I CANNOT believe that I haven’t seen more hype for these books on tumblr because they are utterly brilliant.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. This is the most gorgeously written, atmospheric book you will ever read. It’s such a grounded, beautiful story with a whimsical, beautiful fairytale aesthetic and this precious gay love story woven through it. I just absolutely love it. And yes, this is the same author as The Night Circus!
The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski. A more plot and character driven novel- this one is high fantasy, has a similar gorgeous fairytale aesthetic and the writing is stunning. A strong female character, a lesbian love story, magic, gods, social commentary on income inequality, this book has it all. And yes, same author at The Winner’s Trilogy!
When the Moon was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore. It always saddens me when people recommend LGBT books but none of the books feature trans characters- well, this atmospheric, magic realism novel has a trans character, a strong focus on friendship and self growth and I LOVE it. Also this book has a beautiful prose style, especially the IMAGERY.
Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan is one of the most interestingly narrated novels I have ever read. It’s first person plural, told from the POV of the victims of the AIDs epidemic. It is emotional and real and raw, and it will make you cry, but it is such an important novel. The writing and characterisation is incredible and trust me, this is the book if you need to *feel*.
We Are Okay by Nina Lacour. Lacour is a brilliant author. This one is a contemporary lesbian lovestory, but it’s also about college and growing up and family and so so much more. Our protagonist, Marin’s sadness feels so intensely real, and yet it is one of the most hopeful books I have read. A high recommendation!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. If you are a young female, especially a WOC, I think this one should be compulsory reading. Never have I felt more empowered after finishing a book- I laughed, I cried, I was genuinely shocked by the plot twists, and now I call this one of my all time favourites. A stunningly structured novel, with a driving plot, intensely real characters and super well written- I PROMISE you will love this one.
