served as a cautionary tale, Machado’s footnotes expertly highlight the story’s queerness. This refreshing take stands out among the numerous queer retellings of the classic, making it an absolute must-read for fans of vampire stories and LGBTQ literature alike.
D’Vaughn & Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
The allure of a heartwarming romance is undeniable, and this story delivers on that promise with minimal tension. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Kris and D’Vaughn are paired together on a reality show where contestants must convincingly portray their engagement to friends and family within a short timeframe. Initially, Kris is seeking genuine love, whereas D’Vaughn has a more practical motivation – using the platform to reveal her true identity to her conservative family.
As the couple’s connection deepens, however, it appears that the relationship – and even the impending wedding – might not be as staged as initially thought.
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
In the world of Elatsoe, an asexual Lipan Apache girl, the fabric of reality is woven with stories and beliefs. This America is almost identical to our own, yet subtly distinct. Here, skills like Elatsoe’s unique ability to revive the spirits of deceased animals are not uncommon.
However, when her cousin meets a tragic demise – initially believed to be a car accident, but later revealed as murder – Elatsoe and her family embark on a quest for truth in a town notorious for keeping its secrets hidden.
Finna by Nino Cipri
As two newly minted employees at an unsuspecting big box store, Ava and Jules are suddenly thrust into a reality-bending adventure after a mysterious wormhole materializes, allowing them to track down a missing customer who has vanished into the vast expanse of the multiverse.
The catch: their recent breakup still lingers, making their mission even more complicated as they confront their own unresolved emotions alongside the daunting challenges of navigating alternate dimensions and battling bizarre entities such as carnivorous furniture and multi-dimensional pirates. Can these two former lovers put aside their personal demons long enough to rescue the lost customer and make it back to work in one piece?
Girls Can Kiss Now by Jill Gutowitz
Gutowitz’s collection of personal essays delves into the intricate dance between identity and popular culture, as she weaves together her own experiences with the world around her. From uncovering her sexual identity while binge-watching Orange is the New Black to receiving an unexpected visit from the FBI over a Game of Thrones-related tweet, Gutowitz’s story is a testament to the blurred lines between personal and public spheres.
With a tone that seamlessly blends sharp wit and humor, Girls Can Kiss Now serves as a relatable memoir for our modern era, where social media, pop culture, and individual identity converge in complex ways.
How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C. Pam Zhang
In the unforgiving American West, two young siblings, Lucy and Sam, embark on a poignant journey after their father’s passing. With Ba’s body in tow, they venture into the desert hills, seeking a suitable burial site that meets Sam’s reverence for his memory. However, Lucy’s uncertainty about her father’s deservingness of proper burial creates tension between them.
As the narrative oscillates between past and present, we witness the struggles of this once-promising family, who have been repeatedly marginalized by white settlers claiming the land as their own. As they mature, Lucy and Sam must confront the complex meanings of belonging to a place and a family, even when the environment is hostile.
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
Carmen Maria Machado’s surreal memoir masterfully employs the metaphor of a haunted house to delve into the complexities of an abusive same-sex relationship. With exquisite prose and a keen understanding of literary techniques, narrative tropes, and classic horror themes, Machado meticulously captures the oscillating emotions of hope, love, and heartbreak that accompany abuse.
The memoir boldly confronts our tendency to underestimate the capacity for women – of any gender – to be perpetrators of abuse, refusing to let us turn a blind eye to the harsh reality of its consequences.
Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda, translated by Sarah Booker
As the veil between fear and desire grows increasingly thin, a teacher teetering on the brink of madness converges with two students indulging in perilous rituals for their own rhinestoned deity. The ensuing catastrophe culminates in one student being held captive by their teacher, now estranged from the other. But what precipitated this descent into chaos? And what terrors still lie ahead?
Kiss & Tell by Adib Khorram
For gay teen boy bands, the pressures of fame can be overwhelming. Hunter, in particular, has struggled to balance his desire for authenticity with the expectations of his Label. After a very public breakup, he’s questioning whether he still has what it takes to be a positive influence on young fans. Meanwhile, his heart is whispering a different truth than his Label’s message. The introduction of Kaivan, the drummer from the band’s new opening act, might just provide the clarity Hunter needs.
Yet, this budding relationship also carries significant risks for the group’s future.
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
In this captivating science fiction novel, a talented young trans runaway, an alien refugee family operating a donut shop, and a celebrated violin instructor bound by a pact with the devil converge in unexpected ways. Ryka Aoki masterfully weaves these seemingly disparate elements together to create a rich tapestry that explores themes of family and belonging.
The author strikes a delicate balance between the harsh realities of life and absurd humor, making for a truly unforgettable reading experience. You’ll need to read it to believe the magic that unfolds.
Mademoiselle Revolution by Zoe Sivak
Sylvie de Rosiers, a woman of mixed heritage born to a plantation owner and an enslaved woman in Haiti, had once known privilege. However, the tumultuous Haitian Revolution forced her to flee and start anew in France during another period of great upheaval. As she navigates this unfamiliar environment, Sylvie finds herself grappling with conflicting values and loyalties.
On one hand, she is drawn to Robespierre’s ideals, yet on the other, she is endeared by his mistress, Cornélie Duplay’s, warm hospitality. Amidst this turmoil, Sylvie must confront the possibility that the Revolution’s guiding principles may have strayed from their original intent. Can she find a way to persevere through the chaos, or will the ideals of Robespierre ultimately prove her undoing?
Nuclear Family by Joseph Han
The Cho family’s life is turned upside down when their son, Jacob, attempts to cross the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into North Korea during his time abroad. The consequences are far-reaching and devastating, as their delicatessen – a place that has been visited by celebrity chef Guy Fieri – struggles to stay afloat with dwindling customer numbers. Furthermore, Jacob’s detention by the South Korean government raises concerns about his future and potential return home.
However, what the family is unaware of is that Jacob is being possessed by the ghost of his grandfather, who is hell-bent on returning to his loved ones in North Korea at any cost, driving the plot forward with a sense of urgency and danger.
Orlando by Virginia Woolf
In Virginia Woolf’s timeless masterpiece, she pours her heart out to her dear friend and lover Vita Sackville-West by crafting a tale that defies convention. The story follows Orlando, a young nobleman living in Elizabethan England, who suddenly wakes up many years later as a woman. As he navigates his new life as a wife and mother, Orlando must confront the harsh realities of being a female in 18th and 19th century society.
With its trademark wit and irony, this novel masterfully explores themes of gender, identity, and the quest for a brighter future for women.
Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee
In the midst of an occupied government, a talented painter is coerced into joining a clandestine program aimed at harnessing the power of a mechanical dragon. Unlike their sibling, Jebi has never been one for rebellion or combat.
However, when their sister’s life hangs in the balance and they’re compelled to join the ranks of skilled artisans tasked with imbuing the occupying government’s war machines with life-like qualities through pigmentation, Jebi is forced to confront the harsh reality that neutrality is no longer a viable option. With the aid of a seasoned swordswoman and the very mechanical dragon they’re meant to be taming, perhaps Jebi won’t have to face this new reality alone.
Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond
In Book Riot’s latest romcom, Susie Dumond brings us a charming tale of self-discovery and love. At its core is Amy, a talented baker who has turned her skills into a lucrative business as a professional bridesmaid. However, beneath her bubbly exterior lies a complex individual struggling to balance her people-pleasing nature with her own desires.
When she crosses paths with an engineer who may just be the key to unlocking her true happiness, Amy must confront her tendencies and learn to prioritize her own needs before losing the ones she cares about most.
Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez
This coming-of-age narrative deftly traverses two distinct eras, juxtaposing the 1950s with the dawn of the 21st century. At its core lies a family of Jamaican immigrants seeking a brighter future for themselves and their kin. Meanwhile, a teenager grapples with the complexities of his racial and sexual identities as he navigates the confines of his Jehovah’s Witness upbringing.
As both individuals confront the discrimination they face, it becomes clear that mere hope or determination will not be enough to ensure survival; instead, it will require resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Siren Queen by Nghi Vo
In the gritty underbelly of 1920s Los Angeles, where the allure of dark magic and sinister deals with otherworldly entities has become the norm, a young Chinese American actress, Luli, navigates the cutthroat world of pre-Code Hollywood. Initially typecast as a damsel in distress, she decides to defy convention by embracing the role of the villain instead. This calculated move allows her to avoid being pigeonholed into stereotypical parts that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
However, in this dark and foreboding landscape, Luli soon discovers that fame comes at a steep price. As she struggles to maintain her grip on stardom, she may be forced to confront the very evil she portrays on screen, threatening to consume her and forever alter her fate.
True Biz by Sara Nović
In River Valley School for the Deaf, a sense of urgency grips the community as the headmistress fights to keep the institution open against mounting pressure and legislative hurdles. Meanwhile, students yearn for autonomy and self-determination, free from external influences that dictate how they should live their lives.
However, when two pupils disappear, one hailing from a respected Deaf family and the other recently granted the opportunity to learn sign language, the decisions made by all will have far-reaching consequences that may forever alter the fate of the school.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
As the veil between life and death parted ways with a lawyer’s final breath, Wallace found himself at his own funeral, bewildered by the stark reality of mortality. A novice reaper, tasked with ferrying souls to their eternal destinations, collected him from the mourning crowd. But this was no typical transition into the afterlife. Wallace, fueled by a rebellious spirit, refused to accept his fate quietly.
His arrival at a mystical tea shop, a nexus for the deceased, marked the beginning of a most unconventional journey. Hugo, the proprietor, guided souls through the process of letting go and moving on. However, Wallace’s defiant nature soon earned him an unlikely reprieve from his original trajectory. Instead, he found himself drawn to the world beyond the great divide, his reasons for staying far removed from the initial intent.
Victories Greater Than Death by Charlie Jane Anders
In a thrilling YA sci-fi series, Charlie Jane Anders subverts the classic ‘chosen one’ trope by introducing Tina, a cloned intergalactic hero suffering from complete memory loss. With no recollection of her past or any knowledge of how to save the universe, Tina must navigate a war where she’s now deemed irrelevant by those who once considered her a crucial player.
This gripping narrative is reminiscent of the epic space opera that is Star Trek and the thought-provoking explorations found in The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, but with the fresh perspective and youthful energy of a YA novel.
When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb
In a quaint European village, an unlikely duo consisting of a mischievous demon and a benevolent angel stumble upon the disappearance of a young Jewish girl. Their investigation takes them on a journey across the Atlantic to 20th century America, where they encounter another Jewish girl trapped in a web of deceit targeting vulnerable immigrants.
As they navigate this unfamiliar landscape together, they come to realize the profound impact their unique bond has on one another’s lives – a poignant exploration that will resonate with fans of offbeat tales infused with Jewish culture and queer themes.
Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Rebekah Weatherspoon’s latest novella is a tantalizing tale of queer romance, where the spirit of a late R&B singer continues to weave its magic. In this captivating story, Xeni inherits her aunt’s estate on one condition: she must marry. However, her aunt has already chosen the perfect candidate – Mason, a dashing Scotsman who can charm with his bagpipe melodies.
As they find themselves entangled in an intricate marriage scheme, they must navigate their newfound love and complicated circumstances to make the most of this unexpected union. With every passing moment, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist the allure of each other, and Xeni may just discover that marrying her aunt’s choice could be the key to unlocking a deeper connection.
Your Driver is Waiting by Priya Guns
In this reimagined take on Taxi Driver, Damani, a ride-share driver struggling to make ends meet, takes a ride that changes everything. Her passenger, Jolene, appears to be the perfect match – wealthy, white, and socially conscious. Despite their differences, Damani lets her guard down and gives their relationship a chance. However, just as things seem to be going well, Jolene makes a choice that will have far-reaching consequences for Damani’s life.
Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khan
Zara Hossain has lived quietly in Corpus Christi, Texas, amidst the pervasive Islamophobia that threatens to upend her life at every turn. For nine long years, her family has waited patiently for their dependent visa status to be converted into green cards, a status that hangs precariously in the balance. With so much at stake, Zara has learned to keep a low profile, never wanting to do anything that might jeopardize their chance at a new beginning.
But when the star football player’s behavior goes from bad to worse, crossing a line that even his friends cannot condone, he finds himself suspended from school. In response, his cohorts unleash a torrent of racist graffiti on the Hossain house, sparking a violent crime that sends shockwaves through the community.
As Zara grapples with the aftermath, she is forced to confront an impossible decision: should she stand up for her rights and fight for the place she calls home, even if it has never truly welcomed her, or should she sacrifice everything she holds dear in order to preserve a fragile sense of security? The choice before her is fraught with peril, but one thing is certain – Zara will not go quietly into the night.