10 LGBTQ2S+ Books to Add to Your TBR List This Year

Got some extra space on your TBR list? Who are we kidding — there’s always room for more books! We’ve gathered a variety of fiction and non-fiction stories that are either written by or focus on the LGBTQ2S+ community. From the tragic to the celebrated, these titles leave a little bit of something for everyone and could provide a decent amount of laughter and tears along the way. It’s important to note that some of these recommended books could be triggering for some readers, as a few cover stories of trauma and mental health concerns. We encourage you to review the stories with care or leave room for breaks between chapters.

Now get that pen ready because we’re about to add more books to your growing list.

the cover of Just by Looking at Him: A Novel: The book's cover is a watercolour painting of a person looking at another person swimming body of water.

Amazon

1 / 10

‘Just by Looking at Him: A Novel’ by Ryan O’Connell

If you're a fan of the original writing staff that built the angsty digital pub Thought Catalog, then chances are you already know who Ryan O'Connell is. He later became known for the Netflix series Special, a show loosely based on his first book of essays. O'Connell took advantage of isolation during the pandemic to pen his first fiction novel, Just By Looking at Him, a story about a man who struggles to get his life together. At the same time, his relationship barely hangs on by a thread. Some aspects of the story show similarities between O'Connell's real life, often blending fact with fiction. Just By Looking at Him, Ryan O'Connell, Amazon, $36.

The book’s cover is orange with a graphic design of a cactus plant.

Amazon

2 / 10

‘First Time for Everything’ by Henry Fry

In his debut novel First Time for Everything, author Henry Fry tackles the complexities of love, sexuality and mental health. After learning his boyfriend has been cheating on him, Danny decides to ditch the life he thought he wanted by moving in with this nonbinary and highly eccentric bestie Jacob and a group of random friends. Danny enters therapy to help him return to himself but continues battling his demons with questionable decisions and even more questionable relationships. Will his friends and a new way of operating help save him? You’ll have to read it to find out. First Time for Everything, Henry Fry, Amazon, $23.

The book’s cover is the title in large black font with watercolour illustrations of faces in different colours.

Amazon

3 / 10

‘All the Things We Don’t Talk About’ by Amy Feltman

If you like a story about intensely complicated family dynamics, look no further than All the Things We Don't Talk About by Amy Feltman. This story follows Morgan Flowers, a daughter abandoned by her mother on her first birthday and raised by her neurodivergent father. When her mother returns to their lives several years after a breakup, Morgan and her father, Julian, are forced to revisit old wounds. Morgan's decision to become pen pals with her mother's ex only increases the stress. This book does cover issues with trauma, which should be taken into consideration before reading. All the Things We Don’t Talk About, Amy Feltman, Amazon, $35.

The book’s cover has an orange background with a photo of a black person closing her eyes on the left side.

Amazon

4 / 10

‘You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty’ by Akwaeke Emezi

Listed as one of the most anticipated books of 2022, You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi follows the life of Feyi Adekola, who is learning how to live again after her partner passed away. She moves in with her best friend Joy, who encourages her to return to the dating scene. Feyi eventually meets a man she thinks is perfect until she begins to fall for the one person who is off limits — his father! This book is often described as “queer-friendly” as the main characters are bisexual, and Joy identifies as a lesbian.

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty, Akwaeke Emezi, Amazon, $35.

The book’s cover shows three different parts of a woman's body, including her neck, hands and ear.

Amazon

5 / 10

‘Body Grammar’ by Jules Ohman

Body Grammar follows the life of Lou, a young woman who is being scouted for modelling but prefers to stay behind the lens, taking photos of her best friend Ivy, who she’s secretly in love with. After a tragic hiking accident, Lou is forced to leave her friend behind and moves to New York City shortly after to restart her life. While in NYC, Lou succumbs to the modelling industry and finds herself in a dark world where body image and grief don’t mix well. Lou is losing her sense of self and missing the person she left behind in the process. Note that this novel has mental health elements that could trigger some readers. Body Grammar, Jules Ohman, Amazon, $23.

The book’s cover is black, white and gold with small illustrations of witchy things.

Amazon

6 / 10

‘Wild and Wicked Things’ by Francesca May

Fans of the witchy variety will devour Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May. This tale describes the mysterious and alluring world of Crow Island, a place where boundaries are tested, and wickedness is the name of the game. Annie Mason isn’t interested in magic, but she's forced to visit Crow Island to settle her late father's estate and reconnect with her long-absent best friend, Beatrice. Annie quickly finds herself drawn to the island's temptations, and if she isn’t careful — she might not be able to turn back.

Wild and Wicked Things, Francesca May, Amazon, $35.

The book’s cover has a pink background with a flower bouquet lit on fire.

Amazon

7 / 10

‘So Happy For You’ by Celia Laskey

Female friendship can be complicated, and author Celia Laskey shows how weird it can get in her novel So Happy For You. Robin and Ellie are best friends who have seen each other through it all, including Robin's coming out story and Ellie's father's death. Ellie is getting married, and Robin accepts her invitation as Maid of Honour. However, as the wedding inches closer, Robin begins to think the wedding party is against her — including the bride. Often described as manically hilarious and campy, So Happy For You perfectly captures the often ridiculous nature of the wedding industry and complex friendships.

So Happy For You, Celia Laskey, Amazon, $33.

The book’s cover shows the silhouette of a person's leg and torso behind watercolour curtains.

Amazon

8 / 10

‘Pretty Baby’ by Chris Belcher

If you prefer non-fiction, you might want to check out Pretty Baby by Chris Belcher. It’s a memoir about Belcher’s real-life experience as a LA’s Renowned Lesbian Dominatrix who specializes in male clients who want a domme to make them feel all the things they can’t explore in their everyday lives. Belcher writes from the queer perspective in the pro domme world and explores topics around the risks of a sex worker and what it means to live a double life as she works to expand her academic work and future career plans. Pretty Baby, Chris Belcher, Amazon, $35.

The book’s cover has a graphic design of a black crocodile and red tiger on opposite sides of each other.

Amazon

9 / 10

‘Ma and Me’ by Putsata Reang

Another memoir to add to your TBR list is Ma and Me by Putsata Reang. The story explores the life of Put, who was saved by her mother (Ma) when she was eleven months old, and the family fled war-torn Cambodia. While spending 23 days on an overcrowded navy vessel heading to an American naval base in the Philippines, Ma rejects the captain's orders to toss Put overboard because she is in a delicate state. The experience sparked a mother and daughter bond, which is tested after Put announces she is marrying a woman. Ma and Me, Putsata Reang, Amazon, $37.

The book’s cover is red with burgundy illustrations of multiple South Asian womens' faces.

Amazon

10 / 10

‘Burning My Roti’ by Sharan Dhaliwa

Described as part memoir, part guide, Burning My Roti: Breaking Barriers as a Queer Indian Woman discusses sexual and cultural identity, body hair, colorism and mental health. It focuses on the specific beauty standards demanded of South Asian women, and author Sharan Dhaliwal shares her particular journey of learning to love herself while offering support to those who might be facing some of the same issues and struggles. Burning My Roti further celebrates the strides South Asian women have made with stories from Dhaliwal and other women that resonate and provide hope. Burning My Roti, Sharan Dhaliwal, Amazon, $33.

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