Happy Pride Month! In many parts of the world, June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities both in your local area and globally.
Here at Kobo Writing Life, we wanted to end the month of celebrations and expressions of LGBTQ+ euphoria by highlighting 23 titles featuring LGBTQ+ representation through characters, authors, or both; with, of course, a focus on indie authors. These books can be read anytime of the year, so be sure to add them to your TBR pile!
Without further ado, here are 23 titles recommended by the Kobo Writing Life team for Pride month (in no particular order, but with some special shout-outs to some of our favourites):
What We Recommend Reading for Pride 2023:
1. Caroline’s Heart by Austin Chant
I loved this “weird West” novella set in 1885, featuring a burgeoning romance between a cowboy and a witch; it was amazing. I read it all over the course of a day and loved the many nods to Diana Wynne Jones. Chant is a talented storyteller and amazing writer – I definitely recommend this one. – Terrence
2. How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster) by Marie Cardno
3. Rattling Bone by Jordan L. Hawk
4. This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything like this book. Both a prose and epistolary novel, How to Lose the Time War follows two women on opposite sides of a time war, travelling back in time to change a moment in history in an effort to carve out the future their side desires. As the war wages on, they start leaving one another letters, peeling back the layers of their adversary nature to reveal something deeper underneath. The plot in this novel is phenomenal, but it’s the poetry in the letters that will crack your heart open and leave you longing for more. – Rachel
5. Any Other City by Hazel Jane Plante
6. A Tale of Two Florists by Brenna Bailey
7. The New Guy by Sarina Bowen
Really loved this MM hockey romance from Sarina Bowen! Hudson and Gavin had great chemistry and A+ banter. A steamy & heart-warming read. – Laura
8. Undressing the Duke by Erica Ridley
9. American Prince by Sierra Simone
10. Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H
I listened Lamya H read one of the early sections of her book on the Debutiful podcast and knew I had to read the rest. An amazing memoir and not to be missed! – Terrence
11. A Conspiracy of Ravens by Dharma Kelleher
12. Somehow Finding Us by Claudia Burgoa
13. Inked Temptation by Carrie Ann Ryan
14. To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
This first in a fantasy coming-of-age series features dragons (I adore dragons and always have), memorable characters, an amazing protagonist, and I agree with what the Washington Post said in their glowing review: “An early contender for the best fantasy novel of 2023.” I’m excited to see where this series goes! – Terrence
15. Change of Heart by Clare Lydon
16. The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
17. Gideon the Ninth by Tasmyn Muir
I really want to write a blurb for this book because it’s PHENOMENAL, but it defies description and it’s too weird and out there to put into words. Just read it. If you’re confused the entire time, you’re on the right track. – Rachel
18. This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham
19. Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko
20. A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
This book was a TRIP. When Ambassidor Mahit Dzmare’s predecessor dies in the capital of the Teixcalaanli Empire, she works to prove his death was not an accident, all while navigating the alien culture and the secretive politics at play. Part murder mystery, part political intrigue, part space opera, prepare yourself for a lot of intense world building and jaw dropping revelations. – Rachel
21. The 2000s Made Me Gay: Essays on Pop Culture by Grace Perry
22. A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt
23. People Change by Vivek Shraya
Have you read any of these titles? Got plans to add a few to your TBR pile? We hope you’ve enjoyed a month full of celebration alongside some good reads, and again: Happy Pride 2023!
I have 3 things from this on my TBR now!
That’s awesome! Happy reading!