8 Amazing Books To Celebrate This Pride Month
The world of literature erased LGBTQIA+ identity for a long time. But now it has given space to the voice of the community. Here is a list of books on some of the experiences of a section of the community. This list is by no means exhaustive, it just covers some popular and celebrated books. We at Suggest Nest bring you just one fragment of books from the wide array of LGBTQIA+ literature.
1. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Ari and Dante are both loners but of different kinds. Ari is reclusive and usually sad while Dante is very chatty and excited about life. They both develop an unlikely friendship and with time, it morphs into love. This novel touches on many sensitive topics, some being homophobia, parent-child relationship, and immigration. If you want to read something hopeful and wholesome then this book is meant for you!
2. The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Since her parents died in an accident, the 12-year-old Cameron Post lives with her traditional aunt and her grandmother. This novel is about how she unearths her homosexuality and how she faces the social trials imposed on her. It is also about the other personal struggles she has to face like adjusting to a new life in a new city. This book is a fulfilling read on the courage needed to be true to ourselves!
3. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
This epistolary novel is a gem! It is a collection of letters that a Vietnamese born American man writes to his illiterate mother. This book touches on many sensitive themes from and war and immigration to family roots and sexuality. The narrative is very beautiful and very poetic. The words have to power to keep you hooked and make you feel all the shades of emotions.
4. Giovanni's Room
This book is about the treacherous places shame can take us. An American man is ashamed of his sexual orientation and is insecure about his masculinity. While being engaged to a woman, he meets an Italian bartender named Giovanni who changes his life. This book is a classic gay fiction that sensitively portrays the multiple issues that plague the lgbtqia+ community. Though it isn't an easy read, it is definitely worth your time! It will leave you with many striking thoughts!
5. The Picture of Dorian Gray
A handsome young man named Dorian Gray sells his soul for eternal youth. This story is about the journey of the young man from beauty to corruption. This tale gives a poignant relation between beauty and morality which is very interesting and engaging. Spanning across various engrossing ideas, this book is an intense read replete with thought-provoking moments.
6. A Married Woman
This novel is about the journey of Astha from being an apolitical and naive college student to a self-aware and politically opinionated middle-aged married woman. Despite having a socially sanctioned good husband and ideal family, Astha falls for a woman named Peepilika. How fair is this ‘deviant’ love? Then again, how fair is a socially beautiful but soul-evasive marriage? Interlacing the personal and the political, this terrific novel leaves us with these thought-provoking questions
7. Heather Has Two Mommies
This revolutionary book is one of the first children’s LGBTQIA+ books. Heather becomes jealous of her friends who have fathers. But with time, she realizes the happiness of having two mommies. This is a heartwarming and beautiful book that is bound to leave a mark!
8. My Daddies!
This heartwarming children's book is a tale of a girl with two daddies. They go on incredible adventures and live happily. The illustrations are colourful and eye-catching. It is a wholesome book celebrating same-sex parents and adoptive families! This amazing book can be used to educate children on the different kinds of happy families.
By Sharmee Godhulika (Suggest Nest)
