Hi friends and happy Friday to you all but especially to everyone else like me who is not at A-Camp and feeling left out. Maybe next year?? (This is what I’ve been telling myself for years).
But onto my always favorite topic of choice: books! I do a monthly column here called Ask Your Friendly Neighborhood Lesbrarian where I write book lists in response to questions from Autostraddle readers and help them find the kinds of queer books they’re looking for. So to continue with my lesbrarian brand, I thought we’d talk about books here today! But instead of me just recommending books as I usually do, I want to hear from you about queer books!
Let’s create a (queer) summer reading list together! What LGBTQ2IA+ books are on your summer reading list? Do you have any queer classics you want to finally get around to reading? Are there any new books coming out that you’re planning to get as soon as they’re released? Would you like to share with everyone the first queer book you ever read? What LGBTQ2IA+ book would you recommend as a must-read?
Here’s my answer to some of those questions!
I am in love with Kristen Lepionka’s mystery/detective series featuring bisexual PI Roxane Weary, and the third book, The Stories You Tell is due out July 9. I can’t wait! If you haven’t already read this series, I highly recommend it both for the nuanced characterization of Roxane, who is a fascinating character, and for the twisty plots. There’s just enough time to catch up and read the first two before the latest one is released.
Mariko Tamaki is one of my favorite YA authors who hasn’t let me down yet, and she released a new book in early May that I can’t believe I haven’t read yet! It’s called Laura Dean Keeps Breaking up with Me, and it’s a graphic novel collaboration with Rosemary Valero-O’Connell. Frederica aka Freddy is thrilled to be dating Laura Dean, the most popular girl in school. The only problem? Laura is kind of a crappy girlfriend.
I am also really trying to do better with reading the books I already own at home instead of getting distracted by shiny new books. A few of the older ones that have been sitting on my shelves way too long are: Patience & Sarah by Isabel Miller—a lesbian classic published in 1969 set in the 19th century—and Theory by Dionne Brand, a poet’s novel about queer love and intellect on a collision course in academia.
Okay, now your turn! What are you reading this summer?
PS: Also, today is Al(aina)’s birthday and while they are currently at A-Camp, you’re strongly encouraged to wish them happy birthday in the comments!
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