Books Like...

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston is a queer romance novel with a unique twist of time travel. The story follows August, a millennial college student, who meets Jane, a mysterious girl stuck in time since the 1970s. August embarks on a journey to help Jane figure out her past and find a way to bring her back to her own time. The book is praised for its diverse cast of characters, inclusive representation, and engaging writing style that seamlessly blends romance with elements of science fiction.

'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is a historical fiction novel set in the 1890s in London, following the story of Nancy Astley, a young oyster girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. The book explores Nancy's journey as she follows Kitty into the world of theaters, working as a dresser before becoming a performer herself. The novel delves into themes of lesbian love, gender roles, and self-discovery in Victorian England. The writing style is described as sensual, detailed, and engaging, providing a vivid picture of the lesbian society in the 18th century.

The plot of 'Tipping the Velvet' is divided into three acts, each peopled with vibrant characters and told in lushly written prose. The book captures the sexual growing pains and challenges faced by Nancy as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. While some readers found the protagonist to be flat or the plot soap-operatic, others praised the realistic characters, compelling storytelling, and historical accuracy in depicting London's lesbian society during that era.

'The Price of Salt', also known as 'Carol', by Patricia Highsmith is a 1952 romance novel set in the early 50s. The story follows a lesbian love affair between two women, Carol and Therese. The book is praised for its delicate and beautifully written portrayal of the relationship, which is considered one of the first mainstream literary lesbian novels. It captures the stifling gender roles of the 50s and the struggles faced by the characters in pursuing their forbidden love.

The book is known for its bittersweet and beautiful depiction of a 1950s gay romance. It explores themes of love, desire, and societal expectations, offering a tender and emotional narrative that resonates with readers. Despite being written decades ago, the book's powerfully written and delicate style still feels fresh and relevant, making it a timeless classic in LGBTQ literature.

Readers are taken on a journey through the life of Grace Porter, a character who has just achieved her Ph.D. in Astronomy and is struggling with the pressure to have her life figured out. The story delves into themes of self-discovery, mental health, social justice, and the impact of familial expectations on one's identity. Set in Portland and Las Vegas, the book explores Grace's relationships with her friends, her unexpected marriage to Yuki, and her internal struggles with perfectionism and finding her place in the world.

The writing style of "Honey Girl" by Morgan Rogers is described as a mix of appealing and unsatisfying, with the author making a decent effort in her first book but falling slightly short. The narrative is praised for addressing deeper themes beyond romance, such as loneliness, connection, societal standards, and the struggle of people of color in academia. Despite some inconsistencies and distractions in the plot, the book is commended for its attempt to provide valuable commentary on personal sacrifice, abstract goals, and the importance of living authentically.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters is a Victorian gothic novel filled with plot twists and turns, following the story of two orphan girls who unknowingly have intertwined lives. The book delves into themes of betrayal, ruined innocence, treachery, and madness, all set against the backdrop of Victorian London. Through multiple narrators and a complex plot structure, the story unfolds in a gripping manner, keeping readers guessing and engaged till the very end.

Waters' writing style in Fingersmith is described as evocative, rich in historical detail, and atmospheric, successfully transporting readers to the Victorian era. The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and intrigue, creating a dark and fiery tale laced with love, betrayal, and secrecy that is both compelling and immersive.

In 'The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite, readers are taken on a journey through Regency England where a young astronomer, Lucy, falls for the wealthy widowed countess, Catherine. Together, they learn to trust each other, pursue science, and advocate for women's rights. The book delves into themes of love, friendship, feminism, and the struggles faced by women in male-dominated fields, all while exploring a tender and genuine romance between the two main characters.

"Annie on My Mind" by Nancy Garden is a groundbreaking young adult novel first published in 1982, telling the story of two 17-year-old girls, Liza and Annie, who meet and fall in love. The book explores their struggles with prejudice and self-doubt, but ultimately shows how they come out stronger in the end. It was the first novel for teens with a lesbian protagonist portrayed in a positive and hopeful light, offering a realistic portrayal of first love and the challenges faced by LGBTQ teenagers. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, endearing, and emotionally intense, capturing the essence of the characters' feelings and experiences.

In "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson, Liz, a high school senior, faces the disappointment of losing her music scholarship for college and decides to run for prom queen in order to secure a scholarship. The book explores themes of friendship, love, acceptance, and staying true to oneself in the face of adversity. Despite addressing serious issues like race, queerness, and anxiety, the overall tone of the book is joyful and heartwarming, making it a delightful and uplifting read for teens.

The story follows Liz as she navigates her way through high school, dealing with mean girls, forming new relationships, and finding the courage to be her authentic self. Set in a suburban town in Indiana, the book offers a mix of light-hearted moments and deeper reflections on identity, family, and pursuing one's dreams, all while maintaining a sense of joy and hope throughout the narrative.

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows the intriguing life story of Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo as she recounts her seven marriages to an unknown writer, Monique. The novel delves into Evelyn's glamorous yet tumultuous journey through Hollywood, filled with scandals, surprises, and unexpected twists. Readers are captivated by Evelyn's unapologetic nature, complex character, and the lessons learned from her unconventional life choices. The writing style is described as beautifully written, engaging, and fast-paced, making it a page-turner that keeps readers hooked till the end.

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar follows the story of Nishat, a 16-year-old Bengali teen living in Ireland who comes out as a lesbian to her Muslim family. As she navigates her identity, she also deals with a crush on a Black Brazilian classmate, Flávia, while facing bullying and cultural appropriation. The book explores themes of coming out, racism, prejudice, cultural identity, and teenage relationships within the backdrop of a school business competition centered around henna art.

Nishat struggles with the decision to either stay closeted to appease her family or take a chance on a relationship with Flávia amidst the competitive atmosphere of the school project. The story delves into Nishat's journey of self-acceptance, familial acceptance, and the complexities of young love in the face of cultural differences and societal expectations.