Books matching: lgbtq literature
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- #1
'Tales of the City' by Armistead Maupin is a delightful novel set in San Francisco during the 1970s. The story follows a diverse group of characters living at 28 Barbary Lane, intertwining their lives in a gossipy and entertaining narrative. Maupin captures the essence of the post-hippie, post-war era through witty dialogue and eccentric personalities, providing a glimpse into alternative lifestyles and underground culture of the time. The book, originally published as a serial, offers a light-hearted yet poignant exploration of relationships and community in a specific moment in history.
The novel is praised for its engaging storytelling and memorable characters that come alive through Maupin's skillful writing. Readers find themselves immersed in the kitschy San Francisco setting, enjoying the quirky and humorous interactions among the residents of Barbary Lane. Maupin's ability to blend humor, drama, and social commentary creates a captivating narrative that keeps readers entertained and eager to explore more of the series.
There should be a rabbit hole was what she was thinking. There should be something about this hillside, some lingering sense memory—the view of Alcatraz, say, or the foghorns or the mossy smell of the... - #2
The Persian Boy by Mary Renault is a historical novel narrated by Bagoas, a young Persian aristocrat who is captured, castrated, and sold as a slave to King Darius III. He becomes Darius' favorite and after Darius' death, becomes the lover and servant of Alexander the Great. The book provides a Persian view of the conquest and an intimate look at the personality of the conqueror, focusing on the homoerotic relationship between Alexander and Bagoas. Renault's writing style is described as lush and captivating, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and the historical setting.
Our hill-fort was as old as our family, weathered-in with the rocks, its watchtower built up against a crag. From there my father used to show me the river winding through the green plain to Susa, cit... - #3
A Boy's Own Story by Edmund White is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the coming-of-age journey of a young man growing up gay in 1950s America. The protagonist struggles with his homosexuality, yearning for love and acceptance in a society that condemns his desires. The narrative is fragmented, jumping through different time periods in his youth, showcasing his emotional turmoil, psychotherapy experiences, and relationships with both men and women. White's writing style is described as beautiful and evocative, capturing the awkwardness of adolescence and the challenges of self-acceptance in a poignant manner.
We’re going for a midnight boat ride. It’s a cold, clear summer night and four of us – the two boys, my dad and I – are descending the stairs that zigzag down the hill from the house to the dock. Old ... - #4
"Rubyfruit Jungle" by Rita Mae Brown is a groundbreaking novel that follows the story of Molly Bolt, a strong and determined protagonist navigating her way through the challenges of growing up as a lesbian in America during the 1950s and 1960s. The book explores Molly's journey of self-discovery, sexual awakening, and her defiance against societal norms and expectations. The writing style is described as bawdy, moving, and humorous, with a focus on Molly's experiences in coming out and trying to establish herself as an independent woman. The plot delves into Molly's relationships, her aspirations, and her refusal to conform to traditional gender roles.
No one remembers her beginnings. Mothers and aunts tell us about infancy and early childhood, hoping we won’t forget the past when they had total control over our lives and secretly praying that becau... - #5
Alison Bechdel's 'Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic' is a graphic novel memoir depicting her complex relationship with her father, a closeted gay man with a penchant for teenage boys. The book explores themes of family dysfunction, identity, secrets, and the challenges of growing up in an emotionally distant household. Bechdel skillfully weaves literary references into her narrative, providing insight into her family's life and her own coming-of-age story.
The narrative structure of 'Fun Home' is described as a spiral, where the story turns in on itself, revealing glimpses of the future and then delving back into the past with new knowledge. Through poignant storytelling and detailed illustrations, Bechdel offers a raw and unflinching account of her childhood and the impact of her father's hidden sexuality on their family dynamics. The book delves into themes of grief, self-discovery, and the complexities of familial relationships, all presented in a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant manner.
- #6
"Holding the Man" by Timothy Conigrave is a powerful memoir that narrates the enduring love story between Tim and John, set against the backdrop of the emerging AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. The writing style seamlessly blends elements of a love story, a coming-of-age narrative, and a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by same-sex couples during a tumultuous time. Through vivid descriptions and raw emotions, the book captures the tenderness, intimacy, and struggles of Tim and John's relationship, culminating in a heart-wrenching portrayal of loss and grief.
At the end of the sixties the world seemed very exciting for a nine-year-old. Things were changing at an incredible rate. And most of the changes seemed to be for the better, like the afternoon we all... - #7
"Femme" by Marshall Thornton is a humorous and insightful romance novel that challenges stereotypes within the gay community. The story follows the relationship between Dog, a macho guy, and Lionel, who is more effeminate, as they navigate their feelings for each other and confront societal expectations of masculinity. Through witty dialogue and relatable characters, the author explores themes of self-acceptance, love, and personal growth in a contemporary setting. The writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, blending humor with moments of introspection to create a unique and entertaining narrative that delves into the complexities of identity and relationships.
The book portrays a realistic and heartfelt depiction of love and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's true self while challenging preconceived notions of masculinity and femininity. With a blend of humor, romance, and social commentary, "Femme" offers a refreshing take on the classic romance trope, presenting characters who are multidimensional and relatable. The author's ability to balance lighthearted moments with deeper themes adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling and enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance and LGBTQ+ literature.
- #8
'Two Boys Kissing' by David Levithan is a powerful and poignant story that follows the lives of seven gay teenage boys as they navigate issues of identity, relationships, and acceptance. The narrative is uniquely narrated by a Greek chorus of gay men who have passed away from AIDS, providing a perspective that spans generations and highlights the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals. At the center of the story are Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds aiming to break the world record for the longest kiss as a statement against hate crimes, while the book delves into the lives of other teens dealing with various challenges related to their sexual orientation.
The book beautifully weaves together themes of love, acceptance, and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ rights, drawing readers into the emotional journey of the characters and offering a poignant reflection on the experiences of gay youth past and present. Levithan's writing style is described as raw, emotional, and eye-opening, engaging readers with its lyrical quality and heartfelt storytelling that leaves a lasting impact on those who read it.
It’s hard to think of such things when you are busy dreaming or loving or screwing. The context falls away. We are a spirit-burden you carry, like that of your grandparents, or the friends from your c... - #9
Eighth grader Matilda, who goes by Mattie, is not used to being in the spotlight. She is perfectly happy playing the side character of Paris in her middle school's production of Romeo and Juliet. However, she finds herself becoming more and more interested in the language of Shakespeare, as well as the cute new girl from England. But when the lead playing Romeo drops out, she is asked to step in to replace him. The only problem is, her crush Gemma Braithwaite is playing Juliet. The book follows Mattie as she navigates her feelings for both a boy and a girl, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and friendship in a heartwarming and comical manner with a touch of Shakespearean inspiration.
Star-Crossed by Barbara Dee is a middle-grade novel that intricately weaves together themes of secret crushes, fierce rivalries, and the complexities of middle school social pressures. Mattie's journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with her feelings for both a boy and a girl, resonates with readers as she learns to embrace her true identity amidst the backdrop of a school play and the support of her friends and family. The author delicately balances humor, sweetness, and authenticity to create a compelling narrative that captures the essence of young love and acceptance.
I hadn’t been invited to Willow’s Halloween party, and I was okay with it. Unlike a lot of my classmates, I didn’t plan my schedule around her parties, which were usually sweaty and overcrowded, the s... - #10
'Stuck Rubber Baby' by Howard Cruse is a graphic novel set in the 1960s South, following the story of Toland Polk, a young man who navigates the civil rights movement while coming to terms with his own sexuality. Toland gets involved in the fight for equality, facing racism, struggles with his sexual identity, and personal growth amidst the turbulent social climate of the era. The writing style is described as touching, honest, and beautifully drawn, capturing the emotional journey of Toland as he confronts his fears and embraces his true self.