Books Like...
The novel 'Unbroken' by Larry Benjamin is a heartfelt story that follows the lives of two men, Lincoln and Jose, as they navigate the challenges of being in an interracial and gay relationship spanning decades. The book beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of their love, set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The author's writing style cleverly weaves together a tale of love, acceptance, and family, taking readers on a journey through time with the narrator, Lincoln.
If you liked Unbroken, here are the top 17 books to read next:
- #1
"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.
- #2
Tucker Shaw's novel 'When You Call My Name' tells the story of two young men living during the turn of the decade from the 80s into the 90s in New York. The book delves into the emotions running high within the LGBT community and outside of it, amidst the rise of the AIDS pandemic. The characters of Ben and Adam form an unusual friendship that is tested by the changing world around them. The writing style of the book is described as incredibly beautiful and engaging, with a mix of present tense and historical flashbacks keeping the readers on their toes.
- #3
'The Prophets' by Robert Jones Jr. is a powerful and lyrical novel set on an antebellum plantation called Empty, focusing on the lives of two young enslaved men, Samuel and Isaiah, who find solace in their deep love for each other amidst the brutality of their circumstances. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, the struggles faced by the enslaved individuals, and the interwoven narratives of various characters, both enslaved and slaveholders, across different timelines, creating a haunting and tragic story that sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery.
The writing style of 'The Prophets' is described as poetic, flowing, and deeply moving, with a mixture of prose and free verse that adds a layer of lyricism to the narrative. The author weaves together ancestral voices, historical forces, and spiritual elements to create a multi-dimensional story that explores themes of love, resilience, oppression, and the enduring humanity of those subjected to the horrors of slavery.
First it tried to burn them. Then it tried to suffocate them. And finally, when neither of those things was successful, it made the air thick like water, hoping they would drown. It failed. Its only t... - #4
'Boy Meets Boy' by David Levithan is a heartwarming novel set in a town where being gay is as normal as being straight. The story follows Paul, a high school boy who falls in love with a new student named Noah, while navigating through the ups and downs of teenage romance and friendships in a LGBTQ-friendly environment. The book beautifully portrays the charming characters, the unique setting, and the poetic prose that captivates the reader, offering a refreshing take on young love and acceptance.
9 P.M. on a November Saturday. Joni, Tony, and I are out on the town. Tony is from the next town over and he needs to get out. His parents are extremely religious. It doesn’t even matter which religio... - #5
'Here the Whole Time' by Vitor Martins is a heartwarming young adult gay romance that follows Felipe, a shy and self-conscious teenager who is forced to come out of his shell when his crush, Caio, comes to stay with him and his mom for 15 days. The book beautifully illustrates Felipe's journey of self-acceptance, friendship, and young love, as he navigates issues related to body image, self-esteem, and the complexities of teenage relationships. The writing style captures the emotional rollercoaster of Felipe and Caio's budding romance, filled with humor, sweetness, and relatable moments that resonate with readers.
A reality in which I’m wheeling a huge leopard-print suitcase full of clothes that belong to my hot neighbor—who, by the way, is spending the next fifteen days with me—into my room. I take a deep brea... - #6
'Memorial' by Bryan Washington is a novel that delves into the complex relationship between two men, Benson and Mike, living in Houston, Texas. The story unfolds as Mike's mother unexpectedly arrives from Japan just before he leaves to care for his estranged father in Osaka. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two men, exploring their struggles with family ties, cultural differences, and the challenges of their romantic relationship. The writing style is described as episodic, with short segments that shift the emotional direction of the book, providing a candid and authentic portrayal of the characters' lives and inner conflicts.
He’s cracking eggs by the stove, slipping yolks into a pair of pans. After they’ve settled, he salts them, drizzling mayonnaise with a few sprigs of oregano. Mike used to have this thing about srirach... - #7
'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... 'You & Me' by Tal Bauer is a heartwarming and emotional story about Luke and Landon, two single fathers who bond over their sons' friendship and football team. The book follows their journey from friendship to a deep and passionate love, exploring themes of grief, self-discovery, and building a family. Written from Luke's perspective, the storytelling is addicting and engaging, portraying the growth of their relationship with tenderness and authenticity.
The author, Tal Bauer, skillfully weaves together the love story between Luke and Landon with the complex relationships between fathers and sons. The book beautifully captures the struggles and joys of parenting, while also delving into themes of mental health, toxic masculinity, and LGBTQ representation. With a focus on building relationships and finding love later in life, 'You & Me' offers a touching and realistic portrayal of love in its various forms.
Late at night, this failure slithered, coiling around my lungs and squeezing everything tight. I’d wake up clawing at my chest, desperate to find this thing that lived and writhed inside me. Was it wr...- #9
"Real Life" by Brandon Taylor is a novel that delves into the life of Wallace, a young black man navigating the challenges of being a graduate student in a predominantly white academic environment. The book explores themes of loneliness, racial discrimination, and the struggle for intimacy, all while portraying the inner turmoil of the protagonist. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, the author paints a poignant picture of Wallace's emotional journey as he grapples with his past, present, and uncertain future.
The narrative of "Real Life" unfolds over a few days in Wallace's life, capturing his experiences with microaggressions, hostilities, and his own depression. The writing style is characterized by its beauty, emotional depth, and the ability to evoke realistic social moments and raw emotions. The novel skillfully addresses complex topics such as racism, sexuality, and personal trauma, while also highlighting the challenges of academic life and the search for connection amidst isolation.
It was a cool evening in late summer when Wallace, his father dead for several weeks, decided that he would meet his friends at the pier after all. The lake was dimpled with white waves. People covete... - #10
'Maurice' by E.M. Forster is a groundbreaking novel that focuses on homosexuality as a fact of life in Edwardian England. The story follows Maurice Hall as he discovers and comes to terms with his homosexuality, navigating relationships with his first love Clive and later finding happiness with a working-class man named Alec. Forster's writing style is praised for its depth and humanity, portraying the struggles and complexities of same-sex relationships in a society that condemns them.
1Once a term the whole school went for a walk—that is to say the three masters took part as well as all the boys. It was usually a pleasant outing, and everyone looked forward to it, forgot old scores...