By Bethan Croft
If you haven't been living under a rock then you will have heard of the following famous LGBTQ+ novels: Red, White and Royal Blue; Heartstopper; The Song of Achilles. However, this article will be giving you an insight into the new, coming soon and previously underrated books you need to read this Pride Month.
The Outrage by William Hussey
This story tells of how a homophobic society forces the main character, Gabriel, to conceal his sexuality and true identity to protect himself and his boyfriend.
Readers have stated, "This book is about keeping the fight alive. Not being complacent and allowing those who would seek to take our rights away from us win."
2. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Wilde promoted discreet symbolisms of homosexuality in a time of oppression in Victorian society. His story of Dorian Gray also discusses other issues such as evil and ego, as Gray claims he would exchange his soul for the appearance of staying forever youthful. In turn, his recently painted portrait ages and grows more hideous by the day, something he must hide from the rest of the world.
3. Will Grayson Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan This story is about two guys with the same name, who meet in a very strange place. The characters live very different lives and both find themselves running into new directions after meeting. Written from alternating perspectives, the story is told by one heterosexual character and one homosexual character.
4. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Evelyn Hugo is a legendary actress and as she feels her remaining days coming to a close she states she will only tell her life story to one journalist. Evelyn tells Monique of all seven husbands and the risks she took, as well as the lies she told to cover up her true identity and the greatest love story she shared with Celia St. James.
5. A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell Not yet released, this book is one of the most anticipated reads of the summer. Set in the seaside town of Cornwall, this is the story of a trans hero and the botanist that captures his heart. This delightful Victorian story can finally be in your hands from 18th June.
6. In The Shallows by Tanya Byrne
Tanya Byrne is an author and freelance journalist, living in 'The Gay Capital of the UK' (Brighton) and has written several YA books. Previous fans may have heard of her novel Afterlove or Heart-shaped Bruise which earned her a nomination for New Writer of the Year at the National Book Awards.
Earlier this year, she published 'In The Shallows,' which tells the story of two girls involved in a second-chance romance as they unravel the mystery of what happened during an accident at sea.
Readers of the new novel call the story 'a slow-burn' and, whilst the main focus is romance, the side stories of friendship were also highly applauded.
7. Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
This novel is representative of the fact that people of colour are often left out of the LGBTQ+ narrative, despite facing the same abuse and hardships from homophobic societies. Ace of Spades is a thriller that dives into racism and the microaggressions that build up over time with prejudice.
8. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
The author of this novel struggled to understand their own gender whilst growing up and this story is a representation of finding peace within who you are. Felix Ever After is narrated by a black trans teen who juggles the task of discovering your identity whilst falling in love for the first time.
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