Subj : DANIEL'S TOP TEN QUEER LOCKDOWN READS
To : All
From : Major Queen
Date : Thu Apr 16 2020 04:45 pm
APRIL 15, 2020 SOURCE EXPESS
Passionate bookseller and lover of queer literature, Daniel Devenney gives us
the best books that he couldn't survive self-isolation without.
Greetings to all my fellow queers and allies in self-isolation. Are you
feeling restless or in need of a positivity boost? These books may be the
answer. At a time when we need to come together the most, these are exactly
the type of stories I shall be seeking out and devouring. These books cross a
range of genres, but each one has carved its mark on my big gay heart.
New Transgender Blockbusters - Oscar Upperton
There is so much fantastic contemporary Kiwi poetry to choose from right now.
In this beautiful collection, Oscar explores themes of identity, alienation,
and childhood in modern-day New Zealand. Through various creative styles, he
finds inventive ways to make the ordinary, extraordinary.
Leah on the Offbeat - Becky Albertalli
If you're anything like me, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda probably left
you gasping for more. If so, fear not, Becky Albertalli has got you covered
in this big-hearted sequel. This time around, Simon Spier's best friend Leah
Burke takes centre stage. We journey with Leah as she struggles with
relatable coming of age issues, such as body image, sexuality, and identity.
This bisexual bombshell is deliciously sardonic and gives a fresh perspective
to this dynamic group of young friends. If you loved Simon, this one isn't to
be missed.
Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda - Becky Albertalli
If you haven't seen the movie Love, Simon. where have you been hiding? I was
overjoyed when this queer coming of age tale made its way into mainstream pop
culture, literature and cinema. This is the story I desperately needed when I
was a teen. Better late than never. I'm so glad that stories like this exist
for the queer youth of today. Simon Spier is a typical 16-year-old, but he's
hiding one huge-ass secret. He's gay. Things get complicated when his private
emails to the mysterious Blue falls into the wrong hands. This YA rom-com is
witty, relevant and romantic AF.
Heartstopper - Alice Oseman
This touching graphic novel series can brighten the dullest of days. Nick and
Charlie are sure to warm your heart this Autumn. I literally smiled ear to
ear the entire time reading it. I love a graphic novel and I love a good 'Boy
Meets Boy' love story, so I was here for this! The illustrations are
adorable, the story is relatable, and the dialogue is fantastic. You'll fly
through all three volumes wanting more.
Infinity Son - Adam Silvera
An urban fantasy featuring magical creatures, queer heroes and a
rip-your-heart-out ending. This book was made for me. Two brothers, Emil and
Brighton Rey are thrust into a magical war between those who were born with
powers (Celestials) and those who steal them by killing magical creatures
(Specters). The brother's relationship is tested when one is chosen and the
other isn't. Power doesn't always gravitate towards those who want it most.
This book is fiercely diverse, featuring an array of ethnicities and
individuals on the queer spectrum. I adore this world. It's like the author
took a bunch of my favourite things and threw them into a blender. Book two
can't come quickly enough
Carry On - Rainbow Rowell
Ever wondered what the Harry Potter series would've been like if Harry and
Malfoy had fallen in love? This novel was very much Rowell's take on a
Potteresque style story. But it's so much more than a parody. The author
turns the fantasy genre on its head. She brings a gritty truth that's rarely
found in this type of fiction. She doesn't shy away from powerful themes of
identity, class, and sexuality. Carry On gives you a front-row seat at the
Watford School of Magicks. Simon Snow is our lead protagonist and he is the
worst 'c
hosen one' that's ever been chosen. He's a reluctant mage who can't
escape his destiny. It's his responsibility to destroy the Insidious Humdrum.
There's just one problem, he's not very good. When he isn't having trouble
getting his wand to work (Ahem!), he's wreaking havoc with his disastrous
spellcasting. So much fun! If this one floats your boat, you can also grab
its sequel, Wayward Son.
Bohemian Rhapsody: The Definitive Biography of Freddie Mercury - Lesley-Ann
Jones
From his early childhood in Zanzibar to his tragic death from AIDS, Rock
journalist Lesley-Ann Jones (who formerly toured with Queen, might I add)
digs beneath the myth to reveal the vulnerable and enchanting man behind the
bravado. If you want a book about Freddie, this is the one. It's the most
up-to-date account of the world's greatest rock frontman. A beautiful tribute
and must-read for all Queen fans. This compassionate study of a complex and
beautiful man is a masterclass in what a biography should be.
Call Me By Your Name - Andre Aciman
Surely this one needs little introduction. This was by far the sexiest book
I've ever read. It's a provocative examination of human intimacy. If this
breath-taking coming of age tale set on the Italian Riviera in the 1980s
doesn't excite and transport you, I don't know what will? It centres on
17-year-old Elio as he recalls his first real sexual awakening one sultry
Italian summer. What occurs over the duration of just six weeks between Elio
and Oliver, will change them both forever. This book also changed the way
we'll look at peaches forever. Aciman's sequel, Find Me, is also now
available.
The Heart's Invisible Furies - John Boyne
John Boyne has been a long-time a favourite of mine, most of you probably
know him for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, but his entire body of work is
well worth checking out. In my opinion, this is his best. This story follows
the life of Cyril Avery, from Dublin to Amsterdam, all the way to New York
and eventually back to his roots in Ireland. We journey with Cyril from the
1940s to 2015 as he tries to accept and understand himself as a gay man in
this crazy world he's been born into. Like all great Irish fiction, this book
is as funny as it is tragic. It will have you in stitches one minute and
reaching for the tissues the next. It provides a fascinating historical
backdrop and authentic, flawed, rich characters that you won't want to let go
of. This one will stay with you, long after you've turned the last page.
Under the Rainbow - Celia Laskey
And here it is. without further ado, my Top LGBTQIA Read.
When Big Burr, Kansas is voted the Most Homophobic Town in America by a
national non-profit, its citizens are outraged. As a social experiment,
Acceptance Across America sends a queer task force to live and work in the
town for a two-year period. Their hope is that their presence in the
community will open minds and change hearts. Only one thing is for sure.
neither they nor the town will ever be the same again.
I've just finished reading this book in self-isolation and it has been the
perfect remedy. This story is told with so much compassion and dry wit, it's
simply impossible not to fall in love. Each chapter is told from a different
POV. This isn't a format I typically enjoy. Quite often, too many POV's leads
to a convoluted or messy plot. However, in this instance, that couldn't be
farther from the truth. It reads like a stream of interlocking short stories,
each one more captivating than the last. They are stitched together
seamlessly, creating one beautiful piece of fiction. It features a range of
characters, from homophobic townsfolk to every kind of queer under the
rainbow. I think what makes the story so powerful is Laskey's approach, she
tackles each narrative from a place of empathy. I can't recommend this book
enough. It has all the feels. ALL OF THEM! Every skittle, so if you'd like to
taste the rainbow, this one's for you.
It was really hard whittling it down to ten. But there you have it. Here are
a few more queer titles I can't wait to add to my bookshelf upon Lockdown
release: Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness, Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz
Jedrowski, Cherry Beach by Laura McPhee-Browne and The Gravity of Us by Phil
Stamper.
From the Unity Books team and I, we'd like to say, stay safe, stay home &
stay calm. We are going to make it through this together. But until we do.
may your days be filled with peace, love and good books.
