The article will provide background information on a particular topic. The information will be presented in a clear and concise manner, using a neutral tone of voice. The article will be written in the third person point of view, avoiding any exaggerated or false claims. The section will be no more than 50 words.
1. I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself, by Marisa Crane
The novel Exoskeletons portrays a world where the Department of Balance punishes criminals by attaching extra Shadows to them, marking them as wrongdoers to the rest of society.
Despite being under constant surveillance, the protagonist Kris finds solace in the everyday joys of caring for her chosen family, even as she mourns the loss of her wife Beau and their child. The darkly comic tone of the novel adds depth to the story, making it a thought-provoking read.
2. Horse Barbie, by Geena Rocero
Geena Rocero’s memoir, Horse Barbie, takes the reader on a journey through her life as a trans activist, director, model, and host. From her early days as a pageant queen in Manila, where her transness was highly visible, to her modeling career in New York City, where she “went stealth,” Rocero’s story is one of perseverance and triumph.
The book also covers her 2013 TED Talk, where she came out as trans to the world. Horse Barbie is a must-read for anyone interested in Rocero’s inspiring journey and the transgender community as a whole.
3. The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag, by Sasha Velour
Sasha Velour’s book, “The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag,” is a remarkable work that combines insightful words, vivid illustrations, candid memoir, and academic theory. Velour, the winner of the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, holds a master’s degree in cartooning, and her expertise shines through in the book’s pages.
The book is a captivating entry into the literary queer canon, offering glimpses into the behind-the-scenes life of a drag performer and honoring the queer histories that have made present-day and future drag possible. With a clear love and knowledge of the subject matter, Velour’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of drag.
4. Confidence, by Rafael Frumkin
Rafael Frumkin’s queer grifter novel, Confidence, is a captivating story of Ezra, a teen who is caught selling fake drugs and sent to a correctional camp where he meets the charming Orson. As they engage in one con after another, their relationship grows stronger both sexually and romantically. The novel is a blend of The Talented Mr. Ripley and Thelma and Louise, making it a showstopper.
5. Flux, by Jinwoo Chong
Flux is a debut novel by Jinwoo Chong that seamlessly blends speculative fiction, neo-noir, and time travel. The book revolves around three Korean Americans whose names begin with the letter “B” and their themes of grief and trauma.
Despite the seemingly random collection of prompts, Chong delivers a striking and cohesive narrative. The characters’ intersecting journeys through time and space are masterfully crafted, with both style and substance. Flux is an excellent example of Chong’s talent as a writer and a promising debut for readers looking for a unique and thought-provoking read.
6. The Celebrants, by Steven Rowley
Five friends, Naomi, Craig, Marielle, Jordan, and Jordy, gather together to celebrate each other’s lives by throwing funerals for one another. Steven Rowley’s latest novel, The Celebrants, is a newly-minted New York Times bestseller and for good reason.
The novel showcases Rowley’s sharpest work to date, which is quite impressive given his bibliography includes modern queer favorites such as The Editor and The Guncle. However, the joint promise to live well and together is threatened by someone’s dire personal news. The novel explores how the group navigates this challenge and their unbreakable bond.
7. Homebodies, by Tembe Denton-Hurst
Homebodies is a debut novel by Tembe Denton-Hurst that follows the story of Mickey, a queer Black woman living in New York City. Mickey has a dream job in digital media and a loving steady girlfriend, but her life is turned upside down when she learns that she is being replaced at work.
Seeking solace, Mickey returns home to Maryland and reconnects with an old flame. The novel’s plot may resonate with many queer people of color working in the industry, but Denton-Hurst’s masterful command of the narrative makes the story shine. Homebodies is currently available at a 50% discount, making it an excellent addition to any bookshelf.
8. The New Masculinity, by Alex Manley
Alex Manley, a nonbinary writer and longtime editor at AskMen, has been studying masculinity for over a decade. In their latest nonfiction book, Manley offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a man in modern times.
Through a combination of personal anecdotes and thorough research, Manley presents a compelling argument for a new masculinity that is more inclusive, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent. Manley’s writing style is both insightful and approachable, making their book a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of gender roles and masculinity in the 21st century.
9. Boyslut, by Zachary Zane
Zachary Zane’s debut book, Boyslut, is a memoir and manifesto that challenges the pervasiveness of sex-negativity in American culture. As a sex columnist for magazines such as Men’s Health and Cosmopolitan, Zane argues that sexual candor is radical and needed in a world that shames sexuality.
The book explores Zane’s experiences with bisexuality, polyamory, and masculinity, and how these concepts have shaped his life. Through his personal story, Zane aims to inspire others to embrace their sexuality and reject societal norms that limit sexual expression. Boyslut is currently available at a 25% discount.
10. The Male Gazed, by Manuel Betancourt
Manuel Betancourt’s memoir-in-essays, “The Male Gazed,” explores masculinity through a queer Colombian man’s perspective and a film critic’s lens. Betancourt deconstructs the male gaze by analyzing thirst traps, telenovelas, and Antonio Banderas films. His book offers a blend of personal and academic insights, providing a unique perspective on the topic.
Betancourt’s writing has been praised for its incisive thinking and its ability to weave personal and academic insights together. His work has been described as a “fabulous scholar of dreams, of the desirous imagination.” The author has also been interviewed by Esquire about his book.
11. Endpapers, by Jennifer Savran Kelly
Endpapers is a novel written by Jennifer Savran Kelly that follows the story of Dawn, a bookbinder at the Met and a nonbinary artist. The book is set in mid-20th-century America under McCarthyism and post-9/11 New York City. It chronicles the events that happened during these eras, which did not have the same queer language that we have now.
The story revolves around Dawn’s search for the writer of a love letter written in German on the back of a lesbian pulp novel. The letter’s writer is Gertrude, a woman who escaped Nazi Germany and made a home in the US. Endpapers is a queer period piece that highlights the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community during these times.
12. Dykette, by Jenny Fran Davis
Dykette, a novel by Jenny Fran Davis, follows the story of two lesbian couples who meet during a country getaway. Sasha and Jesse, the first couple, meet Jules and Miranda, a wealthy couple, who invite them to their home. Jesse’s best friend Lou and her lover Darcy also join the group.
The book covers ten days of the trip, during which the couples’ futures are determined. The novel explores themes of jealousy, rage, and confession, with a mix of humor and terror. Dykette is a lesbian fantasia set in Brooklyn, with finely paced and expertly observed storytelling.
13. Quietly Hostile, by Samantha Irby
Samantha Irby’s fourth book of essays is a humorous yet poignant read that showcases her unique blend of cynicism, earnestness, and sarcasm. She seamlessly weaves together comedic moments with more serious topics, such as the death of her mother and the impact of COVID-19 on daily life in the US.
Irby’s signature sardonic tone is present throughout, adding an extra layer of depth to her writing. Despite the book’s overall humor, there are moments of quiet hostility that add to its overall impact. Readers can expect to be both entertained and moved by Irby’s latest collection of essays.
14. Pageboy, by Elliot Page
Pageboy is a memoir written by Elliot Page, a well-known actor and trans person in Hollywood. In the book, Page talks about the tension between hypervisibility and being fully seen, a theme that is also present in Rocero’s memoir.
Despite the fast pace and tumult of celebrity life, Page’s writing is straightforward and to-the-point. The book is filled with juicy material, including secret kisses and showmances. However, what makes it worth the wait is the prevailing sense of assurance and confidence in Page’s voice. Currently, the book is available at a 50% discount.
15. Couplets: A Love Story, by Maggie Millner
Maggie Millner’s Couplets is a poetic masterpiece that will make even those who claim to dislike poetry fall in love with it. The book, which is now 36% off, is written in mostly rhyming couplets and tells a classic love story.
The protagonist, a girl who has a boyfriend, meets another woman and rediscovers herself. The book’s speaker emphasizes that she was always herself, and there is no such person as herself. The story, told in roughly 100 pages, is perfect for a relaxing afternoon read. Although it is recommended to have a trusted lover by your side reading their own copy of Couplets, it is not required.
16. Lesbian Love Story, by Amelia Possanza
In her book “a memoir in archives,” Amelia Possanza recounts her personal journey as a lesbian in 2023, connecting it with stories of lesbian love throughout history. Possanza’s storytelling is skillful, making the past feel present as she tells of the first women at the Olympics and Harlem’s Black lesbians in the early 20th century.
She also writes about her own experiences falling in love thrice in her life: first, with water; then stories; then lesbians. The book is a celebration of lesbian love and highlights the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history.
17. The Late Americans, by Brandon Taylor
Brandon Taylor’s latest novel, “The Late Americans,” is a must-read for those seeking a captivating story set in a prestigious American midwestern campus. The book centers around a diverse group of students, including painters, dancers, and musicians, as they navigate the challenges of creating art in a world that seems to be falling apart.
With its timely themes and rotating cast of characters, “The Late Americans” offers readers a thought-provoking and engaging experience. Don’t miss out on this triumph of a second novel.
18. Your Driver Is Waiting, by Priya Guns
In the novel “Your Driver Is Waiting” by Priya Guns, Damani, a Tamil immigrant and driver for RideShare, meets Jolene, a white and wealthy passenger. The encounter challenges Damani’s beliefs about sex, politics, and power.
The novel is a fierce and humorous take on the classic Scorsese film “Taxi Driver.” Priya Guns’s debut novel is always ready for a quick getaway, with its engine running. Currently, the novel is available at a 50% discount, making it an even more enticing read.
Summary
The year 2024 brought forth a plethora of exceptional LGBTQ books. From memoirs to fiction, the selection of books is diverse and inclusive. Some of the best LGBTQ books of 2023 include “The Heart’s Invisible Furies” by John Boyne, “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley, and “The Prophets” by Robert Jones Jr. These books offer unique perspectives and experiences that are sure to captivate readers.