10. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, by Jeanette Winterson (1985)
“Winterson beautifully mixes religious theology with budding sexuality, curiosity and identity.”
– Ariana, Goodreads
9. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, by Fannie Flagg (1987)
“If ever there was a book that feels like coming home, Fried Green Tomatoes is it. Full of laughs and “aww” moments, it’s folksy, endearing and heartwarming. It can be a little melodramatic at times but Flagg knows how to bring realism out of the sentimental moments in life and she does it with precision.”
– Joanna, GoodReads
8. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker (1982)
“This novel explicitly explored such incredibly complex and distressing issues that I remain in awe of how Alice Walker so skilfully managed to blend portrayals of oppression – male brutality, slavery, poverty, racism and sexism, with a narrative infused with such tenderness.”
– Fiona, Goodreads
7. Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides (2002)
“There’s a very frank beauty about this book – he doesn’t gloss over anything, but despite the many struggles of the three generations, he doesn’t feel it necessary to make his reality very bleak, either. Even when the book is at its darkest, most depressing, you’re filled with sadness, but also with hope.”
– Taylor, Goodreads
6. The Miseducation of Cameron Post, by Emily M. Danforth (2012)
[read our book club interview with emily m. danforth here]
“The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a fierce book that boldly explores identity, sexuality, and human responsibility in a relatable way, even as it demands attention from your social conscience and reaches out for your empathy.”
– Wendy Darling, Goodreads
5. Rubyfruit Jungle, by Rita Mae Brown (1973)
“Intelligently written, coming of age story with a very likeable main character, Molly, who never accepts an answer or will be told what to do, and kicks against all her disadvantages and the bigotry facing her.”
– Sophie, Goodreads
4. Fingersmith, by Sarah Waters (2002)
“Essentially, Fingersmith is everything I could possibly want in a novel. The narrators of the novel are wonderfully entertaining; plot twists abound that I could never have imagined the first time I read this book; the descriptions are beautiful but not overly-done.”
– Tara, Goodreads
3. Annie on My Mind, by Nancy Garden (1982)
“The treatment of two gay teenagers is astounding, considering the time period, and the affirmative, inspiring message is something gay teens everywhere had to hear back then.”
– Matthew, Goodreads
2. Tipping the Velvet, by Sarah Waters (1998)
“My first experience with historical lit that subtly invokes moments which remind me of an artistic erotic painting – sensual, moving, yet not completely garish.”
– Stacia (Ace of Skates), Goodreads
1. Fun Home, by Alison Bechdel (2006)
[read our book club post on fun home here]
“As a memoir, Fun Home is beautifully arranged and as honest and unapologetic as they come. Alison writes and draws as if she is still putting together the pieces as she does so, and closes the book with the impression that the story is not over.” – Emily, Goodreads
