Books Like...

"Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit" follows the story of Joanna, a teenage lesbian who moves with her family from Atlanta to a conservative small town, where she is asked to hide her sexuality. Despite this, Joanna navigates her Christian faith and her feelings for Mary Carlson, while exploring themes of faith, sexuality, and identity. delves into the struggles of being true to oneself in the face of societal expectations and personal beliefs, creating a narrative that resonates with both LGBTQ+ and straight teens.

Seventeen-year-old Abby Ives, a plus-sized fashion blogger, finds herself falling hard for her fellow intern, Jordi Perez, while competing for a coveted paid job at a boutique in LA. The book follows their sweet, simple love story, set against a backdrop of fashion, photography, and friendship. The writing style is described as upbeat, sincere, and filled with breezy Southern California experiences, offering a realistic coming-of-age plotline with a focus on diverse characters and relationships.

Not Your Sidekick follows the story of Jess Tran, a teenager living in a post-apocalyptic world where superpowers exist. Jess, who comes from a family of superheroes, is on a quest to discover her own powers before her 17th birthday. However, her journey takes a turn when she lands an internship with the town's villains, unknowingly working against her own parents. Along the way, she navigates her feelings for her crush, Abby, and uncovers secrets that challenge her perceptions of heroism and villainy. The book combines elements of comedy, adventure, and romance, set in a world where diversity, queerness, and representation are seamlessly integrated.

The writing style of Not Your Sidekick is described as fast-paced and humorous, with relatable characters and a diverse cast. The author, C.B. Lee, weaves a story that embraces tropes commonly found in teen dystopia and superhero narratives but adds a unique twist to keep readers engaged. Themes of identity, friendship, and self-discovery are central to the plot, as Jess grapples with her place in a society where superpowers define one's worth.

'Keeping You a Secret' by Julie Anne Peters is a young adult novel that follows the story of Holland, a student council president with a seemingly perfect life who finds herself questioning her sexuality when she meets Cece, a new girl at school. As Holland navigates her feelings for Cece and comes to terms with her own identity, she must also face the challenges of coming out to her friends and family, including her unsupportive mother. The book delves into themes of self-discovery, coming out, and the complexities of young love, all set against the backdrop of high school life.

The writing style of 'Keeping You a Secret' is described as emotionally engaging and authentic, with well-developed characters that feel genuine and relatable. The story tackles heavy topics such as homophobia, self-acceptance, and the impact of coming out on relationships, while also exploring the tender and sweet romance between the two main characters, Holland and Cece.

Carol by Patricia Highsmith is a classic lesbian romance novel set in the 1950s, following the story of a shopgirl named Therese who falls in love with a married woman named Carol. The book explores themes of love, obsession, and societal expectations, presenting a realistic and happy ending for the main characters. Highsmith's writing style is described as beautifully written, atmospheric, and frank about same-sex attraction, offering a refreshing approach to lesbian relationships in literature.

Set in post-WWI England, 'The Paying Guests' by Sarah Waters follows Frances Wrey and her widowed mother as they decide to take in lodgers for income. The married couple, Leonard and Lilian Barber, bring modernity and intrigue into the genteel household, leading to a curious relationship between Frances and Lilian. The story unfolds with shocking secrets, a murder, and a court case, creating a highly original and imaginative plot that delves into the complexities of relationships and societal norms in the 1920s.

"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.

'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.

"The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by Emily M. Danforth is a coming-of-age novel set in late 80s, early 90s Montana, following the life of Cameron Post as she navigates her nascent sexuality after being sent to gay conversion therapy by her evangelical Christian guardian. The book delves into Cameron's struggles with her identity, relationships, and the complex issues surrounding love, friendship, loss, and self-acceptance in a rural town, all while exploring themes of grief, guilt, religion, and the journey of self-discovery.

The novel is characterized by its gritty and beautiful writing style, with real poetry in the final pages as Cameron confronts her past and contemplates her true self. Danforth's storytelling skillfully transports readers into Cameron's world, allowing them to relate to her struggles and feelings of isolation, while also incorporating elements of humor, growing self-knowledge, and honest introspection throughout the narrative.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda follows the story of Simon, a 16-year-old gay teenager who prefers to keep his sexual identity a secret. When an email exchange with a boy named Blue is at risk of exposure, Simon finds himself being blackmailed to help a classmate. The book explores themes of coming out, teenage angst, friendship, and the challenges of high school life, all while maintaining a humorous and relatable tone.

The novel is praised for its engaging writing style, which includes a mix of narrative and emails, providing a unique and heartfelt portrayal of Simon's journey towards self-acceptance and finding love. The characters are described as funny, realistic, and well-developed, with Simon's family dynamics adding depth to the story. The book delves into the complexities of teenage relationships, social media, and the struggles of navigating identity and acceptance in a high school setting.