#ok i need to get off my ass now and stop thinking about blorbo... Unfortunately

[bravevolunteer]

thinking about how before everything— before evan's death, charlie, elizabeth, the missing kids, all michael wanted was for william to love him. yes he acted out because of frustration but it was always rooted in the fact that he just wanted his dad to be proud of him, convinced that if he mimicked him enough, if he were strong and intimidating enough, that he could finally deserve and be given ANY recognition. he did not start out hating william, he craved his approval more than anything. it just ended up that he went too far with it, turning his father's words and actions towards him from dismissive to downright horrible

[a-grayscale-galaxy]

OK so it’s been three years and it’s two am right now but the problem I’m currently having is that my queer book recs sucked so I’m adding more. I didn’t do any research for this I’m going off vibes from whenever I read these books. 

Before we start let’s go basic:

I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson should have been on this list to begin with. It’s objectively not the most hinged of books but it does live in my brain. 

Anything by Nina LaCour but especially We Are Okay and You Know Me Well make me kind of feral. In very, completely different ways, but still. 

Also Loveless by Alice Oseman came out like two months after I posted this. I LOVED loveless it’s so good and perfect because that’s just how Alice does it!!!! literally I believe in love now.

Okay now we can have some fun: 

My favorite book of the year (and yes, I know it’s only august, and yes, I know nothing will top it) goes to Man o’ War by Corey McCarthy. You will know about this book specifically if you live in my brain because I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I read it. I’m still looking for ways to get a forever copy to this day because I love it so fucking much. Just read it. like don’t think only read. 

This is buzzy in the queer world but I also loved Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore. A little magical realism a little t4t a little learning to love yourself. What more could you honestly ask for. 

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar also hit so right. Like the surface story was so good and sweet and perfect but also like. I keep yelling about it but I really mean it when I say that Ishu is so me I am so her I love her and would marry her she’s my autistic blorbo. and not even autistic the way y’all say it these days I mean I’m giving her the RAADS-R and she’s topping out no hesitation. 

Orpheus Girl by Brynne Rebele-Henry also should have been on this list since the beginning because it already broke my brain but here we are. Literally imagine the most poignant retelling of O&E ever and it’s here for u. and it’s lesbians. (This book is also notably dark and has a lot of triggering content, so read those CWs besties)

since we’re on the topic of triggering books we might as well put them all in the middle so we can ignore them if necessary. I really liked both Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake and The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan when I read them but it’s been soo many years for both so I’m not going to make major promises. I liked them both but they have some heavy ass topics and content. 

moving away from that, I will recommend In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan of course, because what else could I possibly do. Unfortunately, Elliot is me and I am him and he lives in my walls now. I have many Normal and Fine thoughts about the book that are Normal. 

Why not round it out with How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow. I do love a STEM queen it has to be said. unobjectionably bizzare but like. we all need a jewish lesbian Christmas corgi-focused romcom goddamn it 

Favorite lgbt+ books?

On the list for favorite question ever asked of me? Perhaps?

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sañez (mlm gay, set in Texas in the 70s, happy ending, it’s a classic babey)

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman (mlm with background wlw and trans characters!!! Set in the UK) ((it’s an ongoing webcomic, with can be read on tumblr or webtoon, but the first three volumes can be bought in physical copies))

Leah on the Offbeat (and Love, Simon, ofc) by Becky Albertalli (wlw sequel to love Simon!! It’s so good and I adore it!! Bi girls in love as well as fat protagonist!!!)

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (mlm tragedy with a little bit of Future Technology Magic, so ambiguously in the future)

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren (mlm with hopeful ending! Exploration of religion and the LDS church, if that’s not you’re thing, set in Utah)

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman (asepc gay-bi friendship, but mlm background romance as demi ace gay / gay! This is one of my favorites on this list)

I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver (nblm, happy ending, it is so good and I cried reading it)

Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden (wlw set in around the 50s-60s? Maybe? Ambiguously unmodern but very lovely)

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue and The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee (historical mlm and aroace respectively, set in 1800s Europe, I Hate This Abusive Family so I’m leaving)

How to Make a Wish by Ashley Herring Blake (all Ashley Herring Blake novels are icons, but this one is Very Good. wlw, set in the early 2000s or around there?)

I have more but I have to go to dinner! LGBTQ fiction wins though!!