GrubWrites

Grubbie Recommended: An LGBTQ+ Reading List

This June, we're celebrating Pride with a list of our community's favorite LGBTQ+ books! Who better to recommend books to Grubbies than Grubbies? This month, and every month, we lift up LGBTQ+ authors and representation in literature; and we're celebrating with some great reads. These selections have been recommended from Grubbies of all stripes—students, staff, fellows, and more—some of whom provided a brief blurb with insight on what makes their choice special.

Whether you're interested in reading an epic sci-fi/fantasy, an account of a hero's heart, or a genderqueer memoir, there's a pick for you! And if you're itching to read one (or all) of these recommendations, you can always grab a copy from our partners at Porter Square Books: Boston Edition.

	Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse "This is an epic sci-fi/fantasy where queerness is effortless, casual, and quotidian. It’s not the “why” of the story, but the straightforward no-fuss inclusion of queer characters where that element of their identity was part of them but not all of them is so refreshing."

	Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo "I love every single character in this novel. And it's historical fiction, so the time period is really fascinating. The storytelling is effortless, and the quiet tension built up throughout the entire novel is really a great example for writers to learn from. The accolades for this novel are really earned."

	Tin Man by Sarah Winman "One of the most poignant, beautiful little novels I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It is an endearing, bittersweet package of strong friendships, good food, and art in unexpected places. (Tears were shed.)"

	All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson "Johnson writes an inspiring series of personal essays that provide reassurance for young, queer men of color."

	The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller "The Song of Achilles is an account of a hero's heart, a beautiful retelling of an old story, a young man's love and his pain. 'I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.'"

Giovanni's Room

by James Baldwin

Pet

by Akwaeke Emezi

They

by Kay Dick


	On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong "Vuong does an excellent job of exploring the struggles of sexual identity, race, class, and love. It's an epistolary novel – a beautiful letter written by a son to his immigrant mother who cannot read."

	Milk Fed by Melissa Broder "My Goodreads review of this book may, or may not, read: "Oh my FCK." I will never get over Melissa Broder's irreverence, her willingness to plunge into grotesque—erotic,* necessary—detail. Rachel is navigating life in LA's shallow pool, grappling with her own disordered eating and her relationship with her mother—the two inextricably linked—when her intricate midday frozen yogurt ritual is interrupted by Miriam. Infatuation ensues. For lovers of Ottessa Moshfegh, Alissa Nutting, and froyo with alllll the toppings."

	McGlue by Ottessa Moshfegh "For those among us who like quick reads, unreliable narrators, and sea shanties."

	In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado "As someone recovering from a really tough relationship, this book dips deeply into the depths of abuse in queer partnerships/relationships; and it is incredible. Carmen's ability to use myth, fantasy and fable to link hard realities and story together is so admirable. It is a brave piece of work I have been using for my own healing. Highly recommend."

	American Hippo by Sarah Gailey "A gang of rogues and their hippopotamus steeds—it is as amazing as it sounds. And a main character named Winslow Remington Houndstooth with an appreciation for "the fine-boned young man in front of him"—accompanied by his Cambridge Black hippopotamus and her gleaming golden tusks, of course—in case you weren't already sold."

	Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe "This book put so many words to so many feelings that I had previously thought I was alone in feeling."