Read with Pride

To celebrate Pride month, I wanted to do a few book recommendations. I am horrible at remembering what I read last week - never mind over the years -and making lists -  but these have stood out out in my mind. I also wanted to pick less obvious or older titles as well.

YA

The Honey's by Ryan La Sala - I read this one a few months ago, and I still mention it almost weekly. Mars, who is genderfluid, throws himself back into the strict gender coded Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy, where he was once bullied out of, looking for answers after his sister dies under mysterious circumstances.  I adored how brilliantly La Sala weaved mystery, horror and coming of age into this delicious (pun intended if you've read it) tale.

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson -  Liz is a Black, queer teen in an elite, mostly white school where she doesn’t ever quite fit. Watching her navigate the different groups and grow her self confidence is a real treat. This is the fluffy feel good summer read you need in your life right now!

Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian (review) I read this book back in 2019 and think about it to this day. Set in the late 80’s against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic with the music of Madonna as a catalyst, Like a Love Story is the stunning coming of age story of three teens caught in a complicated relationship dynamic. Nazemian so brilliantly captures the era of the on coming AIDS crisis, the activism, fear, death, the LOVE, the intimacy, and the pop culture all at once without ever skipping a beat. It’s all done so seamlessly. Family, by birth and found, also feature prominently. It's a rough read, no neat little bows at the end and it's angsty but it's perfect. 

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi (review) (Pet is YA but it had more of a MG vibe to me, so  consider it a crossover and read my review for more details on why I feel this way) Pet is about things that look like monsters but might be angels and things that look like angels who might be monsters – and being brave enough to confront evil and speak up – even when it’s hard.

While the book is not specifically about sex or gender, Jam is a black transgender girl and has a lovely relationship with her parents, best friend and his family. 

MG

Ivy Aberdeen's letter to the World (review) This is such a lovely little story about 12 year old Ivy Aberdeen and the chaos and confusion she experiences after her baby sister is born, a tornado blows through her town and she starts having feelings for girls instead of the boys all her friends are talking about. 

I haven't read a lot of mid-grade, but the few that I have, have been wonderful - defying age classifications with universal themes. Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World is one such book, tackling family dynamics, new and changing friendships and self discovery, making it perfect for readers young and old.

Adult

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain (review) The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle is a gentle little story that says it's never to late for new beginnings and family isn't something that needs to be connected by blood. Albert is a 65 year old forced to retire from his position, as a carrier, for the Royal Mail. Adrift and longing for a life never lived, he sets in motion a plan to let more people into his life - a plan that lets him finally reveal and be who he is (a gay man) and possibly lead him to his long lost love. This one is a little sad at first but a sweet story about small acts of kindness leading to bigger and better things.

Have you read any of these? What are your recommendations? If you did a post for Pride Month - please leave a link so I can visit.